Review + Tour GIVEAWAY: Shelter of the Most High by Connilyn Cossette

About the Book

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?

Click here to purchase your copy!

My Thoughts

Shelter of the Most High by Connilyn Cossette is a novel not to be missed. It’s difficult for my words to adequately reflect the magnificence of this story, and a 5-star rating falls far short. I found it entertaining, informative, and uplifting. It stands tall in the biblical fiction genre, but reads purely as exquisite historical fiction also.

When a writer describes a setting or scene, I usually feel one of two ways – either standing at the edge, looking on to what is happening, or being drawn in, practically breathing the same air as the characters. I can’t explain how Cossette does it, but the second effect is what I felt on every page. Everything from Sicily to Kedesh of 1388 BC is vivid, and I have a much greater understanding of the depth of meaning in the term refuge.

Characters are so very rich and complex …

     … the relationship between Sofea and Eitan: “I’d vowed from the beginning that I wanted nothing of Eitan’s interest, but at this moment I wanted nothing more than to live at the center of it.”

     … Moriyah, a devout woman who felt that Sofea and Prezi had been brought to their family in order to heal

     … the strained relationship between Eitan and his stepfather, Darek

     … Prezi, Sofea’s cousin, once a follower who now found her voice: “Given the choice between the gods our people venerated on that hill and the God who offers shelter for even the most undeserving, I know whom I choose.”

But what touched me the most was seeing Yahweh through the eyes of Sofea and Prezi, with their heritage of pagan gods and evil worship practices. I’ve always loved the revelation of God’s character that the Old Testament gives us, and Cossette’s narrative makes it fresh and new all over again. Yahweh, the God of refuge, shelter, protection … the God who values all life.

It’s hard to put this book down at any point, especially when the danger and action picks up in the second half, but Cossette still gives readers time to breathe. Shelter of the Most High is a story that lives on long after the last page is turned.

Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

About the Author

Connilyn Cossette is the CBA bestselling author of the Out From Egypt series. Her debut novel, Counted with the Stars, was a finalist for the Christy Award, the INSPY Award, and the Christian Retailing’s Best Award. 

She lives in North Carolina with her husband of twenty years and a son and a daughter who fill her days with joy, inspiration, and laughter. Connect with her at www.ConnilynCossette.com.

Guest Post from Connilyn

Shelter of the Most High, the second book in my Cities of Refuge Series, will be the first I’ve written to have been influenced by my trip to Israel last year. When I started writing Biblical fiction almost nine years ago, I was limited to exploring the Land of Promise via Google Earth, books, and through a plethora of photos on the good ol’ world wide web, but of course nothing can compare to actually experiencing the atmosphere and scenery for yourself. 

So although I’d already written Shelter of the Most High by the time I hopped on a plane to join fellow author Cliff Graham’s GoodBattle Tour, once I returned my editing was filtered through the sights and sounds I’d witnessed for myself. It had been a life-long dream to go to Israel and it did not disappoint, in fact it just went way too fast! 

One of my greatest fears was that I would see the places I’d written about in my books and realize I totally messed up my descriptions, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that for the most part I’d been fairly accurate (although I did tweak a few things here and there). 

Standing on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee I was able to envision Eitan, our hero in Shelter of the Most High, sitting on one of the black boulders there, defeated and weary as he searched for his love. I was able to look toward the snowy peaks of Mount Hermon in the north and over the fertile Hula Valley just below the ancient ruins of Kedesh, the city of refuge, and consider how Sofea must have felt as she experienced the landscape of her new home for the first time, both the fear and the awe. 

One of my favorite sites was Tel Dan and although it does not feature in Shelter of the Most High it’s lush greenness and dense forest gave me a better sense of what Israel must have been in the past before deforestation, war, and shifts in climate have done to the fertile land God himself called a land of milk and honey. Since I was so affected by Tel Dan (or Laish in ancient times) that city will be one of the settings in my upcoming third installment of the Cities of Refuge Series, Until the Mountains Fall. 

Being a super visual person who is highly sensitive to sensory input, I took great pleasure in absorbing with all my senses as we walked paths, climbed mountains (yes, mountains), slogged through a long, cold, and wet tunnel deep beneath Jerusalem, hiked up to the secret oasis of Ein Gedi where David hid from Saul, and rocked along on a boat over the glassy surface of the Galilee. I felt like a sponge just soaking up every little detail and every grand vista. 

Smelling the salty breeze off the Mediterranean and hearing the waves crash against the sandy beach in Tel Aviv and Caesarea Phillipi made me imagine our heroine Sofea looking over that enormous, blue expanse and wondering what sort of god had control of such a powerful thing. 

Feeling the timeworn cobblestones beneath my feet gave me a sense of what it must have been like for Eitan and Sofea to walk through the streets of Kedesh, their own sandals scuffing against the rough-hewn stone as they went about their daily activities. 

Running my fingers along the pitted surfaces of ancient buildings and tracing the chisel marks from craftsmen of the Bronze Age wrapped me in a whirl of imagination about who the people were that hefted those same rocks into place and the ingenuity it took to create structures that have lasted so long. 

Tasting the unique spices and flavors of the Middle East gave me a sense of the passion Moryiah (our hero’s mother) has for creating delicious new dishes to feed her growing family and the guests at her inn. 

Although I write fiction, my stories are woven into Biblical accounts so going to Israel was a perfect reminder for me that the people that lived between the pages of Genesis to Revelations were real. They breathed, they cried, they loved, they mourned, they suffered, and they celebrated with their families. I am so grateful to have gleaned some great new insight into the Land and its resilient, vibrant people and hope that through Shelter of the Most High readers get a small sense of the beauty and wonder I experienced there. I cannot wait to go back!

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Connilyn is giving away ...

-- Grand Prize: All five of Conni’s novels, including Shelter of the Most High, plus AHAVA Dead Sea Bath Salts

-- Three other winners will receive a copy of Shelter of the Most High!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the image above or the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/d66d/shelter-of-the-most-high-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

A Baker’s Perspective, November 20

The Power of Words, November 20

Among the Reads, November 21

Gensis 5020, November 21

God’s Little Bookworm, November 22

Book by Book, November 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 22

Remembrancy, November 23

Real World Bible Study, November 23

Inklings and notions, November 23

The Becca Files, November 24

Baker Kella, November 24

Bibliophile Reviews, November 25

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 25

By The Book, November 26

Reading Is My SuperPower, November 26

Aryn The Libraryan, November 27

All-of-a-kind Mom, November 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 27

Abbas Prayer Warrior Princess, November 28

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, November 28

Simple Harvest Reads, November 29 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

For the Love of Literature, November 29

Janices book reviews, November 29

The Lit Addict, November 30

Texas Book-aholic, November 30

Just the Write Escape, December 1

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 1

Connect in Fiction, December 2

The Christian Fiction Girl, December 2

Bigreadersite, December 2

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 3

Purposeful Learning, December 3

Carpe Diem, December 3

Review: The Dog Who Was There

The Dog Who Was There
By Ron Marasco
Thomas Nelson, 2017


Summary

No one expected Barley to have an encounter with the Messiah.

He was homeless, hungry, and struggling to survive in first century Jerusalem. Most surprisingly, he was a dog. But through Barley's eyes, the story of a teacher from Galilee comes alive in a way we've never experienced before.

Barley's story begins in the home of a compassionate woodcarver and his wife who find Barley as an abandoned, nearly-drowned pup. Tales of a special teacher from Galilee are reaching their tiny village, but when life suddenly changes again for Barley, he carries the lessons of forgiveness and love out of the woodcarver's home and through the dangerous roads of Roman-occupied Judea.

On the outskirts of Jerusalem, Barley meets a homeless man and petty criminal named Samid. Together, Barley and his unlikely new master experience fresh struggles and new revelations. Soon Barley is swept up into the current of history, culminating in an unforgettable encounter with the truest master of all as he bears witness to the greatest story ever told.

Learn more and purchase a copy.


My thoughts

I can honestly say that I’ve never read a book quite like Ron Marasco’s The Dog Who Was There and I enjoyed it very much. This is the second story written from a dog’s perspective that I’ve read recently – and while the previous one didn’t grab my attention, this one is excellent. The story thoroughly entertains as a dog adventure, while touching me emotionally through its insight and complexity.

The Dog Who Was There is a combination of dog adventure and biblical fiction. The narrative is simple and straightforward, yet this is not a book for young children because of a reality befitting the times that is portrayed. There’s warmth and affection, but also grittiness, pain and loss.

The author did a great job conveying a feel for Jerusalem, its people, and the tyranny of Roman rule. I may be a cat person, but I fell in love with the precious Barley. It was easy to connect with this little guy because he only wanted the things that we all seek – love, acceptance, and security – and we’re reminded through Barley’s adventures that those things can come in totally unexpected ways.

The effect of experiencing the last week of Jesus’ life through Barley’s thoughts is memorable. I loved his intuitiveness when it came to people, especially his instinct about the Kind Man (Jesus). On a spiritual level, this story is about the effect of Jesus’ teachings on people from various walks of life, with forgiveness being a major theme. It’s hard to express how moving the crucifixion events are as witnessed through Barley’s eyes and ears. Maybe it’s simply the beauty and freshness of this unique approach.

Heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time, The Dog Who Was There is full of hope and redemption – and there’s a fantastically happy twist at the end that I never saw coming.

Recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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Ron Marasco is a professor in the College of Communication and Fine Arts at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. His first book, "Notes to an Actor," was named by the American Library Association an Outstanding Book of 2008. His second book, "About Grief," has been translated into multiple languages, and he is currently completing a book on Shakespeare's sonnets.

He has acted extensively on TV-from "Lost" to "West Wing" to "Entourage" to originating the role of Mr. Casper on "Freaks and Geeks"-and appeared opposite screen legend Kirk Douglas in the movie "Illusion," for which he also wrote the screenplay. Most recently, he has played the recurring role of Judge Grove on "Major Crimes." He has a BA from Fordham at Lincoln Center and an MA and Ph. D. from UCLA.

Find out more about Ron at http://www.thomasnelson.com/the-dog-who-was-there.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/rmarasco

Review (+ Tour Giveaway): Mary, Chosen of God

Mary, Chosen of God
By Diana Wallis Taylor
Whitaker House, 2016


Summary

“Blessed are you, Mary, chosen of God.”

Mary is ordinary girl from Nazareth. She helps her mother with household chores, she daydreams about a handsome carpenter’s son named Joseph, and at night she lies on the roof and contemplates the stars.

But one evening, a heavenly visitor comes with unexpected news—and her life is changed forever.

Experience the life of the Messiah from the perspective of his mother, who must place her trust and obedience in Adonai, the Most High, as he fulfills centuries of prophecy in the middle of her daily life. Walk with Mary as she witnesses Yeshua grow, mature, minister, and even be crucified—and then raised again, to the kindling of her new faith.

To purchase your own copy, click here.


My thoughts

In Mary, Chosen of God, Diana Wallis Taylor takes us from Mary and Joseph’s courtship days through Pentecost, breathing life into a familiar and beloved story. This is really a factual account that conveys the humanity of Mary, and I found the narrative informative and very touching in several places. It’s not a fast-paced or deep read, but one that made me think.

I especially enjoyed the historical detail as Diana writes about the Jewish culture and lifestyle – festivals, traditions, travel, food, etc. Her writing is easy to follow and pulls you into the setting. I also found the Scriptural accuracy impressive … that rather than being a prostitute, Mary Magdalene was a woman who had been freed from seven demons; the believers on Pentecost speaking in actual languages foreign to them; James, the brother of Jesus, becoming a believer and church leader; and the apostles baptizing new followers in the cleansing pools of Jerusalem.

But the focus is on Mary, and I’ve got to say that I love the cover. It reflects Mary’s vulnerability and I can’t get it out of my mind. The narrative made me realize again how simple, yet strong, Mary’s faith was … her familiarity and intimacy with God, reflected in the salutation of her prayers, Oh God Who Sees Me … her knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures, leading to a trust in God’s plan and protection … the importance she placed on obedience. Oh, to be more like Mary!

It was interesting to follow Mary’s thoughts over the years as the full meaning of the angel’s announcement became clear, beginning with the old man’s words in the Temple: “You will feel the pain of a sword thrust through you…”

I enjoyed Mary, Chosen of God overall and am glad I had the opportunity to read it. Recommended.

I received this book free of charge from Celebrate Lit.

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Diana Wallis Taylor has written eight biblical novels, including Mary, Chosen of God, Martha, Journey to the Well, Mary Magdalene, Claudia, Wife of Pontius Pilate, and Ruth, Mother of Kings. Well-known in the Christian book industry for her biblical fiction, her most recent five books have received over 3,000 ratings on Goodreads.

Taylor is a former San Diego Christian Writer’s Guild’s “Writer of the Year” and her biblical novels have earned her a variety of awards. Diana lives in San Diego with her husband, Frank. They have six grown children and ten grandchildren.

Website │ Facebook │ Twitter

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GIVEAWAY

To celebrate her tour, Diana is giving away a gift basket that includes Mary, Ruth, Whitaker House’s study Bible, and The Lord is my Shepherd candle from Abba Anointing Oil!

Review: Until My Name Is Known

Until My Name Is Known
By Sonya Contreras
Tell of My Kingdon's Glory, #1
Bull Head Press, 2015


Summary

The Exodus of the Jews from Egypt is a love story between God and His people. God woos His people to Himself as He prepares them to leave. Before leaving, God must fight Pharaoh for possession of His people. See how God changes all people: some for the better, others not. None stay the same. How will He change you? Can you trust a God Who destroyed a nation before your eyes? Would you want Him as your Friend?

See God free His people from Egypt's bonds before a watching world. Trace His Finger in the lives He touches. The time: 2450 BC. The Place: Old Kingdom of Egypt where Pharaoh is god. His people worship him. Israel's God arrives. He challenges Pharaoh. His power touches all people. They must change. Some do not concede. They suffer. Others yield. They find freedom.

Until My Name Is Known brings all to see the one true God. Read it to see Him. Today's historians and archaeologists puzzle over the fall of the Old Kingdom of Egypt, But the world at that time heard of God. The world knew that He is the Lord. His Name was proclaimed in all the earth.


My thoughts

Until My Name Is Known is a work of biblical fiction, spanning the time from the call of Moses at the burning bush to when the Israelites stand on the other side of the Red Sea. Sonya is passionate about retelling the Exodus story in a fresh way, through a variety of Egyptian and Hebrew characters, and showing God's faithfulness throughout. While it didn't quite pull me in as a work of fiction, there were parts that I did enjoy.

Sonya gives much attention to historical detail and the archeological influence adds a fresh touch. It was interesting to think what it might have been like to be the wife or mother of a firstborn son. Zipporah gives voice to man's questioning of God as she struggles with a God who would require such a mission from her husband.  And then there's the age-old problem of pain and suffering, reflected in Aaron's question, "Will anyone seek God, if he doesn't know he needs God?"

One reminder of God's faithfulness is something that I haven't often thought about, and that's the carrying of Joseph's bones out of Egypt. "God heard the desire of a man and granted it four hundred and twenty years later. "

Several themes are woven through the framework of this book - that there is but one true God and He is more powerful than any god of man, the need to totally trust God - but the overarching theme is God's constant faithfulness. I need and welcome constant reminders of these aspects of God's nature.

The series continues with book #2, I Have Called You by Name. I believe that fans of biblical fiction rich in historical and archaeological detail would enjoy this book.

Litfuse landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/scontreras

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Growing up with five sisters, Sonya Contreras asked God many questions, even when she did not like His answers. Graduating from Cedarville University and Institute for Creation Research with a Masters Degree in Science Education did not stop her questions. Marrying her best friend and homeschooling their eight sons, she found that dreams do come true, in spite of unanswered questions.

Find Sonya online at sonyacontreras.com and Twitter.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Review: The Crimson Cord

The Crimson Cord
By Jill Eileen Smith
Daughters of the Promised Land, #1
Revell, 2015


Summary

Wife to a gambler who took one too many risks, Rahab finds herself sold as a slave to cover her husband's debt. Forced into prostitution, she despairs of ever regaining her freedom and her self-respect. But when Israelite spies enter Jericho and come to lodge at her house, Rahab sees a glimmer of hope and the opportunity of a lifetime.

In one risky moment, she takes a leap of faith, puts her trust in a God she does not know, and vows to protect the spies from the authorities. When the armies of Israel arrive weeks later, Rahab hopes they will keep their promise, but she has no idea what kind of challenges await her outside Jericho's walls--or if she will ever know the meaning of love.

Under Jill Eileen Smith's talented hand, the familiar story of Rahab bursts forth in high definition. Immerse yourself in a world of dark and dusty streets, clandestine meetings, and daring escapes as a mysterious biblical figure claims her full humanity--and a permanent place in your heart.


My thoughts

There's just something special about the writing of Jill Eileen Smith. Other than popular biblical fiction writers of the past that I loved - Lloyd C. Douglas and Taylor Caldwell, for example - I haven't enjoyed much in this genre today until I tried Jill's books. She writes in an authentic and charming way that holds true to the biblical account while fleshing out the "what might have happened" areas in a moving way. Even readers who don't particularly like biblical fiction would enjoy the historical aspect of Jill's writing.

Although not a lot is revealed about Rahab in the Scriptures, almost everyone knows of how a prostitute saved Israel's two spies, resulting in the later saving of her family as the walls of Jericho crashed around her. Through what must be tons of research and her knowledge of this culture, especially of the way women were treated, Jill put forth an interesting and plausible way in which Rahab could have become a prostitute and how, rather than enjoying the lifestyle, she only accepted it as a way of survival for herself and her family.

Time is given to both Rahab's background and life leading up to the visit of the spies, as well as to her new life with the Israelites. Secondary characters are easy to relate to and I especially enjoyed Tendaji, Salmon, Joshua and his wife, Eliana. We also see the sharp contrast between Israel and the pagan Canaanites, the strict obedience God demanded, and the way Rahab struggled with God's punishment brought on Achan and his household . . . "Why would God save a foreigner and let His own die?"

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"A God who can topple Jerocho's walls

can also offer forgiveness."

- Salmon to Rahab

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I found the second half very moving, as Rahab lives with the Israelites under Joshua's protection and begins to learn the ways of God. For me, as Rahab comes to understand and accept the concepts of grace, mercy, and sacrifice of innocence for guilt, it was like seeing all this anew, with fresh eyes - sin that required the sacrifice of innocent blood, tempered with God's mercy and grace. One of the most moving scenes was when Salmon sacrificed a lamb on their behalf.

The most beautiful thing about The Crimson Cord is the symbolism of scarlet/crimson and how, from the scarlet cord used to save the spies and later Rahab's family, to the blood of a sacrificial lamb, everything points to Christ's ultimate sacrifice. And what a compelling message for us today - that God is in the business of redeeming, even those thought most unredeemable.

I highly recommend The Crimson Cord to all readers. Jill has also done a great job in creating a Pinterest board that gives a wonderful sense of character and setting for this story, so be sure to check it out by clicking "See on Pinterest" below.

Follow Jill Eileen Smith's board The Crimson Cord on Pinterest.

Jill Eileen Smith

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling author of the Wives of King David series, the Wives of the Patriarchs series, and The Desert Princess, first in the Loves of King Solomon series. Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.

Connect with Jill online at jilleileensmith.com, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

The Crimson Cord can be purchased online at CBD, DeeperShopping, Amazon, and B&N.

Thank you to Jill Eileen Smith and Revell Publishing for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.