Hello, readers! Today I have some book recommendations! Just a few novels set in Biblical times that I absolutely loved. These soul-stirring stories were engrossing and beautiful, and very much touched my heart. I hope you will give them a try! 🙂
(By the way, I have not been sticking to my schedule of posting on Tuesdays and Saturdays, if you haven’t noticed … haha. But I still want to post twice a week. I’m trying to at least once a week!)
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SHADOW OF THE STORM {Out from Egypt #2} by Connilyn Cossette
My Personal Review ~ 5 stars
I loved this book so very much! Connilyn Cossette is a talented writer, and brings the Biblical days and ancient Hebrew and Egyptian characters to life. After just enjoying the first book of the OUT FROM EGYPT series, I was unprepared for how Shadow of the Storm would sweep me away and capture my heart. The writing is so beautiful! The characters real. The setting intriguing. The retelling of the Hebrew slaves coming out of Egypt fascinating and soul-touching. The way this author weaves a faith theme into her stories is seamless and enrapturing. I felt in awe beneath the holiness, and power, and love of God.
Shira is an amazing character. I adored her. Her story, during the Hebrew people’s 40 years at the foot of Mount Sinai, was fascinating. I loved her journey of faith. Her work as a midwife. Her romance. Her motherhood. It was all so simply beautiful.
There were some hard times too. Malicious characters. Dreadful moments. Terrible disappearances. Wrong choices. Just … life. But it all came to a magnificent conclusion. I liked seeing brief glimpses of Moses and his sister Miriam of the Bible, too. *smiles*
I don’t always enjoy novels set during the Biblical days, but Shadow of the Storm was incredible. I highly recommend to adults who enjoy Christian fiction! This story is unique and thrilling. I can hardly wait to read the third book, Wings of the Wind!
WINGS OF THE WIND {Out from Egypt #3} by Connilyn Cossette
My Personal Review ~ 5 stars
Another beautiful novel – well done, Connilyn Cossette! Wings of the Wind is the third and final book in the OUT FROM EGYPT series, and besides delighting my eyes with its gorgeous cover, it took me on a stunning and exciting journey! Connilyn Cossette writes her tales set during the Bible days with such passion, detail, and grace. Before I know it, I’m swept away, intrigued by the ancient world, the fantastic characters, and the story of God. I’ve never read Biblical retellings that I’ve loved so much!
Wings of the Wind takes place about forty years after Counted with the Stars (book one), and Shadow of the Storm (book two). Though we see a bit of the characters from those books, our main character is a Canaanite woman, destitute and bent on revenge. Alanah has had everything taken from her, and she’s determined that the Hebrews should pay. But on the battlefield where she’s certain she’ll breathe her last, unexpected grace awaits.
And Tobiah is hardly prepared for the surprise and challenge that awaits him on and after the battle.
Joshua is now one of the leaders of the Israelites, though Moses is still in charge. The Israelites are taking over the land, with the Lord as their guide. But discontentment simmers. Enemies lurk. And the corrupted city of Jericho looms.
What a tale of redemption. I love how the author brings to life these Old Testament stories, though some of them are hard! She unashamedly shows God’s holiness and authority, and yet grace fills these pages. Throughout the book, I felt awe for God; the fear of the Lord. And still, His love. His care for His people. The way He set rules and laws to protect them and keep them, even making a law so that the enemy – the Canaanite woman – would be protected from abuse, violence, or even death.
We saw some of Moses and Joshua in Wings of the Wind. And also, Rahab. I love hearing Rahab’s story, and remembering that she was in the lineage of Christ!
Ah, it was wonderful. God’s power and goodness is shown in these books. For that, and her seemingly meticulous research on these stories and time in history, I very much admire Connilyn Cossette.
I adored the characters. Alanah was a fun change, spirited and spunky as she was. I love how clear her personality was. And just her story! Her journey of faith. It was heart-rending and fascinating. I quite liked Tobiah as well. His sister, on the other hand … well, that took some time! Loved seeing Shira and Kiya, of course! ^_^ And Moriyah! Oh, how I love that girl! She’s spirited too! And strong, sweet, and innocent. Whoa. What a journey! I so wish we could get a book for Moriyah!
So basically, all the characters were well-developed, intriguing, and played their parts in this story. Some upset me, some infuriated me! Others tugged at my heart and had me rooting for them to accept redemption and live the life God intended for them!
The OUT FROM EGYPT series has been serious, but sweet. Heavy, but exciting. Difficult times and a wayward people are shown, but hope always breaks through. Wings of the Wind was a tender tale that kept me turning pages late into the night. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend to adults who like Christian historical fiction/romance. This series is a gem!
I received a copy of Wings of the Wind from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.
BREAD OF ANGELS by Tessa Afshar
My Personal Review ~ 5 stars
Bread of Angels by Tessa Afshar surprised me. It took my breath away. Made me weep. Made me laugh. Yes, I stayed up until the wee hours of morning to finish this; it was that good! I’ve enjoyed this author’s previous books, but was not prepared to absolutely adore this one!
It’s set in the New Testament time, following the life of a woman, named Lydia, who sells purple cloth. (She’s mentioned in Acts 16.) The story spans many years flawlessly, unfolding Lydia’s life tale with beauty, betrayal, grief, miracles, and grace. I was enraptured.
First off, the writing quality was spectacular! It was so easy to read each chapter, and start another! They style keeps you interested and ready to read more. I finished most of this not-so-small book in one night.
Secondly, Lydia. She was a wonderful character, whom I quite liked! I related to her struggles. Hoped for her happiness. Loved her friends. Rejoiced in her discovery of true life. Even though Lydia is in her 40s (perhaps?) for a good part of the book and there’s not a steady theme of romance, I just related to and loved this story so much. There were so many interesting secondary characters too! And a villain. And some nefarious going-ons. Lydia was a creative and busy woman – and nurtured lots of people. It put hope in my heart. ^_^
Meeting Paul, Silas, Timothy, Luke, and Marcus was truly one of the highlights of the book. Perhaps my very favorite part. I loved it, my friends. *hugs them all* It felt so much like the family of God, and I could imagine myself there amongst them, accepted and cherished. There was so much faith, joy, laughter, and love! Miracles abounded. Trust was discussed and put into practice. They leaned on each other as they sought to follow God with all their hearts. (view spoiler) Because of those, I cried. And cried. And was filled with such warmth, like a bubble of peace and joy surrounded me. Perhaps I glimpsed the family of God – the bliss of heaven. It was stunningly beautiful.
Filled with intrigue. And interesting facts about the dyeing process. Action. Betrayal. Wonderful and spirited people. The good news of Jesus Christ.
I sorrowed with Lydia. I rejoiced with her. I healed with her. And at the end of Bread of Angels, I was filled with hope. Tessa Afshar has written a phenomenal novel, and it is definitely not to be missed!
I received a copy of Bread of Angels from Tyndale House Publishers through the Tyndale Blog Network.
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Some Upcoming Releases from These Authors:
A LIGHT ON THE HILL {Cities of Refuge #1} by Connilyn Cossette
THIEF OF CORINTH by Tessa Afshar
Lady Grace ~ a quiet & gentle spirit 