Disclaimer, I read this one without reading the rest of the series first. This is something I very rarely do, but as my sister has been begging me to read this one, knowing I'd love the MCs I went ahead.

Okay, so with that said, I know this one has spoilers, as it's the last book, and the others in her family are already married off with families of their own with this one. But, with the genre I didn't mind that since from the start that's how it works. It's the how they manage to work things out and find a way to be together that makes the story.

And in that regard, I might admit that I loved this one! It's funny since when I first started reading this one, I knew I wanted to know more about Alana, after hearing Tirzah's mother (Mariyah) talking about their friendship. The more I read this one, the more I realized she'd likely be another favorite of mine! My sister knows me so well though, as I adore these characters and loved this story setup and the flow of the writing is so easy to get swept away with, it flows so smoothly I read this in just a few sittings as I had to know what happened next, even from the start!

After reading this, I look forward to reading the rest of this series and the companion Egypt series if only for the beautiful attention to detail and the lovely descriptions that capture the scenes and emotions so well! This is one of those series that I can almost see myself there with the characters, as if among friends, and can feel their emotions bleeding though the pages as their story unfolds. In a word: unforgettable!

A powerful story of strength and insecurities, pain and forgiveness, rage and redemption. Tirzah's story isn't an easy one, or one filled with happiness, but is a beautiful tale of love and healing through the trials and loss of this life that remind us that Yahweh makes a way for those who love Him and who seek Him. ( )

Reading this made me feel sad at all Israel lost when they chose to go after other gods... and all we are still relinquishing because we won't fully give up the ways of this world. We believe so many of the enemy's lies...all the while, YHWH just wants to rescue us.

I loved the part of the story where the Hebrews started singing the Shema--- reminding themselves of who they are.

I don’t really like these, “I am woman, hear me roar types of stories…” But after reading the author's notes in the back, and learning to like Tirzah as she matured over time, I came away liking the story a lot better than I thought I would when I began.

Very rarely do I see contrived dialogue in one of Connilyn's stories, but Odeleya’s lengthy covert message to Tirzah after her first “mission” was terribly unbelievable. Since this is the 9th of Cossette's books I've finished and the only time I can remember thinking a sentence was wonky, I'd say this makes her a pretty fabulous author! ( )

The fourth and final book in the Cities of Refuge series follows Moriyah’s youngest child, Tirzah, during the time of the Aramean occupation in Israel and the first Judge, Othniel.

After losing her husband to the Arameans’ senseless cruelty, Tirzah has no interest in marrying again anytime soon. Instead, she convinces her brother, Malakhi, to train her as a spy so she can infiltrate the occupied city of Shechem and the Aramean commander’s home as a cook. Othniel is leading the rebellion against the foreign oppressors and the information Tirzah passes to them is vital to their success. Until something goes terribly wrong.

Liyam (the son of Alanah and Tobiah from Wings of the Wind) has vowed revenge against the careless Moabite trader who ran down his daughter in the street. In exchange for help with tracking down the man’s whereabouts, Liyam agrees to a dangerous rescue mission to get Tirzah out of Shechem before she is discovered. They both soon find themselves swept up in the cause of reigniting Israel’s heart for God and returning them to His ways.

It’s a fitting end to the series, circling back to the function of the refuge cities as protection for manslayers, but this time from the perspective of the blood avenger. And, like all Cossette’s books, it gives a glimpse of what life might have been like for the Israelites of this time period and hints at the nation’s continued trajectory with their relationship with God. I’m excited to see what Cossette is going to write next! ( )

A good conclusion to the series

I was mildly surprised by Like Flames in the Night, but it ended up being a good read. After reading the first three books in the series, I knew I couldn’t skip it—and I’m glad I picked it up!

I think my favorite part of the story is the main character’s occupation: A cook, working as a spy. I’ve always loved reading about spies and codebreaking and secretive stuff like that, so I was thrilled to be able to see that in Biblical fiction, too! The best part was that I didn’t feel like it took away from the setting; it flowed naturally, and felt realistic.

Historically speaking, this book felt like it had more supposition than the previous ones. I will be very interested to read through this time period in the Bible, to see what detail is actually there. I do feel like I’ve got a better grasp on the famous characters in this time, though—especially Othniel. If I ever write in that time period, I’d love to write a book about him and his wife. There are little things that have stuck out to me from the Bible since I’ve read this book—things like the altar Joshua built on Mount Ebal, Othniel’s relationship to Caleb, and how dangerous it would have been to take possession of the land in the first place. I found all of that fascinating—and would love to read more about it and/or see where the author got her information. It’s all quite interesting!

I think I was slightly disappointed with this story, though, because it almost felt like it ended about the half-way mark. I’m not sure what the reason for that was, but it did make me wonder if the book really had a lot more to build toward yet—and, though in a way it did, it also just didn’t feel quite as put together as some of the other books. But as far as tying up different character arcs, I think the whole thing was important. If you enjoy Biblical fiction that does stick pretty closely to the Bible’s account and the Mosaic law the people were supposed to be following in that time, I’d recommend the story and the whole series. I did feel like several of the books had one or two somewhat sensual scenes, but this book didn’t have as much of that, for which I’m grateful!

I requested a free review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it. ( )

I am in love with this book—and Connilyn Cossette’s entire Cities of Refuge series. Like Flames in the Night is the perfect way to conclude the saga that began with Moriyah and Darek.

Caught in a period of turmoil for Israel, Moriyah’s youngest daughter Tirzah determines to help her people as a spy and heads into the Aramean stronghold of Shechem. Meanwhile, grieving father Liyam seeks only vengeance, but his quest also leads him to Shechem—and Tirzah. The story surrounding them then proves to be an epic one as they face countless dangers, thwart their enemies (externally and internally), and even confront the feelings that scare them the most.

Like Flames in the Night is a pleasure to read. Not only is the story between Tirzah and Liyam entertaining, but it also delivers uplifting biblical truths of who God has always been. I cannot recommend it enough. Read this book (and this series) from Connilyn Cossette.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )