Outstanding Reads of 2019

It's the very last day of 2019 and time to share TEN outstanding books I read this year. Okay... maybe there's actually eleven here, but the first two go together. 😉 Not all were published this year, but I read them all in 2019. They are in order according to when I read them. I couldn't pick a favorite.

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Sons of Blackbird Mountain and Daughters of Northern Shores by Joanne Bischof. I read these back-to-back with my local book club and we all loved them! Read my review of Daughters of Northern Shores.

The Memory House by Rachel Hauck. This book reintroduced me to Rachel Hauck's work after a hiatus from it.  Read my review here.

The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep. Ms. Griep's finest book so far, in my opinion. Read my review here.

The King's Mercy by Lori Benton. My book club leader introduced me to Lori Benton's Pathfinders series early in the year. I jumped at the opportunity to read The King's Mercy. Read my review here.










Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette. I waited so long for Malachi and Rivkah's story and it did not disappoint! Read my review here.

The Baggage Handler by David Rawlings. This book made me ugly-cry... more than once. But, the message inside was so worth it! Read my review.











The Words Between Us by Erin Bartels. This novel was filled with bookish goodness and I loved it. Read my review here.









How to Survive a Shipwreck: Help is on the Way and Love is Already Here by Jonathan Martin. I didn't agree with everything in the book, but it met me where I was at a tremendously difficult time in my life.

Strong, Brave, Loved by Holley Gerth. Another devotional that met me where I was and spoke truth into my mind and heart. Read my review.

Love You, Truly by Susan L. Tuttle. I wasn't even sure I wanted to read this book, but I'm so glad I did! Read my review.

Book Review: Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette

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 Thoughts:

Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette is one of the best books I've read this year. The author combined a captivating plot, steady romantic tension, and deep character development to create a tale that made me laugh, cry, and stay up way too late.

Despite her immaturity and poor choices, Rivkah is my favorite character in this novel. I liked her even when she was making her mistakes as the prodigal daughter of a priest. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Rivkah and Malakhi grow individually and together. Many difficulties, some self-inflicted, trouble their lives and relationship. Brokenness, consequences, and scars made their journeys realistic. However, like the other novels in the series, Until the Mountains Fall presents a theme of something beautiful rising out of tragedy.

Until the Mountains Fall is the third installment in Connilyn Cossette's Cities of Refuge series. I think the novel could be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading the series in order to get the vibrant, full experience. Until the Mountains Fall is tied with A Light on the Hill for my favorite book by Connilyn Cossette. Five stars!

Read an excerpt from Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection:I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

June and July Reads

My June Reads:

Today I'm sharing a bit about what I've been reading and what I hope to read. In June, I finished:

1. P.S. Goodbye by Tari Faris.
2. The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White. - Read my review.
3. A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette.
4. Shelter of the Most High by Connilyn Cossette
5. The King's Mercy by Lori Benton.
6. Daughter of Northern Shores by Joanne Bischof. - Read my Review.
7. Return to Dignity by Marilyn Skinner.
8. You Belong With Me by Tari Faris - Review coming soon.
9. Sunshine of Joy by Helen Steiner Rice. - I thoroughly enjoyed this poetry collection. I didn't agree with every idea, but the poetry is beautiful and much of it has been inspiring.

I enjoyed nearly all of these books. However, I felt that one of them was truly outstanding and it was.... The King's Mercy by Lori Benton. Read my review here.

Expected July Reads:

In July, I expect to read:

1. The Baggage Handler by David Rawlings. - My local book club chose this as our July selection.

2. A Touch of Gold by Annie Sullivan. - I don't read many YA novels, but this one sounds so good.

3. Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette - Love, love, love her books! I just reread A Light on the Hill and read Shelter of the Most High for the first time to prep for reading this new release. Can't wait for it to arrive!

4. Woe Is I by Patricia T O'Connor - This book has been sitting on my Goodreads "currently reading" list for so long. I'll read it routinely for several days and then not pick it up for months.  Ugh. I need to finish it.

5. A Book of Blessings by Helen Steiner Rice - More of her poetry!

6. Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate - This book has been on my radar for some time and I'm excited to give it a try!

 What will you read this month?

May Recap and Expected June Reads!

May Reads:

Today I'm sharing a bit about what I've been reading and what I hope to read. In May, I finished:

1. The Crossing at Cypress Creek by Pam Hillman. Read my review.
2. Freedom's Ring by Heidi Chiavaroli
3. No More Christian Nice Girl by Paul Coughlin and Jennifer D. Degler
4. The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep. Read my review.
5. Wooing Cadie McCaffrey by Bethany Turner. Read my review.

As much as I liked these books, there was a clear winner this month and it was The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep. It was amazing!

June Reads:

In June, I expect to read:

1. Return to Dignity by Marilyn Skinner. My current non-fiction read. The stories in this book are harder than expected to read and I'm taking my time. Thankful for the message of hope woven in the stories.

2. Daughter of Northern Shores by Joanne Bischof. - I read this novel a few months ago and my local book club chose it as the June selection. Read my review.

3. The King's Mercy by Lori Benton - This will be my third reading of a Lori Benton book this year. Hoping it will be as good as the first two I read. (The Wood's Edge and A Flight of Arrows.)

4. The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White - It's been a while since I read a book by Roseanna M. White and I'm looking forward to it!

5. P.S. Goodbye by Tari Faris - The novella prequel to You Belong With Me.

6. Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette - Love, love, love her books!

 What will you read this month?