Wednesday, August 14, 2019

UNTIL THE MOUNTAINS FALL by Connilyn Cossette, Reviewed by Winnie, Rebecca and Kim


WINNIE'S REVIEW:
Until the Mountains Fall is a riveting, compelling, and poignant tale of redemption, forgiveness, and mercy told in Connilyn Cossette’s inimitable way. The beauty of her prose shines through in this story reminiscent of the story of the prodigal son from the New Testament. With a richly painted setting of Israel in around 1380 B.C. and meticulously drawn, multi-layered characters, this tale drew me in and kept me enthralled and turning pages. Cossette’s exquisite writing combined with her obvious knowledge of Biblical times have made this Cities of Refuge series a favorite of mine. It’s been fascinating learning more of the customs, beliefs, heritage, and traditions of the Israelites during this time period.

Cossette’s memorable and vibrant characters quickly endeared themselves to me, although I must admit that it took me a while to warm up to Rivkah. I felt she was a bit—okay, a lot—impetuous, and I wanted to smack her at a few points in the story. Of course, she had to face the consequences of her rash decisions. Malakhi was a perfect hero—courageous, patient, forgiving, kind, and loyal. A superb cast of secondary characters added much to the story. It was fun seeing many characters from previous books in the series.

With a perfect balance of heart-pounding suspense, personal growth, redemption, and a side of romance, this book has a little of everything. I also loved the message of the importance of family. “The mountains will fall into dust before I will ever give up on my daughter.” This book is definitely one for the keeper shelf. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"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.

KIM'S REVIEW:
With this story, Connilyn Cossette has permanently jumped onto my list of auto buy authors! I don’t read a lot of Biblical fiction, but if Connilyn Cossette’s name is on it, I’m going to read it! She writes stories that are so lyrical and beautiful and moving. Her characters are ones that will stick with you for a long long time. This entire series is amazing!

Let’s start with Malakhi. What an incredible character! He was so giving, caring, kind, and patient (especially with Rivkah!) At one point in this story, I was telling Malakhi to forget Rivkah because she was so selfish and so unlikable. But, due to incredible writing skill, by the end of the story, I loved her as much as Malakhi! She grew so much throughout this prodigal “son” story! The ending brought me to tears more than once!

I loved that we got to catch up with Moriyah and Darek and Eitan and Sofea from books one and two. And, somehow, Ms. Cossette actually made me tear up when something happens to a character I have disliked from book 1! This is a beautiful story one I highly recommend!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.


BackCover Blurb:
 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?


Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:
Buy Until the Mountains Fall at Amazon
Buy Until the Mountains Fall at Christianbook.com 

1 comment:

  1. This book sounds like a very good read and the cover is Beautiful! I have been eyeing it for a while so I'll just need to add it to my TBR list and purchase it, especially after reading these reviews. Thank you all so much. Have a Great rest of the week. God Bless you all.

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