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Texas Women of Spirit #1
The River Girl's Song
Zillia Bright never dreamed she’d be orphaned at sixteen and left to care for her baby brother and Papa’s farm. With only a mule and a hundred-year-old shotgun, she must fight to protect what’s hers. Countless dangers lurk on the Bastrop Texas riverside. Zillia must rely on the help of her best friends, Soonie and Wylder, to hold her world together. With Zillia’s struggles come unexpected miracles, and proof that God might just listen to the prayers of a river girl.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2015
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About the author
Angela C. Castillo
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Angela Castillo is a writer mom with four small children. She lives in the small town of Bastrop, the city she grew up in. She studied Practical Theology and music at Christ for the Nations in Dallas. She has had many small works published in periodicals and one self-published volume of short stories and poems. She and her sister, Cherie Haines own several online stores featuring Cherie's photographs and Angela's prose. Angela is currently working on her latest novel, a children's book.
Angela Castillo is a writer mom with four small children. She lives in the small town of Bastrop, the city she grew up in. She studied Practical Theology and music at Christ for the Nations in Dallas. She has had many small works published in periodicals and one self-published volume of short stories and poems. She and her sister, Cherie Haines own several online stores featuring Cherie's photographs and Angela's prose. Angela is currently working on her latest novel, a children's book.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 165 reviews
June 8, 2015
This novella reminds me of the prairie/pioneer/old fashioned romances I read and loved as a teen, though the writing style is much more modern. I love that it's not just a romance; the heroine is strong and brave without always needing a man to rescue her, and her little brother is as much of a character as the love interest. A party scene and a pretty dress balance out the goat milking and 100-year-old shotgun, and there is many a wonderful simile. Like these:
Darkness had settled over the farm like a velvet shawl.
She felt like a dress from the bottom of the rag barrel.
Though Castillo's novellas have all been Christian sci-fi or romance, and though I don't read much in those genre, I look forward to everything she writes. Her novels are easy to read with a brisk pace, and they're clean without being at all preachy. This is the kind of book I'd give my daughter to read, if I had one.
Darkness had settled over the farm like a velvet shawl.
She felt like a dress from the bottom of the rag barrel.
Though Castillo's novellas have all been Christian sci-fi or romance, and though I don't read much in those genre, I look forward to everything she writes. Her novels are easy to read with a brisk pace, and they're clean without being at all preachy. This is the kind of book I'd give my daughter to read, if I had one.
June 10, 2016
A heart-warming and original story about a sister, forced to be mother. I enjoyed getting to see Zillia mature out of necessity and learn her limits. I thought all the relationships, positive and negative, within this story were original and realistic. The storyline fit the era very well, which the author had clearly researched and presented smoothly. The elements of faith and religion woven into it were subtle and not preachy, which I appreciate. Overall, an interesting, easy read about a strong young woman. I look forward to seeing the author develop other characters more fully throughout the rest of the series.
October 31, 2016
The River Girl's Song
1) A river had little to do with this story, except her property had a river nearby
2) She sang twice, but no particular song could be called her song
3) She was never referred to as the river girl in the story
So...I was confused about the title. It was misleading. But that was the least of it.
This book was simply written. It should be considered a pre-teen book, not an adult book. A number of times I rolled my eyes at something hokey.
The story had potential, but it was poorly executed and needed more depth to make it interesting.
1) A river had little to do with this story, except her property had a river nearby
2) She sang twice, but no particular song could be called her song
3) She was never referred to as the river girl in the story
So...I was confused about the title. It was misleading. But that was the least of it.
This book was simply written. It should be considered a pre-teen book, not an adult book. A number of times I rolled my eyes at something hokey.
The story had potential, but it was poorly executed and needed more depth to make it interesting.
June 12, 2015
This isn't my usual genre (I like dragons) but I found this book to be well written with likable characters and a well paced plot. It's a good luck at the struggles of a determined young woman and a glimpse into another time and (for me) place. The story has a hint of romance but is focused more on the choices and sacrifices Zillia has to make in order to keep her home and farm. A good read for adults or young teens who might be ready for something a step up in complications from Laura Ingalls.
June 29, 2016
An interesting book with a good plot that was a little immature for my taste. I felt that it was sometimes too fast-paced, sometimes too slow. I felt like the plot and characters weren't very well-developed.
On the flipside ...
The formatting was lovely! I especially liked the heading fonts. From what I could see, it was historically accurate, and clean. The Christian content was great ... though I don't know how I feel about dancing for God. I'm not likely to dance anywhere. ;)
On the flipside ...
The formatting was lovely! I especially liked the heading fonts. From what I could see, it was historically accurate, and clean. The Christian content was great ... though I don't know how I feel about dancing for God. I'm not likely to dance anywhere. ;)
October 29, 2018
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This story gives depth to the struggles that many people endured, the faith they clung to, and the love they shared liberally.
This story gives depth to the struggles that many people endured, the faith they clung to, and the love they shared liberally.
June 12, 2021
Trusting God When Nothing Makes Sense
This historical Christian Novel, set in the age of horses and wagons pulled by horses and mules, is a tremendous reminder of trusting God in times of great loss, physically, financially, and finding comfort, wholeness, protection, and Salvation and Peace through prayer and the study of God's Word.
This historical Christian Novel, set in the age of horses and wagons pulled by horses and mules, is a tremendous reminder of trusting God in times of great loss, physically, financially, and finding comfort, wholeness, protection, and Salvation and Peace through prayer and the study of God's Word.
July 5, 2015
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review
Zillia is a young girl that has lost her papa and now lives withheld mom and stepfather. Her mother is a sweet , kind and gentle soul who is about to give birth. Jeb, the stepfather is a mean, uncaring, selfish man who drinks more than he should. He treats his wife with little respect and at times hits her with no remorse .
Zillia finds herself alone the day her mother goes into labor. She tries the best she can to help her mother and tells her stepfather to go fetch the doctor. Zillia senses that things are not right as her mother struggles to deliver the baby. On that fateful day, Zillia gains a brother but tragically loses her mother. She feels all alone and a fierce protection comes over her for the baby she now calls Orrie.
One morning as she gets up , she notices to her disbelieve that Jeb has taken everything from the house and disappeared. With strength and determination, Zillia vows to her little brother that he will always have her to care for him. Can she do this on her own? What lengths will Zillia have to endure to run a farm and take care of a child at the tender age of sixteen?
The story is beautifully written with characters that touch you and bring tears to your eyes. The author has given us a strong , but vulnerable character in Zillia. There are times that she is not sure she can survive, but with help from the town and a special person she soon realizes she can make things better for her brother and herself.
I loved the beautiful story that was rich in history and gave us a glimpse into the Native Americans. It shares the hardship of a young woman who finds hope and friendship with people she thought would not help her. Will she be able to raise Orrie? Will the harsh land and work on the farm be to much for her? This story is an inspiration to those who struggle and gives the readers a beautiful story of a young woman who you will see overcome obstacles and grow stronger. It reminds me of the verse in the bible that says, "He will never give you more than you can handle."
June 13, 2015
Introduction:
Zillia is sixteen when her mother dies, leaving her an orphan with a little brother to care for and a step-father to fend off. When her stepfather abandons them, Zillia is left on the farm by herself. Thankfully, her neighbors, including her two best friends, help her out. But as time goes by, will Zillia be able to keep up with the farm work, raising little Orrie, and keeping her stepfather’s family from taking her brother from her?
Characters .75/1
The characters were well done. I enjoyed reading about each of them. And although this is the first book in the series, I felt like it could be a standalone book as well. The ending wasn’t a cliffhanger and I know that if I never have a chance to read the next books in the series, I won’t be disappointed. That being said, I hope I do have a chance to read them so I can follow Zillia and Orrie’s lives as well as the other people such as Soonie and Wylder and each of their families.
Dialogue .75/1
Some of the dialogue seemed a little stiff, but it was still well written and accurate to the time period.
plot/storyline 1/1
The plot, though at times a little hard to follow was very well done. It wasn’t paced too slow or too fast.
over-all writing quality .75/1
The writing quality wasn’t as bad as I’ve read, but it also wasn’t the best I have read either. This one was a hard one to rate. There were times when the sentences were difficult to understand with the first reading and other times when a slight re-wording would have been helpful. And then there were other times when the writing was positively brilliant.
un-put-down-ability .75/1
I did have to put this book down a few times so I could do something that needed to be done, but there were definitely times in the book that made it really hard to put it down.
Conclusion: 4/5
Overall, "The River Girl’s Song" was a quick, easy read that would be great for an afternoon alone when you have nothing else to do or just need a break.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Zillia is sixteen when her mother dies, leaving her an orphan with a little brother to care for and a step-father to fend off. When her stepfather abandons them, Zillia is left on the farm by herself. Thankfully, her neighbors, including her two best friends, help her out. But as time goes by, will Zillia be able to keep up with the farm work, raising little Orrie, and keeping her stepfather’s family from taking her brother from her?
Characters .75/1
The characters were well done. I enjoyed reading about each of them. And although this is the first book in the series, I felt like it could be a standalone book as well. The ending wasn’t a cliffhanger and I know that if I never have a chance to read the next books in the series, I won’t be disappointed. That being said, I hope I do have a chance to read them so I can follow Zillia and Orrie’s lives as well as the other people such as Soonie and Wylder and each of their families.
Dialogue .75/1
Some of the dialogue seemed a little stiff, but it was still well written and accurate to the time period.
plot/storyline 1/1
The plot, though at times a little hard to follow was very well done. It wasn’t paced too slow or too fast.
over-all writing quality .75/1
The writing quality wasn’t as bad as I’ve read, but it also wasn’t the best I have read either. This one was a hard one to rate. There were times when the sentences were difficult to understand with the first reading and other times when a slight re-wording would have been helpful. And then there were other times when the writing was positively brilliant.
un-put-down-ability .75/1
I did have to put this book down a few times so I could do something that needed to be done, but there were definitely times in the book that made it really hard to put it down.
Conclusion: 4/5
Overall, "The River Girl’s Song" was a quick, easy read that would be great for an afternoon alone when you have nothing else to do or just need a break.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2015
This is a novella that reads like a full length novel. The story is complete and with enough details to leave no questions or gaps for the reader. This is the first of a new series by this author, Texas Women of Spirit Series.
Zillia has become self appointed guardian of her half brother Orion, Orrie for short, upon the death of her dear mother, in child birth. Her stepfather is a vile, drunken man, with a penchant for physical abuse. He has no concern for Orrie or the fact his wife is dead. He tries to give the boy to his sister to raise. She is not a fit parent herself and Zillia refuses to give up the boy.
Thus begins a five year journey to run the farm and raise Orrie by herself. There is a nearby family that remain friends and helpmates to Zillia. This is more than a tale of survival; it is a coming of age tale of a young girl finding her place in the world. She also learns of God’s love for all His children, even those who do not think they are worthy.
This is a realistic look at rural American life in the 1800s. It is also a reminder of God’s presence in all of life, if one will only look for Him. I completely enjoyed this story and look forward eagerly to the next installment of the series. Solid 5 Stars.
Zillia has become self appointed guardian of her half brother Orion, Orrie for short, upon the death of her dear mother, in child birth. Her stepfather is a vile, drunken man, with a penchant for physical abuse. He has no concern for Orrie or the fact his wife is dead. He tries to give the boy to his sister to raise. She is not a fit parent herself and Zillia refuses to give up the boy.
Thus begins a five year journey to run the farm and raise Orrie by herself. There is a nearby family that remain friends and helpmates to Zillia. This is more than a tale of survival; it is a coming of age tale of a young girl finding her place in the world. She also learns of God’s love for all His children, even those who do not think they are worthy.
This is a realistic look at rural American life in the 1800s. It is also a reminder of God’s presence in all of life, if one will only look for Him. I completely enjoyed this story and look forward eagerly to the next installment of the series. Solid 5 Stars.
October 14, 2016
I finished this book in one night. I was supposed to be working on something else, but err, got distracted and kept reading.
River Girl's Song is sad, moving, and powerful. 16 year old Zillia suffers so much loss, and yet tackles the challenge of raising her baby brother on her own while running a farm. Having kids of my own, I know how hard it is to take care of a newborn, and then a baby, and a toddler, etc. I can't imagine doing it on my own, at that time, at that age.
Zillia was definitely in over her head, but I loved that she didn't give up and that she continued to do the best she could. I liked her final decision at the end of the book. I think most writers would've gone the other way because that's what people want to see, but I thought Zillia's choice was realistic. She needed to make the right choice for her and Orion.
Castillo's style is easy to read and smooth. Immersive, and vibrant. I would've liked to see more at the end, to see Zillia settle in a bit and show some of the happy times I'm sure were to come.
River Girl's Song is sad, moving, and powerful. 16 year old Zillia suffers so much loss, and yet tackles the challenge of raising her baby brother on her own while running a farm. Having kids of my own, I know how hard it is to take care of a newborn, and then a baby, and a toddler, etc. I can't imagine doing it on my own, at that time, at that age.
Zillia was definitely in over her head, but I loved that she didn't give up and that she continued to do the best she could. I liked her final decision at the end of the book. I think most writers would've gone the other way because that's what people want to see, but I thought Zillia's choice was realistic. She needed to make the right choice for her and Orion.
Castillo's style is easy to read and smooth. Immersive, and vibrant. I would've liked to see more at the end, to see Zillia settle in a bit and show some of the happy times I'm sure were to come.
June 12, 2015
I just finished reading this and I have to say that I read it in a day. I had to know what was going to happen next with Zillia and her little brother Orrie. I saw where the writer had spent some time researching this time period and I believe the writer did very well. It was a fascinating story of a young woman who gets stuck with the task of caring for her baby brother right after his birth and taking care of a farm. Her father died some time ago and her mother died in childbirth. Her stepfather runs off and leaves them both there alone to fend for themselves. In a time where any little thing women did that was different, it seems that if the women of the town knew what all Zillia had to do to survive they would probably think even less of her than they already did. But with steely determination, this 16-year-old girl is determined to take care of it all. Along with the help of her friends, she is able to survive, but has to make some hard choices along the way.
May 22, 2015
I was impressed with how well developed the characters were for such a short read. Angela did a great job of painting the picture of Zillia's life and struggles. I was hooked from the first page to the last, I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I love a strong female lead, especially where historical romance is concerned, Zillia is certainly one.
There's an underlying emphasis on faith without it being pushy or preachy and it's an all around well-written and well-developed story. However, I would have liked to have seen a little more development of the relationship before the end. If nothing else a little flirting and exchanged glances throughout would've helped sell it a little more.
Overall, I really enjoyed The River Girl's Song and absolutely look forward to reading more of Angela's work.
*In exchange for my honest review I was given a free copy.
There's an underlying emphasis on faith without it being pushy or preachy and it's an all around well-written and well-developed story. However, I would have liked to have seen a little more development of the relationship before the end. If nothing else a little flirting and exchanged glances throughout would've helped sell it a little more.
Overall, I really enjoyed The River Girl's Song and absolutely look forward to reading more of Angela's work.
*In exchange for my honest review I was given a free copy.
May 28, 2015
The lovely cover made me want to read this book, as well as the fact that it is set in Texas in the 19th century, a favorite historical time and place for me. The author's research made the story ring true, and this reader sympathized with the main character, Zillia, from the opening scene. Her journey from a well-loved daughter through grief, determination, and growing faith in God is poignant and compelling. Although it works well as a novella, in several scene breaks I kept wishing the author had "filled in the blanks" and made it longer, it was that enjoyable to read. A solid 4.5 stars rounded up to 5. I'm looking forward to the next in this series!
July 7, 2015
I was asked to give an honest review of this amazing book, I was not able to put the book down, I had to read it to the end. What an amazing story of a girl surviving on her own with a responsibility of raising her half brother when her mother died after the birth. I felt like I was in the character feeling her pain of struggles and frustrations. I think this book is highly recommended! The author is amazing in keeping my interest in the book, job well done!
June 27, 2015
A wonderful historical novella that will inspire many young women. A message of perseverance, faith, loyalty, and love. This story contains many life lessons that are lacking in today's day and age.
The characters were endearing and the settings rich. I felt like I knew these people and could go down the road aways and run into them at the general store.
I recommend this clean read for the girls on the verge of womanhood in your life.
The characters were endearing and the settings rich. I felt like I knew these people and could go down the road aways and run into them at the general store.
I recommend this clean read for the girls on the verge of womanhood in your life.
May 25, 2015
A touching, romantic story. I loved the main character and felt her pain and courage as she struggled through the things that happened. An engaging, easy read. I liked that I could read it all in one afternoon.
April 4, 2020
The narration was awesome and very soothing, perfect for everything that was going on. The story was a bit weak, the characters didn't have a lot of debth. However, it was a very sweet story. I will be reading more by this author because I think she will get even better.
January 17, 2020
Great book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was very well written and hard to out down. I look forward to reading more by this author.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was very well written and hard to out down. I look forward to reading more by this author.
June 6, 2020
The River Girl’s Song by Angela Castillo is the first book in the Texas Women of Spirit series. It is the story of Zillia Bright, a young girl on a Texas farm with her mother and stepfather. When her mother dies from childbirth and her abusive stepfather leaves, Zillia is left to run the farm and take care of her newborn brother. With the support and help from her neighbors, Zillia quickly adjusts to her new life. As she runs the farm and takes care of her brother, she fears her stepfather’s return as his family lives in town and suspicious of his “sudden” disappearance. Adding to her worries is the growing attention from two different men. And the possibility of her family back East coming for her. Will she be able to keep her new life afloat? Will her stepfather return? Will she choose one man or the other?
The River Girl’s Song is a typical prairie struggle story. A young girl who needs to grow up fast or the wildness of the West will tear her down. The love triangle that forms as she gains the attention of a local farmer and a man in town. It was a fast read. The drama was common. The romance was familiar and sweet. And while enjoyable, I do not see myself reading the other books in this series. If you like Old West romance dramas, you may enjoy The River Girl’s Song
The River Girl’s Song
is available in paperback and eBook
The River Girl’s Song is a typical prairie struggle story. A young girl who needs to grow up fast or the wildness of the West will tear her down. The love triangle that forms as she gains the attention of a local farmer and a man in town. It was a fast read. The drama was common. The romance was familiar and sweet. And while enjoyable, I do not see myself reading the other books in this series. If you like Old West romance dramas, you may enjoy The River Girl’s Song
The River Girl’s Song
is available in paperback and eBook
April 13, 2019
Oh, the courage of this young woman!
Zillia is a young woman who has lived most of her life on a poor farm. She lived on the farm with her young half-brother, whose father had abandoned the family when the young boy was a baby. Her mother had died in childbirth and Jeb took everything of value and left Zillia to take care of the baby. Zillia worked the farm and barely had enough to get by. Jeb returned and demanded everything. He left with very little, but it was always in her mind that he would return to take whatever he could. Her only help was her nearest neighbor.
As time went on, some of the women from the nearby town tried to help Zillia and her young brother. Jeb returned and learned that they were receiving some help and wanted all that they had received. He was disappointed when they did not have valuable possessions. He demanded the deed to the farm, but Zillia had been smart enough to place it with a lawyer who had transferred the ownership from her mother to Zillia after her mother's death.
This is a very good book and I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Zillia is a young woman who has lived most of her life on a poor farm. She lived on the farm with her young half-brother, whose father had abandoned the family when the young boy was a baby. Her mother had died in childbirth and Jeb took everything of value and left Zillia to take care of the baby. Zillia worked the farm and barely had enough to get by. Jeb returned and demanded everything. He left with very little, but it was always in her mind that he would return to take whatever he could. Her only help was her nearest neighbor.
As time went on, some of the women from the nearby town tried to help Zillia and her young brother. Jeb returned and learned that they were receiving some help and wanted all that they had received. He was disappointed when they did not have valuable possessions. He demanded the deed to the farm, but Zillia had been smart enough to place it with a lawyer who had transferred the ownership from her mother to Zillia after her mother's death.
This is a very good book and I look forward to reading other books by this author.
September 16, 2017
An amazing inspirational, Christian, light romance story set in the 1800's in the beautiful country of Bastrop, Texas on a farm purchased by Mr and Ms Bright when their daughter, Zillia was a small child. After Mr. Bright passed away, Ms Bright remarried to an abusive husband. She passed away giving birth to her second child. Now Zillia is sixteen years old raising a new born baby when her step father leaves home. Her neighbours were willing to help her with the baby and the farm.
Zillia is a strong girl, when things get rough she never gives up. She is always looking for ways to make things better. The characters are likeable with personalities. A well written story with history of the period sprinkled in.
I recommend this book to everyone. The next book in the series is 'The Comanche Girl's Prayer '. I enjoyed this book it was fast, easy to read with a good ending.
Zillia is a strong girl, when things get rough she never gives up. She is always looking for ways to make things better. The characters are likeable with personalities. A well written story with history of the period sprinkled in.
I recommend this book to everyone. The next book in the series is 'The Comanche Girl's Prayer '. I enjoyed this book it was fast, easy to read with a good ending.
February 11, 2019
I really liked this book.
Zilla was a young girl alone with her mother when she went into labor. The stepfather was of no help until too late. The mother died in childbirth and later the stepfather takes everything of any value and leaves. Leaving Zilla with the responsibility of raising her little brother. It shows the hardships of a young girl becoming a mother and taking care of a farm when she should have been enjoying her teen years.
She does have hard times, but the Eckhart family lived close and do their best to help her in any way they can.
Lots of things happen in the book as the writer tells of how she coped with everything and made enough money to buy things for a growing boy. It was well worth reading, and it had a good ending ... and the ending was happier than the beginning.
Zilla was a young girl alone with her mother when she went into labor. The stepfather was of no help until too late. The mother died in childbirth and later the stepfather takes everything of any value and leaves. Leaving Zilla with the responsibility of raising her little brother. It shows the hardships of a young girl becoming a mother and taking care of a farm when she should have been enjoying her teen years.
She does have hard times, but the Eckhart family lived close and do their best to help her in any way they can.
Lots of things happen in the book as the writer tells of how she coped with everything and made enough money to buy things for a growing boy. It was well worth reading, and it had a good ending ... and the ending was happier than the beginning.
November 30, 2019
This book was different enough to hold my attention and keep me reading. The grammar and typos were minimal which was helpful. I also loved the diversity and struggles of the characters.
I don't think I had a favorite character in this book, but I did like them. I felt I could relate to them all in some way and enjoyed watching how they dealt with the problems that cropped up. The MC's determination to make a home for her baby brother and keeping up with it for quite a long while was truly inspiring. Their faith also played a huge factor in how I felt about the action in this story.
It's a clean romance with a love that grows and deepens over time. I appreciate that kind of novel. If you like this sort of story, inspirational love stories, stories about lives of faith or growing in faith, then you'll probably enjoy this one.
I don't think I had a favorite character in this book, but I did like them. I felt I could relate to them all in some way and enjoyed watching how they dealt with the problems that cropped up. The MC's determination to make a home for her baby brother and keeping up with it for quite a long while was truly inspiring. Their faith also played a huge factor in how I felt about the action in this story.
It's a clean romance with a love that grows and deepens over time. I appreciate that kind of novel. If you like this sort of story, inspirational love stories, stories about lives of faith or growing in faith, then you'll probably enjoy this one.
June 24, 2020
God works in mysterious ways
This is a story of strength given through God. A story of perseverance, a story of praising God thorough dance and song, as well as a story of mercy.
Zilla was just a young girl taking care of her newborn brother, alone. Her mother died in childbirth and her stepfather took everything of value and left, for good. No other family lived near by and she didn't want to lose Orrie, her brother.
With the help of her best friends from the next farm over, Zilla was able to survive alone, planting, taking care of the critters a well as Orrie, for several years.
God, watched over them through the years by always having help, just when it was needed, though sometimes it wasn't until later that she could see God's hand in her life.
I loved this story!
This is a story of strength given through God. A story of perseverance, a story of praising God thorough dance and song, as well as a story of mercy.
Zilla was just a young girl taking care of her newborn brother, alone. Her mother died in childbirth and her stepfather took everything of value and left, for good. No other family lived near by and she didn't want to lose Orrie, her brother.
With the help of her best friends from the next farm over, Zilla was able to survive alone, planting, taking care of the critters a well as Orrie, for several years.
God, watched over them through the years by always having help, just when it was needed, though sometimes it wasn't until later that she could see God's hand in her life.
I loved this story!
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November 12, 2019This was an interesting tale from the early days of Texas. I appreciated Zilla's determination and reliance on God throughout what amounts to a harrowing coming of age tale. Without giving it all away, she survives an evil stepfather, the loss of her mother, and has the backbone to refuse giving up on her baby brother to the stepfather's family. Through all the struggles she relies on God and loving neighbors who are half Indian, shunned by many in the town. I'm queuing up the next book in the series now, so I'd have to say, yes, I'm hooked.
November 13, 2019
You'll fall in love with the strength of the characters and their ability to overcome hardships by working together. Losing your last parent at a young age of 16 is difficult but when you are left to raise a newborn after the death of your Mom, that is harder to handle. Zillia Bright will leave you inspired by her sheer will to provide for her baby brother. She refuses to quit and with the help of some neighbors and friends like Wylder, she's able to pull through. Beautiful, clean historical romance.
January 1, 2020
Zilla Bright never dreamed she'd be an orphan at sixteen, to care for her baby brother and Papa's farm. She has a mule and a shotgun to protect what is hers. Her best friends, Soonie and Wylder help Zilla hold her world together.
I loved this book. It's about struggling in a harsh land. That makes the characters even better.
Rating: Mild+ for some substance use, mild sensuality, and some violence or horror; also contains mild kissing. Clean and wholesome, faith-based inspirational Christian western frontier fiction with romantic elements.
I loved this book. It's about struggling in a harsh land. That makes the characters even better.
Rating: Mild+ for some substance use, mild sensuality, and some violence or horror; also contains mild kissing. Clean and wholesome, faith-based inspirational Christian western frontier fiction with romantic elements.
February 3, 2025
Zillia's mother, despite coming from a Virginia well-off family, heads to Texas with her beloved. Unfortunately, he passes away, despite remarrying to help with the farm, unfortunately to a scoundrel. She dies in childbirth leaving sixteen-year-old Zillia to raise the baby alone after her step-dad takes off. Somehow, she manages with the help of Indian neighbors, the son who has a crush on her. Over the next couple of years, not desiring to return to Virginia she must decide on her future. Sweet and clean, despite being a bit unrealistic, for a good bedtime read.
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