Book Review: What Momma Left Behind by Cindy K. Sproles

What Momma Left Behind by Cindy K. Sproles

My Personal Review ~ 4 stars

Cindy K. Sproles certainly knows how to write an unexpected adventure. I’d only read one other book of hers before What Momma Left Behind, but I wasn’t worried about this book boring me. Cindy’s writing style is so unique and different, it’s bound to capture you in one way or another.

I was transported back to 1877, in the middle of the Appalachian Mountains. Worie Dressar is a tough, seventeen-year-old, mountain girl. She’s used to the hardship of her people’s way of life, but with influenza and typhoid snuffing out lives left and right, the burden on her shoulders becomes heavier than she thinks she can carry.

Worie was a unique character. Her battle with bitterness, anger, grief, love, and faith was thought-provoking and moving to watch unfold … The emotions. The relationships. The tragedy. The hope. The love. It was intense. My heart was especially touched seeing her heart change with the children as this story progressed. It was so tender and deep. I really loved how things turned out – it was profound and filled with purpose.

But there was at least one thing about the story that I really struggled with. *Spoilers* A faith-filled woman who commits suicide. I wrestle over that, because if you’re in the Word daily and pressing into the Lord, how can you not know that He bought you at a high price – yes, His own blood! – and that your life is not in your hands to take? You are not your own. Because of despair or self-sacrifice, suicide is not right, and I struggled with how this book portrayed it. It is so grievous and such a heavy subject. My heart aches for those who have lost someone to suicide or struggle with suicidal thoughts, and I think we have to be so careful how we approach this topic. Your life is precious and sacred and belongs to God.

So in many ways, What Momma Left Behind was raw and harsh … perhaps much like the mountain life back then. There were a lot of awful things that happened. But there was also such a beautiful, redemptive aspect to this tale. Where love triumphs. Where faith runs deep even in the brokenness. A well-done story. I sincerely look forward to reading more Cindy K. Sproles.

I received a complimentary copy of What Momma Left Behind from Revell Publishers. This review is my own, honest thoughts.

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Book Review: A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy

A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy

My Personal Review ~ 4 stars

A Mosaic of Wings is another enjoyable, Christian historical romance novel. And it definitely had it’s unique aspects that set it apart. I found myself transported to another era and culture … which is always a delight.

Set in the late 1800s, this story focuses on Nora Shipley, a young woman going to college for entomology and trying to find her purpose in life. It explores father/daughter relationships, and we walk alongside Nora in grief, bitterness, confusion, hurt … and hope. Friendship, faith, conviction, and love blossom on an exciting trip to India.

I really liked getting to know these characters. Nora was a little harsh and headstrong at times, but there were also moments when we saw her heart softened and heard her apologies. The complexities of some of the relationships were intriguing and thought-provoking. I loved the depth and the hard decisions made in India – and the ultimate beauty coming from destruction and chaos.

There were some aspects of the book that got a little edgy in my opinion. Feminism was pushed a bit. Some sinful behaviors and attitudes seemed to go unchecked.

But overall it was a good read. A touching historical fiction. I enjoyed learning more about butterflies and insects, journeying through Indian forests, and watching Nora grow.

I received a complimentary copy of A Mosaic of Wings from Bethany House Publishers. This review is honest and my own. 

Book Review: Underestimating Miss Cecilia by Carolyn Miller

Hello, friends! I’m going to start reviewing some fiction on this blog, since I’m stepping back from my book blog – Between the Pages of This Bookish Life. Hope you enjoy!

Underestimating Miss Cecilia {Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley #2} by Carolyn Miller

My Review ~ 4 stars

A sweet read! If you know me, you know that I’m a big fan of historical fiction. The Regency era is an especially lovely time to read about, what with the proper courtships, gentlemen and ladies, and dances in abundance. Carolyn Miller has definitely become a favorite when it comes to this genre. The way that she weaves faith into her romance stories is something that I really appreciate and admire. Her characters experience genuine walks with God – there are soul deep conversions, intense moments of surrender, prayers and seeking, and lots about righteousness and justice. Pretty much faith permeates this novel; it’s not just something that’s carelessly added in so it can be marketed as Christian fiction.

Underestimating Miss Cecilia is the second book in the REGENCY BRIDES: DAUGHTERS OF AYNSLEY series. Cecilia is the second eldest of three sisters, and has long since had a crush on Ned Amherst, who lives on the estate next to hers. With her older sister, Caroline, recently married, and their younger sister, Verity, always causing trouble, Cecilia struggles to keep the peace in the home she shares with her unbelieving parents. They just want her married off to a suitable man, and acting like a normal young English lady. But Cecilia longs for them to understand her intimate faith with Christ and her deep sense of justice for the gypsies and other lower class people.

I enjoyed Cecy’s story! It was fun and had exciting twists. It was also bittersweet, with depth. I loved seeing this quiet young woman’s journey of growing closer to God and surrendering all her desires and dreams to Him. Sometimes I saw myself in her! I truly appreciate reading about characters that I relate to. It can make a novel quite meaningful!

Underestimating Miss Cecilia was really a thoughtful story. The romance was tender and sweet and clean. There were a lot of serious ideas and teachable moments. I feel like this author writes with purpose, and I look forward to picking up Misleading Miss Verity when it releases!

I received a complimentary copy of Underestimating Miss Cecilia from Kregel Publications. This review is honest and all my own.