What Mama Left Behind by Cindy K. Sproles - a book review

I loved this book.  From the first page to the last it was interesting and engaging. 

The author writes it using the terms and pronunciations of the area and culture which helps to immerse the reader in the story.

There is an historical note prefacing the book that was extremely informative. 

The story is set in the Appalachian Mountains in the late 1800’s and begins with a tragedy. Worie’s mother has just committed suicide and left her to take care of the rest of her disfunctional family.  Worie is confused and conflicted about her feelings for her mother, whom she thought was the most selfless and “a givin woman”, how she would suddenly turn selfish.  By the end of the story she will learn the reasons behind her action. 

Worie ends up dealing with her older brother who seems to have no conscience, another brother who is an alcoholic and an ever increasing number of orphans that come her way. 

The author deals with a number of issues including greed, poverty, adoption, addiction, suicide, racism to name just a few.

There is also a thread of mystery woven through the story.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“In the face of overwhelming obstacles, she'll need courage, grit, and a tender heart 

Worie Dressar is seventeen years old when influenza and typhoid ravage her Appalachian Mountain community in 1877, leaving behind a growing number of orphaned children with no way to care for themselves. Worie's mother has been secretly feeding several of these little ones on Sourwood Mountain. But when tragedy strikes, Worie is left to figure out why and how she was caring for them.

 Plagued with two good-for-nothing brothers--one greedy and the other a drunkard--Worie must fight to save her home and the children now in her begrudging care. Along the way, she discovers the beauty of unconditional love and the power of forgiveness as she cares for all of Momma's children.”

Worie’s idea of what her mother has left behind changes by the end of the story.  She realizes that ultimately, God is in control, even through the most troublesome times.

Go HERE to read an excerpt and watch a video trailer.

Learn more about the author HERE

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”

Silent Shadows by Natalie Walters - a book review

Silent Shadows by Natalie Walters is a contemporary Christian suspense mystery.  It is set in a small town in Georgia.  The story revolves around Pecca, a rehabilitation nurse working with military and ex-military patients.  This is how she meets Colton Crawford. 

The first half of the book concentrates on the character’s backgrounds and back stories. We get insights into their characters.

Pecca has moved in an attempt to protect her handicapped son from a dangerous part of her past.  We learn early on what those circumstances are , but the danger seems to have abated.  The mystery is, why do dangerous, threatening things still keep happening to her? We are kept in suspense until almost the end of the story. Be prepared for a twist!

Colton Crawford is suffering from a troubling physical condition and Pecca works with him to aleiviate his symptoms,  He forms an attachment to Pecca and her son and is determined to protect them and discover who is threatening them.

This is a very easy to read book.  You don’t have to try to figure out what the author means.  She writes in a very straight forward manner.  It is not what I would call a nail biter mystery but it is very intriguing and the mystery keeps you interested in the story.

This is from the back cover blurb:

“They're running from their pasts into an unknown future.

But first, they'll have to survive the present.

Nurse Pecca Gallegos moved to the tiny town of Walton, Georgia, to protect her son and escape the dangerous lifestyle that once defined her. When a series of strange circumstances evolves into threats, Pecca finds herself confiding in an unlikely ally--her stubborn patient.

Army veteran Colton Crawford is desperate to recover from the disorder that is ruining his life, and his instincts are on high alert when threats against his nurse and her son force him to take action. But Colton's involvement only ramps up the danger when he uncovers a family secret revealing that whoever is after Pecca is closer--and more deadly--than they realized.

Welcome back to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name--but no one knows your secret.”

Go HERE to read an excerpt... 

Learn more about Natalie Walters and her other books HERE...

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”

Out of the Embers by Amanda Cabot - a book review

If you are looking for a sweet, clean historical novel, you won’t be disappointed with this one.  Through her vivid descriptions and easy to follow dialog, the author immerses us in the lives of her characters.  This is a charming love story between two people who are not looking for love and fight their feelings for each other.  Wyatt feels bound to his ranch and mother and sister but deep down wants to travel the world.  Evelyn wants to make a success of her restaurant while providing a safe home for her ‘adopted’ sister.  However, eventually they realize that God can change their circumstances and their desires.

This is a story of overcoming fear and trusting God.  There are also elements of suspense, danger and mystery woven throughout.

If I have any complaint about this book it would be that while these characters clearly have a deep rooted faith in God, there are a lot of ‘white lies’ that I found hard to justify with their personalities.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“A young woman with a tragic past has arrived in town . . . and trouble is following close behind

Ten years after her parents were killed, Evelyn Radcliffe is once more homeless. The orphanage that was her refuge and later her workplace has burned to the ground, and only she and a young orphan girl have escaped. Convinced this must be related to her parents' murders, Evelyn flees with the girl to Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country and finds shelter in the home of Wyatt Clark, a talented horse rancher whose plans don't include a family of his own.

At first, Evelyn is a distraction. But when it becomes clear that trouble has followed her to Mesquite Springs, she becomes a full-blown disruption. Can Wyatt keep her safe from the man who wants her dead? And will his own plans become collateral damage?

Suspenseful and sweetly romantic, Out of the Embers is the first in a new series that invites you to the Texas Hill Country in the 1850s, when the West was wild, the men were noble, and the women were strong.”

Amanda Cabot has given us a heartwarming, easy to read story.  She has included a map of the town which I always find helpful.  This is book one of her Mesquite Spring series and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Learn more about the author HERE>>>>

Go HERE to read an excerpt >>>>

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Baker

Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”