This Bible study is SO POWERFUL! Tessa Afshar's gift of writing fiction that draws you in, makes this Bible study stand out. Weaving the story of Ruth into its place in the whole counsel of Scripture, diving deep into the heart of the story and teaching me some cool stuff.

I thought I knew a lot about the book of Ruth before, but now, it's become real in a whole new way. My Kinsman Redeemer is one who will act, and it's okay to ask for more than we have a "right' to expect because He delights in blessing those who demonstrate love and loyalty and faith!

The 5 days a week format is very helpful because life is busy. I think days 1-4 took me about 15 minutes each, and day 5 took maybe 7 minutes.

I received a copy of this book from #NetGalley, and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.

This was a fabulous, in-depth study of the book of Ruth (though the first week makes you believe it's not - we spend a whole week looking at the time that Ruth takes place - in the time of the judges). Using various scriptures throughout the Old and New Testaments, Ms. Afshar brings the story of Ruth alive. Though the book of Ruth itself is small - only 4 chapters, this study digs deep and recognizes how Ruth's story was impacted by Israel's past and how her story affected Israel's future (and ours as well).

This study is broken down into 6 weeks, with daily readings for 5 days each. I tackled the daily readings right after work each day and it took about 20 minutes each evening. Most readings had several scripture readings, thoughtful questions to answer and solidly researched information on the Bible, including Hebrew language studies and cultural references. Each day ended with an "applying the Word" section and a prayer. I really enjoyed the layout. The time it took to do was just enough to get my heart quieted, but not detract from the other tasks required of me. The study was very informative and thought-provoking. I learned a great deal and I'm still ruminating on all that I learned.

Having received an advanced copy of the book only, I can't speak to the DVD experience , but I enjoyed the study well enough that I would be happy to go through it again in a small group with the DVD as well. I believe this study could be enjoyed both as an individual study and as a group study. One thing I would recommend, having read an ebook copy of the study and flipped through a paper copy of the Bible - is to have a paper cpy of the study book so that you can make notes and answer the questions in the book itself - and to have an electronic copy of the scriptures where you can pull the book and chapter from a drop-down. I did a LOT of flipping pages in my Bible as the scripture references came from all over. I will say that I did get a good refresher on the order of the books of the Bible that way, though. :)

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced E-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

This Bible study by Tessa Afshar is an in depth study of the book of Ruth. It is a 6-week study with a portion to study for 4 days and then an overview and conclusion on day 5.

Each of the four days has an understanding the Word, applying the Word and a praying the Word segment. Each day's study can take from 20-30 minutes or up to an hour to complete.

Day 5 summarizes the concept(s) learned that week.

What I loved about this study was how interactive it was. Each day's teaching includes a number of Bible verses and prompts to get the reader involved in the lesson. Questions are asked and you are given the resources to find the answers in God's Word.

I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to get an overall understanding of the book of Ruth or who wants to jumpstart their time with God.

I reviewed an e-ARC of the book, but would recommend that you get a physical copy or a journal as there are many questions and activities along the way.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the publishers and NetGalley; a positive review was not required.

Known more for her historical fiction books set in biblical times, Tessa Afshar's newest release, The Way Home, is a Bible study based on the book of Ruth. She brings to the table an extensive knowledge of biblical history and culture which certainly enhances her ability to guide readers to understand the context. Afshar says, "The Book of Ruth teaches us about God's activity on our behalf in the midst of the storms of our lives. Ruth and Naomi's sotry shows us how to persevere when pain robs us of breath." It's a study, that if taken seriously, will truly take readers home--to the heart of God, as they learn to trust him in their pain and with their pain.

This six-week study is set up so that there are four days of study each week and a fifth day that focuses on going deeper into some of the concepts studied. Daily studies include opportunities to dig into the word, to apply it, and to pray it. I found Afshar's The Way Home to be a practical, helpful study that really gets to the heart of the matter--how our pain and God's power can grow us, but also how we are blessed in order to bless others.

Don't expect a bunch of fluff, and don't expect to be spoon fed. As a Bible study teacher, Afshar guides readers to study the Word and discover truth for themselves by gently and purposefully asking thoughtful and even difficult questions, by directing readers to various cross references, and by reminding them of historical context.

Here are some things to note. I reviewed a digital copy of the book, and while I LOVE the portability, I really think readers would be best served with a hard copy so they can write in their answers as they study through the book of Ruth. Also, while not absolutely necessary to fully benefit from the Bible study, Afshar has made some teaching videos. So, the listener guide includes a video listening guide for notes.

Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

pTHE WAT HOME by TESSA AFSHAR is a beautifully written and most inspirational in depth study of the book of Ruth. As she unfolds Ruth's story, the author makes it personal and we come to see ourselves as part of God's eternal plan and precious in His eyes. We are encouraged to let go of those things that hold us back in our relationship with Father God and to walk in the newness of life that Jesus purchased for us on the cross.. I love the biblical references and prayers throughout the teaching. There is so much for us to learn from the book of Ruth and I can highly recommend The Way Home as a most enlightening private or group study..
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Moody Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

The Way Home by Tessa Afshar is a 6-week Bible study on the book of Ruth. This study is very biblical and solid. The author teaches you how to study the text, discern meaning, pray through it, and live it out. She’ll show you how to draw on the same strength and courage that Ruth did and accept God’s invitation to new beginnings in your own life. I highly recommend this book and think it would be great for any women’s bible study group to go through.