The Rock at the Bottom is an emotional, heartfelt romance novel that explores the themes of grief, regrets, tragedy, love and hope. The plot was fast paced and despite being a part of the series, i feel you can pick it up as a standalone. This was the first book I have read by Cynthia Hilston but I will be going back and reading the other two books. I highly recommend this book!!


Thank you NetGalley and Cynthia Hilton for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to receive this book for an honest review.

I have to be honest to say that I found this book disturbing. It is a hard read with difficult topics. Physical and Mental Abuse, death, alcohol abuse does not make for an enjoyable read.

I am sorry to say I could not continue to read.

If you like "dark" books than give it a try.

This is such a unique historical fiction story! Cynthia Hilston isn’t afraid to tackle difficult topics in her story, and this story does such a great job of expressing some of the difficulties experienced during the Prohibition-era. This is a story of struggle and strife that ultimately lead to the path of redemption. A story of hope and finding that beautiful light at the end of the tunnel, so long as one is able to endure to the end.

I loved reading The Rock at the Bottom, and meeting these characters. The flowing prose and expressive storytelling paired wonderfully with this heartrending tale, and presented such a powerful story!

This book was a real, emotional no BS read and I strongly recommend checking trigger warning before reading as it does involve tough subjects. while this book was not easy to read it was certainly worth it. I can wait to see what else the author writes.

This was my first Hilston book, and while this is not a breezy feel-good story, the depth in the writing and the warmth in the darkness would surely move hearts. Delving into difficult and emotionally wrecking themes including child abuse, guilt, and loss, the book narrates the life of Stephen's, with all its roller coaster moments, and is heart-wrenching at times, and uplifting at times.

Stephen has had life cut him a raw deal, losing his mother at his birth. Having been bullied into silence by his father and older siblings who blame him for his mother's death, Stephen's turns to writing for solace. This begins with Stephen recounting his time as a 6-year-old being abused by his father. His father, and older siblings, hold him accountable for the death of his mother. She died giving birth to him. While Stephen tries to navigate through life, crossing friendships, love, prison term, loss, renewed love, and hope, the readers are drawn into his compelling story.

The book also serves as a remarkable piece of historical fiction, and Hilston's writing is compelling, and the pace of narration, perfect. I loved reading this book, and my thanks to Hilston, and Cami Hensley of Reading Addiction PR, for gifting me with a copy of this book.