About the Book

Eight years ago, when the Philistines stole and then surrendered the ark of the covenant back to the Israelites, Eliora left her Philistine homeland to follow the ark to the community of Kiryat Yearim. There, the family she was adopted into has guarded the ark at the top of a mountain in seclusion. 

Ronen is a Levite musician determined to secret away the ark to a more fitting resting place, watched over by priests who would restore the Holy of Holies. He never expected that the Philistine girl he rescued years ago would now be part of the very family he’s tasked to deceive.

As Ronen’s attempts to charm Eliora lead them in unexpected directions, betrayal leaves Eliora with strained family ties and Ronen questioning his own loyalties. Ultimately, Eliora and Ronen are caught up in the battle for the soul of Israel and its future under the leadership of Samuel, the last judge before the era of the kings begins.

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In My Opinion

I have such respect for authors of Biblical fiction and the copious amounts of research they do to bring Scripture to life in a new and illuminating way. Connilyn Cossette excels in creating settings that draw you in, characters that draw you close, and a plot that doesn’t let go.

Central to the plot of To Dwell Among Cedars is the ark of the covenant and specifically the time period from when the Philistines took it to when it was returned on a cart drawn by cows.

But this book is about finding our value in how we are loved and not in what we do to be loved. While remaining true to Biblical teachings of God’s judgement and provision, Cossette takes us deeper into discovering value. Eliora discovers the love of the family that adopted her and her brother is not broken by her or her little brothers actions—neither good or bad. How much greater if God’s love for those he calls children?

To Dwell Among Cedars has a lot happening—from the relationship between Eliora and her brother as well as their adoptive family, the activities around the ark, Ronen’s mission and doubt, and the sweet and gentle romance he develops with the woman he once rescued as a girl—but the story would not be as poignant and moving if any of them.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.