Elisabeth: Mother of John the Baptist by H.B. Moore

Elisabeth: Mother of John the Baptist
By H.B. Moore
Published by: Mirror Press
Publication Date: November 1, 2025

Description from the publisher:
Her greatest sacrifice became her greatest legacy.
Zacharias has loved Elisabeth all his life. When negotiations are made for their marriage, the childhood friends trust that their future will be bright. But as their story unfolds in their village near Jerusalem, the life they build together is marked by both the joy of love and the sorrows of loss and longing, for as the years pass by, the steadfast couple is never blessed with the thing they desire above all: a child.
Now beyond childbearing years, it seems that the couple’s righteous desire will never be granted—until a divine promise is made, and they learn that their fate will transcend the bounds of age and mortal comprehension. Elisabeth and Zacharias are destined to play a pivotal role in the fulfillment of ancient scripture, and they soon come to understand that God’s plan is far grander than they ever dreamed.

My Review:
I always love the historical details H.B. Moore brings to her biblical stories! The day-to-day life for Elisabeth really shines through, making someone I've read about my whole life become more developed in my mind. I loved seeing her and Zacharias early on in their relationship, as well in their later years when they finally receive the miracle of a son. I also really loved the scriptures that were woven into the story; the prophecies are beautiful and reading them as Elisabeth is considering them was really a neat experience. The one thing I wish the book included was insights into those in-between years; the book is split between the beginning of their marriage and then their later years. I think those middle years, actually seeing Elisabeth dealing with the disappointment month after month, year after year, and details about how she handled it (Did she weep? Did she ever rail against God? What helped her keep her faith?) would have made her a more relatable character, especially for women who have experienced infertility but also for anyone who has endured a long trial. Overall, it's still a lovely look at an admirable women from the Bible, giving readers lots to ponder.
4 stars.
I read a DRC provided by the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.

Voice of the Ancient (The King's Men # 1)

Voice of the Ancient
By Connilyn Cossette
Published by Bethany House

Description from the publisher:
As the eldest son of a Levite and a Philistine, Avidan is torn between his duty to his family legacy and the desire for something more. When Ammonites attack the city of Yavash-Gilead, he takes the opportunity to fight with his cousins for the newly crowned King Saul. But when one of the cousins goes missing during the battle, Avidan stays behind to search for him in hopes that he's still alive.
Keziah is the daughter of one of the most powerful clan chiefs in the territory of Manasseh. On the brink of a forced marriage to a loathsome man decades older than her, she has no choice but to run. Dressed as a boy, she takes her horse and heads for the south, hoping to find sanctuary with her mother's family.
Battling to survive the dangers surrounding them, Avidan and Keziah make a pact to travel together. As Keziah's true origins are revealed and Avidan's search for his cousin becomes increasingly futile, they must not only rely on each other to stay alive but learn to trust the true and eternal King of Israel to guide their every step.
With impeccable research and award-winning writing, bestselling author Connilyn Cossette brings to life the first years of King Saul's reign.

My Review:
Great piece of Biblical fiction and great opener to a new series--it left me totally wanting to read the subsquent books in the series to find out what will happen to Avi's cousins (who I presume will be the male protagonists in the rest of the series).
I really liked seeing Avi's journey, both physically as he searched for his cousin and spiritually as he came to know more both about Yahweh and himself, and how he came to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. I found Keziah, an Israelite who had unknowingly strayed from truly following God, coming to know Yahweh, to be quiet compelling as well. I quite enjoyed learning a bit about this period in history. I think my favorite elements of the book, though, were the reminders that Yahweh is the God who Sees and the God who Hears--and that no one is beyond His view or His hearing.
4 stars.
I read an ARC publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

To Dwell among Cedars (The Covenant House #1) by Connilyn Cossette

To Dwell among Cedars

By Connilyn Cossette

Published by Bethany House 

Publication Date: December 1st, 2020 

Description: 

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. 

Review: 

Wow. Another fabulous book from Connilyn Cossette. The historical background for the story is so fascinating; I was absolutely drawn in by the idea of two Philistine children following the Ark as it's sent back to the Hebrews from the Philistines, who no longer want it after they've been stricken by plagues and pestilences. The idea of different factions within the Levites was also so interesting, with some wanting it to remain at Kiryat Yearim and others wanting to return it to Shiloh. That was an excellent backdrop for Eliora's and Ronen's stories. Cossette did a fantastic job showing why Eliora and Ronen acted the way that they did--how their earlier hurts and traumas really impacted the choices that they made. They were both realistic and likable characters, and I loved seeing the realizations they each came to about themselves, their families, and God. This book is really well-written, and I can't wait to read the sequel. 

5 stars. 

I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Mary and Martha

Mary and Martha 

By H.B. Moore 

Published by Covenant Communications 

Publication Date: November 2nd, 2020 

Description: 

For prosperous landowner Lazarus, hard work, and extensive travel are a means to comfortably support his family, including his two sisters, Mary and Martha. Following a journey to sell his wares, Lazarus stumbles upon an opportunity to assist a stranger in need, delaying his return home. Through Lazarus's selfless act of service, he, Mary and Martha find themselves standing witness to miracles they never dreamed possible in the presence of a man who will forever change them and those they love-a man called Jesus of Nazareth. 

Experience as never before the accounts of those who knew Christ, not only as the Savior of the World but also as a friend. 

Review: 

I always love reading H.B. Moore's Biblical fiction because it's so well-written, with amazing details that really transport me to the past, and characters who draw me into the story, and this book was no exception. I loved her imagining of Mary and Martha and what their lives may have been like. I especially enjoyed the fact that she portrayed them as caring deeply about each other; it's so easy, based on the few Bible verses about them, to envision them as rivals or constantly being frustrated with each other. Moore showed them differently, though, and as I was touched by how much they supported each other even though they had different personalities and different interests. I also really loved the dash of romance incorporated in the story, as both Mary and Martha find someone who is drawn to them for their unique gifts. This was a beautiful story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

4.5 stars. 

I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Like Flames in the Night

Like Flames in the Night (Cities of Refuge #4)
By Connilyn Cossette
Published by Bethany House
Publication Date: March 3rd, 2020

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?

Review:
Oh, my goodness! I cannot possibly overstate how much I enjoyed this book. Anyone who has ever read anything by Connilyn Cossette will not be surprised that she has written yet another phenomenal book. (Those who haven't read anything by her--go do it, now!) Each time I read one of her books, I'm blown away by how much I enjoy it, so for me to say that this book is my very favorite of hers is high praise. I just loved everything about this book. It never ceases to amaze me how she takes readers into the Hebrews' world, with rich details about their struggles against their enemies as well as their day-to-day life. Within her carefully-crafted setting, she also gives terrific characters, who are well-developed with both strengths and weaknesses. I loved getting to know both Tirzah and Liyam, as well as getting to see other favorite characters from her earlier books. Both broken in their own ways, Tirzah and Liyam are so relatable and so engaging; I just adored both of them and loved reading about their journey. The plot was so gripping as well! This book was just an absolute pleasure to read, and it's definitely one of my picks for the best books of 2020. The only "bad" thing about it is that it's the end of a series that I wish would go on and on!
Five stars!
I read an ARC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Deborah: Blog Tour and Giveaway

Deborah: Prophetess of God
By H.B. Moore
Published by Covenant Communications

Deborah, a shepherdess, lives a fairly simple life—but that is turned upside down when encounters with the Canaanites lead her, as well as others, to realize that God is working in her life, for her sake and for the sake of His people. Although she is told by the Third Judge of Israel that she will be the next judge of Israel, when that becomes reality, Deborah must summon all her faith to face the challenges ahead, as the time has come for her, along with her husband’s cousin, Barak, who has been training the Israelites in battle, to lead the Israelites against the Canaanites to end their oppression.

I always enjoy reading H.B. Moore’s Biblical fiction because they make me think about people from the Bible in a totally different way. While this is a work of fiction, the setting is highly researched and it really brings to life how the ancient Israelites lived. The plot of this book is really interesting—the first part focuses a lot on Deborah and her future husband, Lapidoth, and their love story, while setting the stage for the eventual battle between the Israelites and Canaanites, while the second part moves fifteen years ahead to when Deborah becomes the Judge of Israel and the imminent battle looms large. I thought both parts were really interesting—I loved the romance of the first part but also really liked seeing how Lapi continued to believe in and support Deborah in her sacred calling in the second part. I also liked Barak’s character and seeing his worries, which were so realistic, as he was supposed to lead the Israelites, and how he had to push through them. This was just a pleasure to read! 4.5 stars.

I read an ARC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Check out H.B. Moore's info here:  https://hbmoore.com/bio-faq/


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The Last Man at the Inn

The Last Man at the Inn
by R. William Bennett


Simon, Jewish but not devout, is in Bethlehem when Christ is born--the last man to find room at the inn before Joseph and Mary are turned away. While he sees Jesus and hears rumors about Him, he simply continues his life as a merchant. As the years pass, though, more rumors abound, and when Christ begins His ministry and His teachings spread through the land, Simon can no longer ignore the rumors but must decide for himself who Jesus is and what the answer will mean for him and his family.

I was expecting this to be more of a Christmas story, but while Simon does see Jesus shortly after His birth, most of the story takes place in later years of Christ's life and it's much more a story about coming to know and follow Christ, to decide whether or not to seek Him and believe or not. I really enjoyed that journey and there were parts of Simon's experience that I could relate to really well on my own journey to know and follow Christ. So it wasn't the Christmas story I was expecting, but it was definitely worth reading.

4 stars.

I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Deborah: Prophetess of God

Deborah: Prophetess of God
By H.B. Moore
Published by Covenant Communications

Deborah, a shepherdess, lives a fairly simple life—but that is turned upside down when encounters with the Canaanites lead her, as well as others, to realize that God is working in her life, for her sake and for the sake of His people. Although she is told by the Third Judge of Israel that she will be the next judge of Israel, when that becomes reality, Deborah must summon all her faith to face the challenges ahead, as the time has come for her, along with her husband’s cousin, Barak, who has been training the Israelites in battle, to lead the Israelites against the Canaanites to end their oppression.

I always enjoy reading H.B. Moore’s Biblical fiction because they make me think about people from the Bible in a totally different way. While this is a work of fiction, the setting is highly researched and it really brings to life how the ancient Israelites lived.
The plot of this book is really interesting—the first part focuses a lot on Deborah and her future husband, Lapidoth, and their love story, while setting the stage for the eventual battle between the Israelites and Canaanites, while the second part moves fifteen years ahead to when Deborah becomes the Judge of Israel and the imminent battle looms large. I thought both parts were really interesting—I loved the romance of the first part but also really liked seeing how Lapi continued to believe in and support Deborah in her sacred calling in the second part. I also liked Barak’s character and seeing his worries, which were so realistic, as he was supposed to lead the Israelites, and how he had to push through them. This was just a pleasure to read!
4.5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Until the Mountains Fall

Until the Mountains Fall (Cities of Refuge #3)
By Connilyn Cossette
Published by Bethany House
Release date: July 2, 2019

When Rivkah’s husband dies, her father arranges for her to marry her husband’s brother, according to Torah law. Rivkah can’t stand the idea of marrying Malakhi, who tormented her as a child, and when she can’t convince her father to call off the marriage, she flees, planning to find work as a scribe. However, she soon finds that life outside the city of refugee she has always lived in is vastly different than what she anticipated. When Rivkah runs away from him, Malakhi, who has loved her for years, throws himself into his work and tries to bury his feelings for her. When he is wounded in a fight against the Canaanites, he thinks he has also lost his identity as a soldier for Israel. Still reeling from his injuries and lost hopes, Malakhi is shocked when Rivkah’s father receives word from her, years after she ran away. When his father asks to try to find her, Malakhi can’t deny the request—but he is determined to guard his heart this time. A story of a prodigal daughter, this was just beautiful to read. The themes of forgiveness and not giving up hope were tenderly woven into the story. I loved the setting of ancient Israel and seeing how the Israelites were impacted by disobedience to God’s law and how they were threatened by their enemies because of that disobedience and discord between the tribes; that historical background was just so fascinating. As for the characters…well, I have loved reading about all of the characters in this series and getting to know their hearts, and Rivkah and Malakhi were no exception. Rivkah was stubborn and couldn’t see the good in Malakhi, and yet he persisted, and I loved that—and I loved seeing how Rivkah came to see who he really was. Malakhi was just great—hardworking and big-hearted. I also loved getting to see Rivkah’s and Malakhi’s family members again.
I can’t wait for the fourth book in the series! (Although this is the third book in a series, it could be read as a standalone--but the other books are fantastic, too!)

4.5 stars.

I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Shelter of the Most High

Shelter of the Most High
by Connilyn Cossette

Eitan has spent eleven years in a Kedesh, a City of Refuge, and more and more, he wants to be able to leave, to be able to protect his family and his people and to do more than just make weapons as a blacksmith. When Sofea and Prezi, the sole survivors of a raid on their Sicilian village, are brought to Kedesh, Eitan is immediately drawn to Sofea, even though they don't speak the same language. Eitan is determined to be patient as Sofea learns about his language and his religion and hopes that once she does, she will care for him in return, even when he tells her about the secrets of his past.

Sofea is the daughter of a pagan priest, so she initially wants nothing to do with the Hebrew God; she knows He must be just another blood-thirsty god to whom priests offer human sacrifices; in fact, she's afraid she and Prezi will be the next sacrifices. However, as she spends more time with Eitan's family, she comes to see that Yahweh is vastly different--and that with Him and with Eitan, perhaps she can find peace like she never has before. Before she can truly find out, though, Sofea and Eitan are betrayed and their very lives are threatened.

I love how Connilyn Cossette can take a little bit from the Bible (the refuge cities) that I've never given a second thought and make it completely fascinating. It's so fascinating to see how she portrayed life in one of those cities--and the desire to be able to escape. I also loved seeing, through Sofea, the contrast between the pagan gods and Yahweh and His love; it was sweet (but not at all sappy) seeing Sofea's realizations about Yahweh and her own worth and seeing both her and Prezi heal. The plotline was really interesting--twists and turns and excellent pacing--and I loved the characters. This book was just beautiful; I really loved it.

Although you probably don't have to read the first book in the series before you read this one, you totally should because it's a fantastic book as well.
5 stars. One of my picks for best of 2018.
I read an ARC via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A Light on the Hill

A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette

Ever since she was captured and taken to Jericho, where she was branded before being rescued, Moriyah has kept her face veiled and stayed close to home, not wanting to bring further shame to her family as those who see her gossip and speculate about what happened to her. When her father tells her he has found a match for her, Moriyah is surprised and nervous, especially since her betrothed, Raviv, does not seem particularly kind and obviously only wants her dowry. Still, she wants to honor her father, but when she tries to prepare a special meal for Raviv and his sons, the unthinkable happens, and Moriyah must flee, heading for a sanctuary city in an attempt to save her life long enough to receive a fair trial. Along her perilous journey, she finds unexpected allies--including the God she thought had abandoned her years before.

I was hooked from the very beginning of this book. I absolutely loved Moriyah's story. She was such a compelling character. The plot was so interesting--it was so fascinating to see what it might have been like for someone who needed to seek refuge in these cities. I absolutely loved seeing Moriyah's developing romance, too. All around great read! I loved it!


 I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Shadow of the Storm

Shadow of the Storm
Connilyn Cossette

As she lives with the other Hebrews, as well as some non-Hebrews who joined them in their exodus from Egypt—at the base of Mt. Sinai, Shira has made herself content with following in her mother’s footsteps to become a weaver—even though she doesn’t particularly care for it or have an aptitude for it. However, when a chance comes for her to learn to be a midwife, she can’t get the idea out of her head, and when she helps her brother’s handsome friend Ayal deliver a newborn lamb, the idea that perhaps bringing new life into the world is what Yahweh created her for is enough to get her to defy her mother’s wishes and start training with Reva, the Levite midwife. She slowly starts to become more confident in her skills, despite the scorn she receives from Dvorah, the midwife trainee that Reva has paired her up with, and also starts to hope that, in spite of what she has long believed—that she will never marry or have a family—that she might have a future with Ayal. But then tragedy strikes and a heartbroken Shira retreats, going back to weaving and trying to avoid Ayal as much as she can. Meanwhile, Dvorah, who was widowed when the Levite men, following Mosheh’s orders, killed those who rebelled against Yahweh in a night of debauchery, needs to find a way to provide for her son, and she will do anything to escape her brother-in-law—and if it hurts Shira in the process, so much the better.
Wow. This is another incredible book from Connilyn Cossette. I loved it. There were times when it was painful to read—because I felt so connected to Shira that her pain was real to me. It was so hard to read about her past, about how her mother discouraged her from following her dream of becoming a midwife, of her pain, confusion, and guilt at a delivery gone terribly wrong and the fallout from it, etc. It was hard to read about her interactions with Dvorah; although the passages where she was the narrator allowed me to see WHY she did what she did—and how she’d come to be the bitter, cruel person she was—it was hard to see innocent, kind Shira take the brunt of Dvorah’s anger and pain. The fact that Shira and her feelings were so real to me is a testament to what a great writer Cossette is. As painful as Shira’s path was, I enjoyed being able to feel the beginnings of hope again, and then forgiveness, and love, along with her as she continued on her journey.
Although we didn’t get to see the story from Ayal’s point of view, I liked how he was a flawed character who made some pretty serious mistakes but also could experience forgiveness both from Shira and from Yahweh; the fact that he wasn’t the perfect man made him more believable and in some ways, more endearing, and of course I loved the message of forgiveness and becoming new through God’s grace and forgiveness. I also appreciated the way Cossette conveyed that message—it was fairly subtle but still powerful.
Besides the incredible character development, especially with Shira, Cossette does a terrific job of depicting the day-to-day life as the Hebrews camped at Mt. Sinai—from the preparations of the tabernacle, with required immense amounts of materials (like cloth that had to be dyed and woven), to the petty arguments and jealousies and larger disagreements between tribes and between the Hebrews and non-Hebrews and between family members—were also so well written. I’d never thought before about what daily life for these people would have been like, or about how the people might have struggled to get along with one another, so that was both eye-opening and totally believable. And the way Cossette wove those details into the story, without dragging down the plot, again shows her skills as a writer.
It’s hard to convey how well-written this book is. The plot is so absorbing and Shira’s journey is both painful and beautiful. The characters are so real, as is the setting, and the language also served to pull me into the story. Solid five-star book here.
Although this is the second book in a series, you don’t actually have to read the first one to be able to follow the story. (But you SHOULD read the first one because it’s a great book, too!)
I read a copy available through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

5 stars.