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Sneak Peek…

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I love previews of coming attractions and sneak peeks, don’t you? Even though the release of my next novel is months away (September of 2015), I just have to share a peek at the fabulous new cover with you.BenShlim-Book-Cover

On This Foundation will be the final book in my biblical fiction trilogy “The Restoration Chronicles,” in which I tried to bring to life the biblical books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The series tells about the Jewish survivors after the destruction of Jerusalem and how God made a way for them to return to the Promised Land from captivity in Babylon. The prophet Zechariah is the main character in the first book, Return to Me, which describes how the first returning exiles rebuilt God’s Temple in Jerusalem. The second book, Keepers of the Covenant, is the story of Ezra’s efforts to restore true worship and reignite his people’s passion for God. The final book, On This Foundation, will feature Nehemiah and his mission to rebuild the city wall around Jerusalem.

ReturntoMe_mck.indd Keepers of the Covenant

I thought the art department at Bethany House Publishers would have a very hard time coming up with a third cover as beautiful as the first two—but they did it! Not only is it striking, but they managed to hint at some of the drama and action in this novel.

SAMSUNGThe designers always ask for my ideas and input into the cover design, and I thought it was important for the model who would portray Nehemiah to look Jewish. My daughter did some behind-the-scenes work and coaxed a Jewish friend of hers, Ben Shlimovitz, to come to the art studio and pose for the cover. Here are some outtakes from that photo shoot. I’m told that Ben was also a great help in getting the costuming right. Thank you Ben! Great job! I LOVE this cover!SAMSUNG

And now that I’ve generated some excitement about the book, I’m sorry to say that you won’t be able to read it until September. In the meantime, I’m taking an informal poll. Which of the three covers do you like best?

ReturntoMe_mck.indd

BenShlim-Book-Cover

BenShlim-Book-Cover

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Lynn Austin

Lynn Austin, a former teacher who now writes and speaks full time. Lynn was recently inducted into the Christy Award Hall for Fame for winning eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been made into a Hallmark Channel movie. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and make their home near Chicago, Illinois.

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Comments

  1. I love all three! They are very Jewish, and I love the sunset backdrop in each!
    Our book club read Return to Me last year and loved it! Look forward to reading the other two!!

  2. Lynn, I like all three covers..they are very impressive.!
    In the meantime, I will read, “All Things New”,”While We’re Far Apart,” (how apt! ) ) and “A Woman’s Place” which I discovered (to my great delight) last week, in our local bookshop down under. I have to say it seems an eternity before the books by my fave authors (and you know who you are) hit our shelves.. but the age old adage springs to mind..”All good things come to those who wait”:) So true..but sometimes I become just a little impatient!Lol

  3. I love all of the book covers but I am going to have to say Return to Me is my favorite. That was a painful decision to make!!!

  4. Fabulous cover, Lynn. I feel as if I stepped back in time just looking at it. So authentic. And with him in mid-stroke with the hammer, it gives a sense of the struggle that will be depicted in the story. What a perfect trio of covers! I love it when they get it so right. 🙂

  5. I like the cover on Return to Me.
    We just got finished studying Ester , Ezra , and Nehemiah in our Sunday School quarterly. Loved it. I should definitely follow through with your 3 books in this series.
    Thanks
    Shirley

  7. Lynn, that is so neat that your daughter’s friend could be such an integral part of the cover!

    Blessings,
    Andrea

  8. Congratulations on the upcoming book, Lynn! I think all 3 covers are amazing.
    I still need to read the 2nd book, but I’ve read RETURN TO ME and loved it!! (Yes, it’s on my “Keeper Shelf”). 🙂
    Hugs from Georgia, Patti Jo

  9. The covers are all great, Lynn, but the new one is by far my favorite. I love stone walls, and the sky and distant view in this one are stunning.

  10. Lynn the cover of On This Foundation is best of all, in my opinion. It captures the theme of the story perfectly. It is just gorgeous.

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