Cossette’s writing just keeps getting better and better. I mean, I truly believe that every time I read a new release from her, but it’s true. Like Flames in the Night is an exquisite story with lots of depth and emotion. I think biblical fiction and historical fiction fans alike will enjoy this story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Trizah is determined to help her people after her husband is killed by their oppressors. When the mission she is on goes south, her brother sends Liyam to help. Filled with vengeance after the accidental death of his daughter, Liyam has left the battle for his people's freedom to seek the man responsible for his pain. As the tide against the Israelites turns, Liyam and Trizah find they make a good team and maybe more, unless Liyam's pain drives them apart.

This was a satisfying conclusion to the Cities of Refuge series. It brings full circle Moriyah and Alanna and characters from all the books. I wasn't sure that I would like Trizah that much, but she was pretty awesome.

A good conclusion to the series

I was mildly surprised by Like Flames in the Night, but it ended up being a good read. After reading the first three books in the series, I knew I couldn’t skip it—and I’m glad I picked it up!

I think my favorite part of the story is the main character’s occupation: A cook, working as a spy. I’ve always loved reading about spies and codebreaking and secretive stuff like that, so I was thrilled to be able to see that in Biblical fiction, too! The best part was that I didn’t feel like it took away from the setting; it flowed naturally, and felt realistic.

Historically speaking, this book felt like it had more supposition than the previous ones. I will be very interested to read through this time period in the Bible, to see what detail is actually there. I do feel like I’ve got a better grasp on the famous characters in this time, though—especially Othniel. If I ever write in that time period, I’d love to write a book about him and his wife. There are little things that have stuck out to me from the Bible since I’ve read this book—things like the altar Joshua built on Mount Ebal, Othniel’s relationship to Caleb, and how dangerous it would have been to take possession of the land in the first place. I found all of that fascinating—and would love to read more about it and/or see where the author got her information. It’s all quite interesting!

I think I was slightly disappointed with this story, though, because it almost felt like it ended about the half-way mark. I’m not sure what the reason for that was, but it did make me wonder if the book really had a lot more to build toward yet—and, though in a way it did, it also just didn’t feel quite as put together as some of the other books. But as far as tying up different character arcs, I think the whole thing was important. If you enjoy Biblical fiction that does stick pretty closely to the Bible’s account and the Mosaic law the people were supposed to be following in that time, I’d recommend the story and the whole series. I did feel like several of the books had one or two somewhat sensual scenes, but this book didn’t have as much of that, for which I’m grateful!

I requested a free review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

This is another fantastic read by Connilyn Cossette! I have followed her books since the beginning! Tirzah's story is fascinating! Fans of biblical fiction do not want to miss this or any of Cossette's book. You are captivated from the beginning to the end.

Strong-willed Tirzah wants to join her people in driving the enemy from the land of Israel and undergoes training for a secret mission inside the stronghold of Shechem. But soon after she has infiltrated the ruthless Aramean commander's kitchen, she makes a reckless decision that puts her and her allies in grave danger.

Fresh off the battlefield, Liyam returns home to discover his beloved daughter is dead. After his vow to hunt down her killer leads to months of fruitless pursuit, his last hope is in a family connection that comes with strings attached. Strings that force him to pose as a mercenary and rescue an infuriating woman who refuses to leave her mission uncompleted.

When an opportunity to pave a path to a Hebrew victory arises, can Tirzah convince Liyam to fight alongside her in the refuge city of her birth? Or will Liyam's thirst for vengeance outweigh his duty to his people, his God, and the woman he's come to love?

There are authors that do such an excellent job of recreating the bible time period in your minds, you feel as if you experienced it or were there.
This author is one of those. The Cities of Refuge have come alive, I felt as if I were tasting the spices as this biblical time era spy cooked and spun to gain knowledge to save her people and land.
The highlights were tinged with forgiveness, a building of relationship and giving up our own ideals. I I would highly recommend it.

Like Flames in the Night brings the Cities of Refuge series to a close, uniting family members from previous books and bringing these families full circle to the beginning.

Tirzah is a young widow who wants to help her people as they try to reclaim the land and cities that have been taken from the Hebrews by the Aramean enemies. A fearless woman who loves her people and Yahweh, she trains as a spy and goes into Shechem where she becomes a cook in the commander’s house.

Liyam, a red headed warrior of half-Canaanite heritage, also enters the fight as a spy, sent by Tirzah’s brothers to keep her safe. He has his own story of loss and heartache which has sent him on a journey of that as blood avenger.

The story gives us a glimpse of life during the time of the Judges in the Bible. As always, Connilyn has given us a story based on months of research combining that research with her creativity into weaving a story of fascinating characters with the thread of mercy, justice and Yahweh’s love for His people woven throughout.

If I could give this story 10 ten stars I would.

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher and Net Galley. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

The smallest of sparks bring the collective flame that is unstoppable.

City of Refuge series speaks to the heart of the gospel in the Old Testament account of the enemies of Israel. The story continues with the youngest daughter Tirzah. A widow because of the endless fighting. She lives with her parents who have established their faith to fight the enemies of God. The storyline brings into context this time of Israel history that goes along scripture. Her father has indicated that Tirzah must marry again for her own protection in these perilous times. However, Tirzah feels the call of God to spy in the city of Shechem. Without her father knowing and with her brothers training, she has set up her mission.

Liyam is on a blood quest to find the man who killed his daughter. Now alone and his heart set on eye for eye, he pursues his daughter's killer. He finds himself in a deal to rescue Tirzah for information for his quest.

With strong character development of Tirzah and Liyam, you are pulled into their passions of faith, justice and family. Their journey to free the city of Shechem brings them both to a crisis of faith as they are pulled together. Tirzah knows that Liyam's quest for vengeance will only bring him darkness and Liyam cannot see any other way. Their story solidifies how faith is grown with grace. Grace received and grace given. Highly recommend.

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

I can’t think of any better way to describe Connilyn Cossette’s newest novel Like Flames in the Nights than to call it fabulous, amazing, heartwarming, incredible, etc!!
Throughout the book, Cossette seamlessly weaves an ending to this series that flawlessly ties into her first series, Out From Egypt. We are reunited with characters from her previous 4 books and it gives me goosebumps to read about all four heroines from this series being on the same page!
Tirzah is my favorite main character so far personality wise. I still love all of the other characters, but Tirzah is truly amazing and believable.
When I started reading the part that majorly related to the title of this book, I was deeply moved. We are called to be light, but it is much easier when there is more than one shining brightly!
While I am sad to see this series come to an end, I am deeply satisfied at the way Cossette was able to end the series. Cossette is a brilliant storyteller, and I cannot wait to read her next novel!!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Connilynn Cossette has wrapped up her Cities of Refuge series beautifully with Like Flames in the Night. The main characters Tirzah and Liyam are both strong willed and driven to complete their mission. The characters are so well developed, you feel as though you are connected to them. The historical setting is portrayed with spectacular detail and you feel as though you've been transported back in time. Connilynn as a way of writing that will keep you from ever putting the book down. If you enjoy Francine Rivers writing, you will thoroughly enjoy Like Flames in the Night

Outstanding book , that was a little bittersweet, because we wrapped up the series. If you read the series, definitely start at the beginning. I loved how Connilyn brought the characters full circle. From hardship to love and redemption. Looking forward to reading more of Connilyn's books!!!

Get transported back into the Biblical world with this final book in the Cities of Refuge series. The heroine is a spy and takes us through suspense, danger and adventure. Touches on themes of perseverance, forgiveness, overcoming tough challenges and so much more. A beautifully written story with complex and interesting characters. A must read Biblical fiction novel.

This series and Tessa Afshar's books have really been my introduction to Biblical Fiction. I barely read it two or three years ago, and indeed was reluctant to. I liked this entire series, which brings the period of the early settlement of Israel to life (its supposed to be set within a generation or two from the Exodus), along with the hopes and struggles of the people.

This one leaps ahead several years, and Moriyah and her family are no longer living in Kadesh, which has fallen to the Arameans. Being the nerd I am, I looked them up. Arameans

Her youngest daughter, Tirzah who has always been something of a tomboy begs to be able to join an expedition spying on their enemies in a nearby city, wading her way through the political intrigues and having to keep on the right side of a violent military leader.
There were a few scenarios and events that did not perhaps, ring entirely true, but the reader does get a sense of the danger the characters are facing to take back their land.

I would say the Romance element wasn't as strong in this one as some of the previous titles. Perhaps a little predictable, but it wasn't insta- love either, and it was good to to see the love growing between two hurting people who could bring healing to one another.
Personally, I find the audiobook narrator's pronunciation of a couple of the names interesting to say the least. Othniel to my British ears sounded very much like 'oatmeal', so I spent most of the book picturing a bowl of porridge whenever I heard his name. Silly I know.

Since I don't know much about this time period, I can't really remark on how accurate the period setting was. I will say the depictions of the various peoples were a little typecast at times (all the pagans/Arameans were evil etc), and there seemed to be a few modern turns of phrase. Not sure about mockingbirds in the ancient Middle East either.

However, overall this was a satisfying conclusion to the 'Cities of Refuge' series, which follows a family over two generations. I have not read the author's first series, and really ought to go back and do that, as some of minor characters mentioned in this series featured in that.

I requested this title from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Like Flames in the Night
by Connilyn Cossette
Bethany House

Bethany House

Bethany House Publishers
Christian
Pub Date 03 Mar 2020





I am reviewing a copy of Like Flames in the Night through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:







Tirzah is strong willed and wants to join her people and driving the enemy out of Israel so she undergoes training for a secret mission located in the stronghold of Shechem. Not long after she infiltrated the ruthless Aramean commander's kitchen a reckless decision puts both her and her allies in danger.




Liyam returns home, fresh off the battlefield to find his beloved daughter is dead. His vow to hunt down her killer leads to months of fruitless pursuit, he has one last hope though in a family connection that comes with strings attached. These strings force him to pose as a mercenary and rescue an infuriating woman who refuses to leave her mission uncompleted.



Will Tirzah be able yo convince Liyam to fight alongside her in the refuge city of her birth when an opportunity that may pave a way to Hebrew victory arises? Or will Liyam’s need for vengeance outweigh the duty he has to his people, his God, and the woman he loves?


I give Like Flames in the Night five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Like Flames in the Night is the fourth and final installment from Connilyn Cossette’s Cities of Refuge series. It is probably my favorite of the series. I sometimes find Biblical Fiction to be difficult to read. However, this one is so well written, I had no issues understanding what was going on. It is full of suspense that held my attention until the end.
Like Flames in the Night gets a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for other readers who enjoy inspirational filled reads with lessons of forgiveness, love, and faith.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review 100% my own honest opinion.

Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette
This book is the continuation of Darek and Moriyah’s story. Tirzah, their youngest child becomes a spy for her people as they try to fight for the freedom of their land under Othniel. She teams up with Liyam, a man posing as a mercenary fighting against the Israelites.
Connilyn Cossette creates and expands upon the previous characters of her series. Tirzah is a rather independent woman for her time. Liyam is also an interesting character, who is bent upon destroying the Moabite trader who killed his child. The two of them team up for a mission against the enemy.
The author’s trademark research creates a very real backdrop against which the story unfolds. The characters and plot develop in a way that maintains the reader’s interest. The book reaches a satisfying conclusion and yet leaves the reader wanting to know more about the characters’ lives. The author expands upon an Old Testament concept of the blood avenger. In addition, she explores themes of love and forgiveness, and second chances.
I make it a point to read anything by this author as it is well-written and excellently researched. This book did not disappoint.
In short, this was an excellent book and I highly recommend it—especially for those who enjoy biblical fiction. I am grateful to the publisher for a free copy in return for this, my honest review.

Connilyn Cossette finishes up the Cities of Refuge series with a showstopper in Like Flames in the Night. Darek and Moriyah's story comes full circle as we hear the epic journey of their youngest daughter, Tirzah. Tirzah is a tomboy with a determined and feisty spirit. When she convinces her brother to employ her as a spy in the city of Shechem, she embraces her duty with courage and fearlessness. This job quickly turns dangerous and a connection from the past, Liyam, is sent to deliver Tirzah out of Shechem. Liyam has no choice but to be a spy as well, as he and Tirzah team up to protect their people from the evil Arameans. Tirzah and Liyam will have to learn a lot about love and forgiveness and fully trust the Lord in order to survive the dangers in their path.

Once again, Connilyn Cossette has delivered Biblical fiction gold. The research that she puts into her books is impeccable. She fully focuses on giving her readers the basis of Biblical truths while using her unique imagination to help us read between the lines. This was the perfect ending to the journey I have loved being on in this memorable series. The lessons of forgiveness, mercy, and grace are ones that we can all learn from. I can't wait to see what story Connilyn Cossette has in store for her readers next! Thank you so much for the chance to read and review this wonderful book!

I’ve read all of Connilyn’s Cities of Refuge books and none of them have disappointed me. Including this one. This story follows Moriyah and Darek’s youngest daughter, Tirzah, as she goes on her own mission as a spy to free her people from the enemy to reclaim their land and peace.

When Tirzah gets caught in a dangerous situation, Liyam, Alanah and Tobiah’s son, is asked by Tirzah’s family to rescue her. Liyam has his own mission, but when promised to get assistance in that, he agrees.

There’s a lot of drama and intrigue that goes on in the story, leaving no room for a dull moment. Though Tirzah and her people have their own battle to win, I feel Liyam’s personal battle is the heart of the story. He struggles to let go of his need for revenge or to write a wrong, after losing his daughter to in careless hit and run.

The story is effective in weaving the message of mercy and justice in Liyam’s mission, which leads to a surprise ending (or revelation) that sums up that message. I couldn’t find a real con to this story, I enjoyed it from start to finish. The only thing I would have liked to see (which is a preference and only those who read the last book in Connilyn’s first series will understand what I’m saying here) was Moriyah and Alanah reunite. I guess I could imaging how that would have went, and with how the stories ends, it’s not difficult to assume they’ll meet eventually.

In conclusion, I recommend this story, especially to those who love character driven, Biblical fiction, or historical fiction.

***This book was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.***

Simply put I need to reread this incredible book in paperback before I can truly give my thoughts! Wow, how I love the author's work!

Connilyn Cossette's books just keep getting better. I would recommend every single book she has written - I have and love them all. "Like Flames in the Night" is no different (with the exception that I may have liked it even more than the other ones!). What really stood out for me with this novel was Tirzah.

Tirzah is basically the Jewish, Biblical version of a superhero. This girl has some serious guts, and I felt like I was reading a book about a Marvel super hero (though more realistic). I absolutely loved this character and I wish more Christian fiction had female leads like this. She has so much grit and courage. Despite living in an era when the woman's job is to cook and bare children, Tirzah rises above the death of her husband and her own bareness to become an effective tool for Othenial's army. As a woman, she can go places unnoticed that men cannot, and therefore, she becomes a terribly effective spy.

I was on pins and needles reading this book, and I enjoyed every moment of it. The suspense and drama just kept on coming and I stayed up all night to finish this book. As per usual (and I am starting to take this for granted with Ms Cossette), the setting was very well written and everything felt accurate for the era.

I would highly recommend "Like Flames in the Night."


Thank-you to Baker Publishing Houe and to NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book.

A Female Spy in Ancient Israel

Tirzah is female, smart and a spy during a time when women did nothing more than be wives and mothers! This unusual job only came about because of a dark time in ancient Israel. Arameans have taken over the country, and only a woman can slip into the enemy’s household to learn information that will help the Israelites retake their land.

Trouble erupts while Tirzah is doing clandestine work, and it might cause her death. Dangerous Liyam says he is on her side, and can help her. He wants them to follow a risky plan. Is he telling the truth or is it an Armenian trap? There is lots of action, but high drama, too. Liyam harbors an agenda of his own which might be his downfall. This story will sweep you up and keep you till the last page.

I loved this book, and you will, too. This clean tale stands alone, but treat yourself and read the entire series. I recommend this 5-star book to those who like well-written stories based on actual events—with romance and exploits that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Like Flames in the Night, for the purpose of review.