The Eyes of River: An Appalachian Novel

By Cindy K. Sproles

Book Overview

In the shadowed hollers of the early-twentieth-century Appalachian Mountains, Lizzy Haney is on the run.

She's been falsely accused of murder and is desperate to reunite with her brother, River, whose unforgettable green eyes haunt her. The secret in her past is a stinging wound, but it motivates her toward her goal: freedom.

But nine-year-old River, sent through the US Post Office to his late mother's friend in Knoxville, never arrived. Lizzy's dream of finding him and starting a new life away from their alcoholic and abusive father is ripped away.

Her hope rekindles as she finds an unexpected confidant to help her dodge the law and save the missing youngin'. As she finds herself trusting him, she discovers the truth of the old adage her momma repeated: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 082545316X
• ISBN13: 9780825453168
• Release Date: June 2026
• Publisher: Kregel Publications
• Length: 280 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Do you really know who you are?

I received this book as an ARC from the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. "And ye shall no the truth and truth will make you free." Lizzy heard her Mom quote this scripture to her as she was growing up. There was not a time that Lizzy wanted to listen to anything that had to do with God. Her father was a hateful man who was a drunk. He was very unpredictable. All during Lizzy's childhood, she hated her father. She did everything she could to protect her brother River. After her Mom dies, Lizzy finds that it is harder to protect River. She feels her only way to protect him is to mail him to her Mom's friend Tilda. This story will grab you and not let you go. It will bring to light the deepest depravity as well as the kindness of people who have no reason to go out of their way to help. This is a must read for all who enjoy historical Appalachian novels.