*Contains a spoiler of the first book (ending). If you plan to read the first book before this one, proceed with caution.

I’m always excited to read a new book from Connilyn because she has never disappointed me, and I’ve read all but one of her books so far (which I plan to read the one I haven’t). Anyway, her strengths are in plot and character development, which are essential ingredients for a good book.

From the very beginning, I was invested in the story. This book is the second half of a duology, following two Philistine siblings (brother and sister) who escape their abusive cousin to arrive in Israelite territory and be adopted into a Levite family. This Levite family takes them in and loves them as if their own blood children. However, Lukio struggles to accept or believe in that love and returns to Ashdod, his homeland to become a notable fighter.

Many years later, he discovers his childhood friend (who he met while with his Levite family) is a slave for the Philistine woman he pledged to marry. The story gets interesting from here, because there’s a lot of challenges, the main one being, determining how they can be together considering the circumstances they’re in. Already Lukio has obligated himself to the Philistine king’s daughter, who proves himself to be a ruthless man. To not make this review long, I will say, this plot alone makes the rest of the story an unpredictable page turner.

Another positive I loved with this story was the theme of second chances and redemption that was naturally woven throughout. Lukio struggled with the idea of regret, leaving his Levite family, who only had the best for him, to return to Ashdod, his homeland, where people only wanted to exploit him. He struggled with accepting God’s love despite his life choices, but I like how the author used Shoshana, and even the trials they faced together in Ashdod, to test those misunderstandings.

As far as negatives, there were none for me. The story was evenly paced, and felt like a page turner, with all the twists and turns that occurred in the story. The characters’ thoughts and actions were believable as well. I could picture them clearly in my mind.

I would definitely recommend this story to those who love biblical fiction, historical fiction, and Christian fiction.

***This book was given to me by Netgalley and Bethany House for an honest review.***

I absolutely adored this second story in Connilyn Cossette's newest series.
I'm blown away by the beauty of this tale.
The characters are incredible.
The story line is just so touching.
Loved it the whole way through!

This is Lukio's story, and it is amazing! Lukio is alone. Other than his beloved sister, he doesn't think anyone loves him. So he left his foster family, who were Hebrews, to return to the Philistines.
Known as Demon Eyes, he is famous for being the greatest fighter in all the land. Life seems to be going fairly well for him. He has the favor of the king, and is promised the hand of his beautiful youngest daughter. And then, Lukio sees one person from his past, the one who was his beloved friend, Shoshana.
He is determined he must talk to her and get to know her again.
This story is one of love, loss, forgiveness, belonging, and much, much more.
Biblical fiction is really not a favorite genre of mine, but there's something about Connilyn Cossette's style of writing that is just absolutely incredible.
Fascinating, beyond description, incredible details, and just really bringing to life those days in the Old Testament. This is the kind of story I'd want to see made into a movie. (well, without all the terrible fighting, of course. ;) )
If you enjoy biblical or historical fiction, then you won't want to miss this one!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

I usually don’t read much Biblical fiction, but I make an exception for books by Connilyn Cossette, one of my favorite Christian fiction authors. Her impeccable research, richly drawn settings, and colorful, realistic, and multi-layered characters make history come alive. She’s such a masterful author, and I greatly admire the creativity and expertise in her writing.

After following Lukio as a child in the first book in the Covenant House duology, To Dwell Among Cedars, I was so excited to read the rest of his story in the conclusion, Between the Wild Branches, and what a stunning conclusion it is! At times gritty and brutal, and at other times tender and heart-touching, this tale takes the reader from Ashdod, a stronghold of the Philistines to Kiryat-Yearim, the residence of Hebrews.

Lukio has been a famous Philistine for the past ten years and has amassed riches and a name for himself by becoming a fighter. He’s also spent that time trying to forget the painful memories of his early life and his time with the Hebrews who once adopted him. Despite his hardened appearance and reputation, he opens his heart to some who are downtrodden and in peril. When Shoshana, his friend from his days with the Hebrews reenters his life, they both find themselves in trouble.

This is an unforgettable tale of redemption, forgiveness, courage, and God’s divine intervention. It’s also a story of the power of family love, whether by birth or adoption. It’s headed straight for my keeper shelf and onto my list of top reads for the year. I’m looking forward to more fantastic books by this author.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I adored this book! Connilyn Cossette has written another magnificent story of forgiveness, the price of anger and what ties create a family. It was truly a beautiful read that stayed with me after I’d turned the last page. The city of Ashdod came to life through Cossette’s writing as Lukio and Shoshanna did their best to navigate the brutality and oppressiveness of their situations. This book was everything I could have hoped for and so much more!

Cosette is one of my go-tos for Biblical fiction and I cannot recommend her books enough. Don’t miss out on this amazing story!

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

If you are looking for a book that you won’t be able to put down, this is it! Connilyn Cossette has filled this book with many twists and turns and edge of your seat moments. I cried a few times, I held my breath many times. I had imaginary conversations with the characters time and time again. Through it all, Cossette confirms that Jesus can help us put our past behind us while giving us a hopeful future full of love and joy.
This is the last of a two book series, so we already know part of the characters. The characters have been through much in the past ten years since the end of To Dwell Among Cedars. Cossette does a great job of continuing the character development - suspenseful but satisfying. Just when I was tempted to flip through and find out why Shoshana had to stay where she was, a few pages later, it was revealed.
As she has done in her previous two series (Out From Egypt and Cities of Refuge), Cossette does a wonderful job of interlinking relationships and events between the two books which makes it even more exciting.
I’m sad to see Risi and Lukio go, but excited to see what Cossette has up her sleeves next!!

A riveting story of redemption, family and unconditional love.

Lukio has returned to his birthplace in Ashdod, kicking and punching his way to the top as a renown fighter for the last ten years, leaving much of his Hebrew upbringing buried in Kiryat-Yearim.

I knew I would love Lukio's story ever since reading Eliora's story in To Dwell Among Cedars where I was first introduced to the tenderhearted, courageous, and at times rebellious Lukio. But this book blew past all my expectations and may be one of my favorites by this author, obviously the biggest reason for that is its hero. I think what made me like him so much was being able to see him grow up from a stubborn young boy and rebellious teen; how it all shaped him into a courageous man. I liked that he was honest with himself, and I admired how his love for Shoshanna matured throughout the story.

I loved getting to know Shoshanna more from the mere glimpses we got of her in the previous book, she is a kind and compassionate woman, brave with a gift for comforting others.

This is a gripping read, it grabbed me up quickly and I didn't want to put it down. It is a well plotted read filled with danger, high stakes, and many beautiful friendships. I loved how the pieces fell into place for some excellent twists that had me crowing with glee. Excellent plotting and pacing, well balanced character development and filled with adventure. But probably my favorite parts of this book are the friendships, unlikely and unexpected at times, between people of different stations in life and cultures, a wonderful example of how God can use us and others in each other's lives. The perfect second half of a fantastic duology, highly recommend to fans of Biblical fiction and ancient historical fiction!

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

This is the second book in a two book Biblical fiction series. Because it continues a story, you really need to read [book:To Dwell Among Cedars|51271719] first in order to understand the characters in this book.

Cossette is among my favorite Biblical fiction authors due to her intensive research, indepth characters, and intriguing plot lines. This book focuses on Lukio who has fled the Hebrew encampment that saved he and his sister when they fled an attack up0n their Philistine village. He has been gone for 10 years, become a well known fighter, and embraced his Philistine heritage. But will all his wealth and fame bring him the peace, satisfaction, and family that he desires and will Shoshana, his Hebrew childhood friend, be able to show him a better way?

The character development of both Shoshana and Lukio as the story progressed was so intense as they both drew nearer to Yahweh. Mariada, the king's daughter, played an interesting role as a secondary character along with Teitu, Lukio's, servant, and the Hebrew slaves and soldiers. Cossette brought to life this period of the Kings (ca 1050 BC) with the adoption of many of the Philistine Gods by the Israelites and the drifting away from Yahweh.

Wonderful conclusion to this Biblical fiction series.

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

Between the Wild Branches is another fascinating Biblical fiction book from an excellent storyteller, Connilyn Cossette. It is second in The Covenant House series and could be read as a stand-alone story but reading the first book (To Dwell Among Cedars) will give a richer, more full understanding of the characters and circumstances. Cossette's books are captivating stories, rich with detail that take readers right into the scenes of ancient history. Readers will love this fictional account of Lukio, a Philistine, and Shoshana, a young Hebrew woman enslaved by the Philistines. The characters have depth and reality as they deal with intense situations. The character development, especially that seen in Lukio, and the emotions, strengths, and weaknesses portrayed in the personalities, resonate well with readers. The historical lessons about the ancient struggles between the Philistines and the Hebrews are brought expertly to life. With some edge-of-the-seat scenarios and tension-filled moments, Between the Wild Branches held my attention from beginning to end. The author weaves faith in Yahweh into the story, reminding readers what God has done in the past circumstance He can do once again in the present. I liked how one character states, "I have learned to hold...everything in my life with an open hand, trusting that no matter what, Yahweh is good". I anxiously await any new offerings from this author, and readers who love a good romance mixed with Biblical fiction will not want to miss The Covenant House series.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a favorable review, and the opinions are my own.

This is the conclusion to the Covenant House duology and it was amazing! Lukio and Shoshana’s story was one of heartache, facing the impossible, learning forgiveness and experiencing God’s redemption!
This book can be read as a standalone, but I definitely recommend to read it after “To Dwell Among the Cedars”, where the story starts when Lukio and Risi were two orphaned children in Ashdod, Philistia, taken in by their aunt and uncle, who later pass away. In order to save them, their hebrew nanny, sends them away from their cousin’s wrath, and tells them to follow the stolen Golden Ark that has been a curse to the Philistines and is returned to the hebrews. That’s how they end up at Kiryat-Yearim and were adopted by a kind Levite family who guarded the Ark of the Covenant. Risi blended in the family, despite their pagan origins, and embraced their faith. The first book is her story, where Lukio has a hard time adjusting and belonging, until he meets Shoshana and their childhood friendship bonds so strong into young love, that he knows Shoshana is the only woman he’ll ever love and eventually marry. But then, unexpectedly, at the end of the first book, Shoshana announces him that they can no longer be friends and that she’s to marry Medad, his enemy. Heartbroken after this, and after learning that his sister plans to marry and leave with the Levite who betrayed his adopted family, he can stand it no more and flees back to Ashdod, to his greedy cousin who once wanted to make a fighter of him.
Ten years later, Lukio, better known as Demon Eyes because of his dual-colored eyes, is the biggest and most powerful fighter in Philistia, nobody can beat him. Wealthy and with striking looks, every woman wishes for him to look his way. But his heart has been closed for many years, only focused on fighting and building his wealth. But things begin to change when he wins the favor of the King who offers him everything he could ever humanly wish for and satisfy him, that is, except for mending and fulfilling his torn heart.
Meanwhile, Shoshana has deeply suffered and come out a brave, beautiful woman, inside and out. She survived a Philistine raid and became enslaved to the King’s Palace. When Lukio discovers her at the Palace, his world is turned upside down, as well as Shoshana’s. He needs to know what happened to her, to his sister, to understand of their betrayal. His heart still stutters just by her presence, but his heart and future is now strongly compromised, and there is no place for her childhood love there. Will he and Shoshana have a chance to overcome all the odds and deception that will come their way to find true love? Will Lukio find a way to redeem and lead his heart toward the Light, and discover that the God he flew from, has never left his side?
This heart-wrenching story was so beautifully crafted and written that it touched me deeply in the heart, it was very thought provoking and inspiring. I felt I was in 1052 BC in Philistia, I could see the city, the landscape, smell their scents, everything became so alive because of her description and accurately researched storytelling. The human sin, opposing God’s grace, not so very different as of our days. Abuse, hedonism, human slavery. But God’s Love prevails! She must have studied so much in order to write this book! The historical circumstances surrounding the period in which Samuel was a judge and his influence in the people of his era were so detailed and realistic, even if the main characters and their story was purely fictional. The plot was so captivating and full of action that I found myself I didn’t want to part with the book when I had to sleep or work, and I wanted to steal moments just to know what would happen next. So many beautiful dialogues. There’s intrigue, danger and deception, two cultures that clash and oppose: the pagans and the Only God’s people, and a Godly Love that knows no bounds as well as a human love that can imitate God’s Unconditional Love and be a light to others. Lukio’s journey to redemption and forgiveness, was humbling, and it was heart-tugging too. He was loyal, compassionate and merciful in spite of his brutal profession. He was willing to risk his life in order to what he felt was right. I felt as if he allowed me into his heart, his hurts, his deepest desires, his need of grace and love. Shoshana was an admirable woman, and my heart went for her too. She has suffered in a different way from Lukio, but her pain was acute all the same. To love him when she knows their love can’t ever be was so painful, yet she was so willing to sacrifice. And so willing to put others above herself. She was an inspiration to Lukio, and the vessel can ultimately lead him to a true and plentiful life, if only so many dark forces will finally let them. The romance between Lukio and Shoshana is one of the sweetest and more heart-tugging I’ve read! Oh my! And the message of this book is so touching and inspiring that it will leave you wanting to be a better person and to trust God with your life.
This is one of the best Biblical fiction stories that I’ve read to be sure! I can’t recommend it highly enough! Now that this duology has concluded in such a beautiful way, I can’t wait to see what Ms. Cossette has in store for us next. She’s an auto-buy author to me!
I received a complimentary book from the Publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

On my keeper shelf!

Worth the wait! After reading the To Dwell among Cedars, I was hoping the story continued. It did! Between the Wild Branches. I was blessed to receive the second book through netgalley, for the author, Connilyn Cossette (beyond excited) because it was just as good. It continued the story of Lukio. Great read to stay up all night reading. These two books are on my keeper shelf to read again and share with friends. Historical Biblical Fiction at its best.
I received a complimentary copy of Between the Wild Branches. The opinions in this review are my own.

I did not believe that this author could beat the first book in this series but I was wrong. I loved learning so much about Lukio and Shoshona. I did not think I would like Shoshana when we learned what she did to Lukio in the first book but after learning all that she endured after breaking up with him I learned to appreciate what she accomplished. This book makes you like characters that you do not think you will. I could not put this book down. I love these biblical stories that give people from this time such great personalities. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

There is a reason the theme of the prodigal restored is so prevalent in literature. It's because, if we are honest with ourselves, we all relate so well to the son in need of redemption and restoration.

Between the Wild Branches continues Lukio's story from To Dwell among Cedars. This lonely orphan never felt he belonged to the gracious family who adopted him and his sister. Not because they lacked kindness - he merely felt he lacked worth.

But you'll need to be prepared with tissues at hand! I wanted to weep over Shoshana's agony and loss. And over Lukio's pain when he realized the life he had sought was empty and he had rejected the only ones who truly loved him. But the tears truly fell as I read Yonah's declaration when he learned of Lukio whereabouts.

Between the Wild Branches is a beautiful story of forgiveness and restoration - of the God who sustains the captive and redeems the lost.

Many aspects of the Philistines' lifestyle are described and yet the ugliness of their life and religious practices notwithstanding, the author never went into more detail than necessary. Despite women enduring atrocities at the hands of their pagan captors, it was mentioned more as a contrast to the behavior expected and allowed by the gracious God of the Hebrews in times of war. Again, it was clear what had happened without mentioning particulars that would have made this inappropriate for sensitive readers.

Readers who love Biblical fiction will want to be sure to read the marvelous Covenant House duology!

“I had run away like a spoiled child all the way to Ashdod, wounded by my perceptions…I’d run away instead of standing strong and acting like the man I’d insisted I was back then.”
What an incredible Biblical fiction novel Connilyn Cossette brings to us in Between the Wild Branches, #2, The Covenant House. Lukio, who scorned the love of his adopted Israeli family has returned to his native Philistia. There, he rises to prominence as “Demon Eyes,” and “The Champion of Ashdod,” a pugilist who is wealthy, popular, and can have any woman he desires. Unfortunately, he wants the one, Shoshana, he cannot have. Lukio attracts the notice of Ashdod’s power-hungry king, Nicaro. The action ramps up from here and never lets up.
First things first: read book one, To Dwell Among Cedars, before reading Between the Wild Branches. The novel will be enhanced greatly. Just as the covers fit together into one picture, so the novels fit seamlessly together and one is not complete without the other.
Cossette is a fabulous storyteller, researcher, suspense artist, and Biblical scholar. I couldn’t bear to put this book down. I felt like I had opened a treasure chest when I opened this book. So many truth nuggets burst forth.
A clean romance builds as it winds through the tale, achingly beautiful as Cossette feeds us only snippets of the past interwoven sporadically with the present. Biblical times customs and culture of both Israel and Philistia are explored, and the reader’s eyes are opened to what life in those countries was truly like. Strategy, intrigue, and suspense will keep either male or female readers flipping through pages as fast as their fingers and eyes can move. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
My thanks to the author and publisher for a copy of this book. No positive review was required. All thoughts are my own, voluntarily submitted.

“With explosive secrets and unbreakable vows standing between them (Lukio & Shoshana), finding a way to freedom for both may cost them everything. ~quoted from the back cover.”

I enjoy a good Biblical fiction novel because it brings scripture alive for me and fleshes out people I've only read about in God's word. I learn so much more about the culture, traditions, and way of life of ancient times & people. This was my first book by Connilyn Cossette but it certainly won't be my last! I have not read the first book To Dwell Among Cedars, but I am going to after reading this one because I want to know more about Lukio & Shoshana as children. The author made them very real in my mind and invested my heart into their lives.

What I loved most about this story was how it reminded me of being grafted into God's family & how He loves me no matter my heritage or who I call my family. He spoke my name and I answered so many years ago! This was a lesson that Lukio learned the hard way; my heart ached for him to know the truth of it sooner. But I also know oftentimes we learn those lessons through the heartache and trials of life.....forged in the fire if you will. God can burn away the impurities of our lives in the fiery furnace and that is exactly what He did in Lukio's heart. I watched him go through so many hard things, but I rejoiced when his eyes began to open to the truths that had always been in front of him. He was very much a changed man by the end of the book!

Shoshana was a strong woman in both spirit and mind in spite of all the horrendous things she went through after her capture by the Philistines. She ended up with kind & caring mistress in Mariada who treated her well. She never forgot how precious she was to Yahweh and clung to His truths and loving ways. I admired her strength of character and getting to know her, I also ached for all she lost over the years. God truly restored what the Canker worm destroyed in the end.

I won't spoil the story, but journeying through the lives of Lukio & Shoshana and all the things that went on was a real treat. I could easily envision everything; the sights, smells, and emotions. When an author makes you feel like you've stepped into the pages of their book, and are walking right beside the characters, that's truly the sign of good writing to me! The research Cossette did for this shines through and I feel like I have a deeper meaning from the time period of King Solomon in scripture. If you enjoy a well-written & well-researched Biblical fiction story, then I recommend reading Between the Wild Branches!

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was not obligated to leave a favorable review & all opinions expressed here are mine. *

This book was everything I'd hoped! The historical setting was fascinating, the emotions where intense and the characters were beautiful! Connilyn Cossette's extensive research was apparent as she depicted this ancient world I knew so little about before. The characters were such lovable yet broken characters, but broken in a good way in that they were stronger because of it. The romance was one of those tortured together-but-not-together type storylines with a highly anticipated kiss because they just had to be good and honourable! Just kidding it was lovely no matter how impatient I felt. This was a wonderful emotionally raw story of the prodigal returning home and the broken being redeemed!

I could hardly wait to get my hands on a copy of this novel, and I certainly was not disappointed. Once again, talented Biblical fiction author Connilyn Cossette has surpassed my high expectations!
Between the Wild Branches, the second book in the “Covenant House” series, is a beautifully written story of grace, mercy, and redemption that picks up in 1052 BC, ten years from when To Dwell Among Cedars left us. As this book begins, the despondent, rebellious boy Lukio is now a wealthy, popular man known as “Demon Eyes,” a highly regarded prize fighter in the Philistine world. Even so, he is still lonely, lost, and seeking the fulfillment that has always alluded him. Having gained the favor of the king, he believes he has finally “made it.” It is then that his true love, Shoshana, reappears in his life, and his world and priorities realign in a heartbeat!
Cossette is a genius at both character development and pacing, and the depth of her historical research is readily evident on every page she writes. I do not want to give away too much. Suffice it to say this highly suspenseful story kept me up well into the night, as I could not leave these beloved characters in such danger, turmoil, and uncertainty!
Between the Wild Branches could easily be read as a stand-alone novel, but I would recommend reading the first book in advance for background knowledge. I highly recommend this novel, as well as all of Cossette’s other books, to anyone who enjoys historical fiction set in Bible times. I received an advance copy from the publisher through NetGalley but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.

Between the Wild Branches, Connilyn Cossette

This is book #2 in a two part series. This second book, takes up the story begun in To Dwell Among Cedars, of Lukio, the rebellious and angry younger brother of Arisa. Ten years after Lukio has arrived back in the Philistine city of Ashdod, he has become a champion but lonely fighter. Lukio is unexpectedly reconnected with Shoshana, his childhood love. Both have suffered and endured many changes. Shoshana is now a captured Hebrew slave and Lukio becomes engaged to the king’s daughter. The king is obsessed with finding the ark of the covenant and destroying all the Hebrews. This book is a fictional story based on the Biblical account of the capture of the ark of the covenant in 1 Samuel. It is a gripping and involved story that was enhanced by knowing the story from book #1 in the series but could be read on its own. I looked forward each day to sitting down and reading it!

While the book begins with the story from 1 Samuel 4 and weaves characters that are both believable and intriguing while culturally accurate. The plot has many twists and turns and I enjoyed both the surprises and resolution of the story. If you enjoy fictional stories based in ancient cultures, you’ll enjoy this book (and all the books by this author!). To say I love this author’s writing is putting it mildly. I have read all her books and will look forward to reading whatever else she writes.

I was provided with a digital copy of the book from Bethany House for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

My dilemma is how to write a review that will do justice to this book. Once again Connilyn Cossette has taken us to Old Testament times and dropped us into a story of people and places we read about in Scripture. Her in-depth research of people and places of Biblical times, allow us to see, hear and feel right along with the people in her stories.

We first met Lucio in To Dwell Amongst Cedars as an orphaned Philistine boy who fled Ashdod with his sister, Arisa, following The Ark. Ten years later we find him back in his hometown of Ashdod where he is known as the famous fighter “Demon Eyes”. Has the fame and fortune satisfied him as he dreamed it would? Seeing Shoshana, a friend from his time in Kiryat-Yearim, throws his planned- out life into a tale spin. How did this Hebrew girl end up in Ashdod and how will meeting her again change the course of their lives, and will he stop fighting the call of The One Who Sees and surrender to the One True God leaving behind him the pagan gods of his homeland?

Romance, intrigue, murder, pagan practices, prodigals, families, faith, and hope because of The One Who Sees make this a must-read book of the summer. I wish I could give this book 10 stars. Even readers who do not read Biblical fiction will enjoy this book. I recommend reading the first book in this Covenant House series To Dwell Among Cedars first because you will meet the characters and have a deeper understanding of all that transpires in Between the Wild Branches.

Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

After waiting half a year for the final installment of The Covenant House duology, Connilyn Cossette once again showcases why she is one of the best Biblical Fiction authors with the release of Between the Wild Branches! A true artist, Connilyn takes readers on a spiritual journey, bringing the Old Testament to life and highlighting a truth that impacts not only her main characters but everyone who reads her novels! Each book is more than a form of entertainment; they’re a testimony of faith that shines the glory of our incredible Creator on every page!

Between the Wild Branches begins ten years after the events of To Dwell Among Cedars. Lukio, Eliora’s brother, is all grown up and, with the help of his crafty cousin, has become the revered fighting champion of Ashdod. With bitterness and resentment still boiling within him, Lukio has spent the last decade building a prosperous life for himself, embracing his Philistine heritage in attempts to shed any influence the Hebrews had on him. However, just as he’s about to receive everything he’s worked hard to achieve, someone from Lukio’s past re-enters his life, throwing all he thought he knew in disarray and setting him on a path he never thought he’d cross again. What will Lukio choose when he is forced to decide between the home he fled from and the one he ran to?

"I’d claimed countless victories since I returned to Ashdod as a fifteen-year-old boy with my hopes crushed and my blood boiling with betrayal, and yet each one seemed to matter less than the last."

“The collision of our gazes felt like two ships ramming each other at full speed, and the shimmer of grief in her hazel eyes stripped me to the bone.”

Captured by the Philistines, Shoshana is enslaved in Ashdod with any hope of seeing her children again only possible in her dreams. Determined to survive, Shoshana does her best to stay in the shadows. However, when her mistress becomes betrothed to the notorious fighter, Demon Eyes, Shoshana will have to navigate her way through the tangled web of secrets and past regrets when she comes face-to-face with the boy she once loved. Is Lukio still the same dual-color-eyed boy she used to sneak into the woods in Kiryat-Yearim to see, or has the last decade destroyed any chance of reconciliation?

"There was nothing between us now but regret and bittersweet memories."

“Nothing can replace all the years the locusts have consumed between then and now. And nothing can change the fact that I am a slave to your soon-to-be wife.”

From the opening scene, I knew Between the Wild Branches would be unlike anything Connilyn Cossette has written. Taken on an emotional rollercoaster (the good kind), I laughed, cried, gasped, and swooned my way through this book. Lukio and Shoshana’s stories captured my heart, making me feel like I was experiencing everything they were. Surprised at every turn, I had no idea how Connilyn would tie everything together; it all seemed impossible, but the ending did not disappoint! (Cue the tears)

Based primarily in Philistine territory, readers get an in-depth perspective of what it was like to live amongst the pagan, blood-thirsty people of Philistia. Full of suspense, action, love, and forgiveness, Between the Wild Branches will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end! None of us think we deserve unconditional love, but there comes a moment in our lives where we will learn where our true home lies. Can we let go of the past to move into a brighter future, or will we harden our hearts and remain in the prison we didn’t realize we’ve created? Between the Wild Branchess explores all of this and more in this epic tale that will stay in your mind for weeks to come!

“My lust for power and wealth, along with my determination to free myself from Mataro’s clutches, had only ensnared me in servitude to another master.”

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a pre-release copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*

What a wonderful surprise this book was! I won't give away any spoilers, but will stick to praising the author for her ability to create a believable, suspenseful story with wonderful characters. I'm usually not a big fan of Biblical historical fiction, but Cossette's work is different and I love all her books.