Book Review of 'Return of the Son' by D.M. Griffin

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

This year has been such a great year for the Biblical Fiction genre and today's featured novel is no exception. This new release is also by an author that has just now came on my radar and all I can say is wow. D.M. Griffin, you've got yourself a new fan!

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this amazing novel and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Return of the Son by D.M. Griffin, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Return of the Son

Series: The Encounter #4

Author: D.M. Griffin

Publisher: Independently published

Release Date: October 10, 2024

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Her life was perfect. At least her childhood was. Eve never wanted anything except her father's presence. As a prominent advisor to the evil King Herod, Eve's father was split between his duties to the king and his duties as the only living parent for his daughter. With no heir to claim his family's land, Eve's father did what any loving father would do. He arranged for her betrothal. But this wasn't just any betrothal. Her potential husband was related to the king she despised. With a rough marital journey ahead of her, she tenuously clings to the promises of God.

Not sharing her father's enthusiasm or respect for the Herodian dynasty, Eve acted like the spoiled child she was upon first meeting her betrothed. With faulty expectations and prejudiced opinions, she did what she would to ruin the marriage before it began. It wasn't until it was almost too late that Eve's eyes were open and she saw the opportunity to experience love for the divine intervention that it was.

Fraught with political intrigue and personal challenges, would Eve be able to fully surrender to the life God wanted her to live by loving a man she thought she could never love? When that man's shadows chase the family into the future, would Eve's son pay the ultimate price? Or would God intervene there too? Could He? Only a single, unforeseen encounter could answer Eve's impossible question. Does love truly conquer death?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

My Review

I am not entirely sure what initially drew me into this story so quickly but before I knew it, I was completely mesmerized and lost in the narrative. Perhaps it is because the writing is so piercing from the onset that one cannot look away. Maybe it’s because so much of it is based in truth and feels so authentic that you’d think this was a true account. Whatever force it was it gripped me tightly and did not let go.

This story literally took my breath away. There were unexpected moments of absolute horror paired with quiet, intimate moments that I felt in the depths of my being. The strength and conviction that these characters possess is admirable, especially in the tumultuous times in which they lived.

Eve was a character that showed tremendous growth throughout the story but when she was younger, she was grating in her naivety and judgmental attitude. The incredible patience that David shows her is such a beautiful picture of the immense patience that God shows each of us, and it’s a thought that gave me pause on more than one occasion. Oh, how often I am like Eve! Talk about conviction!

This novel is incredible, and I am shocked that I am just now reading anything by this author. I am completely blown away by the expressive writing, from the vivid depictions of pure evil to the quiet moments of true love and grace, and everything in between.

I could seriously write all day what I loved but instead I’m going to leave you with a quote that really resonated with me: “We make choices that lead us in a direction we never intended to go…Greatness lies in the way you live and the choices you make.”

There is truly so much to unpack in this story, and it is a novel I cannot recommend highly enough.

My Rating: ★★★★★

More Books in This Series

About the Author

D.M. Griffin lives in California but grew up in beautiful New England. As a married woman with three adult children, she enjoys spending her time crafting novels that enhance the truth of Scripture. Her characters are biblically based and entirely captivating. She launched Devoted Steps Ministry in 2016. Besides keeping up with the daily prayers and devotionals on the devotedsteps.com website, she works at a local church. She is an avid reader as well as a writer. Long walks around the lake offer her space for inspiration. Besides biblical fiction, she also writes speculative Christian fiction novels.

Connect with D.M. Griffin by visiting devotedsteps.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, signed paperback of Return of the Son, and a prayer shawl!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 15, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 22, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!