Hey Gems!!! Today I have an excited review for a new release...
Firstly, happy release day to Connilyn Cossette for her newest book!!! I have been excited about this book since the release of her last book, Like Flames in the Night.
Secondly, a huge thank you to Connilyn and Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to be on the launch team, read an eARC (electronic advanced readers copy aka unfinished proof) and giving me a physical copy. I am truly grateful for the chance!
Keep reading to see my thoughts!!
Author: Connilyn Cossette
Series: The Covenant House #1
Age: Adult
Genres: Biblical fiction, Christian fiction, Historical fiction
Publication Date: December 1, 2020
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Source: eARC
Purchase: Paperback | Kindle | Hardcover | Christian Book
Synopsis:
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 secret away the ark to a more fitting resting place, watched over by priests who would restore the Holy of Holies. 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.
This was such a beautiful read for me. I truly enjoyed the history and atmosphere within this book. I felt like I was there at the beginning of Samuel's time. The writing was flawless. Each character was so unique to the other which I truly enjoyed.
Eliora is such a sweet girl who stills struggled with the understanding of being in a family and not having to work for love and support. I adored her shyness. I loved the faith she had even though she was originally a Philistine. She was such a joy to read!
Lukio is the younger brother of Eliora and he frustrated me the whole book. However, he is such a broken child with abandonment issues. My heart ached for him and seeing him battle with happiness was hard. I still have high hopes for him.
Ronen is such a sweet guy caught up with a twisted family. I liked him a lot. I liked seeing his struggle with faith and believing God's power after dealing with a loss. I think he learned some valuable lessons and grew from the beginning to the end of the story.
The romance was adorable but also absolutely frustrating because as a reader you know the motives, but can also see the genuine emotion between Eliora and Ronen. I think it was a great progressive romance that felt very realistic. I loved the drama, loved the secrecy, enjoyed the cute moments and loved the ending.
The other characters were all so interesting. I also enjoyed seeing the different tribes and other nations that lived in those times. The faith aspects were great for me. This was a well-written story!
Overall, I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the sequel, Between the Wild Branches, to be released next year !!
I hope this review and the vlog was helpful! I plan to post my favorite quotes in a different post, so stay tuned for that!
Blessings,
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