Cities of Refuge Shelter of the Most High, Book 2, (Paperback)

“The Almighty Creator spoke your being into existence. How could you be anything less than precious?” How can this be the first Connilyn Cossette book I have read? How could I have spent these past few years as an avid reader of Christian Fiction in such ignorance of the pure delight that is Connilyn Cossette’s writing? Wow, Shelter of the Most High totally blew me away. Kedesh, one of the cities of refuge during the time of Joshua, came to life in the pages and drew me in immediately. I love the way the author melds historical and Biblical facts with believable and realistic fiction to expand and stretch the reader’s horizon. The writing is beautiful and emotional, the plot is complex yet tightly woven, the characters are truly unforgettable, and the faith lessons are relevant. Sofea, along with her cousin, is a foreigner stranded amongst the Israelites in the city of Kedesh. Eitan is a young man sentenced to Kedesh for events that transpired eleven years ago. Reading Light On a Hill (book one in Cities of Refuge) prior to this book will help the reader understand the events chronologically. However, even without having read the first book, I was able to piece together the pertinent background from the first book by reading this one. Sofea is a fearful yet curious, loyal, determined, tender soul who has to learn a new way of life - from language to religion. Eitan is impulsive, strong, impatient yet kind, generous, loving, dedicated and fun. They both have different fears and hurts from their pasts to overcome as God gently works on their scarred hearts. Their romance is slow and sweet even as their budding friendship is threatened by evil intentions of others and their own insecurities. If you enjoy Biblical fiction, you don’t want to miss this book. It’s a must read! I received a copy of the book from Baker Publishing Group via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

I am liking Biblical Fiction more and more. So much truth in these stories and it really makes me want to go back and read more in the Bible. I knew about the Cities of Refuge from reading the Bible but a story in depth about it is wonderful. Sofea and Eithan's story is intriguing. The way the characters and events are described you will feel as if you really are there and you really know them. A love story but so much more than that. We can see faith and forgiveness and God's love for us. He's a God of second chances which we all need at times. He is our refuge and shelter and Mrs Cossette writes it so well that you will feel it in your heart. Don't miss reading this whole series and the other books by her if you like Biblical Fiction at all. All her books are on my TBR list. I received a complimentary copy of this book from publisher/author. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.