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!


Comments

  1. I would love to win this book. It looks so good.

    kaylalovesandrew09@yahoo.com

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  2. Oh, this sounds so good! I love a little touch of paranormal with my historical fiction. Not a lot mind you (like vamps), but just a hint. Can't wait to read this one!
    lvsgund at gmail.com

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  3. This sounds like a very interesting book. Love that it's set in rural Ontario.

    helpersarah2009@gmail.com

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  4. Thanks for the review...Lisa bookhimdanno.blogspot.com lisapeters at yahoo dot com I follow GFC Lisa

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  5. I am so glad you liked this book as well. I just loved it! It's such a great story. I hope that Lori will write another novel soon!

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  6. This sounds like something I would love!

    mryward(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  7. thanks for the chance to read this beautiful novel :)

    i'm a follower, too!

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wonderful review! Sounds like a fascinating read. GFC follower as Karen B.
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ooh I wanna win a shiny copy of the book :D Enter me!

    GFC Following!

    blissfulrains(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I would love a chance to read this book.

    unforgetable_dreamer_always (at) hotmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Sounds awesome!

    reflectionsofabookaholic[at]gmail[dot]com

    Oh and I see that you are participating in Dewey's Read-a-Thon. I'm so excited. I had so much fun last time. I'm so glad to know someone else who is doing it.

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  12. I love books set in this time period and think this one sounds great! I hope that the winner enjoys it as much as you did!

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  13. Thanks for the chance to win this great book.-Melanie

    melaniehope66@hotmail.com

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  14. open books, open minds
    pamfreecycle at gmail dot com

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  15. Please enter me in the draw, and thanks for the giveaway! I love that it's set in Canada!

    darlenesbooknook at gmail dot com
    GFC Darlene

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  16. I love historical fictions and this is the second one in two days, that I seen is set in Canada. Awesome!
    Also shared your giveaway on Twitter and Facebook.

    (\___/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_(")

    alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
    http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

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  17. I have never heard of this book before but I love the sound of it. I can’t wait to read it.

    hootowl1978 at gmail dot com

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