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Cities of Refuge #2
Shelter of the Most High
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, yet 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. Can they uncover the betrayal in time to save their lives and the lives of those they love?
Eitan has lived in Kedesh, a city of refuge, for the last eleven years, haunted by a tragedy in his childhood, yet 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. Can they uncover the betrayal in time to save their lives and the lives of those they love?
343 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2018
845 people are currently reading
3395 people want to read
About the author
Connilyn Cossette
22 books2,675 followersConnilyn Cossette is a Christy Award-winning and bestselling author of stories that illuminate the ancient world of the Bible, in hopes readers will dig deeper into the Word and encounter the Great Storyteller himself within its pages. She is blessed to be the adopted mother of two graduated homeschoolers and is a recent breast cancer survivor. She and her husband of nearly thirty years live just north of Charlotte, NC when they aren't traveling around, exploring the world together!
Connect with her at ConnilynCossette.com
Connect with her at ConnilynCossette.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 475 reviews
November 7, 2018
I received this book for free from the publisher (Bethany House) in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the second in a series and I did not read the first book. Like a lot of Christian fiction series, the first book centers on one of the characters in this book. The fact that I did not read it did not hinder my comprehension of the story. Anything that happened in the previous book was explained fully in this one, so it it totally possible to read this as a stand-alone.
This was also my first time reading biblical fiction so I had no idea what to expect or if I would even like it. Luckily, I ended up really enjoying it.
The book captured my interest from the very first page. We are immediately thrown into the action of when Sofea and her cousin are kidnapped by pirates. Sometimes books can take too long to get the actual storyline, so I was happy to see this book get right to it. As a whole, this book had quite a bit of action and excitement which I wasn’t expecting (but loved).
There was a really good balance of the religious elements. I never felt like it was too much or too preachy. It was woven into the story beautifully.
The only thing that prevented me from giving this 5 stars was that I didn’t connect much with Sofea. I wanted a little bit more from her. I connected with Eitan no problem, but Sofea not so much.
All in all, this was an exciting tale and if you are looking to get into biblical fiction, consider picking up this book/series.
This book is the second in a series and I did not read the first book. Like a lot of Christian fiction series, the first book centers on one of the characters in this book. The fact that I did not read it did not hinder my comprehension of the story. Anything that happened in the previous book was explained fully in this one, so it it totally possible to read this as a stand-alone.
This was also my first time reading biblical fiction so I had no idea what to expect or if I would even like it. Luckily, I ended up really enjoying it.
The book captured my interest from the very first page. We are immediately thrown into the action of when Sofea and her cousin are kidnapped by pirates. Sometimes books can take too long to get the actual storyline, so I was happy to see this book get right to it. As a whole, this book had quite a bit of action and excitement which I wasn’t expecting (but loved).
There was a really good balance of the religious elements. I never felt like it was too much or too preachy. It was woven into the story beautifully.
The only thing that prevented me from giving this 5 stars was that I didn’t connect much with Sofea. I wanted a little bit more from her. I connected with Eitan no problem, but Sofea not so much.
All in all, this was an exciting tale and if you are looking to get into biblical fiction, consider picking up this book/series.
October 2, 2018
If you've never read biblical fiction and think it may be boring and preachy let me assure you this author will fascinate you as you read. I was swept back to 1388 BC as the author's talented pen wove a haunting tale of capture,betrayal and a murderous plot. Yet through all this love blossoms. This is the second book in the Cities of Refuge series and the first I am reading but yet don't feel as if I am missing parts of the story as the author does an excellent job of bringing us up to date on the past story. I can't give enough praise to this author for how she writes her books. She takes a time period and biblical events not many know about and weaves them into historically informative and fascinating to read books. I enjoyed reading the author's note at the back of the book describing the writing of and her historical research of the book. Fascinating Questions for Conversation round out the book. I can't wait to see what Connilyn Cossette puts out next.
Pub Date 02 Oct 2018.
I was given a review copy by the author. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
Pub Date 02 Oct 2018.
I was given a review copy by the author. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 28, 2018
Even with the ancient setting, Cossette’s novels have such a freshness to them. I’ve never read any novels with the setting of refuge cities for those guilty of manslaughter in Israel, nor had I thought of the implications that fleeing there means a permanent life within those walls. Shelter of the Most High brings this ancient time to life in Kedesh, one such city of refuge, brining readers back into contact with beloved characters from the first book, while meeting new ones to love just as much.
The opening scenes of Shelter of the Most High are so intense that it was hard for me to put the book down – fair warning that when you start this novel, you do it when you can have a really good reading session. From the first appearance Sofea makes on the page, you can’t help but admire her, Sofea and her deep love for the salty sea, and the solace it provides when her father, a cruel high priest, inflicts pain upon the people she loves. Her beloved ocean turns deadly when she and her cousin are taken by marauders to Canaan, a strange place for her and away from the shores she loves.
Eitan, a little boy in the previous novel, is now grown and still living in Kedesh. Though his past haunts him still, he finds Sofea captivating and hopes for a way out of the secrets that keep him within the city walls. I loved reading of their blossoming friendship, as well as watching Sofea find her place within the family. The continuity of characters from A Light on the Hill is also a huge draw of this novel. All returning characters seem to have grown and changed as if those years really have passed, and I think it takes talent to do that.
The plot itself is steady, providing readers with time to catch their breath, while still staying true to the overall intensity of the story. The faith element is lovely, both on Sofea’s part as a non-believer, and Eitan’s as a believer who has held onto a lot of shame from his childhood. The romance is both tender and timely to the story, never feeling out of place or usurping the plot. This story is just a delight to read, and if you enjoy fiction set during this time period, make it a point to read Cossette’s novels. I would start with her first series, then move to this one, because of the neat connections in the story line. However, if you want to start with this series, just make sure to read A Light on the Hill first.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and the opinions expressed here are my own.
The opening scenes of Shelter of the Most High are so intense that it was hard for me to put the book down – fair warning that when you start this novel, you do it when you can have a really good reading session. From the first appearance Sofea makes on the page, you can’t help but admire her, Sofea and her deep love for the salty sea, and the solace it provides when her father, a cruel high priest, inflicts pain upon the people she loves. Her beloved ocean turns deadly when she and her cousin are taken by marauders to Canaan, a strange place for her and away from the shores she loves.
Eitan, a little boy in the previous novel, is now grown and still living in Kedesh. Though his past haunts him still, he finds Sofea captivating and hopes for a way out of the secrets that keep him within the city walls. I loved reading of their blossoming friendship, as well as watching Sofea find her place within the family. The continuity of characters from A Light on the Hill is also a huge draw of this novel. All returning characters seem to have grown and changed as if those years really have passed, and I think it takes talent to do that.
The plot itself is steady, providing readers with time to catch their breath, while still staying true to the overall intensity of the story. The faith element is lovely, both on Sofea’s part as a non-believer, and Eitan’s as a believer who has held onto a lot of shame from his childhood. The romance is both tender and timely to the story, never feeling out of place or usurping the plot. This story is just a delight to read, and if you enjoy fiction set during this time period, make it a point to read Cossette’s novels. I would start with her first series, then move to this one, because of the neat connections in the story line. However, if you want to start with this series, just make sure to read A Light on the Hill first.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and the opinions expressed here are my own.
February 6, 2022
Fact: Connilyn Cossette writes incredible Biblical fiction. Shelter of the Most High was a treat to read and a great depiction of what it might have been like to live in a city of refuge in the time of Joshua. It was very interesting to see the perspective of a woman who grew up in a pagan village come to an Israelite family and find out what it means to follow Yahweh- and see the goodness of God compared to their pagan rituals.
I was hooked and got so into it that either I couldn’t turn the page fast enough or I hesitated to find out what the main character might go through next! Loved it!
I was hooked and got so into it that either I couldn’t turn the page fast enough or I hesitated to find out what the main character might go through next! Loved it!
December 3, 2018
Cossette’s books transport readers back to another time, her skill at setting such that you feel as though you are walking the dusty roads, rooftops, and marketplaces right along with the characters. Her extensive research helps the era come alive with intriguing details, and I love how she has pulled an entire series of compelling characters and soul-touching plots from a concept briefly mentioned in Scripture. It allows me to see familiar Old Testament settings & customs in new and fresh ways, prompting me to do further study of Scripture on my own.
Sofea firmly set up camp in my heart throughout Shelter of the Most High. The fact that she came from a pagan culture enabled me to see God and the Hebrew culture from her point of view, something that I believe is beneficial for anyone who has been raised in a Christian home. Sometimes we become complacent to our Biblical knowledge, our traditions, the exquisite mercy & wooing pursuit of our God, and it takes seeing it all through the eyes of someone who didn’t have that luxury to fully appreciate anew the gift we’ve been given in our Savior. Eitan has the heart of a warrior as well as a huge capacity for love, two traits that could either serve him well or destroy him depending on how he chooses to use them. Sofea and Eitan’s character growth and their sizzling chemistry (those kisses! whew!) add layers to their individual stories as well as their mutual plot arc.
I have seen some reviews that say it’s best to have read book 1, that they had a hard time following the characters and the dynamic that was established earlier on, but I did not find that to be the case. It does make me want to go back and read the first book, not because I was lost but because I was so captivated by these characters that I want to learn all I can about them. I was able to pick up on the undertones fairly easily and, while I knew there was more to their story, the author did a great job of making sure readers have all the info they need to be fully present in this one.
Bottom Line: An exquisite tale of mercy, grace and love, Shelter of the Most High invites readers to experience the refuge of God in ways they perhaps had not considered before. You will quickly become deeply invested in the characters and their emotional journeys, full of adventure and surprising twists. Cossette’s writing talent is immediately apparent as her words wrap around all the senses and engage the reader from the first to the last page. Tender, moving, and entertaining, this book – and Cossette’s entire book list – belongs on your must-read list!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Sofea firmly set up camp in my heart throughout Shelter of the Most High. The fact that she came from a pagan culture enabled me to see God and the Hebrew culture from her point of view, something that I believe is beneficial for anyone who has been raised in a Christian home. Sometimes we become complacent to our Biblical knowledge, our traditions, the exquisite mercy & wooing pursuit of our God, and it takes seeing it all through the eyes of someone who didn’t have that luxury to fully appreciate anew the gift we’ve been given in our Savior. Eitan has the heart of a warrior as well as a huge capacity for love, two traits that could either serve him well or destroy him depending on how he chooses to use them. Sofea and Eitan’s character growth and their sizzling chemistry (those kisses! whew!) add layers to their individual stories as well as their mutual plot arc.
I have seen some reviews that say it’s best to have read book 1, that they had a hard time following the characters and the dynamic that was established earlier on, but I did not find that to be the case. It does make me want to go back and read the first book, not because I was lost but because I was so captivated by these characters that I want to learn all I can about them. I was able to pick up on the undertones fairly easily and, while I knew there was more to their story, the author did a great job of making sure readers have all the info they need to be fully present in this one.
Bottom Line: An exquisite tale of mercy, grace and love, Shelter of the Most High invites readers to experience the refuge of God in ways they perhaps had not considered before. You will quickly become deeply invested in the characters and their emotional journeys, full of adventure and surprising twists. Cossette’s writing talent is immediately apparent as her words wrap around all the senses and engage the reader from the first to the last page. Tender, moving, and entertaining, this book – and Cossette’s entire book list – belongs on your must-read list!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
May 19, 2019
The cities of refuge are mentioned in both Exodus and Numbers. There were 6 cities in the Promised Land designated as such. Intentional murderers were put to death, but those who unintentionally caused someone's death, by God's laws, were allowed to flee to a city of refuge.
Sofea and Prezi end up in Canaan after being captured by and escaping pirates. They are almost dead when discovered by Eitan a young man who has grown up in Kedesh, a city of refuge. His family takes the girls in, and they begin to learn about Hebrew life within a city of refuge.
Both main characters, Sofea and Eitan, were strong and independent. Each of them grew in their faith through the trials and tribulations that beset them. I especially liked the relationship between Sofea and her cousin Prezi.
Although there is not much said about the Cities of Refuge in the Bible, Cossette's research and Biblical foundation made this aspect of the Bible come vividly to life. There is overlap from the first book to the second, so I would definitely read this series in order. I look forward to reading the last book in this series.
Sofea and Prezi end up in Canaan after being captured by and escaping pirates. They are almost dead when discovered by Eitan a young man who has grown up in Kedesh, a city of refuge. His family takes the girls in, and they begin to learn about Hebrew life within a city of refuge.
Both main characters, Sofea and Eitan, were strong and independent. Each of them grew in their faith through the trials and tribulations that beset them. I especially liked the relationship between Sofea and her cousin Prezi.
Although there is not much said about the Cities of Refuge in the Bible, Cossette's research and Biblical foundation made this aspect of the Bible come vividly to life. There is overlap from the first book to the second, so I would definitely read this series in order. I look forward to reading the last book in this series.
October 5, 2018
Connilyn has such a talent of taking a part of the Bible and weaving a story around it. In the Cities of Refuge Series, many of the main characters have been found to have committed a crime such as manslaughter and they've found shelter in one of the refuge cities.
In Shelter of the Most High, beloved Eitan from A Light on the Hill is the main male of the novel. Eitan was not yet a teenager when readers last spent time with him.
The main female character, Sofea, loves the sea and is from a land far from the refuge city of Kedesh. She is strong and loving. The cover photo is simply perfect for Sofea.
One of the things I loved most about this novel was the opportunity to visit characters from A Light on the Hill.
Shelter of the Most High has quite a bit of action at the beginning and end to keep readers turning pages. I look forward to the third book in the series which will feature another of Moriyah's children (Eitan's brother).
My gratitude to publisher Bethany House for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
In Shelter of the Most High, beloved Eitan from A Light on the Hill is the main male of the novel. Eitan was not yet a teenager when readers last spent time with him.
The main female character, Sofea, loves the sea and is from a land far from the refuge city of Kedesh. She is strong and loving. The cover photo is simply perfect for Sofea.
One of the things I loved most about this novel was the opportunity to visit characters from A Light on the Hill.
Shelter of the Most High has quite a bit of action at the beginning and end to keep readers turning pages. I look forward to the third book in the series which will feature another of Moriyah's children (Eitan's brother).
My gratitude to publisher Bethany House for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
October 5, 2018
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. It is a beautiful picture of the shelter and refuge we seek with our Heavenly Father.
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 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. It is a beautiful picture of the shelter and refuge we seek with our Heavenly Father.
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.
February 14, 2020
Enjoyed this book so much more than the last. A girl and her cousin get kidnapped on the sea, but they were able to make their escape. Being rescued by the Hebrews they were able to take them home and have them start a new life, which includes love for one. But trusting a man who isn’t what he seams they must poison a high racking religious leader for the girls escape. Will they go to such length for there freedom? Will love win out in the end. I really enjoyed this book and looking forward to the 3rd installment!!
February 22, 2022
Such a beautiful story. I absolutely loved the hero & heroine. The romance is very sweet 💕 Connilyn is so talented.
October 29, 2021
4.5 ⭐️
This book was so good! I really couldn’t put it down—captivated from literally the first sentence!!
I love that Connilyn does not include a single bit of the classic cliché scenarios that often occur in a romance. The characters in this book are honest with each other and share their raw feelings, their intentions and their fears. You are taken along on the journey as they get to know one another and fall in love—despite the challenges that arise, both emotionally and circumstantially. This book was so beautiful and unique with it’s plot just like A Light on the Hill but I have to be honest, I think I liked this one even more!
I’m currently on the third book and it is even more unique. Each book is so different but equally romantic, having depth, rich Biblical history and doused with spiritual truths. I am loving the Historical aspect. I’m learning as I read 😊 It’s giving me an even better understanding of the OT.
It’s hard to specifically describe the story without giving too much away but I highly recommend starting this series and definitely read them in order. You will love it when you get to Sofea & Eitan’s story ♥️
This book was so good! I really couldn’t put it down—captivated from literally the first sentence!!
I love that Connilyn does not include a single bit of the classic cliché scenarios that often occur in a romance. The characters in this book are honest with each other and share their raw feelings, their intentions and their fears. You are taken along on the journey as they get to know one another and fall in love—despite the challenges that arise, both emotionally and circumstantially. This book was so beautiful and unique with it’s plot just like A Light on the Hill but I have to be honest, I think I liked this one even more!
I’m currently on the third book and it is even more unique. Each book is so different but equally romantic, having depth, rich Biblical history and doused with spiritual truths. I am loving the Historical aspect. I’m learning as I read 😊 It’s giving me an even better understanding of the OT.
It’s hard to specifically describe the story without giving too much away but I highly recommend starting this series and definitely read them in order. You will love it when you get to Sofea & Eitan’s story ♥️
August 28, 2024
Shelter of the Most High by Connilyn Cossette
Genre: Bible times
Format: Kindle
Timeframe: post Moses (1388 BC)
Location: Kedesh, a Canaanite city of refuge
Main Characters:
Sofea: Taken captive and escaped
Prezi: Sofea's beloved cousin
Eitan: approx. 20 yr old, sword maker, (age 9 in A Light on the Hill)
Moriyah: Eitan's adoptive mother, main character in A Light on the Hill
Darek: Moriyah’s husband, Eitan's step-father
Raviv: Always seeking revenge on Moriyah
Nadir: Eitan's main friend in Kadesh
As with A Light on the Hill, this isn’t a biblical retelling with fiction thrown in as much as it is a fictional tale with biblical references, something I really like. In this story many of the characters from book one (mentioned above) return eleven years older, plus three new characters:
******************************************
— Sofea is a young woman from the Island of Sicily who loves diving in and exploring the sea as if born to it.
— Prezi, Sofea's beloved cousin and best friend, goes along with Sofea but is less stouthearted. Their last adventure at the ocean ends in a tragedy and a kidnapping. They were brought across the Mediterranean Sea to a location near Tyre (current day Lebanon). An escape leaves Prezi injured. Both are found by a scouting party (Hebrew men) and brought to Kedesh, a city of refuge.
— Nadir is a young man who lives in Kedesh with the characters from the book one, and is now Eitan's friend.
******************************************
Returning to Kedesh and the people I cared for from book one, it is now eleven years later. I'm delighted with how happy Moriyah is in her marriage to Darek. Her now grown son, Eitan, is a maker of weapons.
Sofea and Prezi are facing a new country and confusion with people who speak another language and have entirely different rites and culture. She was the daughter of a high priest in a land where there are many gods and violence. Kedesh is a Canaanite city primarily of Hebrews who worship the one true God, Yahweh. Kedesh is where people flee who have been convicted of the unintentional death of another. This city of refuge harbors people who would be hunted and killed should they ever leave the city walls.
Learning to trust these new people and their worship practices of the True God is a challenge for Sofea, but months of spending time with Moriyah and Eitan softens her heart and she sees hope in her future.
This second book isn’t quite as stressful to read as the first, where there was constant hiding and near death around every corner. That's not to say there wasn’t any conflict in this one. There were a few edge of your seat chapters including betrayal, another abduction, and a plotted assassination, just not as constant as book one.
Both were very good books. Many spiritual truths from Old Testament law throughout the story. Except for some semi-graphic brutal moments in the first two chapters it’s probably good for mid-teens and up.
Genre: Bible times
Format: Kindle
Timeframe: post Moses (1388 BC)
Location: Kedesh, a Canaanite city of refuge
Main Characters:
Sofea: Taken captive and escaped
Prezi: Sofea's beloved cousin
Eitan: approx. 20 yr old, sword maker, (age 9 in A Light on the Hill)
Moriyah: Eitan's adoptive mother, main character in A Light on the Hill
Darek: Moriyah’s husband, Eitan's step-father
Raviv: Always seeking revenge on Moriyah
Nadir: Eitan's main friend in Kadesh
As with A Light on the Hill, this isn’t a biblical retelling with fiction thrown in as much as it is a fictional tale with biblical references, something I really like. In this story many of the characters from book one (mentioned above) return eleven years older, plus three new characters:
******************************************
— Sofea is a young woman from the Island of Sicily who loves diving in and exploring the sea as if born to it.
— Prezi, Sofea's beloved cousin and best friend, goes along with Sofea but is less stouthearted. Their last adventure at the ocean ends in a tragedy and a kidnapping. They were brought across the Mediterranean Sea to a location near Tyre (current day Lebanon). An escape leaves Prezi injured. Both are found by a scouting party (Hebrew men) and brought to Kedesh, a city of refuge.
— Nadir is a young man who lives in Kedesh with the characters from the book one, and is now Eitan's friend.
******************************************
Returning to Kedesh and the people I cared for from book one, it is now eleven years later. I'm delighted with how happy Moriyah is in her marriage to Darek. Her now grown son, Eitan, is a maker of weapons.
Sofea and Prezi are facing a new country and confusion with people who speak another language and have entirely different rites and culture. She was the daughter of a high priest in a land where there are many gods and violence. Kedesh is a Canaanite city primarily of Hebrews who worship the one true God, Yahweh. Kedesh is where people flee who have been convicted of the unintentional death of another. This city of refuge harbors people who would be hunted and killed should they ever leave the city walls.
Learning to trust these new people and their worship practices of the True God is a challenge for Sofea, but months of spending time with Moriyah and Eitan softens her heart and she sees hope in her future.
This second book isn’t quite as stressful to read as the first, where there was constant hiding and near death around every corner. That's not to say there wasn’t any conflict in this one. There were a few edge of your seat chapters including betrayal, another abduction, and a plotted assassination, just not as constant as book one.
Both were very good books. Many spiritual truths from Old Testament law throughout the story. Except for some semi-graphic brutal moments in the first two chapters it’s probably good for mid-teens and up.
April 22, 2019
I'm pretty sure Connilyn Cossette is my favourite biblical fiction author. She has a gift for bringing this time period to life, delving deep into culture and customs and I come away from reading one of her books feeling like I have a better understanding of this era. And her storytelling skills are exceptional -- so beautifully lyrical that I find myself reading bits out loud just because it deserves that kind of recognition.
Love the theme of cities of refuge that carries through this series. Shelter of the Most High is the second book but I think it can be read as a standalone. The author does a great job of picking up the pieces from the last book and making sure new readers won't be lost as they delve into this one.
This story is both brutally harsh and achingly tender. My emotions ran the full gamut as I followed Sofea and Eitan on their quest to find the true meaning of refuge. Action, adventure, intrigue and plot twists galore make this book hard to put down. But it's the sweet testimony of mercy and grace which is at the heart of their story that I will carry away with me. If you love biblical fiction, add this book to your wish list. If you don't like biblical fiction, give Connilyn Cossette a try and I bet she might just change your mind. :-)
Love the theme of cities of refuge that carries through this series. Shelter of the Most High is the second book but I think it can be read as a standalone. The author does a great job of picking up the pieces from the last book and making sure new readers won't be lost as they delve into this one.
This story is both brutally harsh and achingly tender. My emotions ran the full gamut as I followed Sofea and Eitan on their quest to find the true meaning of refuge. Action, adventure, intrigue and plot twists galore make this book hard to put down. But it's the sweet testimony of mercy and grace which is at the heart of their story that I will carry away with me. If you love biblical fiction, add this book to your wish list. If you don't like biblical fiction, give Connilyn Cossette a try and I bet she might just change your mind. :-)
November 2, 2018
Why I Choose This Book:
I can't imagine ever not wanting to read Miss Connilyn's books. Seriously.
Her worldbuilding is so utterly fantastic it makes the world dance into my brain and captivate me.
Her characters are complete and real.
Her plots nearly always have twists I hadn't expected.
Her writing is lyrical and magical, weaving the story in a way that makes me long to always have a supply of her new books on hand.
What I Thought of This Book:
Growing up with the Bible I obviously knew what the Cities of Refuge were. But did I ever think about them? Sit down and ponder them? Research them? No. Somehow that crazy bit of history just flew past my brain and never captivated my imagination until I began this series by Miss Connilyn.
Like with the rest of her books Miss Connilyn took an account from the Bible, researched it, imagined it, wrote about it, and brought it totally to life in the pages of her book. Now when I read the Old Testament I feel more depth - the people feel more alive to me and in a way I can almost relate to them better. This, my friends, is what good Biblical fiction does. It doesn't disagree with the Bible, instead, it just adds details that could have happened, and with those details the world from that era bursts into colors and sights and sounds and smells. It's rather glorious.
Technically this book can be read as a standalone. It gives enough information from the previous book that you can gather what's going on. But really, I really recommend reading A Light On The Hill first, because after reading this book you'll want to read that book, and this book kinda spoils the first one.
As for the plot itself, this was the first time when I really felt like I could guess what was going to happen and for the most part, I was right. With Miss Connilyn's books, there are generally fairly big plot twists for me, but this time that didn't happen. I'm not sure if it's because the plot twists were less hidden or because I'm used to her writing style by now, but in any case, not being surprised really didn't take away from the book so that's cool.
The characters didn't resonate with me this time like they sometimes do, but I still liked them and enjoyed learning along with them. My favorite part was getting to see everything from Sofea's perspective. Her thoughts and the way she described the world around her made me want to hug the book and read it over and over again. It was nothing short of lyrical and whimsical. So well done.
Conclusion:
There's some violence in the book although it doesn't go into extreme detail. There's mention of evil pagan practices, a destroyed village, people wanting to get revenge, and then some deaths that go along with living in a City of Refuge. I thought that it was written in a mild enough manner that it's suitable for ages 15+ (although I guess that depends a lot on the person).
As for romance there was kissing much earlier in the book than I was expecting, but overall it wasn't bad and I don't recall having to skim-read much like I generally do when books get overly romantic. ;)
Rating:
I'm giving Shelter of the Most High 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who likes Biblical fiction or wants to give the genre a try.
I'm so thankful for Miss Connilyn for giving me a book in exchange for reviewing it. She rocks, y'all.
I can't imagine ever not wanting to read Miss Connilyn's books. Seriously.
Her worldbuilding is so utterly fantastic it makes the world dance into my brain and captivate me.
Her characters are complete and real.
Her plots nearly always have twists I hadn't expected.
Her writing is lyrical and magical, weaving the story in a way that makes me long to always have a supply of her new books on hand.
What I Thought of This Book:
Growing up with the Bible I obviously knew what the Cities of Refuge were. But did I ever think about them? Sit down and ponder them? Research them? No. Somehow that crazy bit of history just flew past my brain and never captivated my imagination until I began this series by Miss Connilyn.
Like with the rest of her books Miss Connilyn took an account from the Bible, researched it, imagined it, wrote about it, and brought it totally to life in the pages of her book. Now when I read the Old Testament I feel more depth - the people feel more alive to me and in a way I can almost relate to them better. This, my friends, is what good Biblical fiction does. It doesn't disagree with the Bible, instead, it just adds details that could have happened, and with those details the world from that era bursts into colors and sights and sounds and smells. It's rather glorious.
Technically this book can be read as a standalone. It gives enough information from the previous book that you can gather what's going on. But really, I really recommend reading A Light On The Hill first, because after reading this book you'll want to read that book, and this book kinda spoils the first one.
As for the plot itself, this was the first time when I really felt like I could guess what was going to happen and for the most part, I was right. With Miss Connilyn's books, there are generally fairly big plot twists for me, but this time that didn't happen. I'm not sure if it's because the plot twists were less hidden or because I'm used to her writing style by now, but in any case, not being surprised really didn't take away from the book so that's cool.
The characters didn't resonate with me this time like they sometimes do, but I still liked them and enjoyed learning along with them. My favorite part was getting to see everything from Sofea's perspective. Her thoughts and the way she described the world around her made me want to hug the book and read it over and over again. It was nothing short of lyrical and whimsical. So well done.
Conclusion:
There's some violence in the book although it doesn't go into extreme detail. There's mention of evil pagan practices, a destroyed village, people wanting to get revenge, and then some deaths that go along with living in a City of Refuge. I thought that it was written in a mild enough manner that it's suitable for ages 15+ (although I guess that depends a lot on the person).
As for romance there was kissing much earlier in the book than I was expecting, but overall it wasn't bad and I don't recall having to skim-read much like I generally do when books get overly romantic. ;)
Rating:
I'm giving Shelter of the Most High 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who likes Biblical fiction or wants to give the genre a try.
I'm so thankful for Miss Connilyn for giving me a book in exchange for reviewing it. She rocks, y'all.
October 19, 2018
"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 severe 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 the heat of 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.
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 severe 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 the heat of 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.
November 5, 2018
A story set in ancient times, I found myself totally enthralled with it from the first few pages. I wanted to just keep reading, but I also didn't want to finish because I was enjoying it so much.
I found the setting so intriguing, as well as the people, possibly ancestors from Sicily that found themselves intermarrying with the Hebrews.
This author does such a great job of weaving a tale, you will want to buy every book she writes as it comes out. I know that is my plan!
I found the setting so intriguing, as well as the people, possibly ancestors from Sicily that found themselves intermarrying with the Hebrews.
This author does such a great job of weaving a tale, you will want to buy every book she writes as it comes out. I know that is my plan!
February 12, 2019
Yet another stellar book from Connilyn Cossette! I loved the look at two different cultures and seeing how our God drew on Sofea and Prezi's hearts. And the love story was fantastic!
October 24, 2024
Gave up on this one. Nudity in the opening chapter was only the beginning of the unsettling content. I didn’t appreciate the praying to foreign gods thing either. I don’t remember what else, and I already deleted my Kindle copy, so I no longer have my notes. Utterly disappointing story.
Content: alcohol, skinny dipping, nudity, tattoos, derogatory terms, prayers to foreign gods
Content: alcohol, skinny dipping, nudity, tattoos, derogatory terms, prayers to foreign gods
December 2, 2018
FANTASTIC STORY!!!
In terms of writing Biblical fiction, Connilyn Cossette can do no wrong. Shelter of the Most High, book 2 in her Cities of Refuge series, is another slam dunk! This book is SO good it’s officially on my re-read pile for FOREVER. The plot is so highly engaging that pages flew by at lightening speeds. The characters are perfection — Eitan stole my heart and Sofea is truly endearing. And, the themes Ms. Cossette illustrates within Shelter of the Most High are timely and allow the reader to self-reflect. Shelter of the Most High is without a doubt a must-read for 2018.
When Sofea, the heroine of Shelter of the Most High, first arrives in Kedesh, she is a traumatized, battered young woman who doesn’t speak or understand a single word of Hebrew, and has no clue about who the One, True God is. Sofea grew up surrounded by darkness. Her father, the Sicani chieftain, ruled harshly, violently, and selfishly. He believed his gods gave him the power to be whatever kind of leader to his people that he wanted to be. He hurt people, he took from people, and he sacrificed people to the gods all to suit his whims. When Sofea enters into Kedesh, she believes her life will be just as hard, if not harder, than her home life because she assumes all people, no matter where they live, are the same as her Sicani tribesmen. Sofea fears she is going to be made a slave, or worse, be used as a sacrifice. As a reader, I felt the frustration of not being able to speak to Sofea and clear things up. I actually felt as helpless as Darek, Moriyah, and Eitan as they attempted to communicate with her. However, within the first day of being in Darek and Moriyah’s home, Sofea starts to realize that there is something different about these people and she is confused. These strange people are not acting mean, cruel, or selfishly. Instead, they are feeding her, clothing her, giving her a place to clean in private, ministering to her wounds, and providing her shelter. This is all so odd and foreign to Sofea that she says to herself, “Who [are] these people?”
This moment in the book, this question, made me stop and think hard. In fact, I put the book down and turned to my husband and asked, “If a foreigner who couldn’t speak a word of English came to our door clearly needing a lot of physical help, would that person see kindness, compassion, and care? Would our actions set us apart? Would this foreigner ask herself, ‘Who are these people?’ as Sofea does in Shelter of the Most High?” This was a hard mirror to look into! While I don’t think it is smart in this day and age to open your door randomly to all strangers — some could actually be very bad people looking to take advantage of innocent people — this scenario showed my husband and myself that maybe we could be a little more compassionate towards our fellow man. Perhaps we are a bit too self-focused. I really love when a book stops a reader in her tracks and forces her to do a bit of soul-searching. Shelter of the Most High definitely forced me to take a good look into my heart and assess the kind of woman I am today, and I appreciate that this book did this for me.
Of the many characters in this novel, I closely relate to Eitan and one of his major struggles. Eitan knows why he is in Kedesh. He understands that God put him there. Honestly, most days he has resignedly accepted that God has kept him in Kedesh. BUT, Eitan is beyond frustrated by his circumstances, and he feels hopelessly trapped. It makes him restless, angry, and cagey. The way Eitan feels brought me to tears. At this point in my life, I 1000% understand his trapped, frustrated, hopeless feelings. Feeling trapped with no way out is one of the worst feelings in the world. The only way to overcome this awful feeling is to stay focused on God. We are all Esthers in our own right; we are all here for God’s purpose and for such a time as this. Eitan works through this battle — and many others; he’s quite the busy guy in this story! — really gives himself over to God’s plan, and comes out a better man in the end.
I am truly saddened that my time with this book is over. If I didn’t have such a full review schedule I would absolutely re-read this book right now. If you are looking for a well-researched, fast-paced, stunning Biblical narrative, I highly recommend Shelter of the Most High. This book is AMAZING!
I received a review copy of this novel in paperback form from the author via Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
In terms of writing Biblical fiction, Connilyn Cossette can do no wrong. Shelter of the Most High, book 2 in her Cities of Refuge series, is another slam dunk! This book is SO good it’s officially on my re-read pile for FOREVER. The plot is so highly engaging that pages flew by at lightening speeds. The characters are perfection — Eitan stole my heart and Sofea is truly endearing. And, the themes Ms. Cossette illustrates within Shelter of the Most High are timely and allow the reader to self-reflect. Shelter of the Most High is without a doubt a must-read for 2018.
When Sofea, the heroine of Shelter of the Most High, first arrives in Kedesh, she is a traumatized, battered young woman who doesn’t speak or understand a single word of Hebrew, and has no clue about who the One, True God is. Sofea grew up surrounded by darkness. Her father, the Sicani chieftain, ruled harshly, violently, and selfishly. He believed his gods gave him the power to be whatever kind of leader to his people that he wanted to be. He hurt people, he took from people, and he sacrificed people to the gods all to suit his whims. When Sofea enters into Kedesh, she believes her life will be just as hard, if not harder, than her home life because she assumes all people, no matter where they live, are the same as her Sicani tribesmen. Sofea fears she is going to be made a slave, or worse, be used as a sacrifice. As a reader, I felt the frustration of not being able to speak to Sofea and clear things up. I actually felt as helpless as Darek, Moriyah, and Eitan as they attempted to communicate with her. However, within the first day of being in Darek and Moriyah’s home, Sofea starts to realize that there is something different about these people and she is confused. These strange people are not acting mean, cruel, or selfishly. Instead, they are feeding her, clothing her, giving her a place to clean in private, ministering to her wounds, and providing her shelter. This is all so odd and foreign to Sofea that she says to herself, “Who [are] these people?”
This moment in the book, this question, made me stop and think hard. In fact, I put the book down and turned to my husband and asked, “If a foreigner who couldn’t speak a word of English came to our door clearly needing a lot of physical help, would that person see kindness, compassion, and care? Would our actions set us apart? Would this foreigner ask herself, ‘Who are these people?’ as Sofea does in Shelter of the Most High?” This was a hard mirror to look into! While I don’t think it is smart in this day and age to open your door randomly to all strangers — some could actually be very bad people looking to take advantage of innocent people — this scenario showed my husband and myself that maybe we could be a little more compassionate towards our fellow man. Perhaps we are a bit too self-focused. I really love when a book stops a reader in her tracks and forces her to do a bit of soul-searching. Shelter of the Most High definitely forced me to take a good look into my heart and assess the kind of woman I am today, and I appreciate that this book did this for me.
Of the many characters in this novel, I closely relate to Eitan and one of his major struggles. Eitan knows why he is in Kedesh. He understands that God put him there. Honestly, most days he has resignedly accepted that God has kept him in Kedesh. BUT, Eitan is beyond frustrated by his circumstances, and he feels hopelessly trapped. It makes him restless, angry, and cagey. The way Eitan feels brought me to tears. At this point in my life, I 1000% understand his trapped, frustrated, hopeless feelings. Feeling trapped with no way out is one of the worst feelings in the world. The only way to overcome this awful feeling is to stay focused on God. We are all Esthers in our own right; we are all here for God’s purpose and for such a time as this. Eitan works through this battle — and many others; he’s quite the busy guy in this story! — really gives himself over to God’s plan, and comes out a better man in the end.
I am truly saddened that my time with this book is over. If I didn’t have such a full review schedule I would absolutely re-read this book right now. If you are looking for a well-researched, fast-paced, stunning Biblical narrative, I highly recommend Shelter of the Most High. This book is AMAZING!
I received a review copy of this novel in paperback form from the author via Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
October 24, 2018
While I normally don't read a whole lot of biblical fiction, this just reminded me I TRULY need to get on the ball. I forgot how much I loved it, and how comforting it is.
This is the first book I've read by Connilyn Cossette, and it will not be my last. I'm already WAY ready for the next book. (Not gonna lie I shipped the couple before I knew the next book was going to be about them)
Jenna is totally going to disown me for saying this...(I loved our friendship while it lasted my dear)
But SINCE this is my first book by Connilyn, I didn't read the first book in this series. I know I know scandalous, but it happens. 😝 I have heard from trusted sources *cough, Jenna, cough* that this series is best read in order, and even better if read RIGHT on the tail of Connilyn's other series.
I reveal this secret because it is vital information to this review...
.
.
.
READ THESE BOOKS IN ORDER!!!!!
.
.
.
I enjoyed the story, do not get me wrong! I loved the characters and the relationships that they had. But therein lies the problem. These relationships that I feel in love with were crafted a decade before in the first book.
I feel I would have understood all the crazy undertones that were FLOWING through this book if I had read #1.
Now this is no one's fault but my own!! My schedule has been what one *might* call "PSYCHO" recently, so I wasn't able to get to it.
Heed the warning of the girl who jumped the gun, or really just jumped a decade worth of drama and backstory...READ BOOK 1 FIRST!
Click here to watch an IN-DEPTH explanation on what order to read this books!!
***
Now on to my thought about the ACTUAL story.
I really enjoyed it!
I was devastated by the plot twist at the beginning.
*muttering* Leave it to me to get attached to the bad guys...🙄😅
One thing I had to keep in mind while reading this book is marriage/romance was done A LOOOOTTT different than it is now. So yes the romance was like WAY quick, but it all was back then.
I personally didn't feel or see Sofea turn towards God like Prezi did. I felt more of a spiritual change in the secondary character than in the main character which was a little strange to me. NOW I'm not saying she didn't learn the ways of God, but it just didn't stand out to me.
Overall Eitan and Sofea were okay. They definitely weren't my favorite of the cast, but I'm also not standing super solid in that opinion since I did miss half of Eitan's life.
Sofea was just really immature to me, though I did see her grow up a bit through the story. Eitan was rash, though he learned patience and how to use it well as the story progressed.
I preferred the side characters in this particular book, and hope a certain couple makes an appearance in book 3.
In all honesty I gave this book a 3.5/5 stars, BUT I think it has the potential to be a 4/5 once I read book 1.
*I received this book for an honest review**All opinions are my own**I was not required to leave a positive review*
This is the first book I've read by Connilyn Cossette, and it will not be my last. I'm already WAY ready for the next book. (Not gonna lie I shipped the couple before I knew the next book was going to be about them)
Jenna is totally going to disown me for saying this...(I loved our friendship while it lasted my dear)
But SINCE this is my first book by Connilyn, I didn't read the first book in this series. I know I know scandalous, but it happens. 😝 I have heard from trusted sources *cough, Jenna, cough* that this series is best read in order, and even better if read RIGHT on the tail of Connilyn's other series.
I reveal this secret because it is vital information to this review...
.
.
.
READ THESE BOOKS IN ORDER!!!!!
.
.
.
I enjoyed the story, do not get me wrong! I loved the characters and the relationships that they had. But therein lies the problem. These relationships that I feel in love with were crafted a decade before in the first book.
I feel I would have understood all the crazy undertones that were FLOWING through this book if I had read #1.
Now this is no one's fault but my own!! My schedule has been what one *might* call "PSYCHO" recently, so I wasn't able to get to it.
Heed the warning of the girl who jumped the gun, or really just jumped a decade worth of drama and backstory...READ BOOK 1 FIRST!
Click here to watch an IN-DEPTH explanation on what order to read this books!!
***
Now on to my thought about the ACTUAL story.
I really enjoyed it!
I was devastated by the plot twist at the beginning.
*muttering* Leave it to me to get attached to the bad guys...🙄😅
One thing I had to keep in mind while reading this book is marriage/romance was done A LOOOOTTT different than it is now. So yes the romance was like WAY quick, but it all was back then.
I personally didn't feel or see Sofea turn towards God like Prezi did. I felt more of a spiritual change in the secondary character than in the main character which was a little strange to me. NOW I'm not saying she didn't learn the ways of God, but it just didn't stand out to me.
Overall Eitan and Sofea were okay. They definitely weren't my favorite of the cast, but I'm also not standing super solid in that opinion since I did miss half of Eitan's life.
Sofea was just really immature to me, though I did see her grow up a bit through the story. Eitan was rash, though he learned patience and how to use it well as the story progressed.
I preferred the side characters in this particular book, and hope a certain couple makes an appearance in book 3.
In all honesty I gave this book a 3.5/5 stars, BUT I think it has the potential to be a 4/5 once I read book 1.
*I received this book for an honest review**All opinions are my own**I was not required to leave a positive review*
September 17, 2024
LOVE!!! 😍😍😍 Connilyn Cossette has done it again! From the moment I read the first page of her eye-catching debut novel in 2016, I was captivated by her writing and story telling abilities, as well as the fascinating, immersive glimpse into the ancient Biblical world. I’ve read each of her books as they’ve come out and loved every one, and this latest release is no exception!
From the first chapter, the story pulls you in and makes you eager to find out what happens next. I loved learning about Sofea’s people, the Sicani, as well as the fact that PIRATES existed all the way back then! One thing I love about Connilyn’s books is the fact that they use the Biblical stories and characters as the background of the story, not necessarily the foreground, and the characters are simply living amongst the Biblical events and characters, giving you a view of what day to day life was like, as well as allowing you to explore other areas and aspects of the ancient world and how they coincide with the Biblical narrative.
As usual, the characters wove themselves into my heart and the plot kept me eager for each chapter. The love story was sweet and sigh-worthy with a hero that makes you want to give him a big fat hug! ❤️ Lol! I loved Eitan in the first book in this series, A Light on the Hill, but I loved him tenfold in this book, seeing him grown into a man that’s every bit as kind and loving and protective as he was as a child, but now haunted by his past and an immense sense of unworthiness.
I also particularly liked the way the book ended. In the epilogue, Sofea and Eitan’s story is tied up in a satisfying bow, but other aspects of it allude to trouble on the horizon for Moriyah and Darek’s family, leaving me excited and nervous to find out what’s headed their way. I CAN’T wait for the next book! 😆😍👏🏻
From the first chapter, the story pulls you in and makes you eager to find out what happens next. I loved learning about Sofea’s people, the Sicani, as well as the fact that PIRATES existed all the way back then! One thing I love about Connilyn’s books is the fact that they use the Biblical stories and characters as the background of the story, not necessarily the foreground, and the characters are simply living amongst the Biblical events and characters, giving you a view of what day to day life was like, as well as allowing you to explore other areas and aspects of the ancient world and how they coincide with the Biblical narrative.
As usual, the characters wove themselves into my heart and the plot kept me eager for each chapter. The love story was sweet and sigh-worthy with a hero that makes you want to give him a big fat hug! ❤️ Lol! I loved Eitan in the first book in this series, A Light on the Hill, but I loved him tenfold in this book, seeing him grown into a man that’s every bit as kind and loving and protective as he was as a child, but now haunted by his past and an immense sense of unworthiness.
I also particularly liked the way the book ended. In the epilogue, Sofea and Eitan’s story is tied up in a satisfying bow, but other aspects of it allude to trouble on the horizon for Moriyah and Darek’s family, leaving me excited and nervous to find out what’s headed their way. I CAN’T wait for the next book! 😆😍👏🏻
![Profile Image for Jasmine (Jazzie) [Jesus Loves You!!].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1766755819i%2F174090398._UX200_CR0%2C4%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
April 22, 2019
Sofea and her cousin Prezi are taken by marauders from their island home in Sicily, and find themselves alone outside of Kedesh.
Eitan has grown up inside the walls of the refuge city, Kedesh, and has taken the Nazarite vow, wearing his hair long. He longs to serve his countrymen as a soldier like his step-father, Darek, but due to the the tragedy in his past he must remain within the city. He is enchanted by the beautiful Sofea, and their friendship grows as the barrier of language fades.
As a murder conspiracy is uncovered and trusts are betrayed will they learn to trust the One True God, who is a shelter and comfort to those who love Him?
I loved how this book picks up Eitan's story eleven years after the events of the previous book, and though this book also stands well on its own, I don't know why anyone wouldn't want to read Moriyah and Darek's story in A Light on the Hill. Eitan is an intelligent young man, with a stubbornness that is both his strength and his weakness. He loves his siblings and adores his mother, Moriyah, while his relationship with Darek is more complex. He is honorable and fights to do what is right, even when he doesn't want to.
Sofea and her cousin share a close bond, brought even closer as they are strangers in a new land. Sofea is willing to put aside her strong will for her cousin's safety, she is drawn to her new friends and their God who is unlike the demanding and unforgiving gods of her homeland. I admired her sacrificial love for her cousin and her friends, she is quick thinking and daring.
A story of love, sacrifice, family, betrayal, and God's unfailing love, set during the years after the Israelites entered the Promised Land. Well researched I love how these books help me to think more about the struggles that God's people faced entering the promised land. Ms. Cossette uses beautiful, lush descriptions that bring the story to life. Prezi is one of my favorite characters, she is a cousin and sister to Sofea, she wants the best for her friend and her calm demeanor compliments Sofea well. Another terrific story from Connilyn Cossette, with a action-packed and tension fraught climax.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Eitan has grown up inside the walls of the refuge city, Kedesh, and has taken the Nazarite vow, wearing his hair long. He longs to serve his countrymen as a soldier like his step-father, Darek, but due to the the tragedy in his past he must remain within the city. He is enchanted by the beautiful Sofea, and their friendship grows as the barrier of language fades.
As a murder conspiracy is uncovered and trusts are betrayed will they learn to trust the One True God, who is a shelter and comfort to those who love Him?
I loved how this book picks up Eitan's story eleven years after the events of the previous book, and though this book also stands well on its own, I don't know why anyone wouldn't want to read Moriyah and Darek's story in A Light on the Hill. Eitan is an intelligent young man, with a stubbornness that is both his strength and his weakness. He loves his siblings and adores his mother, Moriyah, while his relationship with Darek is more complex. He is honorable and fights to do what is right, even when he doesn't want to.
Sofea and her cousin share a close bond, brought even closer as they are strangers in a new land. Sofea is willing to put aside her strong will for her cousin's safety, she is drawn to her new friends and their God who is unlike the demanding and unforgiving gods of her homeland. I admired her sacrificial love for her cousin and her friends, she is quick thinking and daring.
A story of love, sacrifice, family, betrayal, and God's unfailing love, set during the years after the Israelites entered the Promised Land. Well researched I love how these books help me to think more about the struggles that God's people faced entering the promised land. Ms. Cossette uses beautiful, lush descriptions that bring the story to life. Prezi is one of my favorite characters, she is a cousin and sister to Sofea, she wants the best for her friend and her calm demeanor compliments Sofea well. Another terrific story from Connilyn Cossette, with a action-packed and tension fraught climax.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 14, 2018
Sofia, daughter of a pagan high priest and her cousin, Perez, are taken, prisoner when their village is attacked on the island of Sicily. They are taken aboard a large ship and forced to endure beatings and starvation. Rescued by strange people that speak a language they can't understand, they feel they are now slaves. These people serve one God unlike the culture of their village.
Through the love of the people's God, they find their new home and culture so much more endearing and hopeful.
The book had many moments of intense sorrow but had an ample amount of times of great joy and inspired actions. The characters were well-developed and I connected to them right away. The author's descriptions of the surrounding countryside brought the Biblical cities and people alive for me. It was a very inspiring read that showed God's mercy and how much we mean to him.
I was provided with a copy by the author and willingly chose to review it.
Through the love of the people's God, they find their new home and culture so much more endearing and hopeful.
The book had many moments of intense sorrow but had an ample amount of times of great joy and inspired actions. The characters were well-developed and I connected to them right away. The author's descriptions of the surrounding countryside brought the Biblical cities and people alive for me. It was a very inspiring read that showed God's mercy and how much we mean to him.
I was provided with a copy by the author and willingly chose to review it.
December 4, 2021
5 Stars ✨
Biblical fiction at its best. So good you forget you’re reading this particular genre. I love this author and her ability to make the Bible come to life with all of her stories. It helps me to understand things and puts things into perspective.
This is a story about redemption, overcoming burdens and forgiveness. God the most high is a loving father who shelters us no matter our past. Who accepts us graciously with open arms if we just allow him to operate in our lives. Beautiful writing and likable characters I can’t wait to read more of this series.
Biblical fiction at its best. So good you forget you’re reading this particular genre. I love this author and her ability to make the Bible come to life with all of her stories. It helps me to understand things and puts things into perspective.
This is a story about redemption, overcoming burdens and forgiveness. God the most high is a loving father who shelters us no matter our past. Who accepts us graciously with open arms if we just allow him to operate in our lives. Beautiful writing and likable characters I can’t wait to read more of this series.
July 3, 2019
I am once again blown away by Connilyn’s writing. Her attention to detail and the mounds of research she must do to make these characters and places come to life is astounding.
This was the second book in the Cities of Refuge series and while you don’t necessarily have to read the previous book to understand and enjoy this one you really should. Like really really. Go read it right now.
They are just woven together so beautifully and you will appreciate connecting the journey that led to the events contained in this book. I really enjoyed seeing all my favorite characters again, it was like catching up with an old friend.
I loved Eitan and Sofea’s story and have come to love them almost as much as Darek and Moriyah. I think they will always be my favorite! Looking forward to seeing them all again in the next book.
This was the second book in the Cities of Refuge series and while you don’t necessarily have to read the previous book to understand and enjoy this one you really should. Like really really. Go read it right now.
They are just woven together so beautifully and you will appreciate connecting the journey that led to the events contained in this book. I really enjoyed seeing all my favorite characters again, it was like catching up with an old friend.
I loved Eitan and Sofea’s story and have come to love them almost as much as Darek and Moriyah. I think they will always be my favorite! Looking forward to seeing them all again in the next book.
September 7, 2025
Incredible 🌟 That word has been on repeat in my brain throughout this whole book - beautiful story of mercy, redemption and our worth in God’s eyes 💛 I’m so glad there are two more books in the Cities of Refuge series…curious on what spin will come next. I love where my imagination goes while listening…what things look like, sound like, smell like. Have you ever wondered what living in Bible times would be like???
The romance thread is usually the part I look forward to most and am totally fine if it takes up most of the story - not necessary in CC’s writing…she draws you in from the get-go and before you know it you’re wearing your headphones for EVERYTHING: brushing your teeth, mowing the lawn, vacuuming, making supper, folding laundry, unpacking the camper…EVERYTHING 💛
The romance thread is usually the part I look forward to most and am totally fine if it takes up most of the story - not necessary in CC’s writing…she draws you in from the get-go and before you know it you’re wearing your headphones for EVERYTHING: brushing your teeth, mowing the lawn, vacuuming, making supper, folding laundry, unpacking the camper…EVERYTHING 💛
October 16, 2018
Connilyn Cossette pens another exciting Biblical Historical novel! Book Two in the CITIES OF REFUGE series, I enjoyed diving into Shelter of the Most High and reconnecting with Moriyah and her lovely family.
This book focuses specifically on her adopted son, Eitan. As well as a wounded and guarded maiden, Sofea, from the island of Sicily. Back in the city of Kedesh, we learn more about cities of refuge and the accidental killers that flee and find safety there. I find this such a heavy, but fascinating topic. And I just love being with the children of Israel. Connilyn Cossette brings to life Old Testament times and people with such authenticity and grace.
Though we didn't spend much time in Sicily, it was intriguing to explore Sofea's seaside home just a little. The emotional and spiritual journey Sofea and her cousin went on was profound. I enjoyed meeting all of Darek and Moriyah's children ... and other characters! And the unexpected twists - I found myself quite shocked at times! It was a well-done story that explored Moriyah's predicament more, while unfolding Eitan and Sofea's story. There were some truly heart-touching moments of faith, forgiveness, and redemption.
I didn't love the romance in Shelter of the Most High as much as I loved some in this author's other books. It pretty heavily focused on physical attraction. Which is a good thing, but cannot be the foundation of a marriage. While it didn't say that it was, there just seemed to be more emphasis on physical attraction than friendship and such.
That all being said, I really enjoyed this book and can hardly wait to read Book Three, Until the Mountains Fall! We got glimpses of the girl who is to be the main character in this next book, and I am so intrigued!
I received a copy of Shelter of the Most High from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
This book focuses specifically on her adopted son, Eitan. As well as a wounded and guarded maiden, Sofea, from the island of Sicily. Back in the city of Kedesh, we learn more about cities of refuge and the accidental killers that flee and find safety there. I find this such a heavy, but fascinating topic. And I just love being with the children of Israel. Connilyn Cossette brings to life Old Testament times and people with such authenticity and grace.
Though we didn't spend much time in Sicily, it was intriguing to explore Sofea's seaside home just a little. The emotional and spiritual journey Sofea and her cousin went on was profound. I enjoyed meeting all of Darek and Moriyah's children ... and other characters! And the unexpected twists - I found myself quite shocked at times! It was a well-done story that explored Moriyah's predicament more, while unfolding Eitan and Sofea's story. There were some truly heart-touching moments of faith, forgiveness, and redemption.
I didn't love the romance in Shelter of the Most High as much as I loved some in this author's other books. It pretty heavily focused on physical attraction. Which is a good thing, but cannot be the foundation of a marriage. While it didn't say that it was, there just seemed to be more emphasis on physical attraction than friendship and such.
That all being said, I really enjoyed this book and can hardly wait to read Book Three, Until the Mountains Fall! We got glimpses of the girl who is to be the main character in this next book, and I am so intrigued!
I received a copy of Shelter of the Most High from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
March 1, 2023
What can I say. Yet another beautifully written story. Cossette paints the perfect picture of God's forgiveness, love, and his perfect plan for our life. The heroine was brave, raw, and real, and she showed that God has our life in his hands and NOTHING is done without his knowing.
The connection between Sofea and Eitan was so tender and sweet. It wasn't clique or first sight or hard to get kind of love. They displayed justice and mercy towards one another and fought for their love, even if it wasn't mutual right away or seemed impossible. It unfolded so beautifully and had me wanting more in every chapter.
Onto the next book!!
The connection between Sofea and Eitan was so tender and sweet. It wasn't clique or first sight or hard to get kind of love. They displayed justice and mercy towards one another and fought for their love, even if it wasn't mutual right away or seemed impossible. It unfolded so beautifully and had me wanting more in every chapter.
Onto the next book!!
October 11, 2018
Connilyn Cossette never fails to deliver a riveting story, and each book she releases sees her more firmly entrenched on my ‘must read authors’ list. Not only are her stories fantastic reads, but I always come away from them feeling like I’ve gained new insight into the Old Testament, whether that be a better understanding of the cultural context or the way in which the Israelite laws and customs point forward to Christ.
It’s been fascinating learning about the Cities of Refuge through this series, especially since they’re only mentioned briefly in the Bible, but even more fascinating in this particular story was learning about the Israelites’ laws and customs from the perspective of an outsider—and the daughter of a pagan high priest, at that. It’s so easy to look at the Old Testament laws from our 21st Century perspective and write them off as harsh and barbaric, but seeing them through Sofea’s eyes gives you a whole new perspective, bringing out the compassion and mercy that balances God’s justice.
Not only are the historical details fantastic, but it’s impossible not to become emotionally invested in the characters’ lives. Compelling personal struggles, delicious romantic tension, and high-stakes suspense just begged me to keep turning the pages, and I very happily complied.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
It’s been fascinating learning about the Cities of Refuge through this series, especially since they’re only mentioned briefly in the Bible, but even more fascinating in this particular story was learning about the Israelites’ laws and customs from the perspective of an outsider—and the daughter of a pagan high priest, at that. It’s so easy to look at the Old Testament laws from our 21st Century perspective and write them off as harsh and barbaric, but seeing them through Sofea’s eyes gives you a whole new perspective, bringing out the compassion and mercy that balances God’s justice.
Not only are the historical details fantastic, but it’s impossible not to become emotionally invested in the characters’ lives. Compelling personal struggles, delicious romantic tension, and high-stakes suspense just begged me to keep turning the pages, and I very happily complied.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
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