Interview with Author Connilyn Cossette

 Enjoy this short Q and A with Connilyn Cossette author of the upcoming Splendor of the Land.

1) As a biblical fiction author, how do you approach filling in historical gaps while staying true to Scripture? 

 My goal is always to lay down a foundation of the biblical narrative before I begin my plotting and then to weave my stories around that skeleton in a way that keeps the historical facts at the center while using the “blank spaces” in the Word to imagine “what if . . . ?” when it comes to what the witnesses of the stories in the Bible might have experienced. There are a lot of gaps in the historical record, especially when it comes to the everyday lives of those who lived during the biblical period, since so much of the organic evidence has disappeared over time. But I do my best to dig deep into the archeological record, align that with what I know about the Late Bronze/Early Iron ages with Scripture, and then let my imagination fill in the missing pieces. 

2) Tell us about your research process for accurately depicting ancient metalworking and goldsmithing.

 

  Honestly, I am the least organized when it comes to my research. I really just love to follow my curiosity, and since I discovered that the Kenites in the Bible were known to be metalworkers, this led me to seek out where the majority of mining took place in the land of Israel and surrounding areas, which in turn led me to Punon, or what is now known as Wadi Feynan. There is evidence of copper mining for thousands of years in this place, so it was the perfect setting for Zahava’s family. I also learned about the ancient art of lost-wax casting, which is a complicated method of creating wax patterns for molding metal, and I watched lots of videos of how this method was achieved with simple tools. The internet is a wealth of information, so I usually just follow whatever rabbit trail pops up along the way and let my curiosity lead me along.

3) Your books often explore the intersection of faith and craft. How does this theme develop in Splendor of the Land?

 As a creative myself, I am drawn to stories that highlight the rich tapestry of ancient craftsmanship and how artisans find deeper purpose in their creative work, whether through developing perfumes, crafting stories, or molding and shaping metalwork. Since I believe that all creativity is a reflection of Yahweh’s own imagination in us, I enjoy exploring different ways my characters can learn about His nature through their own creative talents and experience His presence more fully. My hope is that readers will be inspired to value their own capacity for creativity in whatever avenue they’ve been gifted and use those talents to bless others and worship the Creator.

4) What are you working on next?

 I am juggling two projects at the moment. I am working on another prequel novella, The Hidden Warrior, which will be available for free for those who preorder Splendor of the Land. This novella will revisit the king’s men long before they run off to fight for King Saul. I am also just beginning work on book four of the KING’S MEN series. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I am excited to explore a different setting, meet new characters, and maybe give my faithful readers a few answers to the mystery surrounding a certain lost cousin.

About the Book:

Splendor of the Land by Connilyn Cossette is releasing on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025.

It is currently available to preorder from Baker Book House at the following link: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/618518

There is also a Goodreads giveaway of 10 paperback copies from July 5 to August 4, 2025, for U.S. readers. Enter here → https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/410214-splendor-of-the-land

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.