Back cover blurb:

Strong-willed Tirzah wants to join her people in driving the enemy from the land of Israel and undergoes training for a secret mission inside the stronghold of Shechem. But soon after she has infiltrated the ruthless Aramean commander’s kitchen, she makes a reckless decision that puts her and her allies in grave danger.

Fresh off the battlefield, Liyam returns home to discover his beloved daughter is dead. After his vow to hunt down her killer leads to months of fruitless pursuit, his last hope is in a family connection that comes with strings attached. Strings that force him to pose as a mercenary and rescue an infuriating woman who refuses to leave her mission uncompleted.

When an opportunity to pave a path to a Hebrew victory arises, can Tirzah convince Liyam to fight alongside her in the refuge city of her birth? Or will Liyam’s thirst for vengeance outweigh his duty to his people, his God, and the woman he’s come to love?

My Thoughts:

Connilyn Cossette’s novel, Like Flames in the Night, kept me spellbound from start to finish. Tirzah spies within an Aramean encampment. Her path crosses that of Liyam, who is bent on revenge for the death of his young daughter. Liyam, though gruff and hardened, wrestles with forgiveness. His growing feelings for the spirited Tirzah complicate his mission to thwart the enemy. Wonderful themes of mercy and justice make this a compelling read with plenty of topics for bookclub discussions.

I enjoyed this novel. It stands alone, although readers should read the entire series to discover what becomes of Moriyah’s family. I appreciated the depth of research and historical detail. Despite the span of time, forgiveness remains an important topic. How do we release those who wrong us? Cossette deftly weaves the message of grace throughout the entire series, ending on a triumphant note. The path to grace is messy. Both Tirzah and Liyam struggle realistically. In conclusion, I can’t believe I’m saying good-bye to some beloved characters! Thankfully, I can always read again. Five ⭐️

The first novel in the series is now available on Kindle for 99 cents! Just click on the pictures to link for purchase.

A Light on the Hill

Seven years ago, Moriyah was taken captive in Jericho and branded with the mark of the Canaanite gods. Now the Israelites are experiencing peace in their new land, but Moriyah has yet to find her own peace. Because of the shameful mark on her face, she hides behind her veil at all times and the disdain of the townspeople keeps her from socializing. And marriage prospects were out of the question . . . until now.

Her father has found someone to marry her, and she hopes to use her love of cooking to impress the man and his motherless sons. But when things go horribly wrong, Moriyah is forced to flee. Seeking safety at one of the newly-established Levitical cities of refuge, she is wildly unprepared for the dangers she will face, and the enemies–and unexpected allies–she will encounter on her way.

Happy reading!