What Momma Left Behind

Starred review from June 1, 2020
In award-winning inspiration author Sproles' latest novel, 17-year-old Worie Dressar's widowed momma has tried to take care of people near their Tennessee mountain home as a deadly onslaught of both typhoid and influenza runs through their Appalachian community in 1877. Many local children are orphaned due to this plague, and Worie can't help but question God when Momma takes her own life. Worie soon finds that she needs to accept help from her parents' dear friends, Ely and Bess, as well as the pastor, and she begins to take care of the orphans her mother loved, work that helps her restore her faith. Still, she must also face the challenge of dealing with her brothers, one of whom wants to take what little she has left from their previous life, and the disclosure of family secrets. In Sproles' emotionally powerful and timely tale of tested faith during an epidemic, Worie learns how to let go of anger and bitterness. An unforgettable story of healing and giving.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)