Until the Mountains Fall

Author: Connilyn Cossette
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Series: Cities of Refuge #3
Release Date: July 2, 2019

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 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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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

If you have been reading the Cities of Refuge series by Connilyn Cossette, you will not be disappointed in Until the Mountains Fall, book number three.

Cossette has an excellent grasp on the period and on her bible, which shows clearly in this fascinating look at forced marriages within the Hebrew religion. In this case, Rivkah's husband Gidal dies, and her father (the head priest of Kedesh) announces she will marry his brother (Malakhi) to carry on his bloodline. A man Rivkah abhors.

Unfortunately, her father will not listen to her pleas, and without fully understanding his reasons behind his insistence that they marry, Rivkah runs away from the only home and family she has ever known. Determined to have her way and do what she wants, she is unprepared for the consequences of what follows.

This story had me captivated from the get-go! The growth of both characters was exciting to watch, especially when Rivkah realizes the damage she had done. Also, the way Malakhi grows into the man she needs was beautiful.

If you haven't read the other books, not to worry - this can be read as a standalone. However, I highly recommend the entire series!

I received this book courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley.

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