"Counted With the Stars" by Connilyn Cossette
Every now and then I get a book that I keep turning the pages due to the suspenseful and gripping story. However, very rarely do I get a book that has that and impacts me greatly on a personal level. "Counted with the Stars" is a biblical fiction story. It follows Kiya, a young Egyptian woman sold into slavery to pay her father's debt. Her tale is told during the time of the Hebrew slaves leaving Egypt and the 10 plagues. Kiya is forced to look inside of herself and question her beliefs as she leaves her idols to go after a faceless God. Kiya's master is a cruel woman, and the readers learn why the woman is so bitter, giving them a perspective to think for themselves why others treat them so poorly. Then there are the suitors. Kiya is originally betrothed to one man, but that does not last. There is a Hebrew she is attracted to, but he despises the Egyptian people. Then there is an Amalakite who at first is dashing but later proves to be abusive and aggressive. Readers will learn through Kiya about mistakes that come from rushing with men and not taking time to learn their character. When the slaves--Hebrew, Egyptian, and whoever else wanted to join--leave, there are struggles and miracles in the wilderness. Kiya witnesses danger and salvation as normal occurrences. With regards to acceptance, Kiya faces the cold stares of Hebrews that despise her heritage. She struggles with her past and whether or not she will ever be accepted as part of Israel. All that drama aside, this book is beautifully written and feels so real. Between emotions and dialog, there are vivid descriptions of life through a slave's eyes. There is the touch of a donkey's ear, the rush of the Nile waters, the cool stone of a royal floor beneath calloused feet, and so much more. I can not wait for the next book in this series.
"Shadow of the Storm" by Connilyn Cossette
As the second book in the Out from Egypt trilogy, this story both builds upon the first book but also stands on its own. Readers who have not read the first book will not be confused as to what is going on. This tale focuses on Shira, a young woman who desires to become a midwife. She battles with her past where men abused her, and she is confused when a man truly begins to love her. Can she trust him? Is he just like all the others? To make matters worse, there is a desperate woman named Dvorah who does everything to make Shira's life a living hell. And did I mention the Golden Calf incident is going on at this time? Beyond the drama of a good story, this book really makes one think about the biblical narrative. What really happened to all those converts to Judaism? How did Moses handle the racial divide? How did families react when loved ones were murdered for bowing to an idol? All these questions and more are played out with characters. While nothing in this book is graphic, I would not recommend it for young readers.
"Wings of the Wind" by Connilyn Cossette
The third book in the Out from Egypt series focuses on Alanah, a Canaanite captive woman who is captured in battle. Tobiah, Alanah's potential husband, rescues her and treats her according to the Torah law. Alanah has to shave her head and mourn 30 days for her family while Tobiah does not touch her. Afterwards, she can either decide to stay and marry him or leave. The suspense of this decision is excellently written as to not give anything away. There is much internal struggle as Alanah tries to integrate into Hebrew society. Emotions flare as fellow Hebrews are less than happy about Tobiah's choice of potential wife. To add even more drama to the story, Alanah gets kidnapped in the desert and eventually lands herself in Jericho where we meet the infamous Rahab. Alanah is subjected firsthand to the brutality and depravity of Jericho and comes to understand why the city is doomed for destruction. Biblical history is weaved thru characters' lives in an unexpected way that is sure to leave readers turning pages.
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