Although I liked book one, To Dwell Among Cedars, I've gotta say, this book is my definite favorite!
The story focuses on Lukio, a famous fighter in biblical-era Philistia. When he reconnects with a childhood friend involved in some dangerous espionage, he begins to question his purpose in this country where debauchery and evil reign.
I loved reading Lukio's point of view! The rebel child who ran away from home, he's not a squeaky-clean protagonist- in fact, he's far from it. Then there's Shoshana, the girl he loved- a woman with high morals, who would sacrifice herself to save another. Honestly, I didn't really like Shoshana in the first book. I'm not really sure why, I guess maybe I thought she was a little boring? But in this book, she shows herself to be a mature, brave woman, equal to stand up to Lukio, and I really liked her.
The cover is gorgeous as well! I absolutely love how it connects with Eliora's book, showing the bond between brother and sister. I was a bit confused by the model they chose for Lukio, though- his hair is dark, not light like it was supposed to be (an important point, showing that Lukio's family was foreign), and he doesn't seem all that tall or fighter-ish.
Some books I've read in this genre turned out to be low in action and interest, and since I've read the Bible stories they were based off of, I knew what direction they were going to go. However, while this duology is based off of true Biblical events, there's still enough fiction there to keep you guessing at how everything will end.
While Biblical fiction isn't a genre I read that much, Connilyn Cossette has proven to be an author to keep on my watchlist.
I voluntarily received this book from the publisher in order to write an honest review. All opinions are truly my own.
My summer reading has been pretty exciting so far. I've discovered new-to-me authors, found books that I didn't know existed, and enjoyed new releases from authors I've loved for years. Need some book recs? Keep scrolling, and if you've already read some of these, let me know what you thought!
Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund
What happens when a researcher from today goes back in time to the Peasants' Revolt and falls in love with a knight?
With her sister in one time period, her husband in another, and Marian herself caught somewhere in between, this is a conundrum of epic proportions. I honestly had no idea how this was ever going to end well for our characters, and I'm dying to get my hands on book two (which, sadly, does not come soon enough!).
The time traveling thing was also uniquely and legitimately thought up. I'm sure the author had to put a lot of research into it, and it shows by actually being less fanciful and more of a legitimate way of traveling through time than other books and movies have done.
Marian and Will are an unlikely, but perfect, pairing. I mean, they're basically from two whole different worlds, so how could their romance ever seem legit? But Jody Hedlund crosses that gap perfectly and somehow Marian and Will just belong together. Get ready for some serious romance!
I received this book in order to write an honest review. All opinions are totally my own.
The Heart's Charge by Karen Witemeyer
The roughened-cowboy-helps-out-cute-kids storyline has been used a lot and I think sometimes it just doesn't work out. However, I love the way Karen Witemeyer utilizes it. The sort of orphanage that the ladies ran was really cool- they basically took in all the misfits God sent their way and gave them a place to belong. My first job involved lots of kids, nearly all if them missing a parent, or being raised by grandparents, and the way Karen Witemeyer showed the pain that these kids go through was relatable and honest. I really appreciated that.
The characters themselves are fabulous as well. I love the split story, from Jonah and Eliza to Mark and Katherine. Both POVs were different, and yielded such unique perspectives. The first chapter had me smiling and already engaged with the characters, which for me is a win since it can sometimes take me awhile to get invested in stories- that wasn't a problem this time!
I received this book from the author in order to write an honest review. All opinions are totally my own
There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
So what has your summer reading looked like so far?
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| Photo from Christianbook.com |
About:
As old wounds are opened, Blaine starts to wonder if she made a mistake by coming home. Little by little, she must let go of one dream to discover a new one, opening her heart to a purpose and a future she had never imagined.
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to the coast of Maine for a story that reminds you to release what doesn't matter and cling to what does: faith, family, and friendships.






