Cindy Sproles has done it again—and even better this time. Even if you have never visited the Appalachians, you’ll fall in love with them and their culture by reading this and her other books. The story line of love, loss, forgiveness, and persistence will keep you turning the next page as the suspense of what will happen next teases your emotions.

A beautifully written novel by Cindy K Sproles. Well crafted. Believable characters. Heart warming. Heart wrenching. Tender. Explosive. Five stars.

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.

I was super excited to read this book but the storyline was depressing and did not draw me in as much as I had hoped. Maybe it will appeal to others but overall it wasn't my kind of book

What Momma Left Behind is a beautiful tale that I highly recommend for all readers to read. Five plus stars.

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.***

Fantastic. I would highly, highly recommend this to anyone interested in the historical fiction genre. I was drawn in immediately, and was hooked from the first page. Looking forward to reading more from this author!

Ohhhhh you guys, this book. Oh you guys.

First of all, the story itself is breathtaking. We are given the privilege of walking beside Worie, as she tries to wrap her head around the devastating death of her mother. Suddenly life doesn't make sense, has zero direction and is laying on the floor in a million pieces. So on the one hand, we get to experience life with Worie as she questions things, tries to find her way, and wrestles with the tough questions.

But on the other hand is this glorious message about our God. Life is hard. It's HARD. And sometimes we have a clear idea of where our life is heading, only to wake up to an entirely different landscape the very next day, completely lost. And we stumble. And we fall. And we cry out. And we get angry at God. And we ask Him, "Why? Why." Cindy K. Sproles not only tackles these questions by use of her story, but nails 'em. Absolutely, brilliantly illustrates God's love for us in the pages of her book and with the life of Worie. An absolute must-read.

Worie Dressar becomes an orphan, at age 17, in the opening pages of the story. Worie has two worthless brothers, though. One of whom causes no end of trouble to her. A long-held family secret (and more) come to light with the suicide of Worie's mother. And, a passel of local orphan children literally pop out of the surrounding woods and glens to build a new family with Worie.

I enjoyed the story, though found it far-fetched.

.Cindy K Sproles brings 1877 Appalachian Mountain community to life. The sights, sounds and emotions are incredibly vivid. While the area had been protected from disease in the past, industry had now brought the "fever" (influenza and typhoid). 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. Slightly heavy on religion but non the less, probably factually correct.

This whole story is very well written and engaging, ithas its sorrows and trials, but it is a uniquely beautiful story that reaches the heart.Looking forward to reading more by this author!

Pure of Heart Story – My Book Review
“How does a person do such a thing? How do they get in such a dark hole that they can’t see the light of day, the sun bouncing off the summit, or even hear the soft song of the mockinbird? How can they possibly want to let go of the tender smell of honeysuckle or not want to savor its sweet nectar?”

There are books that can leave you on the edge of your seat after you’ve read them. There are books that make you wish you could get back the time you spent on them. Then there are the books that simply tell a splendid and compelling story that leaves you with a happy heart.

What Momma Left Behind is definitely the latter. After the final paragraph, my heart was contented and at peace.

In my opinion, this is not a feel-good sappy story. You kind of get that from the synopsis, but it is not. It is a refreshing story about discovering why a woman gave so much of herself to take care of children who had lost everything and then her daughter slowly takes up those reins.

The story centers around Worie Dressar, a seventeen-year-old girl who just lost her own momma. What envelopes around Worie and the cast of other characters are a strong, sense of place story about doing what’s right in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee in the late 1800s. The vivid descriptions reminded me much of deep east Texas, Louisiana, and Missouri.

Author Cindy K. Sproles expertly wove the language of the time and land descriptions so well, I felt like much of the time I was seeing the pages come alive. I can only envision what Tennessee looked like back in the later 1800s.

Yes – this book has a Christian themed foundation, but not like you would think which is what made it so enjoyable. The continual Christianity premise is like that nagging little inner voice you hear that recounts scriptures you heard growing up during specific moments in your life. Most importantly the book’s Christianity theme is about doing the things you need to with your life and for others based on pure faith.

What Momma Left Behind is a splendid story for pure escapism from our daily lives. It left me longing for a simpler and more uncomplicated time when faith is all one had.

New to me author Cindy K Sproles brings an 1877 Appalachian Mountain community to life. The sights, sounds and emotions are incredibly vivid. While the area had been protected from disease in the past, industry had brought the "fever" (influenza and typhoid) to the area.

Worie Dressar finds herself against multiple problems following the death of her mother. Her two brothers are no help in the day to day management of their family homestead. Worie is alone and angry, but heeds the words of her departed mother to carry on despite the difficulties. One of those difficulties is the number of orphans in the community after the "fever" takes the lives of their parents.

Secondary characters Ely, Bess and the local pastor all have wonderful voices and share the love and direction of Christ to Worie and others.

Lovely tale about survival and recovering from loss.

This book was wonderful - the way the story was told, I felt as though I was a piece of the history.
Highly recommend to anyone who wants to know about that time in history and wants to experience it firsthand. I cried, I laughed, I felt for the characters as though I was right there with them the whole way.

Stunning and powerful.

I was a bit thrown off at first by the distinct dialect of the narrator, Worie. But that distinct voice is what ultimately made Worie unforgettable. From her grief to her selfishness to her fierce bursts of anger and her sharp tongue, Worie was simultaneously amusing yet relatable. All the while, Sproles held true to the Word of God, showing how Worie transformed as God's truth made its way into her heart. Masterful work from Sproles on the importance of forgiveness and truth.

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!

Wonderful characters that captured my heart from the beginning. I feel in love with this story, it pulls so much emotion from the reader. Worie matures and grows in God, love, and in finding herself in this rememberable story. The author takes you on a journey that leaves you on the edge of your seat and breathless. The reader is getting a glimpse into a simpler life and time where God and family is more important than material things. Secrets from the past are brought to life and beauty is brought out from the ashes that resonates in the heart. I’m predicting this book is going to win many awards this year. Excellent work!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

Make no mistake, life in the Appalachian mountains is not easy in 1877.
I loved seeing the dialect true to the time and place. You really can feel yourself immersed in the poverty-stricken Appalachia with the author's excellent descriptions .


As a mother of many I loved seeing the love and devotion Worie has for the needy and neglected children who have about given up hope.
Through the darkness a light shines and hope is found where only despair lived before.


Amazing book, first I've read by this author and I look forward

to reading more by her.
This book will be remembered for a long time.

Published June 2nd 2020 by Fleming H. Revell Company
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

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.

The year is 1877 – Sourwood Mountain, Tennessee, 17-year-old Worie’s heart aches, “The spring breeze whipped my hair around my face, brushin the clay trail of tears from my cheek. …”Just the day before Momma was hangin clothes on the line and signin. She didn’t seem to have a care in the world. Today she was dead.”

Worie becomes an unlikely hero while grieving the loss of her mother. She tries to make sense of it all, find her purpose in life, seek answers to her nagging questions, and find out where was God in it all. The reader experiences Worie gain strength and courage with every little orphan she finds and every surprising story she hears about her Mother.

The author says, “This story is loosely based around two diseases that plagued the mountain people – typhoid and influenza, both referred to as the fever. Devastating and deadly, they changed life in the mountains forever.”

The novel is told in first person which allows the reader to walk in the main character shoes and feel her struggle and pain. Worie grabbed my heart and never let go. Worie remembers her Mom, “Life ain’t easy in these mountains,” Momma would say, “When the messes happen, you swallow the ache and do what needs to be done.” She’d say, “..buck up and shovel my feelins over my shoulder.”

Worie's grows up fast as she realizes her mother had been secretly feeding little ones on Sourwood Mountain. Worie thinks, “I was gonna have to figure out a way to take care of these youngins. A way to rid myself of Calvin (her brother). A way to help Justice (her other brother in jail). A way for an orphan. The words dug deep. I was beginning to see the burden Momma carried”

I enjoyed and couldn’t stop thinking of this mysterious, haunting, heart-wrenching yet hopeful read I couldn’t put down. This book is an experience you don’t want to miss.

This would make a great book club pick, there is so much to talk about. Especially with what the world is in the middle of with COVID-19. This is the first book I’ve read by this author it won’t be the last.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org

I had never heard of Cindy K. Sproles before. But the description of her book, What Momma Left Behind, reminded me of the classic book, Christy and I wanted to read it. What Momma Left Behind has some heavy topics, but the author wove such a good plot, that I had to finish it.

The book centers around Worie Dressar, a young woman living in the Appalachian mountains who just lost her mother. She can't understand how her Christian, gentle mother could shoot herself. Over the next few weeks, Worie finds that her mother kept many secrets, mainly about her helping poor mountain children whose parents died of a mysterious fever. Worie begins to feel the same as her mother, that God is bringing starving children for her to care for.

Overall, I liked the book. Cindy K. Sproles has written a very good story of love, betrayal, evil, and forgiveness. As the mother of an adopted child, I understand first hand how the bond with a child of your heart is just as strong as a child of your body. I think the author has captured that in her story. I felt for Worie as the whole world seemed to be against her. But through it all, she comes to believe that God is with her and will never leave her.