"How could I do anything but trust an Almighty God who somehow seemed to care for even a branded, convicted manslayer like me?" (312)
Title: A Light on the HillSeries: Cities of Refuge, Book 1
Author: Connilyn Cossette
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: February 6, 2018
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.
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
Fascinating doesn't even seem to cut it for Connilyn Cossette's A Light on the Hill, the first of her new series, Cities of Refuge. The emotions this reader felt for Moriyah's journey was all over the place. Filled with anxiety for her trials, love for her tenacity, admiration for kindness and yes, even wonder sometimes for her faith. Wow. Pass on the tissues, a cozy blanket and a hug-able cushion, I can read Connilyn Cossette's stories anyday, anywhere.
I love how like the author's debut series, Out of Egypt, A Light on the Hill is not a retelling, but rather a new conceptual story based in a biblical setting. Through her stories, you can tell the author did a lot of research and created an interesting way for readers to understand the time and culture. A Light on the Hill didn't dwell on the setting, but the setting itself did tend to jump out and stand on its own. I love the story of faith despite circumstances and tribulation that tests it. I love the strength and development we see in each of the main and minor characters. I love the slow burn of a romance that had me waiting, swooning, hoping and wanting to see to its conclusion.
I love how like the author's debut series, Out of Egypt, A Light on the Hill is not a retelling, but rather a new conceptual story based in a biblical setting. Through her stories, you can tell the author did a lot of research and created an interesting way for readers to understand the time and culture. A Light on the Hill didn't dwell on the setting, but the setting itself did tend to jump out and stand on its own. I love the story of faith despite circumstances and tribulation that tests it. I love the strength and development we see in each of the main and minor characters. I love the slow burn of a romance that had me waiting, swooning, hoping and wanting to see to its conclusion.
". . .the man reminded me all the best of my father and my older brother mixed together - an honorable warrior who could protect me and a natural kindness that gave me hope that he someday see me, and not my scar." (55)
If there was one thing that I had to say captured me and compelled me to move forward page after page was our main character Moriyah. I guess it makes sense given the fact that she is the featured character in A Light on the Hill. I love the quote about seeing her for her and not the scar that so many defined her with. I can relate on that note and it just gives a personal connection that stayed with me. Plus, her personality and desire to thrive despite her experience radiated a light of hope through the pages. Faith is easily said, but not always easily obtained. Yet, there's encouragement of it that isn't forceful but shown. In all, A Light on the Hill carries its own beacon of directional light shining straight to the Bible and our Lord.
"If there's something I've learned in my life, it's that one can either endure hardship or thrive within it. . .I think. . .you will find that there is purpose in all of this, that somehow the ashes of all this present grief will become fertile soil for something you cannot yet fathom." (67)
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Connilyn Cossette is the CBA Best-Selling author of the Out from Egypt Series. When she is not homeschooling her two sweet kids (with a full pot of coffee at hand), she is scribbling notes on spare paper, mumbling about her imaginary friends, and reading obscure out-of-print history books. There’s not much she likes better than digging into the rich ancient world of the Bible, uncovering buried gems of grace that point toward Jesus, and weaving them into fiction. Although a Pacific Northwest native, she now lives in a little town near Dallas, Texas. Connect with her at www.connilyncossette.com.
Connilyn Cossette is the CBA Best-Selling author of the Out from Egypt Series. When she is not homeschooling her two sweet kids (with a full pot of coffee at hand), she is scribbling notes on spare paper, mumbling about her imaginary friends, and reading obscure out-of-print history books. There’s not much she likes better than digging into the rich ancient world of the Bible, uncovering buried gems of grace that point toward Jesus, and weaving them into fiction. Although a Pacific Northwest native, she now lives in a little town near Dallas, Texas. Connect with her at www.connilyncossette.com.
CONNECT WITH CONNI: website, facebook, twitter, instagram
If you haven't already, check out Connilyn's Guest Post on her visit to Israel!
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What a wonderful story, wrapped all around in biblical history and stirring characters1
ReplyDeleteMost definitely Rebecca!
DeleteNice review! I won this a few weeks ago and I am looking forward to reading it soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lovely review, Annie. I haven't read a lot of Biblical fiction, but I've read this book and it's riveting. So good!
ReplyDelete