Let it be known that this is the first time I have ever finished an adult Biblical fiction novel. ( )

What can I say? Literally the best author writing Biblical fiction today---or any time, really. When I've finished this series, I'll have read everything she's put out and I'll be jumping at the chance to buy her next one as soon as it releases! Thank you, Connilyn Cossette for writing good Biblical fiction that stays true to the Word and shows you know what you're talking about. Good stuff.

Sweet semi-continuation of the series prior to this one. It never occurred to me that one might be barred from reaching the altar or the city of refuge... Really brings the Tanakh to life! ( )

A Light on The Hill is the first book in the Cities of Refuge series. While some of the characters were part of Cossette’s Out from Egypt series, it is not necessary to have read those books. Inspired by scripture found in Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua, the novel centers on Moriyah, a young unmarried Jewish woman who hides behind a veil and in the safety of her home after being branded by a Canaanite priest. Moriyah believes she has sheltered herself and her family from judgment and shame. This novel takes Moriyah on a journey of discovery as she seeks to flee danger. While some of her adventures seemed a bit far-fetched, they showed the culture, geography, and customs of Israel and Canaan following Israel’s conquest. I really liked the historical details that Cossette introduced, including the foods! Moriyah grows considerably during her trials and discovers that the only real refuge that can be trusted is within God’s care.

The Biblical message is strong, this is a Biblical novel after all. The law of Moses discussed in this book is interesting and pertaining to Moriyah’s circumstances, a bit foreign for a modern reader. But the Old Testament always points to Jesus, and this book’s depiction of the Cities of Refuge — their purpose and meaning — opened up a new understanding of Jesus as our spiritual refuge and his role as High Priest. There’s also romance and suspense that will appeal to the modern reader.

I very much enjoyed A Light on The Hill and look forward to discussing it with my book club. By the way, there are excellent discussion questions included.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

This is the first book in the Cities of Refuge series, but it’s also a continuation of the previous Out From Egypt series. I would recommend reading that first because events from the last book are referenced but never fully explained in this book.

After escaping the destruction of Jericho as a young girl, Moriyah is left with the mark of pagan gods permanently branded on her face. Now a young woman, she lives her life in hiding, covering her scars with a veil and rarely leaving her father’s vineyard for fear of the stares and whispers that follow her in the market.

When her father betroths her to a widower with two sons, Moriyah vows to make the best of the situation. But after a tragic accident, she is forced to flee to the refuge city of Kedesh if she wants any hope of a fair trial. Journeying through wilderness and enemy territory, accompanied by a faithful servant and a man who values justice over vengeance, Moriyah discovers a strength within herself she never knew she had, and a God walking beside her whom she thought had abandoned her long ago.

Yet another exciting and beautiful story by Connilyn Cossette! I learned a lot about how the cities of refuge in ancient Israel functioned, since they are not talked about very much in the Bible. It also gives a vivid picture of how the nation of Israel contrasted with the Canaanite nations they displaced and their methods for conquering them and driving them out. Cossette always does such a marvelous job of making these historical settings feel real and tangible! ( )

Excellent historical fiction. I love experiencing the biblical times. Cossette’s writing is wonderful. Although the end was predictable I look forward to the next Book in this series. ( )