Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collection
Call number
F COS
Publication
Bethany House Publishers (2020), 368 pages
Description
Fiction. Romance. Christian Fiction. Historical Fiction. Determined to return the Ark of the Covenant to Shiloh, Levite musician Ronen never expected that Eliora, the Philistine girl he rescued years ago, would be part of the family he's tasked to deceive. As his attempts to charm her lead them in unexpected directions, they question their loyalties when their beliefs about the Ark and themselves are shaken.
User reviews
LibraryThing member SBMC
"We can never guess what may come of our obedience, but that is not for us to know anyhow. We are not the All-Knowing One. We are simply called to 'hear and obey' and to love Adonai our God with all our hearts, all our minds, and all our strength."
Another incredible, heart-wrenching, soul-stirring
I loved Eliora, the rescued Philistine girl who becomes adopted into a loving and devoted Levite family that guards the Ark. She's loving and tender with a servant's heart but still struggles with her Philistine heritage and her place within the arms of a loving and gracious Yahweh as well as within her family. Her younger brother Natan (Lukio) grabbed my heart with his impulsive and rebellious ways that are fueled by rejection and resentment and I can't wait for the next book in the series where we'll get to meet the grown-up version of this young man. Ronen is so lovely in his genius and dedication as a Levite musician, devotion and loyalty to family, sense of justice (though sometimes misguided), and tenderness. There is awe, wonder and splendor of Yahweh seen with ethereal beauty of worship within these pages as well as betrayal, sweet romance, and power of familial love.
Definitely in my top 20 reads of 2020! I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Another incredible, heart-wrenching, soul-stirring
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Biblical fiction from Connilyn Cossette! To Dwell Among Cedars starts a new series The Covenant House, set during the time of the judges when Samuel starts his ministry. The story starts with the Ark's capture by the Philistines and the subsequent arrival of the Ark at Beth-Shemesh, and unfolds with the years following the Ark being ensconced within the mountain village of Kiryat-Yearim. The author has an uncanny ability to transport you to this faraway land and place you in the middle of the thriving community to see, hear, taste, smell, touch, and feel the daily activities, the novelty of hosting Yom Teruah (Rosh Hashanah) celebration, the unrest and division within the Levites, and the spiritual apathy and ignorance rampant in Israel during that time. Painted on this vivid backdrop, there are profound faith lessons on sense of worth and purpose, God's immeasurable grace and mercy, and the meaning of God's adoption of us as His children. If you enjoy Biblical fiction, this book is a must read. It will stay with you long after you've finished the book and have you going back to 1 Samuel 4-7 to see these Biblical passages with fresh eyes. I loved Eliora, the rescued Philistine girl who becomes adopted into a loving and devoted Levite family that guards the Ark. She's loving and tender with a servant's heart but still struggles with her Philistine heritage and her place within the arms of a loving and gracious Yahweh as well as within her family. Her younger brother Natan (Lukio) grabbed my heart with his impulsive and rebellious ways that are fueled by rejection and resentment and I can't wait for the next book in the series where we'll get to meet the grown-up version of this young man. Ronen is so lovely in his genius and dedication as a Levite musician, devotion and loyalty to family, sense of justice (though sometimes misguided), and tenderness. There is awe, wonder and splendor of Yahweh seen with ethereal beauty of worship within these pages as well as betrayal, sweet romance, and power of familial love.
Definitely in my top 20 reads of 2020! I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
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LibraryThing member Becky_L
My heart is full upon completion of reading Connilyn Cossette’s newest offering, To Dwell Among Cedars, #1 The Covenant House. This Biblical fiction book contains everything I am looking for in its genre. Scriptural accuracy, while approaching an age-old narrative of Israel in Samuel’s time
Ronen, a member of an different priestly line than Elazer, first finds Arisa and Lukio(Natan) as they follow the Ark back into Israeli territory after its Philistine capture. An orphan himself, he deals with some of the same insecurities of not belonging as Eliora. These are a driving force in his thoughts and actions. There we have wonderful, multiple storylines going.
I loved Connilyn’s style-immediately warm and enticing you into the narrative, enveloping you into the ancient Biblical events very quickly.
Cossette sets the stage with some unusual premises. Not once did I feel that believability was stretched. One other point that makes me greatly treasure this novel is the many nuggets of truth shared and spoken naturally in uncontrived conversation. Connilyn Cossette is a master in her world of Biblical fiction. I am very sad it will be another year before we can read Natan (Lukio’s) story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, as well as NetGalley. I am voluntarily leaving this review. All thoughts are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“There is no magic in the box itself, Arisa. The power is that of the hand of Yahweh. It is merely a vessel, but one that signifies the sacred covenant between Israel and our God and above which has hovered the very shekinah of the Eternal One.”
”But the Eternal One was not made by man; there is no place you can go that he will not be with you.”
”He is the God Who Sees. There is no place you can go to escape his vigilant watch over you.”
”It is not the Ark you must follow, my precious child. It is the God who made you.”
”...So why do you work so hard for a place at their table when you already have one?”...”you are working so hard to earn something you’ve already been given.”
”Because you are the woman the Creator made you to be, no matter where you come from or what you look like.”
”No matter what decision I made, the cost would be great... the cost of going against the will of the Eternal One was greater by far.”
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from a unique viewpoint of Philistine Arisa (Eliora). Cossette vividly portrays all the emotions- the terror, the fear, the astonishment, the romance, and the suspense. As the uncertainty of being orphans at the whims and mercy of others is clearly shown, I couldn’t help myself from being drawn into Eliora’s life as she struggles for a sense of belonging and security, and ultimate love. Though she and Lukio(Natan) are adopted by generous and loving priest Elazer and his family, Eliora always feels herself an outcast.Ronen, a member of an different priestly line than Elazer, first finds Arisa and Lukio(Natan) as they follow the Ark back into Israeli territory after its Philistine capture. An orphan himself, he deals with some of the same insecurities of not belonging as Eliora. These are a driving force in his thoughts and actions. There we have wonderful, multiple storylines going.
I loved Connilyn’s style-immediately warm and enticing you into the narrative, enveloping you into the ancient Biblical events very quickly.
Cossette sets the stage with some unusual premises. Not once did I feel that believability was stretched. One other point that makes me greatly treasure this novel is the many nuggets of truth shared and spoken naturally in uncontrived conversation. Connilyn Cossette is a master in her world of Biblical fiction. I am very sad it will be another year before we can read Natan (Lukio’s) story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, as well as NetGalley. I am voluntarily leaving this review. All thoughts are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“There is no magic in the box itself, Arisa. The power is that of the hand of Yahweh. It is merely a vessel, but one that signifies the sacred covenant between Israel and our God and above which has hovered the very shekinah of the Eternal One.”
”But the Eternal One was not made by man; there is no place you can go that he will not be with you.”
”He is the God Who Sees. There is no place you can go to escape his vigilant watch over you.”
”It is not the Ark you must follow, my precious child. It is the God who made you.”
”...So why do you work so hard for a place at their table when you already have one?”...”you are working so hard to earn something you’ve already been given.”
”Because you are the woman the Creator made you to be, no matter where you come from or what you look like.”
”No matter what decision I made, the cost would be great... the cost of going against the will of the Eternal One was greater by far.”
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LibraryThing member Eamace
Although the entire city of Ashdod seemed to have been shaken, the Hebrews’ Ark had not moved. Perhaps the God of the Hebrews had not been bested after all.
When you start, you won’t want to stop reading this incredible story of two orphaned Philistine children who did just as their nanny had
Life had been tough for Arisa and Lukia, but perhaps this had prepared them for their adoption into a Hebrew home and family. Rescued by a young Levite apprentice, their terror turns into a haven of blessing. Realizing that they have been grafted into a new family creates many problems for one, but not the other. Learning to believe that God will be with them wherever they go is a lesson not easily grasped, but vital to their future.
This ARC was received through Baker Publishing Group and Bethany House Publishers. The impression and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
When you start, you won’t want to stop reading this incredible story of two orphaned Philistine children who did just as their nanny had
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told them - Follow the Ark. Starting in Ashdod where the gods of the Philistines were no match for the Ark, the importance of this symbol is seen throughout the book. The Ark has stood the test of time - from the wandering in the wilderness to its current resting spot among the cedars. The author has such a wonderful way with words that I could almost see the hills and smell the cedars. The description of the views were enough to to make you wish you were there.Life had been tough for Arisa and Lukia, but perhaps this had prepared them for their adoption into a Hebrew home and family. Rescued by a young Levite apprentice, their terror turns into a haven of blessing. Realizing that they have been grafted into a new family creates many problems for one, but not the other. Learning to believe that God will be with them wherever they go is a lesson not easily grasped, but vital to their future.
This ARC was received through Baker Publishing Group and Bethany House Publishers. The impression and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
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LibraryThing member Virginia51
Again Connilyn Cossette takes a little known part in the Bible and makes the people come to life. I loved that she can make me want to know more about this time period. This book gives these characters great personalities that make you want more. I love that Eliora and Ronen help each other and
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then get to know each other. I am really looking forward to Lokio’s story. He seems to be a very complicated young man. I received a copy of this book from the author fir a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. Show Less
LibraryThing member BeautyintheBinding
I thoroughly enjoyed Connilyn Cossette’s newest novel, To Dwell Among Cedars. Arisa/Eliora captured my imagination at the beginning and I quickly became invested in her story. Eliora’s devotion to Yahweh and the Ark of the Covenant undergirds all that she does. Such dedication set an
While Eliora shines in To Dwell Among Cedars, the story has a substantial romance thread between her and Ronen. Ronen’s quest to move the Ark of the Covenant to a different location besets their blossoming love. This difficulty added a layer of tension to their unexpected and beautiful love story.
To Dwell Among Cedars is the first installment in The Covenant House series by Connilyn Cossette. I am eager for book two. Five stars!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
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encouraging example to those around her and for the reader. I loved journeying with her as she learned her true value and I rooted for her as she arose in boldness when necessary. While Eliora shines in To Dwell Among Cedars, the story has a substantial romance thread between her and Ronen. Ronen’s quest to move the Ark of the Covenant to a different location besets their blossoming love. This difficulty added a layer of tension to their unexpected and beautiful love story.
To Dwell Among Cedars is the first installment in The Covenant House series by Connilyn Cossette. I am eager for book two. Five stars!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
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LibraryThing member Anne_Rightler
To Dwell Among Cedars is another captivating Biblical fiction book from talented storyteller, Connilyn Cossette. Her books are fascinating stories, rich with detail that take readers right into the scenes of Scripture. Readers will love this fictional account of a young Philistine girl. Arisa
I received a copy of the book from the publisher, and a favorable review was not required. The opinions are my own.
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follows the Ark of the Covenant during its return to Israel after its earlier capture by the Philistines. The story unfolds with subsequent events as a faction of Israelites scheme to remove the Ark to another site. The characters have depth and reality. Their emotions and strengths resonate well with readers. And what is a good fiction book without a romance? Readers are entertained with that as well. The development of Arisa/Eliora and Ronen's relationship quickly drew me in. The historical lessons are blended well with lessons about family struggles and learning to value oneself because of who (or Whose) you are and not because of what you can do. To Dwell Among Cedars is the beginning of a new series, The Covenant House, and I fear the wait for the next book will be a long one. I received a copy of the book from the publisher, and a favorable review was not required. The opinions are my own.
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LibraryThing member fcplcataloger
"Follow the Ark, Arisa. Do not turn to the right or to the left, and do not stop until it dwells among the cedars and you are sheltered in perfect peace."
Once again, I am amazed with Connilyn Cossette's ability to transport me back to biblical times and open my eyes to truths shared in the Holy
I recommend To Dwell Among Cedars to all who enjoy biblical fiction and Christian romance. You won't be disappointed!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. There was no obligation for a favorable review and no monetary compensation was given. These are my own thoughts.
Once again, I am amazed with Connilyn Cossette's ability to transport me back to biblical times and open my eyes to truths shared in the Holy
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Bible. To Dwell Among Cedars begins in Philistia in 1070 BC and Cossette immediately captured my attention with her imaginative tale of what might have occurred during the attempts to recover the Ark of the Covenant, as she bases her story on scripture from 1 Samuel 4 and 1 Samuel 6. Fascinating characters and her wonderful descriptive powers are the keys to this intriguing tale of adoption, forgiveness, a return to faith, and the beginning of a sweet love story between Eliora (Arisa), a Philistine girl, and the Levite musician Ronen. Eliora's brother Natan (Lukio) is also an important part of To Dwell Among Cedars and I am looking forward to learning more about him in the next book in The Covenant House duology!I recommend To Dwell Among Cedars to all who enjoy biblical fiction and Christian romance. You won't be disappointed!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. There was no obligation for a favorable review and no monetary compensation was given. These are my own thoughts.
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LibraryThing member hes7
Connilyn Cossette once again proves her impressive skill of bringing biblical history to life with vivid detail. As I read To Dwell Among Cedars, I felt transported to an Old-Testament time of which I knew little. Still, she makes it accessible with fleshed-out characters, intriguing drama, and
Like all of Connilyn Cossette’s novels, To Dwell Among Cedars is one that biblical-fiction lovers should not want to skip. I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book 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.
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relatable themes. The story that unfolds around Eliora, Ronen, and the Ark of the Covenant is one I found wholly fascinating and page-turning, and I look forward to seeing how the Covenant House series continues.Like all of Connilyn Cossette’s novels, To Dwell Among Cedars is one that biblical-fiction lovers should not want to skip. I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book 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.
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LibraryThing member CoverLoverBookReview
First, I have to gush over the cover art. It makes my heart happy to see a book cover that makes me stop and sigh, and this one does that. It not only sets the mood for the story inside, but it transports me to Biblical times.
It’s so exciting to begin reading a new book series, especially when
The story begins with young Elisa and her brother Lukio, Philistines under the care of Azuvah, a Hebrew slave. Oh, how I love Azuvah, who stays true to her faith and convictions in a difficult environment. When an urgent time arises, selfless Azuvah urges Elisa and Lukio to run away and follow the Ark of the Covenant. There escape from a dreadful future is pivotal, heartbreaking, and inspiring.
It was common in Biblical times to receive a name change from the Lord during a pivotal time in someone’s life and faith, and when Elisa’s name becomes Eliora and Lukio becomes Natan, the story takes on a new life as well.
To Dwell Among Cedars, the first book in The Covenant House series, is captivating, heart-breaking, heart-pounding, and stirring. I effortlessly sank into this story and enjoyed the varying points of view. I stayed up late reading, unable to put the story down, for upon reaching the end of each chapter the story urged me to read further. The research that went into writing this story is evident and taught me so much about the customs and lives of people in that time in history. And I just love it when a story teaches me something new!
Walking in Arisa’s shoes has been quite an experience. I look forward to the next book in this series, delving deeper into Natan’s life.
Connilyn Cossette has done it again, becoming a favorite read of the year. A gorgeous cover, a captivating story, and brilliant storytelling.
#2021Favorites #BiblicalFiction #TheCovenantHouse #MustRead #CoverLove
Dɪsᴄʟᴏsᴜʀᴇ: I ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʀʏ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ. Mʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ᴡᴀs ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴғʟᴜᴇɴᴄᴇᴅ.
It’s so exciting to begin reading a new book series, especially when
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it’s a biblical fiction series written by Connilyn Cossette! I believe I’ve read most, if not all of her stories and have rated them all with 5 stars. Yes, they’re that good!The story begins with young Elisa and her brother Lukio, Philistines under the care of Azuvah, a Hebrew slave. Oh, how I love Azuvah, who stays true to her faith and convictions in a difficult environment. When an urgent time arises, selfless Azuvah urges Elisa and Lukio to run away and follow the Ark of the Covenant. There escape from a dreadful future is pivotal, heartbreaking, and inspiring.
It was common in Biblical times to receive a name change from the Lord during a pivotal time in someone’s life and faith, and when Elisa’s name becomes Eliora and Lukio becomes Natan, the story takes on a new life as well.
To Dwell Among Cedars, the first book in The Covenant House series, is captivating, heart-breaking, heart-pounding, and stirring. I effortlessly sank into this story and enjoyed the varying points of view. I stayed up late reading, unable to put the story down, for upon reaching the end of each chapter the story urged me to read further. The research that went into writing this story is evident and taught me so much about the customs and lives of people in that time in history. And I just love it when a story teaches me something new!
Walking in Arisa’s shoes has been quite an experience. I look forward to the next book in this series, delving deeper into Natan’s life.
Connilyn Cossette has done it again, becoming a favorite read of the year. A gorgeous cover, a captivating story, and brilliant storytelling.
#2021Favorites #BiblicalFiction #TheCovenantHouse #MustRead #CoverLove
Dɪsᴄʟᴏsᴜʀᴇ: I ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʀʏ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ. Mʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ᴡᴀs ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴғʟᴜᴇɴᴄᴇᴅ.
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LibraryThing member EstherFilbrun
I couldn’t wait to dive into this book, after reading Cossette’s previous Cities of Refuge series! I loved those books and expected another good read here—which I got. Unfortunately, it wasn’t one of my favorites of hers in the end, but that was because the action seemed more stilted here
Many parts of this story—especially the first section—felt almost as if they were lifted from the Bible. They were taken a step higher with a touch of fiction added, but it felt very close to the Biblical account. I loved that.
Otherwise, this book was good. Encouraging, somewhat challenging, but good. If you’re looking for a book similar to her previous series, you might be somewhat disappointed—I didn’t feel like it was as good as those. In saying that, though, I still enjoyed it enough I can’t wait until the next one comes out, so my disappointment can’t be that great! Another good story, with a strong historical basis and an intriguing setting.
I requested a complementary review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
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and wasn’t in the high-risk/high-stakes danger I was accustomed to in her other books. Despite my slight disappointment there, however, I was impressed at her ability to pull the Biblical account into the story the way she did.Many parts of this story—especially the first section—felt almost as if they were lifted from the Bible. They were taken a step higher with a touch of fiction added, but it felt very close to the Biblical account. I loved that.
Otherwise, this book was good. Encouraging, somewhat challenging, but good. If you’re looking for a book similar to her previous series, you might be somewhat disappointed—I didn’t feel like it was as good as those. In saying that, though, I still enjoyed it enough I can’t wait until the next one comes out, so my disappointment can’t be that great! Another good story, with a strong historical basis and an intriguing setting.
I requested a complementary review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
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LibraryThing member lifeofliterature
I love how Connilyn Cossette brings Biblical fiction to life in her novels! In this particular book, I learned so much about the way life might have been like for the Israelites before the era of the kings and learned even more about the Ark of the Covenant and its importance to the Israelite
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
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community. Connilyn writes beautifully, transporting you as the reader easily back in time to experience Biblical culture. She includes such impeccable research and detail that I feel the Bible is respected and honored in her fictional story. I felt myself growing closer to God reading this book and was impressed with how the spiritual themes were applicable to my life and inspiring to my own circumstances. The characters were captivating and I enjoyed reading about their interactions and growth in the story. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it!I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
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LibraryThing member khoyt
Once again, Connilyn Cossette has taken a small part of the Bible and made it into a very compelling Biblical novel. She has taken an event that is not greatly expounded on in the Bible when the Ark was captured by the Philistines in I Samuel. But Connilyn used her imagination to give rise to "what
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ifs" and tell of the great love, mercy, and goodness of our wonderful, wonder-working God. I love reading her books and am ready to start the next in the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member classyhomemaker
I really enjoyed this book---much more than I thought I would. I pretty much gave up contrived Christian romance quite awhile back but this one was definitely different. There was some real meat to it and I felt it was straight from the pages of Scripture, as well as being pretty faithful to Torah.
I appreciated that the author used Hebrew names and words and that the story was not the normal contrived and obnoxious blah that Christian fiction usually puddles into. I love how the author took seriously Yahweh's commands and made a good representation of the feast days. All in all a great story!
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I appreciated that the author used Hebrew names and words and that the story was not the normal contrived and obnoxious blah that Christian fiction usually puddles into. I love how the author took seriously Yahweh's commands and made a good representation of the feast days. All in all a great story!
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Language
Physical description
8.5 inches
ISBN
076423434X / 9780764234347