This is Where it Ends + Giveaway

When Minerva Jane Jenkins was just 14 years old, she married a man who moved her to the mountains. He carried with him a small box, which he told her was filled with gold. And when he died 50 years later, he made her promise to keep his secret. She is to tell no one about the box or the treasure it contains.

Now 94, Minerva is nearing the end of what has sometimes been a lonely life. But she’s kept that secret. Even so, rumors of hidden gold have a way of spreading, and Minerva is visited by a reporter, Del Rankin, who wants to know more of her story. His friend who joins him only wants to find the location of the gold. Neither of them knows quite who they’re up against when it comes to the old woman on the mountain.

As an unlikely friendship develops, Minerva is tempted to reveal her secret to Del. After all, how long is one bound by a promise? But the truth of what’s really buried in the box may be hidden even from her.

My Review:

This was a bit out of my comfort zone when it comes to the kinds of books I usually read so I approached the story with a wee bit of trepidation. I knew it would be well written, but would I be able to lose myself in the lives of these characters? I wasn’t exactly sure and I’ll admit, that though I had a paperback copy in hand, I chose to listen to the audible edition brilliantly narrated by Barbara McCulloh and she really brought Minerva Jane to life. Her crotchety old lady interpretation is highly entertaining! 🙂

I’ve discovered of late that I really enjoy stories that feature intergenerational friendships. In this case, we have 94 year old Minerva and thirty year old Del and the way their relationship develops is by turns, amusing and touching. And, oh my, the ‘Minerva-isms’ that leap off the page — especially the folk wisdom and mountain lore idioms ! I’d be laughing one minute and stunned into reflective silence the next.

‘This Is Where It Ends‘ is a contemplative tale of one woman’s life as present circumstances force her to look into her past. It’s told entirely in Minerva’s first person point of view…until a couple of chapters at the end. Emotionally charged. Tender. Frustrating. Heartbreaking. I’ll admit to feeling slightly melancholic by the end though hope is gently laced throughout the story.

Topics of found family, forgiveness, truth and enduring love make this more of a character driven story. I want to call it ‘quiet’ but that doesn’t mean it’s not compelling. I was quickly immersed in the Appalachian lifestyle through Sproles’ rich, descriptive prose and I think a piece of my heart is still with these characters. You can’t ask for much more from a story than that.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

Giveaway Opportunity:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy and is available to any reader, any where — so, yay, another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of This is Where it Ends leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 12 , 2023.

34 thoughts on “This is Where it Ends + Giveaway”

  1. This sounds interesting but I’ve never read any of her novels. I wonder if she could be compared to Janyre Tromp, Sandra Byrd or Elizabeth Musser? It kind of sounds like the book that wrecks you but you’re still glad you read it?

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    1. It is exactly what you described it as being….a book that wrecks you but you’re glad you read it. Minerva is definitely a character that you must meet & be glad for it!

      An excellent book in my opinion 😊 I hope you get a chance to read it, PDA

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    2. I haven’t read Janrye Tromp and only Sandra Byrd’s romance-y novels, but yes, similar to Elizabeth Musser’s Women’s Fiction. Visits all the hard places and packs an emotional wallop. 🙂 I think Trixi’s comments are spot on too. Good luck, Perrianne!

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      1. Ahhh…an emotional wallop! Great wording. I can’t read those too often but I do enjoy their depth. You need to listen to Sandra Byrd’s Heirlooms….oh so good.

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  2. Okay Kav, first of all, I wished I had recommended this to you first (even though I have done so for about a million books already, lol)…because it’s the kind of book I think everyone should read. Minerva is the kind of character that you WANT to get to know in spite of her prickly side. Her mannerisms and vim hide a warm-hearted woman inside. It takes someone like Del to sooth the savage beast, if you will.

    This book surprised me in so many good ways! Your descriptive review says it all “I’d be laughing one minute and stunned into reflective silence the next”…. that was me too. I wished I had a Minerva in my life 😊

    A definite top read for 2023….I rated it up there with The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip . Because like you, I am often wary of women’s fiction, but more often discover a gem of a story that I wad glad to have read. Especially ones that make me reflect on well past that last page!

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    1. Always welcome your recommends, Trixi, especially about the challenging reads that I might not be brave enough to try. 🙂 I too, wish I had a Minerva in my life! And even half of her spunk!

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  3. I gotta know what’s in the box and who Minerva is. She seems quite the character. These are stories I love. cheetahthecat1982ATgmailDOTcom

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  4. I really enjoyed this novel. It makes you think and got me a little chocked up in the end. Thanks for your review. No need to put my name in the drawing!

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  5. I have only recently heard of this author but have not read any of her books yet. Thanks for the opportunity. It does kind of give me the feel of The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip, have you read it yet?! cilydav at hotmail dot com

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  10. You have me all convinced but I was definitely unsure after reading the first part of the review until I read yours Kav. I do love relationship and women fiction stories, so I’m looking forward to reading this one.

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  12. I’ve only read one book by Cindy Sproles and found it to be very good. I’m interested in reading This is Where it Ends. Thanks for the recommendation and giveaway.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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