Overall, I don't read much biblical fiction. I'm just not drawn to it like I am contemporary or Regency romance. But I will make an exception for whatever Connilyn Cossette book comes my way!
Ten years ago Lukio fled Kiryat-Yearim, where he'd been adopted by the Levite family who guarded the Ark of the Covenant. Feeling betrayed by everyone, he returned to his birthplace in Philistia to become a famous fighter. Now the champion of Ashdod, Lukio has achieved every goal with the help of his ruthless cousin. But just as he is set to claim the biggest prize of all, the daughter of the king, his past collides with his present in the form of Shoshana.
After a heartbreaking end to her secret friendship with Lukio, Shoshana thought to never see the boy with the dual-colored eyes and the troubled soul again. But when she is captured in a Philistine raid and enslaved in Ashdod, she is surprised to find that the brutal fighter known as Demon-Eyes is Lukio himself.
With explosive secrets and unbreakable vows standing between them, finding a way to freedom for both may cost them everything.
Between the Wild Branches is the second book in Cossette's Covenant House duology. I somehow missed To Dwell Among Cedars when it released last year, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything when I dove into Between the Wild Branches. (I do, however, want to go back and read the first book, as the glimpses I got of it in this book's pages made it sound fascinating!)
This novel tells the story of Lukio, the great fighter of Ashod known as "Demon Eyes," and Shoshana, the Hebrew woman he loved as a child. Their story is one of heartache, danger, and ultimately redemption, and I found it so engaging that I read the whole thing in two afternoons. Strong themes of forgiveness, familial love, and care for the less fortunate are woven throughout the novel, helping to make a story set in 1052 BC still be relevant today.
Fans of biblical fiction (and even semi-fans like me) will find much to love in Between the Wild Branches. Highly recommended! 5 stars.
Buy the book. (Amazon ad)
Read my reviews of Cossette's A Light on the Hill (4-1/2 stars), Wings of the Wind (4-1/2 stars), and Shelter of the Most High (4 stars).
Connilyn Cossette is a Christy Award and Carol Award winning author whose books have been found on both ECPA and CBA bestseller lists. When she is not engulfed in the happy chaos of homeschooling two teenagers, devouring books whole, or avoiding housework, she can be found digging into the rich ancient world of the Bible to discover gems of grace that point to Jesus and weaving them into an immersive fiction experience. Although she and her husband have lived all over the country in their twenty-plus years of marriage, they currently call a little town south of Dallas, Texas, their home. Connect with her at www.ConnilynCossette.com.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in this post are affiliate links; this means if you click the link and purchase an item, I will receive a small commission. 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."
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