"A Light on the Hill" is a story about a young woman named Moriyah, who has a brand on her cheek, from a traumatic kidnapping in Jericho. She lives in shame and fear, staying silent and hiding, rather than standing up for herself. She believes that God has forsaken her, because of the fateful scar on her face, and His supposed silence.

    After a horrible accident occurs, and she is forced to flee to a city of refuge. Along the way she makes many friends who see her for who she is, becomes confident, learns the value of forgiveness, and that God does not forsake His children.

    Connilyn Cossette does a wonderful job showing us the world of the promised land, and the tension between the people were facing with the Canaanites who remained on the borders. The land comes alive, and the realities of the cities of refuge. Although we usually don't give them a second thought, this book shows just how important they were, and how they represented the mercy of God! 

   I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Moriyah, and remembered her from "Wings of the Wind", which included part of her history. She was a really interesting character, who I could relate to in many ways. The character development throughout the book was really dynamic, especially as she bit by bit, learned to live fully.

 Eiten was an adorable character. His compassionate and enthusiastic nature, made him likeable and charming. I am looking forward to reading more about him in the future. Ora was also a sweet character, who I had high hopes for in the beginning, and a suspicion that turned out to be true! (But you will just have to read the book to find out what it was.)

   Darek was also a fascinating character. The way he was willing to stand for justice, made him a strong character. Although he had his flaws, he contrasted so strongly to his brother Raviv. He was willing to try to understand, and forgive, while Raviv was bent on revenge. This was thought-provoking. Which of these character's actions do we follow in conflict?

   The plot was fast paced, unpredictable, but gave you time to keep up and think about what was happening. It was realistic, interesting, and held powerful lessons about forgiveness, God, and His plan for our lives.

   Overall, I would give "A Light on the Hill" four stars, and recommend it to anyone who is interested in historical or biblical fiction, or just a good story. My age recommendation would be sixteen up.

   As I say with all of Connilyn's books, I am not usually a fan of the Biblical fiction genre, but her books always are an exception. It is obvious that she does her research, and doesn't over dramatize or romanticize the world of Biblical times! So I definitely would suggest you go and get your own copy of "A Light on the Hill" in your book store, or here - https://www.amazon.com/Light-Hill-Cities-Refuge/dp/0764219863

   I hope you all enjoyed this book review, it seems that I frequently review Connilyn's books. She is among my favourite authors, so go check out some of my past reviews. Happy Reading!

   Sincerely, Rachel R.

   A book review - I haven't posted one of these in a while! Well, I'm going to start off the year with a really good book.



    The Pattern Artist by Nancy Moser, is a story about a housemaid, who isn't afraid to dream big. Annie Woods decides to take things into her own hands, and make a life for herself in America.
      I found this book a delightful read! The characters were interesting and loveable. Annie was relatable, and realistic, which made her a good heroine. She worked hard to get what she could, but struggled with doubts and worries. Along her journey, she learned to trust God, and let herself begin to enjoy the moment. One of my favourite characters was Danny, who was brave, optimistic, and kind. He added lightness to the story, when things were looking down.
      The villain was also well-written. He was revengeful and mean, but didn't seem too unrealistic. He wasn't the completely crazy-looking, suspicious man that everyone would look at and shudder, a common cliche.
      The plot was adventurous, and kept me on the edge of my seat. It wasn't exactly a mystery, but it definitely had some suspenseful moments.
       I really liked the setting. From America - to Paris, it was all nicely detailed. The historical aspects were pretty accurate, so was the sewing details. I definitely do not know as much about sewing as the author, but I learned a lot from reading. I also liked how the author could write about sewing, without making everything seem to heavy and fact-loaded.
     One of my favourite historic aspect of the story, was about the Reform Dress Movement. I've always been an interested in that movement. In the book it addressed corsets, and I believe that corsets are not good for your health, so it was nice to read about how the movement started.
      Overall I would rate this book 5/5 - ages 12+. I really enjoyed it, and would read it again!

Be sure to check it out! Happy reading.
   Sincerely,
   Rachel R

Yes, I know I haven't been keeping up with this, but I'm trying to get into it again.
    This weeks book review is... The Set Apart Woman by Leslie Ludy.


What can I say about 'The Set-Apart Woman' by Leslie Ludy? It is so inspiring and uplifting.
      I was expecting this book to be a little boring, and to drag on too long. I must say I was wrong in both cases. Leslie Ludy has written this book in a way that is fun, and interesting. She mixes personal experiences with Bible verses, and examples of women strong in their faith. It is easy to relate with her, and she seems like a human who makes mistakes just like us. But she shows us how we can raise above our mistakes and learn to do better.
       Some people have said the Leslie Ludy writes in such a way that she seems to be 'standing on a table yelling at me', but I find it quite the opposite. She seems to be standing before us gently guiding us, teaching us from her mistakes.
      This book inspired me and made me feel braver. One of my favorite chapters was the one about fear. I really felt like this was  good chapter for me on learning to trust God.
      I loved that she has adopted children, and as that is something I've always wished to do she really encouraged me to do it. I love her soft heart, and the story of her husbands call to help orphans.
   Overall I would rate this book 5/5 I can't really think of anything I would have changed. I 100% would recommend this book to a friend, and I am going to be sure to buy this book.
   Sincerely, Rachel

Hello everyone! Yes, I know I've missed a couple weeks on here. I hope you didn't miss me too much. Joking, I'm sure you were glad for the break.

     This book is an awesome book about the possibility of the flood, how it would have happened and how we can find if it happened. It is very fascinating, it has pictures, it isn't babyish though, and it had amazing fossils and evidence in it. 
     If you hate science or love it, you will enjoy this book! Many people tell us how a worldwide flood isn't possible, and sometimes we don't have answers to their questions. That doesn't mean there aren't answers! This book will help you understand better, and next time people ask you, you will be able to answer them.
    Very faith strengthening, I recommend it 100%. If you would like to learn more about it check out this article I wrote here: http://shuswapcreationyouthgroup.blogspot.ca/2015/05/human-fossils-where-are-they.html
   Check out the whole website actually, and I hope it'll help you understand why I've been so busy these past few weeks. I'm starting up a CREATION youth group in the Shuswap. And if you aren't in that area email me and send my things to post. I need them.
   Sincerely, Rachel

I know I've been posting a lot of book reviews this week, but I'll try not to post anymore after this! This weeks 'official' book review is.... The Drop Box, by Brian Ivie and Ted Kluck.

   This book is a wonderful story of redemption, and God's forgiveness and love.
    It follows the story of Brian Ivie, an aspiring director. He wants more than anything to make his own movie, As time goes by and he's not getting much closer to his goal, he begins to get into things he shouldn't.
    Finally he is able to find a good opportunity, and jumps into it. After he has filmed it, he realizes how his motives were all wrong.
    Pastor Lee and his children in South Korea make a very moving story. Pastor Lee and all the volunteers sacrifice so much in their lives, just to help these helpless little babies and children. The are unforgettable people, whose story deserved to be shown to the world.
    This book really strengthens your faith, and makes you question your own motives. Are you holding on to something which is wrong? It makes you ask yourself wether you are really serious and devoted to God. Would give up yourself for others like Pastor Lee did?
   Overall I think this book deserves at least four stars! The beginning was little boring to me, but that didn't go on very long only a few chapters. The rest of the book for sure made up for it anyway.
I would definitely recommend this book to others, especially those who have gone into bad things in their life and doubt that God would forgive them. It is more for ages 16+
   Sincerely, Rachel