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!!

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.

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.

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.*

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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

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

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 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.

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.