I was intrigued by this story from the very start and drawn in to young Kiya’s world. I’ve never read any fiction set in Egypt during the days of Moses before and it was fascinating! I felt like I was right there with Kiya as she served in Egypt, experienced the plagues, and eventually left her home to follow after the Hebrews. What an amazing story she has to tell!
My favorite parts were the moments that joined the Biblical account we all know with the fictional details of Kiya’s life. Her first person perspective on the plagues and the exodus were captivating to read. I loved reading through these historic scenes through her eyes and watching her faith grow in the Hebrews’ God.
There were a few moments that seemed slow to me, but the plot developed nicely overall. I appreciated the attention to authenticity and research that shone from each page. It’s not overly romantic, but there’s a sweet thread woven throughout that made my heart smile. There are many secondary characters I liked as well.
I think historical fiction fans will enjoy this immensely. The pictures the author painted with her words are beautiful and timeless. And I loved seeing the fingerprints of God throughout the story towards the Hebrews and the Egyptians. Whether you’re new to Biblical fiction or not, I encourage you to read Counted With the Stars. It’s a special one.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to Bethany House Publishers and the author for my copy.
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sold into slavery by her father and forsaken by the man she was supposed to marry, young Egyptian Kiya must serve a mistress who takes pleasure in her humiliation.
When terrifying plagues strike Egypt, Kiya is in the middle of it all.To save her older brother and escape the bonds of slavery, Kiya flees with the Hebrews during the Great Exodus.
She finds herself utterly dependent on a fearsome God she’s only just beginning to learn about, and in love with a man who despises her people. With everything she’s ever known swept away, will Kiya turn back toward Egypt or surrender her life and her future to Yahweh?
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Purchase Links
Amazon / Barnes and Noble
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When she is not homeschooling her two sweet kids (with a full pot of coffee at hand), Connilyn Cossette is scribbling notes on spare paper, mumbling about her imaginary friends, and reading obscure, out-of-print history books. There is nothing she likes better than digging into the rich, ancient world of the Bible and uncovering buried gems of grace that point toward Jesus. Although a Pacific Northwest native, she now lives near Dallas, Texas.
Connect with her at www.connilyncossette.com.
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Hey Savanna,
This book sounds wonderful! I love it when authors use a Biblical backdrop to take us along on a fictional journey–it really helps the reader understand the story from the Bible a bit more. (example-The Left Behind series) I will definitely have to pick this book up!
Hi Heather! I totally agree… it puts Biblical stories in a whole new light. I love it! Hope you get to enjoy this story soon! 😉
Hi Savanna! I agree this book sounds terrific! I had the pleasure of getting to know Connilyn through a recent interview (which I plan to post Friday, May 20th!) I connected with her so much and can’t wait to dig into her books! Great review, my friend!
Hi Cynthia!! Thanks so much for stopping by and reading my review. How cool you’re going to be interviewing Connilyn this week. Can’t wait to see it. She is such a sweet lady!
I have read this one as soon as I could get my hands on it, and I fell in love with the author’s vivid descriptions and realistic plot. I agree with your review, Savanna! Definitely has a permanent spot on my bookshelf 🙂
Yay!! So glad you could join us, Diana. Yeah, this book is going to be a hard one to forget, that’s for sure! 😉
Savanna, I love your review! Counted with the Stars is on my MUST read list! 🙂
Awesome! Hope you like it as much as I did, Caryl! Thanks for visiting. 🙂
Counted With The Stars sounds amazing. Connilyn is a new author to me. Would love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
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Hi Brenda! I would definitely encourage you to check her stories out. I sure enjoyed her debut!