Biblical Fiction Book Review: Like Flames in the Night
About the Book
Title: Like
Flames in the Night
Series:
Cities of Refuge (Book 4)
Author:
Connilyn Cossette
Genre:
Biblical fiction
Publisher:
Bethany House Publishers
Release Date:
March 3, 2020
Click here to purchase a copy of this novel for yourself.
Publisher's Description
"Strong-willed
Tirzah wants to join her people in driving the enemy from the land of Israel
and undergoes training for a secret mission inside the stronghold of Shechem.
But soon after she has infiltrated the ruthless Aramean commander's kitchen, she
makes a reckless decision that puts her and her allies in grave danger.
Fresh off the
battlefield, Liyam returns home to discover his beloved daughter is dead. After
his vow to hunt down her killer leads to months of fruitless pursuit, his last
hope is in a family connection that comes with strings attached. Strings that
force him to pose as a mercenary and rescue an infuriating woman who refuses to
leave her mission uncompleted.
When an
opportunity to pave a path to a Hebrew victory arises, can Tirzah convince
Liyam to fight alongside her in the refuge city of her birth? Or will Liyam's
thirst for vengeance outweigh his duty to his people, his God, and the woman
he's come to love?"
My Review
Like
Flames in the Night, by
Connilyn Cossette, may be the final novel in the Cities of Refuge series, but
even if you have not yet read the first three books, don’t let that deter you
from enjoying this book as soon as possible! It certainly performs quite well
as a stand-alone story. Though this novel is set thousands of years in the
past, the story is truly relevant, full of romance, drama, and suspense. It is
a well-researched, remarkably detailed, and immersive story of faith,
perseverance, courage, and redemption. Abounding with thoughtful descriptions
that provide a fresh perspective on ancient settings and themes, this book is
utterly engaging and deeply meaningful.
Ms. Cossette
possesses an unparalleled talent for writing her novels in the first person
point of view. Her skillful use of this narrative style ensures that this book
is thoroughly engrossing. Her attention to sensory details makes sights,
sounds, smells, tastes, and textures vivid and real. This book offers the reader
the opportunity to step into the sandals of the main characters, hear the
rustle of leaves in forlorn olive groves, feel the wind blowing past the city
walls, and be swiftly transported back into an ancient world of tradition,
loss, revenge, love, sacrifice, faith, and adventure.
The swiftly
moving plot is well-paced, irresistible, and thrilling. As the story unfolds,
the main characters find it necessary to undertake dangerous missions that
place their lives in peril. These missions not only challenge them physically,
culturally, and spiritually, but also provide ample opportunities for
self-discovery, healing, and redemption. More than simple actions in service to
their nation, these missions are profound and serve to shape their hearts and
define their futures.
Like
Flames in the Night is
a stunning work of fiction that finds meaning and purpose in its obvious
respect for both history and the Bible. It is epic in its scope as it moves
effortlessly from wooded hillsides, to homes full of friends and family, to
cities rampant with peril and intrigue. With genuine style and authentic
beauty, this novel invites the reader to savor paragraphs, linger over phrases,
and delight in words. It is an unforgettably moving novel that captivates and
entertains while it also uplifts and inspires. I recommend it
wholeheartedly.
*I was given a
copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I
have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
My Reflection
In one of the
themes featured in this novel, Ms. Cossette shows how difficult it can be to
live under the heavy weight of bitterness and unforgiveness. Yet, when
overshadowed by the grace, mercy, and unconditional love of God, the roots of
both bitterness and unforgiveness can be destroyed. Hope and healing are made
possible through the transforming power of God's goodness, faithfulness, and
salvation.
Throughout this
novel, when the characters encounter the unconditional love of God and the
freedom he offers from anger and bitterness, they cannot help but be deeply
altered. Like Flames in the Night is a powerful novel that illuminates
the truth about the restorative and redemptive nature of God’s love and
grace.
About the Author: Connilyn Cossette
"Connilyn
Cossette is a Christy Award and Carol Award winning author whose books have
been found on both ECPA and CBA bestseller lists. When she is not engulfed in
the happy chaos of homeschooling two teenagers, devouring books whole, or
avoiding housework, she can be found digging into the rich ancient world of the
Bible to discover gems of grace that point to Jesus and weaving them into an
immersive fiction experience. Although she and her husband have lived all over
the country in their twenty-plus years of marriage, they currently call a
little town south of Dallas, Texas their home." --Biography from Connilyn
Cossette's author page on Amazon.com
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