Until the Mountains Fall

Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette is a wonderful story of Biblical proportions. I enjoy spending time in ancient Biblical times and learning more about little parts of the Bible that aren't that well-known. Cossette is a wonderful storyteller. She captures the audience with her descriptions and her ability to climb into the character's minds and lives. Like I have stated before, I can't imagine all the research that goes into writing Biblical fiction. I really enjoyed watching the transformation of Rivkah as she learns to love Malakhi He was definitely a hero worth keeping an eye on. I loved how he would do anything to protect Rivkah, even offer to work as a servant to keep an eye on her. These characters were admirable. I really enjoyed this novel and can't wait for the fourth book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Review:

Genre: Biblical fiction.

My Rating: 5 stars! (I've found some good books this week!)

My Recommendation: 13 to 16 up depending on how readers like romance. . . Warnings below, too. 

My Favorite Character: Though she made mistakes and was at first a somewhat spoiled character she soon grew into a wonderful woman who fits perfectly with this 

My Verse for Rivkah is Mark 5:34
And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. (King James Version.) (Plague in this verse has to do with Rivkah's sins.)

My Thoughts: This Biblical fiction, was actually Biblical fiction -- set during Bible times but not changing a book of the Bible. There isn't much that people know about the time this novel was set in but Cossette showed what I imagine life was like during the time. She did amazing with the setting and stayed true to the time without taking away from the enjoyment of fiction. I loved this book and I don't often say that about the Biblical fiction I read.

Warnings: A man drugs a woman, slavery, some drinking, mentions of being unfaithful, (not true.), characters die . . . They are at war sometimes so, yeah, all that and stuff.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review -- all the thoughts are my own.

Review to post on my blog on 7/2/19

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!!

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

Just when I thought I’d read the best Connilyn Cossette book ever, this stunning story landed in my life.

This fascinating book is a richly woven journey of redemption, hope, love, and forgiveness.

Connilyn Cossette did a magnificent job carrying the reader back through history to an incredibly volatile and powerful time, and exploring some lesser-known events through the eyes of two characters whose brokenness and grief chased them far from home, but who learn that the awe-inspiring goodness of grace can change their lives and futures.

The characters were so rich, relatable, and dynamic, and their journey was incredible!

Seeing Malakhai grown up and watching as his character changed and strengthened, while still staying his signature mischief-making self was fantastic! Watching as his love story with Rivkah changed and grew as well was both heart-breaking and incredible! 😭

And Rivkah! I’ll admit, at first, I was mad at her—her life was filled with so much bitterness and sharpness, especially toward poor Malakhai. But I can understand why. Her past was grief-stricken, and I do not want to try to imagine how shattered a similar loss would leave me. But *spoiler alert* grace changes people, forgiveness and redemption and love change people. And Rivkah became one of my all-time favorite fictional characters throughout her heart-tugging journey.

This book filled me with so many emotions, I am having a hard time expressing just how much it affected me, but I want to tell you this—this story is full of hope. Of second chances and changed hearts. Rescued people. And this story is something altogether special.

Give it a try—I know you will enjoy it too! ❤️


I received a copy of this book for FREE, and a positive review was not required.

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.

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.

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!!!

Until the Mountains Fall
by Connilyn Cossette

Bethany House

Bethany House Publishers

Christian

Pub Date 02 Jul 2019

I am reviewing a copy of Until the Mountains Fall through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:

Rivkah was recently widowed and refuses to follow the Old Testament Torah laws that say you must marry your husband’s brother if he dies. She instead flees to Kedesh, hoping she will be able to use her talents as a Scribe to make a living!

Malakhi has been in love with Rivkah for years but he never imagined that it would be his brothers death that would lead to wedding her. After Rivkah disappears he throws himself into fighting the Canaanites instead of dwelling on all he lost. With impending war over Israel Rivkah’s father comes to Malakhi with an impossible request.

As the enemies from both inside and outside of Israel grow more threatening by the day, is it to late for the restoration their souls seek?

I found Until Mountains Fall to be a well researched Biblical era Nobel, with strong believable characters making it worthy of five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Connilyn Cossette in her novel “Until the Mountains Fall” recreates the world of the Bible with skill and detailed knowledge of the realities of daily life. The novel follows Rivkah, a spoiled and headstrong girl, whose father is the head priest in Kedesh, one of the cities of refuge, where the manslayers, could escape the wrath of avengers of blood and live in peace. Rivkah is a young widow and according to the rules of levirate marriage, she should marry a younger brother of her deceased husband to preserve his line. According to Torah, the first child born from such a marriage would be concerned a child of her dead husband and his rightful heir.

Rivkah is devastated by the death of her husband and feels she was not given enough time to grief. She doesn’t like her new betrothed Malakhi, because he bullied her as a child and besides, he is only sixteen, two years younger than her. In any case she considers him only a mean, silly boy, that will make her life unbearable. She goes to great lengths to break the betrothal, but Malakhi stubbornly refuses to release her. Under the façade of easy manner and indifference he hides deep feelings for Rivkah. He wants to prove to her that he can be a thoughtful, loving husband, but the girl is just as stubborn and refuses to give him a chance. Finally, she makes an ill-conceived and risky decision to flee and start a life apart from her family on her own terms. Of course it all ends in a disaster.

I won’t give anything away, but the story of Rivkah and Malakhi was heartfelt and engaging. It was hard to like Rivkah at the beginning, because she was acting very childish, but she was grieving and it didn’t seem right that she was forced into betrothal only a month after her husband’s death. Most of all I enjoyed the setting of the story around 1380 BC in the ancient cities of refuge. The author weaves the story with ease, emotions of the characters feel real, although I didn’t like some of their behaviour and choices. The only weaker part in my opinion was the fighting scene… I got the impression the author didn’t enjoy writing about fighting men and she wanted to be done with that as fast as possible. It could be so much more dramatic and engaging, but it was strangely flat. I also would like to read more about the secondary characters, they were interesting, but I felt that there were not enough scenes with them. Anyway, Rivkah and Malakhi were a lovely pair and they deserved the HEA after all they went through.

I recommend this novel for fans of Christian historical fiction, especially Biblical fiction. The period showed in the book follows the death of Joshua and appears in the Bible before the Judges.

I received "Until the Mountains Fall" from the publisher via NetGalley. I would like to thank the author and the publisher for providing me with the advance reader copy of the book.

It is an honor to be a member of Connilyn’s Wanderers and be a part of her launch team for Until the Mountains Fall. This book is incredible. The story of love and redemption is such a good reminder of God’s love for us. Set in Israel at the end of Joshua’s life, the story of Rivkah is much like the New Testament story of “The Prodigal Son” or the Old Testament story of Hosea and his caring for Gomer in spite of her indiscretions. Connilyn Cossette has created characters with a message for those believe they have fallen too far to be redeemed - We cannot hide from God and He will save us if we but ask. The relationship between Rivkah and Malakhi is one that begins as completely one-sided and as the plot proceeds is shredded to what seems like beyond repair. Rivkah and Malakhi take turns narrating the chapters of the book which gives readers both sides of the story. Life circumstances challenge both Rivkah and Malakhi but in the end….. You need to read it to find out, but I will say Conni does a fabulous job with character development.

Until the Mountains Fall is book three in Conni’s Cities of Refuge series but can be read alone. If you have read the previous books in the series, you will recognize some of the characters and better understand the backstory, reading the previous books in not necessary to enjoy the book.

I will be adding Until the Mountains Fall to my K-12 Christian School library. It is appropriate for eighth grade and up.

I want to thank Connilyn Cossette and Bethany House Publishers for the complimentary copy of Until the Mountains Fall.

What an amazing story! This series by Connilyn Cossette is set in a time period of the nation of Israel that I’m not as familiar with and her research for this time period is extensive. She has taken this research and incorporated it into a story that fired my imagination and pulled me completely into that time period as I read. But it’s the characters that seem to step off the page and become someone that I knew. Rivkah’s story is not pretty. Her story is loosely based on the Biblical account of the Prodigal Son. There are levels of her disobedience and sorrow that grabbed at my heart. She runs away to avoid a marriage with Malakhi, not trying to see his heart for her or her own father’s heart as he had arranged this marriage. Though many times I was frustrated with her, I grew to respect and admire her as she grew in maturity and into a full understanding of her spiritual heritage. Her journey to home is a dangerous one. She must come to trust Malakhi as she never had before if she’s to return home and seek the forgiveness of her father.

I felt Rivkah’s emotions all through her journey. In the process, it made me ever more grateful for the unfailing love of God and the forgiveness of sins I’ve received through Jesus. I was reminded once again that God’s desire for all of us is to be in a close relationship with Him. When a book can touch my heart in that way, it’s well worth reading.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

If you have been reading the Cities of Refuge series by Connilyn Cossette you will not be disappointed in Until the Mountains Fall, book number three.

Cossette has an excellent grasp on the time period and on her bible which shows clearly in this fascinating look at forced marriages within the Hebrew religion. In this case, Rivkah's husband Gidal dies, and her father (the head priest of Kedesh) announces she will marry his brother (Malakhi) to carry on his bloodline. A man Rivkah abhors.

Unfortunately, her father will not listen to her pleas and without fully understanding his reasons behind his insistence that they marry, Rivkah runs away from the only home and family she has ever known. Determined to have her way and do what she wants, she is unprepared for the consequences of what follows.

This story had me captivated from the get-go! The growth of both characters was interesting to watch, especially when Rivkah realizes the damage she had done. And the way Malakhi grows into the man she needs was beautiful.

If you haven't read the other books, not to worry - this can be read as a standalone. However, I highly recommend the entire series!

I received this book courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley.

Travel back in time and cultures to a land so different from ours, yet so very alike. Israel is a young nation, yet they are already leaving their first love. Compromise and complacency coupled with a blatant refusal to follow the Creator Who has led them to the new land leaves them vulnerable and divided.
It is against this thrilling backdrop we meet Rivkah, a widow who is promised to her husband’s brother. To what lengths will Rivkah go to escape an unwanted match, meant to give her security?
Connilyn Cossette is now one of my favorite Biblical historical fiction writers. She sets the scene so well, with meticulous research presented throughout a very engaging story. I suspect there are enough Biblical references, suspense, and masculine thoughts (pov is first person, shifting between Rivkah and Malakhi) that even men would enjoy reading this account. Until the Mountains Fall is the third book of the series, The Cities of Refuge. While sweeter if one has the background of the other two, this novel can certainly stand on its own.
So much emotion is packed into this one volume! So many parallels between ancient Israel and God’s people in a free land today.
One issue I grew tired of, I began to realize was simply Malakhi holding a view common to his time and culture. As a woman, I come away from this tremendous work glad that I did not live as a woman of that time. Yet, Cossette also points out the need for women to be treated humanely and loved well, which would have erased much of the burden of being a woman at that
time.
Favorite quotes.
“The more prosperous we’d grown, the less generous we’d become with those who’d been appointed to serve Yahweh and were therefore unable to inherit land of their own.”
“We do not know the whole of the story. But Yahweh does, and we will trust Him with the outcome.”
“So many of our young people don’t care enough to defend this land, Malakhi. They’ve given in to compromise. It’s all too easy to sit back and take tribute from the Canaanites, profiting off our disobedience instead of finishing what Yehoshua and Calev started. We need men to stand and fight with careless abandon. If your generation does not take heed, we would do better to strap on our sandals and walk right back to Egypt, because the enemies that surround us here have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions, which are solely my own.

Connilyn Cossette is a master at recreating Biblical times with such vivid imagery that the reader can't help but feel as if they are in the midst of the journey along with the characters. This wasn't an easy book to let go once I'd finished. I am now impatiently waiting for the release of Like Flames in the Night, the fourth and concluding book in the series.

One thing that was unique about this installment of the series is that it added the theme of the prodigal son with a bit of a twist. You see Rivkah acting out from a mix of selfish rebellion and fear. Despite quickly discovering the flaw in her choices, she fears that she could never be forgiven. What I loved about how the author fleshed out Rivkah's journey was that I was able to personalize and connect with it more deeply. In the biblical account, the younger son takes his inheritance and squanders it. I struggle to be able to look at him with compassion because if I can be honest I can't help but resonate with the older brother's feelings. I believe it's at least in-part to life experiences with a tainted version of this. Yet when I look at Rivkah's story, in a way I can start to see the prodigal in myself. I may not have taken an inheritance and squandered it or lived "on the wild side" until I was penniless, but I have made bad decisions in my life and paid dearly for them. I've felt the weight of what feeling unworthy can do to a person. I've experienced isolation because it feels safer than asking for help or forgiveness. This book has helped me look at the original story through a clearer lens. There really is true beauty in joy in restoration.

As with the other books in this series, this one is told through more than one perspective. It's seen through the eyes of both Rivkah and Malakhi. The two views are exquisitely orchestrated throughout to produce a deeper quality of realism inciting self-reflection and empathy. This is a story not merely read, but experienced. I don't even have the words to say just how deeply this novel sucked me in.

And that ending?? Oh that ending!! Don't worry, no spoilers--but I am now thoroughly impatient for the arrival of the next book! I cannot wait to see how this series concludes (although I also know I'll be sad for it to be over). I honestly can't recommend this series enough! Connilyn Cossette has secured a very deserved place as one of my favorite authors.

*I received a copy of this book from Bethany House and NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

Connilyn Cossette was firmly established as one of my must-read authors by the time her second book released, but it says something for the quality of both her writing and her stories that this book is her sixth and I’m still saying that. Her stories don’t just bring biblical history to life; they do so through characters and struggles that are wholly relevant to the modern reader. At the same time, they often shed the light of understanding on laws and traditions that can otherwise seem incomprehensible, even harsh, to our twenty-first century ears.

I especially love that this series is based around the cities of refuge and has continued to follow the lives of Moriyah and Darek, from A Light on the Hill, through their children. Although you definitely don’t need to have read the previous books in the series to read this one, there are some ties, particularly to A Light on the Hill, that will be better appreciated if the series is read in order.

As for this book in particular, it is a riveting “prodigal daughter” story. The Rivkah we first meet is bitter and selfish—well characterised, but tempting the reader to whisper, “It serves you right.” But through both Rivkah’s father and Malakhi, we have the opportunity to witness the kind of love that perseveres in spite of everything. Even as Malakhi works through his own bitterness at Rivkah’s betrayal, he is prepared to do whatever it takes to see Rivkah restored to her family. That’s the kind of hero I love to see!

But there are consequences to Rivkah’s earlier choices, no matter how she has matured and no matter how much her family wishes to see her restored to them, and once again Connilyn Cossette uses this to weave a story that only becomes more engrossing the longer you read. Needless to say, I’m thrilled there’s going to be a fourth book in this series!

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Connilyn Cossette has again succeeded in drawing me into another time and culture. It is a rich story demonstrating unconditional love. Look at the beautiful book cover. Even without it, Cossette’s descriptions of clothing, surroundings and emotions bring the characters to life. The central characters are Rivkah, a young recent widow and Malakhi, her husbands brother. Rivkahs father, the head priest of their city, has decided she will marry Malakhi. She doesn’t even like Malakhi, remembering their childhood days and how he had treated her badly. She feels like she is in prison and is determined to escape. Rivkah meets a young woman, Nessa. Nessas father has told her she will marry and she is not happy about it. A common bond it seems. Nessa convinces Rivkah to sneak out to a festival in another town. Is this temporary or the escape Rivkah had wished for? Has she turned her back on her family and heritage? There are twists and turns and for me plenty of oohs and aahs as Rivkah and Malakhi mature and their journey unfolds. I eagerly await the next book in this series.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. I have not read any books by Connilyn Cossette, but this will not be the last book of hers that I read.

The characters were believable and well described. The story flowed well and kept my interest throughout. The setting was also believable and interesting.

This was an advanced reader copy that I got through Netgalley so the editing was not perfect but was done well enough that it did not detract from my enjoyment.

This is set in the time and area Isreal after the Jewish people were given the promised land, after the death of Joshua. It felt like it was a bit of a combination of a few of the parables in the New Testament, but it was very interesting.

I give this book a 5-star rating and would recommend this to my friends.

“But still she fled, leaving me battered and bleeding among the only remnants of my brother’s life, each of her parting footfalls another blow to the dream I’d not deserved, but had foolishly dared to hope for.”

Connilyn Cossette is a master at using the first person narrative to draw you into the hearts and souls of her beautifully crafted characters. Her vivid description of the ancient cities will pull you into that time period and have you walk in the sandals of the Israelites as they live and fight for their Promised Land around the time of Joshua’s death. The first person narrative flows smoothly and the plot moves along at a great pace with plenty of action, heartache and angst as the narrative switches back and forth between Rivkah and Malakhi. I absolutely loved that I could envision the Cities of Refuge in my mind’s eye while reading this book - the sights, smells, noise, feel and taste of Kedesh and Golan.

And the characters!! Rivkah is a young widow who is selfish, self-righteous, and stubborn but also intelligent, resourceful, and determined. Through the years and folly of her own making, she gains humility and wisdom. She isn’t particularly likable in the beginning but her brokenness is so tangible and her servant’s heart so real as she grows up. Malakhi is young, reckless, impulsive and totally devastated when Rivkah leaves him and their betrothal. Even in the midst of his anger, hurt, and humiliation, he matures into a humble, kind, and loyal leader of men. The fierce infatuation he held for Rivkah morphs into an enduring and unending sacrificial love for her and their relationship is achingly sweet. The message of forgiveness, reconciliation, and hope within the story will strengthen your faith.

This is a must-read for all Biblical fiction fans. I was given a copy of the book by Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

I loved the way Rivkah's story illustrated the parable of the Prodigal Son. Author Connilyn Cossette boldly gives Rivkah a less than stellar character. I found that I couldn't really see how Malakhi could be enamored with her, especially with the way she treated him. And then when she escaped Kadesh... Let's just say, I wasn't very happy with her.

But she changed. The events that occurred in Laish were terrible. It was there I realized this story is that of the prodigal son. Um. Daughter. It was in Laish that Rivkah realized her folly and began to desire to go home. Until. And then she knew. Her sins were too great and she could never go home again.

It was at this point that I began to have compassion for this lost woman. Fast forward five years and my compassion turned to admiration for the character she was starting to develop. While I knew, she was wrong in assuming her family despised her since I know the end of the prodigal's story, the author made me experience her pain and guilt and to understand how she would have felt this way. Ouch!

Malakhi was wonderful! Though as a young man he had quite a few flaws, as time, grief, and circumstances began to refine his character, I grew to admire him more and more. I loved the way the author showed how he was crushed by Rivkah's desertion and how he fought with bitterness and unforgiveness towards her. If he had simply continued to pine for her and embraced her immediately, it would have made the story a bit ridiculous.

Until the Mountains Fall is a deeply moving story. The despair of the prodigal, the vigilant prayers and longing of the father for the prodigal to return, and the seeker of the lost sheep all touched my heart.

I'm looking forward to the conclusion of this wonderful series and have already picked out those I hope to see as the main characters!

Each of the books in the Cities of Refuge series contains characters from the others yet each can be read as a standalone. I just don't encourage that - they all should be read (and, ideally, in order). There are some adult themes, so I suggest this book for older teens and adults.

This was my favorite in this series so far. The story and the characters were rich and well developed. The chemistry was really well done. I don't enjoy mushy gushy love stories, and there was none of that here. I was rooting for this couple the whole time. There were so many obstacles in their way, physical and emotional. It was just such a great love story. Highly recommended if you enjoy historical romance.



I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for the purpose of review.

I love Biblical fiction. You can never exhaust the riches found in scripture. I am always amazed at storytellers who take scripture and teach us something about grace and God. Until the Mountains Fall is one such story.

Until the Mountains Fall, by author Connilyn Cossette is the 3rd book in her Cities of Refuge series. In the Old Testament, a city of refuge was a place where a person could go if they had accidentally killed another person, and are a beautiful picture of the person of Jesus. You can learn more about the cities of refuge in Joshua 20 and Numbers 35. In her latest novel, Cossette tells us the story of Rivkah, the daughter of the head priest, who lives in Kedesh, one of the six cities of refuge.

As the story opens, Rivkah is being given in marriage, a levirate marriage, to her late husband’s brother, Malakhai, and she is not happy about it. Gidal, her late husband, has just recently died, and her father has arranged this marriage very quickly to Malakhai, whom she has known since childhood.

According to Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, a levirate marriage is “a form of marriage prescribed by the Law of Moses in which a man was required to marry the widow of a brother who died with no male heir. The term “levirate” means “husband’s brother.” The purpose of the law was to provide an heir for the dead brother, thereby preserving his name and estate. The law also was designed to provide for the welfare of the widows. (Deuteronomy 25:5-10)”

Because of her displeasure about the marriage, Rivkah takes matters into her own hands, and makes a very poor decision. She doesn’t understand how Malakhai feels towards her, and she flees Kedesh.

I love the story. But at the beginning of the story I did not like Rivkah. She made me so mad! As readers, we can see things the characters cannot see. So, we can sit on the other side of the pages so to speak, and scream, “Noooo! Don’t do it!” But alas, they make their own choices anyway. She was unhappy, which I get. But she was throwing away something that would be good for her, even though she couldn’t see it.

Later on in the novel, my heart softened toward Rivkah. Slowly, the author was able to weave some sympathy and compassion for her into the story and into my heart. I felt very much connected to Rivkah and began to really like her. Just like this story's main character, I have made my own choices and ran from people who loved me into great trouble and distress. But God was there to clean up my mess, pick me up, and help me start over. God is always looking out for us.

I don’t want to give away all the details or surprises of the story, and there are many, so I cannot say much more. But it is worth it to follow the journey of Rivkah and Malakhai to find out how their story unfolds. I cried multiple times as I traveled the road with them. God is a God of rescue even in our darkest hour.

I recommend this book highly to anyone who loves biblical or historical fiction. Cossette has taken just one small portion of scripture and taught us so much.

I also recommend this book to homeschooling families who have high school age students. If you follow the Charlotte Mason philosophy of education, this could be considered a great living book for studying ancient civilizations and the Bible.


Disclosure Statement: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

I greatly enjoyed this story! A tale of Rivka, widowed and betrothed to her late husband's younger brother, she decides to run away. She doesn't realize how costly that decision is, but five years later Malakhi walks back into her life. She has to make life altering decisions in a short amount of time, and choose if she will return with Malakhi. Beautifully written, I couldn't put this one down. I admit, I enjoyed this story much more than I thought I would! I will be reading it again!

I’m a great fan of Biblical fiction and this is truly at its best! Connylin Cossette is one of my favorite authors in this genre.
I haven’t read al of her books, I just started reading “The Cities of Refuge” Series and I just fell in love with her stories. They always touch real and hard issues, but there’s always hope and light at the end of the tunnel when the people open up their hearts to the Lord.
And this is the case too. Rivkah is a recent widow and she’s still grieving when she’s told that by the Torah, which is the Law of Moses, she must marry her husband’s brother to guarantee a heir in the family. Rivkah know Malakhi since her childhood and he’s always been the pestering kid that tormented her. She’s too blinded to see that Malakhi has matured and has always had feelings for her, but kept it to himself. So when things get tense and forceful, she decides to flee from Kedesh, hoping to survive working as a scribe, something she can do well. But she never expects that life away from the safe environment in which she lived (that’s why the cities are called of refuge) and from her father’s protective figure, is full of dangers and it’s difficult to know who to trust.
Malakhi is left to lick his wounds of Rivkah’s betrayals and he centers in preparing for war again the Canaanites, until he is injured and begins to question his purpose in life. When Rivkah’s father asks him to look for her, he wants to resist, but he finally accepts he needs to know if she’s doing okay.
When Malakhi and Rivkah encounter again, things seem different. They have both changed... Can they manage to start a relationship and get to know each other better and open their hearts to a second chance love?
I loved the characters! Rivkah was a bit prideful at first, but I loved how she grew along the stories until she comes to see Malakhi as he really is. She’s kind and generous too. And Malakhi was a true gentleman, kind compassionate and understanding. He’s truly pacient in his relationship with Rivkah and slowly, And he manages to get her feel at ease and to trust him with her struggles. will they make a great team while enemies lurk around and danger is always near. can Malakhi really protect her.
I loved seeing other characters from the previous books, but it still can be read as a standalone. But I definitely recommend to read the whole series in order.
The setting was my favorite. I love getting to more about the place where Jesus lived and died, and how the people from this era lived and acted. It’s easier to put my imagination to work.
I really enjoyed this book and it left me inspired. It also touches issues of forgiveness, patience and lots of love and a great dosis of humbleness. I loved both main characters, but I especially fell in love with Malakhi and his big and compassionate heart.
This is definitely a recommended read. I think the plot was done masterfully and the danger and intrigue made it all the more interesting.
I was always rooting for them to find each other.
A courageous story, while sweet, clean, and full of hope. I loved how Rivkah slowly returns to God again.
a must read! Thank you Connilyn. Can’t wait for the next one!
I received a copy from the author and the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest and unbiased review.

Just finished this delightful read and I'm wondering if anyone noticed the theme here? It's in one of Jesus' parables and one of my favorites of all of His stories!!
I was really happy to return to Kedesh with all of my friends again!! It seems forever in between books!!
Forgiveness is also the theme here.
Forgiveness is a very important part of our lives even in Biblical times.
I love Connilyns' stories!! I love how she makes the characters come to life from the Bible. It's amazing that you can feel their feelings coming through the pages of time from her pen
I love how Conni continues the story from the Book of Joshua.
I liked how the book was action packed from the very beginning and you definitely wanted to see what happened to Rivkah and Malicah.
My mom always told me that some boys have trouble with their feelings about telling a girl he liked so he picked on her. Of course I thought Mom was full of it. But later on in life I found that she was right.
Usually moms are. Dads too.
These authors that write stories like this are truly gifted.
Well done Connylin!! Will Amit have his story to tell? I'm hoping so!!
Oh and twins rum on my husband's side of the family too!! More on the Fox side though. Thank goodness!!
Well, anyway I enjoyed this story very much and I eagerly await the next story from Conni!!

Let me say right up front that I have not been a fan of Biblical Fiction but I am very glad I read this book. It was amazing with very real characters, especially Rivakh and Malakhi. Rivakhi is rebelling against a levirate marriage to the younger brother of her deceased husband so she runs away from home and from her Heavenly Father. This story follows the line of a prodigal daughter and the pit that you can fall into when you are away from God. It also depicts forgiveness in a way that only with the help of God are we able to forgive and is a picture of how God forgives us when we rebel against Him. I have been in that situation and so this book really spoke to my heart. I will be looking for more from this Author.

Thank you to NetGalley for the privilege of reading this book. All views are my own.

I delighted in the first two books in the Cities of Refuge series. Though there were portions in each one I didn’t necessarily appreciate, I loved the overall setting and story, and couldn’t wait until the next one finally arrived. For me, that happened just a few weeks ago, when I was able to download Until the Mountains Fall! What an absolutely amazing book!

One of my most favorite aspects of Cossette’s writing is that not only is it Biblically sound for the most part, but I also feel immersed in the culture when I read her books. Unlike other books I’ve read, even the little details are accounted for here—and I love that! One little example would be the fact that one of the characters mentioned the Mosaic stipulation that any recently-married man cannot go to war for a year. It wasn’t a big thing—only mentioned once in the Torah, I think, but I loved that it was in there at all!

The story itself was special too, in so many ways. I loved the main characters AND understood why they did things the way they did. The things they faced were so difficult, but I loved the love and courage here. I also appreciated the glimpse into the Canaanite world here; it wasn’t too overt most of the time; you found out what was happening, but only enough to know. While remaining as discrete as possible, we still got a sense for why the Lord hated some of the religious actions of the Canaanites—and why He told the Israelites to kill them. The whole theme of the prodigal son was beautiful as well.

As a continuation of the series, I feel like Cossette outdid herself. It’s definitely my favorite so far! There were a few scenes I would have preferred to be a bit less graphic, but I completely understand why they had to be the way they are, too. Some of the romance and kissing was again a bit on the detailed side for me, although I didn’t notice it as much in this book as in the two previous ones. Recommended if you love good Biblical fiction.

I requested a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest opinion of it.

Until the Mountains Fall is probably my favorite book by Ms. Cossette. The Cities of Refuge books touch on a little known period of history following the Israelites return to the Promised Land of Israel, before the book of Judges. Cossette's attention to historical detail and vivid descriptions combine with elegant prose in an enthralling story that transcends historical settings and is relevant even today.

The compelling theme of forgiveness is interwoven in this re-telling of the prodigal son, in this case a daughter, in a way that convicts the reader. One scene in particular had me hiding my tears as I was reading on a airplane.

Recently widowed, Rivkah rebels against her father's wishes to marry her to her husband's brother and runs away. In her search for freedom, she finds herself shackled both physically and spiritually. I loved Malakhi. Cossette gives the reader a noble hero, one filled with integrity. His love for Rivkah was kept hidden while she was married to his brother. But how can he convince Rivkah that his love is real? Can he forgive her betrayal? As the threat of war between the Israelites and the neighboring countries becomes a reality, can Rivkah find a way to return home?

While this book can be read as a standalone, well-loved characters from the first two books in this series, while not the principal characters, have important roles. The spiritual themes of mercy and the healing of the brokenhearted are woven throughout the series.

A couple of my favorite quotes:

"Our family was built atop the ruins of tragedy, each brick fashioned by mercy."

"There is nothing you have done or will do that will ever erase the love I have for you."

"It is time for us to move forward -together- and stop flogging ourselves for whatever lays behind."

Connilyn Cossette is one of my go-to authors for biblical fiction. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I always love Connilyn's book and this did not disappoint!
This is a Biblical fiction novel set during the time just before the Judges in the Old Testament, but also a retelling of the Prodigal Son and so well done it's most of the whole book before you realize it is a retelling of the prodigal story.
I loved it so much and had to keep reading. I also love how it connects to the older books while still moving along and I don't want this series to end.

Honestly, I never thought I would want to read Biblical fiction, but this author has it down! The research that goes into this series is phenomenal. I have loved this series and this book just added on to the already fantastic books of The Cities of Refuge Series.

Rivkah is a recent widow whose father has arranged a marriage to her deceased husband's brother. A type of arrangement known as a Levirate marriage where she is to marry the brother of her husband. She is not happy... And she flees the city of Kedesh where she lives. Eventually her heart changes and .... well, you will need to read it! Can't give it all away.

The book is so fascinating it will be impossible to lay down. You'll love reading this book! It brings Biblical times to life. It's so interesting to find yourself there in those days and the different culture and lives that these people lived. It was a well-crafted book you will want to share with all your friends!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

Written about the time period when the Israelites returned to their Promised Land of Israel, this novel focuses on Rivkah, a recent widow. She was to enter in marriage with her husband's younger brother Malakhi so that he might have an heir when she flees her home. The author weaves a beautiful story of love and forgiveness not unlike the Prodigal son. This is the third in the series. Highly recommended!

I love biblical fiction and Connilyn Cossette writes some of the best. This is one of my favorite series. It is so neat to be able to learn a little bit about what might have really happened in a City Of Refuge. This book has fantastic characters. Rivkah and Malachi were both very young when this story starts and they both needed to grow up and learn to trust in God so that they could come together. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

"Until the Mountains Fall" is by Connilyn Cossette. This book is a Biblical fiction book and is so well written. It is the third book in the City of Refuge series. Rivkah lives in the City of Refuge called Kedesh. Her husband
died and according to the Torah she has to marry her husband's brother. She was not comfortable with her husband's brother and resisted any possibility of marrying him. She yearned for her freedom and wanted to leave Kedesh so she would not have to marry her husband's brother. She felt tremendous pressure from her family to follow of the Torah but she did not want to do as she was told to do. Malachi , her husband's brother loved Rivkah for years and was happy to have the opportunity to marry Rivkah. Rivkah left Kadesh in the middle of the night so she could not be stopped and ended up in a foreign , worldly land. She became a scribe to support herself. She was her owners slave and forced to work for him for many years. The people where she lived did not follow the Torah. What became of Rivkah in this foreign land? The reader will develop a deeper understanding about life during the Old Testaments times. The setting, characters are described so well and the reader will feel like they are part of the story. I highly recommend this story. Thank you to netgalley , the publisher Bethany House and the author for allowing me to read and review this wonderful book. I am not obligated to give a positive review.

** I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Like all of Connilyn Cossette’s books, this was beautiful, breathtaking, inspiring, and moving. I absolutely adore the Biblical setting and have come away from her books with such a richer understanding of these Old Testament times!

While maybe moving a little slower than past novels, with more focus on character development in fewer characters, the richness and impact of this novel is not to be disregarded. The whole story being a Prodigal Son analogy blew me away—and I loved the New Testament/Old Testament crossover. Rivkah was an especially amazing character, her arc so incredible to watch, and so easily to care about. Malahki as well. Both these characters drove the story more powerfully than many plot lines, and held me captive as I watched them unfold into who they were created to be. <SPOILER> Even though their romance was predictable, it did not lessen the enjoyment I found in reading it, nor my smile at their eventual union. <SPOILER>. Each character, though many, held a significant part in the plot, creating a very lifelike story. The author does amazing at keeping all the characters straight and distinct and pulling them all in so very carefully.

As with the author’s other novels, this book is one of the very few that I really soaked in its length without feeling dragged out or bogged down by unnecessary scenes. I could have read about Rivkah and Malahki forever!

All in all, this book impressed me in creativity and setting and character and story, held my attention all the way through, and is another amazing installment in the author’s works. I’m already counting down until her next book!

If you are a reader of Biblical history you will surely love Until The Mountains Fall. Written during the time of the kings in Bible times, it is not based on any particular bible character just during that time. A time when a man died and left no children, his brother was to marry the widow and the first child born to that union would carry the name of the deceased husband. Newly widowed Rivkah balks when her father promises her in marriage to the younger brother who in her childhood she never got along with. He always tormented her and was a charmer. She could not feature her life joined with this flirtatious full of himself individual. 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 in running away as he has always secretly loved her and was looking forward to this union. The twists and turns this story takes as Malakhi searches for her makes for a very interesting book that will keep you reading to see how it will turn out. Loved reading of the faithfulness of God and how He will make a way for His chosen people. I highly recommend this book…..I received a copy from the publisher and Netgalley and I am happy to leave this review.

This series has been incredible and gotten more so with each book! I absolutely loved this storyline. I have struggled with reading the Old Testament, but the author brings this time period to life in a way that makes me want to dive into it more than ever!

Following along with the previous books, we pick up with the same family in Malakhi being given his brother's wife in a betrothal after Gildal dies. Unfortunately, Rivkah is mourning not only the loss of her husband of a few months, but also still the lingering loss of her mother years before. Her displeasure of the betrothal turns into a betrayal of not only her family, but Malakhi's as well.

This is an amazing story of redemption that parallels scripture in a beautiful way. God sees and hears our faults. He is pained by our choices, but He loves us in a way we can never truly understand. There's also an example of the prodigal son seen through the stories of the characters.

The writing brings the time of the Cities of Refuge alive. It's easy to picture how people are living their lives as you read each page. As the characters spend time in different locations, your heart grieves as you see how far the Israelites have fallen away from God by disobeying His laws and turning to idols as well as other unholy living. As scenes unfold I wanted to shake characters as well as hug them at the same time. lol

Honestly, it's hard to put into words how amazing this story is. Can I say how sad I am that I read it so quickly. I'm already missing the characters! I can't wait for book 4 to come out!

Until the Mountains Fall is the third book in the Cities of Refuge series, and while it can be read as a stand alone, DON'T. You will be doing yourself a great injustice if you don't read them all and in order. Connilyn is a master story weaver and this series is just so beautifully and flawlessly intertwined. Also, the first in the series is resolved in this book and you NEED the backstory for the full effect.

I honestly didn't care for Rivkah at first but then I saw myself in her. She is the prodigal daughter that we've all been at one time or another and her story has blessed me immensely. I went to bed after finishing this book just crying and thanking God for always welcoming me back with open arms.
Then there's Malakhi. Sweet, loyal, and soft hearted Malakhi. I have all the heart eyes for him.

I really didn't think Connilyn could outdo herself after the first book, but this one is by far my favorite. It's going to be one of those books that stay with me forever.

Oh, and make sure you have tissues for this one!

*Disclaimer - I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As a genre, Biblical fiction is one of the most difficult to write. The author must be well-versed not only in the ancient historical setting, but also of course in the Bible itself. To break it down further, crafting stories that occur during the time of the Old Testament adds to the challenge because the mindset is different. There is a shift from being under the law in the Old Testament to faith and forgiveness in Christ after the Resurrection, as exemplified in Galatians 3:24-25: “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” This change in the way of life distinguishes the Old and New Testaments and as such establishes a requisite precedent for any writing in the genre.

Connilyn Cossette fulfills these standards with aplomb in book three of the Cities of Refuge series, “Until the Mountains Fall.” Opening in the serene refuge city of Kedesh in 1380 BC, this story employs fictional main characters to transport the reader to ancient Israel, bringing the Old Testament vividly to life and foreshadowing the coming of Christ. Despite the differences of living in a post-Resurrection world today, many themes remain the same, now embodied with even more hope in the realization of the Savior. As a result, this story resonates in a deeply intimate way, whether readers are familiar with the Bible or not.

Told in a dual first-person narrative, “Until the Mountains Fall” follows Rivkah and Malakhi along a twisting path to discovering the unrelenting grace of Yahweh (God). Following the death of her new husband, Rivkah is subject by the Torah law to a levirate marriage, in which she will marry her husband’s brother, Malakhi. My heart ached for Rivkah from the outset. She is very independent and intelligent and has an arrogance about her that leads her to rebel against how trapped she feels. Still, rather than disliking her character, I felt empathy and pity for her. I appreciated that she was a female scribe who loved languages: “The dance of ink over finely woven plant fibers became an act of worship, a connection to the Creator of language himself, especially when the words of a new song spilled from my heart onto a sheet of papyrus.” What an incredible description of our God-given skills when we use them for His glory!

Like so many of us, Rivkah wants to be in control of her own life, and she ends up reaping the consequences of her irresponsible choices. Her betrothed, Malakhi, also endures the costs of her decisions, the reverberations of which reach farther than she could ever have realized. Rivkah’s faith journey becomes derailed as she drifts farther from Yahweh, only to ultimately come to realize that no one can outrun God’s magnificent grace.

Epitomizing the story of the prodigal, “Until the Mountains Fall” is an engaging story with a beautiful message of redemption. The time lapses in the narrative are at times somewhat disconcerting but contrast well with the gradual and thoughtful unveiling of the storyline. There are plenty of twists that enhance the plot and take it far beyond a simple romance, as well as tear-jerker scenes. There is some mature and violent content, but it is tastefully done, without graphic details, and these scenes are integral to the story. Although each book can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading the Cities of Refuge series in order, as the characters carry over and their stories intertwine. Regardless, though, “Until the Mountains Fall” is a breathtaking, heartrending, and ultimately redemptive story of deliverance, highlighting the grace, mercy, and loving care of God, our Abba Father.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.

With this story, Connilyn Cossette has permanently jumped onto my list of auto buy authors! I don’t read a lot of Biblical fiction, but if Connilyn Cossette’s name is on it, I’m going to read it! She writes stories that are so lyrical and beautiful and moving. Her characters are ones that will stick with you for a long long time. This entire series is amazing!

Let’s start with Malakhi. What an incredible character! He was so giving, caring, kind, and patient (especially with Rivkah!) At one point in this story, I was telling Malakhi to forget Rivkah because she was so selfish and so unlikable. But, due to incredible writing skill, by the end of the story, I loved her as much as Malakhi! She grew so much throughout this prodigal “son” story! The ending brought me to tears more than once!

I loved that we got to catch up with Moriyah and Darek and Eitan and Sofea from books one and two. And, somehow, Ms. Cossette actually made me tear up when something happens to a character I have disliked from the book 1! This is a beautiful story one I highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Until the Mountains Fall is author Connilyn Cossette's third book in the Cities of Refuge series. It is an amazing and remarkable story. Biblical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read and this book went way above my expectations. Cossette is an expert storyteller and has woven a wonderful tale of a young widow being compelled into marriage to her brother-in-law. Impulsively Rivkah flees from all she has ever known to a city that stood in direct opposition to everything she loved about the city of her family. Would she find the peace of mind and spirit that she seeks? She knew she could never go home again but would she survive on her own? The suspense of this story is intense as Rivkah faces men who mean her evil, a life of being indentured, a life away from her family and those who truly care about her. The characters have depth and reality and their emotions and strengths and failures resonate well with readers. A father who would stop looking for his daughter only when the mountains fell; a betrothed husband who never stops loving her and yet grieves what should have been; a woman on her own in an unfamiliar world. The descriptive scenes take readers right back to the ancient days and places and put them right into the story. Cossette skillfully wields her pen into the creation of beautiful imagery—“The notes of her laughter twirled through the air like butterflies alight on the breeze.” "The sound of your voice beneath the terebinth tree followed me everywhere I went, even into battle." Until the Mountains Fall is a captivating glimpse into the life of the nation of Israel as it faces the consequences of choosing to serve gods other than the One Who Sees and yet it is also a glimpse into the life of a young woman full of grief and misperceptions. It is a story of each of our lives as we have hopes and dreams that may be shattered and as we make choices that bring severe consequences. And yet at the end of the road there He is--the Almighty God--who is waiting and working in our lives all along for our return to Him. It is a story of fears, of unconditional love and one of mercy, a gift that is not earned--it is given. Don't miss this marvelous book, it will hold you spellbound until the end and then leave you wanting more.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher, Bethany House, and a favorable review was not required. The opinions are my own.

Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette is one of the best books I've read this year. The author combined a captivating plot, steady romantic tension, and deep character development to create a tale that made me laugh, cry, and stay up way too late.

Despite her immaturity and poor choices, Rivkah is my favorite character in this novel. I liked her even when she was making her mistakes as the prodigal daughter of a priest. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Rivkah and Malakhi grow individually and together. Many difficulties, some self-inflicted, trouble their lives and relationship. Brokenness, consequences, and scars made their journeys realistic. However, like the other novels in the series, Until the Mountains Fall presents a theme of something beautiful rising out of tragedy.

Until the Mountains Fall is the third installment in Connilyn Cossette's Cities of Refuge series. I think the novel could be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading the series in order to get the vibrant, full experience. Until the Mountains Fall is tied with A Light on the Hill for my favorite book by Connilyn Cossette. Five stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

I am going to tell you a story that has absolutely nothing to do with my review of this book but yet has absolutely everything to do with my review of this book.  I have read every single book that Connilyn Cossette has published.  I've been a huge fan hooked on her way with words from the beginning.  Once upon a time I was blessed to be part of her launch team. . .and then Facebook happened.  If you aren't in that loop I'll make a post about it some day but suffice it to say someone reported my name (please people, more people in my life know me as Fizzy than as my given name!) and I'm just stubborn enough to refuse to change it!  With the loss of Facebook came the loss of my launch teams, my author pages, basically all the bookish circles I revolve in on a daily basis.  I was devastated to say the least and floundered for a hot minute or ninety.  I had to get my bookish mojo back and it's happening but then with this book coming out I had to get it, launch team or no it's Connilyn people!

'Until the Mountain Falls' is the third book in the Cities of Refuge series.  Oh the lengths I'll go to ensure I don't miss a word!  We get to watch as Moriyah's family grows up and expands.  We get to watch as her family comes into their own.  This book is all about Malakhi, sorta.  It's also about Rivkah, mostly.  Malakhi is a son of Moriyah and Darek, brother of Eitan.  Rivkah is the daughter of the high priest of Kedesh was married to Malakhi's older brother Gidah. Shortly after their marriage he passes away from a snake bite.  You can get all this and more (like the levirate marriage that was aranged between Malakhi and Rivkah and build up to the good stuff) but here's what you aren't going to read about. . .without spoilers as much as possible.  The back cover doesn't tell you about the depth of Rivkah's dissatisfaction with this marriage arrangement.  I mean Malakhi made her growing up years absolutely miserable with the teasing.  She is so in shatters about losing her husband of four months, whom she did care for, to being tossed into a betrothal to the bane of her existence a month later that she is willing to risk everything she knows to escape.  And by everything I mean that once she left and made some sketchy choices she bound herself into an indentured contract instead of going home.  I mean who does that?  Sells themself into slavery because they can't bear to go home?  Apparently Rivkah does.

Meanwhile poor Malakhi is beside himself.  He's finally going to get to marry the woman he has loved since he was a mere child, the woman he has placed on a pedestal so high he can't see the real her.  When she leaves he is devastated and throws himself into his carpentry and his military service.  After going to try to find her of course.  He refuses to consider any other marriage despite his families attempts to hook him up so to speak.  Needless to say there's a lot that happens to both of them in their separateness and a lot that happens to ultimately bring them back into contact.   What they do with that contact is up to them.  Connilyn talks a lot about the parallels to the prodigal son in reference to this book.  I totally get that.  Here's something else to consider.  No matter how much you think you know someone until you invest in really getting to know their motives, the essence of who they are, you only know them how you filter them into your life.  There's a little Malakhi in each of us, that person who does things with the best of intentions but they aren't viewed in the way they are intended.  We also have a lot of Rivkah in us, that person who filters the world down to just our view without stepping back to truly examine intentions.  Honestly though, at the end of the day what I loved about this book is watching these two grow.  Watching them find their true selves whether it's in bound to a master you can't respect or searching for a love that wasn't returned.  Watching these two people re-find each other in a timing that can only be orchestrated by God.  I can't say too much without giving too much away but trust me. . . you can't miss this book.  And with the huge cliffhanger at the end book 4 'Like Flames in the Night' is already on the waiting impatiently list!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Until the Mountains Fall is the third book in the Cities of Refuge series. You could read this story first without being confused, but it is best if read as the third book in the series as Cossette ties up a few things from the beginning of this series.

Rivkah is the main character. She has recently lost her husband to a tragic accident, and her father wants her to fulfill the Leverite marriage to Malakhi. Rivkah is independent, and strong willed. She works as a scribe for her father who is priest. Rivkah doesn't want a loveless marriage, and decides to run away. She hatches a plan with her friend Nessa to leave their quiet town of Kedesh and go to a Canaanite festival in the nearby town of Laish. This begins an adventure of serious consequences that Rivkah and Nessa may never be able to return from.

Malakhi is a handsome young man who has the eye of many young Jewish girls. Yet, he only has eyes for Rivkah. While he was the young he played many tricks on Rivkah to capture her attention and maybe receive a smile from his friend. All of these tricks come back to haunt him as a young man who is willing to fulfill the Leverite marriage to Rivkah. He suffers quietly as Rivkah tries to get Malakhi to divorce her because she is an awful cook, or destroys his clothing. Malakhi's patience is proven time and again. Once Rivkah disappears, Malakhi trains to be a warrior like his father. This ultimately brings about the reconciliation of Rivkah and Malakhi after many years of pain and heartache.

I loved this story and was pleasantly surprised to have a new spin on the parable of the Prodigal Son. The unfailing love of family overflows from this story. Cossette's research, relatable characters and insight into life during the Old Testament will draw the reader into the story. I couldn't put the book down.

My thanks to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the complimentary e-book in exchange for my review.

Wow! Another amazing book by Connilyn Cossette! Throughout this book is the theme of the forgiveness that comes from love. The best way to describe it is as a “prodigal daughter” story, but parts of it that reminded me of the parable of the lost sheep. There were parts that made me cry and my heart ache. Parts of this story really made me stop to think about God’s amazing love for us as our “Abba” and the forgiveness that comes from His love. That He will never give up on us when we make mistakes, but that all we need to do is turn back and run into His loving embrace.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Until the Mountains Fall is a riveting, compelling, and poignant tale of redemption, forgiveness, and mercy told in Connilyn Cossette’s inimitable way. The beauty of her prose shines through in this story reminiscent of the story of the prodigal son from the New Testament. With a richly painted setting of Israel in around 1380 B.C. and meticulously drawn, multi-layered characters, this tale drew me in and kept me enthralled and turning pages. Cossette’s exquisite writing combined with her obvious knowledge of Biblical times have made this Cities of Refuge series a favorite of mine. It’s been fascinating learning more of the customs, beliefs, heritage, and traditions of the Israelites during this time period.

Cossette’s memorable and vibrant characters quickly endeared themselves to me, although I must admit that it took me a while to warm up to Rivkah. I felt she was a bit—okay, a lot—impetuous, and I wanted to smack her at a few points in the story. Of course, she had to face the consequences of her rash decisions. Malakhi was a perfect hero—courageous, patient, forgiving, kind, and loyal. A superb cast of secondary characters added much to the story. It was fun seeing many characters from previous books in the series.

With a perfect balance of heart-pounding suspense, personal growth, redemption, and a side of romance, this book has a little of everything. I also loved the message of the importance of family. “The mountains will fall into dust before I will ever give up on my daughter.” This book is definitely one for the keeper shelf. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This may be my favorite book in this series. This story does a great job at bringing a slightly less known bible time to life in an intriguing and interesting way. The vivid details and lively characters drew me into this book making it hard to put down. This book stands on its own, but I highly recommend that you read the first two books in this series.

Connilyn Cossette continues her excellent Biblical based fiction Cities of Refuge series in Until the Mountains Fall, focusing on Rivkah who was just a young girl in the last book of the series. Without giving away too many spoilers of the previous two books, Rivkah is a young widow who is thrown into a difficult situation. Instead of staying and facing what Rivkah sees as a miserable union, she runs away from her home in Kedesh and her only family and friends. Although Rivkah planned on utilizing her non-traditional skills as a woman scribe to support herself, she is quickly thrown into a world far outside of her comfort and far from the way she was taught and raised.  She ends up indentured to a wicked man and slaving away as a scribe, desperately trying to protect those she has come to love as family.

Malakhi has always secretly admired his childhood friend and playmate Rivkah, yet when his brother married her, he hid away his pain and supported his brother and new sister-in-law.  Later when tragedy strikes his family, Malakhi is tasked with fulfilling the command of the Torah to marry his brother's widow and carry on the family name.  Although he is happy to have the opportunity to marry Rivkah, he soon finds out that his intended is vehemently opposed to their union.  When Rivkah runs away he is heartbroken and angry, venting his anger and loss into obsession on physical training for war.

Many years pass from this point, during which Rivkah and Malakhi each have struggles and challenges that change them and build their character and maturity. Eventually they end up reuniting but in a strikingly changed ranks in society.  Will their past hurts be overcome?  Can Malakhi forgive Rivkah for her running away as well as her carefully guarded secret? Can they even return to their home city of Kedesh?  Will they survive the war swiftly approaching Israel from the Caananites?  What will happen?  Pick up Until the Mountains Fall to find out. It is definitely worth the read!

I absolutely love this series by Ms. Cossette, not only does she capture the intricacies of each character's individual strengths, faults, and personality, but she also masterfully creates an entire web of suspense, mystery, and emotion in this entire book. I also greatly appreciated the faults of the characters--their doubts, worries, and self-critical attitudes-- which made them seem more human and relatable.  I absolutely enjoyed seeing how the main characters overcame many difficulties, whether physical handicaps, emotional loss, grief, loss of respect, indentureship, unexpected responsibilities, or even of past hurt and bitterness. This book is full of themes of forgiveness, family, heartwarming sacrifices, faith, strength, courage, and love. Overall, this was an excellent work and I would highly recommend it.  I really hope you have the chance to read this work (or any of the Cities of Refuge series).

Disclaimer: Bethany House Publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book.  All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased honest review

Until the Mountains Fall is another beautiful piece of Biblical fiction in the Cities of Refuge series. This is the story of Malakhi and Rivkah and delves into the law of the Levirate marriage and shows us how and what that may have looked like.

First off, my words are not going to do justice to this truly lovely story. I was mesmerized from the first page and knew just from the back cover there was going to be some heartbreak. I was right there with Rivkah and understood the entrapment feelings she had. Doing her best to obey her loving father yet knowing within herself she would not be happy with Malakhi whom she still saw as her childhood tormentor. However, like the rest of us we can’t see past the nose on our own face and we tend to make more of a mess with our lives when we step out of the way we know to be right. Rivkah learns this fairly early on but believes as a true prodigal daughter, and a lot of us, that there is no hope for us. That we need to make the best of a bad situation.

And then there was Malakhi who has loved Rivkah for so long and truly wants to honor his deceased brother’s family line and to love Rivkah as the wife he now has a chance with. My heart broke for him as he must endure Rivkah’s abandonment and her callous treatment toward his love and feelings for her. Both of these characters I was rooting for and knew that whatever they were going to endure, that by the end of the story their love would be all the stronger for it.

If you have not given Biblical fiction a chance yet, I suggest you try this author out. Her stories consist of great characters, unbelievable odds, and takes the Mosaic laws that seem so far removed from us today and shows just how invaluable they were to the Hebrew people while also mirroring our own culture. Simply wonderful storytelling and writing.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Until the Mountains Fall, book three from Connilyn Cossette's series, Cities of Refuge, is a pretty good read. I enjoyed the author's vivid details of the time period. I feel like I was right there living among the characters and being part of the story. It tells a beautiful story of God's love, forgiveness, and redemption.
I give Until the Mountains Fall a well deserved five plus stars and highly recommend it for readers who enjoy Biblical fiction. This book should not be missed.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

In this Historical/Romance novel we also get a great story about the "Cities of Refuge" in Old Testament Israel as well as the concept of Levirate marriage. Connilyn Cossette does a magnificent job of writing an engaging story while providing teaching points for a Biblical Custom.

Rivkah lives in a city of Refuge where her father is the Religious Ruler in charge of those who seek refuge from a Manslayer. These people come here because they have caused the untimely death of an innocent person and they need protection from the Manslayer who might seek revenge for the family who lost a loved one. As such Rivkah see's a lot of distressed and emotionally empty people coming to their city.

But in the midst of this Rivkah marries a good Jewish man but then experiences loss of her own. Her husband dies and leaves her a widow without children. According to their traditions and rules if the deceased husband had no heir and does have a brother, then that brother must marry the widow and provide a child to perpetuate the name of the deceased.

But Rivkah takes exception to the concept of marrying the brother of her deceased husband. She has never liked the young man, he is also younger than her and immature.

Before the marriage can take place she runs away to another city. Here she experiences the loss of everything she has known and everything she owns. Much like the Prodigal Son story in the New Testament. What will Rivkah do? Will she try and return to her family and her home and the arranged marriage?

The story is good and the character development leans itself to letting you feel what young women in Old Testament Israel may have felt. You get a clear picture of their dependence on others. A clear picture of arranged marriages that are not the best. A clear picture of how tradition and laws can actually be somewhat harmful to those they are meant to protect.

I think you will enjoy the story and learning more about Hebrew Culture.

With a gentle nod to the story of the prodigal son, Until the Mountains Fall is a breathtaking addition to the Cities of Refuge series. Cossette masterfully brings the diverse cultures of biblical times to life with vivid authenticity.

The story of Rivkah and Malaki presents a complex combination of childhood frienemies, sibling linked relationship, and marriage of convenience. I was enthralled by each subtle emotion, motivation, and reaction.

Each installment in the Cities of Refuge series occupies its own piece of the timeline and the periods of silence between each story allows them to shine all the brighter individually. I cannot stress enough how highly I recommend it and every previous work by this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Connilyn Cossette's book are always amazing! Unfortunately, I am not as good writing reviews as she is writing books. Everything I attempt to review one of her book I always feel like I don't do it justice, but I will do my best!

This book is the 3rd installment of the Cities of Refuge series. But honestly, her stories are really all tied together; so much that I only ever consider her 2 series as one big whole.
This book centers around another of Moriyah's son, Malakhi, who is now betrothed to Rivkah, his brother's widow. We can to revisit Kedesh and many of the characters from the previous books in the series.
As always, I love seeing each and every one of these characters grow through the books and discover more about each one as their stories unfold.

I don't want to say too much about the story, because I don't want to give anything away. It is so powerful and inspiring! And the ending was unbelievable (that's all I can say).
I honestly can't wait for March 2020, when the next and last installment of Cities of Refuge releases!

Thanks to the publisher for providing me a copy of the book. It did not affect my review.

I would give this book 10 stars if I could....
Rivkah is a grieving widow, with rebellion in her heart. I love her oh-so real and flawed character that spoke to my heart.
Malakhi has loved her from afar for many years, and then when he has the opportunity to have her as his wife, he has to wait even longer - under excruciating circumstances.
They both go through situations that cause them to have changes of heart - and ultimately a humbled obedience to God.
This story is a loosely adapted, but well told, version of the Biblical prodigal son.
This story is suspenseful and has beautiful sweet clean romance. I love the element of unconditional forgiveness and the use of several Hebrew words to describe people, (like Yahweh for God) etc, as well as places, and items, which help give a realistic element to the book overall.

This is only the second book by Connilyn Cossete that I have read. The first one (which was from one of her other series, and that I will not name) was just ok and did not inspire me to want to read more of her work. However... this book - 'Until The Mountains Fall' is SO good, it is now on my favorites list. It is the 3rd installment in the series 'Cities of Refuge'. I will be purchasing the first two in this series as well! I'm sure if they are read in order you will understand a few things better, but really, it could be read as a stand alone book as well. I did not struggle at all.
The author did an excellent job of historical research, which just makes the story come alive.

I was riveted and fully engaged (no exaggeration!) till the very end, and felt a variety of different emotions throughout. The story flowed effortlessly and at a good pace.

I am completely impressed with this author's ability to create a story that used historical facts, and also provided me with a vivid imagining of what is was possibly like in ancient times before the birth of Jesus.
I received an advance review copy from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
This book is definitely on my 'will read again' list!!

Until the Mountains Fall is the 3rd book in the Cities of Refuge series by Connilyn Cossette. This is Christian Historical fiction at it's best! Connilyn Cossette has an amazing ability to weave a story that sinks you right into the surroundings and takes you right along for all the discoveries that the characters are experiencing. This is a wonderful continuation in the Cities of Refuge series, but if you haven't started the series yet, this book can be a stand alone read (but I promise you, you will want to read the other 2 right away).

Until the Mountains Fall Plot

The book begins in 1380 BC in Kedesh, Israel. We meet Rivkah who has recently lost her husband. According to Torah law she is compelled to marry her husband's younger brother, Malakhi, and both families agree to this arrangement for her. Rivkah cannot accept this union in her mind, and when her cousin Nessa tells her that she is going to be leaving Kedesh rather than marry the man that her father has arranged for her marriage, Rivkah decides to leave with her and try life on her own. She was raised to learn a variety of languages and has become a talented scribe and knew that she would be able to support herself.

They travel with 2 male relatives of Nessa's and arrive in the city of Laish. This city is so different than the world that Rivkah had grown up in, the market is different, the goods that are being sold are different, and when a huge celebration takes place that evening, she finds herself experimenting with new drinks and social interactions. She meets an interesting gentleman and has a nice evening with him. However the next morning she has no memory of where she is when she awakes, the goods that she had brought with her for bartering are gone, and there are tears in her clothing that she can't explain. How is she going to deal with this situation?

We jump ahead 5 years and we learn that Malakhi has secretly been in love with Rivkah, even before she married his older brother. When Rivkah disappeared he actively searched for her but when the clues to her whereabouts ran out he had to move on with his life. He trains to be a soldier and joins the fights against the Canaanites. When he is seriously injured in an encounter he returns to Kedesh and tends to the crops that his brother had kept. One day, Rivkah's father come to him with a request that requires him to decide what he needs to do, and how far he is willing to go to track down this strange lead about Rivkah.

What we learn about the sacrifices that Rivkah had to make, for family, and for her survival, has the reader torn about whether she wants to be found, and whether she will ever be able to go home again. Both Rivkah and Malakhi have grown a lot in those 5 missing years. Can their lives ever connect again?

Until the Mountains Fall is a fabulous read and you will learn so much about the history of this time and the traditions of a variety of different cultures and practices. This is a book that I am trilled to recommend for your summer reading pleasure.

I’ve read all the books in the Cities of Refuge series and this one fits right in with the rest of them. Though this book is part of a series, you don’t have to read the other two to understand the plot. The other two have unique plots that find their own resolution, however, characters from the first book reappear in this one, though as secondary characters.

The story follows Rivkah, a young widow betrothed to Malakhi, her late husband’s younger brother. They sort of had problems with each other as children, though to Malakhi, it was playful banter on his part. Nevertheless, Rivkah doesn’t like the idea of marrying him and runs away when she gets the chance.

This is a character driven story for the most part. As Rivkah faces the consequences of her actions, she goes through a transformation, which leads to regret. But the thing I loved most was the message of redemption woven in Rivkah’s character. Connilyn is good with taking broken characters and uncovering the gems hidden within them. I’m honestly inspired after reading her stories.

I really found no glaring weaknesses in this story. The pacing was good, and there was enough suspense and vividness from characters and environment that kept my interest. I would highly recommend, especially to those who love biblical history fiction.

***This book was given to me by NetGallery for an honest review.***

Recently widowed Rivkah rebels against the Levitical marriage arranged by her father to her late husband's younger brother, Malakhi. Malakhi teased her tirelessly when they were children, and she cannot imagine a marriage to him, so she flees with her newfound friend away from Kedesh.



Malakhi has loved Rivkah since they were children, teasing her to get her attention, but when a marriage was arranged between her and his brother, Gidal, he stepped back. Malakhi is please to be betrothed to Rivkah, and hopes that she can see the man he has become, but when she runs away, and he is injured in battle not long after, he wonders if he should give up on the woman he had hoped to call his own.



Rivkah is headstrong and hurting, rash and quick tempered, a series of choices leave her shamed and destitute. At first I struggled to like her, but as she matured and the story progressed it was clear that she had become a courageous woman, willing to sacrifice everything for her family.



Malakhi is no longer a boy, playing childish games to get Rivkah's attention. He never stopped caring for her, despite her marriage to his brother. So when he gets the chance to honor his brother and marry the woman he loves, he accepts. He tries patiently to win her love, growing into a natural leader of men, carpenter and warrior. I admired his steadfast patience, throughout the entire story he is honorable and loves fiercely.



A powerful tale of forgiveness and unconditional love, set the days after the Israelites took possession of the Promised Land. I loved revisiting Kedesh and Moriyah's family. Connilyn Cossette expertly weaves a poignant prodigal love story against a realistic Biblical setting. She does an excellent job of showing the struggles that the Hebrews likely faced living among pagan neighbors in the Promised Land. A riveting read, with verdant descriptions, and lush adjectives. You won't want to miss this memorable story of love and God's grace.



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I truly enjoyed this book. The only reason I put this down to a 4-star is because when I got about 75% through, I got mad and didn’t want to continue, but knew I had to. I did get into the story of Rivkah and Malakhi, but I also got quite upset with her slave master.

This is about a young gal, Rivkah, who is recently widowed. According to the Levitical law, she is to marry her deceased husband’s brother, Malakhi. He has been smitten with her since age 14, but she still sees him as that boy who teased her throughout childhood. She is a woman, having been married. Her father is the head priest of the city, which is a refuge city. The timing of this book is at the death of Joshua.

Rivkah and Malakhi’s cousin decide they are going to run away from their pre-arranged marriages that their fathers had made upon them. Rivkah, through wrong decisions, ends up a slave for 5 years. In that time, she gives birth to her husband’s son. Having been a scribe at the temple for her father, her talents are widely sought.

In time Malakhi does find her, but will love ever blossom for her? While she was gone had she done things she should not have done? In the meantime, the Arameans are on their way to burn the city down. What will happen to Rivkah? Will she let Malakhi save her and her son? The answers will be revealed when you read this book.

Recently widowed, Rivkah refuses to submit to the Torah law compelling her to marry her husband's brother and instead flees Kedesh, hoping to use her talents as a scribe to support herself. Without the protections of her father, Kedesh's head priest, and the safety of the city of refuge, Rivkah soon discovers that the cost of recklessness is her own freedom.

Connilyn Cossette is the CBA-Bestselling, Christy Nominated author of the Out from Egypt Series and the Cities of Refuge Series. When she's not engulfed in the happy chaos of homeschooling two teenagers, devouring books whole, or avoiding housework, she can be found digging into the rich ancient world of the Bible. She delights in discovering new gems of grace that point to Jesus and weaving them into an immersive fiction experience. Although she and her husband have lived all over the country in the last twenty-plus years, they currently call North Carolina home.

Until Mountains Fall became available for sale July 2, 2019. It is the 3rd book in the Cities of Refuge series.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from NetGalley for this review.

I must admit that my knowledge of the Old Testament is limited but Connilyn Cossette is rectifying that in spades. This is top-notch historical fiction, highly researched with characters that you grow to care about.
Throughout this book, you'll be experiencing customs and rituals that are foreign. For instance, Torah law states that a widow must marry her husband's brother which is what our main character, Rivkah, faces. Does she obey the tradition of her faith or rebel against it?
The author includes a map of the areas that are introduced in this book as well as an informative Author's Note at the end of the book. Readers will want to be sure to catch those as they help digest the wealth of historical info found in Until the Mountains Fall.
You can't help but root for each of the characters as they face some overwhelming odds. As always, the writing is exceptional, drawing you into the past.
I received an Advance Review of this book. All opinions are my own.
agreen@bethanyhouse.com @connilyncossette

I've been a huge fan of her biblical fiction since I read her very first one! This book is the third in her Cities of Refuge series. And, as each book prior, it's my new favorite!!

(I've actually had this book laying here, on top of my reading pile...waiting to be read...but because life has been crazy recently, and then there were other books demanding to be read, I kinda kept putting this one to the side. :( )

Now, this week I decided I just HAD to read it, and once I started, I didn't want to stop!!

Ms. Cossette's writing has a way of drawing me right into those long-ago days, makes me feel as if I'm there.

I had a love/hate relationship with Rivkah. She's a great main character, because she's so complex. I say love/hate...well, because. I'll see if I can put it into words. You'll just have to read the book though, to really get it.

I loved her because...well, she's so great. She's just gorgeous (I mean, look at that cover!). She's smart, one of the very few women scribes in her day, she's a strong woman.

I hated her because...well, she was a jerk. Her actions brought much sadness to her family, and all of those closest to her.

Her husband Gidal dies only a few short months after they were wed. Then her father expects her to marry his brother, Malachi, in tradition with their Levite law. Malachi, though he's been her friend ever since those early childhood days, is not acceptable as a husband in Rivkah's eyes. In short, she considers him only but a boy. So she does everything she can to make him hate her, in hopes that he will break their betrothal. When this doesn't work, she runs away.

I don't want to say more about this story, because I don't want to give any spoilers.

It's a lovely, lovely story. Full of depth, layered characters, all placed in a setting that's so well written you can see it.

I loved seeing the characters developing as the story progresses. And the many truths that this author wove seamlessly into this hauntingly beautiful tale. This is a story that will linger long after you finish the last page.

After reading this newest installment, Connilyn Cossette remains on my list of must-read authors! (probably the only biblical fiction author on my list, if that tells you anything! :) )

Another thing I wanted to add...This book also got one of my daughters hooked. She saw the cover, but hadn't read any biblical fiction before...then she picked it up and started reading...and absolutely loved it! :) Now she also wants to read all the rest!

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

What a excellent addition to the Cities of Refuge by Connilyn Cossette!
Desription: recently widow, Ravikah refuses to submit to the Torah law compelling her to marry her husband's brother and instead flees Kedesh, hoping to use her talents as a scribe to support herself. Malachi has secretly loved Rickman for years, but never imagined his older brothers death would mean wedding her. After her disappearance, he throws himself into the ongoing fights against the Canaanites instead of dwelling on all he had lost.

My thoughts: A wonderful example of what it must have been like living in the past during bible times! I thought about the tradition of marrying a member of your husband's family upon your husband death and what that must have been like! I go be honest would rather marry someone I love and not to be forced. I love the adventure that both characters went through.

I recommend this book with 5 stars The book can stand alone. I like to read series in order especially if some characters might be mentioned in New book

Until the Mountains Fall is a beautiful addition to the Cities of Refuge series. The setting, characters, and story are so fully realized that I was hard pressed to put the book down. Rivkah is not the easiest character to love, however, her growth throughout the story is a thing of beauty. Nursing some deep hurts, she makes a selfish decision that ultimately alters the very course of her life. Time passes, and we see her again, a much more careful and guilt-laden woman.

Malakhi has loved Rivkah for years but determined to set aside his feelings for her once she was betrothed to his brother. After his brother's death, he is to marry her. Both ecstatic and guilty over this, he determines to win her over. Years later, he's been abandoned, and has thrown himself into pursuits of war and fighting. Their meeting after some time has passed is fraught with tension and realistic emotions for both characters. It's an appropriate amount of feeling that accurately brings across the conflict and hurt they experience. It's messy, complicated, and oh so compelling. I just adored their growth as people and the tremendous journey that they undergo.

The story of the prodigal son definitely comes to mind, though in this case, it is Rivkah, the prodigal daughter. I was moved to tears by certain scenes in this novel; this story of forgiveness is beautiful and one I won't soon forget. I was enthralled by the details of the settings; history is truly brought to life! Compelling characters and a heart-tugging story makes Until the Mountains Fall one of my favorite books of 2019. While this novel could be enjoyed as a standalone, I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series, as books one and two are wonderful stories as well. Plus, it's fun to see characters that you've "met" in the previous books.

I received an advanced copy of this novel from the publisher. This review is my honest opinion.

In Until the Mountains Fall, Connilyn Cossette gives us a fresh look at the account of the prodigal son, only in her book, the prodigal is a woman.

We journey with Rivkah as she discovers a world outside the one that chafed her as a young woman and follow Malakhi as he matures from an impetuous teen and betrothed groom into a wise, battle-scarred warrior. Their love story is beautiful, Malakhi's heart for her an example of Christ's love for us, but just as beautiful is the love Rivkah's father carries for her as he never gives up hope that she will return to him.

The characterization is jaw-dropping, and the prose so poetic, the reader can't help but be transported with each page. There are many twists and turns in the plot, each one ratcheting up the stakes and keeping the story tension above the boiling point.
This is the book I'd been waiting for all year. It's been a while since a story took me so far and demanded so much of me, leaving my perspectives changed--or at least giving me a broader perspective on things I already believed to be true. I'm convinced I can't do the book justice with this review. Having started at the beginning of the series, re-reading the first and second titles straight through to the newest, there are no words for some of the emotions provoked by this story.

Thrilled to revisit familiar characters from previous books, I'm amazed at just how interconnected these characters really are, going all the way back into the Out From Egypt Series. (Is there a chart of family trees, please!) It's been some time since I've enjoyed a series as much as I have these books.

Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette

This book tells the story of Rivkah and Malakhi, who were mentioned briefly in a previous book. The author continues the tale that she has told through the Cities of Refuge books. And although I have read her previous books, I think readers who jump in at this book will still follow the storyline fine. But I bet they will go back to read the books that they have missed!

This book remains true to Connilyn’s trademark style of plot twists, in-depth character development and rigorously done research.

I enjoyed reading more about some of her characters from previous books, seeing where their lives had taken them. I also enjoyed reading about the life in Bible times as she depicts.

Her writing style is easily read. The plot twists go beyond what is expected by the reader. And her books make me more interested in reading the Bible to corroborate the story events—a bonus not easily found in fiction!

I heartily recommend this book and all her other books. Readers who enjoy fiction set in Bible times will love this! I received a free copy from the publisher for this, my honest review.

Treasure in Your Own Backyard! In a short time period, Rivkah was married, widowed and is now supposed to marry her deceased husband’s brother. That is, if she does what her father wants, and what the Torah law decrees. But Rivkah is tired of feeling like she never measures up, and not having the freedom to pick what she does with her life. Angry about the situation Rivkah finds herself in, she jumps at the chance to make a hasty decision. Little does she know, that one choice will change the course of her life, as well as, that of others around her—and it will not be for the better.

Rivkah has to deal with the consequences she set in motion. Her life turns around completely, and she learns what it is really like lose her freedom. Although she misses her old life, there is no going back—or is there?

Who hasn’t made a quick decision, and then lived to regret it? Rivkah understands that very well. Can she forgive herself; can others forgive her? Is it too late for her to make any changes?

This is a great story set in ancient Israel that contains twists and turns, surprises, and unexpected results. Until the Mountains Fall is a standalone 5-star story in the Cities of Refuge series, and is a clean tale. This will appeal to those who like things set in earlier times, light thrillers, or romance. NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary review copy.

Until the Mountains Fall is the third book in the Cities of Refuge series by Connilyn Cossette. It can be read indepently, I did that because I got an e-arc for this book, but I ordered book 1&2 immediately after finishing this book because there are characters from former books making an appearances and I’ve become so curious after their stories! There is a fourth book coming, too! Yay!

The book starts with Rivkah, who was recently widowed and is now promised to the younger brother. There is barely any time to grieve, and Rivkah’s very understandably unhappy with the situation, especially because she disliked Malakhai, who bullied her when they were still kids. And though he tries his best and seems changed, he is very capable of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. She seems out of options and runs away, only running away might make it actually worse.

Malakhai can’t let Rivkah go, he has been secretly in love with her for years, and after he has searched everywhere, he leaves for the army.

Of course their paths are destined to cross again one day, but many things have changed - and some things have not.

This was such an exciting read! A bit too much since I read through the night again. I never learn. The story was so good, you really get to understand both Rivkah and Malakhai, they are both very likable characters and they’ve grown so much through the books, both in maturity and faith.

Also, I live for all the wonderful family dynamics. The family is huge yet it’s easy to tell everyone apart. They’re quite unique and I can’t wait to read their stories.

The story never got boring and the pacing was just right. It was so interesting to read about the early days of Israel and the refuge cities! It felt very real to me. The ending was quite spectacular and full of action and redemption and well... basically exactly how I like my endings.

I’m extremely happy I received an e-arc from Bethany&Netgalley! It has not influenced my opinion except my hopes are always higher where Bethany is concerned because I love their published books. This was once again a masterpiece.

Everyone knows the saying " Don't judge a book by its cover" but the truth is that some books are just as amazing as their cover - others not so much! Until the Mountains Fall is one of those books that has a cover that is breathtaking and draws you in immediately. Once you open the pages and begin to read, you quickly realize that it's not just the cover that is breathtaking. The story is as just as beautiful and captivating.

The Cities of Refuge series is at the very top of my favorites list. Every book is just as good as the one before it. Until The Mountains Fall is a heart stopping read that takes place in the city of Kedesh. Rivkah and Malakhi are the main characters who are betrothed by an arranged marriage. Not only are there family heritages deep but their spiritual lineages are rooted deeply as well. Rivkah is against the arrangement of her marriage to Malakhi for many reasons. And Malakhi is aware of her feelings and is trying to put his best foot forward. Despite his efforts, Rivkah takes drastic measures that have drastic consequences. Through many twists and turns the characters begin to discover many truths and lies. As you flip the pages you are hit with betrayal, judgement, death but also joy, love and bonds that cannot be broken.

Once you start reading you simply cannot stop! Truly the words on the page are so engaging and tug at your heart with every page you turn. It feels as though you are in the middle of the story and every scene is being played out with vivid color and movement. If you enjoy Francine Rivers Redeeming Love, you must get this series! And that is a very high praise considering, Redeeming Love is number one on my favorite books I've ever read.

Connilyn Cossette writes Biblical fiction that is fascinating to read. In Until the Mountains Fall, she takes the culture of the post Egypt Israel and weaves into it the parable of the prodigal son.

Rivkah has been sold into a levirate marriage to her late husband's younger brother. She can only remember the times he was a pest while she was hanging out with his older brother. Her father is the head priest of their city of refuge, but Rivkah rebels as hard as she can, up to running away.

For five years, her father and her husband's brother, Malakhi, wait for her to come home. When some priests from another city are bringing a woman convicted of killing her baby, one of the priests hands Rivkah's father a note that was passed to him by a Jewess enslaved to a trader. She takes care of his market booth. The note is the first clue her father and Malakhi have had in five years.

The prodigal part is played out to the very letter of the story Jesus told. When Rivkah returns, her sister Lailah resents her and the attention she is getting.

I love the interweaving of the Old Testament and New Testament to make this story spark. This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a rescue from slavery.

I want to thank Bethany House and NetGalley.com for providing the galley I read for this review.

Until the Mountains Fall is the third book in Connilyn Cossette’s Cities of Refuge series. This is the first book that I’ve read from her, but I don’t think it will be my last.

Rivkah’s husband has died, and according to custom, she is about to be betrothed to her husband’s younger brother; a man who tormented her their entire growing up years. Malakhi is a man in love and he cannot wait to show Rivkah the depths of his affections for her which started long ago when he heard her singing under a tree. All he’s ever wanted to do since her mother died was to make her smile. And he’s going to spend the rest of his life doing just that.

Rivkah cannot stand the thought of being married to a man who tormented her so much, and when the opportunity comes along to run away, she takes it. What that one decision leads to, she never anticipated, and will long regret. Five years later, word has finally come from Rivkah. Malakhi is called on by Rivkah’s father to go an rescue her. Can he do so without losing his heart again to the woman who has caused such bitterness to him and his family?

This story is loosely based on the Prodigal Son, and it held me all the way to the end. I really enjoyed how the Bible, and the cultures and customs of these long laid to rest people, came to life. I was immediately caught up in Rivkah and Malakhi’s story, and I highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. The opinions are my own.

Wow. When you think this author can’t surprise you with a better book than she has written previously, and when she does, you end up sitting on the couch staring at your book for a bit.
That is what I did when I finished this story.
The honor of showing the Prodigal son story, set in the old testament was so touching, I felt every heart strong being pulled. Sacrifice, but also a temptation to sacrifice oneself when you did not need to as well as a clear lesson portrayed well. I loved this series and cannot wait to see more from this author. You want the bible to come alive? Get these books!
I obtained this book from the publisher.

Good book. The story reminded me of the Prodigal Son, only with a female protagonist. I was confused by some of the characters and how they related to the ones from previous stories, but this was resolved on the end. some good historical details and an unconventional romance.

The mountains will fall into dust before I will ever give up on my daughter.

The love of a father is spoken in these words and is there to remind us of the love of our heavenly father. This Old Testament setting is a remake of the Lost Son as told by Jesus to teach us about the love of the Father and also to teach about us. The Lost son also has a brother that has a self-righteousness attitude that will put a wall up on others and receiving the love of God.

Rivkah comes from a line of the Levite tribe. She has been blessed with a father that has taught her the art of writing which was uncommon in the time but the love for his daughter does not hold to what the culture demands. Rivkah recently widowed is now under Torah law to marry his brother. I loved how this was explained and defined for this time and culture. It was needed as many widowed women would become destitute if the law was not applied. Rivkah fought this law by going against her father and her betrothed Malakhi.

Malakhi has loved Rivkah since the two grew up together in their small village. Malakhi was handsome and very young which became Rivkah's disdain. Malakhi knowing the pain of Rivkah's sufferings, was patient with her. A love story that is compelling.

On the day of the wedding Rivkah runs away and leaves behind destruction, more pain and confusion. The narration is done between Rivkah and Malakhi as they go thru their troubled emotions and find their way back to each other. Rivkah's father never gives up hope and after 5 years of not hearing from his daughter until he receives a note from her. It is then he asks Malakhi to bring his daughter back and to forgive the woman that broke his heart.

When they meet up again, they are both changed and have different responsibilities, however, Malakhi and Rivkah come to understanding of the sacrifice of love and what it means. It in these acts of sacrifice, they both become free.

I love a good Christian romance. This has the tension between emotions and what is right and how they find each other. Highly recommend.

A Special Thank you to Bethany House Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

This author who has quickly become one of my favorites.  Right off the bat with her debut novel in 2016, she drew me into her world of biblical fiction, a genre I had previously not generally liked.  I’ve read every book of hers since then, and they’ve all been good reads.  This book is no exception. Rivkah is a young widow whose father is Kedesh’s high priest who wants her to follow the Torah law to marry her late husband’s brother to secure her future and his lineage.  Her late husband’s younger brother, Malakhi, always tormented her and annoyed her when they were growing up, and she despises the thought of having to marry because of a law, much less marry him.
Malakhi has secretly admired Rivkah for years, and wants to do all he can to make her love him in this unexpected betrothal, but how can he win her heart when she dislikes him so greatly and is still grieving his brother?
I thought this was a very interesting premise for a plot and that the author did a great job of making it “not awkward” for modern-day readers. It was a great story set during the beginning of living in the Promised Land with prodigal son vibes. I was captivated as always with the author’s descriptions of the land and laws, and I found myself cheering for the characters as well. The one thing I’m confused about is how the title relates to the story.
Thank you to Bethany House publishers for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and are not required to be positive.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Once again Connilyn brings the setting and characters to life. The ability for the author to paint a picture of history, war, pain, faith, mercy, love, forgiveness and redemption. That His love withstands everything regardless of what we go through. Have you ever read a book that pulls you in from page one? Each page I heard people in the market place, the conversations that Rivkah had as a scribe.

Rivkah, a strong woman who has recently been widowed agrees to marry her dead husband’s, younger brother, Malakhi. Through the encouragement of a friend, they both away to find freedom but instead finds oppression. Malakhi who is forced grow up while at the same time learning to deal with rejection, injuries that he sustained during war time, and lost love. The two of them question God’s faithfulness. Will their faith be restored? Where will God lead them?

Another well written book that will transport you back to Old Testament Times. The ending did not disappoint and book four will be released in 2020.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The recently widowed Rivkah finds herself facing a Levirate marriage, under Torah law, the brother of a deceased man is obliged to marry the widow of his brother. The problem is that Malakhi is two years younger than Rivkah and spent much of his childhood tormenting and picking on her. Refusing to submit to the betrothal, she flees Kedesh, determined to make her own way in the world. But, as a woman, alone in the world, without the protection of her father or a husband outside the safety of the walls of Kedesh, Rivkah soon discovers that the cost of her disobedience is her freedom. Malakhi has secretly loved Rivkah for years but he never dreamed that his beloved older brother's death would lead to her being his wife. After she runs from him and the betrothal, he focuses on the ongoing fight against the Canaanites. With war looming over the Tribes of Israel, Rivkah's father, the Head Priest of Kedesh, comes to Malakhi with an impossible request to bring his daughter home. The two find themselves surrounded by enemies on all sides and having to depend on each other, despite the differences between them.

Connilyn Cossette has, once again, written a beautiful story of redemption and forgiveness. She has managed to capture the beauty of a forgiving heart and illustrates perfectly the love without boundaries that it takes to truly forgive a person that has harmed us. Connilyn has a talent for making you feel as if you're in the story, you can see everything vividly, hear the sounds, smell the smells. She is a remarkable writer and storyteller. I've dearly enjoyed every book in this series and am, honestly, hoping to read more of the lovely people of Kedesh. The idea behind the cities of Refuge really touched my heart and Connilyn did an amazing job of bringing Kedesh, and its people to life. I've loved getting to know Moriah and Darek's family throughout the series. The story between Rivkah and Malakhi was such a sweet, at times heartbreaking one, and I enjoyed it from beginning to end.

Oh, this book. Absolutely, breathtakingly fantastic writing. Where do I even begin? Loosely following the prodigal son model, this book takes us through the blind selfishness, rebellion and downfall of Rivkah, where we witness firsthand the agony and consequence of her choices. However, her loss comes in waves as she sees the faithfulness and love of her betrothed, Malakhi...and how much her sin has cost him. The setting breathes fresh wind into the time period between conquest of the land of Canaan and the period of the Judges. How I appreciate an author who loves Scripture and the history surrounding it....and is able to fan the flame in others. I learned a ton just reading her acknowledgments! I don't want to ruin any surprises so I'll leave it at that. But suffice to say, this book is a rare gem, that will enrich your life and give you another vantage point in understanding the Father who loves you. I needed to hear it. Many thanks to this author. I'm excited to read the next in the series!!

I received an ARC of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley, this review is my personal opinion.
This is my first book of Connilyn Cossette, I am beyond happy that even do this book is part of the series of Cities of refugee, you can easily read them without the background story.

So, in this story we have Rickva she is the daughter of a high priest, she was a scribe and know a different language, which helps her as her work in the recollection mandatory for the law. a man who follows the law and love her daughter. On the first part the book we learn that Rickva it’s a recent widow and like it’s established on the law if her deceased husband had a brother and is willing to marry her to continue the legacy of the dead brother. She does not want to married Malachi, but she is determined to accept her father decision. So, we have Malachi, the younger brother; tow years younger of Rickva. We learn how he has been in love with her even before Gidal(his deceased brother) Maybe is because they are both young, I must confess that at the beginning I didn’t like too much Rickva, and I feel sorry for Malachi. But there is hope, on the second part of the book there is a big turn out.

A hasty and bad decision change completely the story, we move one from a marriage to a runaway bride and the cost that this brought with it. On the second part of the story, five years have a pass, which I like that since we can see a change in both main characters. For this moment Rickva is not the same prideful girl from five years back and so Malachi is now a man and part of the army. After not knowing about Rickva a message gets to her father and wants her daughter back and ask Malachi his help to retrieve her, an well this story gets better and better. I won't get into all the details(since we all hate spoilers) .. What was suppose to be a simple situation gets a bit more complicated.

The guilt the struggle not only to get back but to be forgiven when you know you fail big time is what we can see in this prodigal daughter. And how Malachi have two choices either forgive her and marry her like he was going to or just break the arrangement like Rickva wanted it from the beginning. A story of redemption, love, forgiveness and second chance all this in a time of many uncertainties and a very interesting historical background, family center and all this wrapped it in a beautiful end. This book is a winner if you like good biblical fiction. I recommend this serie.

Truly grateful to Bethany House Publishers for the ARC of this book.

Young widow Rivkah has been promised in levirate marriage to her husband's brother, a youth two years her junior. Malakhi has always been a thorn in her side, with his ready jests and frequent teases. She doesn't want to join her life to such a scoundrel of a boy who is barely old enough to even be considered marriageable. She'd rather strike out on her own and make a way for herself with her prodigious talents as a scribe.

Malakhi has been totally taken with Rivkah ever since the day he heard her singing when she thought she was alone. The young woman's sorrowful upbringing has always made him want to draw out the emotion that she often keeps hidden. He mourned when she was given to his brother in marriage, but after Gidal's death there is reason to hope that he can woo her to himself at last. That dream is dashed when Rivkah flees Kedesh, intent on making her own way in the world.

Things certainly do not go as Rivkah expects, and very shortly she finds herself disgraced and destitute. Driven to choices she never would have made otherwise, she wishes she'd had the wisdom to stay where she was safe and loved. Surely she can never go home with the weight of her choices pressing down on her.

Loosely based on the parable of the Prodigal Son, this is a story that shows love does not give up. Not when hope grows dim. Not when the distance seems insurmountable. Not even when the love has been rejected previously. Readers will enjoy visiting various cities in ancient Israel and learning about the customs and cultures of the time period. I would recommend this for fans of Biblical fiction.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

What a love story! Connilyn Cossette’s story about Rivkah and Malakhi taught me about Levitical marriage, Israelite battles, and of course love. But not just romantic love – fatherly love, Godly love, and love that grows from forgiveness and grace. Connilyn intertwined Old Testament history with the New Testament story of the Prodigal Son with vision that is uniquely hers.

WOW! I thought I loved Connilyn's stories BEFORE this one...This story completely blew my heart right out of my chest. So much "real life" and so many circumstances that translate into our era...into our lives...that were so relatable.

When Rivkah sets off from Kedesh, she leaves behind everyone and everything she has known her whole life. Journeying into the unknown to follow her own dreams for life. Refusing to have her life dictated. But the funny thing about trying to pave a path on our own...is that success is either non-existent or mediocre at best. Whereas if we had stayed on the path that God has laid in front of our feet...Then...success is inevitable.

Malakhi. With his brooding, bearded, features and the ability to care far deeper than anyone could have imagined, is a hero like no other. Grace, mercy, forgiveness, ooze from him like pure sweet honey. And boy is that man fierce! I definitely don't want to be on the wrong side of a sword from him.

Conilynn wraps this story in such a pretty telling (loosely) of the prodigal son. It is a reminder....there is ALWAYS forgiveness. There is ALWAYS redemption. And you will ALWAYS be a child of God. Highly recommend this one, especially if you like Biblical Fiction....Although Connilyn writes more "Historical Fiction" that is set during the Bible times.

I received a complimentary copy of Until the Mountains Fall from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Connilyn has done it again and woven a tale that makes it hard to put down. With careful research into the period she writes, she holds fast to Biblical truths while using the gaps to weave her own stories of characters I’ve come to love even if I will never meet them in real life!
This book captivated me from the moment I began reading it. I am normally a person who will bounce between books until I get to the final third of a book, and then I will finish that specific one off (right now I’m in the middle of 3 others). Well, not so with this book! Once I started, I did not even want to pick up any of the other books! I clung to this one and sought out any chance to read that I could find.
While drawing a parallel between a New Testament parable, Connilyn transports us to a time of betrothals, indentured servants, arranged marriages, and cities of refuge for the manslayers. Her imagery is wonderful. I can see the landscape and people as she describes them in her book.
Until the Mountains Fall is a breathtaking tale that will captivate and transport you to another time!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was not required to give a review. All opinions are honest and my own.

This is a wonderful biblical novel!

The characters in this book are incredible. The author has done a fabulous job of developing them. Many times I found myself talking to Rivkah. I was desperately trying to help her make smarter choices.

This book is set in Israel during the years just after Joshua died. The time period and how the Cities of Refuge were run came to life for me. I have read the Old Testament a few times. This book helped me to see more fully the slippery slope into idolatry that Israel traveled down.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette is the third book in the Cities of Refuge series. Connilyn describes this book as being inspired by the parable of the Prodigal Son. This story's "Prodigal Son" is Rivkah, a woman who foolishly flees her life, her family, and her betrothed in a desperate escape attempt. Rivkah soon realizes her mistake, but she feels like her sins can never be forgiven so she chooses to keep her distance from her loved ones. Five years later, Rivkah finally decides to make contact with her father. Her father sends Malakhi, Rivkah's betrothed, to fetch her and bring her safely home. Malakhi thinks he is over Rivkah and has moved on, but he soon realizes that the old feelings are still there. Malakhi will stop at nothing to rescue Rivkah from her life as a servant and finally have the privilege of making her his wife.

Connilyn Cossette is such a talented writer. Her research is impeccable and the way she weaves together Biblical truths with inspired fiction is compelling. Her books flow seamlessly throughout the series and it's always interesting to learn more about characters from previous books. I especially loved Raviv's part in this book as he displayed forgiveness and sacrifice. I did feel like this book was a little more descriptive in certain parts when compared to other books by the author. Some of the descriptions were a bit too much for me and made me uneasy. I'm aware that these circumstances took place in Bible times, but it is difficult to read about. Nevertheless, this was a good continuation to the previous book and I look forward to reading how she series ends. Thanks so much to Connilyn Cossette and Bethany House for the chance to read and review this book!

Excellent book by Connilyn Cossette again! The character development is superb and the descriptions give a vivid image of the life during biblical times. It’s obvious she does a lot of research in preservation of this book. Excellent!

I love Conni's writing and how she is able to pull me into the story as a whole and keep me invested in the characters. I'm giving this a 4 star rating because I couldn't fully connect with Malakhi and Rivkah like I did the previous characters in books one and two. I did enjoy both Malakhi and Rivkah though. I think if they had more interaction in the sequel I would be able to love the book more.

Rivkah is a sassy and stubborn girl. She was two years older than Malakhi, just lost her husband of four months and now is betrothed to the younger brother. She's very adamant about her feelings towards Malakhi and harsh. She seeks to do things her way and not anyone else. I loved her comical and sarcastic remarks. She struggled with a lot of emotions and wounds from the time her mother died. Seeing her grow from this selfish person into a loving wife was amazing.

Malakhi is a mischievous boy but also the most handsome guy in Kedesh. He is betrothed to his brothers wife, but he's always had feelings for her. I loved Malakhi and how pure his heart was. He was hardworking, caring, had a big heart and was kind. His strength was amazing. Seeing him mature and become a man was absolutely beautiful. I loved everything about him.

The romance was amazing. Reminded me of a second chance romance. Though the two were being married due to levitical law, they also seemed to both have feelings for one another. Seeing them become true lovers after years of Malakhi bullying Rivkah was amazing. The truth behind Malakhi bullying broke my heart because his intentions were pure though done wrong. Their love was just amazing!

Moriyah and Darek are the best couple ever to me! I loved them though they had few parts. Just seeing them love each other and raise their family from book one to now makes my heart jump with joy. Eitan and Sofea are soooo adorable with their kids! I loved them and how Eitan tried to help Malakhi. I adored Abra, Channa and Tirzah. Just all amazing! Baz still cracks me up!

Amitai, Rivkah's father and the priest in Kedesh, was annoying at first because I thought he was flashy and like the pharisees. However, I ended up loving him so much for his unending love he showed Rivkah. A great father! Amit was stinking adorable!! He made me heart so happy. I need more of him alone lol.

Raviv was a surprise for me! I always disliked him from books one and two, but this book made me sad for him. I'm glad it ended the way it did but not how it did. He seemed to be a great father. Nessa was a stubborn girl. I didn't care for how quick she was in wanting to leave home. I did like her growth as a character and learning who her family was. Samil was an evil person. He was a horrible master who was filled with lust and greed. That end was unexpected, but laughable at the same time.

I adored the view of a father's love and the use of the parable of the Prodigal Son in this book. It was well written and made easy to understand apply to life now. I love all the faith aspects and watching the characters struggle with their faith.

Overall, I highly recommend this book! I cannot wait for the fourth and final book, Like Flames in the Night, to be released March 2020. I'm ready and not ready for the end of Moriyah and her family.

I am a new fan to Connilyn Cosette but she is fast becoming one of my favorite Biblical Fiction authors. She has a way of drawing you in that also sends you back to the scriptures. The narrative lends weight to the Biblical and Historical setting in a way that helps you visualize and understand in a powerful way. I really like this author.

Another fantastic read by Cossette! This one gave me all the feels! There was so much emotion built into this story, as the reader I felt and connected with it all! Loose ends from previous stories were completed in this book. Can't wait for the next one!

They have a long road to find each other...and God...

I've sat on this review for awhile, quite awhile. Not because I disliked the book, the opposite couldn't be more true, but because it's taken me this long to organize my thoughts.

So, I've been sold on on the Cities Of Refuge series from the start and Connilyn Cossette has quickly become one of my top favorite Biblical fiction authors. Needless to say, I'd been looking forward to reading Until The Mountains Fall since finishing the previous book.

Once again Connilyn Cossette was full of surprises while still delivering her trademark style of telling a story with compelling characters that is rich in historical detail and Biblical accuracy.

I think this is one of the very very few times that I disliked the heroine for a good half of the book. Rivkah was spoiled, selfish, and needed some serious guidance. But, oh, the beauty of her transformation, even though the path was fraught with pain. I loved Malakhi, though, right from the start. He was something special even though he didn't realize it.

The author's vast talent shone through this book in every way. Connilyn Cossette not only engaged my imagination but also my emotions, quite intensely sometimes. Until The Mountains Fall is a beautiful tale of family and faith, sacrifice and love, and of forgiveness and redemption. It entertains while challenging you to strengthen your own faith. Until The Mountains Fall really is a must read even if Biblical fiction is not your usual genre.

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

I am going to declare this right up front. This is the best book I have read this year. The writing draws you in. The descriptions of the landscape paint a vibrant picture. And the way the food is described, can I just say Yum!

Until the Mountains Fall is the third book in the Cities of Refuge series. The story follows Rivkah, a young widow, and Malakhi, her dead husband's brother. To follow the law, Rivkah is betrothed to Malakhi to raise up a son for her late husband. Malakhi has loved Rivkah from afar and is happy to marry her, but Rivkah only remembers the brat he was as a child and doesn't see the fine young man he is becoming.

She runs away from the unwanted betrothal. Rivkah has a very hard life after leaving her family. Malakhi finally finds her and must figure out a way to release her from her master.

This was such a lovely story. Brings you right in and carries you through to the end. I know I couldn't put it down.

I received a free copy from Netgalley for an honest review.

~My Review~

I just love reading Biblical fiction! Whenever I can get some time to read some I’ll read it. In my opinion, Connilyn Cossette is one of the rising stars of Biblical fiction and I have
several Biblical fiction authors’ books that I love reading.
To me, I think this is the best representation of the levirate law in Biblical fiction that I have read so far.

This story really gives an insight on what a situation would have been to bring a person into a city of refuge. I like how the author uses her imagination in this novel it was
really refreshing.

This novel really drew me in and I was captivated by each and every page.

I also liked how the author divided up the story between the main character and her love interest.

The book cover is absolutely stunning! It’s probably one of the things that drew me to reading this book. I just love beautiful book covers!

I can’t wait to read the next book in this series! I highly recommend this book for those who love to read Biblical Fiction.

4 stars

You guys. One of the things that I love about Biblical fiction is the hopeful thread of God’s faithfulness which is almost always woven throughout the story. If hope is a thread, then this book is a magnificent tapestry. This is by far one of the most redemptive, uplifting, powerful Biblical fiction novels I have ever read.
This book really showcased the power of love; familial love, a father’s love, romantic love, and the love of God. I so enjoyed watching Malakhi mature from boy, to young man, and to hero. His maturity and honor, even when his honor and respect were not deserved, was refreshing in a main male character.
Although it took me a while to grow to love Rivkah, a few chapters in I was fully invested in her character and in her plight. Her struggle with submitting to God’s will even when His plans were unknown, and later, her struggle with guilt and resentment towards herself when she realized all she had lost by relying solely on herself and not on trusting others and having faith were incredibly relatable.
*I would highly, highly, HIGHLY suggest that you read A Light on the Hill BEFORE picking this book up if you don’t want a major spoiler. Just saying.*
Finally, the story and plot of this book showcased redemption and healing like none other. I enjoyed how this book was a loose re-inventing of the Prodigal Son parable, a story which I have often related with and in different times of my life, have identified both with the son himself and with the jealous brother. While this book is not a Biblical fiction retelling of that story, the parable remains an influence on the plot and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Seriously you guys, this series gets better and better the more books that are released. The first two books in this series are called A Light on the Hill and Shelter of the Most High, both of which I have reviewed previously on the blog. Until the Mountains Fall was a beautiful story, and my favorite in the series by far. I am already marking my calendar for Like Flames in the Night, which will be the final book in the series. I’m expecting an EPIC conclusion!

I received a copy for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own