The Last River Child, by Lori Ann Bloomfield (Review and Giveaway!)

Book 4 of "Sept. is Read your own books month"
I won this book from "Peeking between the pages" about a year ago!
 

  4 Stars!

ABOUT THE BOOK -  

In the summer of 1900, a meteorite lands on the day of Peg Staynor's baptism, barely missing the small church in rural Ontario. This, along with Peg's almost colorless eyes, is enough to resurrect a local superstition that will haunt Peg and her family for years. Many believe Peg to be a "river child," taken over by an evil spirit from the Magurvey River that winds its way through the town. Feared and shunned throughout her childhood, Peg is blamed for every misfortune, from drought to ailing livestock. When her mother, her fiercest protector, dies suddenly on the same day WWI is declared, young Peg must face not only the mistrust of the villagers, but of her father. His grief has driven him to take solace in drink and old superstition, leaving Peg with only her head-strong older sister, Sarah, for support. It will take the terrible reality of World War I to shake off the grip of old world beliefs. As the town's young men begin to return mentally and physically damaged, or not return at all, the sheltered atmosphere of the town is broken. A bright flame of change will sweep through everyone's lives, leading Peg into the future. 

MY REVIEW -- This was a wonderful book, I really enjoyed reading it!  This was a Historical Fiction book taking place in the late 1800's - early 1900's. It follows the lives of two girls and their family, through joys and struggles (and there are many struggles).

In a way this story reminds me of "The Salem Witch Trials" how finger-pointing, rumors, and old superstitions can get carried away and ruin peoples lives!

I loved the character development. I loved and felt very attached to the 2 girls. It was interesting to see my views on each of the girls develop and change through the story. The one I liked the best and the one I liked the least flip flopped about midway. I also like the male characters, especially Charlie (Peg's friend).

This was kind of a melancholy story, not "tears down my face, bawling" just a little sad. It was terrible all the things this family had to endure, but I did like the strength they all showed, they never gave up hope for a happier life.

Overall a very enjoyable, interesting, pleasant story for anyone to read (even teens, no sex and only very minor swearing).

THE GIVEAWAY - I am giving away my beautiful shiny (the cover on this is gorgeous!) copy of this book.

* Please either comment here or email me at forevereading at gmail dot com with your email address!! No email, no entry.
* Please be from the US or Canada.
* If you are not a follower, please become one (but not necessary to win).
* Winner will be chosen and announced via random.org on Sept. 26th.
* Winner will then have 48 hrs to respond with their mailing address before a new winner is chosen.

**Please be aware that I do not have any rules on how many of my contests you enter or how many times you win! So good luck everyone!