Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Review: Shadow of the Storm by Connilyn Cossette

About the book:
 
Shadow of the Storm by Connilyn Cossette
Out of Egypt: Book 2
Bethany House
 
In the Depth of the Storm's Shadow, Only Truth Can Light Her Way

Having escaped Egypt with the other Hebrews during the Exodus, Shira is now living in freedom at the foot of Mt. Sinai, upon which rests the fiery glowing Cloud containing the shekinah glory of God. When the people disobey Yahweh and build a golden idol, the ensuing chaos gives Shira an unexpected opportunity to learn the arts of midwifery. Although her mother wishes for her to continue in the family weaving trade, Shira's gifts shine brightest when she assists with deliveries. In defiance of her mother, Shira pursues her heart's calling to become an apprentice midwife.

When a delivery goes horribly wrong, Shira finds herself bound to a man who betrayed her, the caretaker of three young children, and the target of a vengeful woman whose husband was killed by Shira's people, the Levites. As contention between the Hebrew tribes and the foreigners fans the flames of another dangerous rebellion, Shira will come face-to-face with the heartbreak of her past that she has kept hidden for so long. How can she let go of all that has defined her to accept the love she's denied herself and embrace who she truly is?

My review:

 
I was obsessed with this series before it even released and it has lived up to my expectations. The writing is evocative and pulls you to the base of Mt. Sinai. The research Cossette puts into each story is apparent and the characters are so easy to care about.

Living in the Shadow of God’s glory, Shira is trying to find her place in this new life. Longing for a family of her own, she finds contentment in her new calling as a midwife. With tendrils of disquiet winding through the camp, Shira fights to hold on the broken pieces of her life. Will she have the strength to turn them over to the Lord?
                
 Shira was a favorite character since first meeting her in Counted With the Stars and I was so excited to finally unravel some of the hinted threads of her story. She has such a quiet strength, although she does not believe it of herself, and her struggle to navigate the new circumstances she finds herself in are captivating.
               
 I’m eagerly awaiting the conclusion to this series so I can meet Alanah the Canaanite and Tobiah the Hebrew warrior. I can’t wait to read what’s next from this author.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. *