Can love overcome the pain of the past?

This is only the second Connilyn Cossette book that I've read but already I have come to expect a lot from her. Biblical accuracy, historical detail, vivid imagery, characters that are both flawed and memorable, and most importantly an emotionally and spiritually moving story that stays with you long after the last page is turned. Shelter Of The Most High was all of that and then some.

I found myself more than entertained by this story and its characters, I was also by turns inspired and convicted as both Sofea and Eitan travel a road darkened by loss, fear, and betrayal. Discovering along the way that forgiveness is key and that love, in all its forms, can come in the most unexpected times and in the most unexpected places.

Shelter Of The Most High is a beautiful story of redemption and of God's guiding love even through the darkest of moments. The rich historical detail leaves readers feeling like they are standing right there with the characters. Those two things are sure to delight readers of Connilyn Cossette's new Cities Of Refuge series and have them, as I am, anxiously waiting for more...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Wow! Connilyn has done it again! She has made Biblical history come to life in a story that is sure to captivate the reader from the very first page. In my review of the first book in the series, I shared that Eitan was my favorite character, so I was very pleased to see him return as a main character in this story.

Unlike the first book in the series which was told solely from Moriyah's point-of-view, Shelter of the Most High was told from both Eitan and Sofea's points-of-view. Starting off with another action-intense beginning, this was a very easy story to become quickly engrossed in. This was a rather quick read for me since I wasn't able to put it down! While there are some series that can be read as stand-alones, this is not one that I would recommend to be read out-of-order. Although the main characters have shifted from the first book, the back-story is too relevant to be skipped.

I was highly intrigued by Sofea's character. Although she and Prezi lost everything in their life, what they gained by learning of Yahweh and His ways changed them for the better. Coming from a land that worshiped many false gods and included even human sacrifices, it was difficult for the girls to grasp the concept of the loving God and Creator of the world. It was interesting to see Sofea blossom from the beat-down daughter of an evil man, to a worthy daughter of the King.

One thing I love about Connilyn's writing is the imagery that's present on every page. She adds just the right amount of detail to paint a vivid picture in your mind without trailing away from the actual story. Her details invite the reader into the world of the characters as if they are standing right beside them.

Shelter of the Most High is an absolutely remarkable book and one that I highly recommend. I can't wait to see what Connilyn comes up with next for the series!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to share a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

I have literally read everything this author has ever written, and was dying to get my hands on Shelter of the Most High. And, as I knew would happen, I absolutely devoured the book. Connilyn Cossette has this brilliant way of writing characters that are raw and relatable, while weaving Christ into every page. I always finish her novels a better woman than when I first began.

Sofea and her cousin Prezi are the only survivors of her village when it is attacked. They are taken captive by the pirates and only barely escape with their lives. Eitan has lived inside Kedesh since he came with Moriyah years ago. He has vowed repentance for the accident that brought him there. When his stepfather Darek brings two wounded girls home and mentions that war may be on the horizon, Eitan is torn. He wants to protect his family and leave the city but it goes against his vow and Darek's orders. Sofea is confused by these strangers with a religion so different from what she knows. But there is something about Eitan that draws her like the ocean she loves.

This takes place some years after The Light on the Hill and features Eitan from that book. It also lets us reconnect with Darek and Moriyah who I adored. I liked Sofea and watching her grow. Eitan drove me a bit crazy because I really wanted him and Darek to have a conversation instead of arguing with each other. I do wish that we got a bit more with Prezi she was such a good secondary character. I was happy with the conclusion with Raviv and I wonder if he'll show up in the next book.

I do adore these stories. I like the possibilities of ancient life in the bible and the characters always really good.

This book is an example of Biblical fiction at its finest. I was completely enthralled with this story, from the first chapter, to the end. I loved the characters, the setting, the details, all of it is so gripping. The author has woven it all together in a way that makes it come to life right in front of your eyes.

Sofea and her cousin, Prezi, are young girls living in a seacoast village on the island of Sicily. When their families are killed and their village are destroyed, they are taken across the ocean by those marauders, and they end up in the land of Canaan among a strange people who worship an unknown God, Yahweh.

Even though it takes time, they come to see the joy and peace of their newfound friends, and begin to feel at home in this strange new place, a city of refuge called Kedesh.

I loved Sofea. She is a vibrant character. And then she faces so much tragedy and devastation. Her life is completely turned upside down.

She gets to know Moriyah and her son Eitan. And others.

This story is full of hope, beautiful relationships, forgiveness, acceptance. It is also a story of betrayal, hatred, bitterness, and much more. It displays how we all need God and His love in our lives.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The second of Connily Cossette's newest series, Cities of Refuge, continues the story of the Israelite's as they settle in the land of milk and honey. Things continue to be rocky for the Jewish people, newly settling in the land God promised to them. They are real people with real problems and feelings. This story shows the beauty of God's plan for those who were far away and calamity brought them near to Him. Sofea, the heroine, comes from the Island of Sicily, off the coast of Italy. Her people were remote and protected by the sea until pirates come to pillage and kill. She is spared with her cousin and they miraculously live through a horrible ordeal until finally left for dead on a strange land of which they are unfamiliar. Some Israelite scouts come through and find them and take them to live among the Jewish people. Sofea must come to face her past, her beliefs and what family can mean. It is wonderful to visit with Moraiah and Derek again during this novel and to encounter Eitan as a handsome young man. I have read everything Connilyn has to offer and can't wait until the third book of the series is out next year!

Shelter of the Most High by Connilyn Cossette is the second book in the “Cities of Refuge” series. I haven’t always been a fan of biblical fiction, but this series and the author’s previous series have been absolutely incredible. (Each book can work as a stand-alone but the characters do carry over.)

Sofea and Prezi were just having a relaxing day at the beach when their lives are turned upside down. Their families are murdered and the girls are captured. After making a risky escape, the girls find their way into Hebrew territory, where the language is as unfamiliar as the culture.

Eitan, adopted son of Moriyah and Darek from book one of this series, is enthralled with the new girls in town. There is obviously a language barrier, as well as an unfamiliar God and culture for them, but he is determined to make them feel at home.

I really enjoyed this book; it kept me captivated over the two days that it took me to read it. The characters gripped me, the setting of the ancient world was fascinating, and the plot was exciting. I loved everything about it and will continue to recommend this series!

Thank you to Net Galley for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and were not required to be positive.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

I’ve read many of Connilyn Cossette’s stories and have never been even the slightest bit disappointed. She paints beautiful scenes, showcases intricacies of historical times, and creates memorable (fictional) backstories for biblical characters in history.

Shelter of the Most High is book two in the Cities of Refuge series. If you haven’t read the first in the series (A Light on the Hill) this still presents a full story and won’t leave you feeling as if you’ve missed something. I was pulled in immediately.


I connected with Sofea, and Eitan was easy to sympathize with. Their romance is unique and satisfying, even though a bit slow moving at times. Their story brought the Bible times to life, as the dangers and fears of that era are so different from what we experience today.

This is a beautifully told story of sacrifice, hope, and God’s healing. Whether you normally read Biblical fiction or not, I think you’ll enjoy this inspirational historical read.

I can’t close out this review without mentioning the cover art. It. Is. Stunning. A cover is, in my opinion, incredibly important. After all, it’s what initially pulls me in. And wow—did this cover hook me! My favorite cover art of the year.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley.

Connilyn Cossette has written another fascinating biblical fiction novel that focuses on an aspect of the Old Testament that we (or at least I) don't often think about—the Levitical Cities of Refuge.

Shelter of the Most High is the story of Sofea, a young woman from Sicily who ends up in Kedesh with her cousin after the slaughter of their people. As Sofea slowly learns the language, she comes to learn the Israelites' God is nothing like the gods her people worshiped ...and she also grows close to Eitan, the son of her hosts.

I did feel like the story dragged a bit in the middle, but once the danger truly threatened Eitan and Sofea (no more info than that to avoid spoilers!), the pace picked up considerably. The first half of the novel is good; the second half is simply outstanding.

In the first book, I loved Darek, the man who ended up marrying Eitan's mother Moriyah. He gets even better in Shelter of the Most High, even though he's only present in a small portion of the book. And it's Eitan's relationship with Darek that I found most moving in the novel.

Though this is the second book in the series, it stands alone. I would recommend reading the first book, though, as it gives a better understanding of why Eitan and Moriyah must stay in Kedesh. This is a wonderful series, and Shelter of the Most High is a great second installment.

I loved this book! I had previously read A Light on the Hill (Cities of Refuge Book #1) so this was a continuation of that story. Sofea and her cousin are abducted from their island after all their family and village were murdered by pirates. They escaped and were left on the beach in Tyre. There Daryk and his soldiers from Kadesh find them and take them back to Daryk’s wife Moriyah in Kadesh. These were the people from book 1. The oldest son, Eitan, is attracted to Sofea but first Sofea needs to learn Hebrew and get accustomed to the new culture and the new God. Conflict from the story in book 1 continues in this book and some of it is resolved. I love learning the Jewish culture of this time (Joshua is still alive and some of the High Priests still remember coming into the Promised Land as small children).

I read this book rather quickly because the characters were so real I needed to help them find their happy place. I am now anxious for the next book in the series to come out. This is only the 2nd book I have read by this author but I assure you I will choose more of her books in future. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction of biblical times. Bethany House provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for posting my opinion in a review.

I wish I would've read my copy of A Light on a Hill book 1 first because I felt like I missed a lot. I found the story interesting and I wasn't as pulled in as I would've been if I had read book one.

This book was captivating! While I have not read book one I feel that this could be read as a standalone, I highly encourage others to read book one first as it revisits some of those characters in book two. I was amazed at how well the author penned the history of this time in a fictional way. I absolutely loved the writing and have many favorite quotes from this book! I hope to see a book three soon!

“Shelter of the Most High”
by Connilyn Cossette

The context of this book begins with Joshua 20:1-6 City of Refuge.
Even though this book is loosely based off the above context let me say something right off. This is not a preachy type of book, it’s a good read with a variety of emotional turns and twists.
I laughed and cried, even got upset in some parts but fell in love with each character as I did with the first book in this series, “Light on the Hill”

In this second book in the “Cities of Refuge” Series I was really thrown off tract when I began reading, as it went to place that is nothing like the city of refuge but a paganist culture where they practice human sacrifices and brutality of all kinds. Here we meet two girls, Sofea and her cousin Prezi who are enjoying their daily swim in the ocean and as they emerge from their swim they see something is not right in their world, they are kidnapped and after a fight on the ship they jump/fall overboard and are almost killed by the forces of the ocean. They end up on an island and are rescued by what they believe to be a tribe who plans on sacrificing them.
They are taken to the city of refuge Kadesh, where they meet Moriyah who you will met in book one, they are afraid as they expect to be sacrificed to an unknown God. They do not speak or understand the language so that increases their fear.
Through the love and compassion of Moriyah and the others in Kadesh they learn, heal and they begin to trust.
We also find Eitan as a young adult who is facing struggles of being a boy/man who wants to serve as a warrior but due to the restrictions of being a Kadesh refuge is not allowed to leave the boundary line. He battles with his step-father Darik who is Moriyah’s husband, having been her hero rescuer in book one. Eitan also struggles with a betrayal of intense measure pushing him beyond the bounds of limitations including the boundary line where he almost loses his life due to the man who has been hating him and Moriyah since the lose of his sons.
A wonderful story full of twists and turns set in a time that is so very different from our world today, you will be sept away with passion, joy, and love that each character brings to this story. Each character is unique, and they transfer their uniqueness through their love and caring towards others that it creates bonds that are hard to define today. I am anxiously waiting for the next book in this series.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and all opinions are entirely my own.

I love that this book focuses on the cities of refuge that are mentioned in the scriptures and runs with what could of played out back then. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and time period! I would of preferred to read the first book in the series before this one, but I still enjoyed the story.

This story will have you swept away into the haunting story, full of murderous plots, betrayal, and a sweet blooming romance in Biblical Israel. Filled with tons of interesting historical tidbits add to the interest and authenticity to the story and characters.

I loved this book. It is book 2 of the Cities of Refuge series and continues where book one left off. Though it is written in such a way that it could be read as a stand alone, Connilyn Cossette's beautiful writing style will make you want to read more than just one book.

Connilyn Cossette does it again in her second installment of her Cities of Refuge series, Shelter of the Most High. She knows how to bring to life characters of the Biblical era. Sofea's story is beautifully written. I enjoyed visiting with Eitan again from the first book of the series.
I give Shelter of the Most High four and a half stars and I highly recommend it. I can not wait to see what happens next in the Cities of Refuge series.
I received this book from the author, but was not require to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

This sequel to A Light on the Hill delivers intrigue and is entirely satisfying. I especially want to comment on how remarkable the characters are in this series. The main characters are faithful and mending from brokenness and the consequences of bad choices. But throughout the story, each of the main characters seem to exemplify Philippians 2:3-7. Darek, Moriyah, and Eitan are not guided by selfish ambition, but instead put others first. Over and over, they act in a manner that shows their high regard for the welfare of others.

The plot twists were a delightful surprise. The intrigue was multilayered and crafted in such a way that it made total sense to readers. I have to admit, in many cases, I never saw story threads resolving as they did. I also met some characters and plot lines that I hope to read more about in future books in the series.

The transformation at work in the lives of Prezi and Sofea allowed readers to walk along with them and see through their non-believing eyes, the wonder of God’s promise of protection and unconditional love. Their journey is inspirational and would draw others to a greater understanding of Christianity.

The time period of the book is also fascinating. Shelter of the Most High takes place after the Battle of Jericho and the Conquest of Canaan. The characters are expanding their claim to the Promised Land, while simultaneously fortifying and pushing back on the Canaanites and other populations inhabiting the land. I am looking forward to Book 3 in the Cities of Refuge series that is anticipated in July.

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

“Every one of them was someone I knew. Someone I loved.”
Shelter of the Most High, the second book from Connilyn Cossette’s Cities of Refuge series, will take readers on a whirlwind adventure of faith and strength through its main character, Sofea. It is a riveting, breathtakingly, and moving Biblical novel that both energized the soul and exhausted the reader who stayed up way too late to finish this remarkable story.
Sofea is a strong woman facing challenges many of us would never imagine. She sees loved ones lost. Her heart is conflicted. Her life comes crashing down in one brief moment. Yet her strength rises like the tides of the ocean, causing a wide range of emotion that challenges both heart and mind.
Throughout the novel comes diversity in culture and growth in faith. Language is a major complication for Sofea till she slowly learns how to communicate with Ediet and his family. Ediet is learning to understand his fate and what Yahweh has instore for his future. Little does he know that it includes Sofea.
From worshipping idols to understanding and praising Yahweh, Sofea comes to understand that sacrifice and faith don’t always walk hand and hand. She learns that faith comes also with love and forgiveness, healing for those that have been harmed.

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.

I finished this book in the wee hours of the morn, while in the middle of my roller coaster month of schedule weirdness, at the Old Folks Home. Of course I didn't have my computer with me so my initial thoughts are like dust in the breeze, gone to some other home and far away from my fingertips on the keyboard. However, I've spent some time marinating on other thoughts that this book brings me and am finding that words are so very hard. Words that make sense in my head can't seem to reach my fingertips. First though, this is my fifth book by Connilyn Cossette (and oddly enough it's the fifth book she's published too!) and I have yet to close the back cover disappointed. Well, perhaps disappointed is the wrong word as I tend to feel disappointed that the story is over and sit back and wonder where the time went and wonder why I have to wait so long for the next book. I mean, can't she just call me every day and tell me stories, no waiting required? OK, perhaps I'm needy or something. Back to lack of disappointment. So many people read through a book and come away with profound quotes and other things. I read through a book and find a story, sometimes flying through the pages so enmeshed in what is happening that I forget to do life things like eat, drink, sleep. . .especially sleep. This is one of those times. I don't have profound quotes to share with you. But, in true Fizzy fashion, where I didn't pick up in one thing I usually find some random connection to real life, sometimes something that means nothing to anyone else. . .but this time? Yeah, this time.

In 'A Light on the Hill', Moriyah ultimately took what could be a life long punishment for the love of a child. Not even her own child, but her child. Eleven years later that child, Eitan, is an adult and feels trapped by the vow he made his 'parents' (Moriyah and Darek) to never leave the city walls. He is chafing at this promise will little understanding of it's importance when Darek brings Sofea and her cousin Prezi to their home. A foreign girl from across the sea who does not speak their language, doesn't know the culture, and definitely has no point of reference for their faith. However, they all have one thing in common; guilt, shame, and an overwhelming need for self-forgiveness. Fine, three things, but they are all entwined together. I can't say too much without tossing out spoilers like candy at the Homecoming Parade but I'll do what I can. Eitan goes so far as to take the vow of a Nazirite when Darek does not allow him to join the military when he comes of age. He feels guilty and shamed (by himself and others) that he is not able to defend his family, culture, and country. On one hand, Eitan understands that the inability to leave the city walls is for his protection but on the other he wants to be just like every other young man in his community. His guilt is doubled as what he had done as a child and what it prevents him from doing as an adult merge. And in guilt he finds shame. And in shame he lacks self-forgiveness. He has been forgiven for his childhood crime by God but he can't forgive himself as it causes him to lack what he finds normal. And enters Sofea, and his shame and guilt and self-forgiveness intensify as he doesn't feel worthy of her.

Sofea on the other hand has the guilt of surviving the attack on her village, the injuries suffered by her cousin, and the death of their rescuer. She has shame in the acts of her father and her lack of connection to the faith of Eitan. I mean the poor girl is convinced at the first festival she attends that her and her cousin will be the sacrifice! Having grown up with the father she had (violent) and the gods they worshiped (again violent) she cannot connect to the Hebrew faith. And when she learns that those around her are manslayers? Oh grits and gravy she comes undone! On her island there was no tolerance to live, even though her father killed the most people he did it in the name of their gods. . .right? She had a lot to figure out with letting go of her own guilt and shame in seeking self-forgiveness, and the forgiveness of the Father. Here's the thing though. I know it's true for me as I can't be the only one, how often do we continue to punish ourselves for our past misdeeds? How often do we let the guilt seep back in for things long forgiven? How often do we feel shame over who we once were? How often do we take back our own forgiveness? I know I do. Bells, I'm so great at guilt and shame that I've been known to take on other peoples! Moriyah, Eitan, and Sofea are gentle yet strong reminders that was is forgiven is gone. That guilt and shame serve no positive purpose in our lives. That there is only forward and looking back only causes hurt to ourselves and those we are looking back at. Prezi, on the other hand, is an example of finding faith in the difficult circumstances. Unable to walk, unwilling to live, she finds solace in God, forgiveness in self and others, and knowledge that as she becomes a new person in her new life the guilt and shame of where she came from has no place.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House, NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.