Between the Wild Branches
by Connilyn Cossette
Series: The Covenant House #2
Series Rating:
Published by Bethany House Publishers
Publication Date July 6, 2021
Genres: Action/Adventure, Biblical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Clean Romance
Setting: Israel Creation to the Judges
Main Character Ages: 18-24, 25-34
Written for: Adults
Pages: 368
Synopsis:
Ten years ago Lukio fled Kiryat-Yearim, where he'd been adopted by the Levite family who guarded the Ark of the Covenant. Feeling betrayed by everyone, he returned to his birthplace in Philistia to become a famous fighter. Now the champion of Ashdod, Lukio has achieved every goal with the help of his ruthless cousin. But just as he is set to claim the biggest prize of all, the daughter of the king, his past collides with his present in the form of Shoshana.
After a heartbreaking end to her secret friendship with Lukio, Shoshana thought to never see the boy with the dual-colored eyes and the troubled soul again. But when she is captured in a Philistine raid and enslaved in Ashdod, she is surprised to find that the brutal fighter known as Demon-Eyes is Lukio himself.
With explosive secrets and unbreakable vows standing between them, finding a way to freedom for both may cost them everything.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
Also in this series: To Dwell among Cedars
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There is a reason the theme of the prodigal restored is so prevalent in literature. It’s because, if we are honest with ourselves, we all relate so well to the son in need of redemption and restoration.
Between the Wild Branches continues Lukio’s story from To Dwell among Cedars. This lonely orphan never felt he belonged to the gracious family who adopted him and his sister. Not because they lacked kindness – he merely felt he lacked worth.
But you’ll need to be prepared with tissues at hand! I wanted to weep over Shoshana’s agony and loss. And over Lukio’s pain when he realized the life he had sought was empty and he had rejected the only ones who truly loved him. But the tears truly fell as I read Yonah’s declaration when he learned of Lukio whereabouts.
Between the Wild Branches is a beautiful story of forgiveness and restoration – of the God who sustains the captive and redeems the lost.
Many aspects of the Philistines’ lifestyle are described and yet the ugliness of their life and religious practices notwithstanding, the author never went into more detail than necessary. Despite women enduring atrocities at the hands of their pagan captors, it was mentioned more as a contrast to the behavior expected and allowed by the gracious God of the Hebrews in times of war. Again, it was clear what had happened without mentioning particulars that would have made this inappropriate for sensitive readers.
Readers who love Biblical fiction will want to be sure to read the marvelous Covenant House duology!
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About Connilyn Cossette
Connilyn Cossette is the CBA bestselling author of the Out From Egypt series. Her debut novel, Counted with the Stars, was a finalist for the Christy Award, the INSPY Award, and the Christian Retailing’s Best Award. She lives in North Carolina with her husband of twenty years and a son and a daughter who fill her days with joy, inspiration, and laughter.
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