Shadow of the Storm Review

Author: Connilyn Cossette
Book: Shadow of the Storm Out from Egypt Book 2 (3 book series)
Genre: Biblical Fiction

Author Summary: 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 received a copy of this book for an honest review.  This book was truly amazing!  I fell for the characters in Book 1 Counted with the Stars.  The characters continue to grow in Book 2.  This book is written from Shira's point of view.
Shira has always done what everyone wants/needs her to do.  She doesn't realize her own internal strength.  When given the option to learn to be a midwife (a skill her mother strongly discourages Shira from pursuing) she learns how strong she truly is.  
Throughout the story we learn of another woman - Dvorah who shares her story with us as well.  The two women are placed together helping women deliver their babes.  After a delivery goes wrong Shira is bound to a man who deceived her.  After her husbands death Dvorah is dependent upon a man who only wants to use her.  
Shira continues to place her faith in Yahweh.  She finds her internal strength. Shira uses her strength to encourage others to do what needs to be done.  
This is a definite read for those who like biblical fiction.  Once you pick up the book and begin reading it is a difficult one to put down.  After finishing this book I feel as though I have a better understanding of what life would have truly been like for them as they traveled from the only home they know to find life in a new land.  

Counted With the Stars Review

Author: Connilyn Cossette
Book: Counted With The Stars Out from Egypt Book 1 (3 book series)
Genre: Biblical Fiction

Author Summary: Sold into slavery by her father and forsaken by the man she was supposed to marry, young Egyptian Kiya must serve a mistress who takes pleasure in her humiliation.

When terrifying plagues strike Egypt, Kiya is in the middle of it all.To save her older brother and escape the bonds of slavery, Kiya flees with the Hebrews during the Great Exodus.

She finds herself utterly dependent on a fearsome God she's only just beginning to learn about, and in love with a man who despises her people. With everything she's ever known swept away, will Kiya turn back toward Egypt or surrender her life and her future to Yahweh?

My Review:  I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  This was my first biblical fiction book and I wasn't sure how I would feel about reading it.  Once I started  I couldn't stop!  I love that Kiya didn't have to change who she was to be accepted by the Hebrews.  Over time they were willing to accept her.  While traveling with the Hebrews, Kiya discovers herself and is able to take her experiences and make her own conclusions about her future.  This is a definite must read if you like biblical fiction.  This is a sweet story about friendship, love, and acceptance!

The second book - Shadow of a Storm - is set to hit stores October 18th!