I usually write longer reviews than this one, but I’m attempting to type with a sore hand. I will be adding more specifics to this review in the near future. Connilyn Cossette has given us yet another wonderful book that highlights both her excellent research into Biblical times and her unique ability to take the reader on a journey and enable you feel as if you are actually walking alongside the characters in the story. Her writing is a master class in writing Biblical historical fiction. Loved this one and look forward to more to come.

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

Connilyn Cossette has delivered yet another immersive read, taking readers to the time of Samuel and introducing them to a young Philistine brother and sister whose lives become tied to the Ark of the Covenant when they flee from their cousin and follow the Ark back to Israel. From there, the story jumps forward eight years, when tensions between those Israelites who believe Samuel is appointed of God and those who believe Samuel is a pretender are reaching a peak.

While the existence of such tension is not mentioned in the Bible, Cossette outlines the research and thought processes that led her to explore the possibility that some Israelites were unhappy about the shift that occurred in the succession of the High Priesthood after the death of Eli and his sons. Knowing Israel’s history, I found it firmly within the realm of possibility, and more importantly, the story line didn’t alter the biblical account, only imagined what may have filled in some of the silences.

I felt as though this story took a little while to get started, but a certain amount of backstory was necessary to understand where Eliora and Lukio came from and how they ended up following the Ark. Once the story moved forward eight years, I couldn’t help but become involved. Ronen and Eliora’s friendship develops even as Ronen’s family exerts greater pressure to discover the location of the Ark, and I keenly felt Ronen’s inner conflict as he begins to realise that his family has been misrepresenting Eliora’s adoptive family.

The story explores the ways in which family and our sense of belonging influence us both for good and bad. And as I often find with Cossette’s books, I enjoyed gaining a deeper insight into what it means to be grafted into Covenant with the living God.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Pick up a Cossette book and you're in for a treat! You'll meet interesting characters that become friends and take you on a journey through biblical times. It's a fascinating time and place as well.
I'm usually not a big fan of biblical fiction, but I really enjoy Cossette's books for her great writing style and ability to create an engrossing story.

First, I have to gush over the cover art. It makes my heart happy to see a book cover that makes me stop and sigh, and this one does that. It not only sets the mood for the story inside, but it transports me to Biblical times.

It’s so exciting to begin reading a new book series, especially when it’s a biblical fiction series written by Connilyn Cossette! I believe I’ve read most, if not all of her stories and have rated them all with 5 stars. Yes, they’re that good!

The story begins with young Elisa and her brother Lukio, Philistines under the care of Azuvah, a Hebrew slave. Oh, how I love Azuvah, who stays true to her faith and convictions in a difficult environment. When an urgent time arises, selfless Azuvah urges Elisa and Lukio to run away and follow the Ark of the Covenant. There escape from a dreadful future is pivotal, heartbreaking, and inspiring.

It was common in Biblical times to receive a name change from the Lord during a pivotal time in someone’s life and faith, and when Elisa’s name becomes Eliora and Lukio becomes Natan, the story takes on a new life as well.

To Dwell Among Cedars, the first book in The Covenant House series, is captivating, heart-breaking, heart-pounding, and stirring. I effortlessly sank into this story and enjoyed the varying points of view. I stayed up late reading, unable to put the story down, for upon reaching the end of each chapter the story urged me to read further. The research that went into writing this story is evident and taught me so much about the customs and lives of people in that time in history. And I just love it when a story teaches me something new!

Walking in Arisa’s shoes has been quite an experience. I look forward to the next book in this series, delving deeper into Natan’s life.

Connilyn Cossette has done it again, becoming a favorite read of the year. A gorgeous cover, a captivating story, and brilliant storytelling.

#2021Favorites #BiblicalFiction #TheCovenantHouse #MustRead #CoverLove

Dɪsᴄʟᴏsᴜʀᴇ: I ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʀʏ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ. Mʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ᴡᴀs ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴғʟᴜᴇɴᴄᴇᴅ.

I am a huge fan of this author. This book grabbed my heart right from the beginning. She starts this story when the Philistines captured the Ark then they wanted to get rid of it because of terrible things happening. I so enjoyed following Arisa/Eliora and Lukio/Natan’s story and how they followed the Ark because they were told to do that. Then they were adopted by Abinadab’s household. I can completely understand the bond brother and sister had and Arisa’s protectiveness toward Lukio. I have a brother that’s almost 5 yrs younger than I. Even though he is a grown man I’m still protective of him. I loved Eliora’s sweet spirit and Ronen’s love for her. When the Ark is in danger of being stolen by Ronen and his buddies he is pulled and torn between his friendship and love with Eliora and betraying her with what he is expected to do.
Each character was so real and when you really feel the books you read you will certainly feel the heartbeat of these characters. I can’t wait till I get to read the next book in this series.
I received a copy from NetGalley through the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Y'all know I can get misty eyed and a bit emotional over pretty much anything; I'm not going to deny it. However, there is a short list of books that actually hit so hard that I have to put them down, cry it out, and pick them back up again. Exceptionally well written biblical fiction does that to me. It happens when an author plucks facts from the Bible and weaves them carefully and prayerfully into a story so well written that I am carried into the events. It happens when the lightning strikes and I can feel it in my chest, when a tree is engulfed in flames and I can feel the heat, when guilt and shame reverberate in my own soul and when understanding, mercy, and grace are poured out so that I can feel them on my own head. All of these experiences accompanied my reading of To Dwell Among Cedars, the first book of The Covenant House series and latest release from Connilyn Cossette.

Arisa and Lukio are just children when the Ark of the Covenant is hauled into their Philistine city of Ashdod and unceremoniously dumped at the feet of their patron god, Dagon. Arisa recognizes it as the subject of tales and songs long shared with them by their Hebrew slave, and faithfully heeds Azuvah's urgent pleading to follow the Ark, which the Philistines return to the Hebrew people when they realize it seems to have brought a curse upon them. Arisa's reverence for the Ark and its power lead her to a place of peace.

To Dwell Among Cedars is the kind of book I prefer to read in print so that I can easily highlight and reference quotes that really stick out for me. Here are a few of the many:

✐"My mother reached up to cup my cheeks in her palms, her diminutive size no match for the large heart that lived inside her chest." What a beautiful sentiment! Lord, may I be that kind of mother!

✐"You were there in that valley eight years ago. You know who protects the Ark." Praise the Lord! The One who protects the Ark also protects my loved ones!

✐"But you are not his God, Eliora. You cannot save him from himself. That task is Yahweh's alone." That's one to cling to when you're the kind of person who wants to fix everything for everyone. It's the kind of fish-slapping truth I need to be reminded of often. Can I get an "Amen" there?

Thank you to the author and the publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions in this review are my own and are completely genuine.

Biblical Fiction is one of my favorite genre. I especially love it when an author takes a seemingly small event and creates a story surrounding that event. Connilyn Cossette has once again successfully taken an event without a very long mention in Scripture and turned it into a wonderful story. She has researched the time period using both Biblical and secular sources. She has created characters that readers will believe to be real people in the time period.

Arisa follows the directions of her Hebrew nanny who has been a slave in their Philistine family her whole life. She takes her younger brother Lukio and flees for her life when things in her cousin’s household turn ugly for her. What follows in To Dwell Among Cedars is a beautiful story of adoption. It is also a story of accepting who we are because God accepts us as we are. Forgiveness also plays a huge part in the conclusion of this story – does love really overcome wrongs?

The book has an ending which is both hopeful/joyful and concerning/sad. I look forward to reading Between the Wild Branches to find out what happens next, especially with Lukio.

While To Dwell Among Cedars is adult Biblical fiction, I would not hesitate to add it to a K-12 Christian school library. It is appropriate for grades 8 and up.I am a member of Connilyn Cossette’s Launch Team. I received a complimentary copy of To Dwell Among Cedars. This is my honest review.

Hidden identities. Secret motives. Spies. A plot to steal the Ark of the Covenant.

Set during the ministry of Israel’s last judge, Samuel, this book takes a fascinating look at uncertain times in the land of Israel. “In the days when the judges ruled…every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”

A young woman and her brother sneak away to follow the Ark of the Covenant as the Philistine leaders send the holy symbol back to Israel in an ox cart. What the children witness there changes their lives forever. Eliora and her brother Natan find refuge in the house of the high priest Eleazar, who hides the Ark in a safe place. But Eliora fears her brother will return to the violent city of their birth to make his living by blood sport.

Levitical musician Ronen is secretly tasked with finding the location of the Ark for his uncle, a priest who believes the Ark belongs under his care. Eliora’s quiet ways and sweet spirit catch his eye, but can he accomplish his mission without hurting her in the process?

Fascinating premise. The story progresses gradually, with more passive writing than I was used to from this publisher or author. Though the novel can stand alone, the story ends Natan’s thread on a cliffhanger, ushering in book two. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and look forward to Natan's story.

What a beautiful and heartwarming story! This is a must read for Biblical fiction lovers! It’s a story of hope, light, truth and faith that will move your heart and remind of God’s love and faithfulness for all His children. It has everything a good should have and it certainly exceeded my expectations. The characters were very well developed and unique, and I loved the MC’s unique backstory... it was refreshing to read through the eyes of an “enemy of God” what she grew up hearing about the Israelites and how God, brick by brick, tears that wall that separates her from becoming His child. Beautiful story and perfect for young people who are searching and seeking the truth of who God is and does.

My new favorite biblical fiction.
I loved the main character, she really came to life for me.
Arisa (And then Eliora) is a Philistine girl that has loved the Hebrews’ songs and stories from her earliest memories, because of a Hebrew slave that cared for her and her brother in the difficult times as orphans being raised in the home of their uncle, a high priest of the god Dagon.
When they must escape with their lives, they run after the Ark as they are instructed. They are adopted into the Hebrew culture and raised as members of Eleazar’s family.
Eliora always struggled with fitting in and knowing she is loved for who she is and not for what she does.
Connilyn Cossette has such a way of bringing those days to life in a way that we can understand and relate to.
I loved this story, and every part of it—characters, setting, and the details and culture.
It deals with issues that will probably resonate with almost anyone, and if you appreciate and enjoy biblical fiction, than this is a must read.
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

This is another wonderful book by Connilyn Cossette! The characters were great, and I really liked how Eliora and her brother came from such a different background because of being Philistines. It gave the story a very interesting point of view, and I really enjoyed getting to know them.

The plot was also really interesting, and had some great twists and turns to keep you coming back for more. Which is good, because you have got to see the surprising place this story goes! And now I can not wait for the next book to come out!




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

An absolutely unique storyline! You won’t find this drama unfold in any other book! To Dwell Among the Cedars is the perfect way to illustrate God’s love for the gentiles. He grafts us into his family, although we are not born Hebrew and loves us the same! I love how the author uses direct events from script to base the plot of this book from, and the characters are well rounded and developed. What a fun, uplifting, easy, captivating book!

This was a beautiful story that touched deeply my heart!
Connilyn Cossette is definitely my favorite Biblical Fiction Author!
This book is the first book in the Covenant House Series and it introduces two special characters: Arisa and Lukio, two philistine siblings with very different personalities. This is Arisa’s, later named Eliora, story.
Arisa and Lukio, after her mother passed away, have been ignored and abandoned by their father and left in the care of their aunt and uncle. They live in Ashdod, Philistine territory, and are treated like a burden and not as family. In this period of time, the Philistines have won the battle against Israel, and stolen the Golden Ark, the most precious and divine possession of the Hebrews. But tragedy strikes as the Ark is laid beside Dagon, one of the philistine’s gods. After an earthquake, and a plague that takes the lives of their aunt and uncle, they depend on their only tsurviving cousin, but he has evil plans their future, teaching Lukio to fight when he’s only seven years old, and planning to sell Arisa, who’s only twelve, to the priests of Dagon. But Azuvah, a Hebrew slave that has taken care of them and loved them since they were born, has told them stories of her Hebrew ancestors and their One and Only Almighty God. She helps them escape and tells them to follow the Ark, which is being returned to the Hebrews, with much fear because of the power it yields. That’s how they end in Israel territory, when Ronen, eighteen years old, discovers them behind a wall, and takes them to their uncle Abiram, and Abinidab, both levite priests, who take charge of taking the Ark to a safe place, while the Mishkan is reconstructed and Yahweh gives them new instructions. That’s how the Ark is finally guarded in Kiriat-Yearim, and where Elazar, Abinidab’s son, and Yoela, having already five children, adopt Arisa and Lukio as their own, and change their names to Eliora and Natan.
Eight years later, Eliora is a beautiful woman, trying her best to do everything for the family that has accepted her and her brother as one of their own. She’s afraid to fail them, so she works restlessly to serve and make their lives easy. Natan, instead, at fifteen, has a rebellious streak and has trouble fitting in and feeling part of the family, which tears Eliora’s heart. Then Ronen arrives, the young man who saved them and never forgot, and her heart is immediately attracted to him. But Ronen comes in disguise, part of a plotted plan, originated by his uncle, cousin and other discontent levites that think the Ark should be in hands of the priests who will restore the Sacred Vessel into a new location, and who are mad at Elazar for listening to Samuel, a supposedly false prophet. Ronen is supposed to discover the place where the Ark is safely guarded so they can steal it and take it back where it truly belongs. It’s also his way of avenging his father and older brothers deaths in the battle where the Ark was lost. So he pretends to visit Kiryat-Yearim as part of the levite musicians that will worship for the festivals. And what better way to discover the secret hiding place than befriending Elazar’s adopted children? But as he gets to know Eliora, and is inspired by her true relationship to Adonai, his perfectly solid plan begin to waver. Not only Eliora captures his heart, but her beliefs and the love he finds in her family starts him to question if he’s on the right side or if he’s about to make a dangerous mistake? Will he choose what is right? Or will his family and vengeful desires get in the way? Will Eliodora find peace and a true sense of belonging in her new family? How can she think of Ronen if she doesn’t plan to ever leave this safe haven that is her family and the closeness to the Ark? You’ll have to read the book to find out.
I have to say that the story was beautiful and deeply touching. I loved the abundant historical details and the descriptions that made me transport me to Israel in that particular difficult era. I loved the historical approach to what could have happened during the time the Ark was returned from the Philistines, and how the author explains at the end what is based on the Bible, what is based on historical discoveries and what is what she calls her artistic license to imagine how things could have been.
Eliora and Ronen are deep and beautiful characters and there’s significant character growth in the story. Eliora is kind and selfless to the core, but she has to trust Yahweh’s unconditional love for her, as well as her family’s love, in spite of her foreign (and enemy) origins. I loved how Ronen helps Eliora see that she doesn’t have to work so hard to please a family that already loves her freely. And how he realizes later he may have the same struggle in regard of his uncle and cousin who took him in. Yoela and Elazar were a beautiful example of a loving family that honors God with their daily lives. Natan is a complex character, but I won’t say much about him as he’ll have his own story in the next book. Eliora has to learn to accept that she can’t control her brother but that, while loving him dearly, she has to let him go so that he can freely accept what he’s been given.
The story has enough action and pace to keep you captivated until the last page. The setting, the plot and the characters are so vivid that I didn’t have any trouble imagining everything. It made me wish all the more to visit Israel some day!
The message the story brings, of love, kindness, redemption, forgiveness is truly inspiring. I can’t wait for Lukio’s story! My heart ached for him in this book and he deserves to discover what true love and freedom is.
I vividly recommend this book to anyone, Christian or not. This is history, and a beautiful retelling of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher via NetGalley but wasn`t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Wow! It took a while to write down this review because I was looking for the best way to bring justice to this story and say I loved it all round. I loved every minute of the story from start to finish and just confess I read it in bits because I didn't want it to end.
This story challenged me in many ways and checked my faith pushed me to want to know more about God, reminded me that I am loved just as I am I don't need to prove anything, I am accepted. Showed me that faith can much more than fear.
I loved every minute of this book, I loved Eliora, I understood her because we've all been there wanting to prove our worth and unwilling to accept that we are enough, we are loved. I loved that she grew to accept that love from her family realising she didn't have to prove herself.
I also enjoyed Ronen's side of the story although he wasn't sure of what to believe and also followed blindly, I love that he was willing to step back and search the truth for himself.
I could go on and on but you should read the book for yourself.
Looking forward to Lukio's story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are solely mine.

Two Philistine children, a Hebrew slave, a captured Ark, a pagan god, Levite priests, adoption of enemy children into a Hebrew home, intrigue, romance, and an Old Testament prophet are all wrapped up in the newest book by Connilyn Cossette. She has an amazing gift of taking her research on Biblical times and culture and weaving fictional characters into stories we read about in the Bible. The first book of The Covenant House series does not disappoint. From the very first page until the last, the story that unfolds will keep you reading long into the night and stopping just before you reach the last few pages because you don’t want the story to end. If I could give this book 10 stars I would.

"Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. The views and opinions expressed here are 100% honest and my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, part 255 Guidelines, concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in advertising

With her attention to historical detail and masterful storytelling, author Cossette again brings another historical Bible scene to life. I have always enjoyed the drama and attention to detail that 1st and 2nd Samuel has to tell the stories of Samuel and the early kings of Israel. How God fights for a nation that still has now clue that His way is best. This story begins with the death of the priest Eli and his sons and the capture of the Ark of the Covenant.

Yes, the Philistines thought they had Israel and their God beat. Until strange and terrifying things begin to happen. Their god is beheaded with his hands cut off, earthquakes, and deadly plagues that torment them. This is where we meet the young Arisa and her little brother Lukio, Philistine children abandoned by their father and the rest of their family dead, accept a cruel cousin.

I really enjoyed their story as they were taught about the one true God by an Israelite slave who also saved their lives by telling them to follow the Ark, even though everyone else was terrified. They did as they were told and were not only saved but were adopted into an Israelite family and could choose new names.

Arisa is now Eliora and she is a grown woman who serves and loves her family well. Things are still not peaceful in Israel as different families of the Levites are still bickering. Ronen who met Eliora that fateful night meets her again eight years later as he is on a mission with his family and return it to what they believe is the rightful place.

As Eliora and Ronen learn to care for each other, they also learn about family- adopted or blood- means a great deal and they will not just toss you away. There was a great many truths in this story about family love and God's love for us. I really liked that this was about two Philistine children, who followed God when they were too young to understand and grew up in a horrible culture, and yet they were saved. Not without tribulation and this story continues with Lukios tale.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

To Dwell Among Cedars falls into the fantastic fiction category. Few writers can take a portion of Scripture and create a fictional story that lures the reader back thousands of years into a captivating story the way Connilyn Cossette does. Connilyn well researches ancient history, and because of those historical elements, the reader feels alive in the story, walking among the cedars, inhaling the fragrance of Eliora’s garden and enjoying ancient Hebrew culture. Connilyn weaves sweet romance, human frailty, family devotion, intrigue, mystery, and adventure into a page turner read.

Arisa and her brother, Lukio (two of the main characters) are Philistine orphans. The Hebrew slave woman in their uncle’s home teaches them as young children the ways of God, the Hebrew language and tells them to follow the Ark of God. And, they follow the Ark at the appropriate time and enter Israelite land. Ronnen, a young Levitical musician, discovers the pair and brings them to the family in the area where the Ark has come to rest. Eliora and Natan (their new Hebrew names) are adopted by the family and embraced as their own blood kin.

The books leaps forward a few years, and Ronnen re-enters the story. He rekindles his friendship with Eliora and Natan, and becomes a helper to the family. Ronnen is captivated by Eliora’s essence and begins having feelings for her. However, Ronnen was sent on a mission by his uncle, a mission that may destroy his relationship with Eliora and her adopted family. The adventure that ensues at this point of the book makes it hard to put down. The book is highly entertaining!

Connilyn beautifully weaves faith into her books. She grabs a snippet of Biblical history and creates an incredible story around that portion. I am always astounded and captivated by her creativity. (She truly has a writing gift!) And, I always learn a lot about ancient Biblical history by reading her books.

Connilyn is an incredible wordsmith and knower of the human heart. She weaves these abilities into her story. The reader’s heart strings are pulled awake as Connilyn develops each character well.

I love how Connilyn tackles deep, human issues; such as, Eliora lives in mental chains of servitude to a family that loves her. Ronnen struggles deeply with wanting to please his uncle and doing the right thing (which would go against his uncle’s wishes). Natan feels like an outcast and thus, makes poor choices (his final poor choice leaves the reading hanging over the edge of the cliff, aching for the next book).

Thank you, Connilyn, for transporting me to Ancient Israel for a few hours. I am highly excited to read Book 2 of The Covenant House series.

Needless to say, this book is a MUST READ. You will not be disappointed.

This is one of Connilyn Cossette's beautiful historical novels dealing with the Old Testament. In this one we have Eliora and Ronen. Eliora was a Philistine but had been adopted by a Jewish elder. This elder was the guardian of the Ark of the Covenant. It had been stolen by the Philistines and then returned and he was hiding it. Ronen is a Levite that is trying to find the Ark of the Covenant and get it back into Levite hands. What ensues is a rich and colorful tale that brings us much information that enriches our study of the Bible.

I highly recommend this to anyone who like good OT historical fiction. This author is one of the best.

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

Will their loyalties tear them apart?

In the last decade that I've started reading Biblical fiction I've run across authors that I've enjoyed and some that I've chosen to only read the one book. But there are a few that have stood out above all the rest for their attention to historical detail, their never-failing adherence to Biblical fact, and because they are downright exquisite storytellers. Author Connilyn Cossette most definitely fits in with that group and is one of my top two or three favorites. And it's because of books like To Dwell Among Cedars which is the first book in her new The Covenant House series...

Connilyn Cossette is one of those if-she-writes-I'll-read-it authors so I only had a vague idea of what To Dwell Among Cedars is about. However, as with her previous series, she blew me away with this powerful and moving tale of a girl longing for acceptance, a man longing for family, and the awesome power of the Almighty. I was completely captivated by the story, with all of its drama and emotion, as the author so vividly brought the ancient Holy Land to life on the printed page and straight into my imagination.

At time To Dwell Among Cedars was hard to read with some of the ancient pagan customs, but it was an ever powerful story, and the lessons that the Hebrews had to learn then are just as valid for Christians today. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a sermon by any means, Connilyn Cossette can also tell an entertaining story like nobody's business. So, if you do enjoy well-written Biblical fiction you should check out this first book in The Covenant House series...

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

Great book by Connilyn Cossette! I loved how well researched it was and how she was able to tell us a story about a time in the Bible that I didn’t know much about. I think most of us don’t really remember this story since it isn’t told as often as Samson and Delilah or David and Goliath so I think it was great that she shared this story. I also thought she did a great job of showing us the division that there was with in the tribe of Levi and showing us the hostility that existed among the Hebrews and Philistines. Overall, I thought this was a great book and I look forward to reading more by her.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.