Setting: Kedesh, Israel
Time Period: 1380 BC

Usually, when you have a special fondness for the first book in a series, it’s hard to be impressed by the following books. I mean, it can’t get any better than book one, right? That’s how I felt about “A Light On The Hill,” the opening book in the Cities of Refuge Series. It was such a perfect story, I couldn’t fathom how the author could keep that kind of momentum going throughout the series… But here we are, at the release of book #3 and all I can say is that it’s amazing! Not only did Cossette keep pace with building deep characters and a plot line that kept me on the edge of my seat, she wrote of themes we know so well in such a fresh way.

When you open the first page, you’re introduced to Rivkah, a young widow who is being urged into a levirate marriage. (Now, if you don’t know what a levirate marriage is, no sweat. This is by far the only Biblical Fiction novel I know of that speaks of it. Basically, the Hebrew people had this law that if a man died without having children, his brother would marry her so his brothers line would have a chance at having an heir. If the woman did have a son, he would be considered the original husbands heir, not the brother who fathered the child. Weird, right? But it’s in the Bible, I promise!) So, before the marriage to her husband’s younger brother, Rivkah decides to take matters in her own hands. After all, she was a scribe who could not only write, but speak several languages. She could support herself. She runs and for five years, you walk with Rivkah and her betrothed, Malakhi, as they both bear the burdens of Rivkah’s prodigal choices.

In many ways, “Until The Mountains Fall” is a prodigal story in an Old Testament setting. The author did such a great job capturing the pain, emotion and motivation behind all the characters. For me, that’s what made this book such an amazing story. You saw the way Rivkah felt, but you also got a glimpse into her father’s heart. (Who, BTW, became one of my favorite character’s by the end of the book!) You felt Malakhi’s frustration and the siblings bitterness. All the emotions in the novel felt so real. I also loved how there was a great element of suspense in the novel. No matter what part I read, it always kept me on the edge of my seat. This is a very fast, easy read!

Conclusion: A wonderful, wonderful book! I could hardly keep the tears from flowing at the end. This wasn’t just a female version of the prodigal son, it was so much more than that. After reading the story from both sides – meaning, the pain of the one who left and pain of the ones left behind – the ending had such a deep resonating quality. This book is more than just a “keeper,” it’s a true story of God’s love towards every one of us. A must read for Biblical Fiction fans! You will not be disappointed!