by Cindy K. Sproles
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 9780800740795
Having read, and loved, What Mama Left Behind, I was excited to learn Cindy's next book was going to be available for review. I'm guessing I was one of the first to sign up for a book. Revell sent me the book for review!
Summary:
How long is a body expected to keep a secret?
When Minerva Jane Jenkins was just fourteen years old, she married a man who moved her to the mountains. He carried with him a small box, which he told her held gold. And when he died fifty years later, he made her promise to tell no one about the box or the treasure it contained.
Now at ninety-four, Minerva is nearing the end of what has sometimes been a lonely life. But she's kept her promise. Even so, rumors of hidden gold have a way of spreading, and Minerva is visited by a reporter, Del Rankin, who wants to know more of her story.
As an unlikely friendship develops, Minerva is tempted to reveal her secret to Del. But the truth of what's really buried in the box may be hidden even from her.
When Minerva Jane Jenkins was just fourteen years old, she married a man who moved her to the mountains. He carried with him a small box, which he told her held gold. And when he died fifty years later, he made her promise to tell no one about the box or the treasure it contained.
Now at ninety-four, Minerva is nearing the end of what has sometimes been a lonely life. But she's kept her promise. Even so, rumors of hidden gold have a way of spreading, and Minerva is visited by a reporter, Del Rankin, who wants to know more of her story.
As an unlikely friendship develops, Minerva is tempted to reveal her secret to Del. But the truth of what's really buried in the box may be hidden even from her.
My Review:
What a heartfelt read. If you're looking for a story that feels like a warm blanket, then you will enjoy This Is Where It Ends.
While it feels like it started off slowly, what was happening was the characters were burrowing themselves into my heart. We meet Minerva right when her husband passes away and then immediately again when she's now 94 years old. She's spent her whole life up on the mountain her husband brought her to as a young bride - alone. As her story unfolds, I felt quite a few emotions towards her dead husband and for all she missed out on. Thankfully, we get to share in her emotions as she learns more than she ever wanted to. Minerva is full sass and isn't to be trifled with. She also loves her Lord and does her best to follow in His ways.
Then, there's Delano. He plants himself into Minerva's life and she doesn't know what to think of this nosy reporter. She doesn't have much cause to trust him, especially since he's come asking about gold. Without giving too much away, we get to see him grow and to know him better throughout this story.
How long do we keep a promise? As Del learned from Minerva, all the way to the grave. Sometimes we hold on to things (a lie, a belief, a hurt, etc) for so long our lives go in a direction we never expected. Sometimes people are put into our lives, unexpectedly, and they become family. We learn all of that and so much more in this story.
DID I need tissue for this story? Yes I did! The way God provides for Minerva is tender and beautiful. A reminder of how He is faithful.
I did feel like some parts of the story were retold a couple of times and didn't understand the point of it. If you enjoy feeling life you've traveled to the mountains of Kentucky then you'll get that in spades with this story. I could completely picture Minerva's mountain and the people around her.
While it feels like it started off slowly, what was happening was the characters were burrowing themselves into my heart. We meet Minerva right when her husband passes away and then immediately again when she's now 94 years old. She's spent her whole life up on the mountain her husband brought her to as a young bride - alone. As her story unfolds, I felt quite a few emotions towards her dead husband and for all she missed out on. Thankfully, we get to share in her emotions as she learns more than she ever wanted to. Minerva is full sass and isn't to be trifled with. She also loves her Lord and does her best to follow in His ways.
Then, there's Delano. He plants himself into Minerva's life and she doesn't know what to think of this nosy reporter. She doesn't have much cause to trust him, especially since he's come asking about gold. Without giving too much away, we get to see him grow and to know him better throughout this story.
How long do we keep a promise? As Del learned from Minerva, all the way to the grave. Sometimes we hold on to things (a lie, a belief, a hurt, etc) for so long our lives go in a direction we never expected. Sometimes people are put into our lives, unexpectedly, and they become family. We learn all of that and so much more in this story.
DID I need tissue for this story? Yes I did! The way God provides for Minerva is tender and beautiful. A reminder of how He is faithful.
I did feel like some parts of the story were retold a couple of times and didn't understand the point of it. If you enjoy feeling life you've traveled to the mountains of Kentucky then you'll get that in spades with this story. I could completely picture Minerva's mountain and the people around her.
About the Author:
Cindy K. Sproles is the author of What Momma Left Behind and the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries. A popular speaker, Cindy teaches at writers conferences across the country and directs the Asheville Christian Writers Conference in North Carolina. She is the executive editor of ChristianDevotions.us and freelance editor for Iron Stream Media. Cindy has a BA in business and journalism and lives in the mountains of East Tennessee with her family.
