What is the title of your latest release?
SPLENDOR OF THE LAND – Book Three of the King’s Men Series
What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
A haunted soldier. A hidden goldsmith. Together they must face their fears, outwit their enemies, and surrender to the One True King—or lose each other forever.
How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
Once I discovered that the Kenites historically were known as metalsmiths, choosing Punon, where ancient copper mines were active for thousands of years, was an easy decision for the setting. The rest of it I discovered along the way as I wrote Gavi and Zahava’s journey.
Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?
Absolutely. However, I’d avoid taking Gavi out for anything stronger than a nice black coffee.
What are three words that describe your protagonist?
Gavriel is reckless and wounded but fiercely loyal.
What’s something you learned while writing this book?
I learned so much about ancient metallurgy and jewelry making techniques, which provided lots of rabbit trails I truly enjoyed exploring.
Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I handwrite most scenes and then edit as I input them. Then I quickly edit again the next day before I begin another scene.
What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
I’m not really a foodie in all honesty and am far too picky of an eater for anything gourmet, but I certainly enjoy a nice breve with a variety of sugar-free flavors. It’s really my favorite daily indulgence.
Describe your writing space/office!
I have an office full of built-in bookshelves where I do some of my writing, but I like to switch up my view a lot, too. I write on my screened-in patio out back, at the local library, at a few different coffee shops around town, and sometimes just move around from cushy chair to cushy chair in my house when I need a change. I’ve even been known to write on cruise ships, trains, airplanes, and on beaches, too. My notebook and/or laptop goes with me most everywhere I do.
Who is an author you admire?
Oh that’s a tough question. I think I admire every author, known and unknown, because I know how much it takes to dream up, write, edit, and launch a book into the world. But if I have to choose one, I’d say C.S. Lewis because his Chronicles of Narnia w so formative and inspiring to me in my childhood years. Anyone who can create a “fairy story” that appeals to readers of every age while also teaching them about the nature of the God of the Universe and his plan of salvation in such a captivating and impactful way deserves every accolade.
Is there a book that changed your life?
See above answer. Reading the Chronicles of Narnia sparked my imagination in so many ways when I was young. I always have felt that every time I read those stories, I glean new and deeper meanings in their pages. My favorite of the series is the Magician’s Nephew because of the beautiful description of Aslan singing Narnia into being, which resonates so much with me as both an artist and a musician. I firmly believe the Creator did things very much the same way in the beginning. All of Creation still vibrates with His song, after all.
Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)/Or, for indie authors, when you decided to self-publish.
I was actually teaching a homeschool class (I think it was either art or writing) at the local Salvation Army when I got the call from my agent that Bethany House was taking my book to the pub board. I ran out into the hallway, freaking out all the kids, and then when I got back, I told them my news, and they all cheered for me which made it extra fun. And then, when I got the call that my book was actually going to be published by BHP, I was setting up for a garage sale in my yard in the Texas heat, so I was all dirty and sweaty while I jumped up and down in my driveway celebrating like a weirdo in front of my neighbors. It was quite the glamorous moment, but one I’ll never forget, nonetheless.
What’s your favorite genre to read?
Historical fiction will always be my number one go-to but I’ll read most anything (within reason) if it’s a compelling story with great characters.
What’s your favorite movie?
I’m going to cheat and give you three. The Princess Bride because it was my favorite as a kid. Pride and Prejudice (2005) because of Matthew MacFayden’s superb Darcy. And About Time because it offers such a beautiful lesson about savoring every moment of our ordinary lives.
What is your favorite season?
Fall because “I am glad we live in a world where there are Octobers.”
How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
Quietly, sharing a nice dinner with my family.
What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
I love the Torah Class podcast with Tom Bradford; I always glean so much information on the cultural context of the Bible and find lots of inspiration for my stories as I do.
What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
Not sure I have a favorite really; I eat a lot of Mexican food though so let’s go with that one.
What do you do when you have free time?
Read. Read. and read some more.
What can readers expect from you next?
I have a new series percolating and a novella I plan to write this winter. Nothing I can talk about yet though!
SPLENDOR OF THE LAND by Connilyn Cossette
Historical Romance Biblical Fiction Set in Old Testament-Era Israel
Gavriel, 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.
Christian Romance | Christian Historical [Baker Publishing Group, On Sale: August 5, 2025, Paperback / e-Book , ISBN: 9780764238932 / eISBN: 9781493450749]
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About Connilyn Cossette
Connilyn Cossette is a Christy Award and Carol Award winning author whose books have been found on both ECPA and CBA bestseller lists. When she is not engulfed in the happy chaos of homeschooling two teenagers, devouring books whole, or avoiding housework, she can be found digging into the rich ancient world of the Bible to discover gems of grace that point to Jesus and weaving them into an immersive fiction experience. Although she and her husband have lived all over the country in their twenty-plus years of marriage, they currently call a little town south of Dallas, Texas their home.
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