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.
Excerpt
“Cat got your tongue?”
I had to give Alton credit. He was doin’ his best to start a conversation. I just didn’t have it in me to reply.
“I understand if you don’t want to talk. I know girls sometimes get a little bashful. Though you wasn’t too bashful tellin’ me you’d bloody my nose. I’m just tryin’ to be gentlemanly. You know, help out a friend. Do what’s right.”
“Will you stop babbling? I was at the station because I . . . I . . . I had business there.”
“I know. It’s none of my beeswax, right?” He kicked a rock a few feet in front of us. It splashed in the soggy grass.
“Look, Alton . . .”
“I know, Lizzy. You don’t like me. I understand. Like I said, I’m just tryin’ to be gentlemanly. I turned eighteen yesterday. Momma said it was time I bucked up and come into my manhood. Guess I ain’t doin’ so good at that, now am I.” His blue eyes focused on the ground at my feet.
I sighed. Alton wasn’t a bad person. I just wasn’t fancy on him, and despite his being nervous, he was being kind. I sure wasn’t beholden to his concern. “I’m sorry. It’s just been a hard day. And you’ve been nothing but gentlemanly. Got your fancy trousers on and all. See, I noticed.”
Alton lifted his gaze from the road to me. “Mighty kind of you to notice. Thanks.”
I nodded. “I just mailed a box to Knoxville.”
He stopped square at the edge of a puddle and rubbed his nubby chin with his finger. “Mailin’ a box don’t rate a person cryin’. Seems to me there’s more to that box than you’re lettin’ on.”
I was tired of lies. Tired of hiding things that should be spoken, and though I wasn’t keen on trusting just anyone, I’d known Alton long enough to see that he’d keep my secret to hisself. I hated being forced to shy from the truth. I ain’t no liar, and being honest means something to me. I stared into Alton’s eyes, and for an instant I saw someone I could tell the truth to and feel safe.
“I ain’t a liar, Alton. And I don’t trust many folks, but I think you’re different. So truth is, I mailed my brother to Knoxville.”
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop
About The Author
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.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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