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.
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 author
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.
💞 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
Heroine in Disguise (crafting in secret due to cultural norms)
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me during the Kickstarter! I’m so grateful for you!
Finding Forevermore is available today!
Her family secrets. His guilt. One road trip that changes everything.
Raven Cunningham has built a quiet life between the shelves of a small-town bookshop, ghostwriting stories for others while hiding her own. She’s long believed her father abandoned her, until a letter from her late grandmother reveals a shocking truth.
Convinced the reclusive author J.C. Nevermore is her father, Raven sets out to uncover the real story. When her childhood friend Cole Walker, a former Army medic wrestling with his own scars, offers to help, she’s not sure if she can trust him . . . or herself.
As they chase clues and revisit old memories, what begins as a search for answers becomes a journey toward something deeper.
Finding Forevermore is a heartfelt story about faith, family, and the kind of love that’s anchored in God’s unfailing grace.
Hosted by Kelly Jo Wilson, The Christian Romance Podcast offers a quiet space for readers who find solace and joy in stories where love and faith intertwine. Each conversation moves beyond a simple book discussion, delving into the personal journeys and creative processes of the authors who craft these narratives. You'll hear about the moments of inspiration, the challenges of weaving spiritual themes authentically into a love story, and the real-life faith that shapes fictional worlds. This podcast is for anyone who appreciates the deeper layers within Christian romance fiction, seeking connection with both the art and the artists behind it. Tune in for thoughtful dialogues that explore how compelling relationships are built, both on the page and in the heart, making each episode a reflective look at the genre. Listeners become part of a community that values meaningful storytelling, discovering new voices and cherished favorites through these intimate author interviews. The discussions naturally celebrate the craft of writing while examining how themes of hope, redemption, and grace are expressed through character and plot. Kelly Jo guides each episode with a genuine curiosity, ensuring the conversation remains engaging and substantive for anyone passionate about fiction that nourishes the spirit. Find your next favorite read and a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into every story on this podcast.
Author: Kelly Jo Wilson
Language: en-us
Episodes: 100
In this interview with Angela Carlisle, author of the Secrets of Kincaid romantic suspense series, she shares her journey from growing up proofreading her father’s stories to becoming a “line editing ninja” and published…
This interview with Elizabeth Goddard, bestselling author of Christian romantic suspense, brings us back to the windswept cliffs of Hidden Bay in book two of her Hidden Bay Series, Perilous Tides. In this heart-pounding…
Get ready for a fiery adventure as we chat with bestselling author Dana Mentink about her latest romantic suspense novel, Fire Mountain. In this episode, Dana shares how her writing journey began in the quiet moments of…
In this episode with Liz Johnson, we dive into the sweet and heartfelt world of Sometimes You Stay, her newest contemporary Christian romance set on Prince Edward Island. In this episode, Liz shares the inspiration behin…
In this interview with Danielle Grandinetti we dive into a story-lover’s journey from piano teacher to indie and traditional published author of heart-pounding historical romantic suspense. Danielle shares how God direct…
This episode with Hope Toler Dougherty dives deep into how God gently (and vividly) led her from nonfiction essays to the world of Christian romance fiction. In this episode, Hope shares the divine inspiration behind her…
In this episode with Rachel Hauck, award-winning Christian romance author and storyteller extraordinaire, we dive deep into her newest novel, The Sands of Sea Blue Beach. We talk about second chances, slow burn romance,…
In this delightful episode of The Christian Romance Podcast, we sit down with beloved author Ann H. Gabhart to chat about her latest historical romance, The Pursuit of Elena Bradford. Set in the enchanting resort of Grah…
Interview with Allie Pleiter, a bestselling author, speaker, and the creator of the “Chunky Method” for writers. In this episode of The Christian Romance Podcast, Allie shares the powerful story behind her calling to wri…
This interview with debut author Rachel Chamberlayne dives deep into the beautiful, complex journey of writing her Christian romance novel, My Grumpy Editor. What began as a light rom-com unexpectedly transformed into a…
