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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I love biblical fiction and Connilyn Cossette writes some of the best. This is one of my favorite series. It is so neat to be able to learn a little bit about what might have really happened in a City Of Refuge. This book has fantastic characters. Rivkah and Malachi were both very young when this story starts and they both needed to grow up and learn to trust in God so that they could come together. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Until the Mountains Fall by Connilynn Cossette is beautiful biblical fiction at its best. This beautiful story of heartbreak, betrayal, reconciliation and boundless love had my emotions all over the place. And the ending! I was so overcome I couldn’t speak for the tears clogging my throat. I love when an author weaves words together that make me feel all the emotions the characters experience and Ms. Cossette does a masterful job. From the beauty of the cover to the beauty of the story within I loved this book and can’t wait for book number four. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
4.5 stars
“The mountains will fall into dust before I will ever give up on my daughter.”
Recently widowed, Rivkah defiantly turns her back on an arranged betrothal, assuming it would shackle her to a man that she could not love; the brother of her deceased husband. Only life has a way of teaching lessons that cannot be learned except from the heights of disappointment and the depths of despair, for Rivkah’s impulsive decision severs any ties that might have been restored should she ever return to her beautiful home in Kedesh. “I could never, ever go home again”, were the words of her lament.
Malakhi has spent endless hours honing his skills as a warrior. Having lost what was dear to him five years earlier, he struggles to realign his future after Rivkah dashed his dreams into a thousand pieces. Just as he decides to put his past behind him, reluctantly entertaining thoughts of happiness with a lovely young woman who graciously accepts his attention, an impossible entreaty is laid at his feet.
“No matter what I did to squelch it (the sound of your voice beneath the terebinth tree), I could not help but hope.”
You will never read a lovelier story; bask in the power of mercy facing mutiny; revel in the certainty of grace granting rebellion a second chance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions stated above are entirely my own.
Tear-jerking, action-packed, and suspenseful! Connilyn Cossette exceeds expectation with her latest novel, Until the Mountains Fall!
Recently widowed, Rivkah is looking to escape her impending marriage with her late husband’s brother, Malakhi, a boy who has tormented her since childhood. Denying to obey the Torah and fulfill her duty, Rivkah wastes no time in running away when the opportunity arises. Fleeing Kedesh, a city of refuge, for a life of freedom, Rivkah believes that her life will finally be her own; but, will her disobedience be worth the future that is waiting for her outside the city’s walls?
Back in Kedesh, Malakhi has become bitter after the betrayal of his betrothed. From falling in love with her as a child, forced to watch his older brother marry her, to her rejection, the once care-free young boy has become a man with a heart of stone. Turning his attention to war against the Canaanites and other enemies closing in on the Israelites, Malakhi becomes a warrior; however, after being wounded in battle his life is once again put on hold, the hurt of Rivkah’s decision returning to the surface. Will Malakhi be able to move on, or will the pain drive him to find look for the woman he can’t forget about?
Until the Mountains Fall might be my favorite book in this series! It’s raw, emotional, and even though it takes place thousands of years ago, the message is something that will impact the lives of its readers. I connected with Rivkah and Malakhi through events that were similar in my own experiences and loved that there was no sugar-coating in their journey to forgiveness and redemption.
Connilyn’s writing keeps getting better, and her ability to bring the Bible to life is truly extraordinary. I am so thankful to be a part of her launch team and am already counting down the days until the final book in the Cities of Refuge series, Like Flames in the Night, is in my hands! I can’t get enough of Connilyn Cossette’s books, and I hope you will enjoy Until the Mountains Fall as much as I did. So get out your box of tissues to prepare for an adventure that will keep you on your toes until the very end!
* I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette is one of the best books I’ve read this year. The author combined a captivating plot, steady romantic tension, and deep character development to create a tale that made me laugh, cry, and stay up way too late.
Despite her immaturity and poor choices, Rivkah is my favorite character in this novel. I liked her even when she was making her mistakes as the prodigal daughter of a priest. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Rivkah and Malakhi grow individually and together. Many difficulties, some self-inflicted, trouble their lives and relationship. Brokenness, consequences, and scars made their journeys realistic. However, like the other novels in the series, Until the Mountains Fall presents a theme of something beautiful rising out of tragedy.
Until the Mountains Fall is the third installment in Connilyn Cossette’s Cities of Refuge series. I think the novel could be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading the series in order to get the vibrant, full experience. Until the Mountains Fall is tied with A Light on the Hill for my favorite book by Connilyn Cossette. Five stars!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Connilyn Cossette has again succeeded in drawing me into another time and culture. It is a rich story demonstrating unconditional love. Look at the beautiful book cover. Even without it, Cossette’s descriptions of clothing, surroundings and emotions bring the characters to life. The central characters are Rivkah, a young recent widow and Malakhi, her husbands brother. Rivkahs father, the head priest of their city, has decided she will marry Malakhi. She doesn’t even like Malakhi, remembering their childhood days and how he had treated her badly. She feels like she is in prison and is determined to escape. Rivkah meets a young woman, Nessa. Nessas father has told her she will marry and she is not happy about it. A common bond it seems. Nessa convinces Rivkah to sneak out to a festival in another town. Is this temporary or the escape Rivkah had wished for? Has she turned her back on her family and heritage? There are twists and turns and for me plenty of oohs and aahs as Rivkah and Malakhi mature and their journey unfolds. I eagerly await the next book in this series.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Ms. Cossette writes with such vivid imagery the reader is utterly immersed in the story.
It’s hard to grasp an era when women truly had no rights beyond what their fathers, and later husbands, granted them. Women didn’t live on their own, and they certainly didn’t travel alone. Those who did placed themselves in grave danger.
Beyond the walls of safety of the Hebrew city, Rivkah found herself in the midst of not only danger but the basest of humanity. Her sense of shame and guilt overcame reason, binding her to servitude. No matter she was skilled at what she did, no matter she knew—and could write—multiple languages. Her own shame and regret determined her fate.
Oh, how I appreciated Rivkah’s struggle, even as I urged her to accept the love and forgiveness. To return to her father, her home. I wept at her sacrifice, cringed when war threatened her and all she cared for. And I scolded when she rebuffed Malakhi’s affection.
Gripping, page turning, love and mystery and suspense—this book will not let you go.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Until the Mountains Fall, Connilyn Cossette
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.
Sometimes we can get lost in ideologies and philosophies… or some misplaced conviction.
What we fail to notice is that there’s something deeper leading us there. We’d usually point out desire or temptation, but what about grief? And, in truth, can it just be a deep aching thirst we are trying to quench?
“Until the Mountains Fall” is Connilyn Cossette’s story of a prodigal daughter. She honest when portraying anger and selfishness leading Rivkah’s decision, to the point that we wonder how much does she love her father. But Conni also portrays very well the blindness we don’t notice that guide our actions. This darkness we don’t know how to handle.
Rivkah is sobered soon enough, as we find out five years later her misdeeds. The guilt of not being able to undo a list of many things has her on her knees. We find a Rivkah who has been humbled but is still desperate inside because prison has become her reality. How can she find the strength to go against the system, how can she hold on to hope as she has abandoned the Author of life and faith?
Malakhi has loved Rivkha forever, but he never imagined his dream of marrying her would come at the cost of his dear brother’s death. But when she betrays him, he decides to occupy his mind wit preparation for war. But, five years later, we find the mischievous Malakhi broody and given into the limitations of a war wound. It seems as if Yahweh is taking everything from him, not to mention leaving him with a family who only pastures him to get married.
When Malakhi and Rivkah’s path crosses once again, they barely recognize each other’s soul, and the what-ifs, if patience had been nurtured during difficult times, are dangled between them.
I was wary about how Connilyn would open up Rivkah’s heart towards Malakhi, and how his offering of forgiveness would be played out. But I’m glad to say it was organically done. To the point of tears.
If you’ve read the Cities of Refuge series, then you know forgiveness is sometimes an unmentioned but always an important theme. And here, in Until the Mountains Fall, we have the perfect portrait of a love that’s unending in pursuit, yet not naive. Grounded in the depths of knowledge of who the giver is are and who there loved ones were made to be.
I can’t wait for Tirzah’s book!!!
Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette is a wonderful story of Biblical proportions. I enjoy spending time in ancient Biblical times and learning more about little parts of the Bible that aren’t that well-known. Cossette is a wonderful storyteller. She captures the audience with her descriptions and her ability to climb into the character’s minds and lives. Like I have stated before, I can’t imagine all the research that goes into writing Biblical fiction. I really enjoyed watching the transformation of Rivkah as she learns to love Malakhi He was definitely a hero worth keeping an eye on. I loved how he would do anything to protect Rivkah, even offer to work as a servant to keep an eye on her. These characters were admirable. I really enjoyed this novel and can’t wait for the fourth book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Until the Mountains Fall is probably my favorite book by Ms. Cossette. The Cities of Refuge books touch on a little known period of history following the Israelites return to the Promised Land of Israel, before the book of Judges. Cossette’s attention to historical detail and vivid descriptions combine with elegant prose in an enthralling story that transcends historical settings and is relevant even today.
The compelling theme of forgiveness is interwoven in this re-telling of the prodigal son, in this case a daughter, in a way that convicts the reader. One scene in particular had me hiding my tears as I was reading on a airplane.
Recently widowed, Rivkah rebels against her father’s wishes to marry her to her husband’s brother and runs away. In her search for freedom, she finds herself shackled both physically and spiritually. I loved Malakhi. Cossette gives the reader a noble hero, one filled with integrity. His love for Rivkah was kept hidden while she was married to his brother. But how can he convince Rivkah that his love is real? Can he forgive her betrayal? As the threat of war between the Israelites and the neighboring countries becomes a reality, can Rivkah find a way to return home?
While this book can be read as a standalone, well-loved characters from the first two books in this series, while not the principal characters, have important roles. The spiritual themes of mercy and the healing of the brokenhearted are woven throughout the series.
A couple of my favorite quotes:
“Our family was built atop the ruins of tragedy, each brick fashioned by mercy.”
“There is nothing you have done or will do that will ever erase the love I have for you.”
“It is time for us to move forward -together- and stop flogging ourselves for whatever lays behind.”
Connilyn Cossette is one of my go-to authors for biblical fiction. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Sometimes love stories aren’t perfect even in books. Two head-strong people, he’s been in love with her for years but she never thought of him that way. She was married to his older brother who dies tragically and is now betrothed to him, the younger brother, per Levitic law. She runs away in rebellion of her religion and family believing that she knows better. How quickly she finds out she was wrong and feels like she can never return. He is heart-broken and squelches his hurt by joining the military to fight the enemy. They are offered a second chance and the beauty of their healing hearts is inspiring. Two people who fall in love are not perfect but “love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Pet 4:8) Connilyn Cossette’s love for Jesus shines in this beautiful love story. Each time I read one of her novels I think, “this is the best” but then she writes another and it outshines the last! I come away feeling ministered to and closer to Jesus. Thank you, Ms. Cossette, for your continued commitment to writing deep and meaningful stories.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All the opinions in this review are my own.
I’m a great fan of Biblical fiction and this is truly at its best! Connylin Cossette is one of my favorite authors in this genre.
I haven’t read al of her books, I just started reading “The Cities of Refuge” Series and I just fell in love with her stories. They always touch real and hard issues, but there’s always hope and light at the end of the tunnel when the people open up their hearts to the Lord.
And this is the case too. Rivkah is a recent widow and she’s still grieving when she’s told that by the Torah, which is the Law of Moses, she must marry her husband’s brother to guarantee a heir in the family. Rivkah know Malakhi since her childhood and he’s always been the pestering kid that tormented her. She’s too blinded to see that Malakhi has matured and has always had feelings for her, but kept it to himself. So when things get tense and forceful, she decides to flee from Kedesh, hoping to survive working as a scribe, something she can do well. But she never expects that life away from the safe environment in which she lived (that’s why the cities are called of refuge) and from her father’s protective figure, is full of dangers and it’s difficult to know who to trust.
Malakhi is left to lick his wounds of Rivkah’s betrayals and he centers in preparing for war again the Canaanites, until he is injured and begins to question his purpose in life. When Rivkah’s father asks him to look for her, he wants to resist, but he finally accepts he needs to know if she’s doing okay.
When Malakhi and Rivkah encounter again, things seem different. They have both changed… Can they manage to start a relationship and get to know each other better and open their hearts to a second chance love?
I loved the characters! Rivkah was a bit prideful at first, but I loved how she grew along the stories until she comes to see Malakhi as he really is. She’s kind and generous too. And Malakhi was a true gentleman, kind compassionate and understanding. He’s truly pacient in his relationship with Rivkah and slowly, And he manages to get her feel at ease and to trust him with her struggles. will they make a great team while enemies lurk around and danger is always near. can Malakhi really protect her.
I loved seeing other characters from the previous books, but it still can be read as a standalone. But I definitely recommend to read the whole series in order.
The setting was my favorite. I love getting to more about the place where Jesus lived and died, and how the people from this era lived and acted. It’s easier to put my imagination to work.
I really enjoyed this book and it left me inspired. It also touches issues of forgiveness, patience and lots of love and a great dosis of humbleness. I loved both main characters, but I especially fell in love with Malakhi and his big and compassionate heart.
This is definitely a recommended read. I think the plot was done masterfully and the danger and intrigue made it all the more interesting.
I was always rooting for them to find each other.
A courageous story, while sweet, clean, and full of hope. I loved how Rivkah slowly returns to God again.
a must read! Thank you Connilyn. Can’t wait for the next one!
I received a copy from the author and the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest and unbiased review.
This is another amazing story by Connilyn Cossette. This book continues the story of Derek and Moriya’s family, this time focusing on one of their sons and his betrothed. It’s a story of heartbreak and forgiveness. Who among us hasn’t at least taken a break from our family, whether earthly or heavenly, and needed grace and forgiveness as we realize the error of our ways.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
A deeply moving story
I loved the way Rivkah’s story illustrated the parable of the Prodigal Son. Author Connilyn Cossette boldly gives Rivkah a less than stellar character. I found that I couldn’t really see how Malakhi could be enamored with her, especially with the way she treated him. And then when she escaped Kadesh… Let’s just say, I wasn’t very happy with her.
But she changed. The events that occurred in Laish were terrible. It was there I realized this story is that of the prodigal son. Um. Daughter. It was in Laish that Rivkah realized her folly and began to desire to go home. Until. And then she knew. Her sins were too great and she could never go home again.
Until the Mountains Fall is a deeply moving story. The despair of the prodigal, the vigilant prayers and longing of the father for the prodigal to return, and the seeker of the lost sheep all touched my heart.
I’m looking forward to the conclusion of this wonderful series and have already picked out those I hope to see as the main characters!
Each of the books in the Cities of Refuge series contains characters from the others yet each can be read as a standalone. I just don’t encourage that – they all should be read (and, ideally, in order). There are some adult themes, so I suggest this book for older teens and adults.
Read my review of Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Every time I read a book by gifted storyteller Connilyn Cossette, I feel like I have stepped right through the pages into the world that she has painted. My experience reading Until the Mountains Fall was certainly no exception!
Set during the time period between the Conquest and the Judges, this third installment of her Cities of Refuge series focuses on Rivkah the daughter of Kedesh’s High Priest, and Malakhi, the youngest son of a family she has known all her life. Rivkah had married Malahki’s brother but is left a widow not long into their marriage. Her father then arranges for her to marry Malahki, following the Levirate Law. Malahki has always secretly loved Rivkah, but she still views him as the boy who took delight in teasing her when they were children. Not wanting to marry him, she runs away and soon regrets her decision, finding herself in horrible circumstances she feels unable to escape. Heartbroken, her father and Malakhi refuse to give up on her, even as the years pass. When they finally meet again, the situation has become incredibly challenging to repair as Malahki attempts to bring her home.
This beautifully written tale is reminiscent of the story of the Prodigal Son. The wealth of research done by the author to make the setting historically accurate is obvious, and her eloquent way with words and gift for bringing characters to life have resulted in a book that is nearly impossible to put down. The story serves as a poignant reminder that no matter how far we run, we are never outside the bounds of God’s grace and love nor the opportunity for forgiveness and redemption.
I highly recommend Until the Mountains Fall to anyone who enjoys Biblical fiction or reading about other cultures and time periods. I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Biblical fiction is not my genre of choice, but in my opinion, no one does biblical fiction like Connilyn Cossette. Her stories are descriptive, engaging, romantic, and relevant. Therefore, I will probably–definitely–read every single story she writes.
This particular story was about Rivkah and Malakhi and as far as Hebrew heroes go, I think Malakhi ranks pretty high on my list of Cossette’s male leads. His heart for Rivkah and this overwhelming spirit of gentleness he had toward her grabbed me right from the get-go. I wanted a happily ever after for him the moment I “met” him.
And we all know the story of the prodigal son, right? Well, that was Rivkah in a nutshell. She started out a character I wasn’t terribly attached to, but by the end I was cheering for her as I would my own daughter.
Until the Mountains Fall was full of history and adventure as well as a love between a father and daughter (and that between a mother and son) that knew no bounds. But I’d be remiss if I failed to mention the sweet-but-powerful romance thread throughout. Malakhi and Rivkah’s story is definitely one for the books–whether you’re a biblical fiction fan or not.
Connilyn Cossette is a master at recreating Biblical times with such vivid imagery that the reader can’t help but feel as if they are in the midst of the journey along with the characters. This wasn’t an easy book to let go once I’d finished. I am now impatiently waiting for the release of Like Flames in the Night, the fourth and concluding book in the series.
One thing that was unique about this installment of the series is that it added the theme of the prodigal son with a bit of a twist. You see Rivkah acting out from a mix of selfish rebellion and fear. Despite quickly discovering the flaw in her choices, she fears that she could never be forgiven. What I loved about how the author fleshed out Rivkah’s journey was that I was able to personalize and connect with it more deeply. In the biblical account, the younger son takes his inheritance and squanders it. I struggle to be able to look at him with compassion because if I can be honest I can’t help but resonate with the older brother’s feelings. I believe it’s at least in-part to life experiences with a tainted version of this. Yet when I look at Rivkah’s story, in a way I can start to see the prodigal in myself. I may not have taken an inheritance and squandered it or lived “on the wild side” until I was penniless, but I have made bad decisions in my life and paid dearly for them. I’ve felt the weight of what feeling unworthy can do to a person. I’ve experienced isolation because it feels safer than asking for help or forgiveness. This book has helped me look at the original story through a clearer lens. There really is true beauty in joy in restoration.
As with the other books in this series, this one is told through more than one perspective. It’s seen through the eyes of both Rivkah and Malakhi. The two views are exquisitely orchestrated throughout to produce a deeper quality of realism inciting self-reflection and empathy. This is a story not merely read, but experienced. I don’t even have the words to say just how deeply this novel sucked me in.
And that ending?? Oh that ending!! Don’t worry, no spoilers–but I am now thoroughly impatient for the arrival of the next book! I cannot wait to see how this series concludes (although I also know I’ll be sad for it to be over). I honestly can’t recommend this series enough! Connilyn Cossette has secured a very deserved place as one of my favorite authors.
*I received a copy of this book from Bethany House and NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
When Rivkah’s husband dies, her father arranges for her to marry her husband’s brother, according to Torah law. Rivkah can’t stand the idea of marrying Malakhi, who tormented her as a child, and when she can’t convince her father to call off the marriage, she flees, planning to find work as a scribe. However, she soon finds that life outside the city of refugee she has always lived in is vastly different than what she anticipated. When Rivkah runs away from him, Malakhi, who has loved her for years, throws himself into his work and tries to bury his feelings for her. When he is wounded in a fight against the Canaanites, he thinks he has also lost his identity as a soldier for Israel. Still reeling from his injuries and lost hopes, Malakhi is shocked when Rivkah’s father receives word from her, years after she ran away. When his father asks to try to find her, Malakhi can’t deny the request—but he is determined to guard his heart this time. A story of a prodigal daughter, this was just beautiful to read. The themes of forgiveness and not giving up hope were tenderly woven into the story. I loved the setting of ancient Israel and seeing how the Israelites were impacted by disobedience to God’s law and how they were threatened by their enemies because of that disobedience and discord between the tribes; that historical background was just so fascinating. As for the characters…well, I have loved reading about all of the characters in this series and getting to know their hearts, and Rivkah and Malakhi were no exception. Rivkah was stubborn and couldn’t see the good in Malakhi, and yet he persisted, and I loved that—and I loved seeing how Rivkah came to see who he really was. Malakhi was just great—hardworking and big-hearted. I also loved getting to see Rivkah’s and Malakhi’s family members again.
I can’t wait for the fourth book in the series! (Although this is the third book in a series, it could be read as a standalone–but the other books are fantastic, too!)
4.5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Connilyn Cossette knocks another one out of the park! She is a master at story-telling from Old Testament times! Until the Mountains Fall is the 3rd book in the Cities of Refuge series. While this story can stand alone on its own, I would strongly recommend reading at least book 1 (A Light on the Hill) as the story from that book is referenced quite a few times in this one and it is actually resolved in this book.
This book takes place after the Israelites have taken the Promised Land. The death of Joshua happens in the midst of this story. It was absolutely fascinating to see the gradual fall of the nation of Israel. How one compromise led to another until it was flat-out disobedience to God’s law, the Torah. When I read the scriptures, I am quick to harshly judge the nation of Israel for forgetting how they crossed the Red Sea, and how the walls of Jericho fell….. but when I read about it one compromise at a time, I see how this happens in my own life and in our current generation as well.
The story line in this book follows Rivkah, the daughter of the priest in Kedesh, and Malakhi, the youngest son of Moriyah and Darek (who we met in A Light on the Hill). We meet Rivkah and Malakhi Briefly in Shelter of the Most High (book 2 in the Cities of Refuge series) as youngsters. Now they are grown and are betrothed in a Levirite marriage after the death of Gidal, Malakhi’s older brother and Rivkah’s husband. In her grief, she flees the city in an attempt to get out of the betrothal and make her own way. When she has to face her past several years later, and Malakhi again, how will she respond?
This story was such a beautiful tale of the love and grace of God. With elements from one of the parables Jesus told about God’s love for all who are lost, this story brought tears of joy at the grace that was shown. I loved the full gamut of emotions, the depth of the characters and the conflicts that happen when we interpret without communication. The characters in this book were all likable and relateable, the story line was very well done, and the romance was so sweet and tender. I loved everything about this book! I would recommend for lovers of historical romance and those who enjoy delving into the missing parts of the scriptures to see what might have happened.
Special thanks to Bethany House Publishers for an advanced copy of this book. I was not required to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.