Connilyn Cossette Book Reviews
Connilyn Cossette is the CBA-Bestselling author of the Out from Egypt series from Bethany House Publishers. There is not much she likes better than digging into the rich, ancient world of the Bible, discovering new gems of grace that point to Jesus, and weaving them into an immersive fiction experience. Connect with her at www.ConnilynCossette.com.
Counted With the Stars (2016) by Connilyn Cossette is the first book in the Out From Egypt series. This novel comes in all forms including eBook, and is roughly 353 pages in length. With a full-time job and a five-year old at home, I was able to read this novel in two and half days. I give this novel 5 STARS. It is a Christian Biblical novel set during the time of the Hebrew Exodus from Egypt.
Here is the GoodReads blurb:
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.
To save her older brother and escape the bonds of slavery, Kiya flees with the Hebrews during the Great Exodus. She finds herself utterly dependent on a fearsome God she’s only just beginning to learn about, and in love with a man who despises her people. With everything she’s ever known swept away, will Kiya turn back toward Egypt or surrender her life and her future to Yahweh?
I want to begin by explaining how exceptionally well researched this novel is. In her Note from the Author, Ms. Cossette explains that she believes, “unapologetically, that the Word of God and its histories are true” (326). Most secular Egyptologists today accept the writings of a 3rd century Egyptian priest named Manetho to accurately illustrate the Exodus period. But, because they conflict with the Biblical account of the Exodus, Ms. Cossette explains that she held Manetho’s work suspect. Cossette goes on to say, “When anything conflicts with the Bible, I will always defer to the Word” (326). When an author is reluctant to use a source because it conflicts with the Bible, you know you have an author after God’s heart! For me, this makes all the difference when I come upon any Biblical novel. If you struggle with Biblical fiction because you worry it strays from God’s Word, fear not with this book.
This novel is told through a first-person narrative. I’m not typically a fan of that type of narration, but it really works in this novel. Kiya, the protagonist, is a genuine character; her reactions, inner dialogue, and behaviors all line up with a very well written, believable persona. Kiya, until 16, was raised in a very wealthy Egyptian home. Anything and everything was at her disposal. She had the best food, the latest clothing, the finest make-ups, and was betrothed to a handsome military man in Pharaoh’s army. But, Kiya’s father loses everything and sells his daughter into slavery in order to pay off his debts. The reader watches as Kiya suffers at the hands of Tekurah, Kiya’s new mistress. Tekurah hates Kiya, and everyone knows it.
In this period of enslavement, Kiya meets a Hebrew slave named Shira and they become friends. Shira, through her kindness, sacrifices, and stories, teaches Kiya about the Hebrew God, Yahweh. Also, during this period, Kiya and her fellow Egyptians are devastated by the Ten Plagues. One of the most fascinating things in this novel is seeing the Biblical story played out through the eyes of an Egyptian. The writing is SO well executed that when Kiya describes the plague of darkness I actually found myself feeling claustrophobic and noticed that my breathing became shallow. I laughed at myself when I realized I was doing this, but this moment made me think on that plague for a minute. Life without LIGHT, which is really life without GOD, would be terribly excruciating. It would make a person go crazy! I mean, imagine days with NO light of any kind. No fires, no lamp, no stars, no moon, NOTHING — just darkness. I once went on a cave tour when I was a kid. I thought I was going to lose it when the tour guide turned off the lights in the cave for five minutes. I couldn’t last five minutes without light! How could I have made it through the plague of darkness?
Experiencing each plague and the actual exodus with Kiya brought the Exodus story to life. It shames me to say, but I don’t think I have ever put myself into the Exodus story before. I’ve read Exodus many times, but never through the eyes of a Hebrew or of one of the “mixed multitudes.” If I am honest, I have really only read Exodus as a cool story I get through and then check it off as I do my daily Bible study. But this is the beauty of Biblical fiction: it forces you to interact with Biblical stories and the Bible with your eyes open! And, that is why I love reading these types of novels so much.
One more issue that this book brought to my attention was the confrontation with untruth. There is a terribly sad moment in the novel where Kiya breaks down and cries out her frustration to her gods. She asks, “Where were the gods?” (111). Then she lists the gods who hadn’t helped her people as she replays each plague that had already hit her country. She realizes that the Hebrew God, Yahweh, is attacking each Egyptian god. That these were pointed, powerful attacks. Then, and to me this is the saddest, she realizes she has no one to ask about this Hebrew God and these plagues. Shira is not available to Kiya at the moment because she had to flee to her own home (getting near the 10th plague at this point). This is sad to me because I think about the many, many people out in the world today who may question their current beliefs, who may want to talk to someone about God, but don’t have anyone to talk to about their questions, feelings, frustrations, and doubts. How many people could believe in the one-true God if only they had someone available to discuss Him with them? This is an excellent reminder for me as a Christian — I need to be more available and I need to pray more for all people regardless of what they believe because God made them all. Again, shamefully, I admit that my prayers focus more on me and my immediate circle, and I tend to never really leave my safe comfort zone of communication.
If you are looking for an excellent Biblical novel that is well written and well researched, then I highly recommend Counted With the Stars. This novel is fast paced, engaging, and thought-provoking. You will not be disappointed with this book.
Shadow of the Storm (2016) by Connilyn Cossette is the second novel in her Out From Egypt series. This novel comes in all forms including eBook, and is roughly 352 pages in length. With a full-time job and a five-year old at home, I was able to read this novel in ONE day. I give this novel 5 STARS. It is a Christian Biblical novel set during the Israelites’ first year in the wilderness after the Great Exodus.
Here is the GoodReads blurb:
Having escaped Egypt with the other Hebrews during the Exodus, Shira is now living in freedom at the foot of Mt. Sinai, upon which rests the fiery glowing Cloud containing the shekinah glory of God. When the people disobey Yahweh and build a golden idol, the ensuing chaos gives Shira an unexpected opportunity to learn the arts of midwifery. Although her mother wishes for her to continue in the family weaving trade, Shira’s gifts shine brightest when she assists with deliveries. In defiance of her mother, Shira pursues her heart’s calling to become an apprentice midwife.
When a delivery goes horribly wrong, Shira finds herself bound to a man who betrayed her, the caretaker of three young children, and the target of a vengeful woman whose husband was killed by Shira’s people, the Levites. As contention between the Hebrew tribes and the foreigners fans the flames of another dangerous rebellion, Shira will come face-to-face with the heartbreak of her past that she has kept hidden for so long. How can she let go of all that has defined her to accept the love she’s denied herself and embrace who she truly is?
I love everything about this novel, but I absolutely adore the main character, Shira. I can relate so much to this character and her struggles throughout this novel. To those who love her, Shira is brave and strong and beautiful, but Shira struggles to believe this. She feels weak and cowardly and small. In the beginning of this novel, Shira is put into positions where she could say something or do something right, but her fear gets the better of her and she feels like a coward. I cannot count how many times in my life, looking back on a moment, I realized I didn’t say or do something because of fear. Then, I sadly slink off asking God why He created such a coward. I truly related so much to Shira in these very real-to-life moments.
As the novel progresses, and Shira continues to learn the Truth about Yahweh, she internally grows stronger in her courage and faith. Some of the best parts of this novel happen when Shira stands up for herself, her family members, and God. I could not help but cheer for her, and feel emboldened by her! Another aspect to Shira that I LOVED is her realization that her past does not define who she is as a woman of God. At one point, Shira states, “It seems to me that Yahweh somehow takes the broken parts of us and builds something better than we could imagine.” SO TRUE!!!! God loves cracked pots, and if we let Him, He loves to heal our cracks.
I also appreciated how this novel illustrates the harshness and frustrations of life lived in a ginormous group of humans out in the middle of a deserted, seemingly nowhere. I am a Type-A introvert. The chaos, complaining, single-mindedness, and fickleness of the people at Mt. Sinai that first year after the Great Exodus would have been enough to drive me insane. Many times while reading this novel, I looked at my husband and asked, “Why does God keep coming to us? Humans are so annoying!” My husband would just laugh at me and shake his head! But honestly, I just don’t get it. God was physically present in the form of the shekinah cloud, and still people were worshiping other deities. False things that could do nothing. Multiple times, God reprimanded the people for their idols and bad behavior, and many still chose themselves over God. CRAZY!!! Shira even asks God at one particularly frustrating moment, “Yahweh, will we never be satisfied? Will we forever be grasping and squalling like infants?” I know Jesus told us to have faith like the little children, but I don’t think we are supposed to behave like little children. At some point, we need to mature in our faith and behave like it!
Oh my goodness…the golden calf fiasco!!! I have always read this part in the Bible and judge. I admit it. I judge the people who worshiped the golden calf. WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!? ARE YOU CRAZY PEOPLE?!?! Obviously, this judgement is wrong; I am wrong for judging anyone at any time. If I had been there, would I have worshiped the golden calf too? I hope I would have been stronger than to fall back into idol worship, but God purposely did not allow me to be there for that moment, and I think that might be telling. This scene is done so well in this novel — I felt like I was there. The depth of emotion written into this scene is intense. My heart hurt so badly for Aaron. What he must have felt in that moment…the anguish, the sense of utter failure. It hurts to rethink this moment in the book. BUT, it leads to such a great quote. Speaking for Moses, a highly-emotional Aaron states, “‘Yahweh is kadosh. Separate. Holy. There will not be such blatant sin against His Holy Name within this camp’…’You too were called out, to be kadosh. You have broken covenant with Adonai.'” I balled. I cried my eyes out and then asked God to forgive me again for every sin I had ever committed. This moment is so powerful!!!
This book is fantastic. Ms. Cossette has a GIFT. She can take moments from the Bible that we have all probably turned into a one-dimensional picture, and turn them into a 3-dimensional, emotionally-churning, gut-wrenching epoch. I devoured the pages of this novel. I highly, highly recommend this book.
Wings of the Wind (2017) by Connilyn Cossette is the third novel in her Out From Egypt series. This novel comes in all forms including eBook, and is roughly 352 pages in length. With a full-time job and a five-year old at home, I was able to read this novel in five days. I give this novel 5 STARS. It is a Christian Biblical novel set at the end of the 40 years in the wilderness when the Israelites are fighting Canaanites for the Promised Land.
Here is the GoodReads blurb:
Alanah, a Canaanite, is no stranger to fighting and survival. When her family is 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, is shocked to find an unconscious, wounded woman among the Canaanite casualties. Compelled to bring her to a Hebrew healer back at their camp, he is soon confronted with a truth he can’t ignore: the only way to protect this enemy is to marry her.
Unused to being weak and vulnerable, Alanah submits to the marriage — for now. As she comes to know and respect Tobiah and his people, however, she begins to second-guess her plans of escape. But when her past has painfully unanticipated consequences, the tentative peace she’s found with Tobiah, the Hebrews, and Yahweh is shaken to the core. Can Alanah’s fierce heart and strength withstand the ensuing threats to her life and all she’s come to love?
In the first novel of this series the reader is introduced to Kiya, a young Egyptian woman who chooses Yahweh over Egypt and flees with the Israelites into the wilderness during the Great Exodus. The second book, Shira’s story, tells of an Israelite trying to find the place God has created for her out in the vast wilderness. Specifically, it takes place the first year the Israelites are out in the wilderness where they foolishly worship the golden calf, learn the Torah, and construct the Mishkan. The final novel, Alanah’s story, illustrates a young, exceptionally angry Canaanite woman who wants revenge against the people who killed her father and brothers. So, the final setting is the end of the Exodus story when the new generation of Israelites, under Joshua’s leadership and God’s power and grace, fight the Canaanites to win the Promised Land.
Alanah is fascinating. She is beautiful, strong, hardworking, and exceptionally talented with a bow and arrow. But, she is also hard and hopeless. She is a young woman who has grown up around the debauchery and vileness of Canaan, has loathed it her whole life, and feels utter hopelessness by her circumstances (she is a young, unmarried, pretty girl with no money or family, but adamantly refuses to become a cult prostitute; she would rather kill herself). She knows the actions of her people are wrong, but she doesn’t have anywhere to turn. The violence, the prostitution, the blood sacrifices to Baal…all of this literally turns her stomach. This book does not shy away or cover up the truth about what Canaanites practiced on a daily basis. I had to take breaks from this novel to pray and get in the right mindset (that’s why it took me five days to read this book). Canaan was an evil place, and Ms. Cossette aptly illustrates this in a well-written, highly researched manner. In “A Note From The Author” at the end of the book, Cossette states, “Although it may have been difficult to read about the atrocities of Canaan, as much as it was to write some of them, I felt it was necessary to depict the brutal nature of the tribes that made up Canaan…Civilizations that destroyed human life in sacrifice to their gods disappeared, in one way or the other.”
Tobiah, the Israelite whom Alanah falls in love with, is a great character. He is strong, quiet, gentle, and vulnerable. Tobiah, from the house of Judah, is a soldier in the Israelite army. He 100% trusts that God is going to give Canaan into the Israelites’ hands. He is even prepared to fight against the Canaanites at any cost. BUT, he is not expecting to meet Alanah, a Canaanite, and fall in love. The best part of this relationship is the patience. Alanah is clearly a hurting woman. Tobiah has some pain to work through as well. Both are a bit distrustful with one another, as you would expect of enemies, but they are patient with one another. When their relationship progresses to love, it feels incredibly genuine and natural.
One issue that this novel brought up was the Israelites’ complaining against and boredom with manna. At first, I didn’t think anything of the complaints. I actually glossed over that detail. It wasn’t until an outsider — Alanah — was brought into the camp and given some manna that I realized many of the Israelites were being whiny complainers again. When Alanah tastes the manna for the first time, it is such a good experience. This woman came from a drab, dark place. When she eats the manna, begins to learn about Yahweh and His Torah, and experiences respect, she is a bit overwhelmed by it all. At one point, when she can’t take the complaints anymore, she scolds a group explaining that life in Canaan without God is hard. For her it was bone-breaking, long, arduous days. It was working from sun up past sun down with little to show for it. She scolds them for taking for granted God’s protection and daily provision. She is shocked that they could behave so ungratefully.
At this point, my English teacher hat came on and I realized just how awesome this novel, and Ms. Cossette’s writing, truly is. The complaining Israelites, Alanah, and the manna are metaphors. Alanah is the new convert to the manna (JESUS is the Bread of Life!) and she cannot comprehend how the Israelites could possibly complain about daily provision. Alana, who did experience real hunger and want at times, could not understand a people who were ungrateful for a constant, nutritious food they did not have to work for, or for a protective, loving God! The Israelites represent old converts who have made manna a religious ritual — something done by rote and without relationship to the God who provides. This is a GREAT reminder for me: is Manna important in my life? Do I have a relationship with Jesus? Or, has Manna become a religious thing I sort of do?
There is much more I could say about this novel, but I think that would lead me to spoiling everything. Suffice it to say, this novel is beautiful. It is well-written, well-researched, and realistic. It is fast-paced and full of action. You cannot get bored reading this book. Like the other novels in this series, this book has given me a new appreciation for the Exodus story in the Bible, and for the God I love so much. After reading this book in particular, I do have a greater appreciation for the Manna in my life. I highly, highly recommend this series. I am sad that there are no more books in this series, but I do look forward to many future novels by Ms. Cossette.
A Light on the Hill (2018) by Connilyn Cossette is the first novel in her Cities of Refuge series. This book comes in all forms including eBook, and is 323 pages in length. With a full-time job and a very busy six-year old at home, this novel took me several days to read (it was an insanely busy week this week!). I purchased a copy of this novel to review from Amazon on January 30, 2018. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give A Light on the Hill 5+++++ STARS. This novel is Biblical Christian Fiction.
About the Book
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 Thoughts
Connilyn Cossette is, without a doubt, one of the best Biblical fiction authors of our time. Her writing is flawless, her research is tremendously in-depth, and her ability to weave a fascinating and realistic story every time sets her apart. Connilyn Cossette has definitely been blessed by God with immense writing prowess, which is deftly illustrated in her fourth novel, A Light on the Hill.
When I was in prayer this morning asking God for guidance in writing this review, I was immediately flooded by images of the one scar I have that has bothered me. I actually have many scars — life has been a bit rough on me — but I see the majority of my scars as war wounds. They remind me of all that God has brought me through. This one scar does remind me of what God has done to save me, but it also reminds me every now and then of my shortcomings as a woman. The scar I’m talking about is my emergency c-section scar. I won’t get into the gory details about what happened on the day my daughter was born, but I will tell you that on the day Bella was born I told that I could NEVER have children ever again. At the time, so many bad, scary things were happening that never getting pregnant again sounded like an exceptionally great idea to me.
I’m actually quite OK that God meant for me to be a mommy to only one child. I know I am super blessed to be Bella’s mommy. But sometimes I see my scar and I’m reminded of my extreme failure as a woman. I cannot carry a baby to term. My own daughter could only make it to 28 weeks. There is a broken timer inside of me that will not allow me to safely get to 40 weeks with a child. The difficult part is that I have been surrounded by highly fertile women my whole life — my grandma had four healthy babies, my mother and aunt had four healthy babies each, and my sister had three healthy babies. I genuinely believed that I would be just like them and follow in their fertile footsteps. But that was not to be.
Why am I sharing this? What does any of this have to do with A Light on the Hill? Moriyah, the heroine of A Light on the Hill, also has a scar that has changed the way she sees and values herself. At the start of this novel, Moriyah has basically self-exiled herself to her home. She is never without her veil, even within her house, and hides from everyone — including God! But at a very crucial point in the novel, Moriyah has a change in perspective. This is my most favorite theme in the whole story.
At one point in her life, Moriyah’s wounded pride and broken spirit convinced her that hiding from everyone was her best option. Moriyah was filled with shame because of her scar and what it represented. Her real self became hidden in plain sight, which let the bad win. She didn’t stand up for herself, ask God what He wanted her to do, or consult with the family He gave her. Instead, Moriyah took matters into her own hands and locked herself away into a tower of her own making believing that God had abandoned her. But she eventually comes to realize that “perhaps it was not Yahweh who had stopped whispering to her heart…but, [rather it was she] who had built a wall” between herself and God (183). As soon as Moriyah changes her perspective, she feels God’s very present presence. It’s the most beautiful moment in the entire book!
This amazing novel asks us readers to consider our own need for perspective changes. For a long while after my daughter’s scary birth, I did feel like a veritable loser of a woman. I truly believed that God had abandoned me and unfairly locked up my stupid womb. All I could feel was a complete and terrorizing sense of fear. And, I hated my scar. I loathed it! But then one day my perspective changed, just as Moriyah’s did. God hadn’t abandoned me. God had absolutely saved me. I should be dead — not one of my doctors could understand or tell me how I survived the night Bella was born. BUT GOD!!! God can explain it — He saved me. Now when I look at my scar I am reminded of His success, of His defeat over death again. God is so good ALL the time, and my scar reminds me of this daily.
This one theme doesn’t even begin to cover the depth that exists within the pages of A Light on the Hill. I have like 22 more marked pages throughout this book that I would love to discuss, but I won’t. Truly, one review could never do this book justice. You have to read this beautiful book for yourself! If you can’t tell, I highly recommend this book. I am so blessed to have read it, and I know you will be, too!
Book: Shelter of the Most High
Author: Connilyn Cossette
Genre: Christian Biblical Fiction
Release Date: October, 2018
The daughter of a pagan high priest, Sofea finds solace from her troubles in the freedom of the ocean. But when marauders attack her village on the island of Sicily, she and her cousin are taken across the sea to the shores of Canaan.
Eitan has lived in Kedesh, a city of refuge, for the last eleven years, haunted by a tragedy in his childhood, yet chafing at the boundaries placed on him. He is immediately captivated by Sofea, but revealing his most guarded secret could mean drawing her into the danger of his past.
As threats from outside the walls loom and traitors are uncovered within, Sofea and Eitan are plunged into the midst of a murder plot. Can they uncover the betrayal in time to save their lives and the lives of those they love?
In terms of writing Biblical fiction, Connilyn Cossette can do no wrong. Shelter of the Most High, book 2 in her Cities of Refuge series, is another slam dunk! This book is SO good it’s officially on my re-read pile for FOREVER. The plot is so highly engaging that pages flew by at lightening speeds. The characters are perfection — Eitan stole my heart and Sofea is truly endearing. And, the themes Ms. Cossette illustrates within Shelter of the Most High are timely and allow the reader to self-reflect. Shelter of the Most High is without a doubt a must-read for 2018.
When Sofea, the heroine of Shelter of the Most High, first arrives in Kedesh, she is a traumatized, battered young woman who doesn’t speak or understand a single word of Hebrew, and has no clue about who the One, True God is. Sofea grew up surrounded by darkness. Her father, the Sicani chieftain, ruled harshly, violently, and selfishly. He believed his gods gave him the power to be whatever kind of leader to his people that he wanted to be. He hurt people, he took from people, and he sacrificed people to the gods all to suit his whims. When Sofea enters into Kedesh, she believes her life will be just as hard, if not harder, than her home life because she assumes all people, no matter where they live, are the same as her Sicani tribesmen. Sofea fears she is going to be made a slave, or worse, be used as a sacrifice. As a reader, I felt the frustration of not being able to speak to Sofea and clear things up. I actually felt as helpless as Darek, Moriyah, and Eitan as they attempted to communicate with her. However, within the first day of being in Darek and Moriyah’s home, Sofea starts to realize that there is something different about these people and she is confused. These strange people are not acting mean, cruel, or selfishly. Instead, they are feeding her, clothing her, giving her a place to clean in private, ministering to her wounds, and providing her shelter. This is all so odd and foreign to Sofea that she says to herself, “Who [are] these people?”
This moment in the book, this question, made me stop and think hard. In fact, I put the book down and turned to my husband and asked, “If a foreigner who couldn’t speak a word of English came to our door clearly needing a lot of physical help, would that person see kindness, compassion, and care? Would our actions set us apart? Would this foreigner ask herself, ‘Who are these people?’ as Sofea does in Shelter of the Most High?” This was a hard mirror to look into! While I don’t think it is smart in this day and age to open your door randomly to all strangers — some could actually be very bad people looking to take advantage of innocent people — this scenario showed my husband and myself that maybe we could be a little more compassionate towards our fellow man. Perhaps we are a bit too self-focused. I really love when a book stops a reader in her tracks and forces her to do a bit of soul-searching. Shelter of the Most Highdefinitely forced me to take a good look into my heart and assess the kind of woman I am today, and I appreciate that this book did this for me.
Of the many characters in this novel, I closely relate to Eitan and one of his major struggles. Eitan knows why he is in Kedesh. He understands that God put him there. Honestly, most days he has resignedly accepted that God has kept him in Kedesh. BUT, Eitan is beyond frustrated by his circumstances, and he feels hopelessly trapped. It makes him restless, angry, and cagey. The way Eitan feels brought me to tears. At this point in my life, I 1000% understand his trapped, frustrated, hopeless feelings. Feeling trapped with no way out is one of the worst feelings in the world. The only way to overcome this awful feeling is to stay focused on God. We are all Esthers in our own right; we are all here for God’s purpose and for such a time as this. Eitan works through this battle — and many others; he’s quite the busy guy in this story! — really gives himself over to God’s plan, and comes out a better man in the end.
I am truly saddened that my time with this book is over. If I didn’t have such a full review schedule I would absolutely re-read this book right now. If you are looking for a well-researched, fast-paced, stunning Biblical narrative, I highly recommend Shelter of the Most High. This book is AMAZING!
I received a review copy of this novel in paperback form from the author via Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
About the Book
Book: Until the Mountains Fall
Series: Cities of Refuge #3
Author: Connilyn Cossette
Genre: Historical Fiction, Biblical Fiction
Release Date: July 2, 2019
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 himself. After her disappearance, he throws himself into the ongoing fight against the Canaanites instead of dwelling on all he has lost. But with impending war looming over Israel, Rivkah’s father comes to Malakhi with an impossible request.
As the enemies that Rivkah and Malakhi face from without and within Israel grow more threatening each day, is it too late for the restoration their wounded souls seek?
My Thoughts
With a nod to The Prodigal Son and Hosea and Gomer stories in the Bible, Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette packs a serious punch. This is a novel that I won’t soon forget. It is amazing, engaging, and so unputdownable that it took me only two sittings to read. I loved everything about this story — the adventurous plotline, the realistic and endearing characters, the setting, and the historical detail. It is very clear that Cossette conducted some serious and thorough research for this stellar story. My most favorite aspect of this novel is the timely messages weaved throughout the pages. Until the Mountains Fall made me look within and acknowledge some of my own personal issues. I love this novel for allowing me the opportunity to not just read a fabulous story, but to also partake in such a personal journey. Until the Mountains Fall is an absolute gem and my only regret is that it took me so long to get to this book. This is a must-read novel for sure!
One of the things that shocked me is how many Israelites turned from Yahweh and became complacent and self-righteous so soon after settling in the Promised Land. Many outrightly threw away God’s rules in regard to intermarriage, idolatry, religious rituals, and business practices. And, what may be worse, many outwardly looked like they were Yahwehists, but in reality, were as worldly as the Canaanite culture they inwardly subsumed. This is devastating. Many of these people were old enough to remember the Shekinah leading them by a cloud during the day and fire by night. Many saw the miracles done in the wilderness. They knew God’s goodness. And yet, the draw to the Canaanite lifestyle and religious practices, the debauchery and self-centeredness of worldly society, proved to be too strong for many Israelites to withstand. By the time of Until the Mountains Fall, the Israelites have created a new religion where some of the Torah has been smooshed into Canaanite beliefs. What struck me even more were the Levite priests and other Israelite leaders who just let it all happen. There is a moment where Malakhi reflects on the debasement of Edrei, an Israelite city, and he states, “Levites walked in the market with tzitzit at the corners of their garments discussing points of the Torah while passing stalls offering idols and amulets that broke those same laws.” In addition, a character named Baz comments, “The tribes are doing half the job and calling it obedience. Where is the outcry?” Both of these insights broke my heart. I imagine God in Heaven, His heart bleeding because after all He had done for His people, the truth was they just did not want Him in their lives.
I am reminded of Jesus talking to the Pharisees in Matthew 23. At one point, Jesus says, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness (27-28). This is exactly what Malakhi observed during his time in Edrei. The Levites in the market were so busy LOOKING like they were good Yahwehists discussing Torah, but they failed to DO what they should have done when they walked past stalls selling religious idols in Israel. Should they have shamed the merchants publically? No! But they should have done something to shut it down. They should have stood up for God. Outwardly, they looked good — knowledgeable Levites discussing God’s Law. But inwardly, they were as debased as the sellers of the idols. These Levites complacently walked by, did half the job as Baz states in the novel, and called themselves obedient because they weren’t selling or worshipping ugly things.
The Bible is all about hearing AND doing God’s Word. When Baz mentions that the tribes were doing half a job and calling it obedience, my heart stuttered in my chest. When I think about Jesus calling out the Pharisees’ and Scribes’ hypocrisy and lawlessness, I don’t think about the bad Pharisees and Scribes, I think about myself. Am I only doing half a job as the Levites Malakhi sees do in this novel and call it obedience? Or do I give God my all? Am I legit, or nothing more than a whitewashed sepulcher? I would love to say that I am wholeheartedly hearing and doing God’s Word every single day, but that would be an absolute lie. I daily make mistakes, and that is why I am SUPER grateful for God’s mercy and grace and love and forgiveness. I don’t want to be a whitewashed sepulcher. I don’t want to do half a job and call it obedience. I want to be the woman God desires me to be.
Until the Mountains Fall is an exquisite read. I know my review is long, but it doesn’t even cover 1/16th of what is contained in the pages of this magnificent story. Until the Mountains Fall is a novel that must be experienced. If you have not yet read this story, I implore you to purchase a copy today. You will NOT want to miss this journey.
I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on July 2, 2019, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
About the Book
Book: To Dwell among Cedars
Author: Connilyn Cossette
Series: The Covenant House #1
Release Date: December 1, 2020
Genre: Biblical Literature, Historical Fiction
Eight years ago, when the Philistines stole and then surrendered the ark of the covenant back to the Israelites, Eliora left her Philistine homeland to follow the ark to the community of Kiryat Yearim. There, the family she was adopted into has guarded the ark at the top of a mountain in seclusion.
Ronen is a Levite musician determined to secret away the ark to a more fitting resting place, watched over by priests who would restore the Holy of Holies. He never expected that the Philistine girl he rescued years ago would now be part of the very family he’s tasked to deceive.
As Ronen’s attempts to charm Eliora lead them in unexpected directions, betrayal leaves Eliora with strained family ties and Ronen questioning his own loyalties. Ultimately, Eliora and Ronen are caught up in the battle for the soul of Israel and its future under the leadership of Samuel, the last judge before the era of the kings begins.
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My Thoughts
To Dwell among Cedars by Connilyn Cossette is an exquisite read. This story took my breath away, had me in tears, and left me with a wonderful sense of hope and belonging. As with all Cossette novels, To Dwell among Cedars is masterful. The plot is highly engaging and captivating. I truly hated to put this book down. The historical and Biblical details are so well researched and so brilliantly illustrated that I felt transported to the time of the Judges. I could feel the debauchery and vileness of Ashdod. I could smell the verdant cedars of Kiryat Yearim. I could feel the terror as the Ark was mishandled by self-serving men. To Dwell among Cedars is a fully interactive read! In addition, the characters are simply wonderful. Eliora and Ronen are fully developed, realistic, and truly endearing. I will not forget these characters. Their struggles and frustrations and heartaches are so universal I felt I could easily relate to both. And, as if this isn’t enough, this story is replete with timely messages and themes that had me self-reflecting and crying out to Jesus. To Dwell among Cedars is the cathartic read I didn’t even know I needed!
I don’t understand what it means to be loved just cause. That absolutely doesn’t make any sense to me. I’m going to be 40 years old in just a few months and I STILL struggle with this concept. How is it possible that the Creator of EVERYTHING loves me just cause? I’m puny and insignificant and messy. I make mistakes — sometimes really big ones. I really struggle with anger. And I HATE stupid. BUT, I’m a great worker bee. I can clean anything. I can grade anything. I can blog with the best of them. My boss needs a volunteer for a conference — I’m there. My husband needs dinner now — I’ve got it. My daughter needs help with a project — it’s on. I will work until I basically pass out. And with all that work comes appreciation and love and acceptance, right? Nope. Most of the time, my works go unnoticed. And then my mistakes happen. And then I feel unlovable, unforgivable, unacceptable. Eliora is my fictional soul sister. I can’t tell you how many times I burst into tears while reading her story because what she does in this novel is what I do — try to earn love through works. You know what this gets people like me and Eliora? Exhaustion, soul weariness, utter frustration, and, if we are not careful, total hopelessness. For the first time in my life, through the reading of this novel, I think I finally understand what it means to be accepted by God, to be loved by Him. It turns out I don’t have to understand WHY God loves me, I just need to accept that He does. I am walking away from To Dwell among Cedars a little smarter and a lot stronger in my walk with Jesus.
If you can’t tell already, I highly recommend To Dwell among Cedars. This beautiful story is not one I will soon forget. If you love Biblical Literature, Historical Fiction, or just plain good stories, then this is definitely the book for you!
I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, via NetGalley in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Christian Fiction Girl 