How long would you keep a secret you promised to keep? Minerva Jane Jenkins had kept one for 30 years. She vowed as she held her dying husband in her arms, never to reveal what was in the box he had so carefully guarded all his life. She had no clue what was in the box, but she kept her word.
It is 1902; Minerva is now 94 years old and knows she is nearing the end of her time here on earth. She has lived a lonely life of survival in the Appalachian Mountains. All she has known his heartache and hardship yet it has not dulled her wit and determination to carry on. Her constant prayer is that the Lord will not let her die alone.
Del Rankin a reporter hears of her husband, Stately's, story and want's to find the truth. He is a kind, caring young man and likes Minerva's spunkiness and amazing spirit of independence when clearly even the smallest things are difficult in her advanced age. Minerva is suspicious of him of course but his honestly and persistence to help her wins her over. For the first time in a long time she trusts someone. Little did she realize even at 94 he would change her life in ways she never imagined.
As with all of Cindy Sproles' books they touch you very deeply emotionally. I felt every one of Minerva's aches and pains, her physical challenges to accomplish daily tasks, and her feelings. The author's detail to Minerva's emotions and perceptions were so in-depth that she became alive to me. I loved her sense of humor, how she talked so easily with the Lord, and the wisdom she shares throughout the story.
There are many unexpected surprises and turns along the way. Be prepared and have a box of tissues on hand, you will not read this book without some tears. This is a deep book on many levels and beautifully written. I always look forward to reading more books by Cindy Sproles.
I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.
It is 1902; Minerva is now 94 years old and knows she is nearing the end of her time here on earth. She has lived a lonely life of survival in the Appalachian Mountains. All she has known his heartache and hardship yet it has not dulled her wit and determination to carry on. Her constant prayer is that the Lord will not let her die alone.
Del Rankin a reporter hears of her husband, Stately's, story and want's to find the truth. He is a kind, caring young man and likes Minerva's spunkiness and amazing spirit of independence when clearly even the smallest things are difficult in her advanced age. Minerva is suspicious of him of course but his honestly and persistence to help her wins her over. For the first time in a long time she trusts someone. Little did she realize even at 94 he would change her life in ways she never imagined.
As with all of Cindy Sproles' books they touch you very deeply emotionally. I felt every one of Minerva's aches and pains, her physical challenges to accomplish daily tasks, and her feelings. The author's detail to Minerva's emotions and perceptions were so in-depth that she became alive to me. I loved her sense of humor, how she talked so easily with the Lord, and the wisdom she shares throughout the story.
There are many unexpected surprises and turns along the way. Be prepared and have a box of tissues on hand, you will not read this book without some tears. This is a deep book on many levels and beautifully written. I always look forward to reading more books by Cindy Sproles.
I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.
