AUTHOR: Connilyn Cossette
DATE: 2016
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
STARS: ****
Sold into slavery by her father and forsaken by the man she was supposed to marry, young Egyptian Kiya must serve a mistress who takes pleasure in her humiliation. When terrifying plagues strike Egypt, Kiya is in the middle of it all.
To save her older brother and escape the bonds of slavery, Kiya flees with the Hebrews during the Great Exodus. She finds herself utterly dependent on a fearsome God she's only just beginning to learn about, and in love with a man who despises her people. With everything she's ever known swept away, will Kiya turn back toward Egypt or surrender her life and her future to Yahweh?
Biblical fiction is tricky, but I was swept into Egypt with Counted With the Stars. Connilyn Cossette draws detailed scenes of life in the ancient city of Iunu, a fascinating whirl of colors, scents and customs. The story is told from Kiya’s viewpoint, in the first person, and the strategy works. We the readers see daily life and the trials of servanthood through her eyes, creating compassion and admiration in us.
Certain details like the parting of the sea didn’t ring true to me, but I found this story compelling and well written.
I was given a copy of Counted With the Stars by the publisher in exchange for my honest review. Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. I award this book four stars. Recommended, especially for those who love Biblical fiction.