In this heartfelt episode, Kelly chats with Christy Award–winning author Connilyn Cossette about her latest release, Splendor of the Land, the third book in her Kingsmen series. Connilyn opens up about her journey into biblical-era fiction, how her own research into the Old Testament sparked her debut novel, and the personal faith lessons woven into her writing. They explore the emotional depth of wounded heroes, the beauty of forced proximity and redemption tropes, and the steadfast love of God that carried Connilyn through a breast cancer diagnosis. With a story set during the reign of King Saul, Splendor of the Land delivers spiritual truth, adventure, and romance all wrapped in one unforgettable tale.







Listen to the episode here.















Meet Connilyn Cossette















Connilyn Cossette is a Christy Award–winning and bestselling author of stories that illuminate the ancient world of the Bible in hopes readers will dig deeper into the Word and encounter the Great Storyteller himself within their pages. A recent breast cancer survivor and adoptive mom of her two greatest gifts, she lives in a small town south of Dallas, Texas.







Visit Connilyn's website here







Follow Connilyn





















Bible Verse for Encouragement








Psalm 63:3 (NKJV)"Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You."








Connilyn Cossette's New Book: Splendor of the Land















"A triumphant story in which flawed characters face real choices and must rely on a real God to save them."--MESU ANDREWS, bestselling and award-winning authorGavriel, a soldier in the elite company of Yonatan--son of King Saul--dreams of forging his destiny through crafting weapons with his own hands. Despite earning his place among Israel's finest, he is haunted by a dark past that no distraction can dispel. When his reckless behavior crosses a line, Yonatan gives him one last mission to prove his worth: help persuade a distant Kenite tribe to sever their ties with the Amalekites.Zahava, a gifted goldsmith hidden behind her father's legacy, lives in the shadows due to her physical affliction. Her unmatched and unrecognized talent is a closely guarded secret within her family. Disheartened by a future that seems unattainable, she resigns herself to a life of obscurity. However, when Gavriel arrives in her village, they're tangled together in ways neither could have imagined. As they navigate unforeseen dangers and enemy threats, Gavriel must confront his past and either bend his knee to the One True King or lose the woman he loves forever.Set against the backdrop of ancient Israel, this exhilarating Old Testament-era tale is threaded with themes of redemption, courage, and sacrifice. This Iron Age story will appeal to readers of biblical fiction, Francine Rivers, Tessa Afshar, and Angela Hunt.







💞 Tropes in Splendor of the Land




Wounded Hero



Forced Proximity



Forced Marriage



Redemption Arc



Secret Talent (female goldsmith)



Enemies-to-Reluctant-Allies



Biblical-era Setting