I seem to be on a theme with domestic abuse lately. I hardly ever read books with this theme and I think this is the second or third one and the one I'm currently reading also has that theme. This is your trigger warning for that and rape, KKK and racial violence.

Lilliana runs away from her abusive husband after she overhears a conversation between him and her father and realize they have a plan to have her committed to an institution as mentally unstable so that her husband can secure an approved divorce from the church. She runs to the town of No Creek to the home of her great aunt Hyacinth.

While there, she discovers a backbone and a cause to get behind and support. No Creek is very racially segregated, the KKK is very much alive and everyone moves with caution, especially the black population.

You just have to love Lilliana and Aunt Hyacinth and, of course, Celia Percy, who thinks she is quite a bit older than her 12 years of age and is a real spitfire. So many wonderful characters.

"Gifts for the baby. Gifts for the family. Gifts of love poured over strangers and friends alike this Christmas Eve - another suture, Celia figured in No Creek's deep wounds."

I received this book from Tyndale Houe via Net Galley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Gohlke does it again -- an interesting storyline, lots of historical details without overwhelming the reader, strong character development, and descriptive narrative, and faith elements that aren't preachy. I have been a fan since her debut novel!

Honestly, this is one of the best books I have ever read. I have read most of Cathy Gohlke's previous books and loved them all, but this book is my favorite. Set in the Appalachian Mountains at the brink of World War II, the characters are perfectly woven into the time and place in a most realistic way. My heart broke for the proganists of the story. I was angry at the hatred poured out on innocent lives. The hatred of people of color in the Jim Crow south was sadly, but realistically told within the story. This was one of those books that left me emotionally raw at the end of the story. Sadly, I know that such prejudices and hatreds still exist today. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to the sequel.

I enjoy Cathy Gohlke's books, but this one was tough! It still had her literary writing style and well-developed characters. It covered some difficult situations, which her books frequently do. But the number of ugly things happening in the book: religious cults, wife and child abuse, rape/incest, racism, poverty, alcoholism, gossip, and more.... in this book was overwhelming! I put the book down and had to try to read it a second time, but was glad I did. All the problems weren't solved, but the characters found peace and comfort.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

From the beginning of this story, there was high tension. That never really let up until the final scene. This was an exquisite Southern tale of heart, hope, community, family, shame, and standing up for oneself. There was heartbreak as well as friendship.

The biggest disappointment was that a handful of children cussed right on the page.

This novel was a good display of how to handle hard topics such as sexual abuse of a child, domestic abuse of a wife, and the harsh realities of the Deep South in the early 1940s. The author handled these topics and more with a beautiful touch, gently toeing the line between too little and too much until she found the right balance. That made for a story that wasn’t always easy to read but was encouraging nonetheless.

Content: alcohol, derogatory terms, expletives (includes children cussing), rape inferred, replacement expletives, sexual innuendo, teen pregnancy, tobacco

Battered wife Lilliana Swope overhears her controlling husband and dismissive father plotting against her at her mother's funeral. An escape is needed and Lilliana (Lily) remembers that refuge may be possible with her Aunt Hyacinth in North Carolina. With an unhappy marriage, but a setting of the 1940s, Lily's choices are not her own, legally.

In North Carolina in this time period, Lily encounters great racism which she didn't sense in her hometown of Philadelphia. With her eyes open now, Lily battles town bigotry and hatred. In addition to the racial issues, she also meets family drama head-on as she becomes involved in the life of a promising local teen in an abusive situation, too.

Another primary character in the story is preteen Celia whose mother is the housekeeper for Aunt Hyacinth. Celia has her own ideas of what is right and she definitely puts her young nose into lots of grown-up situations. Maybe the lesson is how fast childhood can disappear.

Another masterpiece by Cathy Gohlke. Beautifully written. Thought-provoking. Intriguing. Emotional. Authentic. Five stars.

When Lilliana Swope’s beloved mother dies, Lilliana gathers her last ounce of courage and flees her abusive husband for the home of her only living relative in the foothills of No Creek, North Carolina. where she is offered safe harbor. Their joyful reunion inspires plans to revive Aunt Hyacinth’s estate and open a public library where everyone is welcome, no matter the color of their skin. Slowly Lilliana finds revival and friendship in No Creek―with precocious eleven-year-old Celia Percy, with kindhearted Reverend Jesse Willard, and with Ruby Lynne Wishon, a young woman whose secrets could destroy both them and the town. With war brewing for the nation and for her newfound community, Lilliana must overcome a hard truth voiced by her young friend Celia: Wishing comes easy. Change don’t.

This is not my first Cathy Gohlke read and I knew when I recommended it to my book club for one of our selections that it would generate a very robust discussion. Cathy has addressed, using the 1940 timeframe, some of the issues that we are still facing in today's time--race relations and family abuse. And she has written about them in a very realistic and gripping way. And in a way that keeps you guessing until the great reveal.

As far as Celia is concerned, there seemed to be some gaps as to how things were moving. I realized that probably things were happening in a short time spam but that really wasn't evident in the book. It really wasn't clear how long the couple stayed in the shed nor why the preacher did perceive they were there. There were some other unanswered questions regarding Celia's behavior but I supposed they were to be expected in writing of a twelve year old.

There were a number of secondary characters that I found fascinating and really appreciated the way Ms. Gohlke wove them into the story. I especially was drawn to the character of Granny, the impact she had on Lilliana and her great aunt. While I never had the opportunity to closely know people of color when I was growing up, I like to think that I would like to have known someone just like her. She was able to good even from the grave.

I would like to think the author, publisher and Netgalley for my copy of this book. Comments are my own.

A hard-hitting novel set in the Appalachians of North Carolina. This one covers all sorts of difficult topics, but mostly racial tensions and abusive relationships. There are a lot of POV characters but the deft touch in writing POV switches kept it clear and easy to follow. I love the setting and the characters, especially savvy young Celia and sweet, aching Liliana.

This wasn't a quick read. It's a deep story that needs a few days to digest properly (and if you gulped it down fast, put it on your reread list to get another layer of story the next time through). The characters have real concerns and pains and they need a whole lot more than just a happy ending in the future--they have to find healing for the past and safety in the present.

The story isn't an easy one and you will feel many of the emotions and dangers of the characters. It's also not a romance, but more of a human-interest or women's literature sort of story. Highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

At first glance this book is quite different from the author’s most recent previous ones as it takes place mostly in rural North Carolina, in a little town called No Creek, instead of in Europe at the time of WWII. But the author weaves an amazing story, showing the evil taking place in our own country even as we prepared to battle the evil in Nazi Germany. Taking place in 1941, the book tells the story of Lilliana as she flees an abusive marriage and finds refuge with her aunt, but discovers different evils taking place there. And will her husband find her? The author does a wonderful job of mixing wonderful stories of goodness and graciousness and rural living with stories you almost cannot believe happened then and still happen today.
I so enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it! The author is a wonderful storyteller, and after reading this, I discovered that some of her own story is woven in it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

How does one go about writing a review for the best book they've read this year.
This book is so rich and full!
Overflowing with goodness during harsh circumstances and times.
Taking place mostly in Appalachia during 1911 the people are used to hard times.
A lot of the men run moonshine or have been locked away in jail for other backwoods activities.
The women are used to fending for themselves and their children, with their men being away it has made them strong. The creeks,herbs and hollers of Appalachia hold many secrets but of course people talk just like they do in areas where gossip will destroy you. Wether it's true or not doesn't seem to matter especially when race is involved and the rumors spread like wildfire.
Some may not want to read this as it deals with a lot of tough subjects such as race,rape,abuse,KKK.
I thought the book was excellent and should be made into a movie.
When you let go and let God you will find peace and well being of the mind and soul.
Highly recommended!

Published 05 Jan 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

This novel is like an onion. As layer after layer is peeled back, we’re forced to confront some of the pivotal issues that are still present in our society – racism, spousal abuse, rape, and hatred that can eat away at the soul.

Night Bird Calling is the story of Lilliana Grace Swope and her journey to No Creek, North Carolina where her dear Aunt Hyacinth lives. Knowing that her new neighbors will instantly judge her for leaving her husband, she decides to use her middle name and keeps her immediate circle of friends small to keep tongues from wagging. She befriends young Celia, a sharp-as-a-tack youngster who knows more than she lets on. Together, they decide to start a library in Miss Hyacinth’s home, which will be open to everyone. Little do they know that welcoming all residents to this library will bring the KKK to their doorstep in the night hours.

I think each person that reads this novel will have a different perspective of the history that goes along with it. I have lived in the South my entire life…lived among people that are good and do not see color. However, I’ve also known the opposite, and it breaks my heart to know that some people hold such hate and contempt against another person. I cannot fathom the fear that people have felt when the KKK has been on their front lawn or the feeling of a rope around their neck. It is a part of our history that I wish was never there.

I have not been this emotionally invested in a book in ages, and the lack of sleep I suffered after staying up late to finish it was well worth it. Just when I thought I had reached the limit of tragic circumstances, something else was always right around the corner. This book has heavy themes, and not what someone should pick up if they’re looking for a light read. Personally, I was glued to every page, and believe this will be a favorite among this year’s crop of new Christian fiction releases.

Cathy Gohlke's Night Bird Calling contains so many things to think about, that it is difficult to label this one. Lilliana Swope is a battered and emotionally abused wife. When her mother dies, she leaves Pennsylvania and heads to her only living relative, her Great-Aunt Hyacinth, who lives in the foothills of No Creek, North Carolina. It is 1939, it is the time of the KKK, segregation and Jim Crowe. It is also the time of the Great Depression, bootlegging is big and poor families are barely eking out a living. This is the backdrop of this story.

Hyacinth is a well respected member of the community and she lives alone. She is thrilled to have her great-niece come and live with her. She has plans for her large home. She wants to turn it into a library, open to everyone in No Creek, no matter the colour of their skin, as well as offer some tutoring as there is no teacher in the area. This is bound to cause problems and when Hyacinth dies, Lilliana is the target of some serious repercussions. There are some triggers in the book, not just the spousal abuse, but there is some lynching described and attempted as well as child abuse by a family member. All of these things are referenced, but not graphically described. They are integral to this story though. Make sure you listen to or read the Author's Notes at the end of this book as it will share some background and information around the writing of this book.

Night Bird Calling is the story of Lilliana escaping domestic violence and possible commitment to an asylum, her wanting to help other women and girls caught in the same terrible situation and changing the stigma around abuse. It was important for Lilliana to realize that not all men are like her husband and father, but that there are good, caring men in the world as well. It’s also about family relationships; Lilliana and her Aunt Hyacinth, Cecelia and her parents, Ruby Lynn and her family and others. The importance of being part of a community, the importance of making friends, and standing up against racism. Being a Christian Historical Fiction story, there is an emphasis on faith, prayer and giving your life to God. This was well done in the book and I enjoyed this story very much.

Cathy Gohlke continues to impress! Night Bird Calling is impactful, thought provoking, and does not shy away from tackling difficult periods in history. This beautifully written, powerful story addresses abuse, racism, discrimination, oppression and sexual assault, but also highlights the power of love and a pure heart. This is they type of story that makes me pause and take a breath after the last page. It made me wonder..."where would I fit in this story?", "which character most resembles my heart and attitude?". I would hope that I would have displayed the love of Aunt Hyacinth, or Lillianna's determination to affect change, or Celia's pure heart and childlike faith, but I fear I would fall short in comparison. I loved so many of the characters, they were diverse and well thought out. Parts of this book were difficult to read, and someone who has experienced abuse in the past may find it unsettling. I prefer to read fluffy romances (which this book is not), but every now and then I think it is good to read a novel that makes you stop and evaluate not only where we have been in the past, but where we are headed in the future.

The love of Jesus is a major theme running throughout this story, reminding us through these wonderful characters to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this world so that His love shines through the darkness. If you have enjoyed Cathy Gohlke's previous novels this one will not disappoint!

Thank you, Tyndale House Publishers and Net Galley for the free DRC of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

A heartfelt novel of healing and new beginnings.

After her mother's funeral Lillianna Grace Swope overhears her abusive husband and father plotting to deal the final blow by locking her away and stealing her inheritance, so she flees to the only living relative she knows of Aunt Hyacinth Belvidere.

Set in Appalachian town of No Creek during the tenuous year before America's entrance into WWII. Ms. Gohlke captures the rustic small town community struggling to survive in a changing world, with secrets that may well destroy them all.

In No Creek Lilliana finds a freedom that she never knew existed, forming friendships, finding hope and a sense of purpose. She grows a lot over the course of the book, and has one of the most satisfying character arcs, because it of its heartfelt authenticity.

I loved the how this book follows multiple characters, one of my favorite is Celia Percy, an enterprising young girl, forced to grow up quick. She brings an innocence to the story, speaking straightforwardly, and at times acting impulsively but always out of love. Aunt Hyacinth is a pillar if the community, whose heart beats right along with it, her influence overlapping through the generations. I loved her instantly as she welcomes Lilliana with open arms, fighting for her, and giving her a chance at a fresh start. All of the characters who make up No Creek jump off the page, as pieces of their story unfold, weaving in and out, at times intersecting as sins from the past and present collide. If I took time to talk about all the characters that touched my heart this review would be the length of a book!

Heartbreaking and healing, this book handles some very difficult subjects dealing with abuse, control, and racism, in a way that pack a gut punch, yet infusing thin threads of hope even in the darkest moments, running me through a gambit of emotions. A memorable read that stayed with me long after the last page was turned, and will most assuredly be one of this year's standout novels.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I appreciated the theme of faith that holds strong even through trials, helping others whenever you can, and continuing to move forward, even when it is difficult.

I felt that Night Bird Calling is a beautifully written story by Cathy Gohlke though it is very heavy as it deals with tough subjects such as abuse, alcoholism, and discrimination.

The author is wonderful at her descriptions, so you feel as if you are truly there.

Overall, it was a good historical fiction read containing the powerful message of hope no matter what life throws your way.

***Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book. All views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.***

Night Bird Calling is a very powerful story by Cathy Gohlke that touches on sensitive topics. Lilliana’s mother has past away and had asked Lilliana to return a ring to Aunt Hyacinth. Following the funeral she overhears her husband and her father scheming ways for her husband to divorce her. So she left with just the clothes she was wearing and money given for her father and went to Aunt Hyacinth’s home. There is is finally able to get away from the abuse she has endured from her father and husband. They are able to make drastic repair to Aunt Hyacinth’s home and make a library of the books she has.

Meanwhile she learns so much about the people in the community of No Creek. She learns who to stay away from to avoid gossip and the men to avoid who are dangerous. But she also learn who she can safely turn to for help, regardless of their color and what could happen if she associated with them.

This is such a powerful story. It tackles tough topics such as abuse, alcoholism, discrimination and rape. The also tells a story of the strong faith and strength Lilliana’s aunt and new friend have. And it tells a story of helping others and moving forward. It is so well written it is easy to imagine the fear Lilliana must have lived with. I could also easily envision the progress of cleaning the gardens and redecorating the home.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Tyndale House Publishing through NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

So, it took me a long time to convince myself to read this one! I requested it on NetGalley because Cathy Gohlke is pretty much an auto-buy author for me. But once I read the description, I realised it was going to be heavily character driven, and we all know how I feel about that... so it’s sat on my Kindle until I finally thought I HAVE to read it before it’s too late!

AND I LOVED IT!!!!!

I was right, it is a heavily character driven story, and it moves slowly. Not only is there minimal action, but there’s also minimal romance - and I didn’t even mind! While staying in her usual time setting of WWII, Cathy has moved away from the frontline action in this one, and tells us the story of a little Appalachian town called No Creek. We are introduced to this endearing town with dark secrets through the POV of two characters - Lilliana, a twenty-something on the run from an abusive marriage; and Celia, a sparky twelve year old with a love of big words and a penchant for investigating!

They, along with the rest of the town, are vibrant and engaging characters, despite facing a lot of pain and struggles. Cathy really brings the time period to life, and doesn’t shy away from difficult topics. This novel provides a complex reflection on abusive relationships and racial tensions. It is deeply insightful, with deeply painful moments at times, and laugh out loud moments at others. A lot of the laughs come from Celia. She was my favourite character - she’s such a bright spark & her vibrancy literally bubbles out of the page! Loved, loved, loved this book! Take a trip to No Creek! You won’t regret it!

Thank you @tyndalehouse and @netgalley for the review copy! I was only required to provide an honest review in return, and I only wish it was a bit longer, so I could keep visiting these characters!

This book might have been on the slower side pace wise, but it was jam packed with detail, historical events and rich characters. I quite enjoyed this book, though I was not sure what to expect when I requested it. The plot is full of events, almost so much so you lose what is going on at times. There were lots of secondary storylines accompanying the first. In many ways, I wish I few of the lesser developed ones had been dropped to more fully develop the main ones, but I also understand and appreciate the necessity of the secondary ones. The case of characters was truly something. Each one had an important role to play and a story to tell. Liliana and Celia were such a pair. They complimented each other as well as challenged each other. The historical aspect to this novel was told in just the right way, it was blunt, but realistic, giving just the right feel, though on the lighter side in how it was presented, in what the southern States was like in the mid 1900s. I believe historical fiction fans will enjoy this one and I know a few people I will definitely be recommending it to.

Lilliana Swope flees her the abuse inflicted by both her husband and her father after her dear mother dies. Her place of refuge is the home of her Great Aunt Hyacinth Belvidere in the foothills of No Creek, North Carolina. As Lilliana tries to settle into her safe harbor, she fears being found by the men who have told her over and over that she is useless and sinful, but slowly she begins to understand that they were lying. It will be through the courageous actions of a poor 11 year old girl that Lilliana learns that her own courage will come from standing up for others. Set in the height of the Great Depression, this novel tackles abuse, racism, rape and more. Despite the tough subjects, the lesson of love in action is clear and loud, lived out by some really delightful characters. I received an ecopy of this title from Netgalley. All opinions are mine.