What Momma Left Behind

Ugh, this book. I grabbed it on a whim, and honesty, it is so frustrating.<br /><br />Just ... the writing. And the storyline went on and on and felt so pointless. And the characters weren't even that likable. I also found myself not liking the children! The cardinal sin for any author - I do so love children, and if they don't write them well, I'm instantly done.<br /><br />But the writing. The writing was the main thing that killed me inside. Some people might find it charming or unique. It made me cringe with every word.<br /><br />And when you're cringing with every word, it's difficult to get invested in the story. So maybe I would've been more objective in that case.<br /><br />I know what the author was trying to do. She was trying to be ... whimsical? To get the reader inside the head of the main character?<br /><br />But y'all. I write accents. I write them all. the. time. And I always try to focus in on the character's voice, to the point where I have always told my students, "You don't need to have a strong author voice if you have a strong character voice. Character first, you second."<br /><br />And this is just ... too extreme for me? Too silly for me? And honestly, maybe even a bit too degrading for me.<br /><br />It made the main character sound stupid, and I can't stand that. Not the way she talked, no. I expected that to be accurate to the setting. The way she thought - e.g. the actual writing style.<br /><br />If you wrote the point of view of a black character that way, you would be in so much trouble. I don't see it as being any different with a white character from the Appalachians.<br /><br />Especially a poor white character who, of course, was not given the benefit of an education and other things that are so commonplace to America these days. Just because she talks a bit different doesn't mean she's stupid!<br /><br />Anyways. That's my mini rant of the day. Because honestly, I'm not a "grammar Nazi," but I can't take constant misspellings, weird phrasing, etc., in the name of uniqueness. It just frustrates me and makes me dislike a poor main character who may or may not deserve my dislike.<br /><br />But if that's your thing, well, this is the book for you!<br /><br />1/5 stars because I honestly could find nothing to like about it, but that's just me.

Thank you to NetGalley, Revell Publishing and Cindy K. Sproles for my copy of What Momma Left Behind.<br />In 1898, Worie Dressar is only seventeen when she discovers her mother Louise has passed away and she has no idea why? To make matters worse an influenza and dysentery outbreak occurs in the small Tennessee mountain community and more lives are lost in and leaving so many children orphaned and hungry. Worie has no time to grieve for her mother; she’s busy taking care of hungry, homeless children and just like her Momma did. She also has her two brothers to deal with Calvin who’s mean and nasty and Justice a hopeless alcoholic.<br /><br />Calvin tosses Worie and her menagerie of children out of the cabin; he’s greedy and wants the contents of a jar Momma has hidden in the cabin? Worie has no idea why her brother’s wants with a few notes written by her Momma, she’s keeping her last link to her mother and no way will she willingly give the jar to Calvin.<br />When she discovers two of the orphaned children have gone missing and her brother Calvin is involved she sets out to find them with Pastor Jess. For the first time Worie leaves the mountain's, she travels to Chattanooga by train and she’s like a fish out of water and a feisty one!<br />What Momma Left Behind is a story about a young woman trusting in her faith when at times she questions what god has planned for her and why life has to be so hard? It’s a story about injustice, greed, sacrifice, forgiveness, hope and love. Like her Momma, Worie discovers the love she can have for children not born from her own body, they find a special place in her heart and bring her so much joy.<br />I gave the book four stars, a quick easy read and with mild christian dialog.<br />I have shared my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Kobo, Australian Amazon, Twitter and my blog.<br /><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/">https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/</a>

Read this wonderful novel to find out WHAT MOMMA LEFT BEHIND. Her legacy was just what Worie Dressar needed in tough times in 1877 Appalachia. <br />Fiesty is not a strong enough word to describe Worie Dressar. She is blunt. She will not let anyone run roughshod over her. She has seen too much pain in her 17 years. When she knows something is right, she will move heaven and earth to rectify an injustice. <br />This book is written in a no-nonsense, culturally authentic way. But, oh, the lessons it teaches. The author has covered the Seven Deadly Sins and shows the consequences. Ms. Sproles also shows Biblical solutions. The themes of trust, forgiveness and listening to the Lord are woven through this story. <br />The author gives us rawness and beauty through the trials of Worie Dressar. She says: “Daddy was right about these mountains. Even in the hardest of times their beauty speaks to you. Life is hard here. A body only has the simple things to keep them goin. A man closes his eyes at night and just prays to open them when the rooster crows.” And: “The mountain air brings newness, seeps down deep, and cleans out the things that weigh heavy on a body’s soul. Despite how hard things are, it’s like the mountain is forgivin. It demands a man’s hard work to survive, but then it wraps its soul and spirit around you, claimin you as its own child.”<br />Worie is no respecter of persons and fights for the underdog when need be. She seeks counsel from Pastor Jess and old friend Ely. <br />This book is rich in description, jargon and Biblical lessons. <br />* I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Revell Reads blogger program. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Make no mistake, life in the Appalachian mountains is not easy in 1877.<br />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 .<br />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.<br />Through the darkness a light shines and hope is found where only despair lived before.<br />Amazing book, first I've read by this author and I look forward to reading more by her.<br />This book will be remembered for a long time.<br /><br />Published June 2nd 2020 by Fleming H. Revell Company<br />I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.<br />All opinions expressed are my own.<br /><br />

Thank you Revell for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own. <br /><br />What Momma Left Behind <br />By: Cindy K. Sproles <br /><br />REVIEW ☆☆☆☆<br />What Momma Left Behind is an inspirational yet tragic story. The year is 1877, and in a region of Appalachia, tragedy has arrived in the form of a flu pandemic. Worie Dressar is a survivor who, at only 17, has just lost her mother. Beyond the scope of her grief, Worie is in a terrible situation that is far too much for a 17 year old to shoulder. She is now responsible for the care of her family. Unfortunately, her two brothers are worthless layabout whom Worie cannot depend upon for help. To make things worse, there are orphans in the region in need of help. These children lost their parents to the flu and have nowhere to go now. Worie accepts responsibility for all of these children. She is an amazing character, a combination of selflessness, determination, sass and morality that equals one steadfast young woman. Worie doesn't take gruff from anyone because she is fearless. Her faith is strong and helps her survive. Worie doesn't trust easily, but she does believe in family and love, even though life has been despairing and unfair. There are numerous twists and turns and secrets in the story. Cindy Sproles writes with Appalachian dialect that is fascinating to read. This lends so much authenticity to the story, and I felt like I knew Worie at times. You will root for this overburdened girl to survive the hardships of daily life. What Momma Left Behind will touch your heart and stay in your mind. I highly recommend this insightful historical fiction story!

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 now brought the "fever" (influenza and typhoid).<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Secondary characters Ely, Bess and the local pastor all have wonderful voices and share the love and direction of Christ to Worie and others.<br /><br />Lovely tale about survival and recovering from loss. My gratitude to publisher Revell for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

I'm so honored to have been asked to read an early copy of Cindy's latest story. As an Appalachian author it's a delight to read stories set in my neck of the woods!<br /><br />As my grandmother would say, "Worie is full of beans!" I alternately loved her and wanted to sit her down and give her a good talking to. Of course, the story sees to softening some of her flaws while preserving the stubborn, willful streak that makes her who she is. She reminds me of some mountain ladies I've known . . . <br /><br />The story is hard, but so was living in the mountains of eastern Tennessee in the late 1800s. And yet, there's such beauty here--in the landscape and in the people. Worie Dressar is not your typical heroine, but then, I've never though there was anything typical about Appalachia. Worie is true. She's real. And if I had a child who needed looking after I'd hope someone like Worie would be around.<br /><br />Add this book to your "To Read" shelf. And come June 2020, settle in for a compelling tale of a young woman who rises above her circumstances to not only overcome, but to become a better person along the way.

During the current pandemic in the United States, the hardship of the Tennessee mountains during the 1870’s reminds readers that we still have a better life. Cindy K Sproles conveys a sense of the everyday hardship of the influenza epidemic and the unshaking belief in God. Worri Dressar loses her mother, her home, and security during the outbreak of influenza in the mountains. She inherits four homeless orphans and two troublesome brothers. At 17-years-old, Worri must care for this motley crew of survivors. Cindy K Sproles narrates the story from the eyes of Worri, who questions this dilemma. Worri’s words are simple and uneducated, but strong in the wisdom of survival and in God’s plan. <br /><br />

This is a unique story! It takes place in the late 1800's, in the Appalachian Mountains, and it is written in what felt like a very authentic way. I was very impressed. The whole story moved along smoothly, and I really liked the main character, Worie. Right away we are taken with her plight. There was a lot of sorrow in her story, but the lessons she learned were heartfelt and true.And all the children...how precious. I also really like Justice - Worie's brother. He had his own trials and struggles, but I love how they pulled together towards the end.This whole story is very well written, engaging, and sweet. As I said, it has its sorrows and trials, but it is a uniquely beautiful story that reaches the heart.Looking forward to reading more by this author!

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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><b>There it was - laid out on the mornin breeze.  I was selfish and judgemental. I was angry, stubborn, a tad hateful.</b><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Here are some of my favorite lines:<br /><br /><b>"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."<br /><br />"I ain't nothin but a drunk.  But you, little lady. You are Momma made over, and that ain't nothing but good."<br /><br />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.<br /><br />"You understand, Worie, it ain't your job to fix me. It's your job to love me despite my downfalls."<br /><br />"if a man is to overcome something that has a hold on him, they has to be some trust."<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Despite all them children had lost...there was laughter. It was a lesson I needed to learn. </b>