This final book in the Cities of Refuge series was a first for me but I enjoyed every minute of it. Delving into biblical history and learning more about the ties the Israelites were under Aramean rule and how they forgot God and how he saved them.
Tirzah was an interesting character. I loved how boldness, her desire to see the deliverance of her people and willingness to do what she could to help. Women spies are definitely awesome. Even when she wasn't sure of what the outcome might be, she was willing to risk everything to make sure she helped save her people trusting that the Lord will fight for her. Her faith was definitely challenging.
And then there's Liyam, bound by vengeance for his daughter, his only thought is wanting to find to find the man and kill him. I love his journey to repentance and forgiveness, how he learned to trust God again and was instrumental in the removal of the Arameans.
This book was a wonderful reminder that God always sees, always hears and sometimes one little flame can make a difference.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. All opinions expressed are solely mine

Like Flames in the Night is Connilyn Cossette's fourth and final book in the Cities of Refuge series. It is an amazing and remarkable conclusion to the series. Biblical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read, and this book (and the whole series!) went way above my expectations. Cossette is an expert storyteller and has woven a magnificent story of the Hebrews' fight to free themselves from the tyranny of Aramaean occupation and the struggle to maintain their way of life under the Torah and to survive as a nation. The characters have depth and reality, and their emotions and strengths and failures resonate well with readers. Tirzah, a childless Hebrew widow, boldly insists on being involved in the fight for freedom, despite the danger and threat of capture or even death. Liyam, a stoic, deeply wounded man, is a man on a mission of vengeance. Odeleya, a sweet child, is caught up in the ugliness of captivity and war. How the author weaves their stories together is almost magical and certainly captured my heart. The descriptive scenes take readers right back to the ancient days and places and put them right into the story. Cossette skillfully wields her pen into the creation of beautiful imagery--"a nightingale warbled farewell to the stars from the heights of a nearby cedar, the mournful sound dissolving into the icy breeze that lashed a few brown leaves across my path". As the story moves at a fast pace toward an exciting climax, there is suspense and action, deception and death, and, on the softer side, family and friendships, loyalty and love, and faith. It is the kind of faith that allows one to reach out to God in the darkest moments of life and find overflowing mercy. Don't miss this marvelous book, it will hold you spellbound until the end and then leave you wanting more.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher, Bethany House. A favorable review was not required. The opinions are my own.

Like Flames in the Night is the fourth and final book in the Cities of Refuge series and could very well be her best book yet! It can be read as a stand alone, but I think you would enjoy it more if you started with the first book in the series. Christy Award winner, Connilyn Cossette, quickly became one of my favorite Biblical fiction authors with her first novel, Counted With The Stars. She makes Bible times come alive!

If this stunning cover doesn't grab your attention, then story within definitely will! I've read all of Connilyn Cossette's books and they never fail to satisfy, inspire and cause me a major amount of lost sleep! Where women in Bible times are usually depicted as being submissive and meek, working in the background ... this book shatters that mold. Like Flames in the Night features a strong and passionate female who is a member of an elite team of spies who are working to uncover information to pass on to Israel's army led by their leader Othniel. The story is unexpected and exciting with many twists and turns, romantic chemistry and death defying action that kept me engaged and eagerly turning pages.

Themes of justice, forgiveness, mercy and revival are intricately woven throughout the conclusion of this epic series. Many of the Hebrews in this novel were feeling downtrodden, defeated, their fire for the LORD had grown cold. It parallels the lives of many of us today as well. In this story, Tirzah challenged them to put aside their fears and be a light that shines in the night...a fitting challenge that is applicable to present day believers of Christ. I'm a sucker for a marriage of convenience and I loved the chemistry between Tirzah and Liam. All Connilyn's books read like a movie. I felt transported, a silent bystander with sand in my shoes, as I watched the plot unfold from the sidelines. If Connilyn Cossette is not already considered to be the leader in Biblical fiction, she should be. If you enjoy reading historical or biblical fiction I highly recommend reading any of her books. Her books have made an indelible print on my heart and I can see myself reading them again and again.

Thank you Net Galley and Bethany House for the free advanced reader copy of Like Flames in the Night. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review of "Like Flames in the Night" by Connilyn Cossette
Cities of Refuge Series--Book 4

First of all I must say that this is the fastest I have ever read a book, and it is not because this book was short because it wasn't, nor was it because I just skimmed through it, no...it was because this book was so very riveting I just could not stop reading it!

I have read other books that have been page turners, as the others in this Cities of Refuge have been, but none quite captivated me as much as this book did. Where one adventure ended, another began and it seemed I was gripped with excitement on every page. It was not a book where you could guess what would happen next, or predict the ending, no, this book kept you on edge until the very last page.

"Like Flames in the Night" is the fourth and concluding book in Connilyn Cossette's "Cities of Refuge Series." If you have been blessed to read the first three books in this series you will find this book most pleasurable as you follow Tirzah, Darek and Moriyah's youngest daughter, on several breath-taking secret adventures as a spy in Aramean enemy territory. Plus, you will also be following Liyam, son of Moriyah's best friend, Alanah, who is a warrior out for vengence in the death of his young daughter. When Tirzah and Liyam meet in Shiloh, will they be able to work together to accomplish the mission they have both been sent to do? This is a question you will ask yourself as both of them are strong-willed and have their own agendas to deal with as well as the mission at hand.

This book tells a parcially imaginative story of how, because of Israel's disobedience to the Lord and their following other gods, they fell into captivity for eight years to Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Aram Naharaim and how the people suffered under the cruel treatment of the governing commanders and soldiers, how their cities were taken over and destroyed, and how the true believers were no longer able to worship Yahweh freely. However, as scripture tells us, because of the faithful prayer and cries of the true believers, the Lord did rise up a Deliverer who was Othniel, son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, who led Israel to fight and overtake their enemies and regain their cities and freedom once again. Though there are not many factual accounts of this time, in this book Connilyn Cossette takes us through how that time of deliverance may well have happened and introduces us to consider how many people, men and women and children, stayed strong in their faith in the face of adversity, and how their bravery and trust in the Lord brought eventual victory for Israel as the people turned back to the One True God and repented.

This book shows us the terrible results of apostacy and how people suffer when they turn away from God and follow idols and false religions, letting their minds be influenced by the world instead of the truth of God's word, they fall into complacency and eventually captivity that leads to their destruction. This is evident in our world today, just as it was back then so many years ago, and it is good that this book brings that to light.

This book not only was entertaining, it was historical, biblical, inspiring, romantic and full of faith and truth. I recommend it highly.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All comments are my own.

--Leona J. Atkinson

Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette engaged my attention immediately with Tirzah who easily claimed the spot as my favorite character. As a leader, she’s strong and brave. As a spy, she’s skilled and confident. As a human being, she’s imperfect, yet tenacious. In short, she’s the kind of woman I aspire to be! I loved that Liyam respects and affirms her as a valued, gifted warrior-leader.

With romantic tension, constant danger, and hard issues, the storyline of Like Flames in the Night moves steadily. I enjoyed the characters’ personal development as the story progressed. Liyam, like Raviv from the first novel in the series, is a Blood Avenger. Liyam’s pain, struggle, and duty dictate many of his actions, but the last chapter is a potent masterpiece displaying the novel’s themes and Liyam’s character development. I wanted to cry and cheer.

Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette stands as the fourth and final installment in the Cities of Refuge series. While this novel can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading the novels in order as nearly all the characters from previous novels in the series, plus, some from Wings of the Wind, reappear in Like Flames in the Night. Truly, the epilogue created a satisfying conclusion to both this novel and the series as a whole. I will likely read the series in its entirety again in the future.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

I have loved every book by Connilyn Cossette, but I think this is my favorite to date! What a wonderful and worthy conclusion to her masterfully written “Cities of Refuge” series!
This final installment of the series, Like Flames in the Night, focuses on Tirzah, the youngest of Moriyah and Darek’s children, who we’ve seen grown up in the earlier books. We also are introduced to Liyam, a widower who just lost his young daughter, Nadina, and has sworn vengeance on the man responsible for her death through his wrecklessness.
Having also recently lost her spouse, highly spirited Tirzah is restless in her situation and wants to do something worthwhile with her life by helping in the effort to free Israel. She gets the opportunity when her brother trains her as a spy – something unheard of for a woman of that time -- and she goes to work in an enemy household as a cook. When her situation becomes precarious, Liyam is sent there to help protect her. I won’t say more, as I don’t want to be a spoiler. However, I can’t stress enough what an exhilarating and engaging story this is – one that is nearly impossible to put down once you get into it!
The title and references to it in the book beautifully remind us how we are called to be like flames in the night to those around us, drawing them toward God, and how one lone flame can make all the difference in someone’s life. This is a powerful story of mercy and forgiveness that I won’t soon forget!
If you have not read the other books in the “Cities of Refuge” series or the “Out From Egypt” series, you needn’t worry; Cossette fills in plenty of background history to make it easy to jump right into the story. However, I would still recommend reading the other books first to get the deepest, most fulfilling experience possible from this beautifully told saga.
I highly recommend Like Flames in the Night to anyone who enjoys Biblical fiction that is supported by solid, in-depth historical research. Many thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy. I was under no obligation to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.

What a wonderful way to bring this series full circle and therefore to a close! This series has drawn together three of my fiction-reading sweet spots—biblical fiction, romance, and suspense. Four sweet spots, really, when you consider that biblical fiction is also historical fiction by default. I’ve loved the opportunity to learn more about the cities of refuge, to explore the tension between justice and mercy, and to think about the beautiful way in which the existence of these cities pointed to Christ. And I love that we’ve been able to do all this from the perspective of both the manslayer and the blood avenger.

The level of suspense has varied with each book, depending on the plot, but this final one in the series hit a high point with a healthy dose of espionage as Tirzah and Liyam worked to undermine their enemies from within. Tirzah’s strength and her determination to not only serve Yahweh herself but exhort her fellow Israelites to do the same was inspiring, although I confess to hoping I don’t need to go to quite the same extremes she did!

In Liyam’s story we get our first full experience of the blood avenger’s perspective—the devastation, the driving need to avenge. As a parent, it was easy to understand his feelings, and yet having walked the journey of Moriyah’s family throughout the previous books of the series, it was also possible to see the other side of the scenario, not to mention the way in which bitterness hardens a person, even as they remain honourable in so many other aspects.

And once again, Cossette weaves a strong thread of romance through the story that, while never overshadowing the main story, will definitely satisfy romance-lovers’ hearts.

I’ll be sad to leave these characters behind, but I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next from this talented author!

This is another book in the Cities of Refuge series. This one is about the youngest daughter of Moriyah, Tirzah. Tirzah is a young widow and she doesn’t want to spend the rest of her life watching her nieces and nephews. She wants to train with her brothers to be a spy for the resistance. Her entire family is against if but eventually she convinces them she can go places as a woman they could never get to and would be barely noticed as a servant and she could listen in on important meetings of the enemy.

This book was one I was waiting to come out (rather impatiently) since I had read the other books in the series. It was a very satisfying read and brought that era in Jewish history into focus for me with a lot of rich details provided by the author’s wonderful research.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I love Connilynn Cossette's writing style, and I have loved this series. I would recommend starting with the first book in the series, A Light on the Hill, so you can start at the beginning of this family's story. This book is well researched and the characters are complex. There is lots of action and intrigue that keeps the story moving. Highly recommended!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley for the purpose of review.

Once again I was easily transported back into biblical times with Connilyn Cossette's fourth and final book in the Cities of Refuge series. I am sorry to see the closing of the series as I turned the last page in this book but have the delightful memories of reading the series and seeing the characters come to life, some of them grow up and have a stronger faith conviction. I highly recommend reading this series in order for the full complete story.
The book contains spying,uncertainty,suspense,defeat and overcoming,perseverance, forgiveness,unconditional love .
The author has mastered the biblical fiction genre and you will definitely want to read more by her.
This is a powerful and strong conclusion to the series and I couldn't put it down once it was in my hands, reading it in less than 24 hours.

Expected publication: March 3rd 2020 by Bethany House Publishers
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Fantastic developed characters and a mesmerizing plot made this the perfect ending of a wonderful series. To me, this series was a great introduction to Cossette’s work. This woman is a skilled writer and kept my attention throughout the book. Usually I’m not a great fan of biblical fiction, but Cossette has a way of drawing me in with her spellbinding story line and interesting characters that became fast friends. I highly recommend the whole series!

After closing the back cover of this book I have to say that I am sad to say that it has come time to say goodbye to this wonderful series. I was introduced to Connilyn Cossette's writing with A Light on a Hill, which was the first book in this series. I knew from that first read that she was an author I would be following closely for more. I've enjoyed being transported back into Biblical times for each installment of this family saga. Admittedly there were parts in this one that seemed to drag for me and I felt less intensity for the action than I did in the other ones previous, but I still enjoyed the story and liked that the author decided to highlight a character who was the blood avenger instead of the flip side. It was interesting to see the youngest child of the original characters pleading for mercy for a perfect stranger simply because of her family's history. How this was all fleshed out worked well to round out the series with a powerful conclusion. Overall I enjoyed this series and look forward to seeing what the author comes up with next.

*I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

Like Flames in the Night is the jewel in the crown that is the stories Ms. Cossette has written. Such a magnificent image of Father God’s character and of His love.
In the sweeping manner of her previous books, Ms. Cossette takes the reader deep into the pages of her stories. Bible parables come more vividly to life with the details of the land and culture she depicts, brilliantly illustrated and skillfully woven.
Deeply wounded by loss, both Tirzah and Liyam’s stories pull at the heart of the reader. Each intent on their own mission—and not the traditions expected of them—Tirzah and Liyam set out to accomplish their own purpose. As only God can do, their paths collide, and resisting the attraction between them, they work together to achieve His will. Only through the failures and foibles that we all know so well, do they fully realize their need for God, and for each other.

But more than the setting or the so very real characters, or even the story itself is the underlying message—no matter how small we may feel our role in God’s Kingdom, it is vital to His work and His message to the world.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.


#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, Like Flames in the Night, Connilyn Cossette, Cities of Refuge

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. Fans of the series and the "Out of Egypt" series will be glad to see some familiar faces (my favorite character was back!!!!), but there is enough history in this book that if you haven't read the others, you won't be lost. I would still recommend reading these in order and reading this series after the "Out of Egypt" series in order to BEST enjoy this one though. That will give you the depth of character history that adds to this story.

Tirzah is young, strong willed and fleet-footed. She feels restless in her lot in life as a woman, until she realizes that as a woman, she can become a spy in ways that her brothers cannot - in the kitchen. As she convinces her brother to allow her to spy behind enemy lines, she finds herself in a predicament and ends up under the protection of Liyam, who is seeking out his daughter's murderer in order to obtain justice. Because with his appearance, he can pretend to be a mercenary. The 2 of them work well together as they unravel some of the enemy's stronghold and must go back under cover to Kadesh to aid the armies of Israel once again. This book takes place after the death of Joshua, when the Israelites have been oppressed by the Arameans for 8 years and God raises up the first Judge in Israel. I've often wondered how the Israelites could so quickly forget (within a generation) of how God faithfully brought His people to the Promised Land that they would lose it so quickly, but in reading Ms. Cossette's novels, I've been pulled back into those times and seen "with my own eyes" how it happened. This is what I love most about Biblical Historical fiction - that it helps me to better understand the stories within the Scriptures.

One of the things that really stood out to me throughout this book were the uses of the names of God. Tirzah refers to Him very personally based on her circumstances - the One who Sees and the One who Hears, as well as Yahweh and Adonai. Her inspirational speeches to the Levites were convicting to me as well - about becoming dormant in our faith. The picture of flames as a symbol of our faith came up time and time again, making the title a very poignant reminder that we should be like flames in the night to those around us. This was also a book about forgiveness and mercy. I loved all of the side stories that happened. And I found a treasure of unconditional love in these pages as well. So much I gleaned spiritually from this book, all while being entertained. I beleive of the series, this one is my favorite and competes with "Wings of the Wind" as my favorite Connilyn Cossette book! This wrapped up this series nicely and though I'd love to see more of these characters (hint, hint to the author!), I am also excited to see what ventures she takes us to next. I would recommend this book to any fans of Biblical Historical novels, and historical romance in general as well, as the love story was beautifully done. Many romance novels in the same trope as this one will have the characters living in tension for a third of the story as they won't reveal their feelings for each other because they're afraid the other person doesn't feel the same way and it will ruin everything, this one was a breath of fresh air as Liyam and Tirzah are communicative and avoid that tension altogether.

Special thanks to Ms. Cossette and Bethany House Publishers for an advance copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Like Flames in the Night is more than a work of biblical fiction, it is a Divinely inspired work of art.

Connilyn Cossette picked me up out of the twenty first century and dropped me into the middle of 1367 BC Israel, the time when the Hebrews were enslaved to the king of Aram, but rose up to regain their freedom to serve Yahweh, the God Who Hears. Cossette tells a story of strong family ties, a story of danger and passion for regaining the Land. I was totally immersed in the lives of the people, I walked where they walked, felt their every fear, experienced the tragedy of loss and triumph of victory.

Cossette's characters are so realistically human and flawed, yet I found myself challenged and inspired by both the physical and spiritual journey of each character. Tirzah became fearless in the face of fear, Liyam learned that mercy triumphs over justice, Moriyah continues to set the example for wisdom and hospitality, even Yavan as the friend who will stick by you through every life trial.

There are some wonderfully humorous lines, much needed in light of the overall tone and serious nature of the times they people were living. A few of my favorites, Tirzah's brother's line for one,

"Who knows, if Mosheh would have sent in ten women to spy in Canaan, we might have spent forty years less in the wilderness"or Yavan's gentle admonishment to Liyam,
"And for all that is good beneath the sun, no one wants to marry an acacia bush, no matter how brave he is. Trim that prickly red mess on your face."

There was a depth of insight that is still relevant today and stirred me spiritually, "Just imagine if we continued building this fire, spark by spark, flame by fame, and asking Yahweh to breathe on whatever fuel we had to offer...there would be no containing the blaze. No chance of the darkness swallowing it...we could gather the faithful one by one, fan the embers of love for the God who rescued us...and watch and see what miraculous things he will do because of our collective plea for deliverance...there is no stamping out a raging wildfire." There were also some things God spoke directly to me through the pages of Like Flames in the Night and I'm holding them close to my heart.

Christian fiction is at it's finest when it motivates and inspires, Like Flames in the Night does both. I found myself opening my Bible to reread about that time in biblical history and the time of the Judges. A reader can't ask for more than to be immersed between the pages of a story so captivating and well told they're drawn to study God's Word and discover more.

Like Flames in the Night is Connilyn Cossette's best book to date and belongs in a category all it's own. I wish I could adequately name such a category, but Outstanding Biblical Fiction with Godly Revelation fits. It's been a pleasure and an honor to read Like Flames in the Night and I appreciate Bethany House Publishers for providing an early copy for review. Thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

This was a very anticipated book 4 in this series and it didn't disappoint.. This is the first series I have read from this author I will be reading more. I like the historical correctness of this book, the characters become real to you and you find yourself living inside the story. I highly recommend the entire series and especially this completion. Thank you Connilyn Cossette for enjoyable and convicting Christian fiction.

When I reached the end of this book, there was one word that immediately came to mind and, I think, perfectly encapsulates this series: triumphant.

It's not often that I read the last book in a series and feel complete. Did I want more? Well, duh--I always want more. But the way Cossette wrapped up both the book and the series with Moriyah (the character that started it all in Cities of Refuge #1) was beautifully satisfying.

I thoroughly enjoyed Tirzah and Liyam's story. A female spy partnering with a blood avenger? It was creative, engaging, and unlike anything I've ever imagined while reading the Bible. That's the beauty of Biblical Fiction, I've come to learn. Same history & story--a different perspective. Not to mention the imagination-inspiring question I ask myself time and again while reading ... could this have happened? This could be real... It feels real...

With each book of Cossette's, I am drawn into a world I never expected to enjoy. But when it comes to world-building, she is--hands down--one of the best there is. The moment you step into her stories, you can see the setting around you. You can smell the bread baking, taste the wine, hear the sound of swords clashing, and feel the rocky earth between your sandal-clad toes. And don't even get me started on the way tension, both battle-ridden and romantic, drives the story in a powerful yet not overly dramatic way.

This was the 7th book of Cossette's I've read. (If you're doing the math, it means I've read them all to date.) And I. am. not. done.

Book 4 in the Cities of Refuge series. This book did not disappoint. It is a book in a series and they do sort of build on one another but this can be a stand-alone book. This book opens in Israel near Shiloh in 1367 BC.It takes place in the time of the Judges when Israel was being punished for their rebellion against the Lord. Their enemies came and sent them out of their cities and homes and took them over killing many, sending many more to a life of slavery. This book covers the life of Tirza and how she a young childless widow risks everything for her family and her people. It is not something you would think that a woman of her time would do but you will not be able to put this book down as you watch this brave woman turned spy for the Israelite's risk her all for her God, for the land and the people she holds dear.

I am so glad Connilyn Cossette wanted more of Moriyah and Darek and their family when she finished writing Until the Mountains Fall. Like Flames in the Night is a fitting end to a series rich in biblical history.

In this final book, we meet Tirzah, Moriyah and Darek's daughter. She is a vibrant character, a bit of a tom-boy, single-minded and determined to help her people drive the enemy from their land. I loved her! I kept picturing Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman) as I read about her. And she was the perfect match for Liyam who came to rescue her, but he was the one who needed rescuing. Their love story makes me wish this series hadn't ended!

The theme of God's mercy and our responsibility to show mercy to those who have harmed us was a fitting one for this series. Up until this book, we have seen characters flee to the cities of refuge to find mercy. But in Like Flames in the Night, Liyam is the blood avenger and will stop at nothing to catch the killer of his daughter. How his thirst for revenge played out is well worth the read.

I loved this series, and you will, too, if you like Biblical Fiction. I highly recommend it!

I was provided with a copy of this book courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley.

Leaving me wanting more, Like Flames in the Night is Biblically based and well-written. It could have been a true story.