This story was very captivating

This is the last book of the serie Cities of Refuge.
Tirzah the lastest child of Moriyah had lost her husband and she had several miscarriage during her marriage.
Now her widow she wants to be useful in the fight against Israel ennemies to recapture all the territories lost.
She convince her brothers to send her as a spy in Sheshem and work in the kitchen of the Aramean King and try to gather secret information...

Liyam is also a widower, he lost his wife in childbirth and about six years later, while returning from a battle he
learn that his daughter has been killed by a merchant who has one eyes and who accidently trampled her with his horses.
Liyam vow to find her killer and murder him, he is full of rage and leave his city with his brother to find him.
During their journey he arrived where Moriyah his currently living with her familly and meet Eitan and Malakhi who are planning the battle against the Aramean and they asked Liyam to help them...

Liyam and Tirzah are both strong-willed characters, they are very determined in their mission. But inwardly they have their own struggle and will have to learn to give up everything in the end of God to let him be the Judge in their situation and forgive others.
Liyam and Tirzah are also instruments used by God in the story with their boldness they are going to rekindle the fire in the hearts of the Levites and the rest of the people to regain what they have lost.

What a beautiful conclusion to this wonderful series of novels. I did not want this book to end. Treat yourself to the story telling ability of the wonderful author. You will be so glad that you did. Highly recommended.

Can they find love in the midst of loss and turmoil?

If there's one thing you can count on it's that Connilyn Cossette will always deliver a story that's moving and unexpected. Like Flames In The Night is exactly that. With each of her books that I read I'm continually impressed with the author's attention to historical detail, Biblical accuracy, and the depths of emotion that her characters elicit from the reader.

I have to say that Tirzah is one of the most unique heroines I've encountered in my years of reading. What would, in most books, be considered her weaknesses, are actually her strengths in this book. She's described as 'bold', 'reckless, and 'brash', which, by the way, is the first time I've ever seen a heroine labeled as brash. Liyam is her match in every way and together the two make a pretty dynamic duo in the spy game.

If I were to pick two themes as the dominant ones in Like Flames In The Night it would be forgiveness and the need to stand for your faith against all odds. Just as the ancient Hebrews did so must we make the same choices today. Those choices may not be life or death in modern America but they are no less valid. On the forgiveness angle, author Connilyn Cossette chose to make her hero a blood avenger, which is pretty much opposite of the previous books in the Cities Of Refuge books, an idea that I wasn't too sure of at first. However, the way she wove his story was very moving and even a little thought provoking.

I will be honest, like the Bible on which this book is based, this story is a bit violent and harsh in places. If that bothers you, skip this book over, but if you like to read truth through fiction, Like Flames In The Night is perfect for you. Connilyn Cossette has penned an inspiring story of love, loss, faith, and redemption. It will tug at your heart, challenge your own complacency in matters of faith, and it will also entertain you with the romance and adventure of it all.

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Like Flames in the Night is the fourth book in the Cities of Refuge series by Connilyn Cossette, published by Bethany House. It ties in all the way to Cossette’s first book; even though her writings have been in different series, reading them in the order they were published creates one grand timeline and several interconnected stories.

Barren, widowed, and yet strong, Tirzah wants her independence from societal norms. She doesn’t want to just re-marry and live her life in the Hebrew camps; she feels a deeper sense of purpose for her life, and tries to convince her military brothers to let her assist them as a spy in enemy territory. Set during the time of the Israelites conquering the Promised Land, the backdrop is set for an exciting biblical fiction adventure.

I’ve loved Cossette’s novels since her first one! This one did not disappoint. I loved the action/adventure aspect of it, I loved the characters, and I loved the unique plot. While I’d recommend starting from book one, this works well as a stand-alone.

Thank you to Bethany House and Net Galley for providing me with an electronic copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and weren’t 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.*

I have been very lucky to be part of Connilyn Cossette's launch team since her very first book released. This one is now her seventh book and the fourth and final one in the Cities of Refuge series.

Once again, the author has outdone herself. She is one of the few authors I would buy books from without reading reviews, knowing what the story is about or even seeing the cover of the book! She is that talented.

This has been an emotional ending to the series for me, because I had to bid farewell to beloved characters. So far, all of her books were connected, so we always had the chance to revisit some of our favorite characters, but she is exploring something new in her next book (and I can't wait for it).
This book was also very special as it tied in to the very first book of the series in a special way and brought back a character we hadn't heard from in a while.

I appreciated every part of the story. I both wanted to get through the book as fast as I could to know how the story would unfold, but I also didn't want it to end and leave the characters behind.

I hope you all have the chance to read this book and be inspired by it as I was!

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

Like Flames in the Night, by Connilyn Cossette, may be the final novel in the Cities of Refuge series, but even if you have not yet read the first three books, don’t let that deter you from enjoying this book as soon as possible! It certainly performs quite well as a stand-alone story. Though this novel is set thousands of years in the past, the story is truly relevant, full of romance, drama, and suspense. It is a well-researched, remarkably detailed, and immersive story of faith, perseverance, courage, and redemption. Abounding with thoughtful descriptions that provide a fresh perspective on ancient settings and themes, this book is utterly engaging and deeply meaningful.

Ms. Cossette possesses an unparalleled talent for writing her novels in the first person point of view. Her skillful use of this narrative style ensures that this book is thoroughly engrossing. Her attention to sensory details makes sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures vivid and real. This book offers the reader the opportunity to step into the sandals of the main characters, hear the rustle of leaves in forlorn olive groves, feel the wind blowing past the city walls, and be swiftly transported back into an ancient world of tradition, loss, revenge, love, sacrifice, faith, and adventure.

The swiftly moving plot is well-paced, irresistible, and thrilling. As the story unfolds, the main characters find it necessary to undertake dangerous missions that place their lives in peril. These missions not only challenge them physically, culturally, and spiritually, but also provide ample opportunities for self-discovery, healing, and redemption. More than simple actions in service to their nation, these missions are profound and serve to shape their hearts and define their futures.

Like Flames in the Night is a stunning work of fiction that finds meaning and purpose in its obvious respect for both history and the Bible. It is epic in its scope as it moves effortlessly from wooded hillsides, to homes full of friends and family, to cities rampant with peril and intrigue. With genuine style and authentic beauty, this novel invites the reader to savor paragraphs, linger over phrases, and delight in words. It is an unforgettably moving novel that captivates and entertains while it also uplifts and inspires. I recommend it wholeheartedly. 

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

What a breath-taking and inspiring conclusion to an amazing series.

The Cities of Refuge Series has taken me through many journeys of hope, second-chances, love, and faith. But Like Flames in the Night brought the story full circle in a way that captured my heart and thrilled me to my soul.

With a message of conviction and redemption so vital especially in today's world, Tirzah and Liyam's journey is one that won't be soon forgotten. It forced me to look inward and challenged me to consider some of the very questions and decisions that these characters faced. This story explores the depth of the Deliverer's mercy. And Justice. And Power. And it reveals what it means to truly let go and release an unknown future to a known God.

I adored the characters. ADORED THEM. Liyam. Just Liyam. Agh! All the angsty, warrior, fierce, protector, fighter THINGS. He truly took a journey throughout this story and following as he must face the darkness threatening to swallow his life...well. It was phenomenal.

And Tirzah!! Tirzah is one of my absolute favorite of Connilyn's heroines! She was fiesty and brave. And loyal and strong and faithful. Her courage and obedience to Yaweh's Words inspired me and I loved, loved, loved reading as she inspired those around her and helped change the course of a nation.

The writing was glorious, the journey heart-breaking and heart-warming and heart-healing. I got to see some of my all-time favorite fictional characters reappear in this final book and see the beauty of their struggles, journeys, and stories woven together in one masterful book.

I adored every minute.

FIVE STARS for an absolutely amazing read.

Content Advisories: This book is set in war-time and several of the MC's are warriors and spies. Some people are killed throughout the book, and the hero is on a path to avenge the horrible death of his young daughter. There are also several mentions of rape, assaults, etc... Overall, I would consider this book quite clean, but younger readers should exercise caution.

NOTE: I received a copy of this book for FREE, and a positive review was not required

Connilyn Cossette’s Like Flames in the Night is a book that captured my attention from the first page. This particular book is the conclusion of Cossette’s 4 book Cities of Refuge series. I read this book not having read the previous 3, but after only a few chapters, I quickly ordered the others from the library. While this book can stand on its own, I do feel reading the preceding books would have filled in more holes and brought more depth to the story. However, that is not to say this book was in any way lacking!

Centered around the Biblical times of the judges and Othniel, Cossette bring to life the Israelites’ struggle for freedom from the Aramean oppression. Brimming with passion, intrigue, and danger, this is a tale of hope, of discovery, and of surrender to a sovereign God. I admit to being brought to tears at times, personally challenged in my own faith. Cossette not only entertained me, she exposed truths that hit home. I felt a deep connection to these characters and their struggles to trust in the face of such pain. Theirs is a lesson I will not soon forget.

Cossette is an author you will not want to miss. Expertly written with a powerful message we all need to hear!
I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

This is the final book in Connilyn Cossette's Cities of Refuge series and it may be my favorite. It can be read as a standalone, however, to truly appreciate the book, it may be beneficial to read the three previous novels.
This novel is steeped in drama, inspiration, espionage and the healing power of love.
The main character is Tizrah, a strong-willed young woman, who longs to join her people in driving the enemy from Israel. Unheard of for a female; she finally convinces her brother, Malakhi, to train her to fight as a soldier.
As the story unfolds, she finds her life entangled with Liyam. He bears sorrows due to loss and that has hardened his heart.
Will Tizrah soften that heart?
Will Liyam find renewed hope and adopt her faith as his own?
Connilyn Cossette crafts some of the finest Biblical fiction produced. Readers can rely on heavily researched, character driven plots that draw from Scripture as much as possible. She has a map at the start of the book and an Author's Note at the conclusion. Both enhance reading pleasure as some of this can be totally foreign.
Ms. Cossette, I am grateful to be a Wanderer through this glorious series.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own. @bethanyhousefiction @connilyncossette #LikeFlamesInTheNight #citiesofrefugeseries

What a stunning conclusion to this series! Book 4 in the Cities of Refuge series is about Tirzah, the youngest of Moriyah and Darek's children.  Also the hero is Liyam a bitter widower who is driven to kill the man who ran over his young daughter and took her life without looking back. This is their story of how they met, interacted for Yahweh and how they fell in love. There is much suspense and action in the telling of this story, Also mercy and forgiveness as only God can help one to do.  What a book! Like Flames in the Night is a fabulous read! Ms. Cossette has written an intriguing, powerful series of books in her Cities of Refuge series. This book is a fitting end. .......... I appreciate Bethany House Publishers for providing an early copy for review. Thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

The conclusion of Connilyn Cossette's Cities of Refuge series is just as thrilling as the rest. Tirzah longs for more than what her life as a young, childless widow has to offer. She confronts her brother Malakhi, leader of the local Hebrew spy network, and asks to train with his men. They have heard of Othniel, the nephew of the famous spy Caleb, and how he is making progress defeating their enemies and reclaiming their land. Tirzah wants to be a part of this mission.

Surprisingly, Malakhi agrees, and in a few months Tirzah has been placed in Shechem, where she serves as a cook to an enemy military leader. Her work in the shadows, and the fact that she hasn't betrayed she speaks their Aramean language, allows her to ferret out information to pass along to her brother.

Liyam's life came to a screeching halt the day he discovered his only child had been run over by a careless traveling merchant. Determined to track down this man and mete out justice, Liyam takes on the role of a Blood Avenger. He plans to stop at nothing until he has fulfilled his vow to kill this man. When months have passed and still the man eludes him, Liyam turns to old friends of his parents. When he meets Malakhi's family, they are horrified at his quest but agree to help under one condition—that he help rescue Tirzah after things in Shechem have gone very, very badly.

Although dismayed at the delay, Liyam sees the wisdom in having a whole network of spies at his disposal. With his half-Canaanite heritage, he can blend more easily into Shechem than any of Malakhi's trained men.

I love the way Connilyn Cossette twisted this story, making Liyam a Blood Avenger. That's so different from the other books in this series, and provided a nice contrast. Tirzah is a brave and fearless character. Although I would not recommend this for young readers, it's a really good reminder of God at work in the lives of His people, both in their hearts and on a larger scale. I would also not recommend this book as a standalone, as it relies heavily on stories from this series as well as Cosette's first series, Out Of Egypt.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.

The final book in the Cities of Refuge Series follows Tirzah who is Moriyah and Darek's youngest daughter, widowed, but the beloved by her family. She doesn't want to marry again, yet wants to join her people in laying claim to the promised land. She convinces her brother to allow her to participate in a dangerous mission.



Liyam is a skilled warrior, fighting for his people, he returns home to tragedy. Angry and hurting he seeks the man who hurts him and his family, he meets Tirzah's family and pledges his service in their mission in exchange for help with his own.



Can these two warriors help their people claim their rightful land, and is it ever too late for forgiveness and new beginnings?



Tirzah has experienced deep hurt and loss, yet she is courageous and strong willing to help her people, speaking truth, acting in compassion. I admired her strength, she is quick on her feet, acts decisively. Odelaya is a faithful friend, youthful, and enthusiastic, I loved how she brought out a softer side of Tirzah.



Liyam is a seasoned warrior, he knows the risks he is taking on. I loved how he admired Tirzah's courage and quick thinking, and how he was supportive of her unconventional role in fighting alongside their people.



One of my favorite things in this book was how it brought together one of my favorite families from a previous series, with Moriyah and Darek's family, in a beautiful and satisfying way. I loved how this book brought back many of my favorite characters like Malakhi, Eitan, Nessa, even Alannah, from previous books.



Overall, a action packed read, and wonderful conclusion to this series bringing everything full circle into a powerful ending. Strong themes of faith, with a glimpse of what it might have been like to live under the Torah, while waiting for fulfillment of the promise. Great chemistry between TIrzah and Liyam, I loved how they both had suffered, yet God used their pain to bring about something new and beautiful.



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

“The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord; they forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs. The anger of the Lord burned against Israel so that he sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim, to whom the Israelites were subject for eight years. But when they cried out to the Lord, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, who saved them. The Spirit of the Lord came on him so that he came Israel's judge and went to war.” - Judges 3:7-10a

Tirzah is a strong, brave, and highly intelligent Hebrew woman whose heart burns to do more for her people. Honestly, she is a character that I strive to be and hope one day that my future daughters will be like. Following the brutal accidental death of his daughter, Liyam seeks blood revenge for the man who killed her. It is during this vengeful journey that Liyam meets Tirzah as she is acting as a spy in an enemy city.

Not only was I enraptured with the characters from the first page, Connilyn Cossette’s writing truly brought the Bible to life. When I finished the last page, I felt a greater appreciation for all those whose hearts burned so bright for the Lord that they were willing to risk everything for the Glory of God’s Kingdom. I feel so inspired.

Like Flames in the Night was my first book by Connilyn Cossette, but I loved it so much that I have already ordered EVERY book by her and am excited to continue reading masterpieces like this one. My first book by Connilyn Cossette, but it won't be the last!

If you enjoy biblical fiction, profound characters, and spiritual elements that will inspire your own walk with the Lord, then Like Flames in the Night is the book for you!

I was given this book to review by NetGallery (all my opinions above are my own), so I read it out of order. However, I would highly suggest reading this series in order. Although I was able to track with the characters, I would have been better served to read it as it was written.

Red Review: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
*** 5 Stars: Compelling Characters, Well-Written, Interesting Storyline, Unable to Stop, Desire to Re-Read

This is the incredible 4th book in the Cities of Refuge series. I absolutely loved it. I think it's my new favorite Connilyn Cossette book.

Tirzah is an amazing heroine. Strong, determined, feisty. I enjoy reading about people who are real. Not necessarily perfect, but portrayed in a way that they are very relatable and easy to understand. Tirzah is one that I would like to have known, and have as a friend.

She's come through some hard things. She wants to do things that are not normally allowed for ladies, especially in that day and age. Things like...going on missions to defend her people, even doing some spying.

She placed herself in danger more than once. I found it quite intriguing to see how this all played out. I found myself sitting on the edge of my chair more than once.

Ms. Cossette once again wove a masterful tale. Bringing to life right before my eyes, those long ago Old Testament days in Israel. Ever since I've been to the land of Israel, I can picture the setting even more vividly, and I just loved seeing this story on those landscapes.

Liyam is also a worthy hero. I enjoyed seeing his story, watching him grow as a person. Seeing the relationship between him and Tirzah as it grew into something beautiful.

This story has so many threads running through it. Strands of self acceptance, forgiveness, love, family ties, loyalty, love for Yahweh, and much more.

If you enjoy biblical fiction, make sure and read this one!!

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

I absolutely loved this strong and powerful conclusion to the Cities of Refuge series! After watching Tirzah grow in the past couple books, it was so fun to have her be the protagonist of this one. I love who she grew to be, her stubbornness and determination, and her love of her people. The new characters brought into this story are compelling, especially Liyam and his family, but it was Odeleya who really stole my heart. I found the themes of forgiveness and redemption to be very moving and challenging.

To be honest, I wasn’t a huge fan of this novel. Considering how much I’ve inhaled Cossette’s past novels, this one disappointed a little.

First off, it felt like this novel had more sexual innuendos than previous books in the series. Nothing that I felt crossed a line—though I did not like how often male characters would make “good natured” jokes about how attractive/“sexy” women characters were. Content warning: a character has to assume the role of sleeping with another character in order to stay undercover. Nothing actually happens between the two, as the act is a cover up for both—who are actually spies—to conspire and keep suspicions low. I did not feel it was handled inappropriately, but it was there all the same.

What bugged me the most about this novel was its predictability. <Spoiler> For example: the romance between Tirzah and Liyam. It was sweet, don’t get me wrong, but so predictable. I knew the moment that I met Liyam he was going to fall in love with Tirzah, and her love was going to wean him of his desire for revenge. I knew Tirzah would fight her desire for him, typical of the usual bold, headstrong female lead, before finally admitting she needs another person and letting her guard down. This essentially is why I did not enjoy this novel as much—I correctly guessed everything that was going to happen, so there was little surprise or mystery, and explains why I had difficulty finishing the novel. </spoiler>

It was written well, don’t get me wrong; the characterization was strong, and the plot thickly Biblical as always, which I did love! But there was nothing to wonder about as I read the novel, and Tirzah was a little too stereotypical to really intrigue me. Liyam was fun, but also very predictable. I did love Odeleya, though!

I do think the plot was structured well and the story well done. It was just too repetitive and predictable for me to fully enjoy it. I lost interest about halfway through, which surprised me, but I did finish it, and I’m glad I did. And the book is still sitting on my shelf because I love the author and I do think it was a well executed story! But in my opinion, it just didn’t match up to her other books. 4.0 stars.

An absolute must-read conclusion for the Cities of Refuge series. Tirzah is a strong-willed woman who comes from a family fully devoted to Yahweh. She refuses to let being a woman stop her from serving her people and her God. She uses this to her advantage and convinces her brother to train her to be a spy. She pulls off this role so convincingly well that I could imagine myself in her shoes. Liyam all but steals the show: a redheaded warrior, a father set on avenging his daughter’s death, and a fully capable spy in his own right. The two become bound together in more ways than one and I thoroughly enjoyed their relational growth, both as people and as a couple. Reading the first three books in the series is not required to enjoy this one, but it is nice to see some familiar characters again and it is helpful to understand the full closure of all the interwoven stories. I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed are solely my own.

Finishing a fabulous book series is always bittersweet. For more than three years, Cities of Refuge has taken us on a journey that brought us into Moriyah and Derek’s family, allowing us to get to know each of their children and friends as if they were our own. Usually, I cannot wait to devour a book, but, with Like Flames in the Night, I wanted to savor every minute and prolong the inevitable ending of this incredible series for as long as possible.

Like Flames in the Night brought this series to the next level. From page one, the fight to free Israel began, and I was engrossed in each word until the very end.

Tirzah grew up training alongside her brothers, Malakhi and Eitan, but after getting married, she took on the role of a woman in Biblical Israel. However, after her husband’s death at the hands of the Arameans, a flame ignited inside of Tirzah that refused to be put out until she had played a role in her nation’s freedom!

Becoming a spy in enemy territories, Tirzah showed how essential women are during war. Fearlessly, Tirzah acquired information to be sent to her brothers, hidden under the guise of a servant girl. Meanwhile, Liyam, a man on a rampage to avenge his daughter, is too blinded by rage and heartbreak to see Elohim’s hand on his life. Brought together by a commonality, Tirzah and Liyam must rely on each other to survive. A mission that began for the both of them as one of justice soon becomes a journey to redemption, restoration, faith, and unexpected love.

“She was a meek servant during the day, all subservience and silent feet, and a stern-faced warrior facing off with me and stealing my bed at night.” ~ Connilyn Cossette

Connilyn Cossette’s books are flawless! Each book does not disappoint, and Connilyn is only becoming more talented with each publication. Two of my favorite things about this series is that each novel gives young girls and women a role model to look up to with no hidden agendas or spitefulness, along with plotlines that always points back to the Creator! We don’t deserve the grace and mercy Elohim has given us! Even today, He is calling all of us to be flames in the darkness of this world, and this book is a beacon that I pray shines throughout the world and wakes up the people with a passion for serving their King!

"Imagine what could be accomplished by the Church if we actually lived like the free and redeemed people we are, without fear of any enemy, human or spirit, and let our collective lights shine bright against the darkness that surrounds us!" ~ Connilyn Cossette

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a prerelease copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

I really enjoyed this book. I love getting a look at what could have gone on behind some of our favorite scenes in the Bible and getting a new perspective on some of the people we read about in the Bible.
Tirzah wants a purpose, she wants to do something for the Hebrews and willingly puts herself in danger to do so.
Liyam is dealing with a need for revenge. I was excited to see how his heart might change and soften and what part Tirzah might play in that.
Overall, an excellent story that is well-written.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.

This was another wonderful book by Connilyn Cossette. And it would probably be safe to say this is my new favorite book in the "Cities of Refuge" series! The characters were wonderfully done and easy to connect with. Really drawing me into the story and making the book very enjoyable. The plot had a lot of amazing twists and turns to keep you coming back for more. The details and setting were also nicely done and felt very real. And even though this book was a work of fiction, it was interesting to see how the story brought up a real point in history. I highly recommend this book, and all of the others in the "Cities of Refuge" series!



I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.