Shelter of the Most High (Cities of Refuge Book #2)

Connilyn Cossette

Oct 2018 · Cities of Refuge Book 2 · Baker Books

About this ebook

The daughter of a pagan high priest, Sofea finds solace from her troubles in the freedom of the ocean. But when marauders attack her village on the island of Sicily, she and her cousin are taken across the sea to the shores of Canaan.

Eitan has lived in Kedesh, a City of Refuge, for the last eleven years, haunted by a tragedy in his childhood and chafing at the boundaries placed on him. He is immediately captivated by Sofea, but revealing his most guarded secret could mean drawing her into the danger of his past.

As threats from outside the walls loom and traitors are uncovered within, Sofea and Eitan are plunged into the midst of a murder plot. Will they break free from the shackles of the past in time to uncover the betrayal and save their lives and the lives of those they love?

Ratings and reviews

Shelter of the Most High Cities of Refuge #2 By Connilyn Cossette Sofea loves the sea and this very love is what finds her far from the land of her birth and her people. It is this very love that finds her in a distant land with no way to communicate with the people who have taken her into their home. What is she expect? Is she now a slave to be punished at the whim of a cruel master and mistress? All these thoughts fill her very being as she tries to protect and care for her cousin. When strangers take Sofea and Prezi to the walled city of Kedesh, they little realize that it is a city of refuge - a place of sanctuary for those who are guilty of crimes. Crimes that Sofea's own father would have had them put to death for. Eitan has called Kedesh home for eleven years, the mistake he made during his childhood has marked him though few know the reason he never leaves the safety of the city. Eitan longs for the day he can leave the city but the threat to his life and the lives of those he holds most dear is ever present, waiting to claim vengeance. Shelter of the Most High is the second book in the Cities of Refuge series but it can easily be read on its own. It is really quite interesting to learn about the cities of refuge that were established by God. This is a part of the Old Testament that was never dwelt upon in any classes or sermons that I've ever been blessed to hear or take part in. I don't think I ever truly realized that the cities of refuge were to protect someone after they killed another not in anger but by accident. The characters are engaging and the story is well-written so that the reader is easily caught up in the story. I like how the perspective is told mainly from Sofea and Eitan's viewpoint as it offers a more rounded story. This is first and foremost Biblical fiction but there is a touch suspense as Eitan and Sofea get caught up in a plot that, if it succeeds, could free all who must stay within the city. This book is one that you could read on your own or would lend itself well to a book club setting. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Bethany House with no expectations but that I give my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

This novel flew by. I couldn't put it down. How sweet to revisit well-loved characters and meet new ones! From exotic ocean-bound villages to sea marauders to the heart-warming inn at Kedesh, the settings and new characters are unique, unpredictable, and gripping. Plot twists, y'all! I was on the edge of my seat wondering how things would turn out, how these characters could possibly heal, and how in the world their romance could settle into happily-together-after? Beautifully described imagery, character emotions, family dynamics, and spiritual questions. On a side note, this book made me want to go swimming! Ocean-lovers will take special delight in this tale, as well as anyone who loves an ancient twist on a good pirate story! I'm looking forward to Until the Mountains Fall! *I received a copy of this book from the publisher and have stated my honest opinion.

If I could give it more stars, I certainly would! I absolutely loved this book, as I have all of Connilyn Cossette's previous works. I feel like I'm a pretty critical reader; there's almost always something I don't like about a book or think could be a little better even with my favorite authors, but that has simply never yet been the case with any of this author's books! I'm actually racking my brain trying to come up with anything I didn't love about this book and coming up completely empty. When reviewing a book they loved, my daughters often say the only negative thing they can think of was that it ended, but I honestly can't even say THAT about this book! The ending was perfect, completely satisfying, and I set it down with a contented sigh. So here's an incomplete list of what I loved about this book: I loved getting to revisit so many of my favorite characters from previous books. I loved meeting new characters and adding them to my list of best book friends. I loved the descriptions of the different settings and how I felt like I could really see, hear, and even smell each place. I loved that it never once felt preachy and yet it was deeply spiritual. I loved how it made me love Yahweh even more and reminded me how very different He is from other gods in His interaction with people. I loved how it showed His grace and mercy, fully on display in BC years and even to non-Israelites. I loved that the resolution was realistic in that Yahweh worked amazingly on His people's behalf and rescued them and yet it wasn't a perfect resolution - there was a happy "ending" that still left room for growth and restoration just like in real life. I feel like I could go on and on, but this is perhaps enough. This book is fantastic! I highly recommend it and all of this author's books to any fans of historical fiction, whether Christian or not. I honestly can't imagine anyone who loves a good story not loving this book! I received a complimentary ARC of this book as part of the author's launch team. All opinions expressed are my own and are actually toned down a bit because you can't see my arms waving around as I try to tell you how much I loved this book! :)

About the author

Connilyn Cossette is the CBA bestselling author of the Out from Egypt series. Her debut novel, Counted with the Stars, was a finalist for the Christy Award, the INSPY Award, and the Christian Retailing's Best Award. She lives in North Carolina with her husband of over twenty years and a son and a daughter who fill her days with joy, inspiration, and laughter. Connect with her at www.ConnilynCossette.com.