 Author: Connilyn Cossette Genre: Biblical Fiction Series: The King's Men #3 Release Date: August 5, 2025 Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 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 crosses a line, Yonatan gives him one last mission to prove his worth: help persuade a distant Kenite 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 unmatched and unrecognized talent is a closely guarded secret within her family. Disheartened by a future that seems unattainable, she resigns herself to a life of obscurity. However, when Gavriel arrives in her village, they're tangled together in ways neither could have imagined. As they navigate unforeseen dangers and enemy threats, Gavriel must confront his past and either bend his knee to the One True King or lose the woman he loves forever.
 Reviewer: Winnie Thomas While biblical fiction is not my favorite genre, I never pass up the opportunity to read one of Connilyn Cossette’s books. She is so very talented in bringing stories to life, and her books are always impeccably researched, historically plausible, and filled with realistically flawed, engaging characters. I’ve read the first two books in The King’s Men series and have eagerly awaited Gavriel’s story. He is a soldier and somewhat of a rogue as the story begins, and I was hoping to see some redemption in store for him. I wasn’t disappointed as he soon meets Zahava, who becomes his marriage-of-convenience wife. He is so sweet and tender with her, and I loved that he was willing and able to give up his roguish ways for her. Zahava is courageous, hard-working, and a talented metal worker. Her concern and love for her family is admirable. The stellar cast of supporting characters adds depth to the story. I loved the friendship and camaraderie between Gavriel and Shachar. It gave some needed humor and fun during tense times. Set during the reign of King Saul around 1033 BC, this is a beautiful tale filled with powerful themes of redemption, forgiveness, and grace. The added humor and romance make it a riveting read. I enjoyed learning more about the history of these people, and I’m looking forward to Shalem’s story next. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise An absolutely lovely story set during the reign of King Saul. This is Gavriel and Zahava’s story, and what a striking one it is. I was so immersed in it as I was waiting to find out what happened to Shay, the lost young cousin, that Gavi, Avi, and Zevi had been looking for. This was a look back at ancient times that made the Bible come alive. The author gave us everyday people who trusted in the One True God with many applications that we can use today. Zahava, a Kenite, worked with metal and was taught by her father from secret methods passed down for generations. As we see her work with gold, until the final polish, we also see what God can accomplish in us, taking away the dross, working in us, and refining us until the final polish by Him, so that we can reflect Him. Gavi is a warrior sent by Yonathan to take the Kenites out of danger before Saul and his army attack. An incident forces a marriage between Gavi and Zahava. The romance between the two grows as they face danger and learn to appreciate one another. We have a hint about the missing Shay, but we will have to wait until book four for that outcome. If you like Biblical fiction, do not miss this series. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone. Reviewer: Laura J. Davis Splendor of the Land by Connilyn Cossette is possibly my favourite book of The King’s Men series. With an exceptional but flawed hero, whose choices in life lead him where he does not want to go. Gavriel is clearly an alcoholic, whose choices will cost him everything if he doesn’t change his ways. He meets Zahava, a gifted goldsmith with a physical impediment. Their lives change drastically when they are caught in a compromising position. Forced to marry, the two strangers deal with the aftermath and learn that Yahweh always has a plan. I loved this story so much! Gavriel, while flawed, is the ultimate hero as he protects Zahava with his life. His training as a soldier comes in handy when things take a deadly turn. Zahava for her part grows in strength as she learns to lean on God and trust her new husband. The major theme of this book is trusting in God and knowing that God is always ten steps ahead of us. I loved this aspect, and I loved how the author wrote about Gavriel’s struggles and Zahava’s insecurities. If you like a sweet marriage of convenience story set in biblical times, you will love Splendor of the Land. I highly recommend it. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Lori Parrish Biblical stories are my very favorite, and I’ve so enjoyed this one! This is a very well-written story full of awesome characters that I couldn’t put down. I was immediately drawn in from the beginning. I love Cossette’s heartfelt stories from the Bible. Her characters are very realistic, and I love picturing myself in ancient Israel. It is interesting to see how they lived and made it through the hard times. Much like today, in my opinion, except without technology. I think Gavriel is the most stubborn man I’ve ever come across! Sometimes I just wanted to shake him until he woke up! In the end, he became one of my favorite people. Zahava is an amazing woman. However, I did NOT like her hotheaded father! What an idiot! Wow! I loved her from the get-go. In some ways, I connected with her, and in others, I did not It is still a good story and one I enjoyed very much. I highly recommend it. God is the one true king. The theme is trust and learning to lean on God no matter the circumstances in your life, and that’s what these characters are learning along the way as they go through their life’s journey. I really hated to see this series end. But I am looking forward to seeing what she writes next! 5 stars from me for a wonderful adventure through ancient Israel. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Conny Withay “Set against the backdrop of ancient Israel, this exhilarating Old Testament-era tale is threaded with themes of redemption, courage, and sacrifice,” states the online description of Connilyn Cossette’s novel, Splendor of the Land. The third book in The King’s Men series, this four-hundred-page advanced reader copy, targets those who enjoy Old Testament Biblical fiction with a touch of romance. The topics of physical abuse, murder, war, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The book ends with the author’s note, biography, and advertisements. In this continuing story of four cousins set in Israel in 1043 BC, Gaviel is a lost soul in King Saul’s army, as he has become a liability to his unit because of his reckless and arrogant choices. When he is sent to help move the Kenites away from the Philistines, he becomes hurriedly married to Zahara, a girl with a disability who holds the family secrets on how to produce unique red-gold metalwork. But when tragedy after tragedy strike, Gaviel and Zahara must forgive their pasts and each other’s by relying on the Mighty God of the Mountain. Like the previous books in the series, the chapters are written in first person by a man and a woman who are oppositely attracted as they learn to accept and forgive one another’s faults. In this tale, I loved learning about smithing, the Kenites’ nomadic life, and the fictional Atarah Hod, a one-of-kind crown. With vaguely referencing Biblical stories, the read moves swiftly across the guilt-ridden desert to splendid paths of forgiveness and redemption. Those who do not have a personal relationship with God may not like the continual reliance on Him. Others may not care for how kings abused their powers while promoting territorial wars, but it is fictional, as it coincides with Saul’s reign and battles. Some may not like it as a series as one has to wait for the fourth and final book in the series to find out what happens to the youngest cousin. It would be helpful to have a list of characters at the beginning of the book. I wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence. If you love a series of four lads growing into men who love Yahweh and find true love during King Saul’s era, this third book is amazing yet tender, showing how love can purify the past. Thanks to Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review. Reviewer: Katelyn Sponaugle
Splendor of the Land was an EXPERIENCE! And one I lost some sleep over. It was thrilling and suspenseful, yet sweet and redemptive. Teeming with so many endearing characters and relationships! This book was rich with depth and complexity and had a beautiful, moving portrayal of God’s hand on our behalf. The redemption arc and mended relationships were very heartwarming. A masterful job from the author and an excellent read! Connilyn Cossette also gave us such an interesting glimpse into a very tumultuous time in the nation of Israel, as well as a behind the scenes look into some of Israel’s gruesome enemies. Truthfully, this book was filled with surprises and never had a dull moment. I absolutely loved it. I feel that each book in The King’s Men series has been better than the last. I enjoyed Splendor of the Land immensely and am sad it is over. I’m eagerly anticipating Shalem’s story, though I will be very sad for this series to come to an end! Don’t miss out on reading Splendor of the Land and every book in this series for yourself! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers and Interviews & Reviews for my honest review. Leave a Reply. |
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