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. Connect with her at ConnilynCossette.com.
Connilyn talks about the complexities of her characters and the research that went into the Iron Age novel.
FF: Can you please provide a brief summary of your novel Splendor of the Land?
In this third installment of The King’s Men series, Gavriel has spent the past few years spying for Israel under the leadership of Yonatan, son of King Saul, and wrestling with burdens from his past. When his reckless behavior forces his reassignment, he’ll be sent on a mission to lead the Kenite people out of danger. Yet when his path crosses with that of Zahava, a young Kenite woman with a secret talent for goldsmithing and an affliction that causes her to hide in the shadows, their lives become entwined in a way no one ever expected.
FF: 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.
FF: How do you approach writing female characters like Zahava within the cultural context of ancient Israel?
Since we view biblical history through the filter of our Western sensibilities and also through layers of both rabbinic and historic Christian interpretations, it can be difficult to understand without prejudice exactly what life was like for women of the early biblical period. I do my best to balance what I know about female roles during that period, take clues from Scripture about how women were valued and how they interacted with the men in their lives, and try to build each female character as one who might fit within that world—even if she might sometimes stretch the boundaries of expectations of the time.
After all, the Bible includes women like meek and humble Hannah alongside strong and wise leaders like Deborah, and bold ones like Jael, whose bravery saved thousands of lives.
FF: Gavriel’s skill as both a warrior and craftsman is unique. What inspired this combination?
Gavi’s character began to emerge in the first book of The King’s Men series as a reckless young man obsessed with weapons of all sorts and equally desperate to reach for glory on the battlefield. Since I have a son who was roughly about the same age at the time and is similarly interested in fighting for his country, it was easy to imagine how Gavi might behave and how hyper-focused he would be when it came to his vision of the future.
Since this period of Israel’s history is marked by a lack of advanced weaponry, due to the stranglehold the Philistines had on the metal trade, Gavriel’s drive to learn how to craft such things and learn new techniques seems fairly plausible. After all, the new kingdom of Israel would need men skilled with metalworking (especially in the knowledge of wrought iron, which Philistines hoarded) to help build an army that could have any chance of deterring the mighty nations around them.
FF: 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.
FF: 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.
FF: Gavriel develops a few significant relationships in this story. In what ways do you see biblical friendship reflected within the bonds formed in Splendor of the Land?
Our hero starts from a place of extreme brokenness in which he has alienated his comrades, disappointed his mentor, and pushed away the cousins who love him. But, just like Gavriel comes to learn, true friendship is self-sacrificing, values accountability, and goes much deeper than just shared values. It’s a strong and abiding brotherhood built on a solid foundation of abiding loyalty. John 15 speaks of true love being a friend who will, like Yeshua, lay down his life, and Gavriel will see this played out in a variety of ways along the journey to wholeness.
FF: Gavi struggles with a dark past. How does this reflect themes of redemption found in Scripture?
Gavi’s journey from a troubled past toward a life marked by repentance, forgiveness, and transformation resonates deeply with the overarching theme of redemption found throughout Scripture. His story demonstrates that even those weighed down by past mistakes and sin can find hope, healing, and a new beginning through repentance, acceptance of grace, and commitment to laying down his own selfish desires to live a life dedicated to the One True King.
FF: How has your personal journey as a cancer survivor influenced your writing about characters facing adversity?
It’s been interesting to be writing a series both during and after my fight with breast cancer. I learned that I could only weather the storm by keeping my feet firmly planted on the Word of God and my eyes latched on Him as the wind and waves rose around me. He showed me daily just how steadfast He is and how freeing it is to trust in His goodness, even in the dark valleys.
Without much forethought, I feel like these lessons naturally wove their way into each of the books in The King’s Men series. Heroes and heroines alike learn to surrender their own will and run to the refuge only Yahweh can provide when storms threaten to overtake them. I hope readers will be inspired to stand squarely on the steadfast love of the Father.
FF: What are you working on next?
I am juggling two projects at the moment. I am working on another prequel novella, The Hidden Warrior. 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.
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Splendor of the Land
The King’s Men #3
Connilyn Cossette
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Genres: Biblical Fiction, Romance, Historical
Released: August 5, 2025
Available Formats: Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
ISBN-10: 0764238930
ISBN-13: 978-0764238932
Book Summary:
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.
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