This book was disappointing. I couldn’t get past the point when Rivkah ran away for an unrealistic, feminist-driven reason.

Marriage dowries were an accepted part of Hebrew tradition during this era. It is unrealistic that a woman would see this as an affront when she would have been taught from birth that it’s something to be proud of.

Instead, this character whined about it and felt she was being sold like a cow.

This came across as a feminist attitude long before that “movement” became a thing.

I can’t suspend reality that far when the Bible disagrees (see Genesis 24, especially verses 50-53). I’m just done when a story bucks the Bible.

Also, would a priest’s daughter really willingly break God’s law of a widow’s brother-in-law marrying her to keep her husband’s name alive? From my understanding, this law actually means a second dowry would not be paid, as the husband’s brother basically inherited the widow as his wife.

This might have also rubbed me wrong, because I’m a preacher’s kid who tries hard to do the right thing in God’s sight. I’ve met other PKs who rebel more often than not, and that always saddens me, so I will agree there is a slight possibility this was a plausible plot point. However, there is just so much weighing against it that I could not ignore. Besides, the biblical era is vastly different than the current era, and ways of thinking have changed significantly, which makes me think the possibility is minute.

Content: alcohol, idol worship

I loved this book so much. It was such a beautiful storyline. I shared about the book to my husband and he ended up wanting to read it too. I highly recommend this book.

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

I have read all six Connilyn Cossette’s book and enjoyed them all. This book is the third book in her Cities of Refuge series and was my favorite book (so far) in this series. I am so happy to hear that there will be a fourth installment in the series. The ending of this book took me completely by surprise and whet me appetite for the next book! This book falls into the category of Biblical Fiction. While the characters are fictional, they have been carefully woven into the story so they don’t tamper with historical facts about the Cities of Refuge. They do help to make the story more memorable. I can’t think of a better way to learn history than through story.

The main character Rivkah, a strong woman ( at times also head strong ), has recently been widowed and now her Levite father has agreed to follow Jewish Torah law to marry her dead husband’s, younger brother, Malakhi. Through the encouragement of a not-so-wise friend, she runs away to find freedom but instead finds oppression. Left behind, Malakhi must grow up while learning to deal with rejection, war injuries, and lost love. For both, they question God’s faithfulness. Will their faith be restored? Where will God lead them?

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

Once again Connilyn Cossette takes us on an amazing journey into the ancient land of Israel and its culture and people. The research that goes into making sure the cultural aspects, as well as staying true to the Old Testament, allow us to enter the pages of history and become part of the families that resided there. Her love of Yahweh shines through as she weaves Him and His love and faithfulness into the fabric of each book.

Rivkah
“There was only one choice left that gave me any sort of control over my future. Tomorrow I would meet Nessa at the boundary and determine my own path.” Rivkah is the daughter of the priest of Kadesh, Amati, and is recently widowed and according to Torah Law is betrothed to Malakai, her husband’s younger brother. Her headstrong decision to leave the protection of Kadesh and her father, and to break her betrothal, will become a journey with consequences she never anticipated.

Malakai
“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.” Malakai is the younger brother of Gidal who has known Rivkah his whole life. Through circumstances beyond his control, Malakai becomes a wounded soldier, both in body and spirit, that grows into a strong, sensitive man with integrity and a strong faith.

This book is full of adventure, intrigue, romance, secondary characters that are an important part of this story, faith and hope, all the things that make a story worth reading.

I loved this book and the subtle weaving of the Biblical story of the Prodigal and the forgiveness and hope that lies with Yahweh. I highly recommend this book,

From time to time, I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write a review. The thoughts and opinions I have expressed are my own.

~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

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.

From the first page, author Connilyn Cossette draws readers into her beautiful, powerful, and captivating story Until the Mountains Fall. This fascinating and delicately written story is one that will touch the heart of readers through the turn of every page. Filled with characters that make mistakes, receive God’s grace, and receive forgiveness from loved ones, this story has all the feels. And the romance element in this well-crafted story will entice readers as well. Readers will also notice a theme in the book with the similarities to the parable that Jesus told of the Prodigal Son. It’s one that readers will absolutely love and will not soon forget.

Series: Cities of Refuge
Genre: historical, romance, biblical fiction, Christian
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication date: July 2, 2016
Number of pages: 352

Other books in the series:
1-A Light on the Hill
2-Shelter of the Most High
4-Like Flames in the Night (coming March 2020)

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.)

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!

I have really love Connilyn Cossette's biblical stories and this one was no exception.

Until the Mountains Fall started out slow for me. Rivikah is a complicated character. Her husband just died, she feels guilty about his death, out of place and has no desire to marry her husband's brother. In desperation Rivikah makes some bad choices that affect multiple people.

I had a hard time with Rivikah in the beginning but as the book went on I began to understand where she was coming from and I liked her. Malakhi was likable from the beginning, but it help that I knew that he liked Rivikah. This is a good take on the prodigal son and I liked the whole story.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.