Book Review: Until the Mountains Fall by Connliyn Cossette

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Title: Until the Mountains Falls

Author: Connilyn Cossette

Series: Cities of Refuge #3

Genre: Biblical Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

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 REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

Until the Mountains Fall was a bittersweet continuation to the CITIES OF REFUGE series by Connilyn Cossette. I think it's my favorite book of the series! It was exciting to travel back to these Biblical times and reunite with characters from previous books ... Moriyah, Sofea, and so on. It's so interesting to glimpse what the Israelites' lives might have looked like as Joshua led them to settle in the Promised Land.

Rivkah was a different kind of character. Living in a city of refuge and betrothed to the son of an accidental killer, she is straining against the things that she feels hold her back. I found this whole storyline to be unique from many books with just a little twist in how everything turns out. Rivkah isn't a perfect characters and she certainly isn't always right. Watching her path to redemption was compelling.

Malakhi definitely had some character growth throughout the course of the book, too, and that was great! I really enjoyed these characters and the different dynamics of the story. While this story is set in the Old Testament ... it also is based on a parable from the New Testament! Which was really neat and heartfelt.

There were some emotional moments ... especially the one at the end for one of our dear characters!

Overall, an exciting read. Though I felt like the first two books in the serious were a little too heavily-focused on romance/attraction, this one was better in my personal opinion. And I look forward to reading Like Flames in the Night!

I received a complimentary copy of Until the Mountains Falls from the author/publisher. This review is honest and all my own.

Book Review: Shelter of the Most High by Connilyn Cossette

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Title: Shelter of the Most High

Author: Connilyn Cossette

Series: Shelter of the Most High #2

Genre: Biblical Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

The daughter of a pagan high priest, Sofea finds solace from her troubles in the freedom of the ocean. But when marauders attack her village on the island of Sicily, she and her cousin are taken across the sea to the shores of Canaan.

Eitan has lived in Kedesh, a City of Refuge, for the last eleven years, haunted by a tragedy in his childhood and chafing at the boundaries placed on him. He is immediately captivated by Sofea, but revealing his most guarded secret could mean drawing her into the danger of his past.

As threats from outside the walls loom and traitors are uncovered within, Sofea and Eitan are plunged into the midst of a murder plot. Will they break free from the shackles of the past in time to uncover the betrayal and save their lives and the lives of those they love?

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

Connilyn Cossette pens another exciting Biblical Historical novel! Book Two in the CITIES OF REFUGE series, I enjoyed diving into Shelter of the Most High and reconnecting with Moriyah and her lovely family.

This book focuses specifically on her adopted son, Eitan. As well as a wounded and guarded maiden, Sofea, from the island of Sicily. Back in the city of Kedesh, we learn more about cities of refuge and the accidental killers that flee and find safety there. I find this such a heavy, but fascinating topic. And I just love being with the children of Israel. Connilyn Cossette brings to life Old Testament times and people with such authenticity and grace.

Though we didn't spend much time in Sicily, it was intriguing to explore Sofea's seaside home just a little. The emotional and spiritual journey Sofea and her cousin went on was profound. I enjoyed meeting all of Darek and Moriyah's children ... and other characters! And the unexpected twists - I found myself quite shocked at times! It was a well-done story that explored Moriyah's predicament more, while unfolding Eitan and Sofea's story. There were some truly heart-touching moments of faith, forgiveness, and redemption.

I didn't love the romance in Shelter of the Most High as much as I loved some in this author's other books. It pretty heavily focused on physical attraction. Which is a good thing, but cannot be the foundation of a marriage. While it didn't say that it was, there just seemed to be more emphasis on physical attraction than friendship and such.

That all being said, I really enjoyed this book and can hardly wait to read Book Three, Until the Mountains Fall! We got glimpses of the girl who is to be the main character in this next book, and I am so intrigued!

I received a copy of Shelter of the Most High from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette

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Title: A Light on the Hill

Author: Connilyn Cossette

Series: Cities of Refuge #1

Genre: Historical/Biblical Retelling

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

After being branded during the battle of Jericho, Moriyah has had no prospects for marriage - until now. She hopes to please the man, but things go horribly wrong and she is forced to flee for her life. Seeking safety at one of the Levitical cities of refuge, she is unprepared for the dangers she faces, and the enemies - and allies - she encounters on her way.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette is a unique and beautiful read! It is the first book to a new series called CITIES OF REFUGE, but it does connect to the debut series by this author. In fact, we meet the main character of this book, Moriyah, in Wings of the Wind!

Connilyn Cossette does a masterful job with writing fiction set in Biblical times! She brings history to life, and we get a glimpse of heroic historical figures such as Moses, Miriam, and Joshua. Plus, her fictional characters are always so authentic and likable. I was so excited to get to read further about Moriyah! Though she is much older than when I last "saw" her, it was wonderful to see more of her story. It was hard, but worthwhile. And fun, at times. Moriyah has to work through a lot, but she has a sweet and spirited personality. And Darek! Oh, I quite liked him. *smiles* There were a lot of characters I really enjoyed in A Light on the Hill.

For a good portion of this book, I was reading eagerly (sometimes late into the night.) Loving going on this journey with Moriyah. Watching her fall in love. Seeing the manliness, and brute skill and strength of Darek, but also the tenderness and sense of humor. Cannanites, lions, cities of refuge, travel ... excitement, tragedy, danger, mercy. Though sometimes my heart constricted at the seemingly injustice and harshness of the law, A Light on the Hill was ultimately such a beautifully and tenderly redemptive story. It was intriguing learning more about this time in history - particularly concerning the Jews' culture - and I was ultimately satisfied with how things ended.

The end-ish of the book got a little heavy on the romance aspect. I would have rather it didn't focus on that so much, and I didn't approve of/appreciate some of the unmarried couple's actions toward each other, though ultimately Moriyah (view spoiler)

Overall, Connilyn Cossette delivers another fabulous and heartfelt story. I can't wait to read more by her!

I received a copy of A Light on the Hill from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Wings of the Wind by Connilyn Cossette

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Title: Wings of the Wind

Author: Connilyn Cossette

Series: Out From Egypt #3

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Alanah, a Canaanite, is no stranger to fighting and survival. When her family is killed in battle with the Hebrews, she disguises herself and sneaks onto the battlefield to avenge her family. The one thing she never counted on was surviving.

Tobiah, a Hebrew warrior, is shocked to find an unconscious, wounded woman among the Canaanite casualties. Compelled to bring her to a Hebrew healer back at their camp, he is soon confronted with a truth he can’t ignore: the only way to protect this enemy is to marry her.

Unused to being weak and vulnerable, Alanah submits to the marriage—for now. As she comes to know and respect Tobiah and his people, however, she begins to second-guess her plans of escape. But when her past has painfully unanticipated consequences, the tentative peace she’s found with Tobiah, the Hebrews, and Yahweh is shaken to the core. Can Alanah’s fierce heart and strength withstand the ensuing threats to her life and all she’s come to love?

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

Another beautiful novel - well done, Connilyn Cossette! Wings of the Wind is the third and final book in the OUT FROM EGYPT series, and besides delighting my eyes with its gorgeous cover, it took me on a stunning and exciting journey! Connilyn Cossette writes her tales set during the Bible days with such passion, detail, and grace. Before I know it, I’m swept away, intrigued by the ancient world, the fantastic characters, and the story of God. I've never read Biblical retellings that I've loved so much!

Wings of the Wind takes place about forty years after Counted With the Stars (book one), and Shadow of the Storm (book two). Though we see a bit of the characters from those books, our main character is a Canaanite woman, destitute and bent on revenge. Alanah has had everything taken from her, and she's determined that the Hebrews should pay. But on the battlefield where she's certain she'll breathe her last, unexpected grace awaits.
And Tobiah is hardly prepared for the surprise and challenge that awaits him on and after the battle.
Joshua is now one of the leaders of the Israelites, though Moses is still in charge. The Israelites are taking over the land, with the Lord as their guide. But discontentment simmers. Enemies lurk. And the corrupted city of Jericho looms.

What a tale of redemption. I love how the author brings to life these Old Testament stories, though some of them are hard! She unashamedly shows God's holiness and authority, and yet grace fills these pages. Throughout the book, I felt awe for God; the fear of the Lord. And still, His love. His care for His people. The way He set rules and laws to protect them and keep them, even making a law so that the enemy - the Canaanite woman - would be protected from abuse, violence, or even death.
We saw some of Moses and Joshua in Wings of the Wind. And also, Rahab. I love hearing Rahab's story, and remembering that she was in the lineage of Christ!
Ah, it was wonderful. God's power and goodness is shown in these books. For that, and her seemingly meticulous research on these stories and time in history, I very much admire Connilyn Cossette.

I adored the characters. Alanah was a fun change, spirited and spunky as she was. I love how clear her personality was. And just her story! Her journey of faith. It was heart-rending and fascinating. I quite liked Tobiah as well. His sister, on the other hand ... well, that took some time! Loved seeing Shira and Kiya, of course! ^_^ And Moriyah! Oh, how I love that girl! She's spirited too! And strong, sweet, and innocent. Whoa. What a journey! I so wish we could get a book for Moriyah!
So basically, all the characters were well-developed, intriguing, and played their parts in this story. Some upset me, some infuriated me! Others tugged at my heart and had me rooting for them to accept redemption and live the life God intended for them!

The OUT FROM EGYPT series has been serious, but sweet. Heavy, but exciting. Difficult times and a wayward people are shown, but hope always breaks through. Wings of the Wind was a tender tale that kept me turning pages late into the night. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend to adults who like Christian historical fiction/romance. This series is a gem!

I received a copy of Wings of the Wind from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.