Counted With the Stars (Out From Egypt, #1)

by Connilyn Cossette

Salima leaned her forehead against mine and whispered something in a language I did not recognize. But the music of it washed over me, leaving behind an impossible calm and a surprising clarity. My father had sold me.

Thought this was beautiful. Kiya didn’t understand but it still spoke to her

Will you do that for me?” “Of course, master.” I dipped my head, not daring to look into his face. For a long moment he stood silent. Then he put his hand under my chin, lifting my face to meet his eyes. “I wish things were different, Kiya. You know that. Don’t you?”

Gosh I loved Shefu

“Eben says that Elohim is not finished yet.” A frown settled on her lips. “This is only the beginning.”

I had chills I tell you. CHILLS

Eben came in through the back door and slunk to the opposite side of the room, then sat down, leaning his head back against the wall. Although he seemed to be avoiding looking my way, I caught him a few times watching me from the corner of his eye.

Ugh those fleeting stares

No matter the selfishness of the woman, no mother should outlive her child.

This. This hurt me.

How could they not dream of freedom or try to reach for it at any cost?” I understood that desire all too well.

Ugh again so good

“Why would you be concerned for my family?” He was quiet for a few moments. I chanced a look at him. His gaze brushed over my hair, my face, lingered on my lips. “For my sister’s sake, of course.” His tone was gentle—and so intimate, my heart ached. I nodded, speechless. “She would be heartbroken if you left.” He looked away from me, toward the dawn. Eben and I passed the rest of the walk in silence, but he did not leave my side.

UGH MY HEART

“All I wanted was vengeance. I spent every spare minute I had learning to throw that knife. Planning the day when I would slit an Egyptian throat with it, any Egyptian.” I winced. “But then you came along, with all your strength and fire and beauty, and I was undone.

I. WAS. UNDONE. Stop it. Best line. So good.

No longer under the illusion that their sparkle contained the souls of departed gods, I simply appreciated them for what they were: lights to tell the story of the God who made them and to point ahead to the coming of a Redeemer who would make all things new.

Thought this was so beautiful and so true