Worie Dressar is 17 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 a number of these little ones on Sourwood Mountain. But when she dies suddenly, Worie is left to figure out why and how she was caring for them.
Plagued with two … them.
Plagued with two good-for-nothing brothers–one greedy and the other a drunkard–Worie fights to save her home and the orphaned children now in her begrudging care. Along the way, she will discover the beauty of unconditional love and the power of forgiveness as she cares for all of Momma’s children.
Storyteller and popular speaker Cindy K. Sproles pens a tender novel full of sacrifice, heartache, and courage in the face of overwhelming obstacles.
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There are so many layers to this excellent book that it’s hard to know where to begin. Worie Dressar is a seventeen year old girl living in the mountains of Tennessee in 1877. She just found her mother dead. As she struggles to deal with why her mother killed herself, Worie discovers secrets her mother had kept. Children orphaned by the ravages of influenza and other sicknesses come to Worie for food and she finds she has her own momma’s heart. Worie does have help from some very good friends, Ely, his wife Bess, Pastor Jess, and her brother, Justice, after she gets him out of jail. Their other brother, Calvin, causes much trouble and heartache. Worie has to learn to trust God and others and deal with her deep anger. Though she believes she’s always been a good girl, she discovers that like most of us, her heart is a mess that needs God’s cleansing. This book is heartbreaking at times but has lessons for all of us. I highly recommend What Momma Left Behind.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Having just read Christy by Catherine Marshall, the setting felt very similar—but the stories, while bearing resemblances to each other in some ways, are also completely different. This one is a very well intertwined mystery—whereas that one was more of a biographical novel.
One thing I really enjoyed about this book was how the narrative matches the main character’s way of speaking. Grammatically, this book would be terrible—but it makes sense in the setting, and actually brought it more to life for me. I haven’t seen that stylistic choice in many other places—generally, even if the conversations somewhat match the setting, the narrative is proper English. This one made sense the way it was, and I enjoyed that.
I also enjoyed my trip through the Smoky Mountains. I’d love to visit a place like that sometime, although I could do without the mud! Seeing things through the eyes of someone who had lived there all their life was quite interesting—and I also thought the descriptions of how they went about doing their daily chores interesting.
There are so many things I feel like I could say about this book—the whole concept of what constitutes a family, adoption, love, support, and so much more. In some ways, it’s a delightful story. In other ways, I did end up really hating a couple of the characters, even though I was sorry their storylines had to end the way they did. In all, I felt like this was an excellent read. Perhaps not quite as deep as some books, but it still held a fascinating mystery in a beautiful historical setting, and I’ll be on the lookout for other books by this author!
Note: If suicide is a trigger for you, this book may not be a good choice. One happens just before the story starts, and it’s referred to throughout the book.
I requested a free review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
Lately, I have really enjoyed reading books that are based on actual events from the past but are fiction in nature. What Momma Left Behind takes a peek into life in the Appalachian Mountains in the late 1800s when illnesses such as typhoid and influenza were wiping out the population, Living in the mountains, many were isolated from doctors and towns and the ability to receive medical attention was low. Those on the mountain did what they could for each other and this story beautifully addresses the compassion given to the many orphans so that they may survive.
Worie Dressar is a complex character for just seventeen years old which is actually not surprising or uncommon for that time period. Most young women and men were more mature and grew up faster during that time. In fact, many were married by Worie’s age and might even already have several children. Worie had dreams for her life that were shattered when she finds her mother dead. But perhaps it just means a new path was forged for her without her knowledge. I discovered this line within the book that sums up Worie to a T.
There it was – laid out on the mornin breeze. I was selfish and judgemental. I was angry, stubborn, a tad hateful.
As I read this book, the admiration I felt for Worie grew. She was not afraid to confront anyone, even when she should have tempered her words. She stood up to anyone and everyone when protecting herself, her family, and the orphans she was taking care of at the time. She fought for these children and keeping them together when others might want to split them apart for their “benefit.” On the flip side, that strength was also her biggest weakness because she didn’t trust anyone. She might have had a modicum of trust for Ely and Bess, but there were so many others that wanted to help her, she just needed to see past her pride and allow them into her life.
While the focus of the story is primarily on Worie, we also have interactions with her two brothers, Justice and Calvin, and these brothers are nothing alike. Calvin is cruel to everyone and is only looking out for himself. Justice is a little more compassionate but has his own demons to battle. We also learn more about Momma through slips of paper left in a mason jar. Her words of wisdom and the bits of her life that are revealed were a little shocking but also gave us greater insight into her character and why she took care of the other children that lost their parents. That sort of compassion cannot be taught, it is inherent.
There are other characters that help round out the story and provide the help and guidance that Worie needs in this life. After all, she is still young and has a lot to learn. But how she adapts to taking her mother’s place in caring for the young children is admirable. She doesn’t question taking care of anyone else and feels that it is her duty to ensure the children thrive but also understand what family means – it doesn’t necessarily mean it is who is related to you by blood, but anyone that cares about another.
Ultimately, this book is a story about trust, forgiveness, and love. All three things that Worie exhibits and learns over the course of the novel. It takes a lot of time because she is stubborn and sometimes those lessons have to be repeated over and over again.
Here are some of my favorite lines:
“Life ain’t easy in these mountains,” Momma would say. “When the messes happen, you swallow the ache and do what has to be done.”
“I ain’t nothin but a drunk. But you, little lady. You are Momma made over, and that ain’t nothing but good.”
There was still more questions than answers, but a momma bird only feeds her babies a bite at a time. I reckon that was my bite.
“You understand, Worie, it ain’t your job to fix me. It’s your job to love me despite my downfalls.”
“if a man is to overcome something that has a hold on him, they has to be some trust.”
There was that word again. The same one Justice had give me, Trust. I thought trust was something you could find, but I’m seein it ain’t found – it’s gived.
If the good Lord wasn’t doin nothin else other than teachin me what it meant to trust, then I was the better for listenin.
I understood that forgiveness wasn’t for the other person. It was for me. It was what the good Lord would use to set me free and help me make my own way.
Despite all them children had lost…there was laughter. It was a lesson I needed to learn.
What Momma Left Behind is Cindy K. Sproles’s debut novel. The author takes readers to the Appalachian Mountains in the late 1870s. Worie Dressar loses her mother, her home and security in a short span of time. Influenza and typhoid are afflicting the residents of the mountain leaving numerous people dead. Worie had dreams of becoming a teacher, but there was no way she could leave her mother alone to care for the farm. Her brother, Justice took to drink after their father passed. Her other brother, Calvin is a greedy man who is also a liar and a conniver. Thankfully, Worie has good friends in Ely and Bess Merrell. She then meets Pastor Jess who will prove invaluable in helping Worie. I thought the author captured the speech of the Appalachian people along with the living conditions and their struggles. Worie is a simple person with a limited education which is evident from her speech and knowledge. Worie’s mother was a woman of great faith, but it is something Worie has struggled with despite her mother’s teachings. I thought What Momma Left Behind was a slow starter, but, as I got further into the book, I become more engrossed. I wanted to find out how the story would play out. There were some interesting surprises along the way. I appreciated the epilogue which nicely wrapped up the book. The story is told in the first-person from Worie’s point-of-view. It gives the reader an opportunity to really understand this feisty young woman. Worie is only seventeen at the beginning when she begins taking in the orphans. I just loved Pastor Jess who kept popping up when you least expected him. Worie has a great deal to learn and understand. Her spirited nature will stand her in good stead, but Worie does need to control her temper. The one thing I did not like was how the book started. I just found it off-putting which made it hard for me to get into the story. I wish the author had put that scene in the second chapter. Faith plays a big part of the story. There are scripture passages along with religious talks. What Momma Left Behind is an interesting historical novel that gives readers a glimpse at what life was like for residents of the Appalachian Mountains in the late 1870s.
Read this wonderful novel to find out WHAT MOMMA LEFT BEHIND. Her legacy was just what Worie Dressar needed in tough times in 1877 Appalachia.
Fiesty is not a strong enough word to describe Worie Dressar. She is blunt. She will not let anyone run roughshod over her. She has seen too much pain in her 17 years. When she knows something is right, she will move heaven and earth to rectify an injustice.
This book is written in a no-nonsense, culturally authentic way. But, oh, the lessons it teaches. The author has covered the Seven Deadly Sins and shows the consequences. Ms. Sproles also shows Biblical solutions. The themes of trust, forgiveness and listening to the Lord are woven through this story.
The author gives us rawness and beauty through the trials of Worie Dressar. She says: “Daddy was right about these mountains. Even in the hardest of times their beauty speaks to you. Life is hard here. A body only has the simple things to keep them goin. A man closes his eyes at night and just prays to open them when the rooster crows.” And: “The mountain air brings newness, seeps down deep, and cleans out the things that weigh heavy on a body’s soul. Despite how hard things are, it’s like the mountain is forgivin. It demands a man’s hard work to survive, but then it wraps its soul and spirit around you, claimin you as its own child.”
Worie is no respecter of persons and fights for the underdog when need be. She seeks counsel from Pastor Jess and old friend Ely.
This book is rich in description, jargon and Biblical lessons.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Revell Reads blogger program. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Once I got used to the fact that this book was written in the dialect of the place and time, I was able to enjoy the book more. The character of Worie was sometimes hard to care for, but she wasn’t that bad. This really was a good book. It takes a special type of person to open their heart and home to orphans. I think this book had a good message for all of us today. I was really impressed by the ending because it wasn’t your typical and predictable ending.
Cindy K. Sproles is a new to me author. I’m glad that I read this book.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I read the one star rating of this book and found it degrading as I feel the author did justice to the characters, to the time period, and to the way of life. I felt that Worri was a wonderful character that made the most of the hand she had been dealt. If you have never been to an Appalachian holler then you don’t realize they have their own dialect that has been handed down through the generations and isn’t meant to slaughter the English language but is a unique quality. This book reminded me of The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers, while it may not be for you don’t give it a poor rating but just pass it by, as some of us will enjoy its powerful message of hope, helping others, and finding strength in Faith. As Jesus said, “suffer the little children to come unto me and I will give them rest” and that is the example Worri followed.
I traded books with another reader and was blessed to receive this. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Set in 1877, What Momma Left Behind is the story of a young mountain girl’s determination and hope amidst seemingly unsurmountable hardships. This hard-to-put-down read engaged me from the first line to the teary-eyed ending! The plot flows smoothly and quickly with startling surprises and revelations along the way. The characters are diverse and resonate with you long after the story ends. Worie, the main character of the story, captured my heart. I love this admonishment from Momma that Worie recalls as she begins her journey of survival and restoration: “Take a day to mourn your lot, then shovel it over your shoulder and move ahead.” The secondary characters Ely, Bess, Bro. Jess, Justice, Calvin, and all the orphans are well-crafted which adds depth and interest to the story. The first person narrative gives deeper insight into Worie’s feelings and motivation, and the use of the local Appalachian dialect is delightful and adds flavor and authenticity to the story. Trust is a recurring theme, and the author skillfully incorporates meaningful faith messages throughout the story. Ms. Sproles is a new author to me, and I am impressed by her expressive style and gifted storytelling skill. I could not have loved this heartwarming, heartbreaking story more, and I highly recommend it.
Worie Dressar becomes an orphan when influenza and typhoid ravage her Appalachian Mountain community in 1877. The journey she embarks upon is one we are all invited to begin by the Lord. Will be remain an orphan, paralized by our past and current circumstances? Or will we trust in our loving Father?
I enjoyed this riveting story filled with harsh circumstances, lies, secrets and betrayal. Hope gently whispers throughout the pages of this drama. I devoured this book.
Recommend to readers who enjoy inspirational, historical fiction.
I won a ARC copy. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
This Book was Spectacular!
The story is beautifully written and had me interested & invested in it right from the beginning.
The reader is given a front row seat to Worie’s life, as she deals with the heartbreaking and horrible death of her mother.
She finds in a blink of an eye, her life has been completely shattered. It seems hopeless.
But the story doesn’t end there!
Because this tale is a reminder of the truth of life and the Goodness of God. Life can be difficult, but our Savior is so faithful and He walks through it with us. Guiding and loving us through it, no matter what life brings our way.
Cindy K. Sproles is a fabulously brilliant story weaver and she beautifully writes a story of our Heavenly Father’s care for us within the pages of this talebook.
This is most definitely a book that you do not want to miss out on!
***Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book. All views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.***
‘I was afraid. Afraid of bein alone. Not afraid of bein by myself, but of bein alone—with nobody that cared.’
At seventeen, Worie Dressar has seen a lot of trouble and endured a lot of hurts and now, she is experiencing the worst pain of all! After finding her mother dead from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound, Worie is both grief-stricken and angry! Why would her mother leave her alone to deal with two brothers who have done nothing to help the two of them since her father died? But Worie has been taught well, and after burying her momma, she sets out to carry on!
Cindy K. Sproles is a new-to-me author and I was captivated by her story that begins in Sourwood Mountain, Tennessee in 1877. Her characters are fascinating and I was especially drawn to Worie and her special friends, Ely and Bess. Ely and Bess are loving, God-fearing people and I believe that it is their Christian witness that allows Worie to grow in her own faith and to carry on the work of her Momma. It is the discovery that her Momma had been secretly caring for children who had been orphaned by “the fever” that offers Worie another challenge and a new mission. How can she help them when she can barely feed herself? Is there a chance of redemption for her brothers, Calvin and Justice? Will Worie finally find peace, forgiveness, and a family as she works to provide homes for these precious children?
Appalachian dialect, an implied mystery about Worie’s own birth, and the historical facts about the typhoid and influenza epidemics that invaded the Appalachian Mountains are all reasons that I enjoyed this book. What Momma Left Behind is a story that I won’t soon forget and I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.
Thank you Revell for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
What Momma Left Behind
By: Cindy K. Sproles
REVIEW
What Momma Left Behind is an inspirational yet tragic story. The year is 1877, and in a region of Appalachia, tragedy has arrived in the form of a flu pandemic. Worie Dressar is a survivor who, at only 17, has just lost her mother. Beyond the scope of her grief, Worie is in a terrible situation that is far too much for a 17 year old to shoulder. She is now responsible for the care of her family. Unfortunately, her two brothers are worthless layabout whom Worie cannot depend upon for help. To make things worse, there are orphans in the region in need of help. These children lost their parents to the flu and have nowhere to go now. Worie accepts responsibility for all of these children. She is an amazing character, a combination of selflessness, determination, sass and morality that equals one steadfast young woman. Worie doesn’t take gruff from anyone because she is fearless. Her faith is strong and helps her survive. Worie doesn’t trust easily, but she does believe in family and love, even though life has been despairing and unfair. There are numerous twists and turns and secrets in the story. Cindy Sproles writes with Appalachian dialect that is fascinating to read. This lends so much authenticity to the story, and I felt like I knew Worie at times. You will root for this overburdened girl to survive the hardships of daily life. What Momma Left Behind will touch your heart and stay in your mind. I highly recommend this insightful historical fiction story!
This is my first time reading a book by Cindy Sproles. I didn’t know what to expect from this author. Now I knew “What Momma Left Behind” was supposed to be an Appalachian book, but to be honest, that kind of scared me a little. Like the author, I too was born and raised in the Appalachian mountains. I live in East Kentucky. Because of my upbringing I speak in a thick Southern drawl. I’m proud of that part of myself and I wouldn’t change it for anything. And, that is exactly why it scared me when I found out I was about to read an Appalachian book. I knew it could go three ways, but I really didn’t count number three. It could go like this…number one, the author could write an Appalachian story, but know nothing about the language and just say the characters had a Southern accent, go on with the telling, and be done with it. Number two could be that the author really wanted to write an Appalachian book, but didn’t have a clue how people in the Appalachian mountains talk. So she tried to make the characters sound country and wrote a dialogue that was so bad it would seem as if she was making fun of us mountain folk. Number three was a possibility, but not a big one. Number three was that the author would know exactly what she was talking about and get the accent, the lingo, and the heart of a mountain person spot on and I would be blown away. Number three was nowhere on my radar. Boy, was I proven wrong! This book amazed me in that the speech that melodically comes from a mountain person’s tongue was perfect! Yes, I said it, perfect! Ms. Sproles got the accent, she got the pronunciations, she got “us”. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry I was so happy. After seeing the language used I would have read the book no matter what it was about, but I enjoyed the story thoroughly. I almost always have to have romance in a book to fully enjoy it and I do think it would have made this story even better. I didn’t have to have romance, as it was a wonderful story in its own right, but the lack of it is why I’m giving it a four star rating instead of a five. I would like to thank Revell Publishing for gifting me a copy of this book. I was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own.
While attending library school, I took a storytelling class that focused on the narrative tradition of the Appalachian Mountain community. It was incredibly fascinating, so when I saw this book took place within that area, I was immediately intrigued. It took me back to memories of the course and I couldn’t wait to start reading! Add in the idea that the characters are also in the midst of serious diseases wrecking havoc on the people and it couldn’t get any more relevant for readers today.
Worie Dressar is an exceptionally mature young woman, having faced more tragedies in her short years than much older people experience in a lifetime. Her strength is palpable on every page, and despite her youth, we can all draw encouragement from her character. She does still obviously have a lot to learn, but the first person perspective allows such a fascinating exploration into the range of emotions she feels as she goes through deep personal and emotional journeys. Being privy to her private inner thoughts added so much intensity and sentiment to what she has overcome and the duty she feels to keep going each day for the children. Her individual introspection showcases just how passionate Worie is about making a positive difference in the lives of those around her. This point of view also adds remarkable authenticity to her voice by the language and dialect she uses and is so carefully crafted that it becomes easy to hear and natural enough that you might find yourself speakin the same way long after the book has been put away!
Christian messages are woven across the story providing an inspirational and insightful guide all along the way. Readers will easily feel how strongly rooted her faith is in her efforts to bring forth a living example to the words of scripture and stay true to her upbringing. Worie challenges us all to be better people and spiritual stewards. Family dynamics as well as its dysfunction as seen through her relationships and interactions with her siblings were such a crucial message that is beautifully examined within this story. Families are created in so many different ways and I truly appreciated the author’s exploration of this throughout the story.
This was a new to me author that I look forward to checking out more of from soon. This rich and multilayered story kept me turning pages and is definitely highly recommended historical fiction!
Many thanks to the Lone Star Book Blog Tours, the author, and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of the book. This is my honest and thoughtful review.
After 17 year old Worie’s mother dies, she’s left to survive in the Appalachian mountains. In a place where money is useless and people are struggling. Then orphan children start showing up at her door seeking help and refuge.
The beautiful cover of this book instantly drew me into the emotional and complex story that unfolds within. Themes of anger, forgiveness, and redemption are all highlighted as Worie struggles through her grief and her faith while finding new purpose in her quiet life. The story kept a slow stead pace throughout as we get a glimpse of the beauty of the mountains and the hardships the folks who live there endure. A difficult book to read, but getting to see young Worie grow and overcome her struggles is well worth the bookish journey.
What a heartbreaking yet hope filled story that shows what life was like in the Appalachian Mountains, to a people that was mostly isolated. However, the modern world encroached bringing with it diseases and other evils.
This story starts off rather grim and I wondered how and if I could continue reading it. To say that life was not pretty for Worie, her family lost and two brothers that were no help, one especially more trouble than he was worth. But as I continued to read and get to know Worie, she was a tough woman. Inside and out. She obviously needed to work through some issues and especially the secrets her mother had left behind.
The greed and heartbreaking details surrounding evil men and orphaned children were hard to read about. To know that even today some are thought as cattle and all for some evil people’s goals. How do we face that evil? Well like Worie learns, she does not have to do that alone. She has friends and she learns she has the promises of God as well.
This was a difficult but good read. The places and time came to life as I read Worie’s journey and watched as she discovered her purpose.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed the storyline and the content of this one. I know the writing was intentionally stylized to get the reader more inside of Worie’s head, but at the same point the grammar made it difficult to get in to. This is honestly one that I would like to read again later when I’m not having as hard of a time focusing on reading. I don’t think it normally would have been as big of an issue for me. I thought the premise of the story was interesting though, and I thought the character arc for Worie was well developed. She was never unlikable, but she definitely grew on me. Even though she struggled with her circumstances, it didn’t prevent her from making the right choices and caring for others. I won’t spoil anything but I liked where the author went with the story and that it ended differently than expected. Overall it was a good story and I would be able to recommend it to others with the heads up about the grammar due to the POV.
*I received a copy of this book through Revell. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
What Momma Left Behind by Cindy K. Sproles is a painful yet beautiful journey of an Appalachian girl who is forced to realize and accept her womanhood. The story begins with the tragedy of the loss of Momma Dressar, and as her daughter, Worie, struggles to make sense of her new life, trouble continues. But so do blessings.
I thought the deeply personal account of Worie’s journey into her own was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. The struggle of grief. The cutting pain of secrets revealed. The often confusing call of the Lord. The search for a purpose. Worie may have stepped into womanhood when she buried her momma, but her growing pains had only just begun. She would be forced to face her own faults, extend forgiveness to others, and learn to trust. What a path she traveled!
I am always reading novels full of romance, but the love in this novel between Worie and the orphan children her momma had been feeding is a selfless, one-of-a-kind, tear-inducing love. Worie’s soft and open heart was inspiring, her ability to create a family out of strangers a perfect example of how God creates His family from people from all walks of life. It is this grand theme of love and selfless service to others that had my heart thrumming as I turned the last page of this story.
I enjoyed learning about life in the Appalachian mountains. It was amazing to me that despite their isolation and desolation by disease, the people stayed strong in their faith and were quick to help each other. It was easy to see the beauty of their home despite the many hardships.
I thoroughly enjoyed What Momma Left Behind. It’s a beautiful story of healing and growth and a true example of how we ought to love each other. Christian historical fiction fans will enjoy learning about life in the Appalachian mountains during this trying time.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
“I’d missed my chance to be a wife and a mother so I could help her. That was water under the bridge, as Momma would say. But I was no quitter. Never had been. At seventeen, I’d manage just fine.”
Appalachia has always spoken to my heart and soul. I live in northern Appalachia, although when I think of the region my mind conjures up visions of the mountains, influenced by two of my favorite books growing up: “When I Was Young in the Mountains” by Cynthia Rylant and of course Catherine Marshall’s “Christy.” There is something about the simplicity and starkness of life in these mountains that reverberates down through the ages and lives on in the spirit of the people today.
From the first time I saw the cover of Cindy Sproles’ “What Momma Left Behind”, I knew that I wanted to read it. I did not look at the synopsis, and as usual I’m glad that I refrained because this book turned out to be very different from what I was expecting. I love it when that happens because it really enlivens and enhances the reading experience. The characters surprised me, beginning with Worie, whom I expected to be a softer character because of her devotion to the orphaned children. However, I love her fiery attitude and strength, both of which reflect the way of life in the Appalachians in 1877. Sproles employs a bit of a reversal in character development with Worie, using not only the children themselves but especially a community pastor and a former slave to soften her approach to people.
For a relatively short novel, it has an uncompromising impact and is one that I expect to remember for a long time to come. The author delves into the secrets of Worie’s family to explore the theme of journeying to forgiveness and how coming together to help one another is essential for surviving their hardscrabble existence. While physical isolation plays a role, I think that the distance between hearts hardened toward each other, harboring resentment, is the most daunting obstacle. Because of all that Worie has gone through, it is not difficult to understand her feelings, and I admire her tenacity and sense of humor: “I’d heard folks talk about lightnin striking twice in one place. I reckon it had done struck me twice and then some.” She also remarks, as understanding begins to dawn, “I thought trust was something you could find, but I’m seein it ain’t found—it’s gived.” What I find to be the most poignant moments in the story are those which reveal how the Lord speaks to Worie in her hardened unbelief to show her how to be the woman she was created to be. Nobody is perfect, but we can still accomplish the work to which God calls us if we look to the Bible and seek to live for Him in both the good days and the hard ones.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This story may not be very lengthy, but it packs great spiritual truths and character development in its shorter narrative. I liked Worie and enjoyed reading about her growth and her courage. Sometimes I forgot how young Worie is because of her need to quickly mature and care for the orphans. The story is inspiring! There was a great message of forgiveness that is relatable and powerful. I liked the picturesque Appalachian Mountain setting and the descriptions of the scenery. Although written accurately, at times the uneducated language of the characters had me pausing to make sure I had read the sentence correctly. I did enjoy the few twists that made the story interesting. Overall, I liked this book and look forward to more from this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.