Wonderful story of redemption, love, and heartache. It shows how the parable of the prodigal son can apply in many different ways. I fell in love with the characters, as I do with all of Connilyn's books. If you love historical fiction, then this book and its series, Cities of Refuge, is a definite read!!!

I have read all of the other books in this series, so I had a feeling this new book was going to be a good one. But even I was surprised with the twists and turns in this story, and I finished reading it way faster than I thought possible! A lot of the time when I am reading a good book it can be really hard to put it down, but this time I almost had to pry the book from my own hands. I just had to see what would happen next!

Although I will say this book had more sad events/bad decisions than I would have liked. But the story line handled them well, so the book was still very enjoyable. Overall I would say this is a must read for fans of the "Cities of Refuge Series"!


I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

When Rivkah’s husband dies, her father arranges for her to marry her husband’s brother, according to Torah law. Rivkah can’t stand the idea of marrying Malakhi, who tormented her as a child, and when she can’t convince her father to call off the marriage, she flees, planning to find work as a scribe. However, she soon finds that life outside the city of refugee she has always lived in is vastly different than what she anticipated. When Rivkah runs away from him, Malakhi, who has loved her for years, throws himself into his work and tries to bury his feelings for her. When he is wounded in a fight against the Canaanites, he thinks he has also lost his identity as a soldier for Israel. Still reeling from his injuries and lost hopes, Malakhi is shocked when Rivkah’s father receives word from her, years after she ran away. When his father asks to try to find her, Malakhi can’t deny the request—but he is determined to guard his heart this time. A story of a prodigal daughter, this was just beautiful to read. The themes of forgiveness and not giving up hope were tenderly woven into the story. I loved the setting of ancient Israel and seeing how the Israelites were impacted by disobedience to God’s law and how they were threatened by their enemies because of that disobedience and discord between the tribes; that historical background was just so fascinating. As for the characters…well, I have loved reading about all of the characters in this series and getting to know their hearts, and Rivkah and Malakhi were no exception. Rivkah was stubborn and couldn’t see the good in Malakhi, and yet he persisted, and I loved that—and I loved seeing how Rivkah came to see who he really was. Malakhi was just great—hardworking and big-hearted. I also loved getting to see Rivkah’s and Malakhi’s family members again.
I can’t wait for the fourth book in the series! (Although this is the third book in a series, it could be read as a standalone--but the other books are fantastic, too!)

4.5 stars.

I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The only time I say the words “oh my” is after reading the last page of a fabulous book. Until The Mountains Fall is such a touching story. And that moment in the story when I discover the title’s meaning…oh my… I fall into #TitleLove.

This is one of those times when I finish a book and have no idea how a review can do it justice. I can only say that this book fulfilled one of my main desires of reading. To be changed. Rivkah and Malakhi grow and change through this story, and their searches for happiness, fulfillment, and forgiveness changed me as well. I connected with Rivkah’s stubbornness as well as Malakhi’s persistence.

To be completely honest, the parable of the Prodigal Son has always troubled me. My sympathies sided with the son who had stayed loyal and honored and respected his father. I felt for him when it seemed his father didn’t appreciate his loyalty and celebrated the return of the reckless son who had turned his back on everything and everyone who loved him. I understood how the loyal son might feel overlooked and unappreciated.

But now, after reading this story, inspired by the story of the wayward son, but involving a rebellious daughter instead, I understand fully. The loyal son in the Bible wasn’t overlooked or taken for granted, but the father’s grief for the missing son weighed so heavily on his father’s heart that his answered prayers relieved the unbearable grief he’d held in for so long.

I’ve loved the first three books in the Cities of Refuge series, and can’t wait for the conclusion, Like Flames Against the Night.

Cover Love:
Connilyn’s books have gorgeous covers—all of them—but this one…oh my!
Title Love:
I love the title and the sentiment behind it.

Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive review.

#UntilTheMountainsFall #CoverLove #TitleLove

Sometimes we can get lost in ideologies and philosophies... or some misplaced conviction.
What we fail to notice is that there's something deeper leading us there. We'd usually point out desire or temptation, but what about grief? And, in truth, can it just be a deep aching thirst we are trying to quench?

"Until the Mountains Fall" is Connilyn Cossette's story of a prodigal daughter. She honest when portraying anger and selfishness leading Rivkah's decision, to the point that we wonder how much does she love her father. But Conni also portrays very well the blindness we don't notice that guide our actions. This darkness we don't know how to handle.

Rivkah is sobered soon enough, as we find out five years later her misdeeds. The guilt of not being able to undo a list of many things has her on her knees. We find a Rivkah who has been humbled but is still desperate inside because prison has become her reality. How can she find the strength to go against the system, how can she hold on to hope as she has abandoned the Author of life and faith?

Malakhi has loved Rivkha forever, but he never imagined his dream of marrying her would come at the cost of his dear brother's death. But when she betrays him, he decides to occupy his mind wit preparation for war. But, five years later, we find the mischievous Malakhi broody and given into the limitations of a war wound. It seems as if Yahweh is taking everything from him, not to mention leaving him with a family who only pastures him to get married.

When Malakhi and Rivkah's path crosses once again, they barely recognize each other's soul, and the what-ifs, if patience had been nurtured during difficult times, are dangled between them.

I was wary about how Connilyn would open up Rivkah's heart towards Malakhi, and how his offering of forgiveness would be played out. But I'm glad to say it was organically done. To the point of tears.

If you've read the Cities of Refuge series, then you know forgiveness is sometimes an unmentioned but always an important theme. And here, in Until the Mountains Fall, we have the perfect portrait of a love that's unending in pursuit, yet not naive. Grounded in the depths of knowledge of who the giver is are and who there loved ones were made to be.

I can't wait for Tirzah's book!!!

Every time I read a book by gifted storyteller Connilyn Cossette, I feel like I have stepped right through the pages into the world that she has painted. My experience reading Until the Mountains Fall was certainly no exception!
Set during the time period between the Conquest and the Judges, this third installment of her Cities of Refuge series focuses on Rivkah the daughter of Kedesh’s High Priest, and Malakhi, the youngest son of a family she has known all her life. Rivkah had married Malahki’s brother but is left a widow not long into their marriage. Her father then arranges for her to marry Malahki, following the Levirate Law. Malahki has always secretly loved Rivkah, but she still views him as the boy who took delight in teasing her when they were children. Not wanting to marry him, she runs away and soon regrets her decision, finding herself in horrible circumstances she feels unable to escape. Heartbroken, her father and Malakhi refuse to give up on her, even as the years pass. When they finally meet again, the situation has become incredibly challenging to repair as Malahki attempts to bring her home.
This beautifully written tale is reminiscent of the story of the Prodigal Son. The wealth of research done by the author to make the setting historically accurate is obvious, and her eloquent way with words and gift for bringing characters to life have resulted in a book that is nearly impossible to put down. The story serves as a poignant reminder that no matter how far we run, we are never outside the bounds of God’s grace and love nor the opportunity for forgiveness and redemption.
I highly recommend Until the Mountains Fall to anyone who enjoys Biblical fiction or reading about other cultures and time periods. I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Oh! This book! From late night reading sessions to a bit of ugly crying, this was such a stunning entry in a magnificent family saga. Connilyn Cossette truly has a gift for bringing the Old Testament to life with intrigue and romance as abundant as the milk and honey of the Promised Land.

Rivkah and Malakhi have been butting heads since childhood. Malakhi, a particularly mischievous child, enjoyed teasing the too serious Rivkah and she has never forgotten his harassment. After a brief marriage to Malakhi’s older brother Gidal, the newely widowed Rivkah balks when her father promises her in marriage to her tormentor. When her father refuses to be swayed, insisting this marriage will be good for her, she flees Kedesh. Malakhi is left reeling from Rivkah’s betrayal and finds himself drowning in bitterness. When their paths cross again can they learn to understand each other and step onto the path God has laid before them?

Until the Mountains Fall is a love story rife with pride and humbleness, rejection and acceptance and plenty of forgiveness along the way. It is so easy to see yourself in these characters and their struggles that you won’t see the emotional waves coming until they roll right over you. While this book could be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading it within the series. This a must read for fans of Biblical fiction and romance.

I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Wow, I was so intrigued by this series! From page one till the end, I was hooked. I don't read many biblical historical fiction, but Cossette's books grabbed my attention and I'm glad I finally took the time to read her fantastic work. The characters seem so real and became fast friends. The idea of writing a series about the cities of refuge is original and I enjoyed this different kind of setting than what I usually read. Connilyn Cossette has a new fan! I look forward to her future books.

Biblical fiction is not my genre of choice, but in my opinion, no one does biblical fiction like Connilyn Cossette. Her stories are descriptive, engaging, romantic, and relevant. Therefore, I will probably--definitely--read every single story she writes.

This particular story was about Rivkah and Malakhi and as far as Hebrew heroes go, I think Malakhi ranks pretty high on my list of Cossette's male leads. His heart for Rivkah and this overwhelming spirit of gentleness he had toward her grabbed me right from the get-go. I wanted a happily ever after for him the moment I "met" him.

And we all know the story of the prodigal son, right? Well, that was Rivkah in a nutshell. She started out a character I wasn't terribly attached to, but by the end I was cheering for her as I would my own daughter.

Until the Mountains Fall was full of history and adventure as well as a love between a father and daughter (and that between a mother and son) that knew no bounds. But I'd be remiss if I failed to mention the sweet-but-powerful romance thread throughout. Malakhi and Rivkah's story is definitely one for the books--whether you're a biblical fiction fan or not.

Recently widowed, Rivkah's father the priest betroths her to Malakhi, her husband's brother. In pain and rebellion at the forced marriage, Rivkah flees Kedesh and experiences even greater entrapment. Will she survive? And what secret is she hiding?
I really like Connilyn Cossette's writing style. It's clear, concise and well-paced. I also liked the depth of the main characters. Even though this is book three in the City of Refuge series, I had little problem following the plot once I sorted out all the characters. One thing I didn't like is the romance - too gushy in places for my personal tastes.
Note: "Until the Mountains Fall" does include numerous triggers, including war violence, sexual assault, and domestic abuse. However, the author takes care to write in a sensitive way and keep the novel clean.

Rivkah, the main character, finds herself alone after becoming a widow at a young age. Bound by Levitical law, she is given in marriage to her husband’s brother. What happens next will thrill the reader with compassion, heart ache and an understanding of true grace. This is a must read!

This is another amazing story by Connilyn Cossette. This book continues the story of Derek and Moriya's family, this time focusing on one of their sons and his betrothed. It's a story of heartbreak and forgiveness. Who among us hasn't at least taken a break from our family, whether earthly or heavenly, and needed grace and forgiveness as we realize the error of our ways.

When we are on the front line, the magnitude of what we are facing seems insurmountable. It’s also very easy to forget one important detail. For our heroine, Rivkah, there is a huge difference between her view of the battle and how God sees it!. Losing her husband very early in their marriage has left her facing a struggle she wants no part of. Malikhi, the younger brother of her deceased husband, has chosen to wed Rivkah, even though she is adamant this will not happen. Choices she makes put her on the frontlines of battles that could have been avoided.

The author has done a fabulous job of drawing the reader into what life could have been like around 1360 - 75 BC. I became so immersed in the story that there were tears in my eyes at times and other moments I felt like yelling NO!

The best part for me was the realization that even the prodigal can come home and once again experience unconditional love from family and most importantly from the Lord. The feast is being prepared - we are ALL invited. Abba is waiting with open arms!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley, Baker Publishing Group and the author. The impressions and opinions are my own.

It has been a very long time since I was unable to put a novel down but - thanks to the excellent writing skills of Connilyn Cossette - this book did just that for me!

Until the Mountains Fall is the love story of Rivkah and Malakhi, told alternately through his and her eyes.He is the heart throb of the city though somewhat immature and bumbling in his pursuit of the girl, until he loses her when she marries his brother instead. When tragedy struck and she becomes a widow not long after, tradition dictated that she marry Malakhi. Rather than do that however, she runs away only to face consequences that threatens to ruin her life forever. Five years on, he sets out to bring her home after a message enables him to locate her. Only, things had become immensely complicated...Okay, I will stop there before I ruin it for you!

What I enjoyed about this book was how the author was able to convey through her words the deep and sacrificial love that Malakhi has for Rizkah, especially as they both mature. We all dream of being loved like that, don't we?! I loved being reminded through fabulous storytelling that we are indeed loved – by our Heavenly Father, and it's a love that nothing can ever separate us from! I only realised after the second half of the book that it was inspired by a certain very famous parable from the Bible. What a marvelous job the author did to take such a familiar story and turn it into such a touching and captivating book!

I also discovered only later that this title is actually part of a series. As soon as I read the last page of Until the Mountains Fall, I got my iPad to browse the available titles and, with one click, bought the first book of the series! Perhaps more later depending on how I feel about Book 1. Connilyn Cossette has become one of my favourite authors. I hope she writes a contemporary one soon!

Thank you to Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers for the ARC. This is my honest review.

Until Mountains Fall is the third book in Connilyn Cossette's Cities of Refuge series. It can be read as a stand alone, but I would recommend reading the first two books in this series as they are not only wonderfully written and enjoyable to read, but also will give you the back story of the families living in this city of refuge.

Book three is the story of Malakhi and Rivkah; who are featured at the end of Shelter of the Most High as a wayward boy with a penchant for tormenting a beautiful girl. Set during Biblical times in the period between the Conquest and the Judges, this story mirrors the parable of the prodigal son. It is beautifully written, rich in character development and well researched. I felt as if I was on the sidelines of these cities of refuge watching the story unfold. A major theme of Until Mountains Fall is forgiveness and redemption. Readers are reminded that no matter how far we have run, or how far we have fallen, God is there waiting for us to return to with open arms.

I'm looking forward to reading the conclusion of this series (Tirzah's story) Like Flames Against the Night, which releases March 3, 2020.

Thank you Bethany House and Net Galley for the free e-copy of Until Mountains Fall. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Tear-jerking, action-packed, and suspenseful! Connilyn Cossette exceeds expectation with her latest novel, the third installment to the City of Refuge series!

Recently widowed, Rivkah is looking to escape her impending marriage with her late husband's brother, a boy who has tormented Rivkah since childhood. Denying to do her duty and obey the Torah, when the opportunity Rivkah has been looking for arrives, she flees Kedesh, a city of refuge, for a life of freedom. But, will her disobedience be worth the future that is waiting for her outside the city's walls?

Back in Kedesh, Malakhi has become bitter after the betrayal of his betrothed. From falling in love with her as a child, being forced to watch her marry his older brother, to her rejection, the once care-free young boy has become a man with a heart of stone. Turning his attention the war against the Canaanites and other enemies closing in on the Israelites, Malakhi becomes a warrior; however, after being wounded in battle his life is once again put on hold and Malakhi has nowhere to hide from the hurt of Rivkah's decision. Will Malakhi be able to move on, or will the pain drive him to find an answer to his questions?

Until the Mountains Fall might be my new favorite book in this series! It's raw, emotional, and even though it takes place thousands of years ago, the message is something that will impact the lives of the readers. So get out your box of tissues and get ready for an adventure that will keep you on your toes until the very end!

I have followed the stories of this family throughout this series and love this latest installment!

Kedesh is a city of refuge in the Promised Land. This story takes place soon after the death of Joshua (who took over as leader when Moses died). Rivkah, daughter of the High Priest over Kedesh, has grown up with the children of Darek and Moriyah (the hero and heroine of the first book of the series). She married one of their sons but had been widowed. Her father insisted that she follow Jewish tradition and marry the next son Malakhi. Rivkah does not want to marry Malakhi and so she runs away with her cousin to hide from the marriage. Of course they run into trouble right away and by the time she realizes she made a mistake it’s too late. Malakhi, who had loved Rivkah for years, was devastated by the situation and threw himself into helping his father as a warrior. When he eventually finds out where Rivkah is he sets out to fetch her but she is in a situation that is not easy to get out of. The story has shades of the Prodigal son in the Bible and is a good story about forgiveness and grace.

I hope there will be another installment in this series.

I received a Kindle copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Connilyn Cossette knocks another one out of the park! She is a master at story-telling from Old Testament times! Until the Mountains Fall is the 3rd book in the Cities of Refuge series. While this story can stand alone on its own, I would strongly recommend reading at least book 1 (A Light on the Hill) as the story from that book is referenced quite a few times in this one and it is actually resolved in this book.

This book takes place after the Israelites have taken the Promised Land. The death of Joshua happens in the midst of this story. It was absolutely fascinating to see the gradual fall of the nation of Israel. How one compromise led to another until it was flat-out disobedience to God's law, the Torah. When I read the scriptures, I am quick to harshly judge the nation of Israel for forgetting how they crossed the Red Sea, and how the walls of Jericho fell..... but when I read about it one compromise at a time, I see how this happens in my own life and in our current generation as well.

The story line in this book follows Rivkah, the daughter of the priest in Kedesh, and Malakhi, the youngest son of Moriyah and Darek (who we met in A Light on the Hill). We meet Rivkah and Malakhi Briefly in Shelter of the Most High (book 2 in the Cities of Refuge series) as youngsters. Now they are grown and are betrothed in a Levirite marriage after the death of Gidal, Malakhi's older brother and Rivkah's husband. In her grief, she flees the city in an attempt to get out of the betrothal and make her own way. When she has to face her past several years later, and Malakhi again, how will she respond?

This story was such a beautiful tale of the love and grace of God. With elements from one of the parables Jesus told about God's love for all who are lost, this story brought tears of joy at the grace that was shown. I loved the full gamut of emotions, the depth of the characters and the conflicts that happen when we interpret without communication. The characters in this book were all likable and relateable, the story line was very well done, and the romance was so sweet and tender. I loved everything about this book! I would recommend for lovers of historical romance and those who enjoy delving into the missing parts of the scriptures to see what might have happened.

Special thanks to Bethany House Publishers for an advanced copy of this book. I was not required to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Sometimes love stories aren't perfect even in books. Two head-strong people, he's been in love with her for years but she never thought of him that way. She runs away in rebellion to her religion and her family believing that she knows better. How quickly she finds out she was wrong and feels like she can never return. He is heart-broken and squelches his hurt by joining the military to fight the enemy. They are offered a second chance and the beauty of their healing hearts is inspiring. Two people who fall in love are not perfect but "love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Pet 4:8) Connilyn Cossette's love for Jesus shines in this beautiful love story. Each time I read one of her novels I think, "this is the best" but then she writes another and it outshines the last! I come away feeling ministered to and closer to Jesus. Thank you, Connilyn, for your continued commitment to writing deep and meaningful stories.

UNTIL THE MOUNTAINS FALL is the third book in CONNILYN COSSETTE's CITIES OF REFUGE series. I really feel you will benefit by reading the first two books first, but it is not really necessary to do so in order to follow the story.
Rikvah is the daughter of Amitai, the head priest in Kedesh, one of the Hebrew cities of refuge, and she nearly breaks his heart when she runs away with Nessa to the wicked city of Laish, in a fit of rebellion, ending up in Edrei, indentured as a scribe to the wealthy and wicked Samil.
Edrei is very different to Kedesh in that there is a form of godliness, but they have mixed pagan gods and practices into the worship of the Most High God.
We see how a person's selfish behaviour can bring trouble to those they love, as there are always consequences. In fact the novel could be called The Prodigal Daughter, as it follows the parable of the Prodigal Son, and also there is a strong feeling of sacrificial love, as parents throughout the story are ready to go into danger in order to save their children. There is an interesting comparison between the sacrificial love shown by Malakhi and Estabaal and Nessa's treatment from her abusive and selfish husband.
I enjoy seeing the development of the characters as they draw closer to the Lord, as we are reminded of God the Father's all encompassing love for His children.
The story starts just before the death of Joshua and ends at the time of the death of the High Priest, Eliezer. We see how the Israelites have largely forgotten the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and how there is fighting and lethargy amongst the tribes, making it easy for the Arameans to overthrow the city of Edrei, amongst others.
This author sets her stories in biblical times so very successfully, giving us a wonderful insight into what life was like then. This in no way detracts from the truth of the Bible. She has obviously done a great deal of research.
Until The Mountains Fall is a beautiful book and I cannot recommend it highly enough. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.