Connilyn Cossette: Between the Wild Branches

 By Kelly Bridgewater

 Ten years ago Lukio fled Kiryat-Yearim, where he'd been adopted by the Levite family who guarded the Ark of the Covenant. Feeling betrayed by everyone, he returned to his birthplace in Philistia to become a famous fighter. Now the champion of Ashdod, Lukio has achieved every goal with the help of his ruthless cousin. But just as he is set to claim the biggest prize of all, the daughter of the king, his past collides with his present in the form of Shoshana.

After a heartbreaking end to her secret friendship with Lukio, Shoshana thought to never see the boy with the dual-colored eyes and the troubled soul again. But when she is captured in a Philistine raid and enslaved in Ashdod, she is surprised to find that the brutal fighter known as Demon-Eyes is Lukio himself. 

With explosive secrets and unbreakable vows standing between them, finding a way to freedom for both may cost them everything.

 

My Thoughts:

Between the Wild Branches by Connilyn Cossette is a Biblical story that dives into another Moses type storyline. What I mean by that is that the plot features a character that moved up into the realm of the non-Hebrews, gains wealth, and then observes the mistreatment of the Hebrews and tries to save as many as he can. While the plot does feature a dynamic romantic storyline, it was not painful to observe. The characters were separated because of their place in society. The hero is a fighter who has massed tons of wealth from his ability to fight; whereas, the heroine is a slave in the king's household. The plot is interesting, but at times, it does drag to me. One of my favorite things of a Cossette novel is her research. She brings a tiny aspect of the Bible to life for me. I always feel like I am there, watching these things occur. I can't imagine having that ability. She is a wonderful storyteller who captures my attention. Overall, Between the Wild Branches by Connilyn Cossette captures the imagination and allows readers to learn more about the Bible world and brings it to life for the readers.

I received a complimentary copy of Between the Wild Branches by Connilyn Cossette, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Connilyn Cossette: To Dwell Among Cedars

 By Kelly Bridgewater

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 return the ark to Shiloh, where his tribe believes it belongs. 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.

 

My Thoughts:

I can't imagine having to do all the research to craft a Biblical fiction novel. I don't read a lot in this genre because a lot of the stories are dry and really don't capture my attention. But I always make an exception after reading my first Connilyn Cossette novel. She does a wonderful way at crafting unique and memorable characters. I love how she takes a story or an element of the Biblical narrative and transforms it into a lively story. A story that takes me back to Biblical times. A story that comes to life on the pages. A story that makes me want to dive into the Bible more and read more about the story she has expended on. I know Cossette takes liberty with the line because it is Historical fiction, not a new discovery on the topic. With her newest story To Dwell Among Cedars, I love how Cossette took the idea of the Ark of the Covenant and made it come to life before my very eyes. A delightful story. I really had a hard time putting it down. The romance was nice and slow. I loved seeing how she didn't toss out the emotions so quickly. I loved how she allowed it to grow naturally. Overall, Cossette is a wonderful crafter of the Biblical fiction. I have enjoyed all her stories and can't wait to read what she crafts  next.

I received a complimentary copy of To Dwell Among Cedars by Connilyn Cossette from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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