Connilyn Cossette's Biblical fiction is always wonderful, and the debut novel of her newest series was so well done. This book focuses on the time period in the early 1000's BC when the Ark of the Covenant was at Kiryat-Yearim. Cossette is a master storyteller and brings the disagreement between two groups of Levites over the resting place of the Ark to life as she weaves in excellent historical research as well as Old Testament events and characters of the period. I appreciated that the main focus was on the Ark and that the romance between Risa and Ronen played a back story. I look forward to reading the second book in this series as we hopefully follow what happens to Risa's brother, Lukio.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

When the Cities of Refuge series ended, there was growing tension between the Israelites and the foreign nations surrounding them. In "To Dwell Among Cedars", we learn that this tension has escalated to the point that there is now contention between the Israelites themselves. And yet, there is still goodness and hope. And family. Which is defined beyond blood or nationality.

Connilyn Cossette reverently reminds us of the importance of community, especially help each other keep the faith and persevere. She endears us to a pair of siblings as lost as any of us, and a boy trying to come to grasp his own grief. Moreover, it is a story of a God whose creativity and beauty surpasses understanding.

When Connilyn Cossette writes a new book, I immediately look forward to reading it. She does a beautiful job of weaving the text of scripture with imagination for a delightful tale of Biblical fiction. To Dwell Among Cedars is book 1 in a new series, The Covenant House.

The story begins when Eliora, a Philistine and the main character, is uprooted from her home and finds herself adopted into an Israelite family. She finds herself unknowingly caught in a plot to steal the Ark of the Covenant which her family guards.

Throughout the story you see God’s character beautifully revealed. Many of us shy away from the Old Testament, but this book helps to bring it to life and increases my desire to both know the Old Testament and God better. This book is a must read for lovers of Biblical fiction. It is one of my favorite books of the year. Not many books keep my up late into the night, but this one did! (One of my other 2020 favorites is also by C.C., Like Flames in the Night) Her next book in the series should be out July 2021, titled Between the Wild Branches. I can’t wait to read it. Add both of these to your “want to read” list.

I received this book from the publisher through the NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

At this point, I read all but one of Connilyn’s books (which I plan to get to the very first), and have loved them all. So I was excited when I heard this book was available. I was not disappointed, immediately the story started strong, presenting Eliora and Natan’s life in Philistine territory. They were already in a dire predicament, having lost their mother and father, and now in the care of their harsh aunt, her husband, and their cruel son – their cousin.

If not for their Hebrew slave caretaker, Azuvah, who sacrificed her life to help them escape one night, things would have turned out grim for them.

A lot happened before their escape, such as a plague wiping out many, including their aunt and her husband. But the adventure and the bulk of the story took off when Eliora and Natan found themselves in Hebrew territory.

The strength of the story was the internal conflicts Eliora, Natan, and Ronen – the young man who they first met after their escape, struggled with. These conflicts centered on acceptance of who they were and who they are now, and especially with Ronen, who to trust when it came to capturing the arc. As Ronen and Eliora’s relationship grew, and as Ronen connected with her family, he was challenged with the idea of if capturing the arc was the right thing to do and if Eliora’s family was even wrong for having it.

This is what I like about Connilyn’s stories the most, and especially this one. She does a good job of carving out real human struggles, especially internal struggles. Sometimes the answer isn’t clear, but a decision has to be made. I believe this author succeeded in addressing the problems these characters faced, and concluding them in a way that was believable and justified.

Weaknesses?

I honestly thought about this and couldn’t find any. As a reader I didn’t struggle to get through the story and every chapter and scene, whether full of action, or at rest, served a purpose and pushed the story forward. I was sad when I reached the end, but I’m happy to know a second book is on its way.

I would definitely recommend this story to those who love biblical fiction that’s character driven. Especially stories that deal with tough human issues, especially internal struggles.

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

This is definitely my new favorite book by Connilyn Cossette! This story had me captivated and I couldn’t stop reading! Her descriptions are so detailed that this story came to life for me. I had such a clear picture of everything in my head. I can’t wait for the next book!!



I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Connilyn Cossette is a master storyteller when it comes to Biblical fiction. Her stellar writing immediately draws you into her stories and makes you feel as if you are actually there. Her characters are always so real and likable, flaws and all, and you can’t help but root for them the entire time you are reading their story.

I immediately loved Eliora and the way she cared for her younger brother, Natan, and the rest of her family. I felt so bad for her as she struggled to believe her adopted Levite family had truly grafted her into their hearts. Ronen was also very likable and I was sympathetic to him being torn between his family and what they expected of him and Eliora and her family. My only issue with this story was that I felt like it was a bit slow in some parts.

The next story in this duology is about Natan. I’m really looking forward to seeing how his story plays out. If you are a fan of Biblical fiction, you really need to read Connilyn Cossette’s stories.

To Dwell Among Cedars (The Covenant House, #1)
Somewhat accurate, as far as I can tell. A story that kept my interest from beginning to end.

Connilyn Cossette has penned another amazing Christian fiction book. She takes a unique look at the period of time the Ark of the Covenant was in Kiryat-Yearim. I love how she blends the Biblical text with fictional characters to draft an interesting look at what it might look like if 2 Philistine children follow the Ark and then live among the Jewish people. She also weaves an interesting tale of feuding Levite groups that both want possession of the precious ark. And, she manages to weave a tale of romantic love through the story. She even works in a very prominent Old Testament Prophet too. All of these add up to another intriguing and entertaining tale taken right out of scripture, with a little extra creativeness.

Although the entire city of Ashdod seemed to have been shaken, the Hebrews’ Ark had not moved. Perhaps the God of the Hebrews had not been bested after all.

When you start, you won’t want to stop reading this incredible story of two orphaned Philistine children who did just as their nanny had told them - Follow the Ark. Starting in Ashdod where the gods of the Philistines were no match for the Ark, the importance of this symbol is seen throughout the book. The Ark has stood the test of time - from the wandering in the wilderness to its current resting spot among the cedars. The author has such a wonderful way with words that I could almost see the hills and smell the cedars. The description of the views were enough to to make you wish you were there.

Life had been tough for Arisa and Lukia, but perhaps this had prepared them for their adoption into a Hebrew home and family. Rescued by a young Levite apprentice, their terror turns into a haven of blessing. Realizing that they have been grafted into a new family creates many problems for one, but not the other. Learning to believe that God will be with them wherever they go is a lesson not easily grasped, but vital to their future.

This ARC was received through Baker Publishing Group and Bethany House Publishers. The impression and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

Another outstanding book by Connilyn Cossette. A master storyteller who weaves a well-crafted story who bring the bible to life. To Dwell Among Cedars is the beginning of the author’s new Covenant series set during the time of judges when Samuel begins his ministry. You will read about the struggles, love and joy of the characters, you will feel their emotions as they follow the ark. The book deserves more than five stars

Timeless truths that remind me each day that God is with us through trials and tribulations with grace and mercy, that we are His children. If you enjoy reading historical fiction, this book is for you.

I received an e-book from the author in exchange for an honest opinion. All opinions are my own.

Words always fail me when I try to describe how much I love Mrs. Cossette's Biblical fiction books. I know that I would love any genre of story she chose to write because her character-building is so on point and her storytelling is just so good, but the fact that she chooses to write Biblical fiction makes her books life-changing for me. Every single one of them has brought new insight and dimension to my spiritual walk and this one was no exception. I love how this particular book highlighted that the "God of Israel" has always had a heart for people of other nations who desired to follow Him with all their heart and joined themselves to His people. I think this is a truth that many of us think began only when Jesus came so I always love it when someone teaches on this truth, but to have it in story form is the very best! I also loved the beauty of the theme of adoption that Mrs. Cossette wove into this story. It broke my heart and moved me to tears several times to see such a beautiful picture of how Israel's God has made us His own illustrated in this book. I highly recommend this book!

I have heard so much about Author Connilynn Cossette and looked forward to reading this book. The author’s research of Biblical times is in-depth. Although her retelling is not rewriting the story from the Bible but fleshing out characters that may have lived during that time. I was muddled with the name pronunciations of people and ceremonies that were different from the Bible as in Moses was spelled Mosheh. A glossary would have been helpful to explain the differences. Probably since I am a newbie to this author I was not as familiar with these things as veteran readers would be. With that said I did enjoy the comparison of adoption being ‘grafted’ into a family just as we are ‘grafted’ into God’s family through Jesus. I will absolutely read this author again knowing a little more what to expect.
I received a complimentary copy from Net Galley. The opinions are my own.

I love how Connilyn Cossette brings Biblical fiction to life in her novels! In this particular book, I learned so much about the way life might have been like for the Israelites before the era of the kings and learned even more about the Ark of the Covenant and its importance to the Israelite community. Connilyn writes beautifully, transporting you as the reader easily back in time to experience Biblical culture. She includes such impeccable research and detail that I feel the Bible is respected and honored in her fictional story. I felt myself growing closer to God reading this book and was impressed with how the spiritual themes were applicable to my life and inspiring to my own circumstances. The characters were captivating and I enjoyed reading about their interactions and growth in the story. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Gifted writer Connilyn Cossette has done it again! Her newest work of Biblical fiction, To Dwell Among Cedars, held me riveted from start to finish, and I am excited that it is just the first book in her newest series.
I have been a huge fan of Cossette’s books since reading her first one, Counted With the Stars, and the same extensive research, close attention to detail, and amazing character development have shone through on every page of all her texts. This book is certainly no exception!
To Dwell Among Cedars starts at the time when the Israelites took the Ark of the Covenant into a battle with the Philistines without first seeking the Lord’s guidance, as recorded in 1 Samuel 4: 1-11. The Israelites ended up losing both the battle and the Ark to their enemies. In Cossette’s story, we experience the happenings from an unlikely vantage point: that of an orphaned girl and her brother in the Philistine city Ashdod, where the Philistines bring the Ark. Affliction and destruction ensue after the Ark’s arrival in the city, setting in motion the chain of events in this beautifully told story of God’s sovereignty and how, through grace and faith, all are welcome to be grafted into the covenant as part of God’s spiritual family.
This inspiring book greatly touched and encouraged me, and I pray that it will do the same for all who read it. It reminded me that we are all welcome at God’s table if we are simply willing to trust and follow Him. We do not need to work to earn our place there; it has already been given to us!
I received a copy of To Dwell Among Cedars from the publisher through NetGalley but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own. I highly recommend this book, as well as Cossette’s other works, to anyone who enjoys Biblical fiction.

I like to read a wide range of authors, and I really do enjoy many different books. But, there are authors who are some of my absolute favorites, and Connilyn Cossette is one of those authors.
Each story she has written has gotten better and better. I was kinda iffy going into this book just because I’ve come to love her other series that are all interconnected and I wasn’t sure if this would “measure up” to the others. I was absolutely wrong! This book is done in such an amazing fashion!

We meet entirely new characters throughout the book, and I feel as if I know them personally. Cossette lines us up with anticipation for the next book in this series by having Lukio be an active part of this first book.

My favorite part was the revelation in the tree, and a special piece about Ronen’s instrument. You’ll just have to read it to find out!

The plot moves along at a great pace that kept me interested from the first chapter to the final, moving chapter and epilogue.

A Philistine girl is adopted by her enemy and she lives her life to serve them. But, why should she work so hard to please a family who loves her dearly? As the years go by she also can not forget the kind boy who found her hiding from the powerful Arc of the Covenant, a mystery that she is drawn to. Mrs. Cossette weaves a tale within the truths of the Bible and helps us to see with awe the power and majesty of the One true God. This book was different from her others in the way that there are many long conversations between the heroine and her family. It is slower than her previous stories but not in a boring way. As always, I go away feeling ministered to in my deepest depths. Thank you, Mrs. Cossette.

What I love about Cossette is that she never fails to transport me to a world I've read about but never really stopped to fully imagine. And these days, I am all about the escape from reality. Give me all the cultural nuances of biblical times, the vivid descriptions the author excels at, and delightful new characters I enjoy exploring--I'm here for it.

This particular quote stuck to my guts: "There is no song more beautiful than the one the Creator is composing with every single note of your life, one he’s been weaving together even before your first breath.”

Pretty good reminder, don'tcha think?

Cossette has a gift in telling beautiful stories with heartfelt, relevant messages. I'm already anticipating her next one! If you find yourself in need of an escape like I so often am, this is a story I'd recommend.

Although this book was very well written and biblically accurate, I found it was not my cup of tea. In places I felt it dragged, but the story line was wonderful. If you’ve read Connilyn Cossettes books before, you will probably enjoy this one as well!

My heart is full upon completion of reading Connilyn Cossette’s newest offering, To Dwell Among Cedars, #1 The Covenant House. This Biblical fiction book contains everything I am looking for in its genre. Scriptural accuracy, while approaching an age-old narrative of Israel in Samuel’s time from a unique viewpoint of Philistine Arisa (Eliora). Cossette vividly portrays all the emotions- the terror, the fear, the astonishment, the romance, and the suspense. As the uncertainty of being orphans at the whims and mercy of others is clearly shown, I couldn’t help myself from being drawn into Eliora’s life as she struggles for a sense of belonging and security, and ultimate love. Though she and Lukio(Natan) are adopted by generous and loving priest Elazer and his family, Eliora always feels herself an outcast.
Ronen, a member of a different priestly line than Elazer, first finds Arisa and Lukio (Natan) as they follow the Ark back into Israeli territory after its Philistine capture. An orphan himself, he deals with some of the same insecurities of not belonging as Eliora. These are a driving force in his thoughts and actions. There we have wonderful, multiple storylines going.
I loved Connilyn’s style-immediately warm and enticing you into the narrative, enveloping you into the ancient Biblical events very quickly.
Cossette sets the stage with some unusual premises. Not once did I feel that believability was stretched. One other point that makes me greatly treasure this novel is the many nuggets of truth shared and spoken naturally in uncontrived conversation. Connilyn Cossette is a master in her world of Biblical fiction. I am very sad it will be another year before we can read Natan (Lukio’s) story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, as well as NetGalley. I am voluntarily leaving this review. All thoughts are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“There is no magic in the box itself, Arisa. The power is that of the hand of Yahweh. It is merely a vessel, but one that signifies the sacred covenant between Israel and our God and above which has hovered the very shekinah of the Eternal One.”

”But the Eternal One was not made by man; there is no place you can go that he will not be with you.”

”He is the God Who Sees. There is no place you can go to escape his vigilant watch over you.”

”It is not the Ark you must follow, my precious child. It is the God who made you.”

”...So why do you work so hard for a place at their table when you already have one?” “... you are working so hard to earn something you’ve already been given.”

”Because you are the woman the Creator made you to be, no matter where you come from or what you look like.”

”No matter what decision I made, the cost would be great... the cost of going against the will of the Eternal One was greater by far.”

Five stars is not enough for this book! Rich, biblical history with a gentile’s faith to challenge each and every believer. I love how Arisa was adopted into a family of Levites and the picture it provided of her being adopted, or grafted, into God’s family. She was even given a new name, Eliora to symbolically show her new citizenship. Her struggle to accept this adoption freely is beautifully portrayed and a reminder to all that we do not earn our place in our family. I also really enjoyed the dichotomy of Eliora’s faith with that of her brother, who did not embrace this new place and family as fully or easily as his sister. Ronen has his own lessons to learn and Eliora is a graceful tool in helping him learn to be true to his calling and to his God. Their story has a sweet build and demonstrates the power of trust and surrender. A beautiful love story to satisfy each love seeker’s heart, both in terms of a human relationship as well as God pursuing His people. I cannot wait for Lukio’s (Natan’s) story in follow up to this one. I highly recommend this for all lovers of biblical fiction. You will be blessed, challenged and encouraged as you read through this delightful story. Connilyn is an expert at transporting you into the story and into the lives of her characters. You will walk where they walk and experience their lessons up close and intimately.
I was given a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own, freely given.