Review of Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette

About the Book ~

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 Liyan 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?

For more information about Connilyn Cossette and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette is a wholly, completely, and inexpressibly satisfying conclusion to an equally satisfying series! Oh, how I adored this story!

One of my favorite parts of Like Flames in the Night is the way it continues Moriyah's story and her legacy in a way I didn't know I needed until I started reading Tirzah and Liyam's story! Moriyah (Tirzah's mother) was first introduced to readers in Wings of the Wind, and the continuation of this connection from Wings of the Wind and Moriyah's story in A Light on the Hill in Tirzah's story in Like Flames in the Night is so skillful and beautiful! Additionally, Tirzah becomes a spy like her father and brothers! And goodness, this was epic! Like Flames in the Night is an empowering story on every level, but perhaps my favorite part of this story is how Like Flames in the Night will empower women in such a Godly way!

The author has the ability to bring the Bible to life in a unique way, and Tirzah and Liyam's undercover efforts to stir the hearts of their people can't help but have the same effect on their readers! In the midst of a era and conflict I could almost see when I opened my eyes, my heart connected to the characters in a profound way. From Tirzah's need to prove herself worthy and finally finding rest in God's promises to Liyam's heart wrenching journey and acceptance of both justice and mercy, my heart was wrecked and rebuilt in the best possible way!

Five Stars ~ Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette is -- simply put -- amazing! While you can certainly read Like Flames in the Night with little to zero confusion, this is the fourth book in the Cities of Refuge Series. The historical and family dynamics will be clearer and sooo much more fulfilling if you read the previous books in the Cities of Refuge Series and Wings of the Wind from the author's Out from Egypt Series.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

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Review of A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette

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.

For more information about Connilyn Cossette and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~ 
 
I just...I can't...I can't even BEGIN to tell you how much I absolutely, utterly, completely ADORED A Light on the Hill! Prepare for a gushfest!
 
A Light on the Hill tells Moriyah's journey after the events of Wings of the Wind, the third book in the Out From Egypt Series. I squealed, shrieked, and did a little dance when I found out Moriyah was going to have her own story! Seriously. No shame. Her story could just not be over, and now, after finally getting the rest of her story, I'm having a hard time accepting it because I want more!

*silently screams*

*regains composure*

Anyways, the twists and turns (no spoilers here!) of this girl-on-the-run story will have the pages flying by you faster than you can drink your coffee. A Light on the Hill is told entirely from Moriyah's perspective, and my heart just wants to hug her. Many a heart will relate to her struggles with being in a prison of her own making, only to find spiritual freedom in what so many consider a physical prison. Your soul will rejoice as Moryiah looks past the mark on her face, finally seeing the woman God sees.

AND THE ROMANCE! OH. MY! *SWOONS* And yes, it was necessary to capitalize all that. The romance was one of the most beautiful, breathtaking, swoony romances that I've ever read! And I know romance, my friends. <3

One of the unique aspects of Connilyn Cossette's Biblical Fiction stories is that they are not retellings (which I also love!), but they are stories with relatable characters set in Bible days. The author does a lot of research so that her stories are Biblically accurate and true to the culture. In her Author's Note, she shares some of her research and places where she may have had to take artistic license.
 
Five Stars ~ A stunning start to what I'm sure will be a stunning series! A Light on the Hill is the first book in Connilyn Cossette's new Cities of Refuge Series! Waiting for the next book, Shelter of the Most High, is going to be very hard! *impatient squealing* If you are new to Connilyn Cossette's novels, then you can/should check out my review for Shadow of the Storm, the second book in her Out From Egypt Series. While A Light on the Hill builds on what happened in the third book, Wings of the Wind, it is not necessary to read the Out From Egypt Series first. I think it's more fun if you do, but to each their own... ;-) 

I received a copy of A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette from Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.