Shadow of the Storm {by Connilyn Cossette}

Title: Shadow of the Storm
Author: Connilyn Cossette
Series: Out from Egypt #2
Genre: Biblical retelling
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Source: publisher

Having escaped Egypt with the other Hebrews during the Exodus, Shira is now living in freedom at the foot of Mt. Sinai, upon which rests the fiery glowing Cloud containing the shekinah glory of God. When the people disobey Yahweh and build a golden idol, the ensuing chaos gives Shira an unexpected opportunity to learn the arts of midwifery. Although her mother wishes for her to continue in the family weaving trade, Shira's gifts shine brightest when she assists with deliveries. In defiance of her mother, Shira pursues her heart's calling to become an apprentice midwife.
When a delivery goes horribly wrong, Shira finds herself bound to a man who betrayed her, the caretaker of three young children, and the target of a vengeful woman whose husband was killed by Shira's people, the Levites. As contention between the Hebrew tribes and the foreigners fans the flames of another dangerous rebellion, Shira will come face-to-face with the heartbreak of her past that she has kept hidden for so long. How can she let go of all that has defined her to accept the love she's denied herself and embrace who she truly is?

I enjoyed this one more than the first book in this trilogy. Maybe because I had already gotten to know these characters, but I felt more immersed into the story. The Israelites are out of Egypt at this point, and just wandering around in the desert. Except for a few mentions here and there--building the tabernacle, moving from place to place--it almost didn't even seem like the setting, though, as this story focuses more on the characters rather than the events happening.

When Shira gets a chance to learn midwifery, she realizes this is her calling. She loves it more than the weaving her mother wants her to do. But when a delivery goes horribly wrong, Shira retreats, believing that maybe she wasn't meant to do this after all. I liked Shira, probably because I felt like I could easily relate to her and what she is feeling. This story is different though, as we get a POV from someone else in the story, and I enjoyed that, the different perspective and added depth.

While the love interest/romance is a big part of the story, I would not call it the main part, as this is a story about Shira. We get to go with her on this journey, as she learns more about herself, and moves past some of these things that is holding her back. I actually was very invested in Shira. The romance was interesting too, as I was very interested in what was happening and some of the things that were revealed. I found myself wondering how the author was going to handle some of these things, and I was very pleased in how they were done.

I enjoyed this story very much, from the history, to the culture, to these characters. And I can't wait for the conclusion to this series.

Connilyn Cossette:

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