4 out of 5 stars
Like MERCY’s
RAIN, LIAR’S WINTER chronicles a difficult time in history and in the life of a
little girl.
Set in the
Appalachian Mountains in the 1800s—a time when people grappled to survive—Lochiel
Ogle is raised in a dark world of hatred and fear. Literally marked since
birth, Lochiel is stolen away from her mother and raised by a family that treats
her like she is the plague incarnate. Called the Devil’s child because of the red-wine
birthmark on her face, Lochiel is abused physically, emotionally, and psychologically.
She is brainwashed into believing she is evil and constantly told she is
worthless and has the ability to hex others. When her brother beats her, and
leaves her to die, a stranger rescues her. Instantly Lochiel’s world changes.
She is treated with kindness and compassion for the first time in her life.
Suspicious why strangers would treat her so well, she soon finds out Walton and
Edna aren’t strangers at all. What follows is a story of discovery and hope.
Lochiel learns of her past and looks forward to a new future. Unfortunately,
even with people who love her and want to protect Lochiel, the world might
never be a safe place for her. When her life is threatened once again, she must
be spirited away to safety.
There are
both pros and cons to Ms. Sproles artistic style. Though the writing vernacular
is authentic to the time period, it takes some getting used to, and the
darkness of the subject matter can weigh heavy on the reader. However, if you
can get past those snags, and allow yourself to attach to the characters, the
story moves quicker. This isn’t a series I would necessarily recommend to the typical
fiction reader. Someone with an interest in the historical value would
appreciate the authenticity, but for the average reader, it might be a
stumbling block.
Book
provided for review purposes.
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