Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette {Book Review}

Good morning Gems!!!

Today is an exciting day!! It's the release of an awesome biblical fiction novel that I had the chance to read a few weeks ago and that's Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette.

This is book three in the Cities of Refuge series. I have read the first two books; A Light on the Hill and Shelter of the Most High; and I loved them both. They both got a 5 star rating from me.

Having been blessed with the opportunity to be apart of the launch team for the third book I'm excited to share my thoughts of it with you all.

Again, Happy Release Day to Conni for Until the Mountains Fall.

Let's dive into my review now that I've gushed about this release!!! I hope my review is helpful to you!

Title: Until the Mountains Fall

Author: Connilyn Cossette

Series: Cities of Refuge #3

Age: Adult

Genres: Biblical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction

Publication Date: July 2, 2019

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Source: eARC & Paperback

Purchase: Paperback | Kindle | Hardcover | Christian Book

Synopsis:

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?

My Rating: 

I read this book in one day on June 22nd and it took me two days to think about my review. I've come to the conclusion that this is a 4 star read for me. 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.

If you haven't already, go and snag a copy of this book! Read the whole series if you haven't!

Blessings,