Splendor of the Land
The King's Men #3
By Connilyn Cossette

Gavriel skill with working metal earned him a place as a soldier under Yonatan. But his reckless ways find him with one final chance to prove himself. When he finds himself forced to marry a stranger, Gavriel is forced to face the unwelcome truth - he has turned into the man he most despises, his dead father. And his new wife may pay the cost if he cannot change his ways.

Zahava's skill with gold is a secret; if the truth were known, she would be in danger. Her family has hidden the truth for years, and if she cannot marry a man who shares her passion for goldsmithing, she may be forced to abandon her gift.

I find it interesting how Gavriel's past and the guilt he carries force him to step away from what he knows to be right and true. Zahava, though not in open rebellion to God, doesn't trust God or her father to know how to best provide for her future. This was a story of redemption and second chances, of letting God have control in the midst of our fears and doubts.

The Splendor of the Land is the third book in The King's Men series. It is best to read the books in order. One could read this book without reading the other books, but there would be some definite gaps in understanding the backstory. While reading this book, I was reminded of the statement, "Let go and let God." The writing was excellent in both character development and detail. One could feel Gavriel's pain and Zahava's insecurities. I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy Biblical fiction.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Gavriel is a character that I've struggled with in the previous books. Zevi and Gavriel didn't seem to care about Shalem being missing when Avidan brought them evidence that he might have survived when they thought him dead. But then Zevi also has an experience that lends more credibility to this. Yet Gavriel is so wrapped up in his own ambitions that he doesn't pursue Shalem. This is a running subplot that ties all of the books together. It isn't the right time for the boys to pursue Shalem, so they don't. But their reasoning doesn't leave me feeling good about any of it.

Gavriel has been a part of Yonathan's (Saul's son) unit, but he's turned to women and drink more and more. Yonathan is sick of it and sends Gavriel on a mission with his friend Emmet. It's "complete this mission well or you're done." The mission is to relocate a group of Kenites away from Amalekite territory before Saul comes in to destroy the Amalekites.

Zavah has been learning her father's metalworking craft as he's slowly going blind. It's a secret that a woman is working in this way. And he's also passing down family trade secrets on how to create red-gold pieces, mostly used in jewelry. Zavah thinks she wants to marry her father's apprentice Rahm as he's the only man she believes will allow her to continue working in this way. Of course, we know that Gavriel would be amenable to that since he, too, has a metalworking background. And we find out that Rahm is more interested in making money and growing his powerful connections than in Zavah.

Zavah and Gavriel are forced to marry, but I do love a marriage of convenience or forced marriage story. Even though neither party wanted this marriage, I love how they both adapted to it quickly to make the best of their situation. Gavriel immediately becomes protective of Zavah and assumes his role as the protector without hesitation. They don't jump into a physical relationship, but the two team up pretty quickly and steadily head in a promising direction.

Now I will say that Zavah makes a decision that causes conflict that must be overcome. The decision is one of self-sacrifice that I suppose is honorable even if it isn't well thought out. These actions frustrate me. I don't find them heroic. Mostly, I just think of how many other people will be put in jeopardy to save you from yourself. But I suppose it was necessary to advance the story.

Favorite quotes:
-For those who feel unseen: The One who lit the stars aflame is calling you by name.

-But sometimes, when I stared at the vastness of the starry host above and listened carefully, it was as if there was a knowing deep in my bones I could not explain. As if the reverberation of an ancient whisper still trembled there at the core of my being--a tune hummed so low only the most astute of ears could detect its melody.

-"Compassion cannot come at the expense of obedience. Yahweh is God above all others, able to discern the heart of each man and woman. He can see what we cannot--past, present, and future. So we must trust the Creator, even when it makes no earthly sense, or suffer the same consequences as those destined for destruction."

-"My father always says Yahweh doesn't give us what we actually deserve, or we'd have nothing but sorrow. He gives us just what we need, even if we don't understand his reasons at the time."

-"Our family legacy is not things we make with our hands. It's our faithfulness to Yahweh."

I didn't really see where the title fit the story. I felt like that was slapped on there at the end. However, I did love the redemptive journey that Gavriel went on. I appreciated how his perception of his stepfather's actions was so far off from what was real. I loved the relationship between Gavriel and Zavah and how quickly they became a team working toward a shared goal. Splendor of the Land gets 4 Stars. I can't wait to see what Shalem has really been up to in the next book. Have you read Splendor of the Land? What did you think? Let me know!

This is a wonderful story that once again transports you to have you feeling like you are there living in the time of Isreal's first king!
I loved Gavi's redemption arc! In the beginning you see how the weight of his history and choices are pulling him down. You see such growth through the struggles and journey that he goes on!
Zahava was a wonderful heroine. She showed courage in so many situations though she had her own limitations and fears.
I loved how both of these characters complemented each other.
There was plenty of action and perilous situations to keep me flipping through the story.
The pacing at the very end felt a bit slower compared to the rest of the book but all in all a really good read.
4.5 stars

Splendor of the Land was such an amazing book. I really enjoyed how the author fleshed out the characters and gave us a look at this time period in history, helping us, to fall in love with the characters that she has placed there. She allowed us to feel the heat of the fires of the forge on our faces and the arid sands of the desert on our feet, to experience the fear of the enemy troops in hot pursuit, and over, and over the mighty hand of God, and his love and protection for us. Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to walk with them through the joys and sorrows and remember again and again, the never-ending, perfect faithfulness of God.

Once again Connilyn Cossette has swept readers back to Biblical times with book three, Splendor of the Land in her The King's Men series. As usual, this fiction story prompted me to go back to the bible and reread familiar passages, seeing them in a new light, with the visual pictures Cossette so vividly paints with her words. Centuries may separate me from these characters, but the root of our challenges are the same which is part of what makes the Bible living truth no matter who or when one is reading it. Connilyn Cossette tells stories that honor Scripture — writing not to embellish but to illuminate.

I’ve enjoyed Connilyn Cossette’s books for years, meeting her for the first time when her fourth book was released. To date, to my knowledge, I’ve read all but two of her books, so when I knew that this one was coming out, I eagerly asked for an ARC and dove into it as soon as I had the time to do so.

This book ended up being such a fun, engaging read! I enjoyed the first two stories in the series, but when it came to this one, I loved it. I don’t know if it was because of the romance trope Cossette used with this story, or if it was because of my mood when I read it, or something else, but I quickly fell in love with the characters and rooted for them, and the story itself swept me away.

There were a couple of aspects of the book I didn’t enjoy quite so well. One part of the story didn’t feel quite historically accurate to me, but it made for a satisfying plot. I also struggled with the number of times the marriage bed was mentioned. Thankfully, that aspect was tastefully done, but I came away wondering at how necessary that part was to the plot.

The story as a whole, though? I loved it. Gavriel and Zahava were both strong characters, and I loved watching their determination, faith, and love for each other grow as the story progressed. I absolutely loved Zahava’s father; his wisdom and care for his family was precious to watch. Then there’s the metalworking side of things—I’m not interested in trying my hand at that, but I found the descriptions of how the work was done fascinating.

If you enjoy Biblical romantic fiction from the likes of Lynn Austin, Angela Hunt, or Francine Rivers, I’d recommend you check out this book and its prequels. This was a fast, gripping read, and I can’t wait to read book four in the series!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

The third book in the King's Men series, and it was probably my favorite yet!

Gavriel is a soldier in Yonatan's unit who can't seem to get his act together. One final act has Yonatan sending Gavriel to a different squad near Punon to help the Kenite people relocate before King Saul attacks enemies near the area. This is where he meets the book's heroine, Zahava. Zahava loves the life she lives, especially working with her father in his metal foundry. Zahava's and Gavriel's paths cross during one of Zahava's sister's wedding, resulting in an arranged marriage to protect Zahava's family name. As Gavriel and his fellow Hebrew soldiers help Zahava's people leave the area, the two slowly grow closer, and Gavriel is able to face the demons from his past.

This story is full of forgiveness and redemption from beginning to end. Gavriel's struggles to overcome addictions is something many can relate to, and Zahava's physical struggles are also relatable. I loved the two's slow-burning relationship. It felt genuine and real. Also, the story as a whole was well-paced, with slow moments and exciting moments spread throughout the book well.

I think this could be read as a stand-alone to an extent, but there are pieces from the previous two books that might confuse someone if they haven't read those before. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and the series as a whole. I'm excited for the next/final book in this series!

This was a story that touched me deeply and inspired me!
This book’s era takes place during King Saul’s reign of Israel. I’m always amazed at how the author makes the setting and customs of the era so vivid with her extraordinary and historically detailed descriptions. I have no doubt of the immense amount of research she must have gone through to write such an epic story set during times so far away from us. She has truly become a master of the Biblical era.
The main characters of the story are so relatable. And even if Gavriel and Zahava were so different -kind of opposite, in fact- I felt related to both of them in different ways. They felt close and realistic even if their customs and way of living are so different from mine, yet their souls are just like us: heaven made. Gavriel was a strong and fearless man with a heart of gold. He lost his prestige in the army, part because of his vice of drinking, but also because he defended a woman from an abusive man. He had a weakness, as most of us have in one way or another, but he ultimately was humble enough to recognize his failings, without giving in to the easy way. He fought to become a better man, maybe to prove himself to others at first, and later to become a man who may one day deserve a woman so pure and selfless as Zahava, but ultimately to honor God with his life. His protectiveness of Zahava touched and melted my heart.
Zahava’s character wormed her way into my heart as well. Having a congenital illness that affects my bones -not as severely as Zahava’s- I found a kindred spirit in her: in her vulnerability, self-doubts, eagerness to be like everyone else. She also had her own mistakes, in spite of being so noble of heart, and that made her feel even closer. But the way she saw the treasure inside Gavriel’s heart without judgement of his past failings and how she discovered the soft heart inside his warrior exterior, and the way she understood him and emboldened him with her trust and love was priceless.
The connection between the five sisters, their mutual love and how they had each other’s back was beautiful. I loved how they teased and bantered with one another.
The romance was clean, really sweet and -sigh!- swooning. More than a couple of scenes warmed my heart and made me smile (or cry).
The plot was unique and it had unexpected twists too. I was piqued from the first page. I had a hard time putting it down each night.
The faith inspired message impacted me too. Learning to forgive others, oneself and accepting God’s free and undeserving forgiveness at the same time. Trust in God and his providence. And discovering the value of self-worth by the eyes of God and not of men.
I highly recommend this story! It can be perfectly read as a standalone, but I vividly recommend to read the first two books too. The series is so good. Biblical fiction at its best!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the Publisher vía NetGalley but was not required to write a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

How this author manages to get better with every novel is a complete mystery to me, but she does! I absolutely loved this epic story! Gavi and Zahava completely stole my heart, and I loved every minute I spent reading and experiencing their journey! More than with Mrs. Cossette's other books, I felt this one had the feel of an epic fantasy novel woven into the historical fiction that made it downright magical! I loved that there were no easy solutions to the problems that arose and that some of the problems came from unavoidable, no-fault issues while others were definitely consequences for poor choices. I appreciated that there were real long-term consequences to be endured for poor choices and how this story shows the long-suffering nature of true love. Most of all, I loved that in this story, we have been given a beautiful example of how Yahweh works for our good through even the most extraordinarily difficult situations.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but I purchased my own audiobook after reading it because I know I will want to return to it again and again!

I love this author’s books and love how she is able to transport us back into Biblical times so we feel as if we were there. I liked how each of these books is about young men who strengthen their faith in the Lord as they go through different hardships. I also like that they find love with good women along the way. I liked seeing the character growth in Gavriel from the beginning of the story to the end. I liked that he seemed to gain peace by the end. I also liked the romance between Gavriel and Zahava and that they eventually see the best in each other and know they are with who the Lord wants them to be with. Great story set in the time of King Saul and I would recommend.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Splendor of the Land is the third book in The King's Men series by Connilyn Cossette. I have now read all three, and I have enjoyed each one, giving them each five stars.

I loved reuniting with these characters and this setting. I especially enjoyed seeing Gavriel grow into a man. When Gavriel was critical of himself, it reminded me to lift up my husband and ask the Lord for ways to encourage him.

I think we can all relate to these characters with their weaknesses and selfishness. Can we trust this new acquaintance? Should I keep this job? Can I stay close to my family? The characters mature, growing in their relationships with God and people.

The stories are set in Ancient Israel when Saul is King. Saul's son, Jonathan, is a minor character, and there is historical and geographical information.

I always appreciate the epilogue or author's notes that talk about research plus biblical and historical facts, and where the author took artistic license. These are wonderful novels, and I look forward to reading more by this author.

Favorite quote: "...pleading silently with the Creator my Abba and Ima trusted so implicitly to... make himself so apparent to me that I could not help but understand exactly who I was in his eyes."

Once again, this gifted author transported me to the time of ancient Israel to watch history unfold with Saul as Israel’s first king. Through the pages of the book, I felt the hot sandy air on my face, spelled the spices of traders and cooking, heard the flocks and various festivities, and saw the grand palaces of both Israel’s people and their enemies. Connilyn Cossette brings ancient times alive in a way that I never experienced before reading her books! Her characters witness biblical history unfold as “extras,” so the books do not confuse fiction with biblical accounts in the reader’s mind. Best of all, her characters exhibit real faith in the God that is the same yesterday, today and forever, and I glean important spiritual lessons through her stories. The romance in her stories is beautiful and full of devoted heroes and brave heroines, and Gavi and Zahava’s marriage of convenience tale is no different! Gavi is a fantastic hero who changes for the better while thoroughly falling for his unexpected bride. Zahava is brave and devoted to her new husband while not compromising who she knows she is called to be. Their perfect pairing makes for wonderfully romantic reading! I am so incredibly excited for the conclusion to this series, which will wrap up a series-long quest for a lost family member. I will be impatiently waiting for the next book! Be sure to read The King’s Men series in its entirety, and be swept away to Ancient Israel for tales of romance, adventure, and faith!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes, and a positive review was not required. I truly loved it!

I love Splendor of the Land, by Connilyn Cossette. Her skill at storytelling is evident, and it’s clear she invests significant time and effort into biblical research, character development, and historical settings. Although I haven’t yet read the previous two books in this series, this story stands well on its own.

I am deeply moved by this extraordinary tale of redemption. Gavriel’s authenticity and his challenging journey really resonate with me. Witnessing his remarkable growth throughout the story is truly inspiring. While the story primarily focuses on Gavriel, I find myself particularly drawn to Zahava. Watching her evolve and gain new confidence is captivating. Her journey exemplifies how character is forged through adversity and trials.

This is a story of growth, self-worth, confidence, forgiveness, grace, and redemption. I was so engrossed that I slowed my reading as I approached the final pages, not wanting the story to end. Such a beautiful tale of seeing ourselves through God’s eyes.

First Line: You may be older than me, Zevi.
Series: The King’s Men, book 3
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction, Biblical Fiction
Author: Connilyn Cossette
Page Count: 400

#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are 100% my own.
A 2025 Fav♡rite

While biblical fiction is not my favorite genre, I never pass up the opportunity to read one of Connilyn Cossette’s books. She is so very talented in bringing stories to life, and her books are always impeccably researched, historically plausible and filled with realistically flawed, engaging characters.

I’ve read the first two books in The King’s Men series and have eagerly awaited Gavriel’s story. He is a soldier and somewhat of a rogue as the story begins, and I was hoping to see some redemption in store for him. I wasn’t disappointed as he soon meets Zahava who becomes his marriage-of-convenience wife. He is so sweet and tender with her, and I loved that he was willing and able to give up his roguish ways for her. Zahava is courageous, hard-working, and a talented metal worker. Her concern and love for her family is admirable. The stellar cast of supporting characters adds depth to the story. I loved the friendship and camaraderie between Gavriel and Shachar. It gave some needed humor and fun during tense times.

Set during the reign of King Saul around 1033 BC, this is a beautiful tale filled with powerful themes of redemption, forgiveness, and grace. The added humor and romance make it a riveting read. I enjoyed learning more about the history of these people, and I’m looking forward to Shalem’s story next.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Absolutely loved Splendor Of The Land! Connilyn Cossette has an amazing gift of bringing the Bible to life in a unique, stirring, romantic way! This third book in the King’s Men series is Gavi’s story. I loved seeing this troubled youth turned man find purpose, love, & redemption in this epic story.

Troubled by a difficult past, Gavriel finally earns his way to an elite position in Yonatan’s military company. Yonatan is King Saul’s son & Gavriel dreams of crafting fine weapons for his army. But when he’s found drunk & accused of fighting, it’s the last straw. Begging for one more chance, he’s sent to a distant tribe & ordered to persuade them to break ties with the Amalekites. There he meets a beautiful woman at a wedding party, but when an accident causes them to appear in a compromising position, Gavi’s forced to marry her. Despite a rough start, Gavi grows to care & admire his wife. But the when the Philistines threaten the tribe, Gavi must do everything he can to save his wife.

Zahava’s a talented goldsmith who’s learned her father’s well kept secret of creating rose gold. After a childhood sickness killed her brothers & left her with physical afflictions, she’s nearly given up hope of finding love until she meets Gavriel. Despite her protestations, her father forces her to marry the handsome soldier. But can Gavriel ever learn to love her & overlook her disabilities?

I loved this story so much! I enjoyed seeing Gavi & Zahava overcome their pasts to become stronger & better together. Their faith journey & strong love was so beautiful. Loved Gavi’s growth & Zahava’s newfound confidence. I also loved the way Gavi was able to reconnect with family & find a better understanding of the past.

There’s never a dull moment in this story with plenty of action, rescues, & surprising betrayals all set against the backdrop of King Saul’s reign. This story & the previous books in the series have given me a better & more appreciative understanding of the time period. I’ve loved each of these cousins’ journey to love & faith & the unique historical details woven throughout.

I listened to the audiobook & absolutely loved the narrators. Both the male & female narrators did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life. I found I enjoyed both equally & appreciated the emotion & feeling they put into their performance.

Highly recommend! Though part of a series, this could easily be read as a standalone, however it was fun seeing some familiar faces again. I received an advanced copy from the publisher, but also purchased the audiobook version. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily.

“Perhaps we’re just not meant to have all the answers. But to keep listening for the only One who does.”

Oh I do love a redeemed rogue hero, and Gavriel ben Elan just became one of my faves. And make no mistake – he is most definitely a rogue when we catch up with him in Splendor of the Land, and well on his way to rock bottom. But it’s at our lowest when grace tastes the sweetest, and what a beautiful redemption story it is that lies ahead for our Gavi. I absolutely loved watching his heart-transformation unfold on these pages, and in the process he became my favorite hero of the series so far. (I say ‘so far’ because I’m still eager for Shalem’s story, especially after the hints we get in this one.) But there are more layers to Gavi than just the redeemed rogue (including a hilarious fear of goats that I honestly can’t blame him for). Cossette masterfully digs deep to mine the treasures he’s been guarding in his heart, giving us a lot of emotions to explore in this wounded-soul soldier, but she also shows us the softer facets to his personality – the husband who cherishes his new wife (to his own surprise), the friend who enjoys joking around (his and Shachar’s relationship is so fun), the wayward son who misses his Ima’s cooking, and the man who loves his cousins like brothers. He is such a multi-dimensional hero, and quite the swoony one too!

I also love a marriage-of-convenience romance, and Splendor of the Land delivers a wonderful one! Zahava is such a delightful heroine and the perfect match for Gavi, and even if it seems like a less than ideal situation at first, their chemistry is still this delightful combination of cute, tender, and swoony. I just adored these two together – in the flirty moments and the affectionate ones as much as in the serious moments and the heartbreaking ones. They truly become a team, and they made my whole heart smile. Zahava’s courage and kindness makes it easy to root for her, and I really enjoyed the relationship she has with her family. (Note to the author: pleeeeeeeease write a series someday about Zahava’s sisters. Gavi’s too, for that matter. I want to see where stories go from here.) Her metalworking skill – and the family legacy – fascinated me and endeared her to me all the more. She is exactly the kind of heroine I would want to befriend and, while she and Gavi and their families are merely products of the author’s skilled imagination, they feel as real to me as if they were actual historical figures.

Bottom Line: Connilyn Cossette continues to bring the tumultuous reign of King Saul vividly to life in Splendor of the Land, filling in the ‘what-ifs’ with vibrant characters that took up permanent residence in my heart. I enjoyed the role that Jonathan plays in this story and in Gavi’s life, and it drove my student-heart to Scripture to see where we were in the Biblical timeline too. (I love books that make me hungrier to study more of God’s Word!) This is an emotional novel, to be sure, with heartache and upheaval and danger and loss, but it’s also full of warmth and humor and delicious romance and grace. Lots of grace. Gavi and Zahava and their journey will linger with me for a long while, and I couldn’t be happier about it because I’m not really ready to say goodbye to them anyway. Fans of Tessa Afshar and Mesu Andrews need to be reading this series too!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

A beautiful tale in the tenuous time of king Saul’s reign.
Zahava and Gavi shine like stars in this fast paced novel.
The prodigal son parable underlies Gavi’s journey and by the grace of God he comes to a place where he realizes his need to reform and his need for God
Zahava is a strong woman with a secret and her determination shapes the course of her people.

This epic tale will have you traipsing all over King Saul's kingdom while Gavi and Zahava learn to trust the Lord .
I love Connilyn Cossette's books because they dive into the culture of the people. the connection between the characters and the stories are so imaginative and complete. I feel like I'm watching a movie unfold.

You will love Gavi and Zahava's story! (book 3 in King's Men Series but could stands alone)

I received a copy of this book by the author/publisher. It in no way affects my review. All thoughts are my own

Splendor of the Land is the first book I have read by Connilyn Cossette, and I am so excited to read more. This book is book three in The King’s Men series, though it can be read as a standalone without feeling like you missed anything. I plan on reading the others in this series, and some more books by Connilyn Cossette. This was a true work of art. It swept me in wholeheartedly, and I could not put the book down. This truly brought the bible times to life for me.

The character development was great. I loved seeing all the different characters, as well as the side characters. Gavi's story was great. I loved seeing his transformation, battling with alcoholism at the beginning. As they return home, he is reunited with his family and is able to see clearly what his youthful eyes had twisted. I loved seeing the family restoration. Zahava was such a fun character. Her strength, resilience, and love for her family shone through; even while in the middle of captivity, she held fast. Even with her ‘disability’, she overcame so much.

The storyline was amazing. I was totally sucked into the book and in the scenes with the characters. From the opening scene of Gavi watching Saul become king and Zahava learning to work with red gold, to the closing scene in the book. It was great.

The romance element was great. I loved the forced marriage, which later came to light, and her father’s intentions. It would have been fitting of the time. I loved the romance that blossomed through their circumstance and throughout the book.

Connilyn Cossette did a great job staying true to the bible. Even though there is not much mentioned about the Kenite people in the bible, and the main characters are not mentioned in the bible, you can tell a lot of research went into this story. The balance of research and creativity was the perfect balance to bring the bible to life. This is the fifth bible retelling story that I have read this year that has immersed me so deeply into the bible and made me want to do a bible study. This was perfect.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for NetGalley

My Quick Takes:
- 4.5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
- Language 🤐 none
- Spice ❤️‍🔥 none/closed door
- Content 🤔 death, killing, war, off page pagan worship and torture, alcoholism

THE REDEMPTION 🔥 my favorite book so far in the series. Ever since the first book, I’ve been most excited for Gavriel’s story.

I love the tropes in this book and was NOT expecting one of the main plot points, so I’m going to just leave it at that and not spoil anything for those that want to go in blind. But I loved it.

I continue to enjoy that this series is set during Saul’s reign. It seems like many skim over Saul in favor of David and there’s plenty of mighty acts and words from God during Saul’s reign that take place in throughout the series. Getting a little piece of these details from scripture make me want to reread the corresponding texts from 1 and 2 Samuel.

While this can technically be read as a stand alone, there is an ongoing thread throughout the series as well as reappearing characters leading up to the final book, so I highly recommend reading them in order!

This series, The Kings Men, just keeps getting better and better. Connilyn Cossette is one of the few biblical fiction authors I trust to maintain the integrity of the Bible and weave a powerful fictional story with a compelling faith thread. She is a master at including historical detail, that brings to life a time that is mostly ignored in fiction. Splendor of the Land is a powerful story, an allegory of the way our Creator molds us through the mountains and valleys of our lives.

Ms. Cossette tells this story through the POV of a Hebrew soldier and a young Kenite woman. The hero is a flawed individual whose faith journey brought tears to my eyes. Zavarah's strength is a quiet strength, all the more powerful coming from a body that is crippled, in many people's eyes, broken. Yet her spirit is triumphant and strong.

Gavi has been sent with a group of Israelite warriors to protect Zavarah's people as they flee one of the many battles of the Israelite army. Thrown together by a misunderstanding, they must marry to protect her honor. I absolutely loved the way their relationship developed as their lives are thrown into upheaval. As they face one foe after another, surviving nomad attacks and kidnappings, they realize the value of what truly matters, learning to place their trust in God.

Many of the analogies are linked to the closely guarded metalworking skills of Zavarh's people. One of my favorite quotes:
"Then you know that the Creator fashioned you from elements stronger that iron and infinitely more precious than diamonds...You have no need to turn to anyone but him for protection or to define your worth."

I think this might just be my favorite story in the series.

I have really enjoyed this series of the King's Men, the stories of four cousins who have gone their own ways to serve Israel as its first king takes the crown. Ms. Cossette has teasingly dropped a few breadcrumbs for Shay's story. I cannot wait to read it, but will be sad when the final page has been read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.