Splendor of the Land by Connilyn Cossette is possibly my favourite book of The King’s Men series. With an exceptional but flawed hero, whose choices in life lead him where he does not want to go.

Gavriel is an alcoholic, and his choices will cost him everything if he doesn’t change his ways. He meets Zahava, a gifted goldsmith with a physical impediment. Their lives change drastically when they are caught in a compromising position. Forced to marry, the two strangers deal with the aftermath and learn that Yahweh always has a plan.

I loved this story so much! Gavriel, while flawed, is the ultimate hero as he protects Zahava with his life. His training as a soldier comes in handy when things take a deadly turn.

The major theme of this book is trusting in God and knowing that God is always ten steps ahead of us. I loved this aspect, and I loved how the author wrote about Gavriel’s struggles and Zahava’s insecurities.

If you like a sweet marriage of convenience story set in biblical times, you will love Splendor of the Land. I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley for my honest opinion.

A Stunning Third Installment That Gripped My Heart from the First Page

After flying through the first two books in The King’s Men series, I could hardly wait to dive into Splendor of the Land—and wow, it exceeded every expectation. Connilyn Cossette once again proves she’s a master at crafting deeply flawed, yet profoundly relatable characters.

This time, we get to truly know Gavriel—the cocky warrior we’ve seen glimpses of before—who’s been removed from Yonatan’s army and reassigned under the command of a man who can barely stand him. As if that weren’t enough, a dangerous mission leads Gavriel straight into the path of Zahava, a bold, beautiful woman with a secret that could cost her everything.

Their connection is instant, but their journey is anything but simple. Trusting each other—and more importantly, trusting El Shaddai—becomes the key to their survival and transformation.

Gavriel’s arc in this book is nothing short of powerful. His growth from selfish and reckless to humble and faith-filled is beautifully done. Zahava isn’t just a love interest—she’s a force in her own right. I adore strong female leads who don’t lose their femininity, and Zahava strikes that balance perfectly. She challenges Gavriel, softens him, and ultimately, helps him become the man he was always meant to be.

I also loved how seamlessly biblical history and characters are woven into the story. Cossette brings a period I’ve never studied deeply to life with such vividness, I found myself wanting to learn more after I turned the last page.

And the ending? Perfectly satisfying—rich in romance, redemption, and a hint of what’s to come. The thread involving the missing cousin is masterfully interlaced, and now I’m eagerly counting the days until the next book.

Splendor of the Land may just be my favorite in the series so far. It’s heartfelt, redemptive, and completely immersive. Highly recommend to fans of biblical fiction, romance, and stories of spiritual transformation.

(I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.)

Some stories pass through the mind. Others settle in the heart. But Splendor of the Land breathes into the soul and remains a sacred echo of truth, beauty, and belonging. The dust, the weight, the wonder of it. These pages carry the hush of holy ground. With each step through the ancient landscape, we are invited to witness the ache of humanity and the glory of God woven together. This is a call to behold the One True King moving in every moment, then and now.

Connilyn Cossette tells stories that honor Scripture with holy imagination—writing not to embellish but to illuminate. Gavriel and Zahava may not be in the biblical record, but they could have been. And that’s the power of her gift: she writes the forgotten margins of history with such conviction and care that our hearts believe these lives matter. Because they do.

Zahava … gentle, gifted, hidden … is a character who will remain etched in memory. Her strength is not in spite of her limp but forged through it. Her hands craft gold, but her spirit reflects something more precious: the image of El Shaddai. And Gavriel … flawed, proud, broken … staggered with his transformation. His redemption arc made hearts beat faster, not from emotion but from conviction.

“Because only a man on his knees can see what he is lacking most.” This burns deep. This is not surface-level redemption. This is the truth told through desert winds and starry skies and the trembling choice to surrender.

One of the most powerful scenes in the book was Zahava’s memory of her mother’s lullaby. The one that named her for the golden star overhead. The words, the legacy, the reminder that we are made of stronger things than what wounds us … “elements far stronger and more precious than pure gold”… tears came without permission. Because don't we all need someone to sing that kind of truth over us?

This story pulsed with danger and tenderness. Sleep slipped away, and it was worthy of sacrifice. No moment felt wasted. Every step these characters took carried purpose, pain, and providence. And the way Connilyn paints the setting? The dust still clings to our feet. The forge can still be smelled. The tremble of battle still lingers. The breath of Yahweh heard in the quiet.

The romance moved deeply but it speaks of more than love. It speaks of legacy. It reveals the holy mystery of being seen and known by God and one another.

For those who have doubted worth, questioned God’s timing, wrestled with surrender, or wondered if broken things can still be called beautiful … Splendor of the Land meets us there.

This book was closed with reverence. With joy. And prayers that our lives would be lived as wholly, as fearfully, as splendorously as Zahava’s.

“Then you know that the Creator fashioned you from elements far stronger than iron and infinitely more precious than diamonds, my love.”

This isn’t a story to rate. It’s one to encounter. It marks the soul with splendor, wrestles with doubt, and leaves us kneeling in awe. It lingers as a holy reminder: Yahweh is faithful, sovereign, and near. And in His presence, we are known, redeemed, and called to live for His glory.

I received a digital version of this book from the author and publisher via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the excellent writing and story’s amazing content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

Splendor of the Land is amazing! I love everything about this book, from the characters, storyline, sweet and precious romance, to the satisfying ending. The story follows Gavriel, a determined soldier trying to prove himself in Yonatan's army unit. However, he literally stumbles into Zahava, a crippled goldsmith, and is forced to marry her; she is his precious little dove. I was gripped from the first page until the very last. I absolutely recommend this book to all biblical fiction readers.

This book got my attention from the start and I really enjoyed the journey it took me on. I feel a deeper understanding now thanks to this book and author.

I highly recommend it to anyone.

Not only is this one of the best Biblical fiction novels I’ve read but it also tells the story of two people who are relatable today.

Gavi is a complex character who has allowed himself to be defined by his struggles and guilt, and in need of redemption. He is so sweet in his acceptance of Zahava and her disability that I loved him from the start.

Zahava was a perfect representation of God’s love in human form both toward her family, protecting her father’s secret, and particularly in her faithful support of Gavi.

The side characters were well developed adding depth to the story and moving the action forward. Some became friends while others were people I didn’t like. The interactions were necessary for the growth of the main characters.

I found the references to the life of metalworkers and their processes quite fascinating and well researched. The descriptions of the environment as they travelled painted a picture that carried me back in time.

Gavi’s faith journey and God’s faithfulness to his people wove an encouraging message throughout this book.

I received a copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion of the book. I highly recommend it.

Connilyn Cossette's impeccable writing weaves a spell around you, as you follow Gavi and Zahava as they struggle to find themselves, and their truth worth and value in God rather than in themselves, their skills and abilities or even in each other and the praise of people.

The novel weaves swiftly and unerringly through the various ups and downs and ins and outs of daily life in Old Testament times, as the Kenites flee the coming vengeance of God on the Amalekites. Hard hitting scriptural truths are wrapped in the velvet glove of a story, reminding us that God is not only compassionate, merciful and loving, but also holy and just. To quote Barzel the Kenite, "Compassion cannot come at the expense of obedience. Yahweh is God above all others, able to discern the heart of each man and woman.... So we must trust the Creator, even when it makes no earthly sense, or suffer the same consequences as those destined for destruction.”

In a day and age when we are tempted maybe more than most to fashion God after our ideas of him, (compassionate and loving, overlooking sin), Connilyn Cossette has ably reminded us of hard scriptural truths that are true to God's character as revealed in the Bible. The idea of a God who punishes the guilty, does not overlook sin and is holy and just, is one we might have conveniently forgotten or tucked away.

Yet, through the lives of Gavi and Zahava (I love her name), we come face to face with a God of love, compassion but who is also holy and just in His relentless pursuit of His chosen people whether they are individuals or a nation He chose as His own, because it pleased Him to do so.

As they escape their ancient enemies, and fight newer ones, will Gavi and Zahava humble themselves enough to find true love and rest in God, or will they continue to look for it in all the wrong places and all the wrong faces?

Connilyn Cossette's superb writing makes this novel eminently readable, immersive and hard to set down until you finish.

My thanks to Ms. Cossette and the publisher - Bethany House Publishers - for considering me for an ARC, but my opinions are my own, uninfluenced by any other consideration but the excellent narrative.

“The truth is here, isn’t it? This Land, these heavens, such inexplicable splendor point to a God beyond all gods. And if Yahweh made all of this, then who am I to question his goodness? Or whatever unknowable plans he has for his own Creation? For me?”

Y’all! I don’t read much Biblical fiction but this book (this series!) is FANTASTIC! The characters are so respectfully written you almost forget that they are fictional and not actually in the Bible.

This book gives us Gavriel’s story. He and Zahava’s lives are intertwined in an unexpected way and they face betrayal and danger side by side. Gavi has become a hard man with his heavy load of guilt and all that he’s done. I loved when he was finally able to put the voices of the past behind him and surrender fully to Yahweh. “Only a man on his knees can see what he is lacking most.” His reconciliation with Hanan literally brought me to tears! Gavi’s devotion to and tender care of Zahava melted my heart. Zahava is a strong woman. She faces her disability and her struggles with grace. I loved seeing her remember Whose she was and her faith in Yahweh grow. I enjoyed her family, especially fiery Farah. Gavi and Zahava have a beautiful, tender love, it was fantastic to see it blossom. I also loved seeing Gavi and Zevi together again. And Shay! Did we just get a huge clue to what Shay’s life has been like? I cannot wait for his story!

A few more quotes:
“Then you know that the Creator fashioned you from elements far stronger than iron and infinitely more precious than diamonds, my love. You have no need to turn to anyone but him for protection or to define your worth.”

“I just cannot believe you are here.” “You didn’t think I would leave you here, did you, little dove?”

“You may have coerced me into this marriage, but I love your daughter more than I thought I could ever love anyone or anything, Barzel. There was no question I would go after her. I would go to the ends of the earth to find her and gladly lay down my life to protect her.”

Note: This is the third book in the series and can be enjoyed as a standalone but I HIGHLY recommend reading the other books in the series too!

This ARC was provided by the author and publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

“Because only a man on his knees can see what he is lacking most.”

Gavriel’s story is a heart-rending but redemptive story of a prodigal son looking for love and acceptance in the wrong places. And yet God still makes a way to rescue Gavriel, using people through circumstances that look and feel harsh but become blessings. Gavi’s first person voice starts out angry, self-focused, and defiant but mellows and matures to become humble, prayerful, thankful, and determined. Zahava’s first person voice remains compassionate, loving, and thoughtful throughout the story but also becomes confident as she matures. Though the Kenites are sparsely mention in the Bible, I loved being able to live with them and imagine 1 Samuel 15:6 as Saul advanced on the Amalekites. The science and art behind metal smithing in 1033 BC - particularly weapon and jewelry making - were incredibly fascinating. I loved learning about the historical tidbits regarding metal smithing that tie into the Biblical narrative of Saul and Yonatan’s military advances.

Theme of forgiveness and repentance ran throughout Gavriel’s narrative while theme of acceptance ran through Zahava’s. I loved them both for overcoming large obstacles and holding fast to God even in the most trying times. It was good to see Zevi and Avi and their families again.

Connilyn Cossette is truly a queen of Biblical fiction. The author will envelop you in the sights, sounds, smells, taste and feel of ancient Israel, whether you’re marching through the wilderness with the Kenites or seeing the aftermath of Saul’s disobedience in the military camp. This book is one of my favorites of 2025. If you’re a fan of Biblical fiction, this is a must-read.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post positive comment. All opinions are my own.

This was a phenomenal read. I absolutely adore this series and I know I'll be rereading all three within a year. This Biblical fiction series sets up 4 cousins, in the time of King Saul, who go off to battle. Gavi is our hero and he is getting a redemption story. He has burned all of his bridges and found himself lost in the addiction of alcohol. He is sent on a mission to help evacuate the Kenites from Amalekite area before King Saul brings the army in. On his journey he stumbles into our heroine, Zahava, a daughter of one of the heads of the Kenite clans, who has a physical disability is secretly a metalsmith. Gavi's behavior, when drunk in the dark, land him and Zahava in a forced marriage. I adored seeing how Zahava softened Gavi's heart. This Biblical fiction had everything: strong Bible ties, faith, family, danger, war, twists and turns, and so much more. I never wanted to put it down and I lost many unplanned hours of sleep to it. I cannot wait for the last book to come out! This is definitely one of my top reads for this year. This is a fade to black (in marriage) romance, intimacy level 2.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Connilyn Cossette's books!

Every time I pick up one of Connilyn Cossette's books, I am transported into an amazing story with Yahweh at the center and in every page.

This is the third book in the King's Men series. Connilyn Cossette brought ancient Israel to life. The land, the people, the events, I could feel the sand hitting my face in the storm. She takes me into the story and plops me down in the middle to watch it unfold.

Here are a couple of my favorite quotes from the book.

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

“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.”

Gavi and Zahava have a beautiful story woven into the pages of this book.

This is a must read!! (I do suggest that you read the first two in the series first.)

I received an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I appreciated that this biblical fiction story prompted me to go back to the bible and reread familiar passages.

I also welcomed the opportunity to understand human nature through a biblical lens. Seeing the characters shackled by their own folly was just the mirror I needed to pivot and change my complaining attitude! Centuries may separate me from these characters, but the root of our challenges are the same. One of the themes Cossette explores is learning to rely on God. It’s time for these people to move on to a safer location, but they grumble and complain about what they’re leaving and how hard they’ve worked for it rather than see the liberty and safety they’ll experience. It’s good for all of us to be reminded to take our eyes off ourselves and see the big picture. I loved this section of the book because I saw how they were stripped of their dependence on their livelihood and forced to rely on God.

“Our family legacy is not things we make with our hands. It’s our faithfulness to Yahweh.”

Another reminder I enjoyed was about legacy. The forging of red gold had been a family legacy and this family needed to learn that “the only wealth that cannot be taken and that will endure long after things made from gold and silver turn to dust” is a relationship with God. We could all do with a nudge to investigate what we are leaving as a legacy. The references about sharpening one another like iron on iron, about being prepared for battle the same way a blacksmith strengthens iron and about having our hearts tested and purified by affliction and suffering were good for me to read.

I think this is my favourite of the series so far! I saw so much of myself in the characters, making this an approachable read.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

I love Connilyn Cossette's world building. Her imagery and storytelling wrap me up and transport me to another time and place. I have been waiting for the rough and brash Gavriel's story. Although this wasn't my favourite of all the stories in this saga, it was still highly enjoyable. There was a little language in this book that gave me pause, and although relevant to the storyline, I thought could be omitted. I prefer my books squeaky clean and have come to expect that from Christian authors (it only happened once or twice).

SPLENDOR OF THE LAND is the third novel in the King’s Men series by CONNILYN COSETTE. It is one of the most beauriful books I have read in a long time! It really spoke to me as all of this author’s books have done. There is biblical truth, emotional depth, suspense, adventure, betrayal, sacrificial love, bravery, and romance, all against the backdrop of the first book of Samuel chapter fifteen and verse six, where Saul warns the Kenites to leave their homes and lands as he is about to come against the Amelekites who are living among them. This decree, to destroy the Amelekites, has come from Yahweh through the prophet Samuel, to finish what the Israelites had been told to do when they came into the Promised Land so many years before.
Gavriel, a soldier under Yonatan in King Saul’s army, has finally caused his commader to discipline him harshly for his drunken and reckless behaviour by sending him away to help Emmet, a captain who despises him, to help move the Kenites to safety. It is there that he meets his “little dove” Zahava,, and his life will never be the same!…….
The beautiful, although crippled, Zahava, is a brillian maker of red gold jewellery. Her father, Barzel, has taught her secrets handed down by their Kenite ancestors, because he is losing his sight. Her father is a godly man whi, with her mother, follows Yahweh closely. He is particularly protective of his family, especially his damaged middle daughter. Zahava’s mother tells her here how she got her name: “ “You father named you not for the gold that men pull out of 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.” “ Zahava says “ From my earliest memories my mother had sung a song about how the Creator had fashioned me with elements far stronger and more precious than pure gold, just as he’d made that beautiful star with no more than a word from his mouth.”
Forging, blacksmithing and goldsmithing form an integral part of the story, and we are reminded of God, our Creator, who is forever refining us into His own image.
This novel really makes the Bible come alive and gives us so much background history to that single verse. I cannot recommend Splendor of the Land highly ebough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Biblical stories are my very favorite and I've so enjoyed this one!
A very well written story full of awesome characters that I couldn't put down. I was immediately drawn in from the beginning.
I love Cossette's heartfelt stories from the Bible. Her characters are very realistic and I love picturing myself in ancient Isreal.
It is interesting to see how they lived and made it through the hard times. Much like today in my opinion except without technology.
I think Gaverial is the most stubborn man I've ever come across! Sometimes I just wanted to shake him until he woke up! In the end he did become one of my favorite people.
Zahava is an amazing woman. However I did NOT like her hotheaded father! What an idiot! Wow!
I loved her from the get go. In some ways I connected with her and others I did not
It still a good story and one I enjoyed very much. I highly recommend it.
God is the one true king.
The theme is trust and learning to lean on God no matter the circumstances in your life and that's what these characters are learning along the way as they go through their life's journey.
I really hated to see this series end. But, I am looking forward to seeing what she writes next!!
5 stars from me for a wonderful adventure through ancient Isreal.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

[Thank you to @netgalley and to @bethanyhousefiction for my gifted copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.]

Favorite Quotes:

“The One who lit the stars aflame, Is He who softly calls your name.
His mighty hands designed your soul, A radiant mystery to unfold.
Endowed with worth from Heaven's throne, You are His child, His very own.”

"’Perhaps we're just not meant to have all the answers,’ I said. ‘But to keep listening for the only One who does.’"

Review:

I’m jumping into this series late on the final book, and I wish that I had known of this series sooner! This was actually my first Connilyn Cossette book, I believe. I really loved it!

This story follows Gavriel, a soldier in the military command of the son of King Saul, and Zahava, a talented goldsmith. I find this period of history (found in 1 Samuel) to be so fascinating. I love it when an author can take a passage from the bible and bring parts of it to life in a fictional story in a way that honors scripture and history both.

The themes of redemption in this story and Gavriel’s character arc were incredibly well done. I don’t want to give anything away, but I just HAD to say that. 🙂

I really enjoyed this story and will absolutely pick up the first two books of the series soon!

Highly recommend!

Another excellent Biblical fiction novel by Connilyn Cossette! This one sucked me in from the beginning and had me quickly turning pages. I've been pretty distractible this year when it comes to reading, but this is one I was NOT able to put down. This is book 3 in The King's Men series. I think this series is best read in order (along with the prequel novellas), but this story line should stand on its own enough that you can still enjoy this one if you haven't read the other stories. It's just a richer experience if you have (and you get to "catch up" with the other characters from the other stories - including Shalem to a small extent!). This was a beautiful redemptive story-line. Fans of the series will be glad to get Gavi's story. Though he has been my least favorite of the cousins due in large part to his sullen attitude, I think that made me love his story the most of all of them so far - in part, because the redemption arc is so strong. With his haughty attitude and aversion to marriage, I wondered how his story arc would go, and the author did not disappoint. When Gavi hits rock bottom (quite literally) and finds himself in a forced marriage, he questions how he can possibly get back to the goals he had for himself to be his own man. But through the events that occur during the escort of the Kenite people away from the Amalekites, he discovers more about himself, about love, about family and about Yahweh than he bargained for. A little broken herself, Zahava is the perfect complement for Gavi. I loved how her gentleness prompted Gavi to be the best he could be, and how he accepted her just as she was and allowed her to continue doing what she loved.

The over-arcing story was a love story that showcased how God loves us and calls us to love each other. The familial relationships were in a similar vein and I loved Zahava's parents and sisters and how they loved one another and how they worshipped Yahweh wholeheartedly even though they were not under the covenant directly. And though this story was fraught with character development and was a true romance, there was a great deal of action and mystery included as well. There was a solid faith thread as both Gavi and Zahava learned to trust in Yahweh for their peace. I had lots of tears as I read this one - but all the good kind. This book had the perfect combination of elements in it with its beautiful love story and redemptive arc, strong faith element, wonderful characters and character development and enough action and suspense to keep the story moving along at a perfect pace. This will easily be one of my top reads for the year! Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

I waited for this book SO EAGERLY for SO LONG! I was checking my email a bit obsessively waiting to see if I could read it...I don't know why was looking forward to Gavriel and Zahara's story, but I DEVOURED this story in under three hours...

Splendor of the Land was a wonderfully crafted story with a vivid setting that took me back to ancient Israel within the first chapter. Gavriel was so funny in an odd sort of way ( as in, he made my sense of humor laugh) and Zahara was such a faceted character. I loved the way her limp was handled; it felt respectful and realistic.

The plot twist in the first few chapters had me gasping and then cackling, because of COURSE it had to be that way; Gavriel is as stubborn as Zahara's father, after all. It worked so well with the story.

And Adin...well, let's just say I desperately want to know what happens next!

Overall, five stars,

I received a complimentary copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

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