Eyes of River

 

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Eyes of River by Cindy K. Sproles, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Eyes of River 

Author: Cindy K. Sproles 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: June 23, 2026 

Genre: Historical Fiction

A heart-wrenching Appalachian novel from a best-selling, award-winning author

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 their 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 happens upon an unexpected friend to help her dodge the law and save the missing youngin'. As she finds herself trusting him, she discovers the accuracy of the old adage her momma repeated: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

My thoughts

I feel like Appalachian History needs to be an offical sub-genre. I've read a couple lately. Lizzy, our FMC, goes through quite a journey in this book, both literally and figuratively.  I enjoyed "watching" her learn to trust others and trust God.  I appreciate the little known historical facts, like mailing a child and the early child trafficing. This book is a quick and easy read, but it is gritty, emotional and real too. I hurt for Lizzy and River and rooted them on as well.  The character growth is what propelled the story and kept the pages turning, which I love because it provides hope and inspires readers to keep searching, learning, trusting!  

I did recieve a free e-copy of this book. All thoughts shared are my honest opinions. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

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About the Author

Cindy K. Sproles is a speaker and best-selling,award-winning author of several novels, including Mercy's Rain, Liar's Winter, and Coal Black Lies. She is the executive editor for Christian Devotions Ministries and the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. She also mentors and coaches new writers with Write Right Author Mentoring Services. She is an Appalachian-born-and-raised mountain girl who now lives in East Tennessee.

Connect with Cindy by visiting cindysproles.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of The Eyes of River and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 24, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 1, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!