Connilyn Cossette is without reservation my favorite author. When a new book is up for preorder, it’s an automatic buy as soon as it’s listed. And now that she’s doing prequel novellas, that’s even more the case. I’m like a kid with her nose pressed against the candy shop window at 8 am whispering, “Open. Open. Open.”
That being said, after I read the first book in The King’s Men series, Voice of the Ancient, I wasn’t looking forward to Gavi’s book. He was a jerk. Oh, I knew the author would make me fall in love with him. But I didn’t want to. After what happened to Shay, I didn’t want to feel any sympathy for Gavriel.
And then I got to read the prequel, The Hidden Warrior. Yep. There it was. Awww, Gavi. I’m sorry I doubted you.
In The Splendor of the Land, Gavi’s redemption arc was beautiful. He knew he was a mess. He knew he needed to pull himself together. But he felt worthless and worried he’d never get himself out of the pit he’d dug.
And then, he meets Zahava. Kind, caring, strong, and brilliant, she’s everything Gavi needs to make him resolve to be a better man. Their unexpected marriage is forged in fire and as strong as the weapons Gavi crafts, as beautiful as the jewelry Zahava creates.
As always, Cossette’s attention to biblical detail sends me to the Bible and gives me a deeper appreciation of the events she depicts. The conflicts with the Philistines and the Amalekites were so well done. And the tension – nail biting. And the tantalizing tidbits we get of Shay’s life – I can’t wait for his book!
Every new book from Connilyn Cossette becomes my new favorite book. So well done.

I received an ARC copy of the book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Splendor of the Land by Connilyn Cossette is the third book in The King's Men series but can be read as a standalone. An interesting and thrilling Biblical fiction which takes us into the times of Saul, the first King of Israel. Connilyn Cossette always comes through with the detailed research and lovely romance, plus themes of redemption and growth. This was an amazing read.
I got the ARC from Bethany House | Bethany House Publishers via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are mine

What would you do if you were the only one who knew how to make priceless gold treasures and greedy powerful men would stop at nothing to get it?

Splendor of the Land by Connilyn Cossette is a biblical historical romance set during the time of King Saul. This is her third book in The King's Men series that is coming out on August 5, 2025. Gavriel falls from the good graces of his commander Yonatan due to his womanizing and drinking and is assigned to help their allies, the Kenite tribe, escape from the danger of Saul's army coming to wipe out the Amalekites. Zahava, a crippled daughter of a Kenite tribe leader, has learned the secret of red gold metalworking from her father who is going blind. An unexpected twist forces the two of them together and Gavi is charged with protecting Zahava's secret and her family.

I didn't want to put this book down! The action kept the plot moving along nicely. I loved the dual perspective writing of the main characters. The characters were dealing with very real brokenness in their lives–some physical and some emotional. The story dealt with themes of addiction, finding your worth, and trusting in God. Splendor of the Land had me rooting for Gavriel to do the right thing and for Zahava to be brave. I loved the way the romance unfolded and the cute nickname she is given. The biblical history and accuracy is always on point and it made me read 1 Samuel 15 again out of curiosity. It's hard to believe an author can write an entire book from one Bible verse, but Connilyn Cossette can pull it off!

If you love biblical historical romance novels, do not sleep on this one! I love all of Connilyn Cossette's books, and this is one of her best!

Some of my favorite quotes:

"Your father named you not for the gold that men pull from the ground by the sweat of their brows, Zahava, but for that golden star shining like a beacon–like a blessing from on high–throughout the long hours he waited outside the tent, listening for your first cry."

"I don't ask the why of the Almighty One, Gavriel. I simply trust him and obey."

"You are not a hindrance, Zahava. You are an asset."

Splendor of the Land is an amazing book by amazing author. I have not read it a more intriguing and well written in the Biblical sense fiction book that I enjoyed more than this one. I was captivated and caught up in the book from the beginning until all the way end. Staying way into the night some nights (loss of sleep was worth it ;)) I love how the author did not shy away from the tough stuff and she used such real life experience to capture a wonderful story of God’s redemption and just how far He was willing to go to save His people. I like how Gavriel, the mighty warrior and man of many mistakes, had such a redemption story. He went through so much in his life that he didn’t feel worthy of such love. But God in all His goodness made a way. Zahava, the brave, strong and beautiful heroine is my most favorite character in the book. A lot of Zahava was like me in her disability.

This deserves 10 ⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.