• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • If You Like…
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • Speaking
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

The No. 1 Thing I Like Best about Shelter of the Most High

by Challice Neipp · 12 Comments

“I wish someone would find a way to write good Biblical fiction without delving too much into speculation about actual people.”  My friend didn’t know why I was so bothered, so I tried again. “I just don’t like people that God chose to be a part of His Word speculated about quite so heavily.  I love the idea of fiction set in Bible times so we can get a feel for what life might have been like for people living with those we’ve read about.”

She pointed out several rather popular Biblical fiction authors, and I winced at the one I was expected to gush over.  “But  I don’t like it.  I don’t like reading the Bible and having it tainted with the imaginings of people.  Thanks to her, I’ll never see Ruth and Boaz and their simple, beautiful story without it being tainted by someone’s reimagining of it.”

It’s no secret that despite my desire to read Biblical fiction, I rarely do.  People ask and I just shake my head.  I don’t like it… but I want to.  A year or so ago, I got excited about one that imagined a life for someone only mentioned in the Bible.  All we know is her name and her profession.

I couldn’t finish the book, much as I tried.

So, when the opportunity to review Biblical fiction comes along, I tend to ignore it.  Then it happened. A cover snagged my attention, and I couldn’t help myself.

The synopsis—stunning.  The genre… not so much.  Biblical fiction.  Still, that cover drew me in.  I read the synopsis and had to give it a chance.  After all, it was about a Biblical place more than specific people in the Bible  Sure, they would probably mention those I knew from God’s Word, but as long as they didn’t have too much speculation about them…

I requested a review copy and it came—lovelier than I’d expected.  Seriously. It’s a gorgeous book.  The question would be… was it beautiful on the inside as well?

I read.

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Additionally, I requested a review copy of this book, opinions I give freely and are only influenced by my personal experience in reading that book.

The No. 1 Thing I Like Best about Shelter of the Most High

The first pages slung a stone into the pit of my stomach. First-person present tense. If I were a crying person, I’d have cried.

But once out of that first chapter, it slipped back into past tense—still first-person, but dual perspective, at least.

And it’s well-done first person. I have to give Ms. Cossette credit. She does it well.  I didn’t “forget” that I was reading in the first person point of view, but it didn’t jar the whole time either.  That helped.

I’ll also admit that seeing the droves of comments about her beautiful descriptions had left me nervous, too.  I love well-done description, but I like it to be as sparse as it can while still setting a mood and giving the story context.

From the way these people raved, I suspected they were huge fans of authors like Dickens.

Was it as bad as I’d feared?  Nope.  In fact, after that first chapter (where admittedly, I was overly critical while my teeth were on edge from that first-person/present thing), I didn’t notice the description anymore.  That’s just how I like it—there… doing its job… making me feel as if I am in the story, but never crushing me with the weight of it.

But that’s not the thing I liked best about Shelter of the Most High.

I liked the spiritual lessons.

Strong, full of life, the entire novel is a sermon that you don’t even realize is one until you’ve finished.  Connilyn Cossette weaves in spiritual truths so deftly that you can’t help but learn even as you are pulled deeper and deeper into the story.

In this regard, she’s probably one of the best authors I’ve ever read. 

Look, I don’t know if she does this well in every book.  This is the first I’ve ever tried of hers.  It will not be my last.  In fact, there’s a previous book in the series, A Light on the Hill.  I’ve already written a note for it to be ordered for me. And as much as I know this could be a fluke—just a happy gift from the Lord—I don’t believe it.  I think this is the beginning of a very long, happy relationship between me and Ms. Cossette’s books.

Has anyone read her Out of Egypt series?  Is it about actual Biblical people or events?  I’m looking longingly at those, too.

Recommended for anyone who loves Biblical fiction, obviously.  Additionally, I recommend it for people who just love a good, compelling storyline with beautiful spiritual truths.

I have one caveat.  There are a few scenes near the beginning which are brutal. A few times I did wonder if I’d be able to keep reading.  However, once Sofea & Prizi reach Kedesh, the brutality ends. There are only references to it in a much less detailed fashion.  That she took me to that edge but didn’t push me over is why I can still say I loved the book.  I will say, however, my arms swung in circles to propel me backward a couple of times.

Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email

Related

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Previous Post: « From Disaster to Delightful: How Aggie Saved Christmas
Next Post: 3 Terrific Reasons to Read about Murder »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. NZ Filbruns says

    December 1, 2018 at 8:25 pm

    I’m thinking I want to read this one! Esther told me how good it is. Maybe when we’re flying 15 hours to Chicago next month! (Ha! Who can read on a plane with a 4-year-old to watch?)

    Reply
  2. Deana says

    December 1, 2018 at 6:29 pm

    I love reading your reviews. I’m with you on this author. I haven’t read any of her books till this tour. I will be checking out more of her books now.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 2, 2018 at 3:31 am

      It’s absolutely phenomenal. I’m thrilled to read it.

      Reply
  3. carylkane says

    December 1, 2018 at 6:28 pm

    I enjoy Biblical fiction! I’ve not yet had the pleasure of reading Ms. Cossette’s books. I’m looking forward to reading them soon.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 2, 2018 at 3:32 am

      I strongly recommend this one. I really do.

      Reply
  4. realworldbiblestudy says

    December 1, 2018 at 7:20 am

    You have pinpointed the tricky thing about biblical fiction. As a preacher and storyteller, imagining biblical characters and scenes and filling in the gaps is a critical part of what we do, because modern hearers don’t know the context in the way the original hearers did. And yet there are boundaries with how we do it. We may draw out what an action meant in that time, but we aren’t creating new actions. I think the hard thing about biblical fiction is that since story is such a powerful teaching tool, the reader might learn things that aren’t there in Scripture or history, that are just part of the fiction part…and then have our reading of Scripture colored by that fiction in the future. Like it brings two genres too close together. The best ones seem to create fictional characters set in biblical times and places, with only tangential interactions with the Bible characters themselves. I thought Miss Cossette did this one really well.

    Reply
    • realworldbiblestudy says

      December 1, 2018 at 7:22 am

      Also, I would love to hear your take on something like Shadow of the Galilean.

      Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 1, 2018 at 11:54 am

      That is exactly my thought, but never have I seen it done as well. It’s not that I don’t think anyone else has, but so many don’t, so I tend to shy away. But, a gorgeous cover gets me every time.

      Reply
  5. Lori Smanski says

    December 1, 2018 at 7:02 am

    Wow, thank you for your wonderful thoughts. I have read her first book in this series and it is fabulous. I cant wait to read this book also. “A Light on the Hill”

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 1, 2018 at 11:52 am

      Well, the order is in. I’m just waiting. I’m so excited to have found an author I can get behind.

      Reply
  6. Rebekah Deedrick says

    December 1, 2018 at 6:59 am

    If you liked this one you will probably adore the Out of Egypt series. I read it 2 or 3 times a year. The first one is amazing. And the second might be better. The third might bother you with a character that is actually in the Bible who features prominently that does involve some speculation on the author’s part.
    Seriously. I love the Out of Egypt books. Three isn’t my favorite. But Connilyn Cossette’s books are a must read for me. (Just like yours!)

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 1, 2018 at 11:52 am

      Excellent! I’ll have to get those, too.

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 285: A Chat about Tangles and Tinsel with Jennifer Sienes
byChautona Havig

If you’re looking for a great Christmas read, Jennifer Siennes has a new Christmas novella you won’t want to miss. Part of the Bedford County series, Tangles and Tinsel offers a new start for Kimberly and a second chance at love for Jax. Listen in to learn more!

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

How One Great New Christmas Novella Made It on My List!

In this episode, we discussed the difference between Jennifer’s Apple Hill Series and her Bedford County Series.  

Jennifer also shared her new idea for a new series that I, for one, am eager to read. EEEP!

Tangles and Tinsel by Jennifer Sienes

Why didn’t her life get the memo regarding Christmas being about peace on Earth and goodwill to men?

For the first Christmas in years, Kimberley Saint John may actually get that peace on Earth she’s been dreaming of. Daddy has been sober for going on two years (a record), and if he stays that way, she might have a chance for a life of her own. Maybe even a family. And between you, her, and the fence post, she’d love it if that family included her childhood friend Jax Jenson and his kids.

Except he’s still mourning the loss of his wife.

Jax doesn’t understand why no one has snatched up sweet, beautiful, and funny Kim. Then again, the way she carries hurt and betrayal around like battle gear might have something to do with it. And he is not knight-in-shining-armor material. His wife could’ve told her that.

Kim’s dreams are shattered when Mama shows up, after a twenty-year absence, sending Kim into a tailspin of worry for her daddy. Desperate, she turns to the one man who gets her—Jax.

What will it take for Kim and Jax to untangle emotions that keep them from trusting in God’s sovereignty and find purpose through the pain?

Learn more about Jennifer Sienes and Tangles and Tinsel on her WEBSITE. Also, follow her on BookBub and GoodReads.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 285: A Chat about Tangles and Tinsel with Jennifer Sienes
Episode 285: A Chat about Tangles and Tinsel with Jennifer Sienes
December 2, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 284: A Chat with Cowboy Romance Author, Karen Baney
November 30, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 283: A Chat with Debut Author Denise L. Barela
November 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Because Fiction: A Chat with Split-Time Author, Melanie Dobson
November 25, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 281: A Chat with Angela Hunt
November 23, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 280: A Chat with Debut Author, Johanna Rojas Vann
November 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Because Fiction 279: A Chat with Amish Author, Leslie Gould
November 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 278: A Chat with WWII Author, Amanda Barratt
November 14, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 277: A Chat with M. D. House about Sophia
November 11, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 276: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright about Her New Release
November 7, 2023
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

A Ransomed Grete

A Ransomed Grete
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
A Ransomed Grete
Buy now!

Twice Sold Tales

Twice Sold Tales
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Twice Sold Tales
Buy now!

Under the Hibiscus

Under the Hibiscus
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Under the Hibiscus
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

  • Why This Author Sold Me on a Whole Series in One Fun Interview (October 28, 2023)

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • How One Great New Christmas Novella Made It on My List!
  • Why Did This Romance Author Switch to Cowboy Romance?
  • Why an Almost Love At First Sight Mystery Actually Works!

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks We're down to ONLY Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks We're down to ONLY TWO WEEKS! 😱 If you've been thinking about getting volume 1 of our Summer Heat series, Stay With Me, now's the time. Because when it's gone, it's gone forever 😭 Stay With Me is a collection of FOUR novels by Kari Trumbo, Jennifer Pierce, Liz Bradford and Sara Blackard. Escape the chilly days with sizzling summer romance ❤️‍🔥 Head over to my link bio to get your copy before it's too late!

 #getitbeforeitsgone #bingeworthybooks #summerheat #SummerReading2023 #summerreading #summerheatseries #avidreadersofchristianfiction #deals #bookseries #2023reads #tbr #readmorebooks #bookstack #faithwriter #cleanread #ChristianFiction #ebooks #readerlove #christianromanticsuspense #romanticsuspenseseries #staywithme
Kids who bring your Advent basket and a couple of Kids who bring your Advent basket and a couple of your current reads , along with cinnamon almonds from Santa's Art Shop, are worth more than rubies. Thanks @jennablythe, Nick, and @lornarose9
And the wonder begins anew.#AdventReading @angiehu And the wonder begins anew.#AdventReading
@angiehuntmastiffmom 
#nancyleighdemosswolgemuth 
#PaulDavidTripp
#GKChesterton
He looks guilty. Don't you think? #ToothlessTheDo He looks guilty.  Don't you think?
#ToothlessTheDog
I should be editing the podcast or writing, but i I should be editing the podcast or writing,  but it's been a long day,  and I haven't read all week. So, quick reading break with some Hungarian coffee cake and a cup of tea. Oh, and On Moonberry Lake by @hollyvarni 
#AmReading 
#LyonsGold
Or just love a suspenseful novel? Reposted from @ Or just love a suspenseful novel?

Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks Now that the weather has turned chilly, are you pining for the summer sun? ☀️🌴 Well, you're in luck because it's not too late to get your copy of Come What May, volume 3 of our Summer Heat series, and escape to summer in collection of FOUR novels! Head over to my link in bio to find your copy before it's gone.

 #weekendreading #weekendreads #summerheat #SummerReading2023 #summerreading #summerheatseries #avidreadersofchristianfiction #deals #bookseries #weekendread #bookshelf #2023reads #tbr #readmorebooks #bookstack #faithwriter #ChristianFiction #authorlisaphillips #ebooks #readerlove #christianromanticsuspense #romanticsuspenseseries #comewhatmay
Oh... how I need to learn this lesson! Sigh. Comin Oh... how I need to learn this lesson! Sigh.
Coming December 6! Preorder coming VERY soon! EEEP!
#Bookstrings
#ClockTowerBound
#BerneIndiana
#BookishBooks
#ChristFic
#AmWriting
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!