Series: Out From Egypt,
Published by Bethany House on October 18th 2016
Genres: Biblical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Historical
Pages: 352
In the Depth of the Storm's Shadow, Only Truth Can Light Her Way
Having escaped Egypt with the other Hebrews during the Exodus, Shira is now living in freedom at the foot of Mt. Sinai, upon which rests the fiery glowing Cloud containing the shekinah glory of God. When the people disobey Yahweh and build a golden idol, the ensuing chaos gives Shira an unexpected opportunity to learn the arts of midwifery. Although her mother wishes for her to continue in the family weaving trade, Shira's gifts shine brightest when she assists with deliveries. In defiance of her mother, Shira pursues her heart's calling to become an apprentice midwife.
When a delivery goes horribly wrong, Shira finds herself bound to a man who betrayed her, the caretaker of three young children, and the target of a vengeful woman whose husband was killed by Shira's people, the Levites. As contention between the Hebrew tribes and the foreigners fans the flames of another dangerous rebellion, Shira will come face-to-face with the heartbreak of her past that she has kept hidden for so long. How can she let go of all that has defined her to accept the love she's denied herself and embrace who she truly is?
Shadow of the Storm is the second book in the Out of Egypt series by Connilyn Cossette. First, may I just point at this cover? It is gorgeous! I mean, seriously, I cannot get over this cover. It’s one of the most beautiful covers I’ve ever seen. I love this cover so much that I am gushing like a schoolgirl that just ran into Justin Beiber.
If you’re worried that the story won’t live up to the beauty of this cover; you’d be sorely mistaken. This book is one of the best books I’ve read in the Biblical Fiction genre. The characters are deeply flawed and realistically human. There is such raw emotions that I could scarcely catch my breath.
I didn’t think I could have loved a character more than I loved Kiya from Counted with the Stars. I was wrong. Shira absolutely broke me. She wormed her way into my heart in a way that I didn’t expect. I knew her past. I knew there was much more to her but when I realized the full depths of her heartbreak; I was undone.
Connilyn Cossette captured the broken spirit of Shira in a beautiful way. My heart went out to her and I bonded with her on a deep emotional level.
I’ve long been a fan of Biblical and Historical fiction but I feel that many authors avoid delicate subject matter. Rape is one of those topics that many Christian authors are afraid to tackle. However, rape is a heartbreaking reality for one is six women.
In Shadow of the Storm, we see the devastating, lifelong effects that rape has on a woman. Connilyn captured the guilt and shame as well as the mental and (sometimes) physical scars that remain for a lifetime.
In Shira, we see her find healing and coming to terms with her past. Though it would always be a part of her, we see her learn to survive. Something that I feel is such a powerful and important message for victims of abuse.
This book deals with dark topics and yes, some Christians will be uncomfortable with these themes. I get it. This genre is often a person’s “safe place” from troublesome content. But, what of the people who need healing and find that through printed word? The grit and grime of life affects men, women and children of all religions, ages, race and ethnicity. All need healing and support. Pretending that bad stuff doesn’t exist doesn’t change the fact that it does.
I’m just impressed that the author challenged the boundaries of the genre and managed to tell this story in a beautiful and compelling way.
Connilyn Cossette has definitely secured a position of honor on my favorite authors list. I look forward to her future literary works.
About Connilyn Cossette
Connilyn Cossette is the author of the Out from Egypt Series with Bethany House Publishers. When she is not homeschooling her two sweet kiddos (with a full pot of coffee at hand), Connilyn is scribbling notes on scraps of paper, mumbling about her imaginary friends, and reading obscure out-of-print history books. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in Texas where she loves the people but misses mountains, tall trees and barefoot-soft green grass. There is not much she likes better than digging into the rich, ancient world of the Bible, discovering new gems of grace that point to Jesus, and weaving them into fiction. Connect with her at www.ConnilynCossette.com
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