I really didn’t know what to expect from this unusual historical novel. It shares the story about a woman in her 90s in Appalachia and her struggles in life—both physically and mentally. We get a definitely get a feel for the place and time as well the determined character and her journey to the end of life. Having been widowed for more than half her days, she has been self-sufficient and faithful to her less-than-worthy husband and his request. The suspense adds to the tale, which seems so real you think it must have actually happened. The author did a great job at characterization and plot. The one thing I didn’t like was the language that used God’s name irreverently in slang, although I know they really spoke that way. I received a copy from Revell through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #ThisIsWhereItEnds #NetGalley

Emotional and well written, this book packed a punch that I wasn't expecting. Such a surprise read, but one that I'm glad to have read and enjoyed.

I couldn't relate to the characters and was bored by the narrative. The story was off putting from the beginning for me.

This Is Where It Ends is an amazing book that kept me turning the pages. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next but also hated to reach the end! Author Cindy K. Sproles offers a realistic look at the Appalachian culture that would have been prevalent in the late 19th / early 20th century by sharing a poignant tale of a childless woman who'd been alone, atop her Kentucky mountain, for 30 years. Minerva Jenkins had been a wife but it wasn't until her 94th year of life that she finally experienced true love. A young reporter from Lexington, Kentucky arrives at Shoal Mountain searching for facts about a box of gold and instead, finds a treasure beyond compare. He discovers feisty Minerva, and together, they build a powerful bond of the sweetest kind: the love that a grandmother and grandson might share!

Minerva is such a multi-faceted character! Spunky, independent, and contrary, but still the young girl who longed to be first in her husband's heart. Is it any wonder that she grew to be a tad bitter after Stately Jenkins asked her to keep a secret that was "never hers to hold"? This Is Where It Ends is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, and I'm so happy that I met Minerva. There are several other characters who make this tale shine, including thoughtful and kind Del Rankin, compassionate Pastor Blessing, and Minerva's furry friend, Satchel! I can't say enough good things about this book and I highly recommend it to all who enjoy character-driven stories. It will surely be one of my top 10 books of the year!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

This is Where it Ends is an emotion journey with a darling 94 year old heroine who will capture your heart. I wasn’t sure going in if I would enjoy this book. I’m primarily a romance reader, but I also love a good mystery. The fact that Cindy K. Sproles was able to hook me and keep me engaged is a testament to the power of great storytelling. It’s an exploration of love, secrets, family, faith, loneliness, greed, and death.

Set in the backwoods of a small Kentucky Appalachian town in the early 1900’s, intrepid reporter Del Rankins journeys to Shoal Mountain to visit an old woman who holds the secrets to a decades old mystery. Isolated in a small cabin on top of the mountain, 94 year old Minerva Jane Jenkins has lived alone for the past 30 years. She’s kept the secret her husband asked her to keep concerning a box filled with gold. Del’s come to investigate the rumors of gold, and also connect to a lonely woman in need of help and comfort as she prepares for the end of her life.

At the age of 14, Minerva was whisked away to the mountain when she married the older Stately Jenkins. Theirs was a complicated relationship that’s teased out throughout the story. Minerva never opened the box and has dutifully kept the secret he asked of her. But, when Del comes asking questions, it stirs up the past and makes her think about things she’s hidden even from herself. She questions the promise she made and whether it’s time to break it.

Del is determined to help Minerva when he sees the conditions she’s living in especially at her advanced age and they form a delightful relationship. But, it seems someone is determined to find the box. Is Minerva just imagining things and experiencing the effects of aging, or is there someone who’s truly after the gold?

Minerva is a spitfire! I loved her no nonsense, humorous, engaging personality. Her Appalachian dialect and Southern sayings made her even more endearing. She’s been through so much in her 94 years. As the story slowly unravels, she expresses lots of regrets especially about whether it was right to close herself off from a community that would willingly embrace her. As she ponders her mortality, she’s faced with some deep questions. She doesn’t want to die alone, and her prayers are answered when Del comes to stay.

It’s the story of tender mercies and found family. Showing both the kindness and greed of strangers. A slow burn mystery that’s worth exploring until the very end. It’ll make you laugh, smile, shed a tear or two, and want to hold your aging family members a little closer.

Highly recommend to historical fiction fans! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.

A touching tale of family and forgiveness, as secrets are unearthed deep in the Appalachian Mountains.

94-year -old Minerva Jenkins has lived alone with her dead husband's secret for thirty years, until a young reporter comes to her cabin asking questions about gold gone missing over half a century ago. The memories stir up unwelcome parts of her past, but an unlikely friendship begins to form between the two as the past sifts to light.

A compelling novel with characters that will make you smile and bring you to tears, I loved the honesty in Minerva's narrative. She is a straightforward and practical woman, who made the best of what she had with a fierce mountain loyalty. Del is a kind man, with a boyishness about him, and I liked how he takes Minerva's teasing good naturedly and how protective he is of her.

A beautiful novel of friendship and forgiveness, with a strong message of faith. A wholly enjoyable read, filled with faith, and wisdom. My heart went out to Minerva for all that she lived through, and I admired her resilience and the earnestness of her heart. An amazing read. Heartily recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book had some GOLDEN moments (pun intended). Even though I usually don't enjoy this genre of the late 1800s-1900s and the farm life, I was glad I tried this one out. Here are some things I loved:
- The unlikely friendship for a lonely woman stuck in a prison of self-imposed loneliness: seeing her find companionship and experience real love so late in life was so heartwarming. It felt like a cool drink on a summer day, reading of those interactions.
- The main character was able to apologise and acknowledge when she was in the wrong. I don't know about you, but I don't see that often with the elderly and I appreciated her willingness to self-correct
- The love and compassion from the townspeople, the twists and turns, with a plot twist I didn't see coming

I think the author really succeeded in her goal of reminding us that there is gold in the elderly and to value them while we still can. (I know I, at times, wished I could call up my grandma!).

However, there were a couple issues I had:
- The book written in first person and in that colloquial language made it hard to read
- It was really repetitive and slow at times as the main character came to grips with the revelations of her past and her own old age
- Sometimes her mischief just seemed unnecessary and unhelpful
- I didn't agree with her stance on secrets

Overall though, I'd read from this author again. Thank you for the golden reminders, Cindy!

THIS IS WHERE IT ENDS is my very first Cindy K. Sproles book, but I can guarantee you, it won’t be my last! Minerva was just fourteen years old, when she married Stately. He hid her away from everyone in the mountains and they stayed married for fifty years. She has now been alone for over thirty years. One day Stately came home with a box of gold and told her to never tell anyone about it. One day a reporter, Del, shows up on her property and wants to interview her, but she chases him away. He shows up again the next day and won’t take no for an answer. Somehow he wiggled his way into Minerva’s 94 year old heart. Del begins to help Minerva around her home and he learns more and more about her. When ever he brings up the stolen gold, she tells him he must have lost his mind. She lives in a run down shack, she reminds him!

Minerva lives in the Appalachian Mountains with no one close by and the only thing she is worried about is dying alone. THIS IS WHERE IT ENDS makes the reader feel Minerva’s fears as well as makes them giggle at her sayings and her first personality. She is just a hoot! After she promised Stately that she would never tell a soul about the gold, she has kept that promise for over thirty years. Now she begins to question that promise and if she still needs to keep it. If you are a fan of southern fiction and strong characters, you are going to love THIS IS WHERE IT ENDS.

THIS IS WHERE IT ENDS is filled with forgiveness, betrayal, faith, kindness, and courage. My heart broke for Minerva Jenkins over and over again while reading this wonderful story. She is such a brave woman, but she put up with so much from Stately. As he lay dying, he wasn’t telling her how much he loved her. He was making her promise to keep his secret about the gold. After fifty years, not even one I Love You? Minerva knows her time on earth is almost over and she is trying to come to terms with her past. Once I started reading THIS IS WHERE IT ENDS, I could not put it down. Minerva’s story will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books and Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to Revel and NetGalley for the digital ARC. It was a pleasure to receive and a pleasure to read. The story is set in the mountains of Kentucky. Minerva is the 94 year old gal that still has a lot of spark to her. Her husband died and as he fell to the ground he reminded Minerva about the promise she made. The promise revolves around a box of gold that he buried in their land. After his death a journalist, Delano, arrives at Minerva's old house asking about the box of gold. Just a young man, he is no match for Minerva's wit and sarcasm. This is a book full of witty dialogue and interesting characters. This review is my own. My rating is 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

I have conflicting thoughts about This Is Where It Ends. I adored the plot and enjoyed the suspense of what could possibly be in the box. I could not love Minerva any more than I did. Her and her friendship with Del was so pure and beautiful. I would love to give their story five stars. However, there were a few areas that made no sense to me historically wise. There were several times when dates were given that really did not add up, as well as, discussions of some events that were not historically accurate or correct. I found this distracting to me as I continued to read. As a lifelong Appalachian mountain girl myself and one who loves genealogy, I just could be a little too picky. Overall, I believe the author wrote a beautiful and touching story of faith, forgiveness, loyalty and friendship.
I am giving This Is Where It Ends three and a half stars. I believe it is worth a read for readers who enjoy clean historical fiction with a touch of suspense and mystery.

I was mesmerized by the main character Minerva ‘s wittiness and bravery. I adored her. I kept turning the pages because I wanted to know more about this remarkable woman. A journalist hikes through the woods to knock on Minerva's door. Why was he there? Was it to find out about the hypothetical gold, just like everyone else? The rapport between the reporter and Minerva was endearing. It resulted in an emotionally stirring but upbeat story. I admired Minerva because of her tenacity and willingness to change and accept assistance from a young reporter named Dell.

This is a heartwarming story about a community, family, and friends, that stole my heart and kept me glued to every page. I appreciated Minerva's age-appropriate curiosity. According to Dell, (the journalist) he only wants to find out about the people who live on the mountain., nothing more. She has no choice but to love and trust him. He claims that gold is unimportant to him. She does not think he is being sincere. Everyone is on the prowl for gold. She had never actually seen it. She had no idea why there was such a commotion.

It's a sweet narrative with people you want to pray for as they discover some challenging realities. I liked how Dell and Minerva's connection grows and how a deep story emerges. It's a sweet narrative with people that you root for to keep going while some challenging realities are exposed. You won't soon forget this moving story. I didn't want it to end. This is a fantastic getaway and a good choice for your upcoming book club selection.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a 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 blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed reading. I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. One of the things I enjoyed about this book is how the author used their writing skills and attention to details to bring life to the story. This is a well written story that takes place a few months after the end of the Civil War. A story that will make you question family and what is important to you. A story that is emotional in parts and suspenseful in others. I enjoyed Townsend's character and how supportive he is to the other characters. He is a strong character that is faced with an impossible choice on top of coming face to face with a family's past. I found this book to be fast paced and hard to put down. An engaging story that has great growth throughout. It is an easy story to read as well as a great entertaining value. I really enjoyed reading this story from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book.

"This Is Where It Ends" is the delightful tale of Minerva Jenkins, a 94 year-old widow living in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky in 1902. When she was 14, she was married to a man who quickly moved her to the mountains under quite mysterious circumstances. While dying of a heart attack, he made her promise never to reveal the secret of a box that was said to contain treasure. Isolating herself on the mountain for 30 years in order to maintain the secret, Minvera sees herself at the end of her life. She prays not to die alone. On to the scene walks a reporter, Del Rankin, who has heard the rumors of a box containing gold that was stolen from a local man. He hopes that Minvera will reveal the secret to him. A unique friendship is slowly built, but the secrets that are uncovered will change both of their lives.

I cannot begin to express how much I loved this story. This novel is a jewel in diving into human relationships and the price that is paid by keeping sin a secret. The interaction between the characters is lively and heartwarming. Faith is woven in as Minvera deals with God and her past. She is a dynamic character that grows through the process of letting God into her wounds and peope into her life for the first time. It was an enjoyable tale through and through.

I received an advanced reader copy as part of the Revell Reads blogger team. All opinions expressed are my own.

Redemption stories with southern settings are some of my favorites, so I was certain I’d enjoy This is Where it Ends. (And I was correct!)

One of the most unique aspects of this story is that the main character, Minerva Jane Jenkins, is in her 90s. How refreshing it is to have an elderly heroine that carries a wealth of experience, memories, and secrets with her. It makes a wonderful story even more memorable.

Nearing the end of her life, Minerva prays that she doesn’t die alone. The answer to her prayers is surprising, exposing secrets left buried in the past.

I loved Minerva’s spunky personality and sank deeply into her story. I hope to read more Appalachian stories as well as delightful elderly characters in the future. What an emotional, rare, and special treat.

First Line: My eyes focused as best they could.
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction, Southern Fiction
Author: Cindy K. Sproles
Page Count: 273

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
#ThisIsWhereItEnds

“There ain't a soul alive that's found their happiness in the almighty dollar. Money, gold, possessions—all act like a coiled snake. They build up their fire, strike, and then they're spent. A body's happiness, the real prize, is found in the folks they befriend.”

I'd say after living on this earth for 94 years, Minerva learned a thing or three as evidenced in this quote! She's an absolute hoot with her wise-cracks and sassy attitude. I love her like she was my own kin. She's lived a hard life, socked in up on that mountain top but she sure 'nuff knows how to take care of her own. Until one day when her life takes a detour in the form of Del Rankin...then her world really gets shook up good! Secrets that want to be left buried come to the surface & she begins to question things she believed were as rock solid as those Appalachian Mountains she'd called home. I loved watching these two form a bond, even as resistant and hard-headed as Minerva was about it. Del has his own secrets to hold tight to and the author peeled those layers back one by one. His character was so amazing; I loved how he began to take shape in my mind’s eye. He put up with Minerva with grace and eventually won her over by his patient love. As for the box of gold....what secret did Stately take to the grave with him? One begins to wonder as the story goes on, my opinion about it shifted and twisted with each passing page. This whole story is simply amazing and one that's very hard to review. I just don't feel I have sufficient words to do it justice! I'd rate this right up there with “The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip”. If you haven't read it, I think you should! There's so much wisdom to be had when you get to know the elderly among us. The stories they tell, the life they lived, and the wisdom they've gained is so much more precious than gold. Even Del agrees:

“I learned that gold comes in many forms. Sometimes it's in the precious metal, and other times it's in the wisdom and love of our elders. Gold is found in the relationships we build, the time we spend with those we love, and our efforts to bring others in our lives.”

If you love well written Southern fiction, nuggets of wisdom to discover, strong characters to care about, an emotional read and a good faith theme, then I think you'll enjoy this captivating story. I can't recommend it enough!

This Is Where It Ends is an exceptionally amazing book. Told through the eyes of our main character Minerva Jane Jenkins at 94 years of age. Living in the hills of Appalachia Kentucky she married a man at 14 years old, he was only 17. Married for about fifty years as her husband lays dying, he makes her promise to keep his secret and also never share with anyone the contents of a box he carries around with him, she does. In my opinion Minverva doesn't get a fair shake in life, high up on a hill she is lonely for friends and neighbors and her marriage isn't how she would have planned it to be.
She lives a simple life living off the fruits of the land. She is a simple woman and knew this going in she just never expected her life to be quite like this.
So lonely after her husband dies. she manages with the occasional visit from a neighbor when they bring some type of food, she's unable to grow.
There's been a rumor that her husband years ago had gold hidden away on their homestead but looking at her little run down falling apart cabin it would make you wonder,
When a reporter gets word of this gold he goes to visit and she thinks he's there because of the rumor of the gold. She's hesitant to trust him, as most hill people are apt not to trust outsiders.
The more they talk and get to know each other the more she lets her guard down and begins to trust him. She's been so lonely is this God's way of bringing help and a friend into her life?
Days turn into weeks that turn into months as he stays and helps her with repairs that have needed done for years. It really warmed my heart to see such a bond forming between the two characters.
I really felt authenticity with the dialect, setting, foods and descriptions of the character's actions.
I really felt as though I have gotten to know Minerva through this book. She was a unique and quite special person. This book is a real treasure. Get to know the elderly and form a bond with them.
This book will stay with me for quite some time!

Pub Date 27 Jun 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

I selected this book by an author that was unknown to me because of its setting in the mountains of Kentucky in the early 1900s. I am glad I took the risk, and will be on the lookout for other books by Cindy K. Sproles. This Is Where It Ends is a multi-themed story which deals with the importance of considering well before making a promise, the importance of connecting with others in one's community, and the value of the elderly. These themes spring from a delightful story that is filled with both chuckles and tears. Sproles does a marvelous job with character development, truly capturing the mountain spirit in Minerva Jane Jenkins, and the gentle spirits of Delano Rankin. The story left me reminded of and marveling in God's perfect timing in our lives, even the times when it feels like just the opposite.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of This Is Where It Ends from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

There is Where It Ends by Cindy K. Sproles
Publication Date: 06.27.23 by Revell 288 pages
Genres: Christian, Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction

This is an absolute must-read heartfelt and unforgettable treasure! I have read a multitude of fantastic, five-star books, yet this book is in a class by itself and deserves at least ten stars! The incredibly descriptive and gut-wrenching, heart-ripping writing is majestic! The Christian faith content is real and superb!

Minerva, the main character, is so raw … so real … so relatable … so genuine. While recognizing her life on earth was ending, she remained steadfast in her faith and prayers. My copy of This is Where It Ends has so many highlighted one-liners and passages. This book is truly something special.

I have never experienced such amazing, rich, page-turning storytelling complete with humor, life lessons, Christian faith, wisdom, loss, and sacrifice.

May each one of us demonstrate love and tenderness to each and every elderly person among us.

I am so thankful that via NetGalley, Revell approved my request to view the eARC of This is Where it Ends by Cindy K. Sproles (I was also selected as a blogger team member). I could not stop reading it! It is a heart-wrecking story that will stay with me for an exceptionally long time. All opinions contained in this review are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

This review was posted on my book review blog June 27, 2023: https://luannabubbles.wixsite.com/devotedhope and will be posted on my bookstagram account: https://www.instagram.com/devotedtohope/ June 27, 2023. Additionally, this review was posted June 27, 2023 (everywhere possible/allowed): Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christianbooks.com, BAM, and BookBub.

“I begin to forget the pain and realize what I had. I begin to see deeper than Stately Jenkins’s secret.
It had to stop. This is where it ends!”

Cindy Sproles gives us pure gold in this book. At ninety-four years old, Minerva Jane Jenkins continues to keep the thirty year old promise she made to her husband as he died in her arms. He told her the box contained gold. She never opened the box. Now at the end of her life she discovers the immeasurable value of the contents in the box. Gold seekers are willing to kill for the chance to find the box of gold. Read every word and experience the hurt, fear, love and laughter of feisty Minerva Jane. How long does one keep a secret?

I loved this book. I loved Minerva and Del. I loved how Del comes to the Appalachian Mountains to get to know Minerva and learn more about her life. I did not want to put this book down. I needed lots of tissues before this story was finished. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.