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Like Flames in the Night

(Cities of Refuge #4)

Connilyn Cossette (Goodreads Author)

4.72 · Rating details · 904 ratings · 234 reviews

Strong-willed Tirzah wants to join her people in driving the enemy from the land of Israel and undergoes training for a secret mission inside the stronghold of Shechem. But soon after she has infiltrated the ruthless Aramean commander's kitchen, she makes a reckless decision that puts her and her allies in grave danger.

Fresh off the battlefield, Liyam returns home to disco ...more

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Kindle Edition, 384 pages

Published March 3rd 2020 by Bethany House Publishers (first published March 2020)

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Feb 28, 2020 Deanne Patterson rated it it was amazing

Recommended to Deanne by: cnnamongirl@aol.com

Shelves: books-i-own, netgalley, 2020-read-for-author, 2020-street-team, netgalley-mar-2020

Once again I was easily transported back into biblical times with Connilyn Cossette's fourth and final book in the Cities of Refuge series. I am sorry to see the closing of the series as I turned the last page in this book but have the delightful memories of reading the series and seeing the characters come to life, some of them grow up and have a stronger faith conviction. I highly recommend reading this series in order for the full complete story.
The book contains spying,uncertainty,suspense,d ...more

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Mar 02, 2020 Staci rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-in-2020

Beautiful conclusion to the Cities of Refuge Series. It was wonderful to get up to date on many characters from prior novels.

The beginning of the novel immediately pulled me in. Both to Tirzah and Liyam. Each have tragically lost their spouses and have no living children. This leaves them driven to accomplish their personal goals. Their paths intersect in spectacular fashion.

Having a heroine that is a female spy was plausible and fascinating. I could feel the tension at times as she put herself ...more

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Mar 05, 2020 Beth rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: series-challenge-2020, new-releases-2020, biblical-fiction, christian-fiction, 2020, own-it, historical-fiction

Like Flames in the Night is an engrossing read. It pulled me in with an immediate ease, and the excitement doesn't let up until the end. The plot is just so fun and exciting, full of adventure and tension at many points in the story. Cossette makes the idea of a female spy a plausible one, due to Tirzah's life circumstances, as well as her position as the sister to Hebrew spies and soldiers. I appreciate that both of these characters, Tirzah and Liyam, are more mature characters. They have alrea ...more

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May 30, 2020 Mesu rated it really liked it

Connilyn Cossette has accomplished something few authors can—she’s maintained the quality of the story and held my attention through an entire series. I was sad when I turned the last page of Like Flames in the Night because I knew it was goodbye to these marvelous characters. The two showcased in this story—Tirzah and Liyam—were worthy of the final starring roles.
Tirzah, the sassy little sister of the brothers we’ve fallen in love with, shows both courage and her softer side. Liyam, a new chara ...more

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Mar 11, 2020 Elizabeth rated it it was amazing

Shelves: hard-copy, kindle, favorites

Connilyn Cossette has really knocked it out of the park with her entire Cities of Refuge series. Each story was a treat to read and, although I’m sad it has to end, I can easily see myself revisiting this series very soon. Like Flames in the Night deals with big issues like loss and heartache, self-worth, vengeance and forgiveness. There is more than enough intrigue and danger to keep the pages turning and the spy craft will have your heart racing.

I would recommend reading the series in order as ...more

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Mar 19, 2020 Loraine rated it it was amazing

Shelves: speculative, christian-fiction, kindle, biblical-fiction

"The consequences of our foolish decisions are always made clearer when we look backward on the path we traveled"

"If Mosheh (Moses) would have sent in ten women to spy in Canaan, we might have spent 40 years less in the wilderness."

This final book in the Cities of Refuge was a wonderful conclusion to this incredibly well-written series. The six Cities of Refuge were distributed throughout the Kingdom of Israel in the north and the Kingdom of Judah in the south, along both sides of the Jordan Riv ...more

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Apr 20, 2020 Sarah Monzon rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

SO GOOD! Beautifully crafted. Expertly plotted. Intricate characters. Perfectly paced. Sigh. I am in reader heaven.

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Jan 31, 2020 Monique rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2020, christian-historical-fiction, e-arc

Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette is the fourth and final book in the Cities of Refuge series. We follow both Tirzah (whom we’ve seen grow up in the previous books) and Liyam, a new character. Liyam is a widower who just lost his little daughter, and has sworn vengeance on the man who killed her by driving recklessly. If you’ve read the previous books, you know that Tirzah’s family has a history with blood avengers which might cause some friction...

Tirzah is a very spirited woman, w Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette is the fourth and final book in the Cities of Refuge series. We follow both Tirzah (whom we’ve seen grow up in the previous books) and Liyam, a new character. Liyam is a widower who just lost his little daughter, and has sworn vengeance on the man who killed her by driving recklessly. If you’ve read the previous books, you know that Tirzah’s family has a history with blood avengers which might cause some friction...

Tirzah is a very spirited woman, with many skills. She’s recently become widowed due to the Aramean’s oppression. She doesn’t want to sit around and let others do the work of freeing Israel, she wants to help. After an opportunity arises, she is reluctantly trained as a spy by her brother (sooo impressive!), and placed in an enemy household as a cook to overhear the conversations. It is already a tricky place where death comes too swift even if you’re not a spy, and the stakes are high. When they become too high, Liyam is send to take her home, but instead she convinces him to stay in his position as “hired mercenary” to unfold more secrets. And that is only the beginning really...

I’m so much in love with the main plot of a woman spy! And Tirzah is such a wonderful versatile character, she’s perfect for the job (though ok, sometimes a little reckless). I love how she trained with her brothers and became very good at it. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see how things would unfold - and it unfolded a bit different than I expected which is awesome! There were many twists and turns, and wow it was amazing. Liyam is a very interesting character, he is torn between his duty to Israel and his personal vengeance, and his story was very moving.

There were also so many spiritual lessons... Tirzah makes some amazing speeches that hit home, not only with the Levite priests (which is quite a feat, being “only” a woman), but also with me. What struck me most, is that a spiritual revival, a return to God, was actually more important and victorious than actual battles, even with all the spying being done. That is such an important message! If you have faith, it is a flame what will burn brightly in the night. The people regained faith, and that was followed by action, a desire to do the right thing and rise up. It left me in awe.

The characters were very well developed and likable and the plot just kept turning in amazing directions with the right pacing to keep it interesting! I liked headstrong Tirzah best as you may have noticed, but Liyam is very amazing too, rough on the outside but kind on the inside, and he actually relies on Tirzah and taking her seriously, and his inner struggles and his way back to Adonai. There is a side plot of found family, which I loved, and as always the characters from the other books are present (it’s become more a clan than a family by now lol), which feels like a warm embrace and it’s amazing to see what their lives are like now. I loved every minute, and I didn’t think any book could top Until the Mountains Fall, but this one honestly did. It’s my favorite of this series and I just couldn’t stop reading! This will be one of my favorite books of 2020 and yes I know that’s early but sometimes you just know it’s a gem when you find it.

I can recommend this to anyone who likes Christian historical fiction! I do think it would be wise to read the earlier books in this series, otherwise it might be a bit confusing with a lot of names and throwbacks to earlier stories. It can be read independently if you really want to, but I wouldn’t advise it.

I received a free e-copy, but my opinions are my own. ...more

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Feb 03, 2020 Erin Laramore rated it it was amazing

What a stunning conclusion to this series! Book 4 in the Cities of Refuge series is about Tirzah, the youngest of Moriyah and Darek's children. Fans of the series and the "Out of Egypt" series will be glad to see some familiar faces (my favorite character was back!!!!), but there is enough history in this book that if you haven't read the others, you won't be lost. I would still recommend reading these in order and reading this series after the "Out of Egypt" series in order to BEST enjoy this o What a stunning conclusion to this series! Book 4 in the Cities of Refuge series is about Tirzah, the youngest of Moriyah and Darek's children. Fans of the series and the "Out of Egypt" series will be glad to see some familiar faces (my favorite character was back!!!!), but there is enough history in this book that if you haven't read the others, you won't be lost. I would still recommend reading these in order and reading this series after the "Out of Egypt" series in order to BEST enjoy this one though. That will give you the depth of character history that adds to this story.

Tirzah is young, strong willed and fleet-footed. She feels restless in her lot in life as a woman, until she realizes that as a woman, she can become a spy in ways that her brothers cannot - in the kitchen. As she convinces her brother to allow her to spy behind enemy lines, she finds herself in a predicament and ends up under the protection of Liyam, who is seeking out his daughter's murderer in order to obtain justice. Because with his appearance, he can pretend to be a mercenary. The 2 of them work well together as they unravel some of the enemy's stronghold and must go back under cover to Kadesh to aid the armies of Israel once again. This book takes place after the death of Joshua, when the Israelites have been oppressed by the Arameans for 8 years and God raises up the first Judge in Israel. I've often wondered how the Israelites could so quickly forget (within a generation) of how God faithfully brought His people to the Promised Land that they would lose it so quickly, but in reading Ms. Cossette's novels, I've been pulled back into those times and seen "with my own eyes" how it happened. This is what I love most about Biblical Historical fiction - that it helps me to better understand the stories within the Scriptures.

One of the things that really stood out to me throughout this book were the uses of the names of God. Tirzah refers to Him very personally based on her circumstances - the One who Sees and the One who Hears, as well as Yahweh and Adonai. Her inspirational speeches to the Levites were convicting to me as well - about becoming dormant in our faith. The picture of flames as a symbol of our faith came up time and time again, making the title a very poignant reminder that we should be like flames in the night to those around us. This was also a book about forgiveness and mercy. I loved all of the side stories that happened. And I found a treasure of unconditional love in these pages as well. So much I gleaned spiritually from this book, all while being entertained. I beleive of the series, this one is my favorite and competes with "Wings of the Wind" as my favorite Connilyn Cossette book! This wrapped up this series nicely and though I'd love to see more of these characters (hint, hint to the author!), I am also excited to see what ventures she takes us to next. I would recommend this book to any fans of Biblical Historical novels, and historical romance in general as well, as the love story was beautifully done. Many romance novels in the same trope as this one will have the characters living in tension for a third of the story as they won't reveal their feelings for each other because they're afraid the other person doesn't feel the same way and it will ruin everything, this one was a breath of fresh air as Liyam and Tirzah are communicative and avoid that tension altogether.

Special thanks to Ms. Cossette and Bethany House Publishers for an advance copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own. ...more

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Mar 05, 2020 Phyllis rated it it was amazing

A stunning conclusion to the series!

Intrigue. Spies. Mercenaries. Vengeance.

Like Flames in the Night is an amazing story that kept me thrilled from the opening sentence to the final period. As Tirzah followed her calling from God and infiltrated the house of the Aramean commander in Shechem to spy out his secrets, I was fascinated. Imagining what it would have been like for this godly woman to be exposed to the debauchery of the people subjugating her land and yet serving them humbly in order to A stunning conclusion to the series!

Intrigue. Spies. Mercenaries. Vengeance.

Like Flames in the Night is an amazing story that kept me thrilled from the opening sentence to the final period. As Tirzah followed her calling from God and infiltrated the house of the Aramean commander in Shechem to spy out his secrets, I was fascinated. Imagining what it would have been like for this godly woman to be exposed to the debauchery of the people subjugating her land and yet serving them humbly in order to not call attention to herself. Then, to add to her dilemma, saw the wives as just that. Women. Not enemies. And knew that the intelligence she was gathering could result in the death of their husbands. I loved Tirzah's strong faith, courage, and determination! She had such a strong sense of competition as well.

Liyam was quite strong and brave as well, yet he was so broken by grief and a desire for revenge. He knew he had the right to seek the blood of the man who killed his daughter and had every intention of shedding it. Until he learned that mercy is greater than justice.

One of my favorite images from this story was when Tirzah was speaking to the Levites and showing them how a single flame, when joined by hundreds of others, could create a fire that is unstoppable. Not only was this a wonderful picture for those men of what things could look like if they banded together and allowed the flame of their faith to be kindled and grow, it was an amazing picture of our faith as well. We should not hide our light or allow it to burn alone. . .

I am sad to see the end of this series. At least what I assume is the end.

If you have not read any of the stories in the Cities of Refuge series, I encourage you to read them first. While not entirely necessary, it will give more context and depth to Like Flames in the Night. Besides, they are so good you won't want to miss them anyway!

Read my full review at Among the Reads

I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own. ...more

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Mar 21, 2020 Caroline rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2020

What a beautifully crafted story! This is another Cossette masterpiece.

1. Cossette's tantalizing words make the story so immersive and engage all my senses.
2. The spy angle is skillfully done and the parts in Shechem are all edge-of-the-seat exciting.
3. Though the whole book is engaging, I liked the first half more.
4. Bringing Alanah's and Moriyah's kids together is genius. I understand that it would not have been realistic for Alanah or Moriyah to travel far, but I wish they had a reunion.
5. So ...more

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Jul 30, 2020 Joleen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: own, biblical-times, revenge, spy, city-of-refuge, love-story

The story is taken from Judges 3:7 - 11

The series is called Cities of Refuge, but only the last half is about Kedesh, the city in the previous three books. Kedesh had been taken over by the Arameans who were powerful warriors conquering many Hebrew sites turning them into idol-worshipping cities.

Tirzah, the brave, youngest daughter of Moriyah and Darek (from the previous books) became a spy in the city of Shechem to learn secrets which the rising Israelite army could use to defeat the Arameans. ...more

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Mar 03, 2020 Raechel Lenore rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2020-reads

And just like that, this lovely series comes to an end. “Like Flames in the Night” is the fourth and final book in the Cities of Refuge series. It was a very good ending, but I am sad to see it all wrapped up and completed. In the best of ways of course. :) These characters have all become so familiar and loved. <3

Tirzah is the central character in this beautiful novel. She is spirited, strong, and quick-witted. She convinces her brother to allow her to be a spy in their work to recover the Land ...more

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Dec 28, 2019 Tina at Mommynificent rated it it was amazing

Shelves: all-time-favorite-books, 2019-books, 2020-books

I absolutely loved this strong and powerful conclusion to the Cities of Refuge series! After watching Tirzah grow in the past couple books, it was so fun to have her be the protagonist of this one. I love who she grew to be, her stubbornness and determination, and her love of her people. The new characters brought into this story are compelling, especially Liyam and his family, but it was Odeleya who really stole my heart. I found the themes of forgiveness and redemption to be very moving and ch ...more

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Mar 03, 2020 Kailey rated it really liked it

It took me a little bit to get into this book, mainly because I hadn't read the others in the series. There was plenty of detail that helped me figure everything out though. I enjoyed this book after that. I liked Tirzah. She was such a strong character. I plan on reading the other books later so I can read this again. I don't usually read Biblical fiction, but this one was pretty good. I do like the idea of these kinds of books helping us to look a little deeper into Biblical stories.

I received ...more

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May 21, 2020 Ruth rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: books-read-in-2020

Like Flames in the Night is the fourth and final volume in Connilyn Cossette's stellar Cities of Refuge series. I have so loved following Moriyah and Darek's journey and the lives of their children as they seek to establish a life in the Promised Land. By this volume, many Israelites had forgotten the miracles that brought them to freedom and a homeland and fallen into apostasy and compromise. As the Arameans conquered, killed, and expelled the Israelites from their promised home, the remaining Like Flames in the Night is the fourth and final volume in Connilyn Cossette's stellar Cities of Refuge series. I have so loved following Moriyah and Darek's journey and the lives of their children as they seek to establish a life in the Promised Land. By this volume, many Israelites had forgotten the miracles that brought them to freedom and a homeland and fallen into apostasy and compromise. As the Arameans conquered, killed, and expelled the Israelites from their promised home, the remaining faithful began to pray for deliverance. While her father and brothers are instrumental in working to undermine their conquerors, the widowed Tirzah dreams of aiding the Israeli cause. She convinces her brother Malakhi to train her in the arts of self-defense and subterfuge so she can undertake a daring mission undercover in the occupied city of Shechem. But although she is eager to serve, the dangers - and cost - of spy work threatens her resolve.

Warrior Liyam returns from battle to discover his young daughter killed in a tragic accident. Blinded by rage he takes on the mantle of Blood Avenger, determined to forsake the battle for Israel's freedom until he can bring the killer to justice. When his travels take him to Tirzah's family, Malakhi sees an opportunity save his endangered sister and makes a deal to send Liyam to Shechem as backup. Neither is what the other expects, and bonded by danger, they join forces to survive - and yes, there's a marriage of convenience twist! But can the blossoming of an unexpected attraction and faith in a freedom they cannot yet see be enough to make each overcome the obstacles of fear, revenge, and pain that threaten their futures?

While I adore historical fiction that places the lives of women front and center, I confess that Tirzah's storyline required some suspension of disbelief. In the author's note, Cossette details how she was inspired by research into espionage efforts in post-WWII Palestine (leading to the establishment of the state of Israel) and articles detailing the role of women in the Israeli Mossad and CIA. While I do not doubt that women DID play extraordinary roles in biblical times - one has only to look to stories of Deborah and Jael in Judges - Tirzah's undercover efforts felt particularly modern. That aside, what I appreciated most is her honest struggle for purpose and place in a society that would regularly see women slotted into very proscribed roles. The beauty of Tirzah's struggle for purpose and acceptance is in her whole-hearted determination to serve her God and people in a manner in which honors and uses the talents - however atypical -- woven into the very fabric of her being. Tirzah is a testimony to a God who loves and uses all, bringing life and a voice to the fierce, unique, individual women who remain unnamed in scripture but are nevertheless a foundational presence throughout the history of our faith.

I loved how Liyam's story intersects with Tirzah's and brings her mother's story full circle, back to Moriyah's defining rescue in Jericho with her best friend, the Canaanite woman Alanah (introduced in Wings of the Wind, Out From Egypt #3). Liyam's determination to seek revenge for his daughter's death is unquestioned until he meets Tirzah's family - a family that would not exist if Moriyah had been unable to receive the mercy of a sentence in a city of refuge. While Christ and the new covenant is yet to come, Cossette's exploration of mercy and provision under the tenets of Old Testament law is beautifully, powerfully realized throughout this series. Tirzah and Moriyah put a very human face on the cost of revenge, and the lives built under the provision of a sentence in a city of refuge is a gorgeously-rendered portrait of redemption under the law, foreshadowing the grace to come.

Cossette has fast become one of my favorite authors of biblical fiction. I love how she brings to life "everyman" individuals of scripture, those born into the promise granted the Israeli people and those from cultures far removed from the Judeo-Christian tradition. They are rich in romance and atmosphere, breathing fresh life into the history recorded in the Pentateuch. Her stories bring the roots of my faith to life in a fresh, vibrant way, and I love losing myself within her stories. Tirzah and Liyam's story brings Cossette's saga of found families and the redemptive power of forgiveness to a glorious conclusion. Cossette continually outdoes herself and I cannot wait to see where she takes readers next! ...more

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Mar 26, 2020 Lydia Howe rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2020

If the question was “Who has something exciting and uplifting to share today?” I’d be raising my hand, bouncing in my seat pleading Pick me! Pick me! And then this is what I’d share with you:

RENOWNED AND AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR DOES IT AGAIN!

Then, after the cheering dies down, I’d tell you about how Connilyn Cossette – who I affectionately refer to as The Queen of Biblical Fiction – has published yet another fantastic book.

If you’ve been around Noveltea long, you’d know that I’ve talked about her ...more

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Jul 17, 2020 Tamara rated it really liked it

Another fantastic book by Connilyn Cossette. I really enjoyed the City of Refuge series.

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Mar 03, 2020 MJSH rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-2020, influencer-team, bethany-house-publishing, biblical-fiction, favorites-2020

"Justice without mercy was tyranny, and mercy without justice was lawlessness. Yahweh had created both to work together, for his glory and for our good."

This book's powerful words will remain with you long after its last words have been read. The soul-stirring journey of Liyam's heart will have you weeping, rejoicing, and cheering as he's gently led to understand God's justice, mercy, and forgiveness. The two first-person point of view from Tirzah and Liyam flows seamlessly to create a masterpie "Justice without mercy was tyranny, and mercy without justice was lawlessness. Yahweh had created both to work together, for his glory and for our good."

This book's powerful words will remain with you long after its last words have been read. The soul-stirring journey of Liyam's heart will have you weeping, rejoicing, and cheering as he's gently led to understand God's justice, mercy, and forgiveness. The two first-person point of view from Tirzah and Liyam flows seamlessly to create a masterpiece that melds biblical account, historical account, and brilliantly creative fiction during the time of Aramean occupancy of the Promised Land and Othniel's uprising against the Arameans.

The author has a gift of bringing the biblical period to life in full color and her characters, with their tangible emotional burdens, will grab your heart from page one. The author balances the responsibility and commitment of the Israelites as a community through Tirzah's life with the personal responsibility and commitment of a single follower of Yahweh through Liyam's life to create an incredible picture of what a righteous generation looks like. The cities of refuge, where this four-book series takes place, offer justice and mercy to those who need them the most, and Liyam has to engage in physical and emotional battle all over the Promised Land to finally comprehend God's perfect justice and mercy.

I love that this book ties in the author's book Wings of the Wind from the previous series Out of Egypt with this series. Though this book is the final book of this current series, it can be read as a stand-alone, especially because the author provides timely recaps of the secondary characters' stories without slowing down the plot. If you have been following the series, you will love the glimpses of Moriyah and Darek's clan and delight in how Eitan and Malakhi grow up to be respected leaders of their people. There is plenty of action, suspense, and intrigue as Tirzah and Liyam cloak themselves in the world of espionage to further the cause of obtaining their people's freedom. Liyam and Tirzah are unforgettable, two of my favorite book characters of all time.

If you enjoy biblical fiction, this book (and the series) is a must read. The impeccable research, well-crafted plot, memorable characters, and trustworthy faith lessons found in this book will make you a fan of Connilyn Cossette, too, if you aren't already.
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. ...more

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Feb 16, 2020 Clara rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, reviewed

What can I say, I am overcome with joy Connilyn Cossette decided to write one more book for the Cities of Refuge series. Surely it would have been incomplete without Like Flames in the Night as this is her best yet -- and I do not say that lightly.

No, Moriyah has come a looong way since "A Light on the Hill". Her family has come a long way.
Facing hostility, grief, and animosity, they've lived as fugitives, with Moriyah in particular unable to leave the walls of Kedesh, but that never stopped her What can I say, I am overcome with joy Connilyn Cossette decided to write one more book for the Cities of Refuge series. Surely it would have been incomplete without Like Flames in the Night as this is her best yet -- and I do not say that lightly.

No, Moriyah has come a looong way since "A Light on the Hill". Her family has come a long way.
Facing hostility, grief, and animosity, they've lived as fugitives, with Moriyah in particular unable to leave the walls of Kedesh, but that never stopped her and her family from building a community where they were, tending to others needs so that they will also know how much they are loved by the One Who Sees. And Moriyah's joy only increases as she finds herself free from the bondage that kept her in Kedesh and able to journey to her dear Shiloh once again with her family.

As enemy lines draw closer and closer, however, and as each City of Refuge falls, the cry for battle comes once more for all men to join forces. A cry young Tirzah feels called to commit to alongside her brothers. The price for freedom and justice is a high one to pay because flame lit must be put in full view if it is meant to overcome the darkness. Tirzah knows this; nevertheless, to light up this flame means also to come face to face with the wickedness within ourselves and that might be the greatest challenge and the sweetest reward.

Drowning in grief, Liyam is determined to avenge the blood of his daughter. When his journey brings him to the woman considered a sister by his mother and to the pleading of a desperate father concerned for his own daughter, how can he turn away but answer the cry of help his people once again? However, when he encounters a young woman who both confounds him and intrigues him, a people who are rising up with tools not fit for war but with faith strong enough to move mountains, can his own flame find fuel to be lit and overcome the deep shadows he is lost in?

I cannot express how much I appreciated this book. Connilyn Cossette brought to life once again a people that have grieved much but also who know how to wholeheartedly hope and seek the One Who Hears their cry for deliverance. I will cherish these stories and continuously reflect on them.

*I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own. ...more

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Mar 29, 2020 Gracie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: launchers, favorites, netgalley

What a breath-taking and inspiring conclusion to an amazing series.

The Cities of Refuge Series has taken me through many journeys of hope, second-chances, love, and faith. But Like Flames in the Night brought the story full circle in a way that captured my heart and thrilled me to my soul.

With a message of conviction and redemption so vital especially in today's world, Tirzah and Liyam's journey is one that won't be soon forgotten. It forced me to look inward and challenged me to consider some What a breath-taking and inspiring conclusion to an amazing series.

The Cities of Refuge Series has taken me through many journeys of hope, second-chances, love, and faith. But Like Flames in the Night brought the story full circle in a way that captured my heart and thrilled me to my soul.

With a message of conviction and redemption so vital especially in today's world, Tirzah and Liyam's journey is one that won't be soon forgotten. It forced me to look inward and challenged me to consider some of the very questions and decisions that these characters faced. This story explores the depth of the Deliverer's mercy. And Justice. And Power. And it reveals what it means to truly let go and release an unknown future to a known God.

I adored the characters. ADORED THEM. Liyam. Just Liyam. Agh! All the angsty, warrior, fierce, protector, fighter THINGS. He truly took a journey throughout this story and following as he must face the darkness threatening to swallow his life...well. It was phenomenal.

And Tirzah!! Tirzah is one of my absolute favorite of Connilyn's heroines! She was fiesty and brave. And loyal and strong and faithful. Her courage and obedience to Yahweh's Words inspired me and I loved, loved, loved reading as she inspired those around her and helped change the course of a nation.

The writing was glorious, the journey heart-breaking and heart-warming and heart-healing. I got to see some of my all-time favorite fictional characters reappear in this final book and see the beauty of their struggles, journeys, and stories woven together in one masterful book.

I adored every minute.

FIVE STARS for an absolutely amazing read.

Content Advisories: This book is set in war-time and several of the MC's are warriors and spies. Some people are killed throughout the book, and the hero is on a path to avenge the horrible death of his young daughter. There are also several mentions of rape, assaults, etc... Overall, I would consider this book quite clean, but younger readers should exercise caution.

NOTE: I received a copy of this book for FREE, and a positive review was not required. ...more

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Mar 03, 2020 Rebecca rated it it was amazing

" . . the woman standing before me now, . . . .was no cowering shadow. She was magnificent."

Tirzah was determined to make a difference. Convincing her older brother Malakhi to train her as a soldier spy, she left home equipped with the necessary skills to infiltrate the stronghold of Shechem, prepared to become a conduit of information; confident that she could glean enemy secrets tossed out among careless conversations around the commander's table, where she would serve as a dutiful servant. H ...more

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Mar 24, 2020 Rosalyn rated it it was amazing

This is the incredible 4th book in the Cities of Refuge series. I absolutely loved it. I think it's my new favorite Connilyn Cossette book.

Tirzah is an amazing heroine. Strong, determined, feisty. I enjoy reading about people who are real. Not necessarily perfect, but portrayed in a way that they are very relatable and easy to understand. Tirzah is one that I would like to have known, and have as a friend.

She's come through some hard things. She wants to do things that are not normally allowed f ...more

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Feb 13, 2020 Betti rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical, romance, inspirational, biblical-fiction

One lone flame does little to push back the darkness, but many little flames will soon create a blaze that will defeat the darkness.

Wow! What an incredible finish to the Cities of Refuge series. There is suspense, spying, mercy, forgiveness and unconditional love - Yahweh for His people, Tirzah for Odeleya and the many who die to redeem their land. Tirzah is a young widow who is skillful, dedicated and a fast learner. She wants to help in the fight against the Aramean occupation of Judah’s citie ...more

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Mar 03, 2020 Susan rated it it was amazing

Expertly plotted, Cossette fleshes out stories that are briefly mentioned in the Bible, expertly blending fiction with spiritual truths. Cossette's beautifully written tale of Tirzah's and Liyam's journeys of faith in Like Flames in the Night, is compelling. The hero/heroine are both strong characters- each willing to sacrifice their own lives for the sake of the Hebrew people, fighting for God's promises in the Promise Land. I love how they encouraged others to embrace and fight for God's etern ...more

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Mar 06, 2020 Anne rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

“I’d slipped into places far more dangerous than Liyam’s broken heart.”

Like Flames in the Night is the arresting conclusion to Cossette’s Cities of Refuge series. This is by far one of the best biblical fiction stories I have had the pleasure to read. The author paints extraordinary word pictures.

“She was like wine to my blood and breath to my dead bones.”

Wow. So many times I had to stop and just soak in the beauty of the words I was reading. Overflowing with rich history and vividly drawn char ...more

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Feb 17, 2020 Christie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: biblical-fiction

I have enjoyed all of the books in this series and am sad I won't be "seeing" these characters again. This story introduces some new characters that are just as strong & lovable as characters earlier in the series. This book focuses on the time when the Arameans conquered the Promised Land and oppressed the Hebrews. Othniel and his army are working to take back the land with the help of an unlikely heroine.

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. I was under no obligation to ...more

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Sep 23, 2020 Jeanie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

The smallest of sparks bring the collective flame that is unstoppable.

City of Refuge series speaks to the heart of the gospel in the Old Testament account of the enemies of Israel. The story continues with the youngest daughter Tirzah. A widow because of the endless fighting. She lives with her parents who have established their faith to fight the enemies of God. The storyline brings into context this time of Israel history that goes along scripture. Her father has indicated that Tirzah must ma ...more

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Feb 25, 2020 Jenna Van rated it it was amazing

It is a beautiful thing when characters from books and figments from other imaginary worlds can impact us so much, that by the time we turn the last page and close the cover, it feels more like we're saying goodbye to a dearly loved friend than "just another story." That's how I felt after finishing Like Flames in the Night, Book #4 in the Cities of Refuge series by Connilyn Cossette.

The Cities of Refuge series by Connilyn Cossette centers around the life of Moriyah (a fictional character who fi It is a beautiful thing when characters from books and figments from other imaginary worlds can impact us so much, that by the time we turn the last page and close the cover, it feels more like we're saying goodbye to a dearly loved friend than "just another story." That's how I felt after finishing Like Flames in the Night, Book #4 in the Cities of Refuge series by Connilyn Cossette.

The Cities of Refuge series by Connilyn Cossette centers around the life of Moriyah (a fictional character who first appeared in Wings of the Wind, Book #3 of Cossette's Out From Egypt trilogy) as she flees to a City of Refuge after being accused of manslaughter. The subsequent books follow Moriyah's family, as they live within God's refuge cities and learn about God's protection and forgiveness for themselves.

The overall series arc is beautiful, but I think what made it even more beautiful, was the closing with a verse from Exodus as a theme. This series began with Moriyah and the Out From Egypt series, an Exodus retelling, and brought us all the way to the book of Joshua. That lovely callback to the Israelite's time wandering in the desert brought Like Flames in the Night and the journeys of these characters full-circle. To say that this was a satisfying end to the series would be an understatement.

Focusing solely on this book, Like Flames in the Night was mainly about Tirzah, Moriyah's youngest daughter. Tirzah is feisty, headstrong, and brave. Sometimes, she is a little bit too brave for her own good, but I can't get more into detail on that without giving away spoilers. ;)

Liyam was my FAVORITE kind of male lead character! His tragic backstory made for some amazing moments of intrigue, character development, and of course, an unlikely romance between the two strong-willed characters.

My favorite part about each of the Cities of Refuge books is the element of suspense in all of them, as the Hebrew people fight for their lives and, in this case, their land. Add to that recipe a dash of Tirzah, a female spy, and you've got a recipe for adventure that not even Moriyah could have made up on her own!

I will definitely be adding Tirzah to my list of favorite strong female characters in Biblical fiction. I enjoyed how shrewd she was as she carried out her mission, often thinking quickly and on her feet. The first-person point-of-view worked exceptionally well here to give us an insight into what she was thinking and plotting. I also loved how bold and passionate she was about her convictions. The lessons she learned about God's faithfulness, his care, and his protection were lessons that I could easily apply to my own life.

Finally, I have to give a shout-out to the character of Alanah, whom I was SO happy to see return in this book! I always wondered what happened to her after her adventures with Moriyah in Wings of the Wind (Out From Egypt #3). I was not disappointed!

This series made me laugh out loud, gasp in fear, and cry happy tears. I would highly recommend the Cities of Refuge series and Like Flames in the Night to all Biblical fiction buffs.

I received a copy for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own ...more

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Mar 30, 2020 Sam B rated it it was amazing

Shelves: christian-fiction, copies-for-review, 600-tbr-goal-2027, romance, favorites, historical, read-in-2020

I have been very lucky to be part of Connilyn Cossette's launch team since her very first book released. This one is now her seventh book and the fourth and final one in the Cities of Refuge series.

Once again, the author has outdone herself. She is one of the few authors I would buy books from without reading reviews, knowing what the story is about or even seeing the cover of the book! She is that talented.

This has been an emotional ending to the series for me, because I had to bid farewell to ...more

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About Connilyn Cossette

Connilyn Cossette

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Connilyn Cossette is a Christy Award and Carol Award winning author whose books have been found on both ECPA and CBA bestseller lists. When she is not engulfed in the happy chaos of homeschooling two teenagers, devouring books whole, or avoiding housework, she can be found digging into the rich ancient world of the Bible to discover gems of grace that point to Jesus and weaving them into an immers ...more