Where We Belong by Lynn Austin

In the city of Chicago in 1892, the rules for Victorian women are strict, their roles limited. But sisters Rebecca and Flora Hawes are not typical Victorian ladies. Their love of adventure and their desire to use their God-given talents has brought them to the Sinai Desert--and into a sandstorm.

Accompanied by Soren Petersen, their somber young butler, and Kate Rafferty, a street urchin who is learning to be their ladies' maid, the two women are on a quest to find an important biblical manuscript. As the journey becomes more dangerous and uncertain, the four travelers sift through memories of their past, recalling the events that shaped them and the circumstances that brought them to this time and place.

I have read a few of Lynn Austin's novels and I really enjoyed this one. I loved the setting as I am a bit familiar with Chicago and its history. I also liked the strong female characters that were searching for their calling. It hit me right now as I am searching a bit for my purpose right now. I appreciated how the characters knew their strengths and interests that God had given them and resisted those who tried to make them into something they are not. I also like how the reader gets to revisit a few key points in time from the point of view of different characters. And I loved how it was based on actual historical people and it makes me what to read more about those women as well. Overall, a great book and one I really enjoyed reading.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

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