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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The reader is able to enter the world of struggling Hebrews during the conquering phase after leaving Egypt. Add to the obvious challenges of making homes and working for livelihoods, the consequences of bad choices in an unstable evil outside world. I loved this third book. I saw that Cossette has another book I want to read Counted with the Stars. I’m off to purchase it now.
With a nod to The Prodigal Son and Hosea and Gomer stories in the Bible, Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette packs a serious punch. This is a novel that I won’t soon forget. It is amazing, engaging, and so unputdownable that it took me only two sittings to read. I loved everything about this story — the adventurous plotline, the realistic and endearing characters, the setting, and the historical detail. It is very clear that Cossette conducted some serious and thorough research for this stellar story. My most favorite aspect of this novel is the timely messages weaved throughout the pages. Until the Mountains Fall made me look within and acknowledge some of my own personal issues. I love this novel for allowing me the opportunity to not just read a fabulous story, but to also partake in such a personal journey. Until the Mountains Fall is an absolute gem and my only regret is that it took me so long to get to this book. This is a must-read novel for sure!
One of the things that shocked me is how many Israelites turned from Yahweh and became complacent and self-righteous so soon after settling in the Promised Land. Many outrightly threw away God’s rules in regard to intermarriage, idolatry, religious rituals, and business practices. And, what may be worse, many outwardly looked like they were Yahwehists, but in reality, were as worldly as the Canaanite culture they inwardly subsumed. This is devastating. Many of these people were old enough to remember the Shekinah leading them by a cloud during the day and fire by night. Many saw the miracles done in the wilderness. They knew God’s goodness. And yet, the draw to the Canaanite lifestyle and religious practices, the debauchery and self-centeredness of worldly society, proved to be too strong for many Israelites to withstand. By the time of Until the Mountains Fall, the Israelites have created a new religion where some of the Torah has been smooshed into Canaanite beliefs. What struck me even more were the Levite priests and other Israelite leaders who just let it all happen. There is a moment where Malakhi reflects on the debasement of Edrei, an Israelite city, and he states, “Levites walked in the market with tzitzit at the corners of their garments discussing points of the Torah while passing stalls offering idols and amulets that broke those same laws.” In addition, a character named Baz comments, “The tribes are doing half the job and calling it obedience. Where is the outcry?” Both of these insights broke my heart. I imagine God in Heaven, His heart bleeding because after all He had done for His people, the truth was they just did not want Him in their lives.
I am reminded of Jesus talking to the Pharisees in Matthew 23. At one point, Jesus says, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness (27-28). This is exactly what Malakhi observed during his time in Edrei. The Levites in the market were so busy LOOKING like they were good Yahwehists discussing Torah, but they failed to DO what they should have done when they walked past stalls selling religious idols in Israel. Should they have shamed the merchants publically? No! But they should have done something to shut it down. They should have stood up for God. Outwardly, they looked good — knowledgeable Levites discussing God’s Law. But inwardly, they were as debased as the sellers of the idols. These Levites complacently walked by, did half the job as Baz states in the novel, and called themselves obedient because they weren’t selling or worshipping ugly things.
The Bible is all about hearing AND doing God’s Word. When Baz mentions that the tribes were doing half a job and calling it obedience, my heart stuttered in my chest. When I think about Jesus calling out the Pharisees’ and Scribes’ hypocrisy and lawlessness, I don’t think about the bad Pharisees and Scribes, I think about myself. Am I only doing half a job as the Levites Malakhi sees do in this novel and call it obedience? Or do I give God my all? Am I legit, or nothing more than a whitewashed sepulcher? I would love to say that I am wholeheartedly hearing and doing God’s Word every single day, but that would be an absolute lie. I daily make mistakes, and that is why I am SUPER grateful for God’s mercy and grace and love and forgiveness. I don’t want to be a whitewashed sepulcher. I don’t want to do half a job and call it obedience. I want to be the woman God desires me to be.
Until the Mountains Fall is an exquisite read. I know my review is long, but it doesn’t even cover 1/16th of what is contained in the pages of this magnificent story. Until the Mountains Fall is a novel that must be experienced. If you have not yet read this story, I implore you to purchase a copy today. You will NOT want to miss this journey.
I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on July 2, 2019, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
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.
Excellent book!! So very well written. I LOVED the story of Rivkah and Malakhi! I feel like I’ve been transported back to Old Testament times. Connilyn Cossette brings to life the characters and setting.
Malakhi’s loyalty and long-time love of Rivkah is so inspiring. This story had a “Prodigal’s Son” twist to it that I wasn’t expecting.
And the ending???? Oh soooo good!!
While this book is a part of a series and it’s always better to read as a part of that series…. I truly think this could be read as a stand-alone also!
Great book for book clubs too!
I was provided this book by the publisher, however, all opinions are my own.
“Every day I stand here on the roof before I pray and just watch the road, imagining she will appear…”
Connilyn Cossette has written a powerful re-telling of The Prodigal Son. Until the Mountains Fall powerfully balances tension and humor in such an eloquent way; completed by its cast of fallible, relatable characters. As I read along, I fell deeper and deeper emotionally and spiritually in to the story, feeling apprehensive when Rivkah was in rebellion and grieving the choices she had made. That same grief was only compounded when Rivkah assumed that she could never return home, especially to her betrothed.
This story brought to mind how much I love my own children and how many times I have told them there is nothing they could ever do that would sever my love or close my arms to them. Poor Rivkah was cut to the core with self-incriminations that literally robbed five years of her life, causing deep rivulets of pain to her father and family. Remarkably, he never gave up hoping and trusting that one day they would be reunited. If you have a prodigal, I encourage you to maintain that same level of hope. God can fully restore them to their faith and bring them home!
I didn’t think Cossette could top the second book in this series, Shelter of the Most High, but in my opinion, she did. The steady adventure and rich story line evoked complex emotions; so much so that I came away more affected than before.
Until the Mountains Fall, never stop praying!
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
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.
“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.
Until the Mountains Fall, Connilyn Cossette, 2019
I have read all six Connliyn 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.
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.
Ms. Cossette brings vivid detail and description to Biblical fiction that will leave you breathless! From the opening scene to the final word, I was captivated by Rivkah’s story. It’s thought provoking and soul stirring.
Recommend to readers who enjoy compelling, Biblical fiction.
I purchased a copy. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
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.
Beautifully written. This author is amazing.
I always see friends raving about Connilyn Cossette’s books, and I finally read one. I just finished Until the Mountains Fall. Set between the Conquest and the time of the Judges, this prodigal daughter tale does a great job of making the reader very uncomfortable while also giving us hope and a rich story. Like the Biblical prodigal son story, there are times I disliked the main character, the heroine, because I could see she was stepping into some terrible choices. But if everyone saw our hearts like we see hers, can’t we admit that we all make lousy decisions at times and have to live with the consequences of those decisions? I enjoy exploring this type of character. The romance in the story is very different. I loved that the hero was just a bit younger and had to prove himself to the heroine and to others. He had to earn trust and respect, and it was hard won. Good book! It was the last one in the Cities of Refuge series, but I’ll probably go back and read the other two.
This book was very well researched as it was set in Old Testament times when Levitical law stated that if a woman’s husband died, his brother would need to marry the widow and have children through her to carry on the late husband’s name. Rivkah wasn’t happy with the idea of marrying her late husband’s brother, so she ran away. What happens to her is sad, scary, and nail biting! I really enjoyed the many obstacles Rivkah had to face. Great writing!
This was very enjoyable and entertaining. It also gave me more insight into a Levarite marriage. It was also a great illustration of Ro 8:38-39. I will read more by this author.
A really great read. Very nice to have Biblical history revealed. The author did a great job of creating believable characters. Fast and easy reading.
Very, very good.
She ran away to unforgivable place Can they find them? Very interesting time to be in.
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.)
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.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book 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. 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.*