Friday, June 1, 2018

A Light on the Hill

GIVEAWAY
COSSETTE, CONNILYN
A LIGHT  ON THE HILL

Though Israel has found relative peace, Moriyah has yet to find her own. Attempting to avoid the scorn of her community, she's spent the last seven years hiding behind the veil she wears. Underneath her covering, her face is branded with the mark of the Canaanite gods, a shameful reminder of her past captivity in Jericho and an assurance that no man will ever want to marry her.

When her father finds a widower who needs a mother for his two sons, her hopes rise. But when their introduction goes horribly wrong, Moriyah is forced to flee for her life. Seeking safety at one of the newly established Levitical cities of refuge, she is wildly unprepared for the dangers she will face and the enemies -- and unexpected allies -- she will encounter on her way.

My Review:

Connilyn Cossette's writing style is so lyrical it begs to be read out loud. Exquisite descriptions about life and customs in biblical times -- I swear this author must have a time machine because she gets it right every time. At least, I feel like it's right for the time period. Even the dialogue. Not being in possession of a time machine, I can't say for certain. :-) But though I'm not widely read in the biblical fiction genre, I will always find room on my TBR pile for this author's novels. They are irresistible!

And interestingly enough I knew nothing about Levitical cities of refuge until a few weeks ago when my pastor mentioned them in a sermon. Totally fascinated me and then, a short while later, this book shows up on my doorstep. How cool is that? And it's the first book in the Cities of Refuge series so there's lots more good reading ahead. Oh -- and to make this even more special for fans of Cossette's Out of Egypt series, Moriyah was a secondary character in Wings of the Wind. Love that bridge between series.

And what an action-packed adventure! The author constantly surprised me with a new twist, an unexpected turn. The  whole story is told from Moriyah's first person point of view and it was easy to instantly relate to and root for this vulnerable young woman who has already suffered so much. Her personal faith journey is inspiring as she goes from living in the shadows because of her scars to becoming a light that transforms people -- including herself. Because it isn't until Moriyah has the courage to look beyond her scars that she can finally live up to her potential.

This would make an awesome book club selection because there's such depth for discussion within these pages. I mean, don't we all have scars in some form or another? Visible or invisible -- things that hold us back and drag us down? And there are great discussion questions at the end of the book. The kind that make you really think. And stretch. I love it when I connect with my faith through fiction the way I did with this book. Makes for a life-changing read...if you dare to exercise Moriyah size courage!

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing and Graf-Martin Communications.


GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Light on the Hill, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday June 3 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

30 comments:

  1. I have this one on my shelf and appreciate your review. Though I also own all of the Out of Egypt books, I've not read them yet so I was wondering about Connilyn's writing. Jill Eileen Smith is the only Biblical fiction author I have read and so it makes me a little leery of others. But I see I have nothing to fear and can happily dive into these :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You definitely have nothing to fear! I haven't read any of Jill Eileen Smith's biblical fiction -- must give her a try soon. Good luck, Trixi.

      Delete
    2. Nope, not entering for this as I have A Light on the Hill already :-)

      Delete
    3. Bwahahaha! Guess I'm still a tad discombobulated.

      Delete
  2. I am hooked on this one after reading your review. Thank you, Kav! mauback55 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have this on my MUST GET IT list!
    Thanks for the chance Kav!
    Happy reading weekend everyone!

    tracey14567 at gmail dot com

    Can I give a PSA Kav? Thanks, I knew you wouldn't mind ;) For all the kindle readers out there I just noticed A Refuge Assured by Jocelyn Green is on sale today for $1.99! This will be what I'm reading this weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a PSA, Tracey...though should it be a RSA -- Reader Service Announcement? lol My library has A Refuge Assured on order now so I put a hold on it. Woot! We both get to read it in our format of choice BUT if you're a kindle reader that's a great deal!

      Good luck, Tracey!

      Delete
  4. I like the idea of unexpected twists and turns! This is one I will be sure to watch for.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I couldn't predict anything...except we'd get to a happily ever after eventually. Bwahaha! Good luck, rubynreba.

      Delete
  5. Can I say RSA???.....Phoebe's Light is 1.99.....squeee I have wanted this soooo bad...can't get from my Library until it is 6 mos. old (then a waiting list) so I DOWNLOADED it! Definitely my read this weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Squeeee -- that's an exciting RSA!!! Though I can't quite grasp how new releases end up being on sale so quickly. Enjoy your weekend reading, Jackie!

      Delete
  6. Connilyn Cossette is such a great author! I just love her books! Can't wait for the next one to release :D

    samanthabis23 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm definitely a fan...and the next book is about a grown up Eitan! Can you imagine what his story is going to look like?! Good luck, Samantha.

      Delete
  7. I have this on my shelf and can't wait to read it! Great review, Kav :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Faith! Hope you get to read it soon!

      Delete
  8. Ohhh! Sounds delightful!
    Would love to win a copy, thanks Kav!

    littlemisslydiaATgmailDOTcom

    -Lydia

    ReplyDelete
  9. Would love to read this!
    mindyhoungATmsnDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks so much for your review, Kav. I have this book but haven’t read it yet. Now I can’t wait to start reading! Thank again for your awesome review.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay -- glad you like my review and hope you get to read it soon. You are gonna love it!

      Delete
  11. And, on top of everything else, her covers are ALWAYS gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes -- isn't this one stunning? Good luck, Elly!

      Delete
  12. Such an amazing book. Five loves from your book twin. 😂

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. lol -- reading in tandem once again, I see. Well, great minds think alike and all that.

      Delete
  13. I just finished up the "Out From Egypt" books, loved them! Can't wait to read "A Light on the Hill".

    abwinslow AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're all set for this one then, Ashley. Good luck!

      Delete
  14. This looks like an excellent book!

    ReplyDelete