Connilyn at her finest tugging on my heart strings ❤️

I have to confess, there were moments that I doubted if this was going to be a five star. Let me explain. In the beginning I thought there was to much focus on the romance. And sure thing this author knows how to make you swoon, much she’s known for much more than that.
I thought things were going too smoothly, specially for the Sofea’s faith journey. And there were things that’s didn’t sit right.
That’s when I smacked myself on the head and knew she had something good coming.

And oh my stars the moment the characters became authentic in their faith and personality... took my breath away and gave the story and completely fresh air.
I loved the community woven through the pages, Sofea’s connection with the sea, and the truth between a loving God that is not afraid of meeting us where we are, providing shelter so we can heal from our mistakes and traumas. A true treasure!

I’m very much looking forward to what Conni has next in store.

This was an intriguing story set long ago before the times of Christians but a time when there are villages devoted to serving a 'god' of their choosing. Sofea was brought up in such a way that her father was a bit of a 'god' himself, and while she thought he was a terrible person she just accepted that sacrifices and violence was okay as long as it was for her father's purposes. When a tragedy strikes her village Sofea and her cousin soon find themselves on a new land with new customs and a language she did not understand.

While this is book two of a series, I did not read book one and is not necessary to enjoy this story. In fact, it wasn't until others had started talking about this book did I realize it was part of a planned trilogy. This novel continues with Eitan and Moriyah's family and now it includes Sofea and Prezi for this installment. Eitan is smitten with the wild haired Sofea but she has seen the evil ways of man and trusts no one. It takes time and patience to trust; since this is told as a historical romance we learn a lot of the history behind the customs of the earlier generations of Yahweh believers.

Love, patience, service, forgiveness are just a few of the themes covered in this story. I most appreciated the way Sofea was wary at first of the new (to her) God of Israel and rightly asked questions first before letting herself jump in blindly. The spiritual growth was wonderful to watch yet it is not told in that preachy way that turns more secular readers off. The other fantastic part was the way the historical context was presented; I could easily imagine the settings that were portrayed. There was even a plot to kill the high priest underfoot as part of the scandalous intrigue! I am definitely looking forward to reading more from Connilyn Cossette. Another great historical and inspirational novel from Bethany House.

I can't say enough good things about this author! Once again she has brought to light intriguing bits of history that a lot of people don't know about. While it is all very connected to Christianity and the Bible, you don't have to be a Christian to enjoy this book. It's fascinating to read about the different peoples during this time period and understand the way they interacted. There is also a significant language barrier between the two main characters, and that created another facet to this story that was both inspiring and humbling. The courage and tenacity of all involved makes for a read that will be enjoyed for a long time.

During a time of piracy and hedonism, Eitan remains isolated from it all within Kedesh, the City of Refuge. Hidden away with his adoptive parents, he yearns to be outside the walls and serve as a soldier for the city. But with his mother convicted of murder and forced to stay within the walls for her protection, Eitan has no choice but to stay with her. And when his father brings home two girls who speak another language and are badly injured, his mission changes course to allow for the entrance of a new emotion - romantic love. Sofea is suspicious of these people, who act so kind towards her and her cousin for seemingly no reason besides genuine concern. At first believing them to be slaves, she soon finds herself a member of the household and drawn to the eldest son, who looks at her with gentleness in his eyes. A journey full of patience and betrayal await them, and it is only with the faith in Yahweh that they will get through it whole.

Sofea and Eitan were fantastically well written characters! I loved learning about another tribe of people within this time period, and incorporating their lives into this biblical story was amazing. Sofea was headstrong, protective of her cousin, and prone to suspicion after her people were betrayed and killed. She had no reason to trust the Hebrews who saved her, and yet with their patient guidance, she gradually learned to love them all. Eitan was a sweet character, one who is known from the previous book in the series as partially deaf. His loyalty to his family was strong, and his protective instincts extended to Sofea as well. It was heartbreaking when he realized how his prison might become hers as well, if they were to grow closer. He had a lot of difficult decisions to make, and my heart broke for them both along the journey. The secondary characters in the story were also humbling, particularly the High Priest who treats Sofea with such kindness. I enjoyed every second of their story.

Connilyn Cossette is a superb author whose breathtaking stories will capture your heart. Her books are so inspiring and should be commended for bringing so much history to the minds of her readers. I can't wait to see what she writes next!

If you have never read a Connilyn Cossette book, you need too! This is my favorite story so far! From page one, I was hooked. So many emotions from me and the characters. There was also an I did no see that coming, very rare for me as I can usually call it before it happens.

Shelter of the Most High by Connilyn Cossette is the second in her series Cities of Refuge and is my favorite book I have read in a good while.  Not only was the historical time frame of this book excellent, unique, and Biblically accurate and respectful, but the character development from the previous book in this series to this sequel was also skillful, enjoyable, and very thoughtful.  Ms. Cossette's first book in this series A Light on the Hill  was my first experience of Ms. Cossette's exceptional writing.  From the very first pages I was drawn in by the historical setting, the unique characters, and the personal connection with the main characters. Ms. Cossette's works are masterpieces, in my personal opinion, and I would gladly read any of her works.

The setting of this book (actually of the whole series) focuses on the cities of refuge that God established in Israel when the Israelites came into the promised land, specifically the northernmost city of Kadesh  The purpose of these six cities shows God's great mercy and justice as the cities of refuge were for anyone who was a "manslayer", someone who killed another without any intent to harm, without malice or premeditation.  God provided a way that the blood of the innocent would not be shed, a way to allow for any doubt of guilt to be assuaged.

Eitan a familiar face from the first book in the series A Light on the Hill is the male protagonist in this book. Without giving spoilers, I loved the change from Eitan as a child in the first book to him now as an adult, some eleven years later.  Eitan has endured much tragedy in his life and now he meets an intriguing young woman, Sofea, after she and her cousin Prezi are rescued and brought to the city of Kadesh.  Sofea and Prezi are thrown into a strange culture, unknown language, and different city when they are rescued from a terrible tragedy where all of their relatives, friends, and everyone they know (besides each other) is killed. Their entire homeland is destroyed and they end up in a foreign land.  Sofea is drawn to the tall, strong, and kind Eitan, but will she overcome her homesickness and love of the ocean and make Kadesh her permanent home? 

The main characters in this book, Sofea and Eitan, (absolutely love the names, by the way) were outsandingly human with their flaws, struggles, appearances, and emotions.  I greatly appreciated how easily Ms. Cossette conveyed the depth of each character's struggles, both internal and external, without seeming to make them too inhumanly perfect or too broken down.

I have to say that this was my favorite book that I have read in the recent years.  It was an outstanding tale of faith under severe trials, family of blood and of choice, betrayal, grief, terror, and amazing courage and strength during difficult times. I would highly recommend this book and hope that you have a chance to read it!

Eitan has spent eleven years in a Kedesh, a City of Refuge, and more and more, he wants to be able to leave, to be able to protect his family and his people and to do more than just make weapons as a blacksmith. When Sofea and Prezi, the sole survivors of a raid on their Sicilian village, are brought to Kedesh, Eitan is immediately drawn to Sofea, even though they don't speak the same language. Eitan is determined to be patient as Sofea learns about his language and his religion and hopes that once she does, she will care for him in return, even when he tells her about the secrets of his past.

Sofea is the daughter of a pagan priest, so she initially wants nothing to do with the Hebrew God; she knows He must be just another blood-thirsty god to whom priests offer human sacrifices; in fact, she's afraid she and Prezi will be the next sacrifices. However, as she spends more time with Eitan's family, she comes to see that Yahweh is vastly different--and that with Him and with Eitan, perhaps she can find peace like she never has before. Before she can truly find out, though, Sofea and Eitan are betrayed and their very lives are threatened.

I love how Connilyn Cossette can take a little bit from the Bible (the refuge cities) that I've never given a second thought and make it completely fascinating. It's so fascinating to see how she portrayed life in one of those cities--and the desire to be able to escape. I also loved seeing, through Sofea, the contrast between the pagan gods and Yahweh and His love; it was sweet (but not at all sappy) seeing Sofea's realizations about Yahweh and her own worth and seeing both her and Prezi heal. The plotline was really interesting--twists and turns and excellent pacing--and I loved the characters. This book was just beautiful; I really loved it.

Although you probably don't have to read the first book in the series before you read this one, you totally should because it's a fantastic book as well.
5 stars. One of my picks for best of 2018.
I read an ARC via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Shelter Of The Most High is the second book in the Cities of Refuge series. It can be read as a stand alone, but the first book in the series is so enjoyable I recommend you read it. Connilyn Cossette has quickly become one of my"must-read" authors, I've read all of her books and have loved each and every one. The cover is beautiful and captures Sophea's adventurous spirit and her love of the sea. The story is written in a split first person narrative from the perspective of both main characters. I generally don't enjoy first person point of view, but Connilyn's writing is lyrical and I didn't even notice the "first person-ness" until part way through. The story is set during a period between the Conquest and the Judges, when the Israelites were settling into the Promised Land and begins with such chilling drama you will be captured from the first page. Shelter of the Most High continues to follow Moriyah and Derek's family (from book 1) as they live in Kedesh, the city of refuge. The plot was engaging and had many twists and turns and an element of mystery to keep the story interesting. I think the major theme of the novel was letting go of guilt and accepting the free gift of grace that Jesus offers. Connilyn Cossette is not done with Moriyah's family yet. The third book in this series, Until the Mountains Fall, will tell the story of Malakhi and Rivkah, the girl he loves to tease.

Shelter Of The Most High will be available for purchase from your local or online book retailer October 2, 2018.

Thank you Bethany House and Net Galley for the free copy of Shelter Of The Most High. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I have really enjoyed all the books I've read by Connilyn Cossette. Her new series about the cities of refuge in the Old Testament are excellent. Shelter of the Most High is the second book in this series, and I loved it. The characters are strong and likeable. There's lots of action and twists in the plot. I also really enjoyed catching up with characters from the previous book. You definitely want to start with the first book, A Light on the Hill. Highly recommended if you enjoy Biblical fiction or historical romance.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley for the purpose of review.

This is a second book in the series Cities of Refuge. Though I didn't read the first one, I didn't feel lost in anyway. It can be a stand alone book, though after reading this one I want to go back and read the first. I enjoyed this book a lot. It was well written, had an interesting plot and characters. I also enjoyed the time period and setting as there aren't many books set during the time of when Israel was just getting settled in Canaan. I would recommend this book if you enjoy historical fiction, light romance, and a little bit of mystery.

SHELTER OF THE MOST HIGH is the second book in the CITIES OF REFUGE series by CONNILYN COSSETTE. Although it can be read as a stand alone, I would recommend that you read the first book, A LIGHT ON THE HILL, as well, as it is a really worthwhile read.
The story starts in Sicily in 1388 with Sofea, the daughter of a pagan high priest, and her cousin Prezi, being attacked and captured, ending up in Kedesh, one of the Hebrew cities of refuge.
It is a truly beautiful book, with an exciting plot, a lot of suspense, and a really excellent Biblical message. In fact, the author brings a feeling of peace in spite of the very real danger in which the characters find themselves; truly the peace that comes from being in the shelter of the Most High!
I like the way Moriyah, Darek and Eitan, treat the young foreign girls, showing them Yahweh's love, mercy and acceptance, which contrasts strongly with the treatment they received from Sofea's wicked and ungodly father.
This period of history is so interesting, as it is about twenty years since the Israelites came out of Egypt into the Promised Land. We see some results of their disobedience in not keeping separate from the Canaanites and their pagan beliefs.
I particularly like the descriptions of Shiloh, the Jewish festivals, and the High Priest, Eleazar. This is a must read for everyone who has a love for the Jewish people and who worships Yahweh, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
I was given a free copy of the book by Bethany House Publishers from NetGalley. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I'm not a big fan of Biblical fiction but someone recommended that I read Connilyn Cossette's novels. At first, I was kind of like I don't want to read a dry repeat of the Biblical stories I'm familiar with, but after reading her novel Counting with the Stars, I don't feel that way about Cossette's writing anymore.

She writes with such authority about the time period and the ability to bring the world of B.C. during the Biblical era to life that I have find myself forgetting I'm reading a novel that occurred a long time ago with normal amenities. Like I've mentioned before, I can't imagine all the research that goes into writing a Biblical fiction novel. The author has to be true to the setting and the era without taking the reader out of the story. Cossette does a wonderful job at this.

I really enjoyed Shelter of the Most High. The plot started with a huge climactic moment, and Cossette kept tightening the noose on Sofea and Prezi as they were taken away from everything familiar to them. The novel moves pretty quickly and kept my attention. I finished the book in one day, having a hard time putting the novel down.

The romance between Sofea and Eitan didn't move fast; it appeared just right for me. Their feelings grew as they learned more about each other. It was cheesy or cheap. They didn't do anything to harm their reputation or ruin their perspective of each other.

I really liked the idea of sacrificing yourself for someone you loved throughout the entire novel. It struck a chord with me. Reminded me of Jesus who paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. Thank you, Cossette. It was my favorite part of the novel.

Overall, Shelter of the Most High by Connilyn Cossette is a fabulous novel taking place in the Biblical era, but I had a hard time remembering that I was reading a novel taken place during that time period. I loved the characters and the idea of sacrificing oneself for another.

I received a complimentary copy of Shelter of the Most High by Connilyn Cossette from Bethany House Publishers, and the opinion stated are all my own.

Connilyn Cossette’s books fire my imagination and take me to another time and place. I felt as though I was in the City of Refuge where everything was taking place. Her storytelling is superb, and I think this is my favorite book of all the ones she’s written. (Do I always say that? Maybe, but I really mean it with this one!). This book will stir your heart. There’s so many different themes that run in and out of this captivating story: betrayal; forgiveness; compassion; love; second chances; mercy; and grace. But most importantly, there’s a strong emphasis on God’s love and care for each of His children, and how He shelters His own.

The characters of Moriyah, Darek, and Eitan return in this book. Eitan is now an adult, and seeking to come to terms with the circumstances that brought him to live in this City of Refuge. Moriyah and Darek are still compassionate, caring people who reach out to others through God’s grace. Because of tragic circumstances, Sofea and Prezi come to live in their home. Eithan and Sofea are drawn to each other, but danger, betrayal, and heartache must be overcome before they can begin their lives together. You’ll be holding your breath as I was through the final chapters of this book to the suspenseful conclusion.

Connilyn Cossette’s meticulous research into Biblical history brings this time in history to life. This book is well deserving of a five star rating.

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