About the Book
ISBN-139780825453168
PublisherKregel Publications
Publication Date06/23/2026
Pages: 280
Synopsis
She’s been falsely accused of murder and is desperate to reunite with her brother, River, whose unforgettable green eyes haunt her. The secret in her past is a stinging wound, but it motivates her toward her goal: freedom.
But nine-year-old River, sent through the US Post Office to his late mother’s friend in Knoxville, never arrived. Lizzy’s dream of finding him and starting a new life away from their alcoholic and abusive father is ripped away.
Her hope rekindles as she finds an unexpected confidant to help her dodge the law and save the missing youngin’. As she finds herself trusting him, she discovers the truth of the old adage her momma repeated: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
My Thoughts
This book filled my heart with longing to help out the children and just to step in and be their advocates. Lizzy Haney has always been a responsible girl, always taking care of her little brother River while her parents are abusive, mentally and emotionally in unimaginable ways. Once her mamma dies, Lizzy is keenly feeling that River needs to escape from their dad so she mails him to a friend. I was totally unaware that this was even a possibility, but the author’s sharp attention to details and research assured me that it was done at one time, so that was very informative. Anyway, the book is layered, with methodical revelations of what has really been happening behind the scenes in Lizzy’s life and the hardship that she has suffered. This is a character-based story, but it is also plot driven. The characters are relatable and so well-developed that they came to life into my heart. The plot is fast-moving and heart-breaking at times. There are so many problems that Lizzy has had to face alone in her young life. The themes of learning to trust God and how to forgive are prevalent as well as the hope for a bright future once the past is overcome. This Appalachian novel is memorable and exceptionally well-crafted by a master storyteller. The writing is crisp and the story is startling and at times breathtaking-stopping. I loved the book and got totally invested in the story and was engaged in it from beginning to end.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I also purchased my own Audible copy of this book.
About the Author
Cindy Sproles is an author and speaker. She is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries and the cowriter of the popular He Said, She Said Devotions written with her cofounder, Eddie Jones. She is a novelist and best-selling author. Cindy’s devotions and articles are published in Christian newspapers across the eastern seaboard, including having been used to represent legislature for the protection of the elderly. She is a speaker to women’s conferences addressing not only the heart of women but also their biblical responsibilities to their families. As a teacher and speaker for Christian Writers Conferences, Cindy teaches writing skills and how to write placing God in the forefront. She is a contributing author to CBN.com and is the Executive Editor for www.christiandevotions.us and a freelance editor for Ironstream Media. Cindy has served in the past as an acquisitions editor and also a managing editor for publishers and she now uses that experience to mentor and coach new writers through her mentoring service, WRAMS (Write Right Author Mentoring Service) she shares with Lori Marett. She is the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference, held each February at the Cove, the Billy Graham Training Center, Asheville, NC. She is a certified life coach and mentor, an eldercare specialist, and a special needs advocate. Cindy is an Appalachian-born and raised mountain girl, and her novels strive to show life in the mountains during the1800’s. Cindy is a best-selling, award-winning novelist with her books having been named Novel of the Year multiple times. She is the mother of four adult sons and lives in the mountains of East Tennessee with her husband. Cindy can be contacted at www.cindysproles.com or by emailing cindyksproles@gmail.com.
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