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| Shadow of the Storm
Author - Connilynn Cossette
Rating - 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: Absolutely! |
Back Cover...
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?
Review...
The second book in new author Connilyn Cossette's Out of Egypt Series, focuses on the freed Hebrews during their first year out of captivity. Remember when the Hebrews had a big old party after Moses climbed the mountain and even created a golden idol to worship? Well Shadow of the Storm delves into that time with such vivid detail that I felt as if I lived within the tents.
Cossette once again takes you into the thick of the times and makes it comes to so alive. She leads the reader into a better understanding of what life may have actually been like for the Hebrews. Although this is a work of fiction, what the characters experience is very plausible and equally awe inspiring.
I truly enjoyed reading Sahira's story. I liked her from book 1 (Counted With The Stars) and was happy she got her journey. There is so much to say about who she is and what she represents as a daughter of God. Even as a biblical character, modern women can truly appreciate her struggles and triumphs. She is definitely one of my favorite fiction heroines.
I am usually all mushy gushy for the hero in romance novels and while I pictured Ayal to be a complete hunk, I found myself teetering between loving him and then not so much and then liking him. Yep, a rollercoaster of emotions. Not a necessarily a bad thing if you don't mind that sort of reading ride.
While I did really enjoy this book and read it within 2 days, there were a few minor things that gave me pause.
1 - There was a certain medical technique used in the book that I remember learning wasn't practiced until thousands of years after this book. Then again, I would never really know and could be way off, but I found it odd nevertheless.
2 - Admittedly I don't know much about the history of the bible and I know that scholars argue this, that and everything in between, but I have always been taught that Moses wrote the Pentateuch as dictated by God. I found it odd that the Hebrews were recounting the story of Adam and Eve before Moses dictated it. Now if I am way off...please feel free to rid me of my ignorance.
One more thing. Sin is woven throughout the book as should be expected. These were turbulent times for not only Hebrews, put other people who fled Pharoah as well. All kinds of idol worship, adultery, thievery and more surely ran rampant in the camp.
Without given anything away, there was an incident that occured that majorly effects the relationship between Sahira and Ayal. I admit that I cringed when I read it. I can pretty much bet that many Christian Fiction readers may wince as well. I'm curious as to how everyone will feel about it. If you have read this book or after you have read it, please stop by and let me know if you were ok with the resolution of this particular plot point or if you found it wanting.
All in all, I really did enjoy this book and think its a wonderful follow-up to Cossette's debut and look forward to book three! I give it 4.5 stars because I am still unsure.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Bethany House Publishers. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.
