Shelter of the Most High Provides the Ultimate Encouragement

Shelter of the Most High is the second book in Connilyn Cossette's Cities of Refuge series. In order to have a fuller appreciation and understanding of this wonderful novel, I recommend reading the first book A Light on the Hill.

Eitan has lived in Kedesh for the past 11 years. He still feels guilt over the tragic accident that happened in his childhood. The way the author has written Eitan you'll fall in love with him twice; once as a young love-starved boy in A Light on the Hill and now as a young man in Shelter of the Most High. Eitan is loyal and fiercely protective of his family. It makes you connect to him as a character and gives men everywhere a high standard to live up to in a good way. However, the most beautiful thing was seeing how he discovers forgiveness and can move on from his past and dream of his future.

Sofea comes from a pagan background. She's the daughter of an ungodly high priest. When she meets Eitan he's unlike any man she's ever met and she's drawn to that. I loved how this story shows how men should treat women and she finally realizes she's worthy of his respect.

When Eitan meets Sofea he's intrigued and attracted to her. He loved her "vivid eyes" (Cossette, 54). when he first met her.They have obstacles to overcome. The two major ones being language barrier and coming from two different worlds (pagan vs. God-fearing). I liked the way that Ms. Cossette has them connect through using facial expressions and hand motions proving that people can adapt when faced with the challenge of different languages. It was very intriguing to read these exchanges and see how their relationship grew. I think because of these barriers it made their relationship even stronger. I really enjoyed learning how their experiences shaped them as people, but also how they worked through these challenges, something all of us can always be working on.

 One of my favorite moments in the book is when Sofea sees her worth and realizes she is loved by God. "I was inexplicably valued by the One Who Made the Stars had been worth every painful step." (Cossette, 291). This was a beautiful full circle moment and so perfectly said.

If you are looking to be inspired, encourage, pushed to grow and know your worthiness as a person, I urge you to check out this book. You will find yourself cheering and praying for Eitan and Sofea can get their love story, but more importantly, you are a better person because you've read it.

               Your fabulously blonde bookworm, 

                             Emilee

~~ Shelter of the Most High was provided to me by the author herself and Bethany House in return for my honest opinion. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and the author .I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~~