This post contains affiliate links - using affiliate links from Just A Second helps supply books and coffee.
Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette - I'm so invested in this series and extended family that I don't know what I'll do with myself now that it's reached the end. (I think this particular series is at an end, but I'm looking forward to anything else Cossette writes!) The series is set in ancient Israel, during the time after the conquest of Canaan, right at the beginning of the time of the Judges. The Cities of Refuge were Levite cities set apart for those who had unintentionally killed another person where they could be safe from a blood avenger. Moriyah was the first accused killer in the series, and the subsequent three books have focused on her children.
Moriyah's youngest daughter, Tirzah, has always been bold and a bit tomboyish, and since she is still childless after the death of her husband, she is content to be part of the extended family as a beloved aunt. But when her father suggests it may be time to search for a new husband for her, she instead pesters her brother Malakhi to train her as one of his network of spies. She proves her ability and excels in the training, and finally Malakhi has a mission for her. She goes to a nearby city and secures work in the kitchens of the Aramean commander where she keeps her eyes and ears open for information about the movement of troops or schemes of Israel's enemy. She is able to overhear so much without suspicion because as far as the Arameans know, she only speaks and understands Hebrew.
When one of her contacts and protectors is compromised and captured, Tirzah is left without any protection, and Malakhi must come up with a plan to get her out. About that time, Liyam shows up - he is searching for the man who killed his daughter - he is a blood avenger. But he is also a skilled warrior and in exchange for information about the man he seeks, he agrees to go to the city to bring Tirzah out. He poses as a mercenary soldier and wins the trust of the Aramean easily, but Tirzah is more of a challenge. She talks him into staying longer so she can get a bit more information before leaving, but the delay puts them both in terrible danger - and they are barely able to escape.
But before Liyam can leave, Malakhi is able to talk him into another mission. One is which he enters a marriage with Tirzah so he can protect her while she infiltrates another enemy home. By this time, you can guess that Liyam and Tirzah are developing true love for each other, but they are in serious danger, and Liyam is still determined to bring his daughter's killer to justice.
This is a gripping story of danger and intrigue and a romance off to a rocky start. But it also gives fascinating insight into what life may have been like during the early years of the nation of Israel and the challenges faced by the fledgling nation as they fall away from the worship of Yahweh and then must return to trusting him to rescue them from their enemies.
By the same author: Until the Mountains Fall, Shelter of the Most High, A Light on the Hill, Wings of the Wind, Shadow of the Storm, Counted With the Stars
©2008-2020 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
