Until the Mountains Fall - Cities of Refuge book 3 - Connilyn Cossette

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book

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 protections 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? (From author website)

My Thoughts

WOW! I thought I loved Connilyn's stories BEFORE this one...This story completely blew my heart right out of my chest. So much "real life" and so many circumstances that translate into our era...into our lives...that were so relatable. 

When Rivkah sets off from Kedesh, she leaves behind everyone and everything she has known her whole life. Journeying into the unknown to follow her own dreams for life. Refusing to have her life dictated. But the funny thing about trying to pave a path on our own...is that success is either non-existent or mediocre at best. Whereas if we had stayed on the path that God has laid in front of our feet...Then...success is inevitable.

Malakhi. With his brooding, bearded, features and the ability to care far deeper than anyone could have imagined, is a hero like no other. Grace, mercy, forgiveness, ooze from him like pure sweet honey. And boy is that man fierce! I definitely don't want to be on the wrong side of a sword from him.

Conilynn wraps this story in such a pretty telling (loosely) of the prodigal son. It is a reminder....there is ALWAYS forgiveness. There is ALWAYS redemption. And you will ALWAYS be a child of God. Highly recommend this one, especially if you like Biblical Fiction....Although Connilyn writes more "Historical Fiction" that is set during the Bible times.

I received a complimentary copy of Until the Mountains Fall from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

When she is not homeschooling her two sweet kids (with a full pot of coffee in 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 than digging into the rich ancient world of the Bible and uncovering buried gems of grace that point toward Jesus. Although a Pacific Northwest native, she now lives near Dallas, Texas.  

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More Books by Connilyn on Bookworm Mama

The Cities of Refuge Series

   

Out of Egypt Series

          

Shelter of the Most High - Cities of Refuge Book 2 - Connilyn Cossette

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book

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? (Bethany House)

My Thoughts

Connilyn Cossette continues to bring a refreshing voice to Biblical Fiction. Expanding the horizons and bringing us thrilling and captivating stories to satisfy this nerd girl's heart.

I absolutely love discovering what life was like in ancient times. Cossette brings the lives of these people and their cultures to life in ways that will astound you. Sofea grew up in an isolated culture. Throughout this story, she is on a journey to learn who this God of the Hebrews is. His gentleness, His kindness, His love for His children. Eitan is a swoony hero in all his long-haired, bearded manliness...A protector and a fighter. Don't you dare come between him and those he loves...You will regret it. I loved watching their romance unfold. With two cultures clashing, you can imagine that it wasn't all smooth. But the results were definitely worth it.

I highly recommend Connilynn's stories (yes, all of them). She opens the history books for us in a way that is unique and compelling. I can not get enough of her stories, and neither will you! 

I received a complimentary copy of Shelter of the Most High from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

When she is not homeschooling her two sweet kids (with a full pot of coffee in 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 than digging into the rich ancient world of the Bible and uncovering buried gems of grace that point toward Jesus. Although a Pacific Northwest native, she now lives near Dallas, Texas.  

Facebook // Instagram // Pinterest // Twitter // Website

Coming Soon!

July 2019

Goodreads

Also by Connilyn Cossette

          

A Light on the Hill - Connilyn Cossette

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

From the Back of 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. (Bethany House)

My Thoughts

Connilyn Cossette has officially earned her spot as my favorite Biblical Fiction Author. The creativity in which she approaches the era, the people, and the culture of the Hebrews astounds me. She accomplishes so much while staying as true to history and the Bible as possible (obviously there are some creative strokes because this IS fiction). 

Moriyah and Darek have been thrown into a circumstance that takes their lives in a direction they never thought possible. Running for her life, Moriyah must face the consequences of her actions, even if accidental. Meanwhile, Darek wrestles with his loyalty to his family and his growing attraction to the woman who is responsible for bringing so much heartache to those he loves.

Throughout these pages, we continually see the grace and love of Yahweh expressed for His people. Mrs. Cossette was brilliant in her execution of this story. There is always another level of history, of scripture, to discover, and I felt like she brought this aspect of the Mosaic Law closer to the surface of understanding. 

If you have never read Biblical Fiction before, you should definitely give Mrs. Cossette's books a try. If you love history in any aspect (especially Biblical) I encourage you to read A Light on the Hill. Your eyes will be opened and your heart touched to the core by this beautiful story of love, danger, faith, and healing.

I received a complimentary copy of A Light on the Hill from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

When she is not homeschooling her two sweet kids (with a full pot of coffee in 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 than digging into the rich ancient world of the Bible and uncovering buried gems of grace that point toward Jesus. Although a Pacific Northwest native, she now lives near Dallas, Texas.  

Facebook // Instagram // Pinterest // Twitter // Website

Coming Soon!

October 2018

Bethany House

Also by Connilyn Cossette

          

Many thanks to Canva for providing an AMAZING program for me to design all these beautiful graphics. Book covers, publisher/tour logos, and author pictures not owned by me. All other graphics created by Bookworm Mama with public domain photos on Canva. (Book descriptions taken from author webpage, Amazon, or Goodreads.)

Wings of the Wind - Out From Egypt Book 3 - Connilyn Cossette

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book

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? (Amazon)

My Thoughts

If you have never had a "Book Hangover" before...You will know what one is after reading Wings of the Wind. The long and short of it is...That feeling like you can't go on with life as it was prior to the book you just finished. You must take days to process. You find it beyond difficult to pick up a new book because you have melted into the fictional world and family of these characters, and you can't leave them behind. I also nearly finished this book in ONE SITTING!!! I don't do that very often. But I literally had to convince myself I needed to sleep last night. (Sleep is overrated right? 😉) And on THAT note...so begins my "official" review:

Connilyn Cossette has a true gift, weaving the history and truth of the Bible with imagination. Enhancing the stories to the point that I feel like I can TASTE the manna, I can SEE the cloud, I can HEAR the shofar blow, and I can FEEL the agony of the Canaanites. A people who have been led to live life a certain way, and they know nothing else.

Allanah and Tobiah have found a place in my heart. A "Culture Clash" of massive proportions and a romance that is so sweet and tender. A Canaanite by birth, will Allanah be able to open her heart to the people who have embraced her as their own? Tobiah is full of compassion and love for his family, but when his path leads him to Allanah, his life ends up going in a direction he didn't expect.

Although Allanah and Tobiah are fictional, there are plenty of REAL people, places, and events in this story. And the truth of God's love, forgiveness, salvation, is very real. There are many challenging issues that come up, but you know what? They really happened, and are still happening today. We can not just brush these uncomfortable things under the rug. I commend Connilyn for bringing these issues to light in a heart wrenching yet very real way.

From beginning to end, Wings of the Wind had me utterly captivated. It is a rare thing for me to read a book this fast. And if it wasn't for sleep and feeding my family, I would have completed this in one sitting. Now I can't wait to go back and read the first two books in the series. I think it is safe to say that all of Connilyn's books, both past and future, will make it to my reading list. Brava Connilyn! I am officially hooked!

I received a complimentary copy of Wings of the Wind from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

When she is not homeschooling her two sweet kids (with a full pot of coffee in 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 than digging into the rich ancient world of the Bible and uncovering buried gems of grace that point toward Jesus. Although a Pacific Northwest native, she now lives near Dallas, Texas.  

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Also by Connilyn...
I have not read these ones yet, but you can be sure any and all of Connilyn's past and future books will be on my TBR! Click on the covers to learn more!

     

Many thanks to Canva for providing an AMAZING program for me to design all these beautiful graphics. Book covers, publisher/tour logos, and author pictures not owned by me. All other graphics created by Bookworm Mama with public domain photos on Canva. (Book descriptions taken from author webpage, Amazon, or Goodreads.)

First Line Fridays - Wings of the Wind

Happy Friday!!!

I hope this Friday finds you well! We are hoping to finish our cabinets this weekend. Yes...they are still not completed! But we are almost there. Today's line comes from Wings of the Wind by Connilyn Cossette. This is book #3 in the series Out From Egypt. I can't wait to dive into it this weekend!

14 Nissan

1407 BC

Negev Desert

Forging through the teeming mass of Canaanite soldiers in this vast army camp, 

I'd never felt more alone.

Now it's your turn! Post your first line below and blog hop and join in more First Line fun!

A Baker's Perspective // All the Book Blog Names are Taken // Bibliophile Reviews //

C Jane Read // Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen // Faithfully Bookish // 

Fiction Aficionado // Joy of Reading // Kathleen Denly // Lauraine's Notes //  
Molly's Cafinated-Reads // Moments Dipped in Ink // Radiant Light // 
Reading is my SuperPower // Robin's Nest // Singing Librarian // With a Joyful Noise

If you would like to host First Line Fridays on your blog, contact Carrie on Reading is my SuperPower.