CONNILYN COSSETTE is an incredible writer of biblical fiction, and her love for the Lord, His holy land Israel and His chosen people, shines right through all she writes. Not only is it interesting to learn about what life was like in 1043 BC, but her character analysis is brilliant. Whilst SHIELD OF THE MIGHTY is the second novel in the King’s Men series and there are characters from preceding books, Shield of the Mighty can stand alone.
Zevi ben Natan, a captain in Saul’s army is sent by his commanding officer into Yehudite territory to enlist men into the king’s army, to gather tribute, and to find outstanding artisans to enhance King Saul’s court. The Yehudites are not happy about a Benjamite being king of Israel and there is a plot in Maresha, Zevi’s place of birth and one that hold unhappy memories for him, to replace Saul with Yehudite king. It is in Maresha that he meets the beautiful perfumer, Yochana………
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
There is loyalty to king and country, courage, betrayal, unconditional love, and there are fierce battles…….
I cannot recommend this beatiful novel highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Shield of the Mighty is a masterfully written work of art! Connilyn Cossette will makes the turbulent times of King Saul in 1 Samuel come alive!

Zevi is magnificent as a captain in Saul's army charged with gathering more soldiers to fight, and also various craftsman to complete Saul's court. Yochana is a widowed perfumer skilled in perfumes and various types of medicinal ointments. These two characters take readers on an incredible journey, both exciting and dangerous. Their chemistry literally leaps off the page.

I loved revisiting Zevi's hometown and family with so many characters we know and love. Eliora's garden plays a major role and ties into Yochana's passion for flowers and herbs so well.

Cossette's story has everything I look for in a well-crafted story, a great adventure with incredible touching scenes but ultimately a story true to the biblical narrative. The King's Men is one fantastic series! I can't wait to read Gavi's story and then find Shalem.

My favorite Cossette book has always been the first one I read, A Light on the Hill, but Shield of the Mighty ties the love I have for that one and is going on my favorite books of 2024 list.

I find it nothing less than miraculous Shield of the Mighty was written during a time of great personal hardship for Connilyn Cossette. Her "battlefield" experiences prepared Cossette for "some of the rockiest terrain" of her life, but she emerges triumphant to her calling as an author. My thanks to Baker Publishing Group for providing an early copy of Shield of the Mighty for review. It was an honor to read it and all thoughts and opinions are my very own.

Once again, Connilyn Cossette writes a moving, heartfelt story that will transport you into the Bible, giving the reader an immersive experience of Old Testament times.

Each scene is vividly rendered and filled with wonderfully detailed observations, from the descriptions of plant life and their uses to fierce battles fought with the Philistines. Cossette has created another captivating story I found hard to put down.

Zevi’s depictions of gripping guilt are relatable to anyone who has done something (either intentionally or not) and lived with regret. I loved how the author shows the love and power of God in getting Zevi to a place where he can learn to forgive himself.

Yochana was the perfect match for him, even though she fought him tooth and nail. I loved her compassion for others and animals and how that compassion helped open her eyes to letting God be in charge.

I was very moved by the author’s comments at the end of the novel. Connilyn has been through a lot and to write such a book while going through such trauma is a testament to her faith in God and His gift of writing to her. I highly recommend this series and I look forward to the next book!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley for my honest review.

Reminders I loved:

💜Sometimes God asks us to revisit something/somewhere and we don’t feel it’s necessary. God sees the big picture and it’s to strengthen our faith or for us to learn a lesson. When Zevi is assigned to Maresha, he finds what God has planned for him. Imagine if he’d refused!
💜The necessity of offering our talents to the King. Imagine if Yochana had refused!
💜Use our talents to become an asset instead of a rebellious outlier.
💜There’s a purpose to our seemingly unbearable load of responsibility
💜 “You can go forward…or you can go back. There is no room for in-between.”
💜I cannot control what others think of me, only my own actions
💜There is no satisfaction in revenge
💜There’s beauty in complementing and strengthening our bonds with our helpmate. Allow God to work on the rough edges.
💜Trusting God’s guidance. Zevi learned to trust his commander and his commander learned to trust the King. Imagine what God could do for us if we allowed the King of Kings full reign!

I was thoroughly impressed and completely immersed in this Iron Age of Isreal and beautifully written coming of age account highlighting the early years of Isreal’s new monarchy as well as Romans 8:28 and Deuteronomy 33:29. I was educated on biblical history, reminded about the culture of the countries and the era, entertained, and enchanted by a fantastic ensemble of characters. This was a perfect balance of history, adventure, faith and love.

I can’t wait to read the next installment!

Cossette has accomplished her goal in hoping her readers feel like they’ve “Walked a mile in the sandals” of those who witnessed the events of the Bible firsthand. I don’t think I’ll ever look at another lupine again without thinking of this story.

I was gifted this copy by Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Another great read from Connilyn Cossette.
Good story, good characters.
I've read the Covenant House books so it has been enjoyable reading this series and seeing some of the characters!

I really enjoyed the second instalment of Connilyn Cossette's King's Men series. Shield of the Mighty brought me deep into the world of King Saul, the prophet Samuel, and the bond of the four cousins. It really heightened my understanding of the social dynamics in the time of Saul's rule, and the tension that held Israel both together and apart.

In the first book, the storyline of Shalem began, and it continued beautifully in this both. Zevi was a deeply likeable character, and my heart hurt for him and his experiences. Without spoilers, a certain plot twist broke my heart about 2/3 of the way through the novel, with that loveable character who was wise beyond their years. I loved Yochana too, and was curious how her relationship with Zevi would turn out.

I love how Cossette includes the little tidbits from her previous stories in her new books. I liked the nod to Sofia, and I hopped up and down when I realized who the women talking were.

All in all, I loved the story and can't wait for more!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Shield of the Mighty by Connilyn Cossette is the second book in the King's Men series, which is the next generation of The Covenant House series. Connilyn Cossette is one of my best Biblical fiction writers and her books keep getting better. Zevi's story is just so engrossing. The character development (from Between The Wild Branches) was great to read. The writing is so vibrant that I almost felt I was right there in the battlefield with the Israelites and the Philistines. The romance was great and thrilling. A great read with important lessons.
Thank you, Netgalley, Baker Publishing Group | Bethany House Publishers for the ARC of this book. The opinions provided are honest and completely my own.

"I let go. I realized that my understanding of Yahweh was far too small and that I had no right to demand he bend to my will."

It's another enthralling journey through King Saul's early days of kingship as Israel attempts to become a united nation from a loose group of scattered and fractious tribes. Zevi's road to becoming a trusted captain in Saul's army is fraught with hard work, sacrifice, and guilt. I loved his loyal and steadfast heart, trained soldier's bearing and instinct, and his dedication to Yahweh and his family. His encounter with Yochana starts with good intentions but terrible execution of plan makes them enemies. I really enjoyed their banter and fire-laced conversations. When earth-shattering betrayal blindsides Zevi, it's Yochana's compassionate, kind heart and capable healing hands that Zevi ends up leaning on. The climax of the war is found in 1 Samuel 14 where the author's imagination and God's Word combine to bring forth a vivid, palpable battle scene. There are plenty of twists and turns in the plot that will have you clutching the edge of your seat. Reconnecting with Natan and Shoshanna's family is the icing on the cake.

This is a must-read if you enjoy Biblical fiction. I can't wait to read about the other two cousins Gavi and Shay soon. Connilyn Cossette has a gift for weaving beautiful, tangible, relatable threads into the Old Testament stories to bring them to life in full color. Her stories are unforgettable and never disappoint. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House via Interviews and Reviews and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

"But just as a soldier trusts his commander and a commander trusts his king, you must trust the King above all Kings to direct you."

I love Biblical fiction and Ms. Cosette's books make me feel as if I'm there living and experiencing life with the fictional characters. It's as if I'm part of the book!That is quite the feat for an author I think.
Biblical fiction can't be easy to write. I picture many many hours of study and research that would go into a book like this one. The story is set during the reign of King Saul. The hero is a tough soldier named Zevi who has a score to settle with the Philistines! While also looking and keeping an eye out for his missing cousin Shay. The heroine is a young and beautiful widow named Yochana who is a perfumer. She is very knowledgeable about plants and making specialty ointments and balms for healing. She also makes beautiful and fragrant smelling perfume. Which, in part has poor Zevi smitten by her

Both Zevi and Yochana are tough and gentle and flawed. There is page turning action, romance and Biblically inspired affirmations throughout. All the ingredients that make this book 5 stars in my opinion.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.

This is a biblical fiction story! It focuses on our main characters Zevi and Yochana. I definitely think there is a large audience for this story that will absolutely love it. I, however, didn’t love it, I didn’t hate it either. It was still good and I liked it overall but I struggled at times. The writing style just wasn’t my favorite but again a lot of people love this style. That being said the last 40% was really good. And I learned some cool things about Yochana’s job. If you are a fan of biblical fiction or this authors other works I would definitely give this book a try!
3.75⭐️

Content: some mild violence

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Shield of the Mighty by Connilyn Cossette is the second book in the King's Men series, which is the next generation of The Covenant House series. Connilyn Cossette is one of my best Biblical fiction writers and her books keep getting better. Zevi's story is just so engrossing. The character development (from Between The Wild Branches) was great to read. The writing is so vibrant that I almost felt I was right there in the battlefield with the Israelites and the Philistines. The romance was great and thrilling. A great read with important lessons.
Thank you, Netgalley, Baker Publishing Group | Bethany House Publishers for the ARC of this book. The opinions provided are honest and completely my own.

My favorite in this series so far!
I absolutely loved Zevi, seeing him go from the youth in Between the Wild Branches to the hero in this book was fantastic!
I loved the sparring with him and Yochana and the tension between them, even when they were at odds.
I loved the action and political intrigue in this story. It almost reminds me of what it feels like to read ancient Scottish tales, with all the feuding clans. The insight and the way CC brings to vivid life ancient times is truly remarkable.
The romance was well paced and I loved seeing how these two people went on this unforgettable journey this is this book.
And of course the mystery thread that began in book one was touched on and eagerly awaiting the next story from this author that brings the Biblical world to life like no other.
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I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. All thoughts are honest and completely my own.

Since I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read by Connilyn Cossette, I was so excited to read this book! I was expecting a good, compelling story filled with faith, adventure, and romance and that is exactly what I got! Zevi was precious in Between the Wild Branches so I was SO excited when I saw this book was about him!

This book was so well-written! There was plenty of action and adventure that kept me invested.

The romance between Yochana and Zevi was beautiful! Their romance was compelling since it pretty much went from insta-love to enemies to lovers. Connilyn Cossette truly knows how to write compelling characters and romance!

The faith woven throughout the story was also so well done and definitely a highlight for me!

In conclusion, I really enjoyed this book! It had beautifully written faith content, compelling characters, a sweet romance, edge-of-your-seat action and plot twists. It was atmospheric and hard to put down.

*Thank you to the publisher for sending me a complimentary copy! All opinions are my own.

Fans of Connilyn Cossette won't be disappointed. Here is the second book in the King's Men series. This series is tied to The Covenant House (which I have not read & does create some complicated back stories for the characters). I always really enjoy Connilyn Cossette. I look forward to reading the next 2 in the series but they won't be out for a while (I am talking years!).