I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I’ve read through all of Connilyn Cossette’s biblical historical fiction series this year and then after reading the most recent one, waited semi-patiently for this one to come out! Between the Wild Branches has been my favorite one so far. The storyline is interesting and exciting enough that I read the book in less than two days. It’s the second in a two-part series; I don’t think it’s *absolutely* necessary to read the first one before this one, but I would recommend it. I wasn’t a fan of Lukio, the main character of this book, in the first book of the series, but the author did a wonderful job of really fleshing his character out and giving him a compelling redemption story (which this author is a master at I think). I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and is okay with a side of (very clean) romance.

***I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review; I was not required to write a positive review.***

I read Voice of the Ancient before this one and I missed book 1 in this series so I really need to go back to that one because Between the Wild Branches is just so good! Connilyn Cossette really brings biblical times to life for me! I adored Shoshana and what a strong lady she was for enduring all she did and I loved her relationship with Lukio and how he would do anything to protect her. All in all, I immensely enjoyed this book and will be reading more by Ms. Cossette very soon!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 6 July 2021

What an impactful story! This story takes a look at a time of oppression and darkness in Israel. Lukio gives us a perspective of life outside of Israel in the higher classes while Shosana’s story reveals the life of a servant. This story is centred around a romance but it is so much more. We see a different culture and way of life. There is heart break and tragedy surrounding everyday heroes as they do their best to help the lowest of the low. The takeaway is so much more than a couple who get together. I will read everything that Connilyn Cossette writes as she shows the world in a new way.

I received an arc via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

Beautiful! I enjoyed this story so much and if you think it sounds interesting by the book description, then I’d say go for it. It’s worth it!

Connilyn Cossette has done it again! I have so enjoyed Lukio’s story and of course Shoshana.
This is the second book in the Covenant House Series and you could read it first but I would suggest reading To Dwell Among Cedars first. I felt sorry for Lukio even in the first book and was so glad that this book is about him. Oh the joys of reading the sequel of a book about a character you already have met. So much happens that it’s hard to quit reading and go do life. If I just had five hours straight to read I would be a happy camper!
A book just don’t come any better when you have a wonderful plot, romance and redemption. It’s just an inspirational journey to read a story like this in Biblical times. Please don’t miss reading this series if you like Biblical fiction even a little bit. Personally I think Mrs. Cossette will win you over. I know I want to read every one of her books and I have read several already.
I received a NetGalley copy and a paperback from the publisher but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

This book, ohmygosh. THIS BOOK! I'm in tears and I don't know how I'm going to keep going on without these characters ❤️. They are everythingggg! I'm a Connilyn Cossette fan but gosh, Connilyn's books just keep getting better and better. Obsessed

I can’t begin to describe how much I loves this book. The author’s historical details were amazing and gave me an insight into this time period that I did not have before, The sweeping storyline and interesting characters made reading this book a very moving, inspiring experience. I’m truly looking forward to reading more from this author.

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

Oh Lukio, I have been anticipating your book ever since I finished To Dwell Among Cedars.
It is Cossette at her finest, weaving redemption hope, and restoration in a story we can all relate to as we have all fallen and carry regrets. Excellent book!

Connilyn Cossette is one of my favorite authors, and there is a good reason why. Her stories have a great plot, wonderfully developed characters, and the beautiful setting gives you a glimpse into history from long ago. And this book, as expedited, was another wonderful story. The story pulled me right in, and kept me coming back to see what would happen next.

I loved seeing what would happen to Lukio and Shoshana. The story started with a unique twist, and the plot only grew bigger and better from there. There were plenty of surprises along the way, and the struggles they faced felt very real. This was a memorable book and I highly recommend it!




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

I love Connilyn Cossette and her series, The Covenant House. I was excited to have the opportunity to read the second book, Between the Wild Branches. I was not disappointed. I loved it. Five stars.

The hits just keep coming from Connilyn Cossette as she presents to us her latest jewel, “Between the Wild Branches.” Lukio and Shoshana reprise their roles as lead characters in a story that picks up perfectly from “To Dwell Among Cedars.” The plotlines are flawless, and the character development is unsurpassed. Each twist and turn is beautifully crafted to create a story so seamless and compelling that the reader simply can’t put the book down. Connilyn Cossette’s research into the culture of the time is spot-on. I cannot wait for her next book.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

“Among the Wild Branches” by Connilyn Cossette is the second book in a duology. This book follows the story of Lukio, the brother of the heroine from book one and Philistine child who finds himself in Hebrew territory. Through a series of events his paths cross with those of his childhood sweetheart, but he is betrothed to another.

I’ve loved most of Cossette’s books and how well she weaves stories into biblical settings, but this one just wasn’t it for me. It seemed not necessarily to move slowly, as a lot happened, but to drag as it moved along, taking more pages than needed to be used to further the plot. It took me a couple of months to finish it, which is unusual for me when reading fiction. I would still read more from this author, and others may not have the same experience or feelings towards this book as I did.

Thank you to Bethany House publishers and Net Galley for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and were not 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.*

The author, Connilyn Cossette, always amazes me with how wonderful her books are! This is the second of two books about siblings who escape from the Philistine city of Ashdod to a Hebrew town. It occurs during the early years of the prophet Samuel. I recommend reading To Dwell Among the Cedars, the first book in The Covenant House series, before reading this one. Lukio, or Natan, is the younger of the two siblings and has become a renowned, wealthy, Philistine fighter, the Champion of Ashdod. As his fame increases, he becomes more and more aware of the discrepancies between life with the Hebrews, which he ran away from, and the life of the Philistines. Adoption, kindness, forgiveness, and compassion are all part of this novel, yet there are also examples of the extreme cruelty and violence that the Philistines were known for.
I enjoyed reading this story as it really portrays what the Hebrews were up against as they fought to hold on to their promised land. And I thought the struggles Lukio encounters as he tries to be honorable in a depraved society were great. But I would not recommend this for a younger reader, although I highly recommend for the mature reader. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I am freely writing a review; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Let me just say I adored this book! Lukio and Shoshanna were it for me. I enjoyed how the romance went. I loved the writing. Connilyn Cossette will forever be a favorite and auto-buy author for me honestly. I have enjoyed the Covenant House duology and this conclusion was perfection!

Lukio is a beast in the ring. A fighter since a child, he is back doing what Mataro trained him to do. He still harbors pain, hurt and anger towards his sister, Eliora aka Risi, after he walked away from her and the Hebrews. He is sick of the chains his cousin holds over him and so he seeks to be free. He ends becoming close to the seren but in doing so he is plunged into a harsh game of saving lives and seeing his first and only love again.

Lukio grew so much in this book! I loved seeing him become vulnerable enough to trust God in all things. He tried so hard to deny the power of God, but as he saw his own people act foolishly he began to realize he was not "normal" among his own. He began to miss his found family among the Hebrews.

His reconnection with Risi, Elazar and Yonah -- I was in awe! I just loved seeing him walk away from his old self to become Natan in fullness! Reminded me a bit of the prodigal son when he returned back to the Hebrews. Lukio is simply phenomenal!

Shoshana is on a mission despite the danger she faces. Her story was so heart-breaking. All that she suffered at the hands of the Philistines and still suffered was insane. She was a strong woman. She reminded me of Tirzah a bit from Like Flames in the Night. I loved seeing her go to great lengths for her people.

The romance was such a perfect second chance romance with the added twists and dangers. I loved seeing them meet again and try to fight their attraction to one another. The sweet, stolen moments together were everything. That end...I squealed for them!

Mataro, Lukio's cousin, is a dog! He is a sick and greedy man. The lengths that he goes to get what he wants is insane. Nicaro, the seren, is just as sick as Mataro. He is set on killing all Hebrews, taking their land and finding the Ark. He always annoyed me, but in those last few chapters I wanted to scream. Pure evil!

Mariada was just a gem in a pile of rocks and coal. I felt so terrible for her and the people she was around. She was such a pure girl. I loved her heart for Lukio and the friendship she had with Shoshana. I loved seeing her help them both in the end. Parts of me wished she'd had left with them, but I get that she had to stay and play her part. She is definitely a favorite character for me!

Zevi and Igo were so sweet! I adored them so much and I'm so glad that they were able to survive to the end and go back with Lukio. Azuvah's son was EVERYTHING!!! I did not see that coming or the connection between that guy and Azuvah. I loved seeing this come full circle.

Overall, this was everything! I adored the faith aspects so much. I would highly recommend this book for sure!

Connilyn Cossette writes Biblical fiction like no other! Her writing style immediately draws you into her stories and her characters are always well drawn, layered, and seem so real! I am always fully immersed when reading her stories.

That being said, I was kind of nervous about starting Between the Wild Branches because in the first book of this series, To Dwell Among Cedars, Lukio was not my favorite character. In a nutshell, he needed a ton of redemption! I am so happy to say that I loved this story even more than the first and Lukio was the main reason why! I loved reading from his point of view and understanding why he did what he did. The growth of his character was wonderful to read!

I also really loved Shoshana. Her story broke my heart. I loved her perseverance and her strength. She didn’t let her past ruin her future nor did she let it change who she was. She was just the perfect match for Lukio!

I really think this series could go on and on! There’s at least 2 or 3 characters I would love to see get their own happily ever after! 5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is medium.

I was not privileged to read the first book in this series but it could not have been better than this one, as this one was so interesting. A book you did not want to put down. Cossette did a fantastic job in describing her characters and the scenery and actions surrounding them. It was as if you were back in early Bible times as you watched the story unfolding. I loved everything about this book, such strong characters, especially Lukio, the brawny fighter who fought for the pleasure of the Philistines as they watched him defeat man after man, as they cheered him on. But Lukio could never forget when he was taken in by the Hebrews when he was an orphan. Also he never forgot his childhood sweetheart, Shoshana. Imagine his surprise to find her the personal slave of his betrothed Mariada, daughter of the King. Even though they could never be together he wanted to help her escape and return to her home and children that she had to leave behind. There are so many hair raising, breath holding scenes as you turn the pages. You will not be disappointed. I highly recommend this historical bible fiction…..I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

Between the Wild Branches
Excellent story! Great writing! I was able to visualize some of the book, making it come alive. The story seems true to the Bible.

Between the Wild Branches
by Connilyn Cossette
Pub Date 06 Jul 2021
Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers
Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance


I am reviewing a copy of Between the Wild Branches through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:




It was ten years ago that Lukio fled Kiryat-Yearim, where he'd been adopted by the Levite family who guarded the Ark of the Covenant. He feels betrayed by everyone and returns to his birthplace in Philistia to become a famous fighter. Now the champion of Ashdod, Lukio has achieved every goal with the help of his ruthless cousin. But just as he is set to claim the biggest prize of all, the daughter of the king, his past collides with his present in the form of Shoshana.



After a heartbreaking end to her secret friendship with Lukio, Shoshana thought to never see the boy with the dual-colored eyes and the troubled soul again. But when she is captured in a Philistine raid and enslaved
in Ashdod, she is surprised to find that the brutal fighter known as Demon-Eyes is Lukio himself.



With explosive secrets and unbreakable vows standing between them, finding a way to freedom for both may cost them everything.



I give Between the Wild Branches five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

Even better than the first book! I love Lukio and Shoshana! This story was amazing, and I did not want to put it down. The characters were fantastic, and the way all of the pieces fell together was just incredible! Connilyn Cossette really out did herself with this one!

Between The Wild Branches is the second book in The Covenant House series by Connilyn Cossette. When I received Between The Wild Branches in the mail, I had yet to read the first book in the series, To Dwell Among Cedars. I’m glad I quickly picked up book one and read it in two nights before starting book two.

The main character in Between The Wild Branches is Lukio and his story begins in the first book as a supporting character. Without reading book 1 you simply cannot grasp the depth of his childhood and how it plays a role in his adult life. So, I highly recommend that this series be read in order.

The storyline is set 1052 BC during the period of time that the arc of the covenant went missing. The author does an amazing job of writing between the gaps and coming up with a beautiful tale of fiction. Of course we do not know what happened, but this novel brings light to the time period and what it may have been like to live through it. The two main characters know each other from childhood but their stories will intertwine in adulthood. Lukio’s story picks up when he has become a Philistine fighter and given the nickname “Demon Eyes”. Shoshana is the lead female character and she has a story of her own after being captured and enslaved. For me, the details and the imagery that is put into words is simply breathtaking. You feel as though you are in the story. The characters, setting, storyline are woven together to create a Biblical fiction masterpiece.

Highly recommend this book be added to your TBR list.