BETWEEN THE WILD BRANCHES by CONNILYN COSSETTE

Publication date 6/6/21
BETWEEN THE WILD BRANCHES is the second novel in The Covenant House series by CONNILYN COSSETTE and it was definitely well worth waiting for! I love good biblical fiction and this author is without any doubt a master in the genre, with not only her research and knowledge of the Bible, but also her relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
If you have not already read To Dwell Among Cedars I suggest you do so in order to get the background of this book, but it can also be read as a stand alone.
We find Lukio in Ashdod ten years after leaving Kireat-Yearim and his adoptive family. He has become Devil Eyes, the Champion of Ashdod, with land and riches and Mataro the king's favour, leading to him becoming betrothed to Mariada, the king's daughter, and being made the Master of Games. This all becomes unimportant to him when he comes across Mariada's slave girl, Shoshanna, who he has loved since they were young, and hears her story and that of other Hebrew slaves.
Two of my favourite quotes in the book are "One must use every weapon one has when innocent lives are at stake" and "Oshai constantly reminded those of us who met in the wine cellar that although we could not save everyone, every life was precious, formed in the image of Yahweh Himself".
We see the difference between life in Ashdod, where the Philistines indulge in every kind of debauchery and horrific treatment of those they consider their enemies, as opposed to the simple God-fearing life of the Hebrews who adopted Lukio and his beloved sister Risi into their family in Kireat-Yearim.
It is a story of sacrificial love, extravagant mercy, forgiveness and redemption, as we watch Lukio live out the prophetic word given to him by Samuel, the prophet and great man of God.
I cannot recommend Between The Wild Branches highly enough. It is a wonderfully inspirational novel, full of biblical truth, and one I will read more than once.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.




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