Book Review: Like Flames in the Night

From The Back:

Strong-willed Tirzah wants to join her people in driving the enemy from the land of Israel and undergoes training for a secret mission inside the stronghold of Shechem. But soon after she has infiltrated the ruthless Aramean commander's kitchen, she makes a reckless decision that puts her and her allies in grave danger.

Fresh off the battlefield, Liyam returns home to discover his beloved daughter is dead. After his vow to hunt down her killer leads to months of fruitless pursuit, his last hope is in a family connection that comes with strings attached--strings that force him to pose as a mercenary and rescue an infuriating woman who refuses to leave her mission uncompleted.

When an opportunity to pave a path to a Hebrew victory arises, can Tirzah convince Liyam to fight alongside her in the refuge city of her birth? Or will Liyam's thirst for vengeance outweigh his duty to his people, his God, and the woman he's come to love?

My Reflections:
I absolutely love biblical fiction done well. You can consistently count on Connilyn Cossette to do her homework. She creates a canvas where the story grips you and takes you to the colourful world of 1367 BC.
Cossette has the gift of bringing her characters to life with their very tangible emotions, burdens and plights.

This fourth book in the "Cities Of Refuge" focuses on the period when The Arameans conquered the promised land and the oppression of the Hebrews.
Tirzah a young widow is a determined young woman who wants to help aid in the fight against the Aramean occupation of Judah's cities and vast land. A woman spy is the last thing I would have expected in this period, but her skill and determination turn her pleas into reality. She becomes an Imposter as a Shechem cook, trading secrets with her brother who holds the astute position as leader of the fighting forces.

Rich in history and vibrant writing make this a very interesting read. A perfect ending to this series! If you love biblical fiction as much as I do. I know you won't be disappointed with "Like Flames In The Night"

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Connilyn Cossette

Connilyn Cossette (www.connilyncossette.com) is a Christy Award and Carol Award winning author whose books have been found on ECPA and CBA bestseller lists. When she is not engulfed in the happy chaos of homeschooling two teenagers, devouring books...

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Book Review: Until The Mountains Fall

From The Back:

"Old Testament-era life is enlivened by the timeless sizzle of desire as Cossette takes a fresh approach to biblical fiction with her deeply impassioned characters and electrifying ardor."--Booklist on Shelter of the Most High

Recently widowed, Rivkah refuses to submit to the Torah law compelling her to marry her husband's brother and instead flees Kedesh, hoping to use her talents as a scribe to support herself. Without the protection of her father, Kedesh's head priest, and the safety of the city of refuge, Rivkah soon discovers that the cost of recklessness is her own freedom.

Malakhi has secretly loved Rivkah for years, but he never imagined his older brother's death would mean wedding her. After her disappearance, he throws himself into the ongoing fight against the Canaanites instead of dwelling on all he has lost. But with war looming over Israel, Rivkah's father comes to Malakhi with an impossible request.

As the enemies that Rivkah and Malakhi face from within and without Israel grow more threatening each day, is it too late for the restoration their wounded souls seek?

My Reflections: 

In Connilyn Cossetts Third book in the series "Cities Of Refuge," we delve headlong into a tale of regret and the paths they take. This is the classic "Prodigal Son" type tale, but with a twist. I absolutely adore Cossette's ability to take well-loved stories from the Bible and craft a little imagination making a well-rounded tale of how characters and people may have acted. It's important to note that these are fictional stories loosely based on the Bible. I love how these stories always encourage me to go back and re-read my Bible stories! It sure brought the ancient cities of refuge to light in the time of 1380 BC. This whole series has been such a treat to read!

Rivkah is grieving her late husband's death, having only been married a short time and at only 18 She is still quite immature, selfish, spoiled and headstrong. According to the laws of levirate marriage, she must marry the younger brother of her late husband. Once a child is born of this union they would be considered the heir of the late husband. Rivkah wants nothing to do with her betrothed, all she can see is a "boy" he is two years younger than she is and her childhood tormenter. Rivkah tries her best to show her disdain for Malakhi, going so far to outright telling him she does not want to marry him. 

Malakhi has secretly loved Rivkah since they were small, but like most boys at that age didn't know how to express his true feelings. Now that he is older and his brother has passed on he wants to prove to her that he can be the man she deserves. However, before he can show her how he truly feels about her she flees, leaving him and their agreement a broken promise. 

I truly had a hard time liking Rivkah's character at the beginning of this book, but as the story progresses we see the devastating outcome of her choices and the five long years of self-loathing, and a spiralling set of choices that lead her ultimately into slavery. By the end, I was completely smitten with all these characters, along with supporting characters, oh how I hope there will be more books delving into some of these stories! 

A very satisfying read perfect, for people who love biblically based fiction. 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Connilyn Cossette

When she is not homeschooling her two sweet kids (with a full pot of coffee at hand), bestselling author Connilyn Cossette is scribbling notes on spare paper, mumbling about her imaginary friends, and reading obscure, out-of-print history books. There is...

Continue reading about Connilyn Cossette

Book Review: A Light On The Hill

From The Back:

". . . must-reads for fans of Biblical and historical fiction."--RT Book Reviews on the Out from Egypt series

Though Israel has found relative peace, Moriyah has yet to find her own. Attempting to avoid the scorn of her community, she's spent the last seven years hiding behind the veil she wears. Underneath her covering, her face is branded with the mark of the Canaanite gods, a shameful reminder of her past captivity in Jericho and an assurance that no man will ever want to marry her.

When her father finds a widower who needs a mother for his two sons, her hopes rise. But when their introduction goes horribly wrong, Moriyah is forced to flee for her life. Seeking safety at one of the newly established Levitical cities of refuge, she is wildly unprepared for the dangers she will face and the enemies--and unexpected allies--she will encounter on her way.

My Reflections:

I didn't think Connilyn Cossette could get even better, but this masterfully written novel has topped all other books penned by this author. 
The subject material is unique, the time-period is intriguing, and the character development in all areas is spot on! It is evident many hours of research went into the planning of this book, the attention to detail is exquisite! This book is the first of this new series, and I am eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Moriyah is such an endearing character. She has experienced many trials in her life, these trials have made her compassionate, strong and courageous against the daily hardships she had endured. I loved traveling through the many cities and lush lands. It was a fast-paced escape from her father's vineyard towards possible safety, and even though the danger and heart-stopping escape we glimpse Moriyah's steadfast commitment to God and her ability to adapt. I also enjoyed being steeped in the culture and cadence of the era. I felt a real connection throughout the story, not only to the characters but also to the land and setting. It was all so authentic.

It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Connilyn Cossette, her books seem to get better and better as she progresses into her writing career. If you are searching for a unique book for those summer vacations, look no further this is your book!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Connilyn Cossette

When she is not homeschooling her two sweet kids (with a full pot of coffee at hand), bestselling author Connilyn Cossette is scribbling notes on spare paper, mumbling about her imaginary friends, and reading obscure, out-of-print history books. There is...

Continue reading about Connilyn Cossette

Book Review: Wings Of the Wind

From the Back:

Can vengeance give way to forgiveness when one woman's destiny becomes entangled with the very enemies she sought to destroy?
Motherless and raised alongside her brothers, Alanah, a Canaanite, is no stranger to fighting. When her father and brothers are killed in battle with the Hebrews, she disguises herself and sneaks onto the battlefield to avenge her family. The one thing she never counted on was surviving.

Tobiah, a Hebrew warrior, has spent his share of time on the battlefield and is shocked to find an unconscious woman among the casualties. Compelled to bring her to a healer back at the Hebrew camp, he's unprepared for the consequences of what he intended as an act of compassion.

In order to survive, Alanah must unite with her enemy. But will a terrible revelation drive her toward an even greater danger?

My Reflections:

I was overjoyed to receive the third and final edition in Connilyn Cossette's, "Out From Egypt" Series. It was a pleasure to be reacquainted with some of the characters from her previous books (Counted with the Stars, book one, Shadow of the Storm, book two). Shira, Kiya and Moriyah to name are some of my favorite characters in these past books. This book centers on a Canaanite woman named Alanah. Alanah is a woman determined to exact revenge, but the very people she is pursuing show her grace beyond anything she could ever imagine. 

Tobiah rescues Alanah off the battlefield out of protection and honor, not as a war spoil. The ramifications of his choice will be felt by many. (Deuteronomy 21: 10-14) 

 It is abundantly clear that Cossette does her research with these novels, she truly brings to life the essence of theses old testament stories with depth and imagination. 

I am overjoyed to have learned that Connilyn is already well on her way into another biblical series. I can't tell you how happy this makes me because these books really bring to life the actual biblical account. Her books spur me on to get out the Bible and devour the whole story in its entirety to back up the fictional account.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

Connilyn Cossette

When she is not homeschooling her two sweet kids (with a full pot of coffee at hand), Connilyn Cossette is scribbling notes on spare paper, mumbling about her imaginary friends, and reading obscure, out-of-print history books. There is nothing she likes better...

Continue reading about Connilyn Cossette

Book Review: Shadow of the Storm

From the Back:

In the darkness of the storm's shadow, only truth can light her way. 
Having escaped Egypt with the other Hebrews during the Exodus, Shira is now living in freedom at the foot of Mount Sinai. When the people rebel by worshipping a golden idol, the ensuing chaos gives Shira an unexpected opportunity to assist a midwife. When the experience awakens a new desire in her, she defies her mother's wish for her to continue in the family weaving trade and pursues her heart's calling as an apprentice midwife.

But when a delivery goes horribly wrong, Shira finds herself in an impossible situation and bound to a man who betrayed her. As contention between the Hebrew tribes and the foreigners fans the flames of another dangerous rebellion, Shira comes face to face with the long-hidden pain of her past. Can she let go of all that has defined her to embrace who she truly is and believe in a hopeful future?

My Refections:

Connilyn Cossette does not disappoint with her second novel in her series Out From Egypt. Shadow of the Storm was such a joy to read. Multi-Layered plot lines and real to life themes make this novel stand out among the many that I have read. Due in part to the sheer depth and drama played out within the pages, you just cannot put it down. 

Shira continues to shine from within, her strength and determination despite her circumstances make this book really resonate with your soul. This character has braved slavery, lived through an attack that took her innocence and changed the very shape of her future. Through all this, she continues to have a yeilding and beautiful compassion for others. Her willingness to put others before herself and her own comfort, make her one special character. 
These traits would be shallow without the real to life struggle, though, and we see her humanness as she continues to struggle with the past and things she has no control over. Her calling to be a midwife rips off old wounds, but at the same time heals her and makes her realize her future. 

It was wonderful to be reunited with characters from book one (Counted with the Stars). Kiya, Eben and Jumo were such well-rounded additions to this story, and gleaning more details about their lives and pasts made this story just that much better.

I also enjoyed the kinship between Shira and Kiya, this brought depth to the story and was one of my highlights. The antagonist Dvora, made me so angry and at times I wanted to reach through the book and throttle her, but her perspective is key and I completely understood why she was such an important part of the story, besides that we always need a good antagonist, right?

Speaking of love-hate relationships I found that I was experiencing just that with Ayal, this hero was a complete jerk for so much of the novel. His actions caused such heartache for Shira. Can she overcome his heartless actions and move into the future? Will his word and actions of change be enough to soften her heart towards him?

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

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THE AUTHOR

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   Connilyn Cossette

   

   When she is not homeschooling her two sweet kids (with a full pot of coffee at hand), Connilyn Cossette is scribbling notes on spare paper, mumbling about her imaginary friends, and reading obscure, out-of-print history books. There is nothing she likes better...

   Continue reading about Connilyn Cossette

Book Review: Counted With the Stars

From The Back:

Sold into slavery by her father and forsaken by the man she was supposed to marry, young Egyptian Kiya must serve a mistress who takes pleasure in her humiliation. When terrifying plagues strike Egypt, Kiya is in the middle of it all.

Choosing to flee with the Hebrews, Kiya finds herself reliant on a strange God and drawn to a man who despises her people. With everything she's ever known swept away and now facing the trials of the desert, will she turn back toward Egypt or surrender her life and her future to Yahweh?

My Reflections:

I love to submerse myself in biblical fiction! I know it is not everyone's cup of tea but imagining what it may have been like during this time in history always fascinates me. 

Connilyn Cossette has penned an intriguing novel with her debut book called "Counted with the Stars." She had definitely made an impact on the publishing industry with her work!

The novel starts off in Egypt at a time prior to the plagues and the Exodus. The strong start and the steady pace of the plot kept the pages flying and the interest high. 

This story was told in first person point of view, I was delighted that this author has the ability to breath life into the other characters through this form of prose.

I enjoyed imagining the way it would have been to experience the failing of idol Gods to Yahweh's supreme force. The main character Kiya's whole belief system was shaken and she must decide who she must follow.

I think my favorite part of this novel was when the characters were still in Egypt. The plagues, the scenery it just set my imagination on overdrive. This author has the gift of engaging the reader, and weaving an exceptional story. I can't wait for her second book to be reaquainted with the characters I have come to love.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

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THE AUTHOR

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   © Ami Trull Photography

   Connilyn Cossette

   When she is not homeschooling her two sweet kids (with a full pot of coffee at hand), Connilyn Cossette is scribbling notes on spare paper, mumbling about her imaginary friends, and reading obscure, out-of-print history books. There is nothing she likes better...

   Continue reading about Connilyn Cossette