Book Review: Wings of the Wind by Connilyn Cossette

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Title: Wings of the Wind

Author: Connilyn Cossette

Series: Out From Egypt #3

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Alanah, a Canaanite, is no stranger to fighting and survival. When her family is killed in battle with the Hebrews, she disguises herself and sneaks onto the battlefield to avenge her family. The one thing she never counted on was surviving.

Tobiah, a Hebrew warrior, is shocked to find an unconscious, wounded woman among the Canaanite casualties. Compelled to bring her to a Hebrew healer back at their camp, he is soon confronted with a truth he can’t ignore: the only way to protect this enemy is to marry her.

Unused to being weak and vulnerable, Alanah submits to the marriage—for now. As she comes to know and respect Tobiah and his people, however, she begins to second-guess her plans of escape. But when her past has painfully unanticipated consequences, the tentative peace she’s found with Tobiah, the Hebrews, and Yahweh is shaken to the core. Can Alanah’s fierce heart and strength withstand the ensuing threats to her life and all she’s come to love?

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

Another beautiful novel - well done, Connilyn Cossette! Wings of the Wind is the third and final book in the OUT FROM EGYPT series, and besides delighting my eyes with its gorgeous cover, it took me on a stunning and exciting journey! Connilyn Cossette writes her tales set during the Bible days with such passion, detail, and grace. Before I know it, I’m swept away, intrigued by the ancient world, the fantastic characters, and the story of God. I've never read Biblical retellings that I've loved so much!

Wings of the Wind takes place about forty years after Counted With the Stars (book one), and Shadow of the Storm (book two). Though we see a bit of the characters from those books, our main character is a Canaanite woman, destitute and bent on revenge. Alanah has had everything taken from her, and she's determined that the Hebrews should pay. But on the battlefield where she's certain she'll breathe her last, unexpected grace awaits.
And Tobiah is hardly prepared for the surprise and challenge that awaits him on and after the battle.
Joshua is now one of the leaders of the Israelites, though Moses is still in charge. The Israelites are taking over the land, with the Lord as their guide. But discontentment simmers. Enemies lurk. And the corrupted city of Jericho looms.

What a tale of redemption. I love how the author brings to life these Old Testament stories, though some of them are hard! She unashamedly shows God's holiness and authority, and yet grace fills these pages. Throughout the book, I felt awe for God; the fear of the Lord. And still, His love. His care for His people. The way He set rules and laws to protect them and keep them, even making a law so that the enemy - the Canaanite woman - would be protected from abuse, violence, or even death.
We saw some of Moses and Joshua in Wings of the Wind. And also, Rahab. I love hearing Rahab's story, and remembering that she was in the lineage of Christ!
Ah, it was wonderful. God's power and goodness is shown in these books. For that, and her seemingly meticulous research on these stories and time in history, I very much admire Connilyn Cossette.

I adored the characters. Alanah was a fun change, spirited and spunky as she was. I love how clear her personality was. And just her story! Her journey of faith. It was heart-rending and fascinating. I quite liked Tobiah as well. His sister, on the other hand ... well, that took some time! Loved seeing Shira and Kiya, of course! ^_^ And Moriyah! Oh, how I love that girl! She's spirited too! And strong, sweet, and innocent. Whoa. What a journey! I so wish we could get a book for Moriyah!
So basically, all the characters were well-developed, intriguing, and played their parts in this story. Some upset me, some infuriated me! Others tugged at my heart and had me rooting for them to accept redemption and live the life God intended for them!

The OUT FROM EGYPT series has been serious, but sweet. Heavy, but exciting. Difficult times and a wayward people are shown, but hope always breaks through. Wings of the Wind was a tender tale that kept me turning pages late into the night. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend to adults who like Christian historical fiction/romance. This series is a gem!

I received a copy of Wings of the Wind from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Summer Reading List + Doings

Hi all! I'm sorry my posting schedule has been rather sporadic ... I don't even really have an excuse for it. Just, life is full of commotion and busyness and plans and ... and ... I find myself kind of distracted from blogging, both physically and emotionally.

Anyway, I decided today I could sit down and write before doing a History lesson with my younger siblings, checking the laundry, continuing on with Silver Rose's read-through/editing, and maybe getting in a chapter or two of my Bethany House review book, Wings of the Wind by Connilyn Cossette.

(isn't this cover gorgeous??)

• READING

So, without further ado, my summer reading list!

Summer Reading List 2017

• Wings of the Wind by Connilyn Cossette
• First Date by Krista McGee
• Girl Defined by Kristen Clark & Bethany Baird
• Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
• Life After: Huntress by Julie Hall
• Illusionary by Desiree Williams
• Bread of Angels by Tessa Afshar
• Grounded Hearts by Jeanne M. Dickson
• The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep
• Close to You by Kara Isaac
• Waking Rose by Regina Doman

So there it is! This is just a tentative list, and I have no idea if I'll get to them all this summer, but I definitely will get to some.

* Wings of the Wind *, as I mentioned above, is a review book I signed up for through Bethany House Blogger Review Program. Need to get that read and reviewed this month.

* First Date * is a used book I found for $0.81 on Amazon and bought with an Amazon gift card I won! I should be receiving it in the mail today and might start it, because it sounds like an easy, entertaining read.

* Girl Defined * will be a re-read this summer. It's a Christian Living, with questions to go along with each chapter, so I'm planning to do it as a Bible study with two of my younger sisters. Yay for studies about Biblical womanhood! We might start today.

* Edenbrooke * will also be a re-read for me. I read this humorous, sweet, Regency romance in 2013 and have been wanting to read it again! So when my sister, friend, and I decided to start a Summer Book Club, I eagerly recommended this book. I think it will be perfect and can't wait to start reading!

* Life After: Huntress * is a book I won in a giveaway, along with a $10 Amazon gift card and $5 Starbucks gift card! Yay! I don't know much about this book, but it sounds like some sort of fantasy, and I've been itching to pick it up!

* Illusionary * is another giveaway win! It's fantasy/realm-travel, and rather a short-ish book. So I'm hoping I can get to it some fair summer day. ^_^

* Bread of Angels * is a review book I signed up for with Tyndale Blog Network. So excited to get it in the mail and review it (for the month of June, I believe?)

* Grounded Hearts * is a review book from Litfuse Publicity. I'm to review this one on my blog in July. I believe it's a debut novel, and set during the WWII era. I'm really excited to give it a try!

* The Captive Heart * I found for really cheap on Amazon ($3.42) and used my gift card. I love the Revolutionary War era, so couldn't pass this one up. I'm so excited about it, and think I will find time for it this summer!

* Close to You * I also found on Amazon for cheap ($4.58)! I've been wanting to read by Kara Isaac, because her books sound so fun, unique, and perhaps even relatable! Contemporary YA romance with main characters who love "The Hobbit" and "The Chronicles of Narnia". YES. ^_^ 

* Waking Rose * I found for $1.84 on Amazon. (Go, Amazon!) In case I run out of books to read this summer, or just need something familiar and suspenseful and fairy tale and absolutely delightful, I have this beauty on hand to re-read!

***

Have you read any of the books on my summer reading list? If so, tell me what you thought of them!

• WRITING/EDITING

Well, I've started my first read-through of my fantasy novel, Silver Rose. Keeping track of my progress on Goodreads. I've heard back from four of my second round of beta readers, went through their edits and suggestions, and then uploaded the shiny new version of Silver Rose to my Kindle Fire.

So now I'm reading it and editing as I go. It's pretty exciting! And I must say, I'm even enjoying the story! ^_^ Reading your story on a Kindle instead of a Microsoft Word page on your laptop makes all the difference!

I can't say when publication will be, but hopefully soon! I'm still waiting to hear back from three beta readers and I'm very interested to hear what their opinion of the story is.

• BOOKTUBE

I just uploaded a new video! My April Wrap Up and April/beginning of May BOOK HAUL! *all the heart eyes*

I won't be doing new videos regularly, because it's too hard to find quiet time to film every week. But I still hope to do wrap ups, book hauls, and occasional book tags and fun stuff.

• WATCHING

I've been watching some episodes of Leverage here and there. They are quite humorous. The characters are like, perfection. They make me laugh a lot, which is good. ^_^ (Note: There is some language and questionable comments now and then.)

Also, hoping to start the TV series, Anne with an E, soon! It comes on Netflix tomorrow, the 12th! (I have a month of Netflix). I loved the old Anne of Green Gables movies, so looking forward to a fresh take! <3

And, my mom and younger siblings have been watching episodes of one of Pastor Matt Chandler's series, called "To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain". It's about pursuing God with passion. Knowing Him. Loving Him. Realizing He is everything. I've watched/listened to some of them, and they are so good. I highly recommend! Matt Chandler is an awesome speaker, a relatable guy, humorous, and just has zeal for the Lord and His truth! I love it! <3

(This is the promo for the series. I recommend looking up the episodes! I think there are twelve.)

• OTHER LIFE

Um, I'm excited for summer! A busy time is coming up for my family ... we're going to be moving into a new house! But first we have to do some renovating, so lots of work ahead! Hopefully then I'll be able to get a bookshelf and have all my books shipped here! ^_^ But it's okay. I'm learning to live without all my books. They aren't, by any means(!), the important things in my life - though they are special to me. *smiles*

Ready to live one day at a time, relying on God's strength and truth and love. <3 He is faithful.

How are you, my friend?

Book Review: Destroy by Tricia Mingerink

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Title: Destroy

Author: Tricia Mingerink

Series: The Blades of Acktar #3.5

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: New Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Before the war, before the Blades, before the Leader…

There was a boy and a scullery maid and a secret shame.
One moonlit night of blood and knives destroyed their country and their lives forever.

The Leader failed to die, but will he also fail to lead?

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

I am so glad I decided to purchase Destroy by Tricia Mingerink! After reading the final book in THE BLADES OF ACKTAR series, I was kind of sad and wondering how to say goodbye to this fantastic Christian fantasy series ... Well, turns out, I didn't have to! Not quite yet! *winks*

In this novella (which should be read after the third book, Defy), we meet Keevn and Addie as POV characters and see the whole story from their eyes ... starting when Keevn was almost killed in the dead of night by a Blade.

I wasn't sure how I'd feel about reading Keevn's story. But I loved it! I think, partly, because Tricia Mingerink just has a way of writing that draws me in! And now I so love Acktar and its people that I want to read every story about them that I can! *grins* But yes, Keevn. I actually did feel for him. My heart ached for him. I came to like him. And, of course, sweet and talkative and strong Addie. I loved seeing how she came into the whole story! Wow! *hugs them both*
Keevn definitely wasn't a perfect character, but that's good. Tricia Mingerink showed his pain and understandable reasons for his actions, while still staying true to his character that we saw in Defy and Deliver. I was impressed by this tale, and touched.

As I mentioned above, Destroy starts, chronologically, before Dare and continues to Defy's end ... and a little beyond that. And it's all seen through Keevn and Addie's eyes. I loved getting this new perspective on the war and all that! The coronation. The arrival of a certain prince. ^_^ (I only wish it would have showed a certain wedding!)

Anyway, it was well-written, interesting, and thought-provoking. I really liked the faith theme; how forgiveness and mercy were woven into the story. It was challenging but heart-touching. I loved seeing more of characters we didn't get a chance to truly meet before. All the backstory ... <3 Even though a good portion was grim and sad, I did love seeing little Renna and Brandi, and watching the happenings set up for Dare's beginning.

So. I understand Keevn better. I got to officially meet Addie. I even laughed a couple times! And talk about character growth! My fellow fans of THE BLADES OF ACKTAR, this #3.5 novella is not to be missed! *smiles*

Book Review: Deal by Tricia Mingerink

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Title: Deal

Author: Tricia Mingerink

Series: The Blades of Acktar - Prequel Short Story

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: New Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Note: this is a free short story given away for newsletter subscribers

Once there was a nine-year-old boy Leith Torren who only wanted to bring food home to his mother...and was noticed by Lord Respen Felix of Blathe.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

Oh my heart! My poor, little Leith! *hugs him* Deal by Tricia Mingerink is a prequel short story to THE BLADES OF ACKTAR, giving us a glimpse into the young Leith Torren's life. His mother. His father. And how he met the to-be-king, Lord Respen Felix.

Oh, I love the character of Leith so much, and this backstory just made him put himself a little deeper into my heart. The harsh life he experienced, the deep pain of thinking he was unlovable. The tragedy. The betrayal. *clutches bleeding heart* Now I need to go re-read Dare, Deny, Defy, and Deliver! -To remind myself that there's still so much ahead for Leith ... yes, some of it quite bad. But WONDERFUL THINGS too! *hugs him again for good measure*

Tricia Mingerink pens another tale, well-written and interesting. And hurtful! But the end left me wanting to delve back into this emotional, intense, amazing fantasy world.

If you are into THE BLADES OF ACKTAR series, you must read Deal, short though it is, for more backstory and insight into these beloved characters! ^_^

I received an e-book copy of Deal after signing up for Tricia Mingerink's newsletter.

Florida Beaches ... 2017

I went to Florida for the very first time in my life, this year of 2017. And such an exciting adventure it was!

Florida just seems like the ideal vacation spot, what with the magnificent ocean shores and overall tropical feel. So when two of my younger sisters and I found cheap tickets there, I was thrilled! A spontaneous sisters trip! ^_^

I'm no fan of flying (in fact, it generally terrifies me), but I mustered up the courage - because one can't have adventures if one doesn't take chances.

I made a big list and started packing here and there a week ahead of time. And I fussed at my sisters quite a bit, haha. We even went to Walmart and Goodwill and I found sunglasses, two summer shirts, a swimming suit, and beaded sandals. I think that's when I really started getting excited for this trip.

The day finally arrived! We made the drive to the airport and checked in our suitcases. Said goodbye to the family. And entered the security check line. Always a bit stressful for me as I frantically try to get everything out and into the bins that needs to be! We got through alright, found our gate, and waited the half hour before we began to board.

Thankfully, the flying was relatively uneventful!

We arrived in Florida at nightfall, and our relatives picked us up from the airport. As we drove to the condo, I surveyed the city life around us, delighting in all the palm trees! *grins*

It was the next day that we went to the beach.

Oh, the ocean. I don't think I could ever get tired of it.

"Foamy waves and endless blue sea. It awakens something in me, like one can catch a glimpse of God, heaven, and perfection in such vastness."

- Florida Journal 2017

I loved the sandy beaches and walking through the shallow water in my red swimming suit cover-up, searching for unique shells. It's so peaceful, somehow.

Back at the condo, I enjoyed journaling on the back patio, where a balmy breeze rustled through the leaves of palm trees. You can't beat the tropical air, my friends!

"Looking forward to more sun and waves. And chatting. And quiet time ..."

- Florida Journal 2017

Squishing in a room with two sisters and two cousins was fun! We shared two closets, a bathroom, and some dresser drawers. It was all cozy and comfortable, in my opinion. ^_^

I was able to visit with my great grandma, whom I only really remember seeing when I was a little girl. She's such a sweet little lady. Spunky and sweet! *grins* And full of giggles. I had such a good time listening to her stories and laughing with her.

She's gone through a whole lot in her life, but she's strong and so sweet to all of us. It was a blessing to see her. <3

As well as my dear cousins and aunt & uncle, and great aunt and her daughter! So many relatives! I loved seeing them all and hope I can see them again soon!

We went to a simple and lovely Good Friday service, as well as Easter Sunday service.

Played quite a few games of Dutch Blitz and Kings & Queens. It's always satisfying to go from slave to king. *grins and winks* Watched "Frozen". Talked ...

And swam! There's a pool right by the condo, which was quite pleasant. Good for cooling down and relaxing, or a nice bit of exercise.

"I'm sitting at the pool in the warm sun. [My cousins] are sunbathing on lounges next to me. A small plane flies overhead. [My sister] is out here also, reading All In Good Time by Maureen Lang."

- Florida Journal 2017

There's also a nice big lake nearby to walk around. But not to swim in! Too many alligators! There are also lots of different birds, big turtles, and iguanas.

Boogie boarding was a new adventure I tried. Catching the ocean waves and riding them to shore! It took me awhile to get the hang of it ... and in that while I got lots of salt water up my nose and whatnot ... but once you ride a few waves, it's so fun!

"It was overcast and a little sprinkly at the beach last night. But the water was quite warm once you got in. The waves were pretty high - it's fun and slightly scary at the same time. I love laying over the boogie board and just floating over the waves. So peaceful yet exciting."

- Florida Journal 2017

President Trump was at his estate in Florida, Mar-a-Lago, so there were lots of policemen and security stuff around. It was all quite interesting, and even a bit exciting, to be honest. I saw the president planes, and coast guard boats with guns guarding the shore side of Mara-a-Lago.

I was able to go on a boat ride through part of the Everglades, a swampy area. It was enjoyable and interesting seeing birds, alligators, and turtles. And learning about the many anacondas and Melaleuca Trees that are around!

We went to a different beach that day. It had more of the "beachy" feel. So lovely. One of my sisters and I did photo shoots of each other while walking along the beach. Just fun. ^_^ A really refreshing day!

(matching with this lovely lady!)

And we saw a cute, little crab! It scuttled sideways across the sand, probably just under the size of a quarter.

"Sitting here watching Tangled and sipping cool lemonade. Flynn Ryder and Maximus are hilarious! And Rapunzel is so delightful.

We went to the beach for a short while this morning. It was windy and overcast, with some sprinkles, so we just collected shells for awhile before leaving."

- Florida Journal 2017

We went to a fabulous restaurant where I had broiled fish, fries, and coleslaw. A huge plate of it all. And it was SO good! I'd only eaten homemade chocolate oatmeal that morning, so I was starving, and it certainly filled me up! *smiles*

Swam some more. And laid in the sun for awhile. I'd started getting a little bit of color by then! I don't tan easily, but I was healthy-looking ... sun-kissed! ^_^ Good thing for my mom's homemade sunscreen (made with carrot oil and other things). It felt great on my skin, is good for the skin, and prevented sunburn!

One day we all headed to the Lion Country Safari. That was certainly a neat experience! Lots to do, and lots of interesting and amazing animals to see! I think the baby monkeys were my favorite.

Can't you all just see me, dressed up in a woman pirate's garb with a cute monkey on my shoulder, sailing the ocean waves? Yeah ... well it's a fun daydream when you see those lively little monkeys. *grins*

"I've decided that I love giraffes. They look very gentle and pretty with big eyes, long necks and legs, and unique heads."

- Florida Journal 2017

"We pet goats and fed pretty, bright, little birds. Had some fun in the pedal boats. Stood under the misters a lot to cool off. And went down a big slide. The giant turtles were really cool. And zebras are just great."

- Florida Journal 2017

Another fun thing I did was dress up and toured this part of Florida's town/city life. It was delightful! Not only do I like dressing up, but I also enjoy being around all the people, seeing the sights and sounds.

We stopped for ice-cream. I got cherry and mango Italian Ice ... no diary. It tasted a lot like a slushie, but at least it had fruit chunks. Still, the thought of so much sugar and food coloring started to bother me. Haha!

"It was so fun walking in town yesterday! So many unique shops and interesting people. And lots of palm trees. The evening was perfect! Balmy and warm, but a nice breeze and no sun scorching your face."

- Florida Journal 2017

I visited with my great grandma and great aunt more. It's so pleasant to just sit and listen to them talk and tell stories.

"We visited for quite awhile, having chocolate cake and lots of laughter."

- Florida Journal 2017

Of course, being me, I started putting my things together a day or two before we were supposed to leave. It helps me enjoy myself more on my last days of vacation, and not stress!

"This morning I ate breakfast outside. Chex cereal and homemade granola. I like the look of the yellow condo walls around the patio. Also, all the palm trees and other unique trees outside the white fence are lovely. Greenery climbs up the fence, some flowers blooming. This morning, I saw two lizards scurrying around on the fence. Anyway, it was nice and cool, with a breeze. And quiet. So peaceful. I could get used to tropical mornings."

- Florida Journal 2017

Went to the ocean again and found a lot of pieces of pretty shells. There was a threat of sea lice, so I just waded a little, but mostly walked up and down the seashore in my swimming suit and cover-up, singing and thinking.

"It's so easy to feel quiet belief and awe and peace by the ocean."

- Florida Journal 2017

I did end up being quite burnt after that day at the ocean and swimming at the pool. But it only lasted a few days, before the painfulness went away. The redness is mostly gone too, in exchange for some nice color. *smiles* I did lots of lavender spray, used the gel from an aloe vera plant my aunt bought, and even plastered on apple cider vinegar and coconut oil.

And I took a sauna (which is supposed to be helpful with sunburn) and had a late night swim. That was actually quite a fun night, despite being burnt and slightly stressed about other things. I do really enjoy saunas. Something about it ...

"A few of us stayed out until about 10:40-ish. Then we rinsed off with the outside shower by the pool and went inside. Ate some grapefruit and cereal, and went to bed."

- Florida Journal 2017

I went to see the sunrise! And then out to that same restaurant for breakfast, this time getting an omelette filled with chunks of ham, green pepper, and onion, hash browns, a slice of cantaloupe and grapefruit, as well as an additional bowl of fruit. So yummy!

Then ... I took a two-hour nap. Sunrise mornings are too much for me, haha. That rest was blissful.

"Now I'm sitting here in my polka-dot, black and red dancing dress (*winks*) and yes, journaling. Perhaps I should go inside and eat lunch."

- Florida Journal 2017

We went walking around again. Oh, did I mention the beautiful houses? So many different styles! It was neat to see it all, and I kept wondering what it would be like to live in them! With their immaculate courtyards, high balconies, and many rooms.

I also wondered time and again what people thought of me, prancing around their part of town in my $3 Goodwill dress (embellished with red yarn) ... Haha! Oh well, it's a nice dress and I love it and I got a good deal, which is always a nice thing in my book. ^_^

"In the wealthy part of town, the houses are wondrously glamorous and the shops are well beyond my price range."

- Florida Journal 2017

Despite the prices that seemed outrageous to me, the stores were intriguing, and the fashion was fun to look at! There was also a beautiful, little courtyard tucked in there, with blooming roses twining up a white staircase afar off! It was amazing!

We laughed and joked with our relatives on our last day in Florida. Ate a yummy meal. Went out to ice-cream and shopping. I picked up veggie chips and fruit snacks for the trip home.

At the airport, one of the security people, a young lady, asked my two younger sisters and I if we were all thirteen. I have to admit, I was a little insulted. That's a little off, you know! I'm an adult now! Haha. Well, I've gotten it more than once. May as well get used to it. *winks*

"We are on the plane, flying through the air. Definitely not my favorite thing to do, but at least I have my anti-nausea wristbands and some veggie chips!" 

- Florida Journal 2017

But yes. It was a lovely time, and my sisters and I were sooo blessed to have gotten in such a special vacation! I loved Florida. I loved the beaches. I loved the ocean waves and the sandy shores and the balmy air. It was absolutely beautiful.

"We're descending. Gone are the amazing tropics. It's much cooler here. And windy, perhaps? The ride is getting a little bumpy. Home sweet home. It's good to be back, but I will miss the slightly exotic, summer-ness of [the beach life].

So long, Florida. It's been fabulous! <3" 

- Florida Journal 2017