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.
I absolutely love how Connilyn brings the Bible to life! This book is just fascinating! To be sure, it is fiction but certainly much is historically accurate, from either archeological finds or Biblical record. It takes place during the time of Samuel in the Old Testament and is the first book in a new series, The Covenant House. I look forward to reading the following the future ones. It was fun to see a couple of tiny glimpses of characters from the previous series.
More than just nonfictional writing about ancient people of Israel and Philistia, this novel is also the story of two young children, Eliora and Natan, adopted into a family. Eliora loves the family but looks different and subconsciously feels she must work hard and serve well to keep from being rejected. Natan’s struggles manifest themselves through anger and rebellion. Will they realize that adoption is forever, and true love is unconditional?
I LOVED reading this story and wish I could give it more than 5 stars. For those who are squeamish about ancient pagan practices or bloodshed, this might not be for you but for everyone else, I so highly recommend this book! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I am freely writing a review – all thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Author: Connilyn Cossette is a Christy Award and Carol Award winning author whose books have been found on both ECPA and CBA bestseller lists. When she is not engulfed in the happy chaos of homeschooling two teenagers, devouring books whole, or avoiding housework, she can be found digging into the rich ancient world of the Bible to discover gems of grace that point to Jesus and weaving them into an immersive fiction experience. Although she and her husband have lived all over the country in their twenty-plus years of marriage, they currently call a little town south of Dallas, Texas their home.
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