Counted With the Stars (Out From Egypt)

Beautiful imagery!!! This author is very talented!!!! I wanted the story to keep going. The way she describes the voice of Yaweh speaking to each person is incredible!!! I found myself worshipping the Lord continually as I read the second half of the book. Thank you for writing Kiya's story💙.

As a new (all-in) Christian, this book was such a fantastic way to visualize the bible times. Though fiction, there is much history. It was so cool to think what it could have been like in Egypt during this time. For new or established Christians, or even non-believers, this book is a fantastic read! Would be a great gift to a nonbeliever or new Christian who has questions. We all know the bible can be confusing and intimidating, and things like this (and like The Chosen -a must watch!) make it so relatable! I’d love to see a tv series or movie on this book! I just started the second book in this series as well and so excited for it! Recommending to friends, family, and on my upcoming podcast!

I wasn't sure if I was really interested in this book or not but I had picked it up along the way so.... . Once I started reading Counted with the Stars, I found that I could not put the book down. I really enjoyed seeing the plagues from a realistic, survived it, point of view. This story really brought them to life for me. Also, reading about being a part of the Exodus was interesting. In addition to a fabulous biblical retelling there was a real coming of age feeling for the main character, Kiya. Overall, Counted with the Stars was a very good story!

What a great story. Really makes you think. I'm loving reading it.

Counted With the Stars (2016) by Connilyn Cossette is the first book in the Out From Egypt series. This novel comes in all forms including eBook, and is roughly 353 pages in length. With a full-time job and a five-year old at home, I was able to read this novel in two and half days. I give this novel 5 STARS. It is a Christian Biblical novel set during the time of the Hebrew Exodus from Egypt.I want to begin by explaining how exceptionally well researched this novel is. In her Note from the Author, Ms. Cossette explains that she believes, “unapologetically, that the Word of God and its histories are true” (326). Most secular Egyptologists today accept the writings of a 3rd century Egyptian priest named Manetho to accurately illustrate the Exodus period. But, because they conflict with the Biblical account of the Exodus, Ms. Cossette explains that she held Manetho’s work suspect. Cossette goes on to say, “When anything conflicts with the Bible, I will always defer to the Word” (326). When an author is reluctant to use a source because it conflicts with the Bible, you know you have an author after God’s heart! For me, this makes all the difference when I come upon any Biblical novel. If you struggle with Biblical fiction because you worry it strays from God’s Word, fear not with this book.This novel is told through a first-person narrative. I’m not typically a fan of that type of narration, but it really works in this novel. Kiya, the protagonist, is a genuine character; her reactions, inner dialogue, and behaviors all line up with a very well written, believable persona. Kiya, until 16, was raised in a very wealthy Egyptian home. Anything and everything was at her disposal. She had the best food, the latest clothing, the finest make-ups, and was betrothed to a handsome military man in Pharaoh’s army. But, Kiya’s father loses everything and sells his daughter into slavery in order to pay off his debts. The reader watches as Kiya suffers at the hands of Tekurah, Kiya’s new mistress. Tekurah hates Kiya, and everyone knows it.In this period of enslavement, Kiya meets a Hebrew slave named Shira and they become friends. Shira, through her kindness, sacrifices, and stories, teaches Kiya about the Hebrew God, Yahweh. Also, during this period, Kiya and her fellow Egyptians are devastated by the Ten Plagues. One of the most fascinating things in this novel is seeing the Biblical story played out through the eyes of an Egyptian. The writing is SO well executed that when Kiya describes the plague of darkness I actually found myself feeling claustrophobic and noticed that my breathing became shallow. I laughed at myself when I realized I was doing this, but this moment made me think on that plague for a minute. Life without LIGHT, which is really life without GOD, would be terribly excruciating. It would make a person go crazy! I mean, imagine days with NO light of any kind. No fires, no lamp, no stars, no moon, NOTHING — just darkness. I once went on a cave tour when I was a kid. I thought I was going to lose it when the tour guide turned off the lights in the cave for five minutes. I couldn’t last five minutes without light! How could I have made it through the plague of darkness?Experiencing each plague and the actual exodus with Kiya brought the Exodus story to life. It shames me to say, but I don’t think I have ever put myself into the Exodus story before. I’ve read Exodus many times, but never through the eyes of a Hebrew or of one of the “mixed multitudes.” If I am honest, I have really only read Exodus as a cool story I get through and then check it off as I do my daily Bible study. But this is the beauty of Biblical fiction: it forces you to interact with Biblical stories and the Bible with your eyes open! And, that is why I love reading these types of novels so much.One more issue that this book brought to my attention was the confrontation with untruth. There is a terribly sad moment in the novel where Kiya breaks down and cries out her frustration to her gods. She asks, “Where were the gods?” (111). Then she lists the gods who hadn’t helped her people as she replays each plague that had already hit her country. She realizes that the Hebrew God, Yahweh, is attacking each Egyptian god. That these were pointed, powerful attacks. Then, and to me this is the saddest, she realizes she has no one to ask about this Hebrew God and these plagues. Shira is not available to Kiya at the moment because she had to flee to her own home (getting near the 10th plague at this point). This is sad to me because I think about the many, many people out in the world today who may question their current beliefs, who may want to talk to someone about God, but don’t have anyone to talk to about their questions, feelings, frustrations, and doubts. How many people could believe in the one-true God if only they had someone available to discuss Him with them? This is an excellent reminder for me as a Christian — I need to be more available and I need to pray more for all people regardless of what they believe because God made them all. Again, shamefully, I admit that my prayers focus more on me and my immediate circle, and I tend to never really leave my safe comfort zone of communication.If you are looking for an excellent Biblical novel that is well written and well researched, then I highly recommend Counted With the Stars. This novel is fast paced, engaging, and thought-provoking. You will not be disappointed with this book.

This is my first Connilyn Cossette novel and my goodness …wow I loved this novel! Kiya is a fantastic narrator and great character. I loved the first person POV. From the first page I was sucked into the story and loathed when real life interrupted. The romance between Kiya and Eben was ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💋. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves ancient history, biblical history, and romance!

Counted with the Stars is the first book in the Out from Egypt series by Connilyn Cossette. First off, look at this cover! This cover is absolutely gorgeous and thankfully, the pages within are just as good. This author is new to me and because of that, I had put off reading this book for some time. I wish I'd not have waited because I really enjoyed this book.As a Christian, I grew up hearing about the plagues and the Exodus from Egypt. I've always heard the tales from the viewpoint of the Hebrews. It was very interesting hearing the viewpoint of an Egyptian.Being that the Egyptians were a polytheistic society, it only makes sense that the Lord would have challenged their belief system. The author piqued my interest with the observation that the plagues challenged the Egyptian gods and goddesses. I couldn't help but do a little research myself.I love fiction that makes you think and gives you things to consider. This book certainly resulted in several days in my Bible and contemplating the spiritual applications I'd been missing from this epic Bible tale.The characters in Counted with the Stars are complex and authentic. As a mother, my heart also broke for the Egyptian mothers that the Egyptian mothers must have felt with the last plague. I felt that this book did a good job humanizing characters from the Bible. I feel guilty that I had never considered their humanity. The fears that one must have felt when their gods provided no aid; I just can't even imagine. It had to have been terrifying.I look forward to picking up the rest of this series and learning more about them as they start their journey in the wilderness.

Wow. What a wonderful story. I had a hard time putting it down. MS. Cassette had my interest right from the first page. Her description of life in Egypt and the life of Kiya, her struggles to be obedient to their gods and how life for her changed and finally her surrender to the God of Isreal.

I hardly ever write reviews but this one is an exception. I received the book today and have already read several chapters. So much detail! I’ve always loved reading but wanted to read non fiction by a Christian author - I can’t believe I didn’t know about Connilyn. One of many purchases, can’t wait to read the others too!

WOW, This is the first book I have read by Connilyn Cossette and it won't be the last. What a wonderful book Counted With the Stars is.I was hoping when I bought the book that it was a stand alone and it was, but the book was so good I wanted to buy Connilyn's next book in the Out from Egypt Series. The book was so well written, so very very interesting and as well as reading a wonderful fiction story about the Hebrews before and during the Exodus which I didn't want to put down, I learnt such a lot of things that as a Christian I hadn't thought of. i.e. the reason God gave all these plagues to the Egyptians. I have just finished the second book (review separate) and can't wait for the third book to be released. You will not be disappointed with this author her story telling is amazing.

If you love Francine Rivers Hadassa/Mark of the Lion Series you will like this one.You can't compare These two, of course, but C. Cossette takes you back to the times of Israel in Egypt and makes you want toread the Story again. What a gripping perspective of the Events. Always written in the perspective of the Egyptian slave/Girl you realize how powerful God's works were seen then, - and that you still get a choice. Worth reading!

I wasn't sure if I would even read this book when I got it. I wasn't sure if it would suit my reading tastes. The more I read, the more I was drawn in to the story, to the picture it portrays while you read, to a story of long ago coming to life.The language used is easy to read and understand but it chooses its words carefully to portray its story. It's an intelligent read that both young and old readers can enjoy!Reviewed by Momma