"Wife Dressing" by Anne Fogarty

 

Originally written in the 1950s, this book is full of fun advice from times gone by.  While the average woman's fashion has changed over the decades, some things have stayed the same.  The concept of dressing for one's shape, paying attention to detail, matching colors, and accessorizing have not gone out of style.  The biggest takeaway is to remain presentable at all times.  This includes while cooking, cleaning, running errands, taking care of children, or just enjoying a meal at home.  Too many women dress up to go out but look like slobs in the home.  Even if no one but one's husband sees a woman's outfit, that will likely enhance the marriage.

Cities of Refuge Series by Connilyn Cossette

        

"A Light on the Hill" by Connilyn Cossette

One of the most interesting yet least talked about parts of the Bible is the cities of refuge.  These were places were those accused of crimes punishable by death could flee and remain safe.  They would either get a trial proclaiming them free or be confined to the city gates.  Going outside the city when guilty meant a vigilante could legally kill them.  This is the case with Moriyah.  When she accidentally kills two young boys, she is forced to flee to a city of refuge.  Things get interesting when the man who wants her dead is chasing her, trying to prevent her from reaching the city of refuge.  Add in the fact that Moriyah's love interest is the brother of said vigilante.  As if that were not drama enough, add in Moriyah's troubled childhood where she is kidnapped and branded with the mark of a pagan harlot.  Yes, interesting indeed.  I won't give any more of the book away but will say it is quite the page-turner.  For romance, that is there but not graphic.  As for the vigilante chasing, there is action and suspense but nothing too scary.  I like how biblical fiction ties in aspects of the human condition that apply to modern day.  While readers may not be fleeing for their lives after the fall of Jericho, they may be able to relate to the concept of others judging them, running away from a bad situation, and dealing with worrisome in-laws.  I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

"Shelter of the Most High" by Connilyn Cossette

The second book in the cities of refuge series does not disappoint.  It follows two Italian cousins--Sofea and Prezi--as their island hometown is ransacked by marauding pirates.  Kidnapped and taken aboard a strange vessel, they manage to escape and end up in Israel.  Unfamiliar with the language and customs of the Hebrew people, the girls fear that this new land they are in is full of ruthless pagans.  Injured and starving, they are taken back to town by local Jews.  Scared and confused, the girls initially think they are slaves bound for human sacrifice (not uncommon in their own land).  They are pleasantly surprised to realize that the Hebrews believe in a God of kindness and mercy, one that sacrifices sheep instead of people.  As the girls slowly learn Hebrew, they make friends in town and even spark romantic interest.  The plot takes a twist when they finally discover that the Israelite city they are in is actually a city of refuge and that the people around them have been accused of accidental killing.  Will this newfound realization make the girls leave the city and abandon their newfound community, or will they stay?  Read the book to find out!

"Until the Mountains Fall" by Connilyn Cossette

The third book in the series follows Rivkah who is a young widow when her first husband dies.  Due to the levirate marriage laws at the time, she is betrothed to her late husband's brother in an effort to continue his family name.  Distraught and upset, Rivkah flees to a neighboring town.  She soon realizes that the people there are not as faithful as those in her hometown.  Used, abused, and confused, Rivkah ends up a slave while her betrothed searches for her.  This book is a tale of sorrow, loss, and redemption.  After five years, has Rivkah's betrothed given up search and married another?  Can Rivkah's family forgive her for what she's done and the pain she's caused them?  Aside from the interpersonal drama, there is the threat of foreign invasion looming as neighboring armies march forward.

"Like Flames in the Night" by Connilyn Cossette

The fourth book in the series follows Tirzah, the youngest spunky daughter of Moriyah.  With the very real threat of Aramean occupation, the Hebrews are not at peace.  A widow with no children, Tirzah decides she wants to help her people regain their homeland.  She goes undercover as a spy, first cooking for an enemy king and then laundering fabric for an enemy warrior.  Through her cunning, she is able to determine when the Arameans are going to strike and relay this information to her Hebrew brethren ahead of time.  A Moabite convert named Liyam enters the scene when he makes a deal wih Tirzah's father.  By marrying Tirzah under false pretenses to aid in her spy efforts and provide protection, Tirzah's father agrees to help Liyam track down the man who ran over his daughter (his first wife died in childbirth).  Themes of intrigue, love, jealousy, revenge, and more are at play in this book.  Readers will get a firsthand glimpse into what life was like the in the biblical "cities of refuge", especially during the time of Aramaean occupation.  They will also understand how manslayers end up in these "cities of refuge" and what those seeking their life go thru.  Can one forgive another for an accidental death?  How do these emotions impact one's closest relationships?  Read and find out!

Out from Egypt Series by Connilyn Cossette

"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.