What Momma Left Behind

What Momma Left Behind is Cindy K. Sproles’s debut novel. The author takes readers to the Appalachian Mountains in the late 1870s. Worie Dressar loses her mother, her home and security in a short span of time. Influenza and typhoid are afflicting the residents of the mountain leaving numerous people dead. Worie had dreams of becoming a teacher, but there was no way she could leave her mother alone to care for the farm. Her brother, Justice took to drink after their father passed. Her other brother, Calvin is a greedy man who is also a liar and a conniver. Thankfully, Worie has good friends in Ely and Bess Merrell. She then meets Pastor Jess who will prove invaluable in helping Worie. I thought the author captured the speech of the Appalachian people along with the living conditions and their struggles. Worie is a simple person with a limited education which is evident from her speech and knowledge. Worie’s mother was a woman of great faith, but it is something Worie has struggled with despite her mother’s teachings. I thought What Momma Left Behind was a slow starter, but, as I got further into the book, I become more engrossed. I wanted to find out how the story would play out. There were some interesting surprises along the way. I appreciated the epilogue which nicely wrapped up the book. The story is told in the first-person from Worie’s point-of-view. It gives the reader an opportunity to really understand this feisty young woman. Worie is only seventeen at the beginning when she begins taking in the orphans. I just loved Pastor Jess who kept popping up when you least expected him. Worie has a great deal to learn and understand. Her spirited nature will stand her in good stead, but Worie does need to control her temper. The one thing I did not like was how the book started. I just found it off-putting which made it hard for me to get into the story. I wish the author had put that scene in the second chapter. Faith plays a big part of the story. There are scripture passages along with religious talks. What Momma Left Behind is an interesting historical novel that gives readers a glimpse at what life was like for residents of the Appalachian Mountains in the late 1870s.

Worie is quite the name for a girl, but it definitely fits her. Of course, with all she's been through, its no wonder, she’s a bit of a worrier. The title of this book intrigued me, as well as the setting. I've enjoyed many books set in the Appalachian Mountains. There were some aspects of the story that kept my attention, such as the orphaned children, Worie's friends Eli and Bess were a kindly bunch, and the general story plot. But Worie at times could be a bit annoying and whiny, while also being stubborn and loud. Honestly, she could be downright irritating! Of course, she was only 17, but she vacillated back and forth being strong like her Mama taught her, and pitching a fit or falling apart. Then there's her brothers, one, you could find a bit of sympathy for, while the other you’d like to get ahold of him and teach him a lesson. And of course, we can’t forget the Pastor, whose intentions towards Worie I’m still figuring out, but he definitely has a big heart. I’m giving the book 3.5 stars. It was good, but I can't say that it was a don’t-want-to-put-down page turner. However, it kept my attention enough that I wanted to finish it to find out what happened in the end. I would certainly recommend it to anyone who loves a good mountain story. I was blessed with a copy of this book courtesy of Revell Publishing. I was not asked or required to review this book positively.