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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Like Flames in the Night is a fantastic way to wrap up a series that has made me a forever fan of author Connilyn Cossette. In the four books of the Cities of Refuge series she has created an amazing group of characters and the hero and heroine of this book are both wonderful additions. Tirzah is brave and she loves her country and her God; through all of her trials and efforts she continues to show great faith and determination as she becomes a spy and journeys to Shechem to uncover secrets while working in the kitchen of an Aramean commander. Along the way she joins forces with Liyam, a man intent on revenging the death of his beloved daughter. As they work to achieve their individual goals, their grudging admiration for each other turns into something much more. Cossette beautifully describes their increased awareness of each other romantically and she vividly conveys their fears as they realize that their mission could end in tragedy.
“As I headed down into the valley, I willed myself to focus on the mission before me, instead of the inexplicable pull I’d begun to feel for the man at my back.”
“I could not lose her. Not like I had Havah. Not like Nadina. It was becoming clearer by the day that I would not survive if I did.”
I have learned so much from reading this series and Cossette’s extensive research is evident in these fictional stories that include Israel’s history. God’s chosen people rejected Him, and then, after repenting, they turned back to Him. Like a loving father, He forgave them and this book reminds us of the power of forgiveness. Liyam was able to forgive the man that he blamed for his daughter’s death and he finally realized that God offers the gift of forgiveness to all who call on His name. Isn’t it wonderful that all of us are beneficiaries of this grace?
Like Flames in the NIght is an excellent way to conclude this series and I recommend it to all who enjoy biblical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. There was no obligation to post a favorable review and I am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
I cannot even begin to tell you how much I loved this story and I’m sad to see this series end. To me, this series went rather quickly it was just that good! Connilyn has done such a great job with this series!
Biblical fiction is such a favorite of mine! (I fell in love when I read Jill Eilleen Smith’s Sari).
When I seen the book Counted with the Stars I knew I had to try it. Well, I became a forever fan of Connilyn Cossette.
Her writing will make sure that you will fall in love with her characters.
I love how she makes you feel like you are in the story and can feel all their hopes, dreams and fears at the same time.
Flames in the Night will capture you and not leave you alone until you are done.
Especially Tirzah. She’s simply an amazing woman of her time! Her strength and determination to drive out the enemy and do it the right way truly amazes me.
Whenever we are hurt, angry or frightened we tend to do rash things and tend to go headlong into trouble no matter the circumstances.
I’ve done that have you?
Flames in the Night in my opinion is the best read by Connilyn Cossette.
I the loved the research that went into this book to make a favorite story of 2020
This series is based on the book of Judges.
I was NOT disappointed with this story!
Connilyn has wrapped up this series with this powerful story that will leave you thinking about the book long after it is done! In fact I cried when it was done because I really hated to say goodbye to Tirzah, Lyiam and the others but guess what? God’s love will always remain.
I strongly recommend this book!
My thanks to Bethany House and the author for a complimentary copy of this book!
I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
Connilyn Cossette does a fabulous job of creating real characters readers grow to love. She makes life during Bible times come to life. I love her approach to Biblical fiction. She takes truths from scripture and explores ways those truths could have been lived out in the everyday lives of people. Very few of her characters are actual people from the Bible but she bases the entire story on Biblical events. I highly recommend reading all four books in the Cities of Refuge series. The characters carry over from one story to the next and, while each book could be read as a stand alone, you will want the backstory on each character. I look forward to reading more from Connilyn Cossette.
I will be adding Like Flames in the Night to my k-12 Christian School library. I think it may be appropriate for middle school and up.
I received a copy of Like Flames in the Night as part of the Launch Team for the book. This is my honest review.
The final book in Cities of Refuge Series. So sad because it’s been a wonderful journey. When I read about the Cities of Refuge in the Bible I often wondered how the people fared and if they ever got to see their loved ones. Well these books have given me insight of how it was for these people.
Now this book in itself was so captivating. I loved that Tirzah was a spy and that she wanted to help keep her lands safe. Women make such great spies and she was passionate about it enough to train. I love this quote from the book. “I may be a woman, but I am ready and willing to stand for Yahweh.”
The characters are strong in this story as well as the other books and that includes our hero Liyam. He had a passion and wanted revenge so much. Will he give it to God? The spiritual thread you might expect from Biblical Fiction was there but oh my, the lessons we can learn from it is amazing. It can convict a person and make us want to do better and dig into the Word of God even more. That’s one thing I love about Christian Fiction.
If you’ve not read any of this series just jump in. I haven’t read the first one and need to go back and read it. Also if you like Biblical Fiction this is it, at its finest. You don’t want to miss this whole series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Finishing a fabulous book series is always bittersweet. For more than three years, Cities of Refuge has taken us on a journey that brought us into Moriyah and Derek’s family, allowing us to get to know each of their children and friends as if they were our own. Usually, I cannot wait to devour a book, but, with Like Flames in the Night, I wanted to savor every minute and prolong the inevitable ending of this incredible series for as long as possible.
Like Flames in the Night brought this series to the next level. From page one, the fight to free Israel began, and I was engrossed in each word until the very end.
Tirzah grew up training alongside her brothers, Malakhi and Eitan, but after getting married, she took on the role of a woman in Biblical Israel. However, after her husband’s death at the hands of the Arameans, a flame ignited inside of Tirzah that refused to be put out until she had played a role in her nation’s freedom!
Becoming a spy in enemy territories, Tirzah showed how essential women are during war. Fearlessly, Tirzah acquired information to be sent to her brothers, hidden under the guise of a servant girl. Meanwhile, Liyam, a man on a rampage to avenge his daughter, is too blinded by rage and heartbreak to see Elohim’s hand on his life. Brought together by a commonality, Tirzah and Liyam must rely on each other to survive. A mission that began for the both of them as one of justice soon becomes a journey to redemption, restoration, faith, and unexpected love.
“She was a meek servant during the day, all subservience and silent feet, and a stern-faced warrior facing off with me and stealing my bed at night.” ~ Connilyn Cossette
Connilyn Cossette’s books are flawless! Each book does not disappoint, and Connilyn is only becoming more talented with each publication. Two of my favorite things about this series is that each novel gives young girls and women a role model to look up to with no hidden agendas or spitefulness, along with plotlines that always points back to the Creator! We don’t deserve the grace and mercy Elohim has given us! Even today, He is calling all of us to be flames in the darkness of this world, and this book is a beacon that I pray shines throughout the world and wakes up the people with a passion for serving their King!
“Imagine what could be accomplished by the Church if we actually lived like the free and redeemed people we are, without fear of any enemy, human or spirit, and let our collective lights shine bright against the darkness that surrounds us!” ~ Connilyn Cossette
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a prerelease copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
And just like that, this lovely series comes to an end. “Like Flames in the Night” is the fourth and final book in the Cities of Refuge series. It was a very good ending, but I am sad to see it all wrapped up and completed. In the best of ways of course. 🙂 These characters have all become so familiar and loved. <3
Tirzah is the central character in this beautiful novel. She is spirited, strong, and quick-witted. She convinces her brother to allow her to be a spy in their work to recover the Land, and she does a good job at it.
Liyam is also a strong character, bent on avenging his daughter’s dealth. For much time that is all he can think of, and understandably so. His journey of change was probably my favorite. He was really rough, and turned toward anger, but his character arc was really well done, and I loved seeing how it was all resolved at the end.
Sometimes, I will admit, that Tirzah’s character got on my nerves. She had moments of being overly strong-willed, and prideful. But I liked how she softened a little at the end.
I really loved the epilogue – how that all wrapped up, and tied everything together. It was so sweet. And can’t leave this off without mentioning how much I adore the cover of this book – it’s stunning. 🙂
*I received a copy of this book from the publishers as apart of the Launch Team. All opinions expressed are my own.
“The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.”
The message of this novel was so powerful that it still echoes in my heart. “Like Flames in the Night” was a bold and inspiring conclusion to the four book series. I didn’t want to say goodbye to the characters, they felt so authentic and real!
Tirzah and Liyam’s story is thrilling and a delight page by page. What keeps me going back to Connilyn Cossette’s books is her love of the Old Testament. She masterly weaves biblical history and God’s word together with her story in a way that is relatable to life today.
I have fallen head over heels for biblical fiction. Thanks to Connilyn Cossette, it has become my favorite book genre!
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
This book was the perfect ending to a beautiful series. I have loved getting to know Moriyah and Darek’s family throughout this series (starting with Moriyah’s introduction in the previous series).
Tirzah and Liyam’s story drew me in from the very first page and didn’t let me go until I turned the last page. Sad as I am to see this series end and say goodbye to this beautiful family, I look forward to many re-read and Connilyn’s new series coming soon!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Cities of Refuge Series has introduced us to characters that the author has made come alive for me. In this final book of the series, we meet Tirzah again. A widow of two years, she is consumed with driving the Arameans from their land, the land given to them by Yahweh. The Arameans are why her husband is dead. She hears her brother,Malakhi, and her father, Darek, discussing the Arameans that are in Shechem. Malakhi had sent men there to obtain information to use against them but they had not been effective. Tirzah convinces Malakhi to let her go to Shechem to be a cook in the Aramean commanders home so she can gather information.
Liyam, a widower, has returned from battle. He wanted and needed to see is daughter Nadina . He is driven to his knees as he learns his daughter is dead. Now he is determined to find his daughters killer.
Tirzah and Liyams paths will cross but how will it unfold?
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The review is my honest opinion.
In her latest novel, Connilyn Cossette unfolds a vivid, inspiring journey not easily forgotten.
The Setting
Set in a time when God’s Chosen People had surrendered to idol worship, and subsequent oppression under Aramean rule, Like Flames in the Night follows two spies whose mission is to infiltrate the house of the commander who controls the Aramean army. These Arameans had enslaved and killed many of the Hebrews in their own land, but it’s up to the main characters to sew the seeds of faith once more, encourage the people to rise up in faith, overthrow the enemy, and retake the inheritance promised them by Yahweh.
The Characters
We sympathize with the hero and heroine from the beginning due to their painful pasts. Liyam, a redheaded, half-Canaanite, half-Hebrew warrior sets out for revenge against the Moabite trader who killed his daughter. Tirzah, daughter of the fiercest trainer of spies in Israel’s army, is now widowed and grieving miscarried pregnancies, searching for self-worth in her quest to turn the tide in the fight for her nation’s survival. Connilyn seamlessly weaves in characters from previous books as well, updating the reader on different families introduced throughout the series. I loved getting to see these old friends and their continued commitment to the growth they experienced in their own stories.
The Plot
The first plot point hinges on a controversial, and admittedly disturbing step for Liyam’s character, one he defends while still entrenched in his flaws, but which never seems to incur serious consequences. Otherwise, I enjoyed the twists and turns of this story. I love when a book surprises me with plot twists. Some developments I saw coming. Others, I didn’t. And that made me smile, because I know this is a difficult thing authors work hard for, and Connilyn makes it look so easy and smooth. With each new switchback, my heart pounded in hopes the characters would overcome, or at least survive, the challenge. I tend to bite my lip when the stakes are high in a book I’m reading and…let’s just say after reading this book, I don’t think I’ll need a lip exfoliator for a long time. 🙂
The Romance
Though Liyam and Tirzah’s first meeting is not without its challenges, these two skilled spies are well matched, both hearts brimming with courage while running from deeply buried pain. Their flaws hinder their mission and their growing relationship as he clings to his need for revenge and she to her need to prove her worth. On the other hand, Liyam challenges Tirzah to have faith and make wise choices while she encourages him to smile again, to live in light of the blessings God has given him.
The Spiritual Thread
Above the gripping plots, unique characterization, sweet love stories, and complex character webs, the spiritual content of Connilyn’s books is what draws me back time and again. I found myself connecting to both Liyam and Tirzah in their faith-journeys from revenge to forgiveness, from insecurity to identity, from latent unbelief to fearless, conquering faith. I loved the through-line of challenging God’s people to rise up in faith and live out what they claim to believe, throwing off complacency, fear, and idolatry to engage in the spiritual fight under the banner of the Almighty.
This is a remarkable biblical novel!
It’s not just a fantastic book but also an amazing way to wrap up the series! This is one series that it definitely helps to read the books in order.
We’ve seen Tirzah before. It was wonderful to see her fully developed. She is an extremely strong and courageous woman. I love how she is completely devoted to Yahweh and willing to do everything she can and that she believes He wants her to do.
Liyam is torn between fulfilling the vow he made to exact vengeance himself or serving Yahweh. I was completely caught up in watching his personal struggle.
I loved seeing how they interacted with each other from the time they met. They went through so many different emotions and worked through them together.
There was lots of danger and action as the Israelites fought to drive the Arameans from their land. I knew how it would end because I have read the bible. That made it no less enjoyable to see how the author had the story play out since there were really no details in the bible itself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Setting: Shiloh, Shechem and Kedesh, Israel
Time Period: 1367 BC
“Of course,” I said. “I am nothing if not loyal to my commander.” Although my commander’s name is Othniel, and he has been raised by Yahweh to reclaim our Land from your slimy hands. – Liyam, page 181
And so, the above quote gives a glimpse into the passion, danger and determination of a mercenary hero and a female spy to do all they can to weaken Israel’s oppressors in Connilyn Cossette’s brand new novel, “Like Flames In The Night.” When I first heard that Cossette was going to extend her “Cities of Refuge” series to four books, I couldn’t wait for the release of Flames. Now that it’s here, I feel like I could read this novel again and again and get something new out of it every time.
To readers of the series, we’ve met Tirzah before. She’s the daughter of Moriyah and Derrek, the love birds from book one. When we meet up with her again to see where life will take her, I never imagined the twists and turns the author would take or what kind of man she would marry after being a barren widow. All I can say was that it’s so good! Every time I thought the story couldn’t get any better, something happened to take it to the next level.
Then there’s the hero, Liyam. I loved how the author gave his burly character a different point of view from anything we’ve seen in the series so far. We’ve been with characters that were manslayers – soldiers – runaways – but now, we’re given someone who’s an avenger of blood. *insert oooing and awwwing here* With this in mind, you can guess that forgiveness is a big part of this novel and I really appreciated how the author showed Liyam’s struggles and emotions over the loss of his daughter.
Conclusion: You know how sometimes you read a series and every book seems to have the same plot and the heroes are always doing the same things and after a while, each book seems the same? Well, you won’t feel this way with the “Cities of Refuge” series! I don’t know how Cossette does it, but every book in this series has unique characters, different plots and stories that will stay with you forever. I adored the beautiful tapestry the author wove with this family through the years covered in this series. In book one, the heroine is a manslayer fleeing for life itself and in book four, her daughter is a widow/spy seeking freedom from Israel’s oppressors. I can’t put into words how elegant and powerful “Like Flames In The Night” is. Though I highly recommend reading the whole series, you can read this book as a stand alone and still know what’s going on. (Though you’ll miss the backstory on the supporting characters and the beauty of those relationships.) But, if you can’t read the whole series, it’s amazing and can stand on its own two feet. Don’t miss out on this book! You won’t regret it!
“A fire will burn there again soon. And when it does, be assured that it was your iron strike against our flinty hearts that created the first spark.”
In typical Connilyn Cossette fashion, she has delivered another incredible book, filled with beautiful prose, relatable and interesting characters, and powerful story lines. I doubt I will ever tire of reading Conni’s books, as each one, unique in its own way, are all so well written and thought out – the words come to life in a way that is so refreshing.
I love how these books and story lines are taken from a short passage of scripture, that often would get looked over and not really given a second thought, but Connilyn takes it and creates these intricate stories that literally give breath and life to old Bible stories. I am ever so grateful for the chance to glimpse the real life that took place back in the Old Testament times and really grasp what it would’ve been like for the Israelites. And yet, even though the stories take place years and years ago, the general messages and underlying themes are all still relevant for today.
“By the time I was empty of prayers, I understood why Avner seemed so at peace as he was led away. It was as if there was nothing left of me, of my selfish need to push and run and fight and prove my worth to everyone around me. There was just me and the One who’d created me, and it was enough.”
Wow! This book! What an ending to a fabulous series! Like Flames In The Night is the latest release by Connilyn Cossette. It is a story of salvation, perseverance, heartbreak, hope, the life-changing power of forgiveness and new beginnings.
Journey back to the Promised Land in this story set in the Bible time period of the Book of Judges. The Israelites, God’s chosen people, are once again under enemy rule. Years of compromise have not gone unpunished and they are reaping what they have sown for not following the commands of Yahweh.
But there is hope. The One Who Sees and Hears has not turned His back on His people. He has set apart a remnant who are willing to fight their enemies to take back the land that Yahweh has given them.
Tirzah longs to help set her people free. She wants nothing more than to fight alongside the men in her family to reclaim the land that has been taken from her people. Her brother, Malakhi, is reluctant to allow her to help because it is a dangerous mission, one that could end in death. Can Tirzah convince him she is up to the challenge?
Meticulous research goes into each and every one of this author’s books. They open a window into history and give me a greater understanding of my Bible. The rich details make me feel as if I am right there experiencing life in the Old Testament days.
This book is the 4th title in the Cities of Refuge series. It is best to read the books in order to fully appreciate the connection of the characters. I received a copy from Bethany House on behalf of the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. A positive review was not required.
This was the last book in this series and it was fantastic. I did not want to put this book down but I will also really miss this family. I love how Connilyn Cossette can give these characters such a life. I love how she can take an idea from the Bible and give us a family and their reactions. This book has many twists and turns and some battles. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Connilyn Cossette has really knocked it out of the park with her entire Cities of Refuge series. Each story was a treat to read and, although I’m sad it has to end, I can easily see myself revisiting this series very soon. Like Flames in the Night deals with big issues like loss and heartache, self-worth, vengeance and forgiveness. There is more than enough intrigue and danger to keep the pages turning and the spy craft will have your heart racing.
I would recommend reading the series in order as there are some continuing threads you won’t want to miss out on. If you’ve never read Cossette before don’t hesitate, she writes some truly stunning biblical fiction!
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette is a wholly, completely, and inexpressibly satisfying conclusion to an equally satisfying series! Oh, how I adored this story!
One of my favorite parts of Like Flames in the Night is the way it continues Moriyah’s story and her legacy in a way I didn’t know I needed until I started reading Tirzah and Liyam’s story! Moriyah (Tirzah’s mother) was first introduced to readers in Wings of the Wind, and the continuation of this connection from Wings of the Wind and Moriyah’s story in A Light on the Hill in Tirzah’s story in Like Flames in the Night is so skillful and beautiful! Additionally, Tirzah becomes a spy like her father and brothers! And goodness, this was epic! Like Flames in the Night is an empowering story on every level, but perhaps my favorite part of this story is how Like Flames in the Night will empower women in such a Godly way!
The author has the ability to bring the Bible to life in a unique way, and Tirzah and Liyam’s undercover efforts to stir the hearts of their people can’t help but have the same effect on their readers! In the midst of a era and conflict I could almost see when I opened my eyes, my heart connected to the characters in a profound way. From Tirzah’s need to prove herself worthy and finally finding rest in God’s promises to Liyam’s heart wrenching journey and acceptance of both justice and mercy, my heart was wrecked and rebuilt in the best possible way!
Five Stars ~ Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette is — simply put — amazing! While you can certainly read Like Flames in the Night with little to zero confusion, this is the fourth book in the Cities of Refuge Series. The historical and family dynamics will be clearer and sooo much more fulfilling if you read the previous books in the Cities of Refuge Series and Wings of the Wind from the author’s Out from Egypt Series.
Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.
Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette is the fourth and, sadly, the final story in the Cities of Refuge series. I have loved every story in this wonderful series. I love how Connilyn has taken something we know very little about from the Bible and created such an interesting world that I did not want to leave.
There are so many things I love about this story, well, this entire series, but I’m going to focus on the two things that make this series a must read. The characters and the writing style. I love all of these characters. I loved their stories and their relationships with each other so much so that I wish this series would keep going. Liyam and Tirzah are the perfect addition to this cast of characters! I also love Connilyn’s writing style. You become so immersed in the story and she has a way of making you picture everything so clearly.
This is my all time favorite Biblical fiction series. I cannot wait to see what Ms. Cossette brings us next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Once again Connilyn Cossette has blown me away with her masterful storytelling abilities. Her ability to take Biblical happenings and create believable and compelling fictional stories to complement them is amazing and captivating. With evident deep historical research, Like Flames in the Night is filled with rich descriptive detail, colorful and engaging characters, and nonstop hair-raising action and suspense.
This fourth, and last, book in the Cities of Refuge series features Tirzah who is the youngest daughter of Moriyah and Darek from book 1 of the series. Tirzah is independent, courageous, and confident. Moreover, she possesses serious physical skills which will serve her well as she attempts to infiltrate the city held by the enemy and uncover critical information for her people to retake the city. Liyam is brave, intent, and charged with rescuing Tirzah when things go wrong. I loved the interaction between Tirzah and Liyam and seeing their relationship grow and develop. The strong cast of secondary characters added a great deal to my enjoyment of the story. It was fun seeing some of the characters from previous books return in this one.
With a perfect balance of heart-pounding suspense, intrigue, history, and a side of romance, this book has a little of everything. Although this is inherently a faith-filled story, Cossette skillfully incorporates faith in God, the importance of family, and the power of forgiveness into the tale to add depth and dimension to it. I’m adding this book to my keeper shelf with the others from this series. It will definitely be on my list of favorite books of the year.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Tirzah and Liyam have grown up hearing stories of their mothers’ friendship. Yet, when they meet, they have to put on their best performance as enemies. While working together to defeat the enemy, they recognize the strength in each other. After reluctantly agreeing to a marriage of convenience, their unexpected love grows. That love provided determination to rescue each other and peace to rely on God for deliverance.
Connilyn Cossette wrapped up the Cities of Refuge series with this solid ending. Most impressive was her call to action for the church today found in her author’s note.