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To Dwell Among Cedars by Connilyn Cossette (Book Review)

Connilyn Cossette has a new book out—was there ever a moment where you doubted that I would review it???


I didn't think so.


"Eight years ago, when the Philistines stole and then surrendered the ark of the covenant back to the Israelites, Eliora left her Philistine homeland to follow the ark to the community of Kiryat Yearim. There, the family she was adopted into has guarded the ark at the top of a mountain in seclusion.
Ronen is a Levite musician determined to secret away the ark to a more fitting resting place, watched over by priests who would restore the Holy of Holies. He never expected that the Philistine girl he rescued years ago would now be part of the very family he's tasked to deceive.

As Ronen's attempts to charm Eliora lead them in unexpected directions, betrayal leaves Eliora with strained family ties and Ronen questioning his own loyalties. Ultimately, Eliora and Ronen are caught up in the battle for the soul of Israel and its future under the leadership of Samuel, the last judge before the era of the kings begins."

To Dwell among Cedars is Connilyn Cossette's newest book, and Book 1 of the Covenant House series. This book is a complete departure from the Cities of Refuge series and Out From Egypt trilogy, as Cossette moves forward in history to the time of Samuel and the tenuous relationships between the Hebrews and the Philistines.


I immediately grew to adore the sweet and caring Eliora with her big heart and her even bigger faith, and was captivated by Ronen's character, the vivid descriptions of his songs, and the dialogue detailing his inner turmoil. There's just something melodic about Connilyn Cossette's writing style that pulls you in from page one, inviting you to take part in another Biblical adventure.

I must admit, I haven't read much Ark of the Covenant-related fiction, if any at all. My knowledge of the many journeys of the Ark consisted of what I'd heard in disjointed sermons preached over the years, a basic understanding of the timeline of the Old Testament, and whatever my childhood brain managed to hold onto from Indiana Jones movies (kidding... at least on that last part). Connilyn Cossette's To Dwell Among Cedars brings the plight of the Ark and of the ancient Israelites who guarded it to life in a new way, connecting the historical facts and scriptural truths with well-written fiction, charismatic and relatable characters, a sweeping romance, and reminders of who God is and was yesterday, tomorrow, and today.


I am anxiously awaiting Lukio's story, that is, the story of Eliora's wayward younger brother. The bits and pieces we got of his story in To Dwell Among Cedars were simply not enough, and I am craving more!


In the mean time, if you are interested in getting started on this novel, you can purchase To Dwell Among Cedars here:


Happy reading everyone! Until next time,


-Jen


*I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.



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