Shield of the Mighty by Connilyn Cossette is a Christian Historical Fiction novel set during the time of Biblical Saul. It is jam packed with adventure, betrayals, distrust, fascinating history, varied characters, wholesome romance and family dynamics. But the author's main focus is Yahweh, our All. He guides and protects us but gives us free will. Sometimes our decisions are for our glory, not God's, as demonstrated in this beautiful story. Cossette reminds us of the importance and power of repentance and forgiveness. Be sure to read her notes at the end.

Yochana is a plucky young widow and knows just the right combinations of flowers, herbs, oils, resins and minerals to make the best perfumes and medicinal balms. She is angered and bewildered when Zevi, a respected captain and recruiter for Saul's army, takes her. Surprisingly, she is treated with great care. She discovers she is to become Saul's royal family's personal perfumer but she has questions. Told in both characters' perspectives, the reader discovers more of their back stories, including Zevi's adoptive father. They have reasons to oppose the Philistines and believe God chose Saul. The trials they face at times seem insurmountable, but God has unparalleled ways to work in their (and our) lives. He prepares us for life even before we're born. These are the hands which tenderly hold us!

A rich tapestry of details is gorgeously woven with vivid imagery of daily life, bits of war, turmoil and love. I really liked mentions of Biblical characters including Samuel and Saul, the Ark of the Covenant and cultural mores which breathe life into the story. It isn't a stretch to imagine the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the era. The writing itself is lovely and points to our Father.

My sincere thank you to Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this enchanting novel.

Cossette has a gift of bringing to life the stories of the Old Testament, making the truths applicable to our lives thousands of years later. She skillfully inserts historical detail and fiction to flesh out the story, her vivid prose appealing to our senses, transporting readers as the Bible is brought to life.

Shield of the Mighty is a strong addition to The King's Men series which focuses on the role of four young cousins as they are drawn into battle with Israel's first king. Zevi's past continues to haunt him, with vengeance as his driving force. His role is to recruit and train soldiers as well as discover talented young artisans for King Saul.

Zevi's mission slowly unfolds into a touching journey of faith, as he seeks God's plan and purpose. His growing friendship with Yochana, a young perfumer, helps him survive an unexpected betrayal. As he seeks to right wrongs, he learns a powerful lesson. "El Shaddai, the Might One, would be my shield and I could absolutely trust in His strength and righteousness. "

Woven throughout this story is a beautiful romance. The witty banter between the two brought more than one smile to my face.

Cossette has skillfully inserted foreshadowing that has me eagerly awaiting Gabriel's story in the next book of the series.

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

The Soldier and the Perfumer

A wonderful story of a soldier named Zevi in King Saul’s army and the beautiful perfumer Yochana. It is a story of love, romance, war and obedience to God.

Zevi was captured by the Philistines at an early age and his village was destroyed along with his young cousins who he tried to save. Since that time as a young boy, he has vowed revenge on the Philistines.

As the mighty captain in Saul’s army, he is sent to conscript men for the army and artisans for Saul’s kingdom. In doing so he kidnaped a young perfumer who refuses to go with him to serve in the king’s service.

How he later repents this mistake is part of the story of how he finally puts aside his revenge and listens to what God has to tell him. It takes the death of a friend and the betrayal of one of his most trusted companions along with danger to the perfumer he has fallen in love with to teach him this lesson.

I liked how the Philistine man took in Zevi to be his son and how he converted to knowing God and raised Zevi to be one of his family.

I also liked how Yochana was able to forgive Zevi for kidnapping her and finally was instrumental in saving his life.

It is a heartwarming story of biblical times and I enjoyed reading. it, I think you will enjoy it as well.

I received a copy of this book for free. The review is voluntary and in my own words.

Another stellar Biblical Fiction novel by Connilyn Cossette! This book has solid potential to be my top read of the year this year! With wonderful characters, new perspectives on Biblical events, solid spiritual truths and a fantastic plotline, this one will be hard to beat. This book is the 2nd book in the King's Men series. Though I believe enough information is given to be able to enjoy this story on its own, it is best read not only after Voice of the Ancient (book 1), but also Between the Wild Branches, as Zevi is a minor character in both of those books and this book expands on those experiences. Fans of the author will be glad to finally learn the motivations for Zevi's introspective and observant nature and more about the events who have shaped him into the person he is today. When he is sent to the town of his birth to recruit additional soldiers for Saul's army, he is taken with the local perfumer. Since he is also tasked with bringing artisans back for King Saul's court, he seeks to recruit Yochana as well. And thus begins a story of love, betrayal, healing, and surrender. Taking place during the time of King Saul and the war with the Philistines, Cosette once again brings the Bible to life by weaving a beautiful story set in the times surrounding key events. I don't imagine I'll read the events of 1 Samuel the same again. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Connilyn Cossette is my go-to author for riveting Biblical fiction. I can always count on her stories to sweep me away to Biblical times and places and keep me engrossed and turning pages. Shield of the Mighty is Cossette’s second book in The King’s Men series and stars Zevi, who is a captain in King Saul’s army. He is sent to surrounding cities to recruit soldiers to join the army and fight against the Philistines. He is also tasked with finding skilled artisans to serve in Saul’s court. When he happens upon talented and beautiful perfume maker Yochana, he tries to persuade her to join his group. Zevi is courageous and loyal, but his difficult past is proving hard to overcome. Yochana, whose husband was killed in battle, is plucky and has a gift for healing. The story alternates between the points of view of these two characters, and it’s interesting to see what each is feeling.

Cossette is a master at creating vividly-drawn, colorful, engaging characters and bringing them alive in a captivating tale. Her stories are richly detailed and impeccably researched and always have a deep inspirational message. This book has a very strong faith message as well as a message of the importance of family, whether biological or adopted. I recommend this book and series to those who enjoy Biblical historical fiction.

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

Another winner from Connilyn Cossette! I have loved every single book of hers that's I've read so far, and this one is no exception. I read this and Voice of the Ancient back-to-back, and it's a wonderful story, and an interesting glimpse into how the various tribes of Israel would have been reacting to a Benjamite king versus the one from Judah that they were expecting. I'm eagerly anticipating the next one as we are still waiting to find out what has happened to the youngest cousin from the original foursome.

As always, Connilyn Cossette's newest book is full of action, drama, redemption, historical richness, and two broken main characters who end finding belonging with each other <3 This book follows Zevi, a military commander, and Yochana, a widow perfumer (business owning woman!!), in their journey to follow King Saul's orders. Never a dull moment, the plot always kept me on my toes and the history seeped in the pages fully immersed me in the story! I learned so much about perfume making and flowers haha. Z and Y's enemies to lovers (clean) love story was sweet, although I was shocked at what Zevi thought was a good idea to bring her with them... gotta read it to find out. Some of the romantic scenes are swoonworthy, even when Zevi was being a little cheeky lol. There's also a dog for part of the book, which made my dog-loving heart happy!

And with all her books, God is the one who binds the story together, in both MCs lives. You really get a sense of God's sovereignty from their stories. Also, seeing and hearing from Saul was so cool, since I haven't read a lot of biblical fiction with him in it.

I also realized that I love her stories, but I think I prefer the audio versions of her writing style. So there will be a future reread, but on audio!! Here are some my favorite quotes:

“‘And you trust King Saul?’ ... ‘I trust the God who placed him on the throne.’”

“It didn’t matter that her hair was streaked with mud and her tangled hair was a sopping, matted mess. I’d never seen anything more beautiful in my life.”

“It may be your perfume that drew me into your shop that day, Yochana. But it was you who captured me first.”

“What if I stopped holding on to what I thought my life should be and let Adonai determine my path? What would happen if I stopped gripping so tightly to what I held dear and opened my hands instead?”

“Are you ever going to look at me?” 🤤🫠

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for an advanced reader e-copy. All opinions are my own.

I am immersed in the world of ancient Israel when I read Connilyn Cossette's books! The writing is so genuine and engrossing. Hebrew history comes alive in ways I've never known before. This story follows Zevi and Yochana's story. They battle each other and others before finally trusting in Yahweh, the God who shields them. I laughed out loud at some parts and cried at others. Faith, adventure, and love all come together in this beautiful story. I highly recommend this book!

I'm going to go back and read the Scripture from this time period and renew it in my mind. God's power has not changed in all these years. He is still the God who makes the earth tremble.

I read an advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Open the pages of this beautiful book and you are transported to ancient Israel where you will meet up with Zevi, one of the boys from Kiryat-Yearim, all grown up. Be prepared for a wild adventure, new and old friends, intrigue, betrayal, and sweet romance all wrapped up in faith journeys that the author does such a wonderful job of weaving into her stories. Connilyn Cossette’s extensive research into ancient Israel, the culture and landscape will have you experiencing life in that time and place just as if you were there. The author’s love of Yahweh shines through, with hope for all broken people. And no story of Cossette’s would be complete with that one special animal to add spice and interest. An absolute must read.
“He is the shield that protects you, the sword you boast in.” Deut. 33:29

I received a digital ARC copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed seeing the unfolding of Zevi and Yochana's relationship. He was immediately drawn to Yochana but had to learn how to share pieces of himself with her.

Yochana had to overcome her bias against soldiers and learn to trust him. Both learned to let God direct their lives.

Throughout Shield of the Mighty, Zevi searched for his lost cousin, giving the reader glimpses into Zevi's character and hope that Shalem is alive.

I appreciated the insight Ms. Cossette provided into life after the first king of Israel was chosen. It added depth and color to the story, deepening my understanding of the events during Saul's reign.

Readers of Shield of the Mighty will be reminded to let God be their shields. Instead of trying to do everything on their own, lean on the King of kings.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.

Thank you to Connilyn Cossette, NetGalley, and Bethany House for this #gifted book!*

Synopsis: “What if I stopped holding on to what I thought my life should be and let Adonai determine my path? What would happen if I stopped gripping so tightly to what J held dear and opened up my hands instead?” As a captain in Saul’s army, Zevi is tasked with a mission to complete if he is to grow in his military status. He must travel his region, collect new recruits, and convince skilled artisans to serve in Saul’s court. When he reaches the town that abandoned him, he meets a young widow by the name of Yochana who happens to be a skilled perfumer, one of the best he’s ever encountered. In unconventional ways, Yochana comes to travel with Zevi’s company of soldiers. But when Zevi’s mission is compromised, Yochana and he must overcome their tumultuous pasts and fight for the safety of their future.

Analysis: Connilyn Cossette’s The King’s Men series is one you don’t want to miss! I absolutely loved this second installment of it, possibly even more than the first! But you need to read book one first (there’s a major side plot!). In this book, Yochana and Zevi are both genuine and admirable in their characters as they fight to overcome real-life struggles of their pasts, and the romance is sweet as these two figure out their future. Connilyn creates a beautiful picture with her descriptions of ancient Israel. I love how she makes this story come to life with what it might have been like at the start of Israel’s kingdom. Filled with both beauty and truth, Shield of the Mighty makes the humble beginnings of ancient Israel come alive in a moving story that will draw your heart and eyes to the Creator of it all.

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions ťexpressed in this review are my own.

I quickly read the first book in The King's Men series so I was prepared for Shield of the Mighty. The historical biblical setting of these stories really transported me there and was educational!

I was totally engaged with these characters and worried about their well-being!

Depth of the characters was explored by showing what healthy relationships are and aren't. Characters humbled themselves, admitted weaknesses and sin, repented and followed through on change, maturing.

The romance was the final "happy sigh" of this amazing story. I am happy to see there will be a third book in the series!

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House. Opinions are my own.

Masterful characters kept true to Biblical truths. Battles fought by King Saul's men bring the geography to life. The presence of Yahweh in the battles shows His Might.

I eagerly anticipated Shield of the Mighty, second in Connilyn Cossette's The King's Men series. Having read Voice of the Ancient, first in the series, in May, I was not disappointed. I await the next two in the series releasing August 2025 and 2026.

Releases Aug. 20th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

Be transported to 1040 BC and see what the soldiers of Israel have to do to prepare to serve King Saul against the Phillistines. Zevi, one of the cousins from book one, Voice of the Ancient, is tasked with recruiting men for the army as well as artisans to benefit King Saul. Yochana is a perfumer and has lost her young husband to a battle and has disdain for the king.
From mistrust to awakening romance, through adventures and courageous actions, Zevi and Yochana grow in respect for eachother. Zevi has a complicated background and would seek revenge on the enemy for what they did to his hometown. But God has placed him in a loving family with a father who gave sound advice: “Just as a soldier trusts his commander and a commander trusts the king, you must trust the King above all Kings to direct you…the orders are more often whispered than shouted.”
I was captivated by the story and the Bible was brought to life. The descriptions of the perfuming craft and ingredients was very interesting. I loved the loyalty portrayed by Zevi’s family, especially when he was accused of murder.
If you like Biblical fiction, you will not want to miss this engaging tale of adventure.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

In the world of ancient Israel, where battles are fought with steel and hearts are tested, Connilyn Cossette’s Shield of the Mighty transports readers into a vivid landscape of courage, skills, and faith. This masterful narrative intertwines the paths of Zevi, a warrior molded by hardship, and Yochana, a widow whose delicate touch with perfumes masks a resilient spirit. Their story unfolds like a finely blended fragrance, each layer revealing deeper complexities of love, duty, and divine purpose.

Zevi, captured by the Philistines as a boy, emerges as a formidable captain in King Saul’s army, tasked with the grave mission of recruiting soldiers and artisans for the king’s court. His journey back to Maresha, a town steeped in painful memories, is more than a military campaign—it’s a personal pilgrimage fraught with the ghosts of his past. Cossette’s portrayal of Zevi’s internal struggle is both palpable and poignant, capturing the essence of a warrior whose heart is as battle-scarred as his body.

Enter Yochana, a skilled perfumer whose shop is a sanctuary of scents and solace. Her life, marked by loss, is thrown into turmoil when Zevi walks through her door. What begins as a clash of wills soon becomes a melding of souls, as Yochana’s anger and grief transform into a fiery resolve to protect her town and her heart. Cossette deftly balances Yochana’s strength and vulnerability, making her a character who is both relatable and inspiring.

The interplay between Zevi and Yochana is dynamic, their chemistry a heady mix of tension and tenderness. Their journey together is a testament to the power of faith and forgiveness, each step forward marked by moments of introspection and revelation. Cossette’s ability to weave biblical truths into the fabric of their story is seamless, enhancing the narrative without overshadowing it.

The rich historical context of Shield of the Mighty is a character in itself. Cossette’s meticulous attention to detail brings the Iron Age of Israel to life, from the bustling markets of Maresha to the fierce battlegrounds where Zevi and his men fight for their lives. The author’s love for the land and its people shines through, creating an immersive experience that is both educational and enchanting.

Shield of the Mighty explores the theme of divine justice and sovereignty. Zevi’s journey is about finding redemption for himself, and about understanding that true justice belongs to Yahweh alone. This powerful message is woven throughout the narrative, reminding readers that faith in God’s plan is paramount, even when the path is shrouded in uncertainty and injustice.

In Shield of the Mighty, Cossette has crafted a story that is as fragrant as Yochana’s perfumes and as fierce as Zevi’s sword. It’s a tale of love and loss, faith and forgiveness, brought to life with superb writing and a deep reverence for Scripture. This book is so much more than just a good read – it is an experience—a journey into the heart of biblical fiction that leaves a lasting impression on both the mind and the soul.

For those seeking a story that blends historical accuracy with compelling characters and a profound faith message, Shield of the Mighty is a must-read. Connilyn Cossette has once again proven her mastery of the genre, delivering a novel that is as powerful as it is poignant. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to biblical fiction, this book will captivate your heart and spirit, leaving you eagerly awaiting the next installment in the King’s Men series.

I received a digital ARC of Shield of the Mighty from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the story’s content ensuring transparency and reliability.

I haven’t read all of Connilyn Cossette’s books but I’ve read most of them. Shield of the Mighty ranks very high among them. Stellar historical context. Heart-gripping romance. And a beautifully believable story. Cossette places her readers squarely in the center of King Saul’s early reign and the mounting dissension among Israel’s tribes.
Cossette gives a wink to faithful fans who have followed her since her debut by adeptly feathering in past characters with those in Shield of the Mighty, From her debut to this book, she's taken readers from Israel’s Egyptian captivity through Exodus, Judges, and now into 1 Samuel. All through a single family's fictional lineage.
That level of imagination and writing skill is truly remarkable.
Shield of the Mighty took me a few chapters to get into. It might have simply been my life circumstances, schedule, or bad pizza from the night before. I buy every Connilyn Cossette book for my ninety-four-year-old mama (she loves the romance!). I'm certain she’ll enjoy Yochana and Zevi’s story as much as the others! A must read for all Connilyn Cossette fans!

Shield of the Mighty is a continuation of the story in Voice of the Ancient seen from the perspective of Zevi, one of four young men who sneak away to join Saul’s army.

I absolutely love Zevi’s character. He’s brave, tough, and carries burdens he’s unwilling to share, yet he is loyal, and tender with Yochana. His journey is one from a desire for revenge to hearing the voice of God.

Yochana is kidnapped by a warrior who confuses her in so many ways. She’s a captive, yet he cares for her needs, protects her, and stirs feeling she has no desire to follow. She blames Saul for the death of her husband, and this overshadows her faith.

Does the God who sees them both have a plan greater than they could imagine? How much will it take for them to fully trust Him?

Filled with betrayal, doubt, faith, family, and love it has everything I desire in Christian fiction and more. This is a wonderful book I highly recommend.

I was given a copy courtesy of Bethany House. This is my honest opinion of the book.

I received a copy for review purposes; all opinions are honest and mine alone.

Told in alternating POV’s and chapters, SHIELD OF THE MIGHTY, by Connilyn Cossette, is engrossing Biblical Fiction. The story begins with a prologue, 3 years prior to the start of the main story. Main character, Zevi, is with his younger cousins, observing King Saul being anointed by the prophet Samuel. They are watching the soldiers in attendance and dreaming about the future when they will all be able to serve.

Chapter 1 finds Zevi commanding his own squad in Saul’s army. He’s done very well, achieving the rank of captain. His commander has sent him out on a special assignment: recruit 100 new men to fight and bring to court extraordinary artisans that will build Israel into an highly respected nation. This part of the mission is how we meet Yochana, the lead female character, a perfumer with extraordinary abilities.

Once these two meet, the story is nonstop action and filling in a lot of blanks; intentional blanks. Cossette has a great ability to put readers into the lives and times of her stories. It’s not something I typically do when reading the Old Testament. I’m usually looking for a theme or signs pointing to Messiah rather than imagining what it was like to live then, in times of kings, prophets, miracles, law, swift justice, tribes and rules; so. many. rules. Her writing has the ability to bring scripture to life in a meaningful way, especially for someone like me who’s prone to facts rather than possibles.

Character development takes a long time with important details being held until late in the story. I found it frustrating, especially when motivation or actions of the main couple didn’t seem to make sense. That aside, Cossette has honest characters you will care about. It was nice to read a book that feels big but has a tight cast; no scorecard needed.

Elements of mystery, romance, warfare and of course, Biblical History, provide a framework for this well written novel. This is not a book to snuggle up with or lazy day about with. You’ll have action, energy, intrigue, subterfuge and love; love between the two MC’s, love for family, for town & country and SHIELD OF THE MIGHTY📚

Read & Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks

I recently listened to the audiobook of Voice of the Ancient, which is the first book in The King’s Men series. I loved it and knew I was going to be captivated by the next installment in the series, Shield of the Mighty. This series is perfect for fans of biblical fiction, historical fiction, and clean romance. The chapters alternate perspectives between the two main characters so I really felt like I got to know Zevi and Yochana as their story progressed. The author thoughtfully conveys the tensions, struggles, and battles during the reign of King Saul. If you’ve never read biblical fiction and are interested to see what it’s like this series is a great one to start. I highly recommend it!

Thank you to the author and publisher for a gifted copy of the book! All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I’ve been waiting a year to read “Shield of the Mighty” by Connilyn Cossette and to say it was well worth the wait would be an understatement 😍

I LOVED Voice of the Ancient; the connection among these young cousins who grew into young men was unparalleled. But then came Zevi and Yochana!!! The depth to their own grief, the safety they found in each other, the way they fought for the other even before they admitted their feelings?? So so beautiful.

The chemistry was great, but the Christian message and insight into the time period of King Saul? That’s what makes this book 5⭐️ Both characters came to an understanding of the Divine protection and safety in the Almighty, but, without giving too much away, it was clearly a journey fraught with plot twists and turns.

So good!! 😍 #biblicalfiction #christianfiction #bookstagram #shieldofthemighty