WHERE WE BELONG by LYNN AUSTIN.

WHERE WE BELONG by LYNN AUSTIN is based on the true story of two Scottish sisters who crossed the desert to Mt Sinai to find ancient Scriptures in the library at St Catherine's monastery to prove the authenticity of the bible. The author has included a fair share of romance and some very interesting characters to her story, which is set in Chicago rather than Scotland.
Top students, fascinated with history and literature, the Hawes sisters, Rebecca and Flora, start their plans for adventure by researching a European trip that they hope to go on with their father when they are fifteen and fourteen respectively. Rebecca is the most adventurous of the two but the sisters are very close, having lost their mother when Flora was born, and Flora is happy to follow Rebecca's lead. Their father, himself fascinated with ancient history and good books, encourages them to think for themselves and also sees to it that they learn languages that really help them on their travels. Through wise investments he has become extremely wealthy, and they have inherited his philanthropic nature.
The novel starts with the most exciting adventure of all - their trip across the desert to St Catherine's monastery at Mt Sinai. This is alluded to throughout the novel as we see the sisters' lives unfold.
Devout Christians, the two women really live their faith, looking after those less fortunate than themselves. Rebecca's passion is ancient history, and they are hoping to find a very old bible to prove to unbelievers that God's word is true.
It is a most enjoyable and interesting book. I love the different characters and the parts they play in the story. The Author, as usual, has done a great deal of research, and she is really good at describing what her characters are feeling.
There is a strong Christian message of wholeheartedly serving the Lord rather than being caught up in the social whirl of the times, and using one's wealth wisely to help those who have nothing. I love Lynn Austin's novels, and this one is certainly well worth reading. I can highly recommend it.


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