I didn't love this quite as much as book one, but it's still miles and miles above any other "faith-based" series; besides, maybe, Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series.

I struggled throughout because the narrator changes from Kiya to Shira. I kept getting confused because I had Kiya on the brain. Maybe need to wait a bit before picking up book two next time around.

One thing that really threw me and made it "not as awesome" for me was there were just a few too many pious, self-contemplative speeches---especially by Shira. The reader really can come to a lot of these spiritual conclusions on her own---don't need the character to spell them out for us.

Seemed to be lots of foreshadowing hints for part three... We'll see! ( )

I find myself constantly amazed at Cossette’s prowess as an author. Her characters are rich and well-formed, her plots are dynamic and intriguing, and her history is researched, engaging, but not overbearing. I always look forward to reading her books, because I know they’ll contain a lot of truth and a good storyline to boot. This was no exception.

I related more deeply to Shira than I expected. Though I haven’t faced the same kind of trauma as she has, I was able to understand her—and the ways she dealt with her triggers—because I’ve often had the same reactions. The advice she was given was spot-on and encouraging, and I just loved the older woman who didn’t give up on her, even when Shira kept putting her off!

The romance was sweet, and I loved the fact that children were featured in the plot. They were such darlings, even though they’d gone through so much. In all, this was a satisfying read, and I’m thankful I was finally able to get to read it! ( )

Picking up shortly after where the first book ended, the Israelites are camped at the foot of Mount Sinai awaiting God’s instructions through Moses. Taking us through the events involving the golden calf, the building of the Tabernacle, and the journey to the border of the Promised Land, the book follows Shira, a young barren woman who chooses to learn midwifery and finds herself struggling to discern God’s path for her life.

This is a fascinating story, not only because the secrets the characters hold and the twists the narrative takes are often unexpected, but also because it is a period of history that isn’t often written about in fiction, and while I know a little about the major events that took place during that time, I’ve never imagined what the people’s daily lives would have looked like and what challenges they faced as a new nation living and traveling together. I also like that we get to see more of the first book’s main characters as well, and I hope that continues into the third book! ( )

Great Book! Connilyn Cossette has again delivered excellent piece of work! I'm looking forward to her new and upcoming book! ( )

Shadow of the Storm, second in the Out From Egypt series by Connilyn Cossette, is a remarkable novel. Biblical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read and this book did not disappoint. The story of the Hebrew nation fleeing from Egypt may be a familiar story to many but their life in the wilderness leaves a bit to the imagination and Cossette fills in this story magnificently. Using the voice of two distinctly different women, everyday life in the wilderness amidst a group of fractured people with jagged edges is vividly portrayed. Shira, gentle, and yet with a strength she has not yet recognized, desires to be a midwife despite her mother's disapproval. Can she find the courage to stand up to her mother and change her life's work or will she be held in bondage by her past? When the unthinkable happens will she ever be able to let go of her fears, the echoes of panic? Dvorah is a bitter, jealous woman who has a sordid and sorrowful past that holds her in bondage. A woman who clings to the superstitions and hopelessness of idol worship. Can she ever learn to trust others and recognize her worth as a daughter of Yahweh? What sorrow will her actions bring to others? To herself? The author brings to life the joys and heartaches of childbirth in the desert, the celebration of marriage as well as the building of the tabernacle and God's desire to dwell among His people despite their disunity and rebellion. Through the telling of friendships woven together through circumstances, slavery and God and relationships torn apart by fear, hatred, and jealousy, Cossette tells a story of forgiveness. A story of the hope that even in the storms of life God can take the broken pieces of our lives and fit them together into something beautiful. Shadow of the Storm is a captivating glimpse into the history of God's Chosen Ones.
I received a copy of the book from the author. A favorable review was not required and the opinions are my own. ( )