I think what I enjoyed most about this story is how authentic the voices were; very true to the East TN dialect. ( )

A beautiful story of a girl who didn't know love nor the love of God. I won't rehash the story, but it is very moving as well as full of action. I hope to read more by this author. ( )

Cindy Sproles is a new to me author and she brings us an amazing story with this book! When I sat down and opened the pages of this book, I was instantly hooked. I felt every emotion of the characters, every heart wrenching moment within the pages. These characters were wonderfully chiseled and absolutely took my breath away.

Lochiel's character is stunning. She is has so many secrets to deal with and so much pain. Lochiel will work her way into your heart, and you'll want to reach out and wrap her up in a hug!

Ms. Sproles writing style is unique and a fresh breath of air for this reader! This book will captivate the reader and take them on an emotional roller coaster ride, leaving them wanting more! This book is definitely worthy of 4 stars and two thumbs up. You don't want to miss it!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.* ( )

What a great book! I loved everything about it…the setting, the characters, the storyline…amazing. People in that era believed a birthmark was a sign of the devil marking the baby and they were afraid of that person. How terribly sad for a child growing up to think she belonged to the devil, people being afraid of her for fear of being hexed.

Lochiel’s worst enemy is her brother who vowed to kill her because of a port wine birthmark on her face, the misery this child went through makes one shudder to think about. Thankfully, Lochiel has someone that will try to help hide her from this threat on her life.

This is a wonderfully written novel that kept me reading every chance I could. If you have an interest in the Appalachians, the early 1900’s, or are just looking for a weekend read this is the book for you.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.​ ​ ( )

Liar's Winter
By Cindy K. Sproles
I read the author’s first book Mercy’s Rain and could not wait to read this one! She is an incredibly talented writer that not only entertains but rivets your heart and mind to the story, bringing home incredible biblical truths.
The Appalachians and the unique people that live there have long fascinated me. Ms. Sproles was raised in the Appalachian mountains so her stories have a realism inherent from understanding the people, their ways, and their traditions.
Lochiel Ogle was born in the Tennessee mountains during the late 1800’s. Through no fault of her own, she had a large red birth mark on her face and neck. The superstition of the hills deemed it a “mark of the devil.” Due to the fear associated with this belief she suffered isolation and abuse by her adopted family.
As a young boy, her brother Gerald came upon the cabin where her mother had just given birth to her. The mother, in deep sleep was assumed dead by the boy. He was hoping a baby would ease his mother’s grief from the babies she had lost. Of course because of the mark, the infant was rejected and became a young woman filled with anger, hurt and confusion. She truly believed the curse and that the devil controlled her.
When she was 19 years old her brother tried to kill her and left her for dead. A compassionate Christian man named Walton found her and took her to his elderly mother, Edna. There for the first time in her life Lochiel, experienced love, kindness, acceptance and nurturing. While these were all very important needs, the greatest gift Edna gave her was to introduce her to God and His Word. Gently and lovingly she began to teach Lochiel that there was no curse and that she was not evil. Slowly Edna’s Christ like ways and teachings began to change Lochiel. It brought home that what we see has a horrible situation is God working to bless us.
This is an incredible story of forgiveness and love beyond what most of us cannot even begin to grasp. I saw God’s power working in Lochiel’s life in unimaginable ways. Suspense and surprise do not even begin to describe this novel. You will not be able to put it down! If you only read one fiction book this year, this is the one!
I received this book from Kregel Publishing. This is an honest review and the opinions stated are my own. ( )