Book Recommendation - Between the Wild Branches

 

Connilyn Cossette is one of my top Biblical fiction go-to authors. This book is just another example of "why". This book is the 2nd in The Covenant House series, but can be read as a stand-alone (though I would recommend reading in order if you're going to read both of them). This book, while not focused on actual events of the Bible (those happened in the last story) includes some of the background and historical and cultural context of the time of Samuel. References to Samson's destruction of the Philistine arena are also included in this story. This story is very redemptive in nature and in addition to strong character development, includes several plot-lines that keep you turning pages. This is one I'd strongly recommend!

In addition, if you pre-order, you can get 8 bonus chapters that fit in with this story, but technically take place during the previous book, To Dwell Among Cedars. These bonus chapters should not be read without having read the first book as they contain spoilers, but I believe they really amplify this story as well!

As part of the launch team, I was invited to participate in a Q&A session. Here are some takeaways from that:

This series is a duology, what made you decide to only write two books this time?

I was really intrigued with telling the story of two siblings and how their journeys intertwined to form one whole story that was satisfying both to myself and to my readers. Of course I usually fall in love with secondary characters along the way and wish I could tell their stories too, and the Covenant House was no exception. There is one character in particular in Between the Wild Branches that my beta readers wanted to know more about. So who knows, maybe in the future I’ll have the chance to expand that storyline a bit! The great thing is that my next series is a spin-off and readers will get to meet my next four heroes in BTWB, so keep your eyes peeled as you read, especially near the end!

What drew you to this period in history to place a series?

When I had the opportunity to go to Israel a few years ago we traveled right through the Beth Shemesh valley, where the ruins of that town are just off the highway. And when our tour guide mentioned that this area was near where Samson lived and was also the exact place where the Philistines returned the Ark of the Covenant after they stole it in 1 Samuel. That day, I had a distinct vision of that ark bumping along on the road with two curious children following after it and decided that I needed to tell their story. Fortunately for me, at the same time I was plotting/researching the Covenant House series, scientists were proving from DNA evidence gathered in a Philistine graveyard that these enigmatic people actually came from Crete just like the Bible says they did. This new information gave me lots of fodder for book material and made my imagination spin like mad about the culture of the Philistines, which most likely was rooted in the Minoan and/or Mycenean people during the Bronze Age. They were certainly not simple shepherds and farmers like the Hebrew people were at that time and likely worshipped the precursors to the Greek gods we all know, so I had lots of fun contrasting the two opposing cultures and religious systems. There are still a lot of unknowns with the Philistines and we don’t have a handle on their language or writing system yet but I suspect more will come to light in the future that will continue to prove the Bible historically accurate.

This series has underlying themes of adoption, why is this a special topic for you?

Well, for starters, I am an adoptee myself. I was adopted at birth and grew up knowing that my adoption was a special thing and what a loving choice my young birthmother made to place me in a stable, two-parent home. When I was twenty-two I actually got to meet my birth mom, after stumbling across a web posting way back in the early days of the internet, and have since gotten to know both her and my half-siblings. My brother, too, was adopted from Korea when he was four and I am also the mother of two adopted-at-birth children myself. So adoption is such a precious theme in my own life that it just naturally spills into my stories. And our adoption into the family of God through the sacrifice of Jesus is, of course, the most beautiful story there is, so there are shades of that built into Eliora and Lukio’s union with the Hebrew family that take them in and introduce them to covenant life. Of course, adoption is a precious thing and full of beauty but it is also rooted in loss, so I do not shy away from some of the challenges and questions that adoptees face, such as: Who am I? Where do I belong? How do I define my past and how does it affect my future? Or what if I’d never been separated from my family of origin? Eliora and Lukio struggle through these questions in different ways and I found great satisfaction in working through their healing and self-acceptance, since their journeys at times mirror my own, my brother’s, and those of my children.

Who was your favorite character to write/explore?

Lukio for sure. I’ve never had a character’s voice come to me so easily. He is strong and yet vulnerable. He is flawed, yet honorable. And he loves fiercely, so much that he would gladly sacrifice everything for those who have his heart. I also have a very soft spot for both a certain animal and a young boy who show up along the way, but I don’t want to give out any spoilers, so I’ll just be quiet now.

What was the most interesting piece of research you found? Even if it didn’t make the books!

I found out that archeologists have found dice from that area of the world, usually made of wood or bone, that were used for all sorts of games, including board games, and for gambling or divination. The dice even have the exact same number of sides and dots that our modern ones do. We tend to forget that ancient people were just people, they played games and had fun and goofed around and made jokes just like we do, so it’s always fun for me to incorporate those sorts of things in my stories. Those dice were my inspiration for the special sheep-knuckles that Lukio carries about in a pouch around his neck and uses with his little street-urchin gang. 

What are you working on now? 

I am currently working on my next series, which is a spin-off of The Covenant House series. I just couldn’t let go of this family but was also inspired to move out of the Judges time-period and into the Kings era. So the first book, releasing in 2022, begins with the crowning of King Saul and follows four cousins who run off to fight for the new king of Israel—although things certainly don’t go as the young men plan and one of them disappears, which leads them on their own adventures in a turbulent time when Israel was struggling to find its place among the nations around them along with its identity as people of Yahweh. I can’t wait to explore these new characters and biblical events! And the best part of a spin-off is that we get to spend more time with some of the characters we’ve come to love. We haven’t seen the last of Ronen, Eliora, Lukio, or Shoshana! I also have an upcoming project that I am super excited about but for now is a secret, so stay tuned! 

Between the Wild Branches releases on July 6, 2021, wherever books are sold. In order to get the 8 bonus chapters, you do need to pre-order in advance of July 6th (and it's worthwhile to do so!). For more information, check out the following links:

Connilyn Cossette's website:https://www.connilyncossette.com/

Connilyn Cossette's facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/ConnilynCossette

My full 5-star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3615393299

Link to obtain bonus chapters with proof of pre-order: https://www.connilyncossette.com/btwb-pre-order-gift?utm_campaign=9fbc384b-7a0c-4d23-a206-a45b1d8657be&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=11b7b6b6-571c-4191-9c17-0bd14a2260e7

Book Recommendation - Woman in Shadow

 

Carrie Stuart Parks is one of my go-to authors for mystery and suspense novels. While most authors in the genre focus on one or the other of those elements, Ms. Parks seems to intertwine the two better than most. There is a great deal of intense suspense, but with lots of mystery woven throughout. Woman of Shadow is no different in that regard. It was definitely an enjoyable read, taking place in the beautiful mountains of Idaho near Yellowstone National Park. Here's a little bit about the book:

A woman off the grid.
Darby Graham thinks she's on a much-needed vacation in remote Idaho to relax. But before she even arrives at the ranch, an earthquake strikes—her first clue that something is amiss. Then when a cabin on the edge of town is engulfed in flames and problems at the ranch escalate, Darby finds herself immersed in a chilling mystery.
A town on fire.
A serial arsonist sends taunting letters to the press after each fire. As a forensic linguist, this is Darby’s area of expertise . . . but the scars it’s caused her also the reason she’s trying to escape from her life.
A growing darkness.
As the shadows continue to move in, the pieces of the town around her come into sharper focus. Can she trust the one man who sees her clearly?

This novel releases on July 13, 2021, wherever books are sold. For some additional information, please check out the following links:

Carrie Stuart Parks' website: http://www.carriestuartparks.com/

Carrie Stuart Parks' Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CarrieStuartParksAuthor

My full 5-star review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3655837882

Book Recommendation - Chasing Shadows

 

Lynn Austin is one of my solid go-to's for women's fiction, historical fiction and Biblical fiction. I've read and loved every fiction piece she's written (I still need to read her non-fiction, though). This book was no different. This one takes place during WWII in the Netherlands, which was supposed to be neutral - until the Nazis invaded. This follows 3 women whose experiences of the war are different as they fight against the evil in their land. This was another 5 star read from me and if you enjoy historical fiction, I know you'll love it too!

Here's a little bit about the book:

A story of three women whose lives are instantly changed when the Nazis invade the neutral Netherlands, forcing each into a complicated dance of choice and consequence.

Lena is a wife and mother who farms alongside her husband in the tranquil countryside. Her faith has always been her compass, but can she remain steadfast when the questions grow increasingly complex and the answers could mean the difference between life and death?

Lena’s daughter Ans has recently moved to the bustling city of Leiden, filled with romantic notions of a new job and a young Dutch police officer. But when she is drawn into Resistance work, her idealism collides with the dangerous reality that comes with fighting the enemy.

Miriam is a young Jewish violinist who immigrated for the safety she thought Holland would offer. She finds love in her new country, but as her family settles in Leiden, the events that follow will test them in ways she could never have imagined.

The Nazi invasion propels these women onto paths that cross in unexpected, sometimes-heartbreaking ways. Yet the story that unfolds illuminates the surprising endurance of the human spirit and the power of faith and love to carry us through.

This book releases on June 8, 2021 wherever good books are sold. For more information, please check the following websites:

Lynn Austin's website: https://lynnaustin.org/

Lynn Austin's facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LynnAustinBooks

My full 5-star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4029673297

Book Recommendation - On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor

 

Whenever I'm in the mood for a deliciously creepy dual timeline novel that has a serious mystery, a lot of grace and great characters, I know I need to look no further than Jaime Jo Wright. This book is fraught with mystery, treasure, pirates, smuggling, a secret society and civil war legends. It was both educational and entertaining as I learned more about the confederate sympathizers in the north, profiteers of the war and Lake Superior in general. 

Some fun facts about this novel courtesy of the author:

This story was fully inspired by the author's daughter, who became completely enthralled after watching a documentary on "civil war gold". She begged her mom to write a treasure hunting story and this tale was born!

The author has 3 big loves (outside of Jesus and her family):  Coffee, cats and Edgar Allen Poe. All 3 of these make special appearances (of a sort) in the book. 

 The author named several characters in this book after people she knows. Even one who was a villain! 

The author was able to write the character of Jude, who is an autistic man, due to having worked with several autistic people, dating back all the way to her gradeschool days. 

This book releases June 1, 2021, wherever books are sold. For more information, check the following links:

Jaime Jo Wright's website: https://www.jaimewrightbooks.com/

Jaime Jo Wright's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JaimeJoWright

My full 5-star Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3615392501

Jamie Jo Wright and Pepper Basham's Smooches and Stabs podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGAdyMDsoBH1uJdrF152mSw

Author interview: https://www.jaimewrightbooks.com/foxglove-manor-club-page?fbclid=IwAR2EjJpJdxihIPJAJP5bsQ4Ko_iOIDD-qyh4yrQODE1DXjEbyL1HLoIEKQE

Book Recommendation - Jewel of the Nile

 

One of my go-to authors for Biblical Historical fiction is Tessa Afshar. I didn't think I would ever love a book of hers more than Bread of Angels, but I was wrong. Jewel of the Nile has taken its place and has also taken the seat of "best read of 2021" - at least to date (and I'm pretty sure it will take a LOT to unseat it from that position). This book was exactly what I needed at the time that I read it. I loved the characters, the story line, the spiritual message and the emotional healing that took place in this book. It was a beautiful story of the love of Jesus. 

The author had intended for this novel to be about the daughters of the apostle Philip, but when she received a letter from an African-American reader asking if any of her heroines would ever look like her, Ms. Afshar took a different take. Philip's daughters are still in the book as friends of Chariline, but the heroine herself is half Roman/half Cushite, giving her a unique skin tone of Biblical fiction heroines. Chariline was a delightful heroine and I loved learning more about the culture of ancient Cush. The author's notes in the back of the book were also helpful in that regard.

Here's a bit about the book:

Whispered secrets about her parents’ past take on new urgency for Chariline as she pays one last visit to the land of her forefathers, the ancient kingdom of Cush.

Raised as an orphan by her aunt, Chariline has only been told a few pieces of her parents’ tragic love story. Her beautiful dark skin is proof that her father was Cushite, but she knows nothing else.

While visiting her grandfather before his retirement as the Roman official in the queen’s court, Chariline overhears that her father is still alive, and discovering his identity becomes her obsession. Both her grandfather and the queen have reasons for keeping this secret, however, and forbid her quest. So when her only clues lead to Rome, Chariline sneaks on the ship of a merchant trusted by friends.

Theo is shocked to discover a stowaway on board his vessel and determines to be rid of her as soon as possible. But drawn in by Chariline’s story, he feels honor-bound to see her safely to shore, especially when it appears someone may be willing to kill for the truth she seeks.

In this transformative tale of historical fiction, bestselling author Tessa Afshar brings to life the kingdom of Cush and the Roman Empire, introducing readers to a fascinating world filled with gripping adventure, touching romance, and a host of lovable characters—including some they may recognize from the biblical book of Acts.

This book releases June 1, 2021 wherever books are sold. For more information, check out the following links:

Tessa Afshar's website: https://tessaafshar.com/

Tessa Afshar's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessaAfshar

My full 5-star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3631345227

RSVP to the online launch party:https://marktwainhouse.org/event/jewel-of-the-nile-tessa-afshar?fbclid=IwAR045WGET9DWZlcVi7KJRv8XWkixjqZYVl9QtU7mlNor8luTUxeWd5pG6yA

Book Recommendation - Power Play

Rachel Dylan is well known for her legal thrillers and romantic suspense novels. Her latest series follows 3 best friends who'd attended law school together and ended up in various parts of the government. Power Play is book 3, and follows Vivian Steele, who is an attorney with the State Department (for more info on the series, see my 9/12/20 post on Backlash, which was book 2 of the series). This book introduces some new characters, brings in visits from old ones, and is chock-full of action, mystery and suspense. There's a solid faith thread, great character development and of course a romance as well. 

Here's a little bit about the book:

When State Department attorney Vivian Steele witnesses two ambassadors collapse as if poisoned at a diplomatic dinner in Washington, DC, she is recruited to be a member of a joint FBI task force assigned to investigate. But she soon finds her by-the-book ways clashing with a special agent in the Diplomatic Security Service, Jacob Cruz. A former Navy SEAL and in charge of the event's security, Jacob takes the attack personally and is driven to act quickly, even ahead of the rules and regulations. 

As Viv starts to work her diplomatic sources, her past as a State Department lawyer comes back to haunt her, and secrets held tightly by the government thrust her into a web of danger. Afraid, Viv turns to the one man bent on protecting others. But can she accept Jacob's reckless ways as exactly what she needs to stay alive and to discover the truth behind the attacks?

 This book releases June 1, 2021, wherever books are sold. This is one I definitely recommend reading! For more information, check out the following links:

Author's website: https://www.racheldylan.com/

Author's facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RachelDylanAuthor

My full 4-star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3599933226

Book Recommendation - All That Really Matters

 

Nicole Deese is well known for her fun contemporary romances with lovable quirky characters and belly-laugh inducing humor along with the serious issues and spiritual depth. In her upcoming novel, All That Really Matters, Molly is a social influencer who, in the quest of obtaining more followers, volunteers at an organization that houses kids who have aged out of foster care. Through this volunteer work, Molly's whole outlook is turned on its head and she has to come to terms with how to move forward. I really loved Molly's character development throughout the novel and enjoyed her character as well as that of Silas and several of the "kids". There were several twists at the end as well, which kept things interesting!

As a part of the author's launch team, I had access to get some questions answered. Here's how that went!

1. Did you have a favorite character or one you related to best? If so, who and why?

I loved writing Molly’s spunk, tenacity, and confidence. Though her day-to-day drama and antics were super fun to create, her growth and maturity as she began to explore the true power of connection was one of the most satisfying character arcs I’ve written to date. 

2. What was your inspiration for the story?

The inspiration behind this story was birthed from a single dinner conversation in early 2019. I’d been invited to serve with some ladies from my home church at a graduation ceremony for a similar type of faith-based, life-skills program for young adults transitioning into independent living. When it was time to sit down and eat, my name card had been mistakenly moved. And little did I know then, but I’d been placed right next to the director of the entire program. As our conversation progressed through the evening, I asked question after question, listening intently as she shared testimonials of growth and triumph, and also stories of heartbreak and despair. By the time I left that night, I knew this was the type of environment I wanted my characters to grow in. I spent the next several weeks making phone calls to experts in this field, reading books and articles on teen trauma, and researching everything I find online.

3. Did anything surprise you in the plot as you were writing?

Several things surprised me, actually. But probably the most surprising was Silas. I wasn’t sure who he was going to be when I first started writing from his point of view and then BAM! He was there and his presence was easily detectable after that. I’ve never written from a male POV like his before, but I really came to appreciate his character and integrity throughout the novel. And I think he ended up being a perfect hero for Molly :) 

4. Foster care is something that is near and dear to my heart. I volunteer as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) to speak up for those who are in care. What prompted you to write about these most vulnerable ones?

Ever since we adopted our daughter, Lucy, from overseas four years ago, we’ve attended many conferences and classes, as well as read many a book on kids who have come from hard places. The trauma these children have faced has been close to my heart for many years and we have witnessed a few close friends who have taken in teenagers from broken homes. After sitting at that dinner eighteen months ago, the story of these teens came together in my mind pretty easily and I knew I wanted to highlight this vulnerable people group as best as I could inside this story. 

5. What are you hoping readers will glean from this story?

Within the pages of this story, Molly is challenged time and time again to reach out, even when it’s difficult. Even when it requires her to be known and vulnerable outside the online persona and screens she can so easily hide behind. My hope is that as my readers travel through the pages of this story, they will begin to ask themselves similar questions to the ones she asks of herself: Am I truly known by a safe group of people? Who are the in-person relationships God has placed in my life for the purpose of living and growing in the community? Where might God be asking me to give of my time to better serve my local church or community? 

6. Any fun bits of trivia you want to share with my readers about this book?

I actually really enjoy playing with beauty products, so I have watched many a how-to-video on all sorts of makeup-related things. Writing that part of Molly came quite easily for me! I had a lot of fun writing as a girly girl who loves all things sparkly and pink because that is very much who I am! Haha! 

7. What is coming next and when can we expect it?

There is a connected story link from this book to my next book… so prepare to see two side characters in All That Really Matters get their own love story in book 2!

I'm so excited for that next book! All That Really Matters will be releasing on April 6, 2021 and available wherever you like to buy books! For more information, check out the following links:

Nicole Deese's website:https://www.nicoledeese.com/

Nicole Deese's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nicoledeeseauthor

My full 5-star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3419240166?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1