The Way Home has given me an entirely new perspective about Ruth, the young widow who chose to leave her home in Moab so that she could remain with her mother-in-law Naomi. This is an outstanding six-week Bible study that illuminates Ruth's story and in turn, encourages readers that they also can have new beginnings. This study is very in-depth, and it includes questions and Bible scripture in each of the thirty lessons. I especially liked that each day's study has three sections: “Understanding the Word”; “Applying the Word”; and “Praying the Word” and I found myself highlighting many of the author's observations.

Tessa Afshar is noted for her biblical fiction but she has blessed me with this extensive study of the Book of Ruth. She reminded me that God redeemed Ruth, the Moabite, with the same abundant grace that he showed Naomi, the daughter of Abraham. I have been strengthened in my own faith and inspired to seek my own new beginnings because I have also been given that abundant grace! I recommend The Way Home for personal bible study and I believe that it would be a valuable resource for a group bible study also.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own. ( )

"It is not merely Ruth and Naomi and Boaz who are given grace for a new start in this book. God is extending an invitation to all of us. Begin new. Start fresh in grace."

This bible study based on Ruth is a 30 lesson study spread out over 6 weeks that will engage your mind, heart, and spirit. Now you may be thinking that thirty lessons on four chapters of Ruth may be a slow-go but I can assure you that it is anything but. Starting from the Book of Joshua and Judges, Tessa Afshar beautifully describes the culture, setting, and spiritual climate of when Ruth lived during the time of the judges. The author offers fantastic insights, ties in biblical events and historical information, carefully explains Hebrew words and their depth of meaning, and challenges our faith with gentle, inspired words. Her gift for words clearly shines through, even in a non-fiction study.
Each lesson is divided into three sections - understanding the Word, applying the Word, and praying the Word - and each lesson points back to Jesus and "God's invitation to new beginnings". You'll learn more than just about Ruth and her journey of love and faith through this study; you'll hear the voices of the faith giants speaking to you from the Word and hear our Lord's voice calling for faith and restoration.

This is not my first bible study on Ruth but I've learned the most from this particular study. I would love to do another study written by Tessa Afshar!

I received a copy of the book from Moody Publishers and the author. I was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own. ( )