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.Malakhi has secretly loved Rivkah for … Rivkah for years, but he never imagined his older brother’s death would mean wedding her himself. After her disappearance, he throws himself into the ongoing fight against the Canaanites instead of dwelling on all he has lost. But with impending war looming over Israel, Rivkah’s father comes to Malakhi with an impossible request.
As the enemies that Rivkah and Malakhi face from without and within Israel grow more threatening each day, is it too late for the restoration their wounded souls seek?
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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.
What an amazing story! This series by Connilyn Cossette is set in a time period of the nation of Israel with which I’m not as familiar 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 their marriage. Though many times I was frustrated with her, I came 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 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’ve read through the Cities of Refuge series and its led you to this book or if you read this as a stand alone…it is simply beautiful. I don’t often use that word to describe a book, but that is what comes to my head after reading yet another incredible book by Connilyn. The way Connilyn writes is beautiful. “She tipped her head back and laughed with gusto, the sound so full and lovely that my own amusement crashed to a halt and I could do nothing but stare. The notes of her laughter twirled through the air like butterflies alight on the breeze.”
The beauty within the characters Connilyn has created. She has once again penned her characters in such a way that by the end of the book, I feel like these are real people…friends. The complex way these characters grow in this story, the way they learn and grow through pain and struggles – it’s beautiful. “She gently placed her palm on my wounded shoulder and the warmth of her hand did nearly as much to soothe the ache as did the ointment. If only she would continue touching me, allow us to forge something new together from the broken pieces of our past. Her willing presence in my life would be far more healing than any balm.”
Connilyn takes her readers on a journey with this story and these characters that sometimes feels sorrowful and heavy. “But still she fled, leaving me battered and bleeding among the 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.”
But she doesn’t leave us feeling unrest and heartbroken for our new friends, she gives us plenty of moments where you just feel like rejoicing with everyone and having a big feast!
There is a powerful beauty of this story, in its own form and in how it parallels to the story of the Prodigal Son. I’ve heard the parable of the Prodigal Son many times, but in this way, how she made it feel real, like it could be me, brought me to tears. One of my favorite moments is in the conversation Malakhi has with Rivkah’s father where you see where the title of the book comes from – I won’t spoil it…just go read the book and enjoy it for yourself!
From the author’s notes in the back…also, well worth the read…
“My hope for this story is that we will all be reminded that no matter how far we’ve run, no matter how we’ve wasted the days and talents we’ve been gifted with, there is no place we can go to hide from the One Who Sees and there is no pit we can dig deep enough that he won’t graciously climb into to rescue us and carry us to safety.
Thank goodness for a God who keeps pursuing us and loving us, even when we are caught in the same destructive cycle the ancient Hebrews were swept into time and again. But our Abba is always there, isn’t He? Standing on the roof. Hand shielding His eyes as He searches the tree line for any movement. Ready to run to us with arms outstretched, robes flying, to welcome us home.”
Connilyn, thank you for pouring your time and heart into every single one of your books. You’ve quickly become my favorite author and I so appreciate your hard work. Can’t wait for more!!
If you haven’t already, *run* and get this book pre-ordered!! It releases on Tuesday, 7/2, and is simply fantastic!!!
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.
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 Malakhi 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 Malakhi. 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.
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
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 BethanyHouse Publishers. All opinions are my own.
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.
Another phenomenal read by Connilyn Cossette! I laughed I cried and I cried some more!