Content levels
Trigger warnings
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
Of all the folks in the mountain shacks, The Casteels were the lowest—the scum of the hills. Heaven Leigh Casteel was the prettiest, smartest girl in the backwoods, despite her ragged clothes and dirty face... despite a father meaner than ten vipers... despite her weary stepmother, who worked her like a mule. For her brother Tom and the little ones, Heaven clung to her pride and her hopes. Someday they'd get away and show the world that they were decent, fine and talented—worthy of love and respect. Then Heaven's stepmother ran off, and her wicked, greedy father had a scheme—a vicious scheme that threatened to destroy the precious dream of Heaven and the children forever! --back cover
Heaven: content & age rating
Intended for adult readers (18+).
This book deals with severe poverty, child abuse, and a father's exploitative scheme involving his children. Contains mature themes of neglect and family trauma that require adult readership.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, moderate sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include child abuse, emotional abuse, and poverty (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Mature readers will connect with Heaven's determination to protect her siblings and escape her circumstances despite overwhelming odds.