There is just something wonderful about reading during the cold November nights with a cup of steaming tea in one hand and a heart pounding book in the other. I have been absolutely delighted with the biblical fiction of 2019.

Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette

I’m at the point where every single book Cossette writes ends up in my mailbox. Until the Mountains Fall delivers a romantic, suspenseful journey back in time. Biblical fiction fans will rejoice over the faith theme of the “prodigal son”– or in this case — the “prodigal daughter” finding redemption. This is hands down, the most romantic book that I have read this year. More importantly, it’s a great tale of forgiveness and second chances. Be forewarned—Cities of Refuge is a completely binge worthy series. The first book, A Light on the Hill, is on sale for under five dollars (paperback). That’s less than your Starbucks pumpkin spice latte with a cookie. Click on the book titles to purchase.

Recently widowed, Rivkah refuses to submit to the Torah law compelling her to marry her husband’s brother and instead flees Kedesh, hoping to use her talents as a scribe to support herself. Without the protections of her father, Kedesh’s head priest, and the safety of the city of refuge, Rivkah soon discovers that the cost of recklessness is her own freedom.

Malakhi has secretly loved Rivkah for years, but he never imagined his older brother’s death would mean wedding her himself. After her disappearance, he throws himself into the ongoing fight against the Canaanites instead of dwelling on all he has lost. But with impending war looming over Israel, Rivkah’s father comes to Malakhi with an impossible request.

As the enemies that Rivkah and Malakhi face from without and within Israel grow more threatening each day, is it too late for the restoration their wounded souls seek?

King’s Shadow by Angela Hunt

King’s Shadow examines the relationship between two women of disparate positions, building empathy for both viewpoints. Trapped within a political system, Salome struggles to find her voice among powerful men. Zara, a servant, provides an excellent foil to the growing fear within Salome. Which woman is truly free? As always, Hunt delivers a heart rendering, well-researched look at an unfamiliar era for most readers.

Two women occupy a place in Herod’s court. The first, Salome, is the king’s only sister, a resentful woman who has been told she is from an inferior race, a people God will never accept or approve. 

The second woman, Zara, is a lowly handmaid who serves Salome, but where Salome spies conspiracies and treachery, Zara sees hurting people in need of understanding and compassion. 

Powerful and powerless, Idumean and Jew, selfish and selfless–both women struggle to reach their goals and survive in Herod the Great’s tumultuous court, where no one is trustworthy and no one is safe.

You can also pick up Jerusalem’s Queen for under five dollars (paperback)! The Silent Years is a fantastic series you won’t be able to put down.

Sold into Freedom by Carole Towriss

My bookclub adored this novel! I can hardly wait for the next books in the series. Elantia is perhaps one of the most fierce heroines I have encountered in Biblical fiction in a long while. Stolen and taken to Philippi, Elantia captivates everyone with her beauty and her strange ability to hear from the goddess. Despite her new slave status, Elantia is a fighter and a survivor, even when enduring abuse from her owners. When the apostle Paul encounters her fortune telling within the market, her life changes forever.

I especially enjoyed the depiction of the first century church. Romance fans will be delighted with Quintus and Elantia’s budding relationship. Sold into Freedom can be purchased for a great deal on Kindle!

Taught to hear messages from the goddess from a young age, Elantia’s life is shattered when she is captured from her home in southwest Britannia and sold as a slave in Macedonia. She wants nothing more than to escape and return home—after she kills the man who took the only good thing left in her life.

Tossed aside by the Empire, wounded tribune Quintus Valerius ends up in sleepy Philippi to retire. Manipulated into becoming the prison keeper, he vows to return to Rome as soon as possible to reclaim his reputation and his life. He is intrigued by the quiet Jewish teacher who speaks of truth and peace, but is convinced he can never have either.

When Elantia’s shocking actions shake up the town and her life is threatened, Quintus risks what little he has left to save her—only to put Paulos and his friends in even greater danger.

I have no idea how long these sales will last, so be sure to check the links! I’d love to hear what books you are reading this month! Send me your favorite recommendations in the comments below.

Happy reading,