Oh my goodness, this book was so hard to put down! I was excited to read about Lukio after finishing To Dwell Among Cedars (the first book in The Covenant House series) and I was not disappointed in his novel. I do recommend that you read these books in order to best understand the characters, which are told with great depth and development. I thought the author did a phenomenal job of researching the Biblical context and then using the fictional storyline to bring the circumstances to life. I felt immersed in the culture of Biblical times. There are some serious topics consistent with the culture at that time, but I do think the author did a fantastic job of weaving hope throughout the story. It left me feeling satisfied with the ending. The novel had unexpected twists and turns that kept it interesting and made it hard to stop reading. I highly recommend this novel!

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

Between the Wild Branches is a sequel to To Dwell Among Cedars, a continuation of two Philistine orphans, Arisa and her brother, Lukio. At the end of Cedars, Lukio has left his Hebrew “family” to return to an abusive Philistine relative whom he thinks is true family. We readers have been excited for this sequel to learn of what happened to Lukio, now in the land of his birth.

In Branches Lukio has emerged as the Philistine champion called “Demon Eyes” (because each of his eyes is a different color). He is unbeatable. Lukio has partaken of all that pagan society has to offer him. He’s now an extremely wealthy man who has found great favor with the King. In fact, the King offers his most favored daughter to Lukio as a wife. They become betrothed. This is where the story begins its twisting and turning, keeping the reader on the edge of her seat. Shoshana, Lukio’s childhood friend and the love of his heart, turns out to be his betrothed’s slave. SHOCK! As the story unfolds, Lukio’s eyes are opened to the atrocities being done to the captured Hebrews. Shoshanna’s life has been one of pain and suffering, and Lukio’s heart is enraged at all that has been done to her. He can no longer turn a blind eye. As he becomes an advocate for the enslaved Hebrews (especially Shoshana), he meets others within the palace who are helping free the slaves. He enters a world of deceipt and extreme danger, where his life may be required of him if he is found out. Throughout these last chapters, as Lukio’s heart opens up to pain of others, his eyes begin to open and he slams right into the One Who Sees, who sheds truth into his heart and mind and leads him to Truth.

There is much heartache and joy as the pages turn. I admit, I shed tears in several spots. The ending, of course, leaves the reader satisfied and full of joy.

Cossette is a writer who develops her characters at a deep level. I felt I was a personal friend of Lukio and Shoshana by the end of this series. Characters from Cedars are in Branches, which enriches the sequel.
Cossette does her research before embarking on a series. She transports the reader back in time. I felt the pain of the vicious dog fights, the abuse done to the Hebrew slaves, the brutal human fight scenes in the arena, and the nauseating hedonistic pagan festivals. However, Cossette sprinkles bits of Yahweh truth throughout the book, ending the book with a huge gust of His truth that sets the protagonist free. My heart was overjoyed with the ending.

If you are looking for a summer read that will draw you into another world from several thousand years ago, THIS IS THE BOOK! You will not be disappointed! I would, however, recommend you read To Dwell Among Cedars first as it will give you a deeper enjoyment of Between the Wild Branches.

Happy reading!

From, a VERY satisfied reader of Connilyn Cossette books.

This is Biblical fiction at its finest. Connilyn Cossette knocks it out of the park yet again. The author truly has a gift of making the Bible come alive in full color and in 4-D where you can see, taste, touch, smell, and hear what it may have been like during the time periods she writes about. In this second book of the Covenant House series, we are transported to the city of Philistine's Ashdod during 1052BC while Samuel is rising in power as the judge in Israel. I can't imagine the amount of research it must have taken for the author to create such an incredible backdrop so that the average modern reader like myself can understand the culture that prevailed back then. Threaded within this setting is the utterly heart-breaking and heart-wrenching tale of a boy and a girl, separated and torn apart by bigotry, anger, hatred, war, misguided loyalty, insecurity, and so much regret. Though this book can be read as a stand-alone, I'd highly recommend reading the series in order so that you can fully appreciate Lukio's maturation into a man of honor and compassion.

Shoshana and Lukio are one of my favorite fictional couples whom I've had the pleasure to meet this year. Shoshana is strong, resourceful, and faithful even though she's been through so much pain and suffering in her short life. Lukio is steadfast, reliable, compassionate, and merciful even though he makes a living as a fighter. Tragedies of war and human sin are on full display throughout the story but the hope, grace, and forgiveness found in the One True God surpass all the ugliness. Beautiful pictures of spiritual and physical adoption are woven into the characters' lives. The themes of belonging, unconditional love, and true acceptance are so exquisitely drawn into the plot. It also has intrigue in the subplot which adds suspense and excitement. There are unexpected and tender friendships as well as betrayal. The secondary characters are so lovely and lovable that I wish the author would write more sequels to tell their stories. This book gave me goosebumps from how real everything felt, the raw emotions, and the surprising twists and turns. Be prepared to shed lots of tears - Lukio and Shoshana will bring you from the edge of despair to the mountaintop of purpose and unfailing love.

One of my top 2021 reads! I received the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

I will also add this review to Amazon tomorrow on the launch date. Thank you

This is a review for Connilyn Cossette's latest book "Between the Wild Branches". I wrote a review about the story, and spoiler alert, I do tell how the story ends, but I wanted to write a review of how the book touched my heart, and it really did...so know that if you read my long review. This book and this series is one of my favorites!!! I love Connilyn Cossette's writing style, stories, and characters. She is an excellent writer, and this story is so engaging, and NOT predictable at all! I honestly gave it 5 stars because I literally couldn't put it down! It comes out on July 6. Please consider buying it as you won't be sorry you did!


Review for Between the Wild Branches, book 2 of the House of Covenant Series by Connilyn Cossette
If you would have told me that I would love a sequel as much I loved the first book in a series, I would have told you that there's no way, but in the case of Between the Wild Branches, I loved it just as much as To Dwell Among the Cedars, which was the first book in Connilyn Cossette's House of Covenant series. I literally counted the days till the sequel came out, because o couldn't wait to find out what happened to Lukio, and I was not disappointed!
I found Lukio in Ashdod, and he had built a life of every type of pleasure known to man, and he was rich an famous fighter known as Demon Eyes, because he had one green eye and one brown. He had become a champion fighter that beat his opponents with the blood and gore that the people of the Philistine city of Ashdod cried out for. He was serving all their different gods, was rich, and had a home that was the envy of many people, so why was he not satisfied, and empty inside? I loved how the author showed that this high life, which most of us would think we would really enjoy if we could just become rich and famous, wasn't all it was cracked up to be.
But even though Lukio was empty inside, he still kept on pursuing his own desires and wants, and that lead him to get away from his cousin who used him all those years of fighting, to get rich himself, and becomes the champion of Ashdod.Lukio ends up partnering with the king of Ashdod, who offers him all he could dream of, if he would become his champion, take over organizing games for the people of Ashdod, and even offers his daughter in marriage Marida, to Lukio, which sounds like everything Lukio has ever dreamed of. It also will give him a chance to break away from his cousin, and start building a life of his own where he can be in charge of his own life and finances. What more could he want in life?
Well, all seemed well. He was back in Ashdod, had become the city's champion, who they named Demon Eyes, because he had one green eye and one brown, he was rich, and was to be married to the kings beautiful and kind daughter,, and now would be in charge of running those very games and fights he had participated in...life couldn't be better for Lukio, but at times, he really missed his sister, Eliora, who he had been there for him, and who abandoned in Kiriath Jearim after she was marriedif. He even missed the family who took him in on occasion, but the one he missed most of all, and even though he tried and tried to forget, was his Tesi. She still haunted his dreams, but he was bound and determined to forget his former life, and step into this new opportunity, and make the most of it.
The author also tells the story of Shoshana. We find her in Ashdod working as a slave to the third daughter of the king of Ashdod, Mariada, but her Mariada's mother is not the first wife of the King, but is the favored wife. Shoshana has been through a very hard life up to this point. She had always planned to marry her Lukio, but her father sold her to a wicked man, who was Lukio's nemesis, Medad, but her father owed that man money, so he gave Shoshana to him for marriage to pay his debts. Shoshana married him, and had a son and a daughter with him, but she never loved him, and he never loved or was ever kind to her, unlike her Lukio.
The philistines attacked the Hebrew city of Beth Shamesh where Shoshana and her husband were living in, and her husband was killed, and she sent her two children away and asked the man who she sent them with to please take them to Kirith Jearim to be with Eliora and the family who took her and Lukio in, because Shoshana had also grown up there, and knew they would be take care of. She said goodbye quickly to them, and thought she'd never see them again, and was captured by the Philistines, and was taken as a slave to the palace of the king to serve his daughter Mariada, the very woman Lukio was to be married to.
I was shocked as I was reading the book when Lukio when one day, he was strolling into the king's palace to visit his betrothed, and there standing off in the shadows waiting to serve her mistress, stands his Tesi, Shoshana to everyone else. The air comes out of his lungs, and the same for her, but neither can say anything to the other, or even let on that they knew each other. But then Lukio does remember just exactly the affect Shoshana has on him as we read when they met together for the first time they met, Lukio said, "Although I loosened my grip, I hated to let her go fully. It felt good to be so close to her again. Even after a decade’s worth of bitterness toward her and brokenness without her, her presence soothed me like it had always done, since the first day she’d appeared before me at our sycamore tree. The little girl with uneven braids, a dimpled smile, and so many freckles they reminded me of the night sky had refused to let me wallow in embarrassment and anger after my first scuffle with Medad." Wow! What a twist!
The author then weaves their stories back together again, but I don't want to ruin it for you...you must read it for yourself to find out what happens to Lukio and Shoshana.
I loved this story! I loved how the author takes two broken people, and weaves them back together, as God does us. As Christians, we have been grafted back into the tree that the Hebrews were born into, just as Lukio and Eliora were. Shoshana had come through so many hard times that she had no control over, but she continued to serve Yahweh, and He eventually healed those hurts all those hard times caused, and restored both her and Lukio individually and together. She brings in many people into both of their lives to help them on this journey, one specifically that I was shocked and so excited to meet, which was the character of Jaru, who was the son of the beloved Hebrew nurse who loved and trained Lukio and his sister in the ways and stories of Yahweh, and who sacrificed her life to rescue them. I loved that the author wove him into this story, and he became one of Lukio's dear friends, and helps them, and many others escape from Ashdod at a great risk to himself and his family!
I also loved how the Lukio's Hebrew family never stopped loving him, or gave up on him. They looked for him after he left, but were unsuccessful. When the opportunity came to rescue Lukio from Ashdod, they never hesitated. He was still there brother, and they were bound and determined to bring him home!
What I really loved most about the story was the restoration process of Lukio and Shoshana, which were polar opposites. God restored them individually, and then together! Lukio's early life was filled with hardship, but he was cared for by so many people that the Lord had put in his path, but he didn't know how to accept that love, and it made him bitter. It wasn't till after he saw Shoshana again, that the ice began to thaw in his life, and his eyes were open to the love that could have been his had he not rejected it. Just like he said in the book, "There had been such strain between myself and my older brothers during the years I spent in Kiryat-Yearim, all of it due to my refusal to believe that they accepted me as I was. I’d taken most everything they said or did as a slight of some sort, never understanding that even their gentle chastisements were offered from a place of love." So Lukio had to face some hard facts that the problem wasn't everyone else, but his refusal to believe that his Hebrew family, the one God had sent him to, had accepted him exactly as he was. It wasn't until he realized that, that the healing began, and he could finally accept all God had offered him.
Lukio was shown such love and acceptance from Shoshana first, then Jaru, then his family, and even Igo, a boy who used to follow him around everywhere, but who Lukio never really appreciated. Then Lukio gets an opportunity to pay forward the love and care he has received when he gets the opportunity to save a young Hebrew slave boy, Zevi, who Lukio rescues from the fate of slavery many suffered back then.
Watching Lukio take Zevi under his wing like his Hebrew dad did for him, was amazing to watch. I loved how to author allowed Lukio to pay the love and care he received forward to a boy who was only a slave, because Lukio for all his wealth was only a slave in reality as well - a slave to his cousin who used him to become rich, and a slave to the king of Ashdod who only wanted to use Lukio to increase his wealth and power as well. Lukio realized neither of these men cared for him, and realized those who did love him, only wanted him, not what he could do for them!
Then there was Shoshana, whose pain she experienced was mostly caused by the others in her life, was restored by her Creator, who she never gave up on, and He never gave up on Him. She didn't become bitter even after being married to a man who didn't care for her which meant giving up her beloved Lukio, nor even when she lost her children after the Philistine raid, nor after watching her daughter day after day being raised by another woman, nor after watching all the horrible things that happened to her people at the hands of the Philistines. Wow! I am not sure I could have done that. No, Shoshana just kept doing what she could to help others by helping rescue slaves with her network of friends, and serving her mistress with great love and care. She could have hated her mistress, Mariada, because she was to be married to Lukio, but she set aside her own feelings and desires, and was determined to love her mistress, and do all she could to help Mariada have the life she so desperately wanted. That can only be done with love and commitment to Yahweh, which Shoshana was completely committed to, despite all she had gone through.
The author shows how God can restore broken lives and loves, and brings Lukio and Shoshana back together again, and after much repentance, mostly on Lukio's part, and forgiveness, they were completely restored to one another!
First God brought Lukio back into Shoshana life, but she thought he wasn't the same Lukio she knew and loved, which she says in the book, "And truly, I had no way of knowing whether the boy I knew back then was even the same person, or if in returning to Ashdod and becoming a brutal fighter he’d tossed aside all of the traits that had caused me to trust him so completely."
She knew she has broken his heart all those years ago,back then he was ready to spend the rest of his life with her, but this man who she saw and knew as the renowned "Demon Eyes", she thought was not the same person. She did hope and pray one day she would make it back home with her daughter, and be reunited with her children but for now she resolved herself to be a good slave to Mariada, help rescue whoever was sent to her network, and to trust God with the rest.
God did rescue Shoshana and her baby from the Philistines, and brought Shoshana back to Kirith Jearim to be reunited with Eliora and the family that loved her and Lukio, and loved Shoshana as well, as she grew up not far from them. She was reunited with her children here but was worried she would not be reunited with Lukio, and said, "“I got my children back. My baby was returned to me. It almost seems greedy to beg Yahweh for Lukio too.."
She knew Lukio loved her, but what about her children, as they are a packaged deal? But she worried for nothing as this is Lukio's response to that fear, “There is not one moment since you found me under our tree that I have not wanted to be close to you, Tesi ,” he said, “even when I was a fool and ran away. Your children are part of you, part of the woman that I adore, and I will not wait one day longer than necessary to make you all mine.” This especially touched me because I too, was adopted by my step dad, who took my older sister was 5 and I was three. We were unwanted by our father who left us and our mother. My mom.met a young man who cherished her, and adopted us, gave us his name, and became our dad who loved and cherished us as Lukio did Asher, Davina, Aaliyah and Zevi. His whole family accepted us, and treated us as their own. Now my daughter just !married a young man who has a 2 & 4 year old, and now I have the opportunity to show them the love and care Yahweh has shown me through His Son, Jesus Christ, to them, as Lukio did with the love of Yahweh and his family!
And finally I loved how the author not only restored Lukio to Shoshana and her family, but how His purpose all along was to restore Lukio to Himself! Many years before, God had sent the prophet Samuel to visit Lukios Hebrew family, and Samuel had a prophecy from the Lord about Lukio, which he had rejected. Then through the process of restoration, the Lord opened Lukios eyes to see the sin of rebellion, resentment, bitterness, and showed him the need to repent and turn from those sins that had entangled him, and turn his life to the one true God, Yahweh,who created Him, loved him, and was responsible for his rescue from the king of Ashdod, and restoration to his beloved Tesi (Shoshana), her children, and Zevi and his Hebrew family who he had hurt deeply. The Bible tells us God's kindness leads us to repentance, and we see that in Lukio's story.
Lukio realized after Shoshana came back into his life, that all his bitterness towards Shoshana, his sister Ellora, who he called Risk, towards his Hebrew parents and family..well I will let you hear his own words when Shoshana confronted him about his past, and how wrong his bitterness had been, "“Not angry,” he said, the words so soft I barely heard them. “Jealous.” Again, his honest response surprised me. “Of their acceptance of Eliora?”“No. I never questioned why they would love Risi so much. One cannot help but know that she is everything good in the world. It was her affection for them that I envied.”“But she adored you. Her heart toward you never changed. I’m certain it still has not, regardless of your foolish decision to run away.”“She was my sister,” he said. “My everything. For my entire life it had been just Risi and me. Truly, in many ways, she was a mother to me. And when we arrived in Kiryat -Yearim, it wasn’t only the two of us anymore.”“You were angry that she wanted to be part of their family?”“I suppose so. And I was angry that she kept me from Ashdod and all the things I thought I wanted. I begged her for months to go back. But she refused to even entertain the idea. I blamed Elazar and the others for persuading her to remain. The resentment festered inside me for so long that I was unable to look at any of it without bitterness, nor was I mature enough to see that I was blaming all the wrong people for all the wrong things.”
Lukio repents, and is restored to his Creator and God brings back the memory of how He sent the prophet Samuel all those years ago to prophesy something that Lukio was seeing fulfilled that very day of his restoration, "Since the moment the thunder began, the rest of Samuel’s words from so many years ago in that apple orchard had been circling around and around in my mind. They’d meant nothing to me at the time , and I could never have predicted their exact fulfillment would happen today, but now they made perfect sense. “And when you stand at the watchtower and hear thunder from on high, your knee will bow to the True King.” And that is exactly what he did, and therefore he would live out his days loving Yahweh first, then the family he had received as a blessing from Him!

This book is fabulous! It's so well-written, with tons of details that show what day-to-day life was like at the time, interesting plot lines that show the tensions and conflicts between the Philistines and Hebrews in addition to the main storyline, and absolutely wonderful characters in Lukio and Shoshana. Shoshana has this quiet strength that made me admire her, while, Lukio, who is a bit of a mess but a heart of gold, absolutely stole my heart. He has just such a relatable character, with wounds from his childhood that hadn't quite healed leaving him hurting and vulnerable and kind of lost. I loved seeing how he just couldn't help but be kind to people, even as he has spent his life pushing people away. I just loved reading his story and seeing how things played out for him and Shoshana. Even though there's a lot of dark stuff that happens in this book, due to the violence and depravity of the Philistine culture, it was still such a boost to my spirit as it showed how God's goodness and love can shine even in those dark places and times. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!
I read an ARC provided by the author via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This is one of the very few books I couldn't predict it's direction. The twists and turns are to die for. My God! I was amazed beyond reason.

If there was any book that screamed divine providence, appointment and God's sovereignty, it was this book. It reminded me so much of the verse in Scripture that says, God is watching over His word to bring it to pass.

I felt like crying after the book ended. The story was so sweet and made me feel so good and warm inside that I did not want it to end. I knew Lukio's story was going to be mind-blowing but I did not imagine it was going to be so exhilarating, exciting, and touching. I had tears in my eyes through parts of the story. His story shows how God changes a person's heart inside out, how he adopts one into his family and forgets ones past. I saw restoration, love, redemption, the firece and undying love of God and the devotion and loyalty of family illustrated in this book.

I loved how Lukio adored Shoshana. Distances and circumstances did not douse their love for each other. I loved the name her called her "Tesi"
Her heart, devotion and loyalty floored me. How one could be so kind and loyal, with no regard for their comfort amazed me. She deserved every happiness she got.

It was refreshing to see the other characters in To Dweel Among Cedars featured in this book. I sure missed those beautiful woods.

Connilyn Cossette excels at what she does.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

Another great book by Connilyn Cossette. Biblical fiction at its best. Even though this book is part of a series this book is fine on its own. Great descriptions, great characters. And abundant grace at its best.

I was really excited to read the sequel to To Dwell Among Cedars, as I loved Lukio! He is a troubled soul throughout the first book, but he tries so hard to keep from hurting, I can’t help but love him. And now we have am entire sequel about him! And Soshana, who made a brief appearance in the first novel too. I really think you should read book 1 in order to enjoy this fully though it can be read as a standalone (but why would you, when you can place these beautiful covers together and have a complete picture?).

We’re ten years later, and Lukio has left his adoptive family and is back in Philistia where he has built a name and fortune for himself as a fighter. But he has bigger plans, he wants to be rid of the toxic influence of his cousin, and approaches the king with his ideas for a festival of sports. The king hires him om spot and adds a bonus: one of his daughters.

Meanwhile Soshana finds herself in a very different situation, she has lost her husband and finds herself enslaved by the enemy, Lukio’s people. And of course, she meets Lukio again and I can tell you the situation could NOT have been more awkward, exactly when he meets his new fiancee. Old feeling arise, but also old hurts and their new situation complicate everything, so Lukio’s comfortable life is turned upside down and he has te reevaluate everything he thought he knew. And Soshana has some secrets of her own…

I absolutely lived for their relationship. It kept me on edge, because there were so many unresolved things! And the plot was very intense, a lot is happening, but it doesn’t take away from the character development. I just had to keep reading! It got bad as I accidentally read for an entire night. I can’t say much without spoilers, but Soshana is amazing and brave and loyal and I love her.

And the setting! I never read a book about Philistia before, but it was so interesting! I think a lot of research went into it, and it shows as the setting feels very authentic and yet a bit foreign which is perfect, it felt so real! I have to mention, this culture is not for the faint of heart. I think the author balanced it out very well, showing the very realistic struggles, yet not too graphic and through the darkness it always ends with hope. The spiritual message of the prodigal son is very subtly woven through, and I think this book can be very uplifting to many people.

I also loved how the author stayed clear of clichés, the fiancee of Lukio was extremely sweet and fierce at the same time, and I loved her (can we get another book with her as main character?). The other side characters were all very interesting and complex. And the end had me in tears. Happy tears.

All in all it’s safe to say I loved everything lol!

I received a free e-arc through Netgalley, thanks to Bethany House, but it hasn’t influenced my opinions.

Did that mean the God of the universe might actually care about him?

Once again the author has taken us back to Ashdod in 1052 BC. So sure no one loved or cared about him, Lukio left his sister and the Hebrew settlement behind and has become Demon Eyes - the best fighter in all of the Philistine nation. Unexpectedly finding his lost love in Ashdod, he begins to question his rash decision.

Runaways, kidnapping, murder and more - will the Golden Box continue to plague the Philistines or will they be able to find and destroy it? Perhaps Yahweh has Lukio in Ashdod for a purpose. Will he be willing to do what he can, even if it means death? He was chosen to be a son - will he accept?

This story will keep you enthralled right up till the end, never allowing you to set it aside until the conclusion. Are we, as recipients of unmerited grace, ready to be used to further the kingdom?

An ARC was received through Baker House Publishing Group, Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. These impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

Before I begin, I have to admit my own bias ;): I have absolutely loved every book I have read of Ms. Cossette and this book is no exception. I have especially enjoyed her themes, characters, as well as her talent for bringing the Biblical accounts to life. Before reading Ms. Cossette's Out of Egypt series, I was basically unaware of the entire biblical fiction genre. If you are unfamiliar with the writings of Connilyn Cossette I highly suggest that you pick up any of her books. If you want to start from the beginning, I would recommend begining with exploring her Out of Egypt series followed by her Cities of Refuge series and, finally, her current series entitled The Covenant House.
Without giving away the excitement of the many plot twists involved in Between the Wild Branches, I want to give a brief description. This book finds a now-famous Lukio nearly a decade after the closing of To Dwell Among Cedars. Lukio has left behind his adoptive and blood family to find fame and fortune as a fighter in the land of the Philistines. Just when Lukio thinks he is finding success and achieving his ambitions of fame and fortune, Lukio's past flashes before him in the form of his lost childhood love, Shoshana.
Shoshana has been enslaved by the royal Philistine family and has many hidden scars and heartbreaks of her own. When Shoshana sees Lukio after ten years it is in a fighting ring with a huge crowd cheering him on. Could this possibly be the same Lukio who was a quiet, sweet, yet misunderstood young boy? Could the one the crowd of Philistia calls "demon eyes" still have a good heart? Is he still the same kind hearted friend she grew up with? Shoshana discovers the shocking situation that Lukio suddenly finds himself in, that of being engaged to the king's daughter. Can Lukio help Shoshana with her struggles? Will he want to? Can Shoshana recover from heartbreak again? Will Lukio's luck persist? Can Shoshana convince Lukio to return to his family and her homeland? Will there be anything left to come home to?
To be honest, when I discovered that Lukio was the focus of the next book in this series, I was surprised. I was curious if the plot would be exciting enough because I couldn't remember Lukio's character standing out in the previous book of the series. My worries couldn't have been further from the truth. Between the Wild Branches is an exceptionally exciting, fast-paced adventure full of plot twists and heart-wrenching situations. I thoroughly enjoyed and loved the main characters of Lukio and Shoshana, especially since it felt as if the readers were able to watch Lukio and Shoshana grow from young children with fears and troubles to full grown adults with dangerous secrets and problems.
I hope that you have the opportunity to read Between the Wild Branches. If you are looking for an entertaining, can't-put-it-down kind of book, this is it! It does not disappoint and I think that it is a very wholesome and worth the read!
Disclaimer: Bethany House Publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

Between the Wild Branches is a stunning finale for the Covenant House duology. While each can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading To Dwell Among Cedars first. I was so happy to read Lukio's story, which celebrates the power of repentance and unmerited grace.

Connilyn Cossette has painted a brilliant tapestry of words, bringing to life ancient history. While this is a work of fiction, it in no way conflicts with biblical truths. Cossette's research into Philistia's history and culture come to life under her pen. This poignant story of grace checked off many boxes for me: adventure, fast-paced plot, strong characters, family and faith. The compassionate humanity Cossette portrayed within her characters' motivations and beliefs held me captive from the very first paragraph.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

My new favorite from Connilyn Cossette! The character development in Between the Wild Branches was explosive and exquisite. Lukio captivated my attention in the first book because he was so wounded, confused and misunderstood. I knew he was a powerhouse just waiting for the right development. Wow. Lukio has finally achieved all he ever wanted and escaped from all the painful memories and questions. Until he sees Shoshana one night. In a moment’s breath, his newly created empire begins to crumble from the inside out. Shoshana has her own painful past and secrets as well that fully explain her behaviors, past and present. I love the contrasts in their characters and personalities and yet the way they complement one another. The plot is so perfectly paced that I just kept turning pages and before I knew it, I was breathing deeply as I turned the last page. The historical details are rich and informative. The ever presence of God is powerfully peaceful and a beautiful reminder from start to finish. Do not miss this one!!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

I devoured Between the Wild Branches by Connilyn Cossette. Mortal danger, secrets of the past, and palace conspiracies combined to produce an adventuresome read that kept me turning the pages of Lukio and Shoshana’s story. Though their youthful romance derailed with her betrothal to another, longing and mutual concern laced every interaction between the two characters, and I couldn’t help but hope for complete reconciliation. Also, I admired Lukio’s strength, character development, and example of true repentance. His transformation during the story aligned with a powerful theme of eschewing evil and clinging to good.

Between the Wild Branches stands as the final installment in The Covenant House Duology by Connilyn Cossette. While this novel can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading To Dwell Among Cedars first as the reader gets a front row view to young Lukio’s experiences rather than abbreviated memories. Also, towards the end of Between the Wild Branches, quite a few characters from book one reappear and I think I would have been a bit lost if I had not read the first novel.

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

What a beautiful and satisfying conclusion to an excellent series! I am always impressed by the detail and research that Ms Cossette includes in her books! I loved the growth and change in the main characters and the realistic plot. I also loved the symbolism that is present. Another 5 star book from Connilyn Cossette

Loved this one even more than the first. While reading the last half of the book, I couldn't wait to put it down. I appreciated seeing the differences in culture between the Hebrews and the Philistines that Connilyn Cossette researched. Her writing makes you feel like you are in the story and among the characters. I love Lukio's story of redemption and the way that so many of the characters are woken together. Even though some of the story is hard to read at times due to the many injustices that the characters face, the injustices make the characters more real and the story that much more beautiful. Highly recommend this book, especially to lovers of historical fiction.

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

What an amazing book this was. I had been waiting for this book since finishing book 1, To Dwell Among Cedars. I could hardly wait to read it and it was as good as I had hoped and expected from this wonderful author.
This was Lukio's story as his past comes back into his life and finds the woman he cared so much for in his youth. But so much has happened since they were torn apart from the wishes of her father. So many changes and things to complicate their lives.

There is a very interesting storyline and a story of repentance and striving for the good as opposed to the evil. Both books of this set are excellent and make for good biblical period fiction. I love historical things and the lifestyle and events are always very interesting to read about.

I love this author's work and can't wait to see what her next book will be about. I am sure it will be amazing!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own.

My Review:

It's not often that when I start the next book in a series that my mind still feels so fresh from the previous one. Well, with Between the Wild Branches certainly felt like it picked up with my emotions right where To Dwell Among Cedars left off - at least with my emotions towards Lukio.

I wasn't surprised to find Lukio exactly where I expected - in a fight for money. Sigh... it was rough to find him in such conditions, but that seemed to be what he was searching for when he left Kirya-Yearim all those years ago. He really was just a heart broken, lost boy back then. While my heart went out to him, I was also frustrated with him. lol

I think Lukio reminds me of all of us in one way or another to some extent. We're all trying to find our purpose. Some of us are running because we don't know what that purpose is and the running makes us feel safe only to find out we're not where we thought we'd be.

It was such an interesting idea to be drawn into Philistia fictional world. The way we see them in the Bible as so ruthless and following idols, I liked how the author created an idea of what it was like during those times. And for her to bring Shoshana into this difficult world brought the story to life.

To see Lukio now through not only Shoshana's eyes, but also through the eyes of the Philistines was quite the dichotomy. When she first was remembering their childhood together in book one, I felt like I was remembering it at the same time. I could also feel the tension of having lived in two different worlds for Lukio. He can see his future with King Nicaro's daughter, but now he's being reminded of his past.

I loved watching God's hand move throughout this entire story! We know about the Ark and it being sent back to the Israelites, but to get a glimpse of slaves in Philistia and how God uses people to rescue them is wonderful! The way He ties people together to work for His good! So well done!!

Of course, the redemption thread in the story is, to me, the most important one. Also, grace and mercy are shown through a variety of characters in the story. All important ones for us to use as examples in our own lives. Betrayal comes with a price, but when there's a chance to give mercy and/or grace, that we should take the opportunity to do so!

I can't wait to see what Connilyn Cossette has up her sleeve for her next novel, but not matter what, I'll be first in line to read it!!

I love ancient historical fiction, and Ms. Cossette is a pretty good writer. The story was original, and I liked the different setting and story. I liked how she portrayed the Philistines, (not all bad, but not all good either) - unlike biblical texts - and I enjoyed the growing love between the two characters. Fans of biblical fiction will enjoy this.

The thing we never talk about in Prodigal Son stories is all the time the Prodigal loses while he is prodigal. Sure, we cover the bad at the beginning, we mention the stuff he’s going through during, and we definitely discuss the return home, but all the life that is missed — what family and friend’s go through while the Prodigal is gone, how they change and grow and marry and have kids and get jobs, etc. — is just missed and we never talk about it. Our perspective always stays with the Prodigal. He becomes the focus and all those he left just get left. For me, this is always the most devastating aspect of any Prodigal Son story. Between the Wild Branches really had me thinking on Prodigals. What drives us to be prodigal? Whether we want to admit it or not, we all have prodigal moments in our lives. We all “leave” to pursue what we want, when we want it, how we want it. We think we are so smart. We think we know better than those who love us the most. In fact, we convince ourselves that maybe our loved ones don’t really love us the most or they wouldn’t keep us from that thing we want. So we leave. In book 1, To Dwell Among Cedars, Lukio is a teenager. He is hurt by others and he doesn’t get what he wants, so he leaves. He leaves his adopted family, his dear sister, and the girl he loves all because he has hurt feelings, because he is stubborn, and because he assumes a whole lot. He decides to take control over his own life … and runs right into slavery. At first, slavery looks and feels good. He rises in the ranks as Ashdod’s best fighter. Women want him. Men want to be him. Every worldly desire is at his fingertips. He doesn’t need anyone or any god because Lukio is his own man. At the start of Between the Wild Branches, Lukio is pretty much at the top of his world. And then he sees Shoshana, the girl who got away, and his cushy, opulent life gets shifted on its very axis. The Prodigal has to face his truth — and what a journey it is!

This novel, like every other novel by Cossette, is outstanding. There are so many nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat moments that I feel Between the Wild Branches is totally unputdownable. My husband asked me to describe the storyline in a sentence and I told him, “Think Schindler’s List but scarier.” When I read in the Bible about the different kingdoms and rulers that surrounded Israel, I clearly get the sense that the nations were exceptionally debauched and devoid of a moral compass. The Philistines were a rough people. I know good people existed in these various nations — Rahab and Ruth spring to mind — but in general, the nations were scary. Cossette does a great job capturing this aspect when she recreates ancient Ashdod. She also does a great job illustrating the hatred the Philistines felt towards the Israelites. King Nicaro is a straight-up terrifying character who wants to hurt and shame and destroy every Israelite, and what he allows to be done to people is gut-wrenching and sickening. BUT, no matter how bad Nicaro gets GOOD thwarts his plans. Yes, this earth is pretty terrifying right now. I think it may even be as scary as the days of the ancient Philistine. Right now it looks the darkest I have ever seen it and even scarier things are on the horizon. But no matter how dark it gets, God has His people stationed all over doing His good works. For some, that looks like teaching the kids no one really cares about or expects much out of; for some, it’s fighting terrorists in a military setting; and for some, it’s being in the trenches desperately doing everything they can to save humans from trafficking (just like in Between the Wild Branches). No matter how dark it gets, God still wins cause GOOD is still here. This is the point of Between the Wild Branches. We cannot lose hope in these dark times. Light will always prevail. What a perfectly beautiful truth and such an inspirational reminder for us all today.

Between the Wild Branches is AMAZING and I loved every minute of this story. This is definitely a book I will re-read again. I highly recommend this story and hope that you will immediately add it to your TBR list. This is a book you do not want to miss!

I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, via NetGalley in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Between the Wild Branches
by Connilyn Cossette
Bethany House
You Like Them You Are Auto-Approved
Bethany House Publishers
Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance
Pub Date 06 Jul 2021 | Archive Date 11 Aug 2021
This is the second book in the series so you may want to backtrack and read the first one for background.
This is a new author for me, but I love Bethany House and the books they have so I thought I would give it a try.
I'm glad I did. Great book! Thanks to Bethany House and Net Galley for the ARC.
I do have a pet peeve though: how many times did the author say Lukio is "big and beautiful." Too much sensuality for this type of book.
4 star