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 … 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 Liyam 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?
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Oh, my goodness! I cannot possibly overstate how much I enjoyed this book. Anyone who has ever read anything by Connilyn Cossette will not be surprised that she has written yet another phenomenal book. (Those who haven’t read anything by her–go do it, now!) Each time I read one of her books, I’m blown away by how much I enjoy it, so for me to say that this book is my very favorite of hers is high praise. I just loved everything about this book. It never ceases to amaze me how she takes readers into the Hebrews’ world, with rich details about their struggles against their enemies as well as their day-to-day life. Within her carefully-crafted setting, she also gives terrific characters, who are well-developed with both strengths and weaknesses. I loved getting to know both Tirzah and Liyam, as well as getting to see other favorite characters from her earlier books. Both broken in their own ways, Tirzah and Liyam are so relatable and so engaging; I just adored both of them and loved reading about their journey. The plot was so gripping as well! This book was just an absolute pleasure to read, and it’s definitely one of my picks for the best books of 2020. The only “bad” thing about it is that it’s the end of a series that I wish would go on and on!
Five stars!
I read an ARC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
One lone flame does little to push back the darkness, but many little flames will soon create a blaze that will defeat the darkness.
Wow! What an incredible finish to the Cities of Refuge series. There is suspense, spying, mercy, forgiveness and unconditional love – Yahweh for His people, Tirzah for Odeleya and the many who die to redeem their land. Tirzah is a young widow who is skillful, dedicated and a fast learner. She wants to help in the fight against the Aramean occupation of Judah’s cities and lands. Sending a woman as a spy was just not done but with much convincing and a great deal of training she was allowed to go to Shechem as a cook. Here she worked, listened and passed information back to her brother who was the leader of the fighting forces. As the remnant rises up, her faith is renewed and she remembers that the Lord will fight for her, she needs only to be still.
Liyam has lost his wife in childbirth and his daughter to a trader’s lack of ability to control his team and wagon. Seeking only revenge, he sets out to find that one-eyed Moabite. It was lovely to read how Yahweh brings him back to the place where forgiveness is possible, as he helps in the mission to oust the Arameans from the land.
One lone flame made all the difference! A good reminder for all of us to let our light shine wherever we are.
I received this book through NetGalley, Bethany House Publishers and the Baker Publishing Group. All impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
Connilyn Cossette puts everything into “Like Flames in the Night” that one would expect from a series finale, and more. Tirzah goes where women (at least during Biblical times) were least likely to go…behind enemy lines to help save her people from oppression at the hands of the Arameans. The story is replete with twists and turns that continue to satisfy the reader again and again. Tirzah has enough passion for her cause to risk everything, but does she have enough passion to convince Liyam, the Levites, or the rest of Israel to return to God and rise to victory?
The historical accuracy in this book is evidence of why Connilyn Cossette has such a great following. The depiction of the rules that applied to the cities of refuge provide a backdrop for the story line that transforms the reader into a participant in the novel. Read this book and you will be inspired.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through the publisher and was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
Like Flames In The Night” is the fourth book in the Cities of Refuge series by Connilyn Cossette. I have had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of the launch team for all four books.
“The consequences of our foolish decisions are always made clearer when we look backward on the path we’ve traveled.” How often do we look back instead of forward? Like Flames in the Night follows Tirzah from book one to book four and Liyam who lost his daughter, he wants vengeance on the man who killed her. Issues like forgiveness, heartache and self-worth are woven through out the book. Connilyn has knocked this entire series out of the park and will be rereading the series.
I would highly recommend reading the series in order so that you don’t miss out learning about all the characters. Connilyn has been gifted with writing and did an outstanding job.
I received a copy of the book from Revell Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own.
Great book! The story of Tirzah and Liyam is another beautiful journey by Connilyn Cossette. It was fun to see their interactions with one another and watch them slowly grow towards each other. There is always something in Cossette’s stories that make me think about God. For this book, it was a reminder to live boldly for God. Also, a reminder of God’s mercy to us and that we need to share His mercy with others. I loved seeing the surprise appearance of some characters from Cossette’s Out From Egypt series.
Connilyn Cossette did a fantastic job of bringing closure to the end of this series. I loved how the first book in the series looked at the Cities of Refuge from one perspective, and this last book looked at it from the other side of the Cities of Refuge. Following the journey of this family through many trials and seeing them keep their faith in Yahweh despite the challenges, has been encouraging. I would highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Ms. Cossette and Bethany House Publishers for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
“Justice without mercy was tyranny, and mercy without justice was lawlessness. Yahweh had created both to work together, for his glory and for our good.”
This book’s powerful words will remain with you long after its last words have been read. The soul-stirring journey of Liyam’s heart will have you weeping, rejoicing, and cheering as he’s gently led to understand God’s justice, mercy, and forgiveness. The two first-person point of view from Tirzah and Liyam flows seamlessly to create a masterpiece that melds biblical account, historical account, and brilliantly creative fiction during the time of Aramean occupancy of the Promised Land and Othniel’s uprising against the Arameans.
The author has a gift of bringing the biblical period to life in full color and her characters, with their tangible emotional burdens, will grab your heart from page one. The author balances the responsibility and commitment of the Israelites as a community through Tirzah’s life with the personal responsibility and commitment of a single follower of Yahweh through Liyam’s life to create an incredible picture of what a righteous generation looks like. The cities of refuge, where this four-book series takes place, offer justice and mercy to those who need them the most, and Liyam has to engage in physical and emotional battle all over the Promised Land to finally comprehend God’s perfect justice and mercy.
I love that this book ties in the author’s book Wings of the Wind from the previous series Out of Egypt with this series. Though this book is the final book of this current series, it can be read as a stand-alone, especially because the author provides timely recaps of the secondary characters’ stories without slowing down the plot. If you have been following the series, you will love the glimpses of Moriyah and Darek’s clan and delight in how Eitan and Malakhi grow up to be respected leaders of their people. There is plenty of action, suspense, and intrigue as Tirzah and Liyam cloak themselves in the world of espionage to further the cause of obtaining their people’s freedom. Liyam and Tirzah are unforgettable, two of my favorite book characters of all time.
If you enjoy biblical fiction, this book (and the series) is a must read. The impeccable research, well-crafted plot, memorable characters, and trustworthy faith lessons found in this book will make you a fan of Connilyn Cossette, too, if you aren’t already.
I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
After closing the back cover of this book I have to say that I am sad to say that it has come time to say goodbye to this wonderful series. I was introduced to Connilyn Cossette’s writing with A Light on a Hill, which was the first book in this series. I knew from that first read that she was an author I would be following closely for more. I’ve enjoyed being transported back into Biblical times for each installment of this family saga. Admittedly there were parts in this one that seemed to drag for me and I felt less intensity for the action than I did in the other ones previous, but I still enjoyed the story and liked that the author decided to highlight a character who was the blood avenger instead of the flip side. It was interesting to see the youngest child of the original characters pleading for mercy for a perfect stranger simply because of her family’s history. How this was all fleshed out worked well to round out the series with a powerful conclusion. Overall I enjoyed this series and look forward to seeing what the author comes up with next.
*I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
Like Flames in the Night is the jewel in the crown that is the stories Ms. Cossette has written. Such a magnificent image of Father God’s character and of His love.
In the sweeping manner of her previous books, Ms. Cossette takes the reader deep into the pages of her stories. Bible parables come more vividly to life with the details of the land and culture she depicts, brilliantly illustrated and skillfully woven.
Deeply wounded by loss, both Tirzah and Liyam’s stories pull at the heart of the reader. Each intent on their own mission—and not the traditions expected of them—Tirzah and Liyam set out to accomplish their own purpose. As only God can do, their paths collide, and resisting the attraction between them, they work together to achieve His will. Only through the failures and foibles that we all know so well, do they fully realize their need for God, and for each other.
But more than the setting or the so very real characters, or even the story itself is the underlying message—no matter how small we may feel our role in God’s Kingdom, it is vital to His work and His message to the world.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, Like Flames in the Night, Connilyn Cossette, Cities of Refuge
This book is the perfect ending to the Cities if Refuge series.
It made me heart so warm and filled with hope. It brought to mind that God is not far from His children. Even in sin and rebellion His heart desire is that we come back home and he does all to bring us back home.
Citied during the time of Othniel as a judge of Israel LFITN will warm your heart and curl your toes as you dive into the world of Moriyah and Darek’s youngest Tirzah and her unconventional ways but deep heart and devotion to God and His people. She walked paths men couldn’t and with God in her side she came out victorious. It was her grit, boldness and devotion like her mother’s that endeared me to her and the handsome red haired giant Liyam. Driven by revenge his paths crossed with Tirzah. If anyone could get through to him it was Tirzah. I loved how God captured his heart and cleansed him of every anger and bitterness. His protectiveness of Tirzah and love for his home was his most endearing character.
Though the battles with Israel enemies, death, broken hearts, love found, redemptiom and second chances Connilyn Cossette brings to us the perfect ending to The Cities Of Refuge series.
I received a copy of the book and this is my honest opinion
What can I say, I am overcome with joy Connilyn Cossette decided to write one more book for the Cities of Refuge series. Surely it would have been incomplete without Like Flames in the Night as this is her best yet — and I do not say that lightly.
No, Moriyah has come a looong way since “A Light on the Hill”. Her family has come a long way.
Facing hostility, grief, and animosity, they’ve lived as fugitives, with Moriyah in particular unable to leave the walls of Kedesh, but that never stopped her and her family from building a community where they were, tending to others needs so that they will also know how much they are loved by the One Who Sees. And Moriyah’s joy only increases as she finds herself free from the bondage that kept her in Kedesh and able to journey to her dear Shiloh once again with her family.
As enemy lines draw closer and closer, however, and as each City of Refuge falls, the cry for battle comes once more for all men to join forces. A cry young Tirzah feels called to commit to alongside her brothers. The price for freedom and justice is a high one to pay because flame lit must be put in full view if it is meant to overcome the darkness. Tirzah knows this; nevertheless, to light up this flame means also to come face to face with the wickedness within ourselves and that might be the greatest challenge and the sweetest reward.
Drowning in grief, Liyam is determined to avenge the blood of his daughter. When his journey brings him to the woman considered a sister by his mother and to the pleading of a desperate father concerned for his own daughter, how can he turn away but answer the cry of help his people once again? However, when he encounters a young woman who both confounds him and intrigues him, a people who are rising up with tools not fit for war but with faith strong enough to move mountains, can his own flame find fuel to be lit and overcome the deep shadows he is lost in?
I cannot express how much I appreciated this book. Connilyn Cossette brought to life once again a people that have grieved much but also who know how to wholeheartedly hope and seek the One Who Hears their cry for deliverance. I will cherish these stories and continuously reflect on them.
*I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
When I reached the end of this book, there was one word that immediately came to mind and, I think, perfectly encapsulates this series: triumphant.
It’s not often that I read the last book in a series and feel complete. Did I want more? Well, duh–I always want more. But the way Cossette wrapped up both the book and the series with Moriyah (the character that started it all in Cities of Refuge #1) was beautifully satisfying.
I thoroughly enjoyed Tirzah and Liyam’s story. A female spy partnering with a blood avenger? It was creative, engaging, and unlike anything I’ve ever imagined while reading the Bible. That’s the beauty of Biblical Fiction, I’ve come to learn. Same history & story–a different perspective. Not to mention the imagination-inspiring question I ask myself time and again while reading … could this have happened? This could be real… It feels real…
With each book of Cossette’s, I am drawn into a world I never expected to enjoy. But when it comes to world-building, she is–hands down–one of the best there is. The moment you step into her stories, you can see the setting around you. You can smell the bread baking, taste the wine, hear the sound of swords clashing, and feel the rocky earth between your sandal-clad toes. And don’t even get me started on the way tension, both battle-ridden and romantic, drives the story in a powerful yet not overly dramatic way.
This was the 7th book of Cossette’s I’ve read. (If you’re doing the math, it means I’ve read them all to date.) And I. am. not. done.
I have enjoyed all of the books in this series and am sad I won’t be “seeing” these characters again. This story introduces some new characters that are just as strong & lovable as characters earlier in the series. This book focuses on the time when the Arameans conquered the Promised Land and oppressed the Hebrews. Othniel and his army are working to take back the land with the help of an unlikely heroine.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
Walking into comfortable relationships with a new book’s characters is a joy – like meeting up with dear friends you haven’t seen in a while. You plop down into a comfy chair and crack open the book, excited for their new adventures and updates.
This is how I felt as I sunk my reading “teeth” into Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette. I’ve read all of her books and greatly anticipate each new book. Connilyn’s research of the ancient times, culture and history brings the story to life. Her attention to detail is incredible. I love that her books are faith based, inspirational and draw from the Bible. Like Flames in the Night is a multi-layered book which gave me much reading satisfaction.
This book focuses on two characters:
1. Tirzah is the daughter of Derek and Moriyah. She is a young, childless widow (widowed because of the oppressive, ruling Arameans who took her husband and others; and due to harsh treatment, he died). Her older brothers are warriors fighting for the liberation of their land, and Tirzah asks them to teach her to be a warrior and a spy. Tirzah is committed to Yahweh and now is committed to fighting off the oppressors. Her brothers eventually give in and teach her.
2. Liyam is the son of Tirzah’s mother’s dearest friend. Liyam is a widower who recently lost his daughter, Nadina, to an accident. He wants blood revenge for his daughter’s death. Liyam comes to the village Tirzah lives in (as he’s hunting for the man who ran over his daughter); and, because he is a warrior himself, is recruited into service for Yahweh’s troops.
Against this backdrop, the story kicks into high speed. Without spoiling a reader’s enjoyment, let’s just say Tirzah and Liyam’s “adventure” in Shechem is full of suspense, intrigue, and miracles – what a great movie it would be! I felt quite satisfied with the outcome of the Shechem adventure and thought, “my there are a number of pages left in the book; what now?” Connilyn does not disappoint her readers. A fun surprise occurs after Shechem and then the book ramps up for another great adventure in the City of Refuge where Tirzah was raised.
I could not put the book down. I was engrossed in the details of character development, human emotions, relationships, blossoming love, hardships, joys, disappointments, victories, tragedies and the intervening hand of Yahweh. Connilyn has a gift to bring fictional characters and their plights to life.
Connilyn’s spiritual depth is visible as she writes about the characters’ struggle to find faith, hold onto it in the midst of adversity, and walk it out in their everyday lives, trusting in Yahweh, the One Who Sees. This book will encourage, challenge and inspire the reader in his or her faith walk.
Needless to say, I highly recommend this book. You will NOT be disappointed.
I love how this author makes the Bible come alive through fiction. I’d never really considered much how the Cities of Refuge, which tend to get lost in the history books of the Bible, really affected those who lived there or required their protection. I’ve really enjoyed reading more about them through these fictional characters’ stories, along with what life was like for the Israelites and those around them, through this series. I finished this book and just sat for a while in awe of the God who would love them – and, therefore me – so much that he would offer grace alongside judgement, and love beyond measure. Liyam and Tirzah have such a beautiful and powerful story. Such a great way to finish off what’s been an incredible series.
A good conclusion to the series
I was mildly surprised by Like Flames in the Night, but it ended up being a good read. After reading the first three books in the series, I knew I couldn’t skip it—and I’m glad I picked it up!
I think my favorite part of the story is the main character’s occupation: A cook, working as a spy. I’ve always loved reading about spies and codebreaking and secretive stuff like that, so I was thrilled to be able to see that in Biblical fiction, too! The best part was that I didn’t feel like it took away from the setting; it flowed naturally, and felt realistic.
Historically speaking, this book felt like it had more supposition than the previous ones. I will be very interested to read through this time period in the Bible, to see what detail is actually there. I do feel like I’ve got a better grasp on the famous characters in this time, though—especially Othniel. If I ever write in that time period, I’d love to write a book about him and his wife. There are little things that have stuck out to me from the Bible since I’ve read this book—things like the altar Joshua built on Mount Ebal, Othniel’s relationship to Caleb, and how dangerous it would have been to take possession of the land in the first place. I found all of that fascinating—and would love to read more about it and/or see where the author got her information. It’s all quite interesting!
I think I was slightly disappointed with this story, though, because it almost felt like it ended about the half-way mark. I’m not sure what the reason for that was, but it did make me wonder if the book really had a lot more to build toward yet—and, though in a way it did, it also just didn’t feel quite as put together as some of the other books. But as far as tying up different character arcs, I think the whole thing was important. If you enjoy Biblical fiction that does stick pretty closely to the Bible’s account and the Mosaic law the people were supposed to be following in that time, I’d recommend the story and the whole series. I did feel like several of the books had one or two somewhat sensual scenes, but this book didn’t have as much of that, for which I’m grateful!
I requested a free review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
4.5 stars
A Female Spy in Ancient Israel
Tirzah is female, smart and a spy during a time when women did nothing more than be wives and mothers! This unusual job only came about because of a dark time in ancient Israel. Arameans have taken over the country, and only a woman can slip into the enemy’s household to learn information that will help the Israelites retake their land.
Trouble erupts while Tirzah is doing clandestine work, and it might cause her death. Dangerous Liyam says he is on her side, and can help her. He wants them to follow a risky plan. Is he telling the truth or is it an Armenian trap? There is lots of action, but high drama, too. Liyam harbors an agenda of his own which might be his downfall. This story will sweep you up and keep you till the last page.
I loved this book, and you will, too. This clean tale stands alone, but treat yourself and read the entire series. I recommend this 5-star book to those who like well-written stories based on actual events—with romance and exploits that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Like Flames in the Night, for the purpose of review.
Can they find love in the midst of loss and turmoil?
If there’s one thing you can count on it’s that Connilyn Cossette will always deliver a story that’s moving and unexpected. Like Flames In The Night is exactly that. With each of her books that I read I’m continually impressed with the author’s attention to historical detail, Biblical accuracy, and the depths of emotion that her characters elicit from the reader.
I have to say that Tirzah is one of the most unique heroines I’ve encountered in my years of reading. What would, in most books, be considered her weaknesses, are actually her strengths in this book. She’s described as ‘bold’, ‘reckless, and ‘brash’, which, by the way, is the first time I’ve ever seen a heroine labeled as brash. Liyam is her match in every way and together the two make a pretty dynamic duo in the spy game.
If I were to pick two themes as the dominant ones in Like Flames In The Night it would be forgiveness and the need to stand for your faith against all odds. Just as the ancient Hebrews did so must we make the same choices today. Those choices may not be life or death in modern America but they are no less valid. On the forgiveness angle, author Connilyn Cossette chose to make her hero a blood avenger, which is pretty much opposite of the previous books in the Cities Of Refuge books, an idea that I wasn’t too sure of at first. However, the way she wove his story was very moving and even a little thought provoking.
I will be honest, like the Bible on which this book is based, this story is a bit violent and harsh in places. If that bothers you, skip this book over, but if you like to read truth through fiction, Like Flames In The Night is perfect for you. Connilyn Cossette has penned an inspiring story of love, loss, faith, and redemption. It will tug at your heart, challenge your own complacency in matters of faith, and it will also entertain you with the romance and adventure of it all.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
I absolutely love Connilyn’s books. Each story is more and more interesting, telling the stories of people who are not in the Bible, but lived through the events that took place in scripture. This series in particular has stood out, as Connilyn has presented many different reasons that someone might be a Blood Avenger or else be fleeing from one.
Tirzah’s story is a strong one. Unlike many novels with characters who decide to spy on their enemies, Tirzah’s subterfuge is made believable by her having trained to actually preform the task she has set herself to. Though it does take some time for the two main characters to meet up, the story is engaging even without the main focus being on their relationship at the beginning.
I am sad to see this series end, but excited for what comes next from Connilyn. So far, everything she has written has placed her firmly on my ‘have to read’ list, as well as my recommend to friends one. Whether you have read anything else by this author or not, I highly recommend this book.
I have provided an honest review after having received a copy of the book through the author.
Like Flames in the Night brings the Cities of Refuge series to a close, uniting family members from previous books and bringing these families full circle to the beginning.
Tirzah is a young widow who wants to help her people as they try to reclaim the land and cities that have been taken from the Hebrews by the Aramean enemies. A fearless woman who loves her people and Yahweh, she trains as a spy and goes into Shechem where she becomes a cook in the commander’s house.
Liyam, a red headed warrior of half-Canaanite heritage, also enters the fight as a spy, sent by Tirzah’s brothers to keep her safe. He has his own story of loss and heartache which has sent him on a journey of that as blood avenger.
The story gives us a glimpse of life during the time of the Judges in the Bible. As always, Connilyn has given us a story based on months of research combining that research with her creativity into weaving a story of fascinating characters with the thread of mercy, justice and Yahweh’s love for His people woven throughout.
If I could give this story 10 ten stars I would.
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.