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Seven years ago, Moriyah was taken captive in Jericho and branded with the mark of the Canaanite gods. Now the Israelites are experiencing peace in their new land, but Moriyah has yet to find her own peace. Because of the shameful mark on her face, she hides behind her veil at all times and the disdain of the townspeople keeps her from socializing. And marriage prospects were out of the question . . . until now. Her father has found someone to marry her, and she hopes to use her love of cooking to impress the man and his motherless sons. But when things go horribly wrong, Moriyah is forced to flee. Seeking safety at one of the newly-established Levitical cities of refuge, she is wildly unprepared for the dangers she will face, and the enemies--and unexpected allies--she will encounter on her way.… (more)
User reviews
Author: Connilyn Cossette
Pages: 336
Year: 2018
Publisher: Bethany
My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
This story is a heart-throbbing, pulse-pounding and faith-intensive tale. It centers on the book of Joshua when the Israelites were setting up cities of
There are several reasons I loved this book. One, the time was kept by the Hebrew calendar, helping keep readers’ minds in that time. Two, readers will get a flavor for what other nations in the land were doing or how they looked upon the Israelites. Three, the constant tension of never knowing if the main character fleeing to a refuge city was going to arrive before being killed.
Moriyah had been branded before the walls of Jericho were brought down, so if people saw the brand they jumped to conclusions. Some of the taunts and ways people treated her, whether real or perceived by her, were so hurtful she placed herself in isolation in her home. She cared for her father and neighbors through her cooking abilities. Her father arranged a marriage, but it wasn’t to the man Moriyah thought, which caused the heart of this reader to wonder if her desire to marry would become a reality.
Moriyah built a wall around her heart that even kept her from hearing Yahweh’s voice, so she thought He left her too. Now, she needs men who are willing to help her flee to a city of refuge before the man bent on taking her life captures her. The man helping her to arrive safely is closely related to the man seeking revenge, and somewhere along the way a romance that Moriyah knows can never be begins to grow.
What a fantastic story that captures the heart of readers and challenges us all to let the wall of separation between us and Yahweh down and listen for His voice. Can we trust Him to know what is best for us and help us walk through the time even if it isn’t what we thought life would look like as Moriyah learned?
I can’t wait until the next book is released as this biblical story, while written fictionally, is beyond exceptional! It helps people to see that He is faithful and truly brings about the best for us and others even when we don’t see the “how”. Don’t wait another minute to enjoy this novel!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
It is easy to sympathize and empathize with Moriyah. She, like us all, has made mistakes and wonders if it’s possible to overcome or move past them. My heart pounded as I read about Moriyah’s quest to reach one of the cities of refuge. I felt her pain and urged her to have faith that God’s mercy awaited her. We all have it in us to be a light for God.
Oh my. I love a story that leaves me changed. There isn’t a book by this author that I didn’t love. A Light on the Hill is a beacon of hope, showing us that though we fail and stumble, there is a path we can follow to find forgiveness and mercy—if we look toward the Light of the world.
Ms. Cossette’s writing is superb, easy to read, and keeps me turning pages. There wasn’t a dull moment, no dragging dialogue. If you’ve never read Biblical fiction, this is a great place to start. I can’t wait to read book two of this stunning 2-book series.
This book is incredible. I think I have discovered a new author (to me) of Biblical fiction that delves into details with enthusiasm and accuracy. She has written several series so far that I haven't read yet. But I love her writing style, the detail she includes, the imagination that puts flesh on the bare bones of sometimes dry history. With this book, I discovered new perspectives I hadn't considered before. This book was truly a living experience. I actually felt I was there. I will be certain to pick up her other series and read them, I'm that impressed.
Besides being a piece of historical fiction, this book is filled with action and suspense. Moriyah has been accused of killing two young teens. She must flee to a city set aside by God as a sanctuary for people to plea for a fair trial. The next of kin has the right to avenge the deaths of the boys without retribution. Along the way, the boys' father prevents them getting to the nearest safe city, so the group traveling with Moriyah must go to the next city, which will take them through dangerous territory controlled by the Canaanites. There are many dangers to face along the way. Additionally, there is an element of romance during their travels. But because of the accusations against her, Moriyah despairs of a future for her and Derek.
The characters are likable, real, and easily related to. I would call the group traveling together highly colorful. I could barely put the book down because of all the twists and turns in the plot. I even enjoyed reading the book a second time. It was just as fresh as reading it the first time through.
There are also some wonderfully contemplative moments where Moriyah learns more about the God of Israel whom she thought had abandoned her earlier in her life. The book contains some beautiful word pictures of the grace of God as she learns how He provided grace and mercy to his people. I highly recommend this book. This is the first book in a new series. I am certainly looking forward to reading the rest of the books that follow.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Thanks to the author, I received a complimentary copy of A Light on the Hill and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
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.)
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!