Book Review of 'Coal Black Lies' by Cindy K. Sproles

Hello Bookworms!

I am SO incredibly excited that you're here today because I have been bursting with excitement to talk about the novel I am featuring today. I was instantly taken by the insanely gorgeous cover but the story that it told truly took me to another world, and touched me on a deep level, and I cannot wait to share my thoughts with you!

I hope you enjoy my review of Coal Black Lies and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Coal Black Lies by Cindy K. Sproles, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Coal Black Lies
Author: Cindy K. Sproles
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: June 18, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Believing the bitter lies you tell yourself leaves little room for the sweetness of truth

Coal miner Joshua Morgan managed to do the impossible--he broke away from the stranglehold of the iron-fisted Barton family and the Company Store, to whom all the miners in the Appalachian Mountains are indebted. But it cost him the life of his young daughter, who was run down by a posse led by Thomas Barton while coming to collect Joshua's payment to the store.

Five years later, a sweet but slow-witted young girl lands on his doorstep, and Joshua's desire to protect her from the clutches of the Bartons increases his thirst for vengeance. Joshua sets out to discover where the girl came from in order to take down the Barton family once and for all.

His journey leads him to the truth about the day his daughter died, a reality he finds hard to accept. But when confronted by Thomas Barton himself, Joshua is forced to rethink the dark lies brewing in his heart. If he broke away, could Thomas have also? Despite his misgivings, can Joshua join forces with a man he once despised to free the miners from the tyrannical Barton family and forge a future of peace for both the young girl and himself?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop

My Review

Wow! I felt like I was in a different world when I read Coal Black Lies. The moment I picked up this book I was transported to another time and place, the Appalachia coming alive in my mind like never before. I have never read anything by this author before, but I plan on reading everything I can get my hands on. Cindy Sproles has an amazing talent for bringing an unknown world to life with her words and captured my heart and imagination in her telling.

It has often been said that money is the root of all evil and that is plainly seen in this novel. I could feel the heart of the Appalachia as I read the descriptions of rural Kentucky at the turn of the century. I hate hearing about the conditions of the coal mines and what the poor men and families went through to survive during this time. It’s a nasty black stain on our nation’s history, that’s for sure, and it cast a darker shadow on this novel, along with other, darker subject matter. I was very thankful for the shorter chapters for this highly emotional and layered story.

I appreciated that the dialogue felt authentic and believable for the era and area, and the whole novel felt so natural that if you told me this was a true story I’d easily believe you. In my mind, a long time ago, these people existed in the mountains, and I was lucky enough to hear their tales of loss, love, and the fight for truth against the forces of evil.

One of the most surprising things happened as I was finishing the novel. I actually had to put the book down and started crying! The culmination of the story and the breathtaking picture of grace was so blindingly vivid that I whispered, “Wow…” as tears filled my eyes and I had to take a moment, praising God for all of His goodness. I finished the last few pages with tears staining my cheeks and my heart full. God really does know exactly what you need when you need it. Praise be! I cannot tell you the last time I had this happen while reading something other than the Bible.

Yes, this is a heavy read with some deep subject matter, but the message is so incredibly powerful that it is worth the read. I cannot recommend this novel and this author enough!

My Rating: ★★★★★

Also Available

About the Author

Cindy K. Sproles is the author of devotions published in newspapers across the country and a teacher at Christian writers conferences. She spent her formative years showing off her beloved Appalachian Mountains to others, and she and her family still live in the mountains of East Tennessee.

Connect with Cindy at cindysproles.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a print copy of Coal Black Lies plus book-related swag!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 17, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 24, 2024. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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