Can't Wait for Throne of the Heavens

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

Throne of the Heavens (The King's Men, # 4)

By: Connilyn Cossette

Expected Publication: October 6, 2026 by Bethany House Publishers

352 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Flashes of a forgotten life are all Mattaniel remembers from before his freedom was stripped away. When a shocking revelation forces him into the service of a foreign king, he finds himself entangled in a world of political intrigue and captivated by a woman far beyond his reach.

As the daughter of a king, Elissa knows her duty is to secure her father's ambitions with an advantageous marriage. Yet when her brilliant and enigmatic tutor uncovers a conspiracy that drags them both into a deadly game of treachery, her privileged world begins to crumble. As more fragments of Mattaniel's past are uncovered, enemies close in, loyalties fracture, and their forbidden bond will ignite a chain of events that could reshape the destiny of nations.

The early years of King Saul's reign come to life in bestselling and award-winning author Connilyn Cossette's compelling, biblical-inspired tale.

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

Splendor of the Land - Review

Splendor of the Land (The King's Men, # 3)

By: Connilyn Cossette

Publication: August 5, 2025 by Bethany House Publishers

400 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Gavriel, a soldier in the elite company of Yonatan--son of King Saul--dreams of forging his destiny through crafting weapons with his own hands. Despite earning his place among Israel's finest, he is haunted by a dark past that no distraction can dispel. When his reckless behavior forces Yonatan to present him with an ultimatum, Gavriel is sent on a mission to persuade a distant tribe to sever their ties with the Amalekites.

Zahava, a gifted goldsmith hidden behind her father's legacy, lives in the shadows due to her physical affliction. Her talent, unmatched and unrecognized, is a closely guarded secret within her family. Disheartened by a love that seems unattainable, she resigns herself to a life of obscurity. However, when Gavriel arrives in her village, they're tangled together in a way no one could have imagined. As they navigate through unforeseen dangers and enemy threats, Gavriel must confront his past and either bend his knee to the One True King or lose his love forever.

Set against the backdrop of ancient Israel, bestselling author Connilyn Cossette breathes life into the Old Testament era with this exhilarating tale of redemption, courage, and sacrifice.

Gavriel is a character that I've struggled with in the previous books. Zevi and Gavriel didn't seem to care about Shalem being missing when Avidan brought them evidence that he might have survived when they thought him dead. But then Zevi also has an experience that lends more credibility to this. Yet Gavriel is so wrapped up in his own ambitions that he doesn't pursue Shalem. This is a running subplot that ties all of the books together. It isn't the right time for the boys to pursue Shalem, so they don't. But their reasoning doesn't leave me feeling good about any of it.

Gavriel has been a part of Yonathan's (Saul's son) unit, but he's turned to women and drink more and more. Yonathan is sick of it and sends Gavriel on a mission with his friend Emmet. It's "complete this mission well or you're done." The mission is to relocate a group of Kenites away from Amalekite territory before Saul comes in to destroy the Amalekites.

Zavah has been learning her father's metalworking craft as he's slowly going blind. It's a secret that a woman is working in this way. And he's also passing down family trade secrets on how to create red-gold pieces, mostly used in jewelry. Zavah thinks she wants to marry her father's apprentice Rahm as he's the only man she believes will allow her to continue working in this way. Of course, we know that Gavriel would be amenable to that since he, too, has a metalworking background. And we find out that Rahm is more interested in making money and growing his powerful connections than in Zavah.

Zavah and Gavriel are forced to marry, but I do love a marriage of convenience or forced marriage story. Even though neither party wanted this marriage, I love how they both adapted to it quickly to make the best of their situation. Gavriel immediately becomes protective of Zavah and assumes his role as the protector without hesitation. They don't jump into a physical relationship, but the two team up pretty quickly and steadily head in a promising direction.

Now I will say that Zavah makes a decision that causes conflict that must be overcome. The decision is one of self-sacrifice that I suppose is honorable even if it isn't well thought out. These actions frustrate me. I don't find them heroic. Mostly, I just think of how many other people will be put in jeopardy to save you from yourself. But I suppose it was necessary to advance the story.

Favorite quotes:

-For those who feel unseen: The One who lit the stars aflame is calling you by name.

-But sometimes, when I stared at the vastness of the starry host above and listened carefully, it was as if there was a knowing deep in my bones I could not explain. As if the reverberation of an ancient whisper still trembled there at the core of my being--a tune hummed so low only the most astute of ears could detect its melody.

-"Compassion cannot come at the expense of obedience. Yahweh is God above all others, able to discern the heart of each man and woman. He can see what we cannot--past, present, and future. So we must trust the Creator, even when it makes no earthly sense, or suffer the same consequences as those destined for destruction."

-"My father always says Yahweh doesn't give us what we actually deserve, or we'd have nothing but sorrow. He gives us just what we need, even if we don't understand his reasons at the time."

-"Our family legacy is not things we make with our hands. It's our faithfulness to Yahweh."

I didn't really see where the title fit the story. I felt like that was slapped on there at the end. However, I did love the redemptive journey that Gavriel went on. I appreciated how his perception of his stepfather's actions was so far off from what was real. I loved the relationship between Gavriel and Zavah and how quickly they became a team working toward a shared goal. Splendor of the Land gets 4 Stars. I can't wait to see what Shalem has really been up to in the next book. Have you read Splendor of the Land? What did you think? Let me know!

Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases from Q3/Q4 2025

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. This week's topic is Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases from Q3/Q4 2025

1. Splendor of the Land (The King's Men, # 3) by Connilyn Cossette
2. The Governess & the Rogue (Somerset Stories, # 6) by Mimi Matthews
3. Against a Crescent Storm (The Balkan Legends, # 3) by AL Sowards
4. Fallen City by Adrienne Young
5. Brimstone (Fae & Alchemy, # 2) by Callie Hart
6. And Then There Was You by Sophie Cousens
7. The Last Wish of Bristol Keats (Bristol Keats, # 2) by Mary E Pearson
8. The Marriage Method (The Crinoline Academy, # 2) by Mimi Matthews
9. Thorns & Fire (The Ashes of Thezmarr, # 2) by Helen Scheuerer
10. Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber

Which books are on your summer TBR list? Let me know!

Shield of the Mighty - Review

Shield of the Mighty (The King' Men, # 2)

By: Connilyn Cossette

Publication: August 20, 2024 by Bethany House Publishers

352 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Biblical Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Captured by the Philistines as a young boy, Zevi has grown into a formidable warrior. As a captain in King Saul's army, he is assigned a crucial mission: Recruit soldiers, gather tribute for the royal coffers, and find talented artisans for the king's court. But when he is sent to Maresha, the town he was forced to leave as a child, he faces a startling truth--the elder council rejects King Saul and his campaign against their enemies.

Yochana, a widow and skilled woman of business, is captivated by a stranger who enters her perfume shop. Upon discovering he is not only a soldier but a captain responsible for enlisting young men to die in battle, fury and pain from her past loss resurfaces, threatening to consume her. But when Zevi's actions in Maresha entangle Yochana in his radical scheme, they're forced to confront present dangers and past scars.

Embark on a journey through ancient Israel with bestselling and award-winning author Connilyn Cossette in this exhilarating tale of vengeance, justice, and healing.

I enjoyed Voice of the Ancient when I read it in 2023, and I knew I wanted to continue the series. Yet, when I received Shield of the Mighty for review, I ended up putting it off. The biggest reason is that books involving a mystery component can allow the plot to overcome the relationships. I don't like it when that happens. I end up enjoying the book less than I want to. I wasn't sure if the mystery part of Shield of the Mighty would overtake the character building, but I worried it would. I needn't have worried--in this case. 

Zevi had an even more interesting backstory than Avi from the previous book. Yet, Zevi's adoptive father and mother have their own books in a prequel series, The Covenant House. (I haven't read the prequel series.) So it would make sense that Zevi's background would feel more fleshed out than Avi's. Zevi has grown up with a desire to become a warrior. He has a vendetta against the Philistines for capturing him as a young boy and murdering his family. Now a captain in King Saul's army, Zevi needs to recruit others to service. Yet he's finding that not everyone in Israel supports Saul or believes in his divine appointment. 

Yochana is a grieving young widow. Her husband was killed already in a prior battle following King Saul. She is actually supporting those plotting against Saul. But when she meets Zevi, she has no idea that her life is about to change. Zevi can't explain why he captures Yochana to take her to Saul's court against her will. He knows that Saul will punish Maresha for not supporting his claim to the throne. And he doesn't want to see Yochana punished for the decisions of the city elders even though she supports the same decision. He kidnaps her to force her into King Saul's court as an artisan making perfumes for Saul's wife. 

There's a bit of Stockholm syndrome as the two continue to grow closer to each other through their journey. Zevi is determined to find ample men to replace the ones that Maresha wouldn't supply, but he's having no luck anywhere he turns. And then to make matters worse, he hears potential news of his cousin, Keziah. He may be traveling with traders in the area and Zevi will never forgive himself if he doesn't try to find Keziah. But following this trail goes against Saul's orders for him, and his soldiers begin to question his ability to lead them.

Favorite quotes:

-"I have learned not to question Adonai's will. Only to obey."

-"I realized that my understanding of Yahweh was far too small and that I had no right to demand he bend to my will."

-"Somehow, while I was chasing after the world, Yahweh was still my shield."

-"Only Yahweh can stand as a righteous judge. Leave vengeance in his capable hands."

-"There is nothing wrong with fighting for our people, Zevi. It is a noble thing to sacrifice your life for another. But just as a soldier trusts his commander and a commander trusts his king, you must trust the King above all Kings to direct you. And as I've learned over these past years, the orders are more often whispered than shouted."

-By holding on to bitterness and hatred against those who'd wronged me, instead of giving thanks for how Adonai had rescued me from their grasp, I had become far more like my enemies than my God.

-"My only defense is that Yahweh was in it, Yochana. He placed me there, at the right time, and provided me with the perfect opportunity to join a work he'd already begun. I obeyed my orders."

And then from the author:

-We serve the God who spoke the universe into existence. The God who split the sea to rescue His people. The God who conquered death with an empty tomb. There is nothing at all that He cannot do. So keep your eyes on the Lord, my friend, for he is at your right hand. Do not be shaken (Psalm 16:8).

There are betrayals and near-death experiences. There are grand declarations of love and battle. Zevi and Yochana's relationship was beautiful to watch. I didn't need to worry about the plot taking over and overshadowing the relationships in this case, but I can see myself worrying about the same thing for the next release, Splendor of the Land. Shield of the Mighty gets 4 Stars. Have you read Shield of the Mighty? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for Shield of the Mighty

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

Shield of the Mighty (The King' Men, # 2)

By: Connilyn Cossette

Expected Publication: August 20, 2024 by Bethany House Publishers

352 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Biblical Fiction

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Captured by the Philistines as a young boy, Zevi has grown into a formidable warrior. As a captain in King Saul's army, he is assigned a crucial mission: Recruit soldiers, gather tribute for the royal coffers, and find talented artisans for the king's court. But when he is sent to Maresha, the town he was forced to leave as a child, he faces a startling truth--the elder council rejects King Saul and his campaign against their enemies.

Yochana, a widow and skilled woman of business, is captivated by a stranger who enters her perfume shop. Upon discovering he is not only a soldier but a captain responsible for enlisting young men to die in battle, fury and pain from her past loss resurfaces, threatening to consume her. But when Zevi's actions in Maresha entangle Yochana in his radical scheme, they're forced to confront present dangers and past scars.

Embark on a journey through ancient Israel with bestselling and award-winning author Connilyn Cossette in this exhilarating tale of vengeance, justice, and healing.

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

Voice of the Ancient - Review

Voice of the Ancient (The King's Men, # 1)

By: Connilyn Cossette

Expected Publication: August 15, 2023

352 pages

Genre: Adult, Biblical Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--As the eldest son of a Levite and a Philistine, Avidan is torn between his duty to his family legacy and the desire for something more. When Ammonites attack the city of Yavash-Gilead, he takes the opportunity to fight with his cousins for the newly crowned King Saul. But when one of the cousins goes missing during the battle, Avidan stays behind to search for him in hopes that he's still alive.

Keziah is the daughter of one of the most powerful clan chiefs in the territory of Manasseh. On the brink of a forced marriage to a loathsome man decades older than her, she has no choice but to run. Dressed as a boy, she takes her horse and heads for the south, hoping to find sanctuary with her mother's family.

Battling to survive the dangers surrounding them, Avidan and Keziah make a pact to travel together. As Keziah's true origins are revealed and Avidan's search for his cousin becomes increasingly futile, they must not only rely on each other to stay alive but learn to trust the true and eternal King of Israel to guide their every step.

With impeccable research and award-winning writing, bestselling author Connilyn Cossette brings to life the first years of King Saul's reign.

Voice of the Ancient had a very slow start for me. The background story needed to be established for both of the narrating characters. But I think it was about 30+% before I felt invested in the story and wanted to keep reading.

Avidan is a Levite. He isn't meant to go to war. His future is serving the priesthood and God. But Avi rebels against the path that has been planned for him. He wants to go with his cousins to fight. He wants to be a warrior. So when the call for every able-bodied man comes from King Saul, Avi slips away with his cousins to join the fight. He has one cousin that is old enough to fight, one who is just shy of being of age, and then their little cousin sneaks out and follows at a distance. Avi quickly finds out that the battlefield is not the place for him, and to be honest, it's a miracle that he survived the battle. When he returns to the spot his younger cousin is supposed to be hiding out waiting for him, Avi finds him missing and a bunch of blood and hyena tracks. The other two cousins believe him to be dead, but Avi can't face going back to his home and his aunt and uncle without his cousin and so he sets out to find him.

Keziah's mother passed away a while back, and her father hasn't treated her the same since. His other wives and their children never treated Keziah very well. And now she's basically being sold to a man in marriage in return his people will protect the clan from the threats around them. The man she has been promised to his much older than her. He is already married to more than one woman, and he gives Keziah no indication that he will be a good husband. In fact, he bruises her simply for speaking to his son. Keziah's mother's faithful servant helps her escape by dressing her like a boy and taking her place in her wedding clothes to fool her betrothed. Keziah runs into Avi when he thinks that she might just be the cousin that he's looking for.

Avi can't let Keziah travel by herself. She's already been robbed and nearly beaten. And besides, traveling with her to her mother's people is actually in the same direction as the only lead his has on his cousin. So two birds with one stone. These two of course fall in love on the way as they share their pasts and experiences and lean on each other for safety and comfort from the challenges they face and the memories they've left behind.

I have to applaud Connilyn Cossette for the amount of research she must have done to be able to write this story so deeply rooted in the culture and historical events happening during this time. She wrote the story and culture in such a way that I wasn't bored or put off. I was interested. And honestly, the number of Biblical stories she was able to include due to Avi's affinity to tell stories was really impressive. Also, reading the Bible growing up, I've so often wondered how it was possible for God's chosen people to so easily forget Him, His miracles, His promises. But Connilyn Cossette does a great job showing how easily this happened. I liked her author's note on how she saw so many parallels between this time period and the one we live in now.

Favorite quotes:

-"A truly great leader will inspire his people to unite, not threaten them into submission."

-"There is no glory in war, only destruction."

-"In the kingdom to come, we may understand all. But for now, our eyes are blind to the ways of the Ancient One, are they not? Only Yahweh knows the end from the beginning. You, my new friend, do not."

-...if there was anything I'd learned from Avi's stories of Yahweh, it was that love was nothing without sacrifice.

I also highlighted three lengthy quotes from the author's note at the end, but I'll refrain from including those.

Voice of the Ancient had a slow start for me. But once things got going I got sucked into Avi and Keziah's story and their journey. I wasn't thrilled that we didn't have any closure on the cousin (I can't remember his name), but I imagine he will take the lead role in an upcoming book in this series. I was so impressed with the amount of history woven into this story. Connilyn Cossette did a wonderful job, and I will certainly be back to check out the other books in this series. Voice of the Ancient gets 4 Stars. Have you read Voice of the Ancient? What did you think? Let me know!