A Powerful Story of Truth, Mercy, and Freedom

The Eyes of River

Written by Cindy K. Sproles

Publisher: Kregel Publications

Release Date: 06.23.26

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

5+ Stars

Some books are easy to review because you can talk about the plot. The Eyes of River by Cindy K. Sproles is hard to review because I do not want to rob anyone of discovering it for themselves.

Set in the Appalachian mountains of the early twentieth century, this novel follows Lizzy Haney as she searches for her little brother, River, while trying to escape a terrible accusation. That is all I want to say about the plot because this story deserves to unfold page by page.

Cindy K. Sproles writes Appalachia with grit, compassion, and such a strong sense of place. The mountains feel beautiful and harsh, protective and dangerous. The story carries sorrow, fear, injustice, secrets, and hope without ever feeling careless with any of it.

I cared deeply about Lizzy. I cared about River. I cared about truth coming into the light.

More than anything, I loved the faith woven through these pages.

Truth matters.

Sin has consequences.

Mercy is precious.

God sees what others overlook.

And His truth ultimately brings freedom.

The faith thread is natural, meaningful, and central to the story. It is not added around the edges. It belongs to the very heartbeat of the book.

I kept finding reasons to read one more chapter.

Without hesitation, The Eyes of River is a 5+ star read, one of my favorite books of the year, and one I will be recommending often.

Some stories deserve to be experienced. This is one of them.

I received a paperback ARC from the author and publisher. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.