Overview
Finding a Way to Freedom Might Cost Them Everything
Lukio has spent the past decade as a famous Philistine fighter, achieving every material goal with the help of his ruthless cousin. He’s also spent the time burying painful memories of betrayal that he associates with the Levite family that guards the Ark of the Covenant and once adopted him. Now, just as the champion of Ashdod is set to claim the biggest prize of all–the daughter of the king–his past collides with his present.
After a heartbreaking end to her friendship with Lukio, Shoshana thought she’d never again see the boy with the dual-colored eyes and the troubled soul. But when she is captured in a Philistine raid and enslaved in Ashdod, she is surprised to recognize the brutal fighter known as Demon Eyes.
When their renewed connection threatens to expose Shoshana’s dangerous secrets, Lukio must decide how far he’ll go to face his past and keep her protected.
Review
Disclaimer: Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions below are my own.
Connilyn Cossette completes her Covenant House series with what may be her best novel yet.
It’s been over a decade since Lukio left the Hebrew family who adopted him and his sister and returned to the land of his birth. His ruthless cousin has turned him into a money-making icon; a man who fights for sport. Lukio now has almost everything he wants, even if he does occasionally miss the sibling he left behind. Between the Wild Branches opens with one of his fights, which might put off some readers from continuing further than the first page. But to walk away from this book would be a mistake.
The fighting, which reminded me of mixed martial arts and the commercial UFC product, is described more than once. Violence is one example of the depravity of the Philistines, along with a ritual which takes place at a funeral, and the bloodlust of the king. Lukio and Shoshana use these experiences to compare their lives before and after their arrival in Ashdod. Their conversations often refer to events in Cossette’s novel, To Dwell Among Cedars, so I recommend reading the first title in the Covenant House duology before starting Between the Wild Branches.
The plot stays interesting throughout, and I had difficulty putting it down. The tension built because I knew something HAD to happen, and so I was waiting for the proverbial other shoe to drop. When it comes, you may find yourself wondering (as I did) if there really can be a Happily Ever After…
Rating
5/5
Product Information
Publisher: Bethany House (a division of Baker House Publishing
Publication Date: 06 July 2021
Excerpt
Author Information
Connilyn Cossette is a Christy Award and Carol Award winning author whose books have been found on 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 immersive fiction experience. Although she and her husband have lived all over the country in their twenty-plus years of marriage, they currently call a little town south of Dallas, Texas, their home.
Connilyn Cossette’s Website https://www.connilyncossette.com/
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