The River Girl's Song: Texas Women of Spirit, Book 1
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The River Girl's Song: Texas Women of Spirit, Book 1 Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Angela Castillo (Author, Publisher), J. Grace Pennington (Narrator)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 2,782 ratings
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Zillia Bright never dreamed she would be orphaned at 16 and left to care for her baby brother and papa's farm. With only a mule and a 100-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.

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  1. Listening Length
    4 hours and 31 minutes
  2. Author
    Angela Castillo
  3. Narrator
    J. Grace Pennington
  4. Audible release date
    December 14, 2015
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Angela Castillo
  7. ASIN
    B0196X1QU4
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 4 hours and 31 minutes
Author Angela Castillo
Narrator J. Grace Pennington
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date December 14, 2015
Publisher Angela Castillo
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B0196X1QU4
Best Sellers Rank #289,536 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#1,100 in Christian Historical Fiction (Audible Books & Originals)
#3,089 in Religious Historical Fiction (Books)
#7,352 in Christian Historical Fiction (Books)

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
2,782 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Michael C. Ackerman
5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Little Tale!
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2015
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What a wonderful tale, both realistic and Godly, of a young woman's struggle in trying to salvage her and her young brother's life from the wreckage of a family devastated by tragedy. The only criticism I have of it is that the plot's ending/romance was predictable (though still engaging and well worth reading) and I did find the protagonist's romance to be a tad eerie because the heroine's romantic partner was a bit too "stalkish." In spite of that, it was a great read... I would have given it 4.5 stars for reason of the aforementioned criticisms, but I didn't feel it was worthy of being demoted to 4 stars. I'm quite an avid reader, having read a fair amount of best-selling westerns, and I would proudly say that this story is every bit as good as any other western I've ever read, Lonesome Dove NOT excluded. I think the thing I most appreciated about Castillo's writing was that although there was an excellent level of character development, she managed to pull that off without slowing the plot down. Every word written was engaging and economical. There was reason and purpose in every chapter, and the plot didn't suffer at all in spite of the depth of the characters in this novel. If you're looking for a quick read on an airplane trip or a vacation or wherever that will leave you feeling satisfied, this one won't let you down. Castillo definitely deserves to be recognized for this fine and outstanding work of art!
2 people found this helpful
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David J Harr
4.0 out of 5 stars Great story, especially for young women
Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2015
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"The River Girl's Song" is not the kind of book that I normally read. However, I was told about it by some friends and I picked it up. I found it an inspiring read of a young woman's struggles to live her life despite terrible setbacks, set against the backdrop of an 1880s small town in Texas. The story took me back to the books I used to read as a boy, stories of struggle and tribulation, but utterly triumph.

This is a good story for anyone, but I think that it would really shine as a story for young teen girls who like to read. They will strongly identify with Zillia, and although the kinds of trials she goes through are different than what we face today, they represent the same sorts of difficulties: finding her place in society; struggling with her identity as she is caught between childhood and adulthood; learning to rely on friends for support.

Zillia is a tough, determined young woman who serves as an excellent role model for anyone who is looking for a strong female protagonist in a novel.

I highly recommend this book, and I hope the author comes out with more.
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Cristella
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2023
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This was a wonderful, heart-wrenching story that could have happened. Very well written, with good descriptions that took me right into the picture. I loved it.
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Mel M
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful story of friendship and faith
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2015
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A River Girl's Song will grab you from the first page, after the protagonist, Zillia is left to raise her newborn brother after her mother passes away. To make matters worse, her step-father runs off, stealing most the valuables. Left abandoned and with the incredible challenge of maintaining a farm, Zillia uses her smarts and admirable resolve to care for herself and younger brother. Fortunately, she has the help of friends from a nearby farm.

Though I'm not a huge reader of religious novels, I found the way this author wove in elements of faith and God expertly done. Through the challenges Zillia faces and listening to the perspectives of other characters, Zillia gains further understanding of God's love. I think you'll enjoy this book if: you prefer strong characters, beautiful stories of friendship and perseverance, and early American history (you will feel like you're in 1800's Bastrop, Texas from page 1). It's a fantastic story altogether.

One last thing I want to mention is the quality of the writing. The descriptions and style are absolutely beautiful. The work was clearly well researched, and that shows all the way through. Overall, a wonderful read that you'll likely enjoy reading more than once.
30 people found this helpful
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Jennifer Lara
3.0 out of 5 stars Fast but enjoyable
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2020
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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
One person found this helpful
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suemcnabb
4.0 out of 5 stars Sweet drama
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2022
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Love a good ending. Characters were lovable and believable. Wonderful surprises. Realistic story line. Can't wait to read more from this author.
One person found this helpful
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Tina T.
5.0 out of 5 stars AWESOME
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2024
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I enjoyed this book so much so that I bought the series! I was looking for new Authors and she is one of the ones that I'm glad I came across! I couldn't put it down and the rest of the series is the same way! Thank You Angela Castillo for the AWESOME series!
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Top reviews from other countries

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Lizz
5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful to see God’s hand on a life.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 5, 2022
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I love reading a book like this. The struggles of faith and personal circumstances mirror many in my own life. A story like this, though not real of course, encourages, reminds me of God’s faithfulness and strengthens my own faith. Thank you!
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Gabi
5.0 out of 5 stars Gut geschrieben
Reviewed in Germany on April 19, 2018
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Gut erzählte Geschichte, die manchmal etwas mehr Spannung und Tempo vertragen hätte. Ich möchte Hollow und Preis und hatte gerne mehr über das.Leben der Farrmersfrauen gewusst.
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Audrey
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book I enjoyed reading it from the first to the end will start reading the next book right away IAM sure I wil
Reviewed in Canada on December 8, 2016
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Enjoy it as much as I did this one thank you for bringing this book to me I love Christian novels
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Pam
4.0 out of 5 stars A sweet country story
Reviewed in Australia on April 5, 2019
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This novel is a simple Christian story set in the outback of Texas in the early ranching days, of lawlessness and cowboys and indians. I liked it for its simplicity. Although a good Christian read, the religious side is not heavy handed, just a liberal dose of good Christian ideals. Made a pleasant change.
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Jean Gilbert
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed this book
Reviewed in Canada on July 15, 2020
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This was the first book I have read by this author and it was an enjoyable read. Looking forward to the second book in the series. 3.5 stars
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