The Eyes of River by Cindy K. Sproles Review

 

The Eyes of River is the newest Appalachian novel by Cindy K. Sproles. I have read a couple of the author's other books, and I found this one to be my favorite so far. It drew me right in and kept me swiping through the pages to see what was going to happen. 

This story is told mainly through the eyes of Lizzy Haney, the teenage girl who has been taking care of her younger brother since their mother was killed. She loves him so much and wants to do what is best for him, which at the beginnning of the story seems to be mailing him to a friend to keep him safe from their drunkard of a father. However, she has second thoughts the moment he leaves on the train. Questioning whether she had just made a huge mistake. But suddenly, that isn't the only thing she has to worry about. She herself finds herself running for her life when her friend Alton tells her she has been accused of murder. 

We also get to see the story through Alton's POV at times. He is the son of the local sheriff and has learned a lot from a native friend named Meko. He offers Lizzy his help in keeping ahead of the posse and finding her brother. 

I really don't want to give too much away regarding where they find help, and what all is going on in this story. But I will say I sort of have mixed emotions about those who come to Lizzy's aid, including Alton. It's made out to be wrong that Lizzy cares so much about her brother and is focused on making sure he is safe. I'm not a fan of the way she is called selfish. Yeah, she has a hard attitude. She was raised by an abusive father and had to look out for both herself and her brother. And over the course of the story buried memories begin to surface, and we see just how much she has lived through. I wish those who were helping her had been more understanding of her plight. I love that they helped her. I agree that she needed to learn to trust. But I felt sorry for her because of the way she was treated. This is one of the things that lowered my rating. 

I had one other thing that bothered me a bit. Yes, faith was important in this story. We see the importance of learning to trust fully and be open to the truth. The importance of prayer and the Bible. Lizzy grows a lot in her spiritual walk. Going from someone who didn't really believe in God, to someone who trusts Him. And it was quite the journey in between. However, there is no mention of Jesus. No mention of the sacrifice He made for us and that we have eternal life through our belief in Him. I was waiting for one of the characters to bring Him up to Lizzy, but unfortunately, that didn't happen. Maybe there is something I don't understand about the Christian faith in Appalachia. But it seems to me, Jesus should have been introduced to Lizzy. 

I still loved this book. But I wanted to address my concerns. This book had some great action and twists. Once the truth started to be revealed, it got quite dark. There is violence and murder, the mention of marital rape and the selling of children. There were definitely some things that I didn't see coming. Things that really turned Lizzy's life upside down. 

The author really brought these characters and the setting to life for me. I loved that the author included real history into the story. One thing I knew about, the other took me by surprise. 

I loved this book and highly recommend it. 

I received an e-copyb of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

Friday Fun - June 26, 2026

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with three different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays, the Friday 56, and First Line Friday.

This week I have one book to share with you.

I'm starting A Heart's Hope by Penny Zeller. This is the first book in her new Montana Hearts series

        Book Beginnings on Friday    

 

(Please join Gilion Dumas for Book Beginnings every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.)

and

First Line Friday

(Please join Carrie for First Line Friday.)

Here is my Book Beginnings/First Line Friday selection:

 A Heart's Hope by Penny Zeller:

"Some letters contained good news, and some letters contained bad news, and McKenzie Chesterton feared the letter she’d just received contained bad news."

I wanted to know why she assumed it was bad news and I wanted to know who the letter was from.

Now for:

The Friday 56 

The Friday 56 is normally hosted over at Freda's Voice. But Anne from My Head is Full of Books is taking over for a while. 

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

Here is my Friday 56 selection:

A Heart's Hope by Penny Zeller:

"McKenzie lay alone in the covered wagon, staring up at the canvas that encased it. Worries about Kaydie—and about Noah sleeping outside under the stars—filled her mind and made it impossible to fall asleep. She tried to make herself comfortable, but the hard wood beneath her back, combined with her racing thoughts, made it futile. At some point in the night, however, she did manage to sleep. She awoke with the sunrise, and after breakfast, she and Noah prepared to begin their mission."

Reviews:

Last week I shared one book in my Friday Fun. I have finished the book, but I haven't had a chance to write my review yet. 

However I did finally get my review written for another book a shared awhile back

Skeletons We Find by Chelsea Michelle 

Skeletons We Find by Chelsea Michelle Review

 

I'm absolutely loving the Watson Twins mystery series by Chelsea Michelle, both the mini mysteries and the full length mysteries. Skeletons We Find is the second full length novel, and I think it might be my favorite mystery so far. Each of these stories has a mystery that is introduced and solved in the course of the book. However, there is one mystery that has kept the reader guessing since the first book. And I have to tell you, I really want to know for sure what's going on. Plus, as the series has progressed we have seen character development and relationship development, so you will want to read this series in the recommended order. 

In Skeletons We Find the twins Chelsea and Michelle are helping with a remodel of a house that will become a home for single moms. There is some controversy about the use of this property, but that isn't the biggest issue. As the house is being worked on, a skeleton is unearthed, temporarily halting work on the home and opening up a decades old cold case.

The twins and their friends, now dubbed the Dinner Detectives, start sneakily investigating possible suspects, making themselves targets of some concerning threats, to the dismay of their friend Kyle, who happens to be a police officer. There are quite a few suspects and I have to say, this story kept me guessing right up to the big reveal. Quite the shock actually. Which is awesome.

Faith is very important in the lives of most of the main characters, and they pray and go to church.  However, there are also community members that are a part of a cult, which brings for some interesting suspicions and interactions. Additionally, legalism is an issue. I love that the importance of grace is discussed. Also, one of the twins is in a relationship that brings up the concern of a believer being involved with an unbeliever, so I am really wanting to see how the authors deal with that in the future. 

This is an awesome faith-filled, small town, cold case, cozy mystery. I love the way the authors brought everything together, except for that one mysterious conundrum. I really want to know what exactly is going on there. So yeah, I can't wait for the next book, which comes out this fall. 

I highly recommend this book and the series. 

I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

Friday Fun - June 19, 2026

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with three different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays, the Friday 56, and First Line Friday.

This week I have one book to share with you.

I'm starting an eARC of The Eyes of River by Cindy K. Sproles. This book releases next week on June 23rd.

        Book Beginnings on Friday    

 

(Please join Gilion Dumas for Book Beginnings every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.)

and

First Line Friday

(Please join Carrie for First Line Friday.)

Here is my Book Beginnings/First Line Friday selection:

 The Eyes of River by Cindy K. Sproles:

"A body can't run from what they've seen."

I wondered what had been seen and why someone may want to run from it.

Now for:

The Friday 56 

The Friday 56 is normally hosted over at Freda's Voice. But Anne from My Head is Full of Books is taking over for a while. 

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

Here is my Friday 56 selection:

The Eyes of River by Cindy K. Sproles:

"'Joe made some fish and taters for supper. Let's get a good meal in you. Give your hair time to dry, and then we'll bring out the mirror. That work alright, honey?'

I wanted to hate her for the pain she'd put me through, but when she batted them big puppy eyes at me, I knew her intentions was out of love."

Reviews:

Two weeks ago I shared one book in my Friday Fun. Here's the link to my review:

Shipwrecked Faith by Danielle Grandinetti

Shipwrecked Faith by Danielle Grandinetti Review

 

Shipwrecked Faith is the first book I've read by Danielle Grandinetti, and let's just say, I am now a fan and can't wait to read more of her books. This book is the first in her new Dawning Sisters historical romance series, and it is awesome. I definitely wished I didn't have to put it down, and would have finished it a lot sooner if it wasn't for it being graduation season.

We see this story from multiple points of view, but the main characters are Sadie Dawning and Kellan O'Roark, who meet when Kellan saves Sadie from two dangerous men in Chicago. Sadie is on her way home to her family after receiving a concerning telegram when these men attempt to kidnap her. Kellan is trying to disappear because he turned over incriminating evidence against the cousin who took him in after his parents died. Kellan puts his own dire circumstance in more jeopardy to save Sadie and help smuggle her aboard the ship he secured work on so he could leave Chicago.

We also see Sadie's sister Marjorie's point of view, who I have to say I was not a huge fan of at first because of her complaining attitude toward her sister. I'm happy to say my feelings changed as the story progressed and I got to know her more. Additionally, we get occasional glimpses of Tiernan's point of view. He is the cousin Kellan is running from. Knowing Tiernan's thoughts really does increase the suspense and tension, because the reader knows for sure that there is additional danger on the way.

I love that this story takes place at the very beginning of what comes to be known as the Great Depression and contains other real life events. We see how Black Tuesday is sort of overshadowed by the sinking of the S.S. Wisconsin in the area were this story takes place. The concern is there, but they seem far away while the characters are dealing with their own personal problems. 

Sadie and Kellan and the Dawning family are wonderful characters who I was quite invested in. I was really concerned for Sadie and Kellan's well-being, as well as the family's with all that they were dealing with. But I loved the strong faith that holds them up and encourages them. We are reminded how God is working in all circumstances. And though I am usually not a huge fan of quick romances, I do love Sadie and Kellan's relationship, and how they depend on and encourage each other, even though they only just met. 

This is an awesome beginning to a series and I can't wait to read the second book. I'm hoping we get to see more of Sadie and Kellan and an update on the family. I'm really curious to see who Marjorie ends up with. 

I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the review team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

Friday Fun - June 5, 2026

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with three different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays, the Friday 56, and First Line Friday.

This week I have one book to share with you.

I'm starting Shipwrecked Faith by Danielle Grandinetti.

        Book Beginnings on Friday    

 

(Please join Gilion Dumas for Book Beginnings every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.)

and

First Line Friday

(Please join Carrie for First Line Friday.)

Here is my Book Beginnings/First Line Friday selection:

 Shipwrecked Faith by Danielle Grandinetti:

"Ears attuned to any noise, Kellan O'Roark wiggled his fingers before applying his skills to the lock on Cousin Tiernan's desk."

Sounds like Kellan is doing something on the naughty side. Possibly.

Now for:

The Friday 56 

The Friday 56 is normally hosted over at Freda's Voice. But Anne from My Head is Full of Books is taking over for a while. 

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

Here is my Friday 56 selection:

Shipwrecked Faith by Danielle Grandinetti:

"Tiernan sat at his desk. The boy would turn up. Tiernan had no desire to chase him down. He needed to focus his attention on discovering who turned him in. He'd start with who owed him the most. They would want to get him out of the way first. Not that he planned to go anywhere."

Reviews:

I don't have any new reviews to share this week. I'm still trying to finish all these books.

Friday Fun - May 29, 2026

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with three different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays, the Friday 56, and First Line Friday.

This week I have one book to share with you.

I'm starting Superstar by Cali Black. This is the first book in her new series.

        Book Beginnings on Friday    

 

(Please join Gilion Dumas for Book Beginnings every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.)

and

First Line Friday

(Please join Carrie for First Line Friday.)

Here is my Book Beginnings/First Line Friday selection:

 Superstar by Cali Black:

"Jayce Austin picked up his phone and leaned back against the leather seat of his chauffeured car."

Well, he's getting comfy. And seems like he is well-to-do.

Now for:

The Friday 56 

The Friday 56 is normally hosted over at Freda's Voice. But Anne from My Head is Full of Books is taking over for a while. 

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

Here is my Friday 56 selection:

Superstar by Cali Black:

"'If it was me. . . ' Shiloh eyed her calmly. 'I'd grab that hot man, go down whatever road he led me down, and never look back. He might hurt you, but he might love you. And girl. . . ' She looked at Sierra with a crazy face. 'Being loved by Jayce Austin might be the most thrilling thing that happens to you in this lifetime.'"

Reviews:

Last week I shared two books in my Friday Fun. I'm still reading the one, but here is the review for the other:

The Liar's Treasure by Connie Mann

Several weeks ago I shared a book on my Friday Fun and I finally had a chance to finish it. Here's the review:

Blueprint for Love by Penny Zeller