"What Momma Left Behind" by Cindy K. Sproles

What Momma Left Behind (June 2, 2020) by Cindy K. Sproles.*

While protected from outside diseases for a time in the Appalachian Mountains, by 1877, the “fever” (actually typhoid and influenza) is ravaging the Sourwood Mountain, Tennessee, community 17-year-old Worie Dressar lives in. Orphaned children are left behind, Worie included. She has two older brothers, who can feel like plagues themselves, with one brother (Calvin) full of avarice and malice while the other (Justice) is hardworking and sensitive when he isn’t a drunkard. She and family friend, Ely, are the ones who bury Momma. As days pass without her, starving youngsters begin appearing. It’s one of Momma’s secrets; she had been feeding orphans (mostly beans) who had no means to care for themselves. With Momma gone, Worie is overwhelmed with figuring out how to care for these “youngins” who keep showing up. But Worie won’t let them keep fending for themselves. She’ll work to keep them, raise them up and show them love. She’ll care for all of Momma’s children like she birthed them herself. After all, “families ain’t always shaped the way we think they orta be.”

            The magnetism of this historical, inspirational fiction novel is centered on the wonder of love and compassion manifesting in the hardest of times with an atypical heroine. Worie isn’t looking to be anybody’s hero and is, in fact, tenacious, opinionated, loud and often downright rude. Even at my current age, I can only imagine the stink eyes my own momma would give me if I ever gave anyone lip such as she does! But Worie is gritty and tough because she has to be. She struggles with her relationship with God since Momma’s passing, but there’s a stellar character in Pastor Jess, who’s good at popping up in odd places. Despite the gravity of being a survivor in Sourwood Mountain, this story is a kaleidoscope of forgiveness, ample love, restoration and faith. Sproles transports readers into history, right down to the speech of the characters.

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly 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.”