Instead of the vicious tribal warfare that defined my people, I found a nation united beneath one God and united in purpose like nothing I'd ever experienced. A nation willing to accept outsiders as one of them, beneath the protective banner of their Torah laws.

Alanah a Canaanite who had lost her family in battle. Had disguised herself a soldier to fight her people's greatest enemy - the nation of Israel. At this time, the Jewish nation had exited Egypt and were wondering under the leadership of Moses and Joshua. Tobiah and his Jewish brothers went into battle against the Cannanite's who seeked to destroy their way of life. A life of family, community, all united in the laws of God. Tobiah in a fierce battle found Alanah, injured and realizing her sex, took her into camp. To protect her, he offered her marriage and safety. It is where Alanah learned thru Tobiah's obedience the sacrifice and love of a God that she could not see. Their story weaves thru the culture differences and allows the reader to gleam spiritual truth. To see the bigger picture of the wandering of the Jewish nation. The fight for life and the walk of faith. Their is a pursuit for love for both Alanah and Tobiah that cuts to the heart. Alanah who suffered from the abandonment of her mother and Tobiah's guilt of the death of his brother in law.

It ends to the well known story of Jericho. I loved how the author brings their story to life thru spiritual truth that encourages a deep hunger for the word of God. Right now in our world, the nation of Israel is on a fight for survival. They were in the time of Moses as well and God displayed is glory thru his people. I pray that He will again. It might look different but we do not have the mind of God but we do have his word and his promise. Lean on Him. Thank you Ms. Cossette for being faithful to the word of God.

A special thank you to Bethany House and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

Wings of the Wind by Connilyn Cossette is the third and final book in the “Out From Egypt” series published by Bethany House (the first being “Counted with the Stars“, and the second “Shadow of the Storm“. Wings of the Wind works perfectly as a stand-alone, though. I have absolutely loved this series and the creativity of the author! This series is such wonderful Biblical fiction, full of both the Biblical account and of realistic, life-like characters that the author has created herself. This book ends the series with a bang, connecting fictional characters in intricate plots with those whom we would recognize from the Bible. I could not put this book down from the first page to the last, and I would highly recommend it to those who are looking for a great read.

This book starts out a little later, chronologically, than did the first two, as it closes out both the series and the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness. We still come across several characters from the previous books, but they are much older and play a lesser part (although are still important!). I loved both characters this time around, and was rooting for both of them even though they were enemies to start out with. The plot was so unpredictable and I loved it! The author wove in more Biblical plots than I could have hoped for, and she did so very well, not rushing or pushing the characters into anything, but letting them live their stories in the Biblical world. Very well done!

Thank you so much to Bethany House for providing me with an electronic copy of this book to read and review through Net Galley. All opinions are my own and were not required to be positive.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

This book was so amazing - if I could give it more stars, I would! This book is the 3rd in Connilyn Cossette's "Out of Egypt" series. Though it is part of a series, it can stand alone.... though I would recommend reading the first 2 books - simply because they are also very good! The main characters from the earlier books are background characters in this book. While it is good to see what happens with them and get some "closure" on their stories, you don't have to have the background to enjoy this book.

This is a fantastic work of Historical Biblical fiction. I LOVE when authors can take a Bible story and can paint the picture of what it was like to live in those times - add a fictional element by adding characters, but still stay true to the scriptures and make the familiar passages come alive. I still enjoy reading the stories of the Kings in the Old Testament because Lynn Austin made them come alive for me and I can picture the people and what motivates them. Similarly, I believe the exodus and stories of the wanderings in the wilderness, the finding of manna, and battling for the Promised Land will hold a fresh perspective and new awareness for me after having read this series.

This book takes place at the end of the life of Moses and the beginning of the book of Joshua in the Bible. The Israelites are chomping at the bit to get into the Promised Land. The book opens up on the battlefield when the King of Arad summoned forces against the Israelites to prevent them entry into their land. Our heroine, Alanah, has lost her father and brothers in the previous battle and she dresses as a man to fight in this battle - hoping to take out some cursed Israelites as she welcomes death herself as that is a more palatable fate than selling herself to survive. But, as she comes to find out - Yahweh (the God of the Hebrews) has plans greater than the ones we make. She is instead rescued and brought back to live with the enemy. While she struggles with the desire to leave (since they are her enemies) and wanting to learn more about this different people whose God is personal and cares for their well-being, she finds that she does actually have a place and God does have a plan for her life. This book offered a few plot twists - some I saw coming (though I would not have considered them predictable - it was one of those proud moments where I figured something out before it happened) and some that I did not.... but all added to the depth of human conflict and emotion found in this book.

This book is beautiful tale of grace and mercy - 2 very important characteristics for the Christian Life. I loved the rich history, the depth of emotion and the fluid writing style of the author. I found myself laughing at some parts, crying at others, and "ah-ha"ing at others. This book is one that I read for enjoyment, but also obtained a deeper respect for the Biblical history and a more solid faith. It reaches across genres and would be a good read for anyone (probably over the age of 15 as it deals with death, war, prostitution, etc. No graphic detail is given, but you would want a basic understanding of these in order to appreciate it). In spite of a full-time job, I read this one in less than 2 (work) days. I highly recommend!

I received a free copy of this book (though I also pre-ordered it) in return for a fair review.

This book was excellently written. Held my attention from start to finish. However, you must read the previous books in order to fully appreciate this book!
I'm looking forward to the next book!. Thanks, Connilyn!

This is the 3rd and final book of the Out from Egypt series.

Honestly, this series is amazing! I love the continuity through each book, even though they focus on different characters. It's always so much fun seeing our favorite character again.

This book takes place toward the end of the 40 years walk through the desert to the Promised Land. It focuses on Alanah , a Canaanite who decided to avenge her family by fighting in a battle against the Hebrews, and Tobiah, the Hebrew who rescued her from the battlefield before making her his wife.

Their story is one of struggles and heartbreaks, but also of joy and hope. It is wonderful to see the authors view on that period. Of course, she took a lot of liberties, as with her previous books, but still stayed true to the Word.

I highly recommend the whole series to everyone who loves Biblical fiction or who is willing to give it a try (it makes a great introduction to the genre). I'm really looking forward to her next series, which could be considered a spin-off of this one, since it focuses on one of the secondary character of this last installment.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me a copy of the book. It did not affect my review.

I've been flying through the books in this series, I'm so invested in the characters and the way that the author has the talent to take this period of Biblical history and made it so real and alive. I was ready to jump into the lives of these people I have fallen in love with. I realized that the names for the synopsis were not one's I'd seen before. Perhaps children or grandchildren? Perhaps a continuation of Jumo or Dvorah's story a generation later? Perhaps? Well, I made myself stop perhaps-ing and jumped into the book with glee. And pulled up on the excitement. I was jumping back in 40 years later, just as the Israelites were on the cusp of taking the promised land. Shira was there, Kiya was there but what about Ayal and Jumo and Ebon? I was sorta kinda maybe perhaps becoming interested in Dvorah and where her life might lead. I pulled it together, fought off my disappointment and kept on reading. And fell in love all over again with new characters, new romances, and a new period of time.

Tobiah may be my favorite male lead in this series. He has a tenderness that is hidden behind his warrior facade. He finds himself in a difficult situation that he never anticipated and didn't really even think through when he rescues the hard headed Alanah on the battlefield. He just new that it was right. There was no thought about it, just a doing. A moment decision that want so much a decision as a God Moment. And all those pages later what a God Moment it was. Alanah was hurt, emotionally broken, and at the battle incognito only to avenge her father and brothers' deaths at the hands of the Hebrews. She never expected to survive and was angry that she had. However, through the 'God Moment' she found herself in a journey that could have only been designed by God. A moment that would play itself into the future of all the Israelites. Oh, there were bumps and bruises along the way. But God even used her hard hardheadedness for the benefit of an entire civilization.

Despite the rocky start and my abject disappointment in losing out on beloved characters I was drawn into this new story. I fell in love more slowly than before but at the end of the day this author has the ability to overcome my disappointment, draw me back in, and make me fall in love within the first quarter of the book. I appreciated the tie-ins to the previous characters with an elder Shira and Kyia. They gave me continuity. I'm saddened that Tobiah is not of their family but he brings a freshness and a different perspective from the twelve tribes (he was even of a different tribe). Alanah brings an awakening to the spirit, much like Kiya did previously. The importance of finding a way to cast off the old things (her idols, our pride or money or anything that anyone - then or now has that keeps them separated) that didn't work and seeking God even when it's hard and you don't understand why.

I was blessed to receive a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. Without that I may have never discovered this amazing series. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Book three of the Out of Egypt series was a wonderful end to the series. With every book, Cossette delivered a better heroine than the book before. I liked Kaya from Book 1 and liked Shira, from book 2 even more. But Alanah! Alanah is a lovable heroine, with moxy and determination and I couldn't help but love her.

And then came Tobiah. I adored Tobiah, the sweet bear of a man. He was also my favorite hero of the series, with his gentle manners yet fierce desire to please Yahweh.

Fast forward nearly forty years from book 1 and 2, Wings of the Wind takes us into final year of the Hebrews wandering the desert. I enjoyed reading the perspective of both the Hebrews and the Caananites. Cossette always amazes me when she flips a common version and spins it on its axis to give the reader a different and more in depth view. I could feel the sand. Taste the manna. See the cloud. She paints a lovely picture for her reader.

All in all I enjoyed the book immensely. So why a 4.5? Well, there is a biblical character that makes an appearance in the book. I have previously read another biblical fiction book that centers around said biblical person and was absolutely taken with that book. So that pretty much spoiled any future fictional biblical books about this person. So the bias is a personal one and shouldn't be held against the quality of writing or plot. If you enjoy biblical fiction, this a great pick-up.

Overall Rating - 4.50 Stars

Mrs. Cosette created a sweeping novel where our curtain opens in the harsh Negev desert amidst a mass of humanity preparing for war. You can almost feel the tension in the Warriors as they prepare to seek the blood of their enemy. In this turmoil we find our orphan Canaanite girl swept up in this war, the need for avenging blood, and the Israelite exodus from slavery in Egypt unfolding around her. Experience the cloud of the Lord by day and the pillar of fire by night. It pulls in figures like Moses and Joshua in the story line and gives us a picture of life for a young Canaanite woman alone in the desert in 1047 BC. It shows the harsh realities of her choices to survive or perish in that environment and the revelation as other options that she never imagined possible become a reality.

This is my first experience with the Out of Egypt Series so I didn't already have a relationship with the beloved characters but they quickly became known to me and like a family. The trial, tears and tender moments of the character Alanah are believable and draw you into the storyline. It was a good read and gave me things to think about as the character is fleshed out and she has some pretty serious choices to make. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

Wings of the Wind is a touching tale that uses the stories of Moses, Joshua, and Rahab through the story of Alanah, a Canaanite woman. She has had what she feels as everything taken from her and that she needs to make the Hebrews pay for it, but as you all know our plans, GOD deems for something else. She is found on the battlefield by a Hebrew and guess what happens when he finds her? I cant tell you and ruin the whole story - but I can tell you that she is amazing - and this book is a book of anger, retaliation, heartbreak, redemption, forgiveness, truth, Holiness, love, honor and the everlasting love of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

"What a strange notion, that a god would call to someone. As if a deity would somehow speak to a lowly mortal. To a woman. To me."

A Canannite woman brought up knowing how to fight and defend, Alanah has also felt the lust for vengeance. Her family, defeated by the Hebrew army, is her drive for revenge. She joins the Canannite army. But the army is no place for a woman---she is in just as much danger there, as on the receiving end of an arrow from a Hebrew bow.

When the two forces finally meet in battle, Alanah is injured, but miraculously not killed. A Hebrew man finds her, buried beneath the dead bodies of her fellow warriors. He takes her back to the Hebrew camp to tend to her wounds. When Alanah awakens, she is unsure of his intentions. Did he bring her back just to execute her publicly? Or is something else in store? Now in the hands of her enemies, Alanah must face not only what she fears, but also the truth.

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I'm sad that this is the end of this series. Does it really have to end? There are so many other characters throughout the Bible that a retelling of their story would be invited...at least by me.

I loved how this story grasped the folly of humans. Each time I've read through this Bible story, I think to myself, "HOW can the Hebrews just...forget about God when he's literally RIGHT THERE?" I feel like they were just waiting for opportunities to rebel when perhaps Yahweh wasn't paying attention...

But He's always paying attention. So much attention that the Hebrews are reminded by some utterly terrible ways for their rebellion.

The entire Out From Egypt series is so good at showing how easily swayed the human heart is. How quickly one turns to self for strength and sustenance---even when the proof is right before their eyes.

Alanah's story is the perfect example. She leans into herself to control situations, and to exact revenge and even the scales. However, Tobiah's story is just as similar. In his attempt to protect those he loves, he quickly realizes that he is incapable of doing so.

I was pleasantly surprised when the characters from the previous books appeared. From the first few chapters, I thought that this was set at a much later date, but both Shira and Kiya slipped in.

Even though the (refreshing and committed) romances are expected in this series, they are also so unlikely. Especially in regards to today's mentality, we are so quick to write a person off because of the baggage they may have, or if they present having a difficult life or past. These characters are hearty. They muscle through, even when they don't want to, when they don't know the outcome. Their faith in others is truly inspiring.

Alanah
"But the truth was that Tobiah could hurt me more than anyone, more than I had known was possible. It was best, my escape. I would never see him turn his back on me. I would never endure the loss of his kindness. He would not be forced to choose between his sister and me. He could marry Keziah and be happy. Be free from the anchor of marriage to a Canaanite."

This girl is tough. Her fiery character was not only in her red hair, but was the product of the environment she grew up in. Underneath her strength lies a whirlpool of hurt. When her strength runs out, she learns that there is someone who can give her everlasting strength.

Tobiah
"Why had everyone I had sworn to protect ended up broken or destroyed? I had done everything in my power to live up to my promises, but it was never enough.

You are not a god.

The words appeared in my mind with uncanny clarity, as if drawn in the air before me. I had no control over anything. Had I been trying to be my own god? Determining my own steps instead of ceding to his plan?"

(Paraphrased to exclude spoilers.)

Tobiah, a man loyal to his loved ones, finds that his commitment is not enough to shelter them from the toils of life. Not only that, he learns that unexpected and painful revelations do not only produce negative outcomes.

Rahab

I loved how Rahab's story was integrated into this book. At about 50% through, I had no idea where it would turn, because it honestly could have ended there. But then and the true point of the story revealed.

I really enjoyed this series. Its beautiful covers, stories, and characters ensnared my senses made me thirst for more---not only in regards to the stories of Kiya, Shira, and Alanah, but also of their, and our origin.

I find it fitting to end this review with a quote from the author's notes:
"And considering that the Word of God, and therefore Jesus himself, is compared to manna, the spiritual implications of daily consumption are of critical importance to those who follow Jesus. To Alanah, who has only begun to taste of the "bread of life," its flavor is exciting and the newness of its mystery fascinating. If readers get anything from my books, I hope that it is a desire to taste the Word again and regain that sense of wonder about the mystery of a God who desires his children to be fed from its nourishment daily. May it never be mundane to us, or a drudgery, to collect the freely given treasures tucked between its pages."

Sexual content: Minimal and without explicit material. Sex slavery is a huge topic and naturally difficult to consider all of the things that come with it.
Vulgarity: None.
Violence: Some, but nothing graphic.

5 stars.

I received a free copy of this novel from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Alana thought she had lost everything she had and decided to exact revenge on the Hebrews that took the lives of her brothers and father.  Instead she gets injured in the battle and forced to wed the Hebrew that rescued her to insure her safety.  But when she begins to have unexpected feelings toward her captor and decides to stay, she uncovers the truth about the death of Tobiah's best friend and her life is forever changed.

I loved how this story tied in with the Old Testament story where the Hebrews were at the end of the forty years of wandering in the desert and the collapse of the walls of Jericho.  This story was so rich in history and truly depicts what Jesus constantly teaches us; God has a plan and purpose for everything that happens to us.  We're just unable to see the big picture when events take an unexpected turn.

I enjoy well written and deep biblical fiction and this book fits the bill. It was not a "all is happy" type of story so much as more historically accurate, with some of the gore of the culture. It really teaches you what some of the teachings and cultures were like of the Canaanites as well as the Israelites.

I enjoyed the previous two books in the series, but I believe this one could stand alone if you wanted it to. There are some other characters from previous books mentioned, but still it could stand alone.

If you enjoy good biblical fiction that will make you pull out the bible and your history books to compare, pick up this one!

Alanah is a fiercely independent woman. Her warrior spirit carries her across a rough and dangerous land and into the chaos of battle in the name of vengeance for her family.

Tobiah is a steadfast and devout Hebrew warrior. His dedication to his family is surpassed only by his commitment to obey Yahweh in every way.

Although the majority of the characters within this story are fictional, the thorough research and care taken with the biblical accounts are superb. The emotional and spiritual depth combined with vivid visuals and skilled storytelling send this book straight to my all time favorites.

I requested the opportunity to read this book through the author and publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.

Wings of the Wind is so much more than a Biblical retelling. It is a touching love story, rich with ancient history and themes of grace, forgiveness, faith, and perseverance.

This story is inspired by Deuteronomy 21:10-14, in which Hebrew men are instructed on how they are to treat their women captives—with dignity. I learned so much about the customs, beliefs, and hardships during the 40 year wandering in the wilderness.

Alanah and Tobiah are opposites in many ways (and you know the old saying about how opposites attract.) They are from different cultures, different belief systems and lifestyles. I find it fascinating how they react to each other, one with guarded understanding and uncertainty, one with contempt, and how they each begin to heal by the grace of God.

I love these characters, as well as the supporting characters and the Biblical people they represent. I love how the author made multiple storylines come together in a seamless, tension building way, and how these stories come to life as a vivid movie in my head. In simplicity, I love this book, the history displayed, and the stirring it has created in my heart—to search the scriptures, once again, for the crucial lessons of history.

I’ve no doubt you’ll receive rich blessings upon reading Wings of the Wind. I’m so happy to own the three books of this series, but sad it has come to an end. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Cossette’s work.

5 Stars

Cover: LOVE
Title: LOVE
Pages: 352
Series: Out From Egypt Book 3
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0764218224
First Line: Forging through the teeming mass of Canaanite Soldiers in this vast army camp, I’d never felt more alone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley.

I was amazed reading the unique way she captures the Old Testament and brings it to life.

She has vivid characters, that though they are from a different place, time, and culture, they are relatable. After reading, I feel like I have had an immersive experience in living during that time period.

The plot twists keep the pages turning. Alanah's spiritual transformation is beautiful and authentically done. I loved the way the author intersected biblical accounts and the lives of her characters

As always I am amazed at the author’s ability to bring me to the Old Testament and give me fresh eyes to understand Gods commands during that time period. She brings to focus how the Israelite treatment of women and respect for life was so countercultural from the rest of the world.

Beautiful writing and story crafting that gives glory to God.

By incorporating events from the 40 years of desert wandering which held the greatest spiritual lessons for Israel, Connilyn Cossette delivers a knock-out Christian fiction novel. Wings of the Wind is her best work to date and a story I will ABSOLUTELY read again. Her writing allowed me to walk in the sandals of these characters all the way up to the walls of Jericho.

Alanah’s capture and marriage to Tobiah is inspired by God’s law governing female captives of war (Deuteronomy 21:10-14). Instead of dragging her away as spoil, Tobiah rescues Alanah off the field of battle in an act of protection. Cossette superbly contends with the fluctuating emotions these characters felt as they transitioned from enemies to allies. Equally believable were the reactions other Israelites, including family, would have had towards Tobiah’s intended.

From individual characters to the nation as a whole—God’s provision, grace, and justice pervades this story. The continual contrast between rebellion and obedience, kindness and hatred, trust and doubt, kept the story alive and engaging. To top it off, there was a surprise planted about two thirds of the way through that made me want to squeal! I actually stopped and tweeted “I 💓 surprises, @ConniCossette!” While you won’t find it anywhere in scripture, the twist was genius and it screamed Romans 8:28.

Cossette’s debut novel Counted with the Stars, brought us through the plagues of Egypt and the Red Sea. Shadow of the Storm demonstrated how under God’s care a fledgling nation was being multiplied and molded. Finally, in Wings of the Wind we step with Israel into the Promised Land. This is a book and series you do not want to miss!

Okay, I really hate writing a mixed review. So I guess I’ll start with the positives, and honestly, there are more positives than negatives. Mrs. Cossette is one of the most talented authors I’ve read. She has the amazing ability to pull you into her stories from the first few sentences, and doesn’t release you until the conclusion. Her stories are told from the first person point of view which I think helps a lot in captivating the reader’s attention, but that means that the character development has to be well done, and for that I give Mrs. Cossette 5 stars! Her descriptions are beautiful, her attention to detail fascinating, and her faithfulness to Scripture noteworthy. At the end of her books, she explains areas in which she filled in details that are not specifically given in Scripture. It is truly amazing and riveting.

In this last installment of the Out of Egypt series, we are brought to the time period of entering the promised land. I really loved getting to see Shira again (the main character of the previous book), as well as glimpses of Kiya, etc. Tobiah was such a great character, and Alanah’s journey to faith and spiritual maturing is well done. I also really liked the main story line, and the way Rahab was brought in. It was all very plausible.

So the negatives? Well, I guess the main one is that the author tends to write in a more sensual manner. I don’t think inappropriate details are given, but there are more crude comments, innuendos, and suggestive sentences than I am comfortable with. A percentage of the story occurs around a harlot’s inn, and a temple devoted to sexual pursuits (just so y’all understand, of course, that this takes place in Canaan, with its numerous false gods and just a very depraved way of life). Because of this I’m really struggling with how to rate this book. Writing quality, 5 stars. Content issues, 3 stars, but I guess to find the right balance, it’s overall a 4 star book for me!

Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review

Wings of the Wind by Connilyn Cossette is a masterfully written novel. This is the first novel that I have read by this author and I was amazed at how quickly the author thrusts you into a moving story in a completely different world. This is not just historical fiction, but Biblical fiction. It was truly an amazing book and I wish I had read the first two in the series before I read this one, but it can definitely stand alone since it is a separate story. I cannot wait to read more from this author. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.