After reading the first in this series, I was both curious and a bit hesitant to read this next one. I know I'm likely to enjoy the 3rd book, since I loved Alanah's character the few times we see her in Like Flames in the Night from Liyam's POV, but I also wasn't the biggest fan of Kiya's story in the previous book and wasn't sure what to think or expect of Shira.

I did end up enjoying this one! There were parts still that kept this one from being another favorite Connilyn Cosstte books, but it was good for what it was and as a story overall. I enjoyed seeing more of Shira and her family and friends, and meeting the love interest, and her midwife instructor as well as some of the other characters in this one. It also had some fun twists that made it an unique and enjoyable read! There were also some...less pleasant things in this one that I can see might come off as offensive, off-putting, or unnecessary to some readers. It does deal with pregnancy and midwifing, as well as mentions of birth, death, and the difficult life of a midwife, among other things. It also talks about struggles with marriage, parenting, and families that tend to come up in a position of trusted friend and medical advise as well as an encourager and confidant, so this is by no means a light or easy read. But it does make for a reflecting and enjoyable read for the right audience. There is a mention of past sexual assault, as well as another attempted assault as well. Please be advised in case any of these things might be potential triggers for you as a reader.

I loved seeing Shira grown and mature some in this one, and also watching as her friendship grows with Kiya and some of the other women and characters she meets along the way in her story. This was a good transition from their time in Egypt as they travel around before finally reaching the Land and entering into their inheritance in the next story. I've enjoyed seeing Connilyn Cosstte's take on this important event and time period that is often referred to but little is really know about. It's always interesting to consider the possible lives and stories there characters would live out and share around a camp-fire or dinner table each night. Knowing that they existed and were as real as you and I, yet seem so far away and distant, they were just as alive and a part of God's story as each of us today. Fascinating! I loved this unique take on what a glimpse into their lives might have looked like, and Shira's story did a wonderful job helping me consider what the might look like from a new perspective. ( )

I didn't love this quite as much as book one, but it's still miles and miles above any other "faith-based" series; besides, maybe, Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series.

I struggled throughout because the narrator changes from Kiya to Shira. I kept getting confused because I had Kiya on the brain. Maybe need to wait a bit before picking up book two next time around.

One thing that really threw me and made it "not as awesome" for me was there were just a few too many pious, self-contemplative speeches---especially by Shira. The reader really can come to a lot of these spiritual conclusions on her own---don't need the character to spell them out for us.

Seemed to be lots of foreshadowing hints for part three... We'll see! ( )

I find myself constantly amazed at Cossette’s prowess as an author. Her characters are rich and well-formed, her plots are dynamic and intriguing, and her history is researched, engaging, but not overbearing. I always look forward to reading her books, because I know they’ll contain a lot of truth and a good storyline to boot. This was no exception.

I related more deeply to Shira than I expected. Though I haven’t faced the same kind of trauma as she has, I was able to understand her—and the ways she dealt with her triggers—because I’ve often had the same reactions. The advice she was given was spot-on and encouraging, and I just loved the older woman who didn’t give up on her, even when Shira kept putting her off!

The romance was sweet, and I loved the fact that children were featured in the plot. They were such darlings, even though they’d gone through so much. In all, this was a satisfying read, and I’m thankful I was finally able to get to read it! ( )

Picking up shortly after where the first book ended, the Israelites are camped at the foot of Mount Sinai awaiting God’s instructions through Moses. Taking us through the events involving the golden calf, the building of the Tabernacle, and the journey to the border of the Promised Land, the book follows Shira, a young barren woman who chooses to learn midwifery and finds herself struggling to discern God’s path for her life.

This is a fascinating story, not only because the secrets the characters hold and the twists the narrative takes are often unexpected, but also because it is a period of history that isn’t often written about in fiction, and while I know a little about the major events that took place during that time, I’ve never imagined what the people’s daily lives would have looked like and what challenges they faced as a new nation living and traveling together. I also like that we get to see more of the first book’s main characters as well, and I hope that continues into the third book! ( )

Great Book! Connilyn Cossette has again delivered excellent piece of work! I'm looking forward to her new and upcoming book! ( )