The daughter of a pagan high priest, Sofea finds solace from her troubles in the freedom of the ocean. But when marauders attack her village on the island of Sicily, she and her cousin are taken across the sea to the shores of Canaan.Eitan has lived in Kedesh, a City of Refuge, for the last eleven years, haunted by a tragedy in his childhood and chafing at the boundaries placed on him. He is … He is immediately captivated by Sofea, but revealing his most guarded secret could mean drawing her into the danger of his past.
As threats from outside the walls loom and traitors are uncovered within, Sofea and Eitan are plunged into the midst of a murder plot. Will they break free from the shackles of the past in time to uncover the betrayal and save their lives and the lives of those they love?
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Beautifully written and unique, Shelter of the Most High, by Connilyn Cossette, is the second book in the Cities of Refuge series. This novel may be set thousands of years in the past, but this story is incredibly fresh and relevant, full of romance, drama, and suspense. Shelter of the Most High is a well-researched and engaging story of perseverance, courage, and redemption that teems significantly with thoughtful descriptions that offer a new outlook on ancient settings and themes.
Perhaps better than any other author I have read, Ms. Cossette is profoundly talented at writing her novels in the first person point of view. Her skillful use of this narrative style ensures that all of her books are extremely engrossing. Seeing, feeling, and wholly experiencing the story through the perspectives of the characters themselves is utterly compelling. I did not simply read Shelter of the Most High. Rather, I stepped into the sandals of the main characters, I felt the heat of the cooking fires, I heard the wind blowing past the walls of the city, and I was swiftly transported back into an ancient world of loss, love, faith, adventure, and mystery.
Shelter of the Most High is an utterly captivating work of fiction that finds meaning and purpose in an obvious respect for both history and the Bible. It is truly an enthralling novel that entertains, uplifts, and inspires. I will certainly re-read this book in the future. I will eagerly share this book with my friends. And I will repeatedly recommend it earnestly and sincerely to all readers.
*I was given a copy of this novel by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
“The Almighty Creator spoke your being into existence. How could you be anything less than precious?” This is a quote to end all quotes for me, one I want to memorize, because it is TRUTH.
What a wonderful, yet chilling, story Connilyn Cossette has penned in Shelter of the Most High. As always, I especially pay attention when a book has a double-entendre title. Well- done from the start!
Cossette takes the reader back to the time in Israel’s history when Israel has just entered the Promised Land, captured much territory, and now their revered leader Joshua is ready to die.
One of Israel’s traveling spies, Darek, finds Sofea and Prezi, malnourished and greatly abused, on an island. Taking them back to his family,
Sofea and Prezi slowly heal as they are assimilated into a large family whose God is so very different from their own.
Cossette is a new-to-me author that I can’t wait to begin reading more, starting with the first and soon-to-come third book of this series. This book, although book two of a series, stands well on its own. Spell-binding could describes Cossette’s writing. Once started, it was hard to stop reading. Perhaps gritty also describes Cossette’s style. Not in language, but the physical abuse, carnage, and false god worship may turn a few delicate stomachs.
What else, besides the compelling storyline, history immersion, and sweet romance make this a great book? Themes of unrelinquished guilt, undeserved mercy, and unconditional love. If you have not tried Cossette’s Biblical fiction, or at least not Shelter of the Most High, I strongly invite you back to Cossette’s ancient Israel, the Cities of Refuge, and the Great Sea.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. No review was required, and all opinions are my own.
This is an incredible biblical romance novel!
The characters were extremely well developed. I felt like I connected with many of them. I have read about the cities of refuge in the bible. I never took the time to really think about what it would have been like for a manslayer who was stuck living inside one city with no possibility of leaving. I felt like I was able to really step into their sandals and feel some of the frustration.
I have never read any books by this author before. She did a marvelous job of describing life in the early years in the Promised Land. I really enjoyed seeing how Moriyah ran her household and welcomed outsiders into her home. I will be reading more of her books.
The development of the plot and the danger that Sofea and Prezi are put in more than once is great. I was able to fell their fear right along with them.
The journey that Eitan goes on to mature and work through his past is fantastic. He definitely has some struggles that he faces and personal faults to overcome.
I loved seeing how she wove actual Biblical figures into her fictional story. It made everything feel even more real.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.
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.*
Shelter of most high
The book starts out with Prezi and Sofea were out together, who are cousins ,gets kidnapped. They are taken away on a ship. After a few days when it lands they are kicked off. They are left alone on a beach without any food or water. They are found by a Hebrew guys, who they don’t understand. Most of the story take place after this time. This is not a summary of the book, a lot of detail I left out. You need to read the book to fill in the details and find out how it ends.
The book is set Before Christ, way early Bible times. This is 2nd in a series which I did not read the first one but I am curious what it was like. In my opinion I think it would have been better to read book one first. The book was fast paced, interesting from start to finish. My favorite character was Eitan, who was a very hard worker and very inspiring.
I received an complementary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
This well written story has opened my eyes to the importance of the cities of refuge describe in the Old Testament of the Bible. For one who had accidentally killed another person, living in these cities meant life and not death. Revenge could not be served as long as they remained within its protective walls. Such was the life of Eitan, his mother Moiyah as well as many others. Through no choice of their own, Sofea and Prezi found themselves in this curious city. Was it possible that Yahweh plucked them from the sea to reside forever in this shelter of the most high? Leaving the sorrow of their past behind, the girls realize that God values them and that He has been with them every step of this torturous journey. Can they, along with Eitan, finally experience peace?
I received this fantastic ebook from CelebrateLit and this review gives my personal impressions and opinions.
Finding true refuge
Snatched away from her island home by pirates along with her cousin, Sofea knew she could never go back. When they were picked up on the beach of Canaan by warriors she could not understand, she fully expected the worst.
I don’t think I’ve ever gotten the sense of what it would be like to be completely immersed in a culture where I couldn’t speak the language or be understood, and where the culture was a mystery to me. The way the author helped me experience Sofea’s confusion was remarkable. I really liked her character, the strength and fierce determination she showed despite circumstances that appeared to be dire.
Eitan was so interesting! He apparently was introduced in A Light on the Hill along with his mother, Moriyah. (I really need to read that book!) Now, as a man of twenty years, he is struggling with a desire to be able to fight for Yahweh along with his mother’s husband, and yet he can’t leave Kedesh.
Oh, speaking of Kedesh! I have a completely new understanding of the Cities of Refuge that were set up in Israel now. Not that I’d given them much thought, but now I have a sense that though they were a place of refuge, they were also a prison of sorts. The very fact that by simply stepping outside the walls, the Avenger of Blood could take your life would be quite confining!
I can’t believe I have not read any of this author’s books before and plan to remedy that. Starting with book 1 of this series. That said, I didn’t feel like I was lost as I read this one, it really could stand alone. I want to read the first so I can know everything that has happened already!
Read with a Preview and Guest Post at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book for free. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Shelter of the Most High, the second book in the Cities of Refuge series by Connilyn Cossette is an amazingly remarkable story. Even though part of a series, the book can easily be read as a stand-alone. Characters from the first story return but the author gives enough of the backstory that the reader does not feel lost or have a lot of unanswered questions. That being said, I would recommend reading Light on the Hill as it is an amazing story too! Biblical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read and this book did not disappoint. Cossette is an expert storyteller and with breathtaking, edge-of-the-seat action, she immediately draws the reader in right from the beginning as the heroine, Sofea, is stolen by sea marauders–her life changed forever. She, and her cousin, Prezi, best of friends, find themselves drawn into the lives of a Hebrew family living in a city of refuge–a city set apart for manslayers to be safe from those who would seek vengeance. There she will find time to rest and heal and she will meet a God who loves her unconditionally but will she be able to accept that love? Can she trust the Eternal One who watches, protects and offers shelter? The characters have depth and reality and their emotions and strengths resonate well with readers. I enjoyed seeing the changes in Prezi as she recognizes the Hebrew God is the one true God. From a frightened, curled up ball of despair she is changed into a fearless girl who knows without a doubt that Yahweh would save her. And, of course, there is a love story. Eitan is a metalworker extraordinaire, yet has such a deep desire to go outside the walls of the city to fight along with his step-father. He is courageous and inexplicably drawn to Sofea. Their love is sweet and yet fraught with tension and obstacles. For Sofea, the island had been her past but could she trust that Eitan and the Hebrews would be her future? For Eitan, he knows that he will do whatever he can to protect Sofea and show her his love and loyalty. As the story moves at a fast pace toward an exciting climax, it is full of suspense and action with kidnappings, betrayal, deceptions, murder, and on the softer side–family and friendships, loyalty and love, and faith. It is a story of mercy granted and learning to accept that incredible gift and a story of hope that someday what was broken will be mended. I fear the wait until the next book in the series is released will be long. Such wonderful stories from a notably talented author.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
4.5 Stars
Although many of my reader friends have put Connilyn Cossette’s biblical fiction books at the top of their must-read/favorites lists, until now, I hadn’t read any of her work. After finishing Shelter of the Most High, though, I understand what everyone loves about this author.
Cossette weaves a beautiful tale that sweeps readers to 1380 BC and immerses them in the landscape, family, struggles, and faith. With clashing cultures and faith plus the addition of a language barrier, Sofea and Eitan have a lot to overcome.
Shelter of the Most High is both a sweeping love story and one of forgiveness. This is a book that, like my friends, ranks high on my must-read list. And even though this is the second book in the Cities of Refuge series, it stands on it’s own.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I must admit I haven’t read much Biblical fiction, but I can’t get enough of Connilyn Cossette’s books. Her Cities of Refuge series has me enthralled. I loved A Light on the Hill, and Shelter of the Most High was just as captivating. Cossette’s exquisite writing combined with her obvious knowledge of Biblical times make this a stand-out series for me. It’s been fascinating to learn more of the customs, beliefs, and traditions of the Israelites during this time period—around 1388 B.C.
Cossette is a master at creating riveting, realistic, emotionally-layered characters that endear themselves to the reader. This book has a wonderful cast of lovable characters. I quickly grew to love Sofea and her spunky, inquisitive personality. Eitan was the perfect hero for her with his caring, tender ways. The author struck a perfect balance between heart-pounding suspense, romance, personal growth, and inspiration. The messages of faith, compassion, forgiveness, and mercy gave the story added depth and dimension.
Connilyn Cossette has fast become one of my favorite authors. I’m looking forward to her next book in this series. I would recommend this to those who enjoy riveting Biblical fiction. If you haven’t tried any of her books, give this series a try. You won’t regret it! It’s definitely one for the keeper shelf, and easily one of my favorite reads of the year.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Shelter of the Most High played visually through my mind like a movie on the big screen with intensely descriptive scenes that swept across the page, transporting me on a journey back in time to ancient Israel. Beautiful landscapes, fierce pirates, intense battles and a heart-stirring romance make this one of the best books I’ve read this year. It is a definite top ten in 2018!
Sofea and Prezi are cousins who survive a violent attack on their village. From their frightening capture and escape, to their providential rescue and refuge in Kedesh, there wasn’t a moment I wanted to put this book down. With a profusion of feeling penned on every single page, Cossette’s skill at decreasing intensity is perfectly timed, which allowed me to mellow out and catch my breath before being carried away on another swell of emotion.
Eitan is Moriyah’s son whom we met in A Light on the Hill (Cities of Refuge #1), and has carried guilt over what happened for eleven years and when his heart is finally released from its bondage, it is one of the most compelling scenes. I was moved to tears more than once while reading this story. Several prominent spiritual themes are woven together, making it impossible for me to separate them. God’s love and forgiveness is wound tightly throughout, providing hope and healing and redemption.
All around, Shelter of the Most High is filled with a manifold of historical details and assimilated into a fascinating narrative. I highly recommend this book, especially to fans of Biblical fiction.
I was gifted a copy from the author and publisher. No review was required. No compensation received.
“We are surrounded by killers! Surrounded!” …So said Sofea to her cousin, after discovering what a city of refuge was in the land of Israel. Imagine escaping a near death experience, only to find out that your rescuer and the home they’ve opened to you is a refuge for people who’ve taken the life of another? Quite a shock, I’d say! Yet, through all the adventures Sofea finds herself on in “Shelter of the Most High,” this stunning realization is only a small part of the exciting story in the second book of the Cities of Refuge Series by Connilyn Cossette.
To those of us who have a little understand of Israel’s Old Testament laws, the cities of refuge are not unheard of. But someone coming in from the outside might not fully understand such mercy. Such was the case with Sofea. Sofea and her cousin came from the island of Sicily, whose pagan ways were vastly different from Yahweh’s. When Derek and Moriyah (Eitan’s parents) take her and Prezi in, the two women had a lot to learn about Israel’s ways. I really liked Sofea’s personality in the book. She was strong, yet susceptible, and had a will to survive. My favorite part of the book was in the beginning when Sofea and Prezi had to navigate the language barrier in Eitan’s home. (Being from Sicily, they couldn’t understand Hebrew.) The author did a great job of bouncing back and forth with what was really happening and what the women thought was happening. It was a fun section of the book!
Lately, I’ve been hooked on the History channels show “Forged In Fire,” so you could imagine my excitement when I found out Eitan, the hero, was a blacksmith who made weapons. If Sofea wasn’t ready to swoon by chapter six, I definitely was! I was fascinated how one of his knives played a tragic role in the story and why the events leading up to that point made so much sense after a harsh betrayal was revealed. In contrast to being talented in the forge, Eitan had to deal with some deep issues during the novel. Living in a city of mercy with a loving family may have been a blessing he never had in Shiloh, but, living under the shadow of Raviv’s promised revenge gave his childhood another type of bondage.
Conclusion: Loss. Hope. Betrayal. Language barrier between characters. All come together in “Shelter of the Most High” for an exciting continuation of Connilyn Cossette’s “Cities of Refuge Series.” I fell in love with Connilyn Cossette’s books earlier this year when I read, “Counted With The Stars” and “Light On The Hill”. “Shelter of the Most High” continued what I love about Connilyn Cossette’s writing – first person point of view that’s the best ever written; characters that fit in a Biblical time period, yet, aren’t tied down to a specific Bible story and finally, a story that gets deep inside you and teaches about God’s mercy. This novel is a must read for Biblical Fiction lovers or Bible Students interested in the conquest era of Joshua’s time.
Shelter of the Most High proves once again that Connilyn Cossette was destined to write biblical fiction! In this second book of the Cities of Refuge series she gives us the chance to learn more about the young adopted son of Moriyah who was featured in the first book, ‘A Light on the Hill’. Eleven years have passed and Eitan is now a grown man who wants to join the Hebrew army. Since he still faces danger and must remain in the refuge city of Kadesh he finds that his service must be limited to using his blacksmithing skills to supply the weapons needed to fight the enemy. And then, the life that Eitan has come to know is changed forever when the daughter of a pagan high priest arrives in Kadesh with her cousin after their escape from the men who murdered their entire family on the island of Sicily. Sofea doesn’t understand the language spoken in Kadesh and she certainly doesn’t understand why she isn’t immediately made a slave of the people living there. She is also astounded that she is shown such kindness from strangers because she had often been treated cruelly by her own father. As Sofea observes their way of life she realizes that the Hebrews appear to worship a very special God and she wants to learn more about this God who has prompted such devotion. Just who is this God that they love and worship; who is this God who returns their love and seems always willing to protect and forgive? Sofea needs to understand this God that these people lovingly call Yahweh!
The Cities of Refuge are briefly mentioned in Joshua 20 in the Old Testament but this biblically-based fictitious account gives us a better understanding of the purpose of a city of refuge and the advantage and disadvantage of living there. This story has deceit, treachery, and a murder plot but it is also a love story. As Eitan and Sofea work to uncover the traitor they discover just how special they have become to each other and they struggle to preserve their new-found love. And then, Cossette shares the ultimate love story, the love between God and His children, and we witness how a young woman who had only known the worship of pagan Gods finds her way to worshipping the One True God. In one beautiful excerpt, Sofea realizes that “not only did Eitan love me in spite of everything, but the journey to understanding that I was inexplicably valued by the One Who Made the Stars had been worth every painful step.” (p. 291)
This is a powerful story and it seems obvious that the author devoted a lot of time to researching and developing this project. I recommend Shelter of the Most High to anyone who enjoys biblical fiction and I look forward to the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher but I voluntarily chose to write this review. These are my honest opinions.
Connilyn Cossette writes Biblical historical fiction and her research is spot on. She’s like an artist, she paints pictures with words and takes you back into time. You feel the heat, taste the dust, and feel the era through her words. Although this is part of a new series it does bring back characters from her previous series. This can be read as a stand alone.
Sofea and her cousin Prezi love the ocean and the life on their small island. All is torn from them when they are away from the village exploring water caves. When the girls escape their captors they wash up on the shores of a strange land, customs, language and people that only worship one god.
This Biblical fiction will touch your heart, emotions and through this wonderful author you will be transported back to Israel about 20 years after they have ended their 40 years in the wilderness. Connilyn shows the hardships, the strength of the Jew’s faith and how some of the tribes are being led back into idolatry.
You will see what has become of Moriyah’s family and her adopted son Eitan as a young man. You will see how their lives have been shaped by living in the refuge city of Kedesh.
Connilyn’s first series “Out From Egypt” was one of the best series of Biblical fiction that I’ve ever read. Cities of Refuge series promises to be even better. Highly recommend “Shelter of the Most High”. I received this book as an ARC from Bethany House and was only asked to leave a honest review. All opinions are my own and I can honestly say this is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I recommend anything written by this author. I read my first book by her about a year ago and she immediately went on my “favorite authors” list. If I could give more than 5 stars I would. If you want a book that will touch your heart and emotions, love Biblical history and the Old Testament then this is for you.
This novel flew by. I couldn’t put it down. How sweet to revisit well-loved characters and meet new ones! From exotic ocean-bound villages to sea marauders to the heart-warming inn at Kedesh, the settings and new characters are unique, unpredictable, and gripping. Plot twists, y’all! I was on the edge of my seat wondering how things would turn out, how these characters could possibly heal, and how in the world their romance could settle into happily-together-after? Beautifully described imagery, character emotions, family dynamics, and spiritual questions. On a side note, this book made me want to go swimming! Ocean-lovers will take special delight in this tale, as well as anyone who loves an ancient twist on a good pirate story! I’m looking forward to Until the Mountains Fall!
“The Almighty Creator spoke your being into existence. How could you be anything less than precious?”
The daughter of a pagan high priest, Sofea feels anything but precious as the life that she has always known near the sea, albeit violent and gruesome at times, is stripped away without so much as a whispered good-bye. Kidnapped by violent pirates, Sofea and her cousin Prezi survive a brutal escape, only to find themselves tossed upon the shores of a distant land. Who are these people who claim to worship the one true God? And what kind of man showers a foreigner with such infinite kindness?
As Sofea and Prezi recuperate within the walls of the Hebrew city of refuge known as Kedesh, Eitan and his family become quite attached to the two young women who have obviously experienced great trauma. His own family has suffered as well, being known as man slayers and thus prohibited from traveling more than a short distance beyond the city gates. Eitan’s grief over his mistake as a young boy still shadows his existence, while his uncle’s vow of revenge thwarts Eitan’s efforts to defend his fellow Israelites. Rather than wielding fine weapons in battle, he is resigned to remain behind in the city to craft them . . . . until a traitor is discovered among those he holds dear, including Sofea.
Captivating from beginning to end, Connilyn Cossette gifts her readers with ancient biblical history, cultural mystery, and the kind of hero who declares with certainty,”I will never stop fighting for you”. All within “the shelter of the most high”.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
I finished this book in the wee hours of the morn, while in the middle of my roller coaster month of schedule weirdness, at the Old Folks Home. Of course I didn’t have my computer with me so my initial thoughts are like dust in the breeze, gone to some other home and far away from my fingertips on the keyboard. However, I’ve spent some time marinating on other thoughts that this book brings me and am finding that words are so very hard. Words that make sense in my head can’t seem to reach my fingertips. First though, this is my fifth book by Connilyn Cossette (and oddly enough it’s the fifth book she’s published too!) and I have yet to close the back cover disappointed. Well, perhaps disappointed is the wrong word as I tend to feel disappointed that the story is over and sit back and wonder where the time went and wonder why I have to wait so long for the next book. I mean, can’t she just call me every day and tell me stories, no waiting required? OK, perhaps I’m needy or something. Back to lack of disappointment. So many people read through a book and come away with profound quotes and other things. I read through a book and find a story, sometimes flying through the pages so enmeshed in what is happening that I forget to do life things like eat, drink, sleep. . .especially sleep. This is one of those times. I don’t have profound quotes to share with you. But, in true Fizzy fashion, where I didn’t pick up in one thing I usually find some random connection to real life, sometimes something that means nothing to anyone else. . .but this time? Yeah, this time.
In ‘A Light on the Hill’, Moriyah ultimately took what could be a life long punishment for the love of a child. Not even her own child, but her child. Eleven years later that child, Eitan, is an adult and feels trapped by the vow he made his ‘parents’ (Moriyah and Darek) to never leave the city walls. He is chafing at this promise will little understanding of it’s importance when Darek brings Sofea and her cousin Prezi to their home. A foreign girl from across the sea who does not speak their language, doesn’t know the culture, and definitely has no point of reference for their faith. However, they all have one thing in common; guilt, shame, and an overwhelming need for self-forgiveness. Fine, three things, but they are all entwined together. I can’t say too much without tossing out spoilers like candy at the Homecoming Parade but I’ll do what I can. Eitan goes so far as to take the vow of a Nazirite when Darek does not allow him to join the military when he comes of age. He feels guilty and shamed (by himself and others) that he is not able to defend his family, culture, and country. On one hand, Eitan understands that the inability to leave the city walls is for his protection but on the other he wants to be just like every other young man in his community. His guilt is doubled as what he had done as a child and what it prevents him from doing as an adult merge. And in guilt he finds shame. And in shame he lacks self-forgiveness. He has been forgiven for his childhood crime by God but he can’t forgive himself as it causes him to lack what he finds normal. And enters Sofea, and his shame and guilt and self-forgiveness intensify as he doesn’t feel worthy of her.
Sofea on the other hand has the guilt of surviving the attack on her village, the injuries suffered by her cousin, and the death of their rescuer. She has shame in the acts of her father and her lack of connection to the faith of Eitan. I mean the poor girl is convinced at the first festival she attends that her and her cousin will be the sacrifice! Having grown up with the father she had (violent) and the gods they worshiped (again violent) she cannot connect to the Hebrew faith. And when she learns that those around her are manslayers? Oh grits and gravy she comes undone! On her island there was no tolerance to live, even though her father killed the most people he did it in the name of their gods. . .right? She had a lot to figure out with letting go of her own guilt and shame in seeking self-forgiveness, and the forgiveness of the Father. Here’s the thing though. I know it’s true for me as I can’t be the only one, how often do we continue to punish ourselves for our past misdeeds? How often do we let the guilt seep back in for things long forgiven? How often do we feel shame over who we once were? How often do we take back our own forgiveness? I know I do. Bells, I’m so great at guilt and shame that I’ve been known to take on other peoples! Moriyah, Eitan, and Sofea are gentle yet strong reminders that was is forgiven is gone. That guilt and shame serve no positive purpose in our lives. That there is only forward and looking back only causes hurt to ourselves and those we are looking back at. Prezi, on the other hand, is an example of finding faith in the difficult circumstances. Unable to walk, unwilling to live, she finds solace in God, forgiveness in self and others, and knowledge that as she becomes a new person in her new life the guilt and shame of where she came from has no place.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House, NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Connilyn Cossette does it again in her second installment of her Cities of Refuge series, Shelter of the Most High. She knows how to bring to life characters of the Biblical era. Sofea’s story is beautifully written. I enjoyed visiting with Eitan again from the first book of the series.
I give Shelter of the Most High four and a half stars and I highly recommend it. I can not wait to see what happens next in the Cities of Refuge series.
I received this book from the author, but was not require to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
This book is one of my most-anticipated books of the year, and the wait was worth it! Not only is the cover stunning, the story inside is equally magnificent. In my humble opinion, Connilyn Cossette continues to be one of the best authors in this genre.
Shelter of the Most High reunites readers with much loved characters of the first book in the Cities of Refuge series, as well as introducing us to new ones. The setting is 1388 BC Israel centering on the beginnings of the cities of refuge mentioned in Joshua 20. The author’s talented pen had me immersed in the story from the very first paragraph. With impeccable research and beautiful prose, Cossette spins a story filled with tragedy, loss, forgiveness, mercy and love. Sofea, is a courageous heroine, willing to fight for those she loves. Will she be able to open her heart, learning to trust those who have offered her shelter? Will Eitan earn her trust as they face betrayal from within the city gates? While this is mostly Sofea and Eitan’s story, I loved the character of Moriyah. God’s love shines through her loving heart, as she embraces those who seek refuge in her home.
A few of my favorite quotes:
” Given the choice between the gods our people venerated on that hill and the God who offers shelter for even the most undeserving, I know who I choose.”
“The Almighty Creator spoke your being into existence. How could you be anything less than precious?”
” He calls you by name, even if you have not yet learned to distinguish the sound.”
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Shelter of the Most High written Connilyn Cossette
This book is a story about a young woman, Sofea and her friend Prezi, who are kidnapped by maurading pirates, and then tossed overboard as a means of escaping a terrible fate. They swim to shore, and are found by kindly Hebrew soldiers, who take them to Kedesh, a City of Refuge, and the story proceeds from there.
I’ve never read any of Connilyn Cossette’s books, and this was book 2 in a series, but it filled in enough blanks from the previous book so that it can be read as a stand alone.
This story lightly touches on the first inhabitants of Sicily, the Sciani, since there are scarce amounts of ancient artifacts from which to build a factual history, and the author tells you that. She also lets the reader know that since The Cities of Refuge series takes place during an interim period between the Conquest and the Judges, there is very little known about this time, too.
I liked the story of Eitan, a young man of the Hebrew race, more than the one of Sofea a daughter of a pagan high priest from Sicily. I also appreciated her writing of the perspective of an observant Jew, and her description of the Jewish High Priest, and I think Mrs. Cossette did a good job of presenting that. In my opinion, the Sofea character was lightweight, and even though she was compassionate and protective about her lame friend Prezi, her storyline dragged a bit for me. The other main character, Eitan, was a Nazarite, and had taken the vow to not cut his hair or drink alcoholic beverages, and I assume not to become ritually impure by coming into contact with corpses or graves. He was a proficient carpenter, but was mostly drawn to the art of metalsmithing. He made a lot of weapons for the Hebrew soldiers.
Eitan’s storyline was one I liked more than the others.
Eitan and Sofea fall in love, and that aspect of the story is well written. Nothing but G rating, which is great! I appreciate G-rated Christian fiction romance books!
Mrs. Cossette used references from the New American Standard Bible, albeit sparingly, which was dismaying to me from the start, since I use the King James bible.
As for being historical fiction, I would say a lot of her book is speculation, and literary license. If you are fine with that, then this book could be an entertaining read for you.
Shelter of the Most High is a light and easy read, repetitious at times, and slow moving. Personally, I wish there had been more details, and more references to the Bible. Jesus Christ is a Christian’s city of refuge today.
I’m sure Connilyn’s books appeal to a large audience of readers, and that’s great for them. They will most likely enjoy this story, and the series. It just wasn’t for me.
If you’re interested in more of her books, please visit her website:
https://www.connilyncossette.com/out-from-egypt-series
This book is provided to me free by Bethany House Publishers without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
Shelter of the Most High
von Connilyn Cossette
Bethany House
Bethany House Publishers
Cover:
The cover shows the spirit of adventure and the love of the sea by the protagonist.
Rezension:
„The daughter of a pagan high priest, Sofea finds solace from her troubles in the freedom of the ocean. But when marauders attack her village on the island of Sicily, she and her cousin are taken across the sea to the shores of Canaan. Eitan has lived in Kedesh, a City of Refuge, for the last eleven years, haunted by a tragedy in his childhood and chafing at the boundaries placed on him. He is immediately captivated by Sofea, but revealing his most guarded secret could mean drawing her into the danger of his past. As threats from outside the walls loom and traitors are uncovered within, Sofea and Eitan are plunged into the midst of a murder plot. Will they break free from the shackles of the past in time to uncover the betrayal and save their lives and the lives of those they love?“
Shelter Of The Most High is the second book in the Cities of Refuge series. It can be read as a stand alone. The story is written in a split first person narrative from the perspective of both main characters. The story is set during a period between the Conquest and the Judges, when the Israelites were settling into the Promised Land and begins with such chilling drama you will be captured from the first page. The plot was engaging and had many twists and turns and an element of mystery to keep the story interesting. Shelter of the Most High is a story of redemption, love, trust, hope, and forgiveness. As you turn each page, you will be captivated by the characters of and love story unfolding between Eitan and Sofea. As he learns self-discipline, she learns how to open her heart – to not just Eitan, but to God. The characters are well-developed and complex. My favorites were Sofea, Prezi, Eitan, and Moriyah. These are all characters I would like to read more about and get to know better, especially Moriyah. There was just something about this character that felt warm and welcoming. This book was deep, hopeful, encouraging, exciting, and it was also entertaining! The things that Sofea so often misunderstood about the Hebrew culture and customs were almost comical, in a sad sort of way. Watching her experience that world and God for the first time was an amazing experience, as was the rest of the book. The only thing I did not like about the book was the biblical quotations. I am an atheist and unfortunately I can not do anything with it. Still, it was interesting to read a book on this topic.
I give the book 4/5 stars.
Thank you Bethany House and Netgalley for the free copy of Shelter Of The Most High.