Book Review–“Between the Wild Branches” by Connilyn Cossette
The Covenant House–Book 2
“Yahweh may listen to Risi, who was everything good and kind, and perhaps even Shoshana, who took great risks to rescue her vulnerable kinsmen, but no matter what my sister said, the Hebrew god would have nothing to do with the likes of a brutal fighter who’d run away from his sacred mountain and embraced every self-indulgence Philistia had to offer” –-Lukio (page 203)
“Between the Wild Branches” is Lukio’s story, the sequel to “To Dwell Among Cedars” which is Risi’s story in Covenant House–Book 1.
Lukio, a Philistine, was running away from his past, and also from his present, where he’d been living with a Hebrew family that was guarding the Ark of the Covenant.
Though his sister, Risi, loved living in Hebrew country and had accepted the family life there and the Hebrew’s One True God as her own, Lukio wanted no part of any of it.
He wanted to return to his former life in the Philistine city of Ashdod, where he’d dreamed of being a successful fighter one day. He wanted riches and fame, and he did not believe in the Hebrew’s God, nor revere the Ark.
This book takes us on the tumultuous journey of Lukio’s life as he searches for love in all the wrong places. The story clearly shows what happens when someone rejects God to pursue their own life amid sin, lawlessness, anger and greed.
True happiness and peace can never be found away from God, and Lukio’s life reveals that in his many struggles living among those who are un-believers.
This story is somewhat difficult to read at times as it describes how the ancient Philistines thought, acted and believed. It was a very ungodly culture and some of the things they practiced were very horrific and inhumane.
But through it all, we can see God at work behind the scenes, bringing His people into play, always near to those who love Him and call upon Him to help.
If you have read Book 1, you will love this Book 2. If you haven’t yet read Book 1, I would urge you to do so as it really sets the stage for this Book 2, and is a magnificent story you will enjoy.
(Read my review of it here,)
I received a copy of this book free from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.
Leona J. Atkinson