Return To Exile: The Carthage Chronicles Book 2 By Lynne Gentry

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:


How far would you go to save the ones you love?
Six years ago, impossible circumstances forced Dr. Lisbeth Hastings to leave behind the love of her life, not just in another country, but in another time. Her work as a top-notch epidemiologist and parenting her little girl helps alleviate the pain, but at night when her exhausted head hits the pillow, images of her beloved Cyprian haunt her sleep.
Cyprian Thascius returns from political exile a broken man. He’s lost his faith, the love of his life, and his purpose. He attempts to move on, to face the danger that is looming over Carthage, but when Cyprian’s true love suddenly reappears, his heart becomes as imperiled as the fledgling church he seeks to save.
Have the years that kept Lisbeth and Cyprian apart created too wide a chasm to bridge? In the midst of a new epidemic and rising oppression, will their love be the most costly fatality? Filled with gripping action and raw emotion, this spell-binding adventure of star-crossed lovers captivates with every turn of the page in this electric continuation of The Carthage Chronicles.


My Thoughts: 


Return To Exile is the second book in Lynne Gentry's Carthage Chronicles series and it is fantastic! I read the first book, Healer of Carthage as one of the few books I have in my every growing TBR pile and it was a hit so I knew I had to find out what came next!  Return To Exile takes place six years after the Healer of Carthage ends. Dr. Lisbeth Hastings in back in Texas working as a epidemiologist, the top in her field, and raising the daughter she had with Cyprian Thascius, her husband from 3rd Century Carthage. Cyprian Thascius has been in political exile for six years and returns to Carthage a broken man, losing his faith and his purpose. Not long after he returns to his life and tries to move on, Lisbeth shows back up with their daughter in tow, because Lisbeth feels compelled to save Cyprian from his impending death that she read about in the history books. Armed with 21st century medicine she comes back to find out that Cyprian, Ruth, her Mother, and her brother have all moved on with their lives. Cyprian and Ruth have been married and are expecting their first child. As they struggle to work out the personal stuff, they work to also rid Carthage of another epidemic that is killing the rich and poor alike.


Return To Exile is a fantastic book in this great series by Lynne Gentry. As a huge fan of Christian Historical Fiction, I was drawn to this book and this series. This book takes readers back to 3rd Century Carthage where Ruth, Lisbeth's mother Magdalena, and other survivors of the measles are caring for any new break outs of measles trying to keep it under control. Lynne Gentry writes with authority about 3rd Century Carthage and other parts of the world at this time, diseases and disease control in the present and in 3rd Century, and the history of Carthage, and the history of Christianity.  As I read this book, I felt like I was time traveling with Lisbeth and Maggie, transported to another time and place. I really felt like I was there with them experiencing the life and times of Carthage. The characters are wonderfully written and I think my favorites are Magdalena and Lawrence, Lisbeth's Mom and half brother. The love they have for one another and the way they give of themselves for the welfare of others is inspiring. Magdalena and Lawrence's faith gives them the strength to endure what they have had to endure. I could not put this book down, from the first page this book grabbed a hold and wouldn't let go. This is a fast paced, action filled book that keeps you guessing until the end and leaves you wanting to know more of this cast of characters. I recommend reading The Healer of Carthage first to fully understand the story lines. They are both worth the read! I highly recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed.  I cannot wait to read Valley of Decision, the third and final book in this trilogy. Added bonus: there is an excerpt from this book at the end of Return To Exile. I give this book 5 STARS.