Fantastic character development mixed with well researched history make this a must read to start off 2021!

After years of watching her mother in an abusive relationship, Lilliana finds herself in a similar situation. After her mother dies, she overhears her husband and father discussing her future so that her husband can divorce her with the church’s sympathy so that he can freely remarry. Lilliana musters what strength she has coupled with a ring that her mom gave her and flees from Philadelphia to her Great Aunt Hyacinth’s house in the small town of No Creek, North Carolina. Her aunt is overjoyed to see her and works to provide her a safe place, but she isn’t in the best health and won’t be on this earth for long. She begins to make some new friends with those that help her Great Aunt and before long, great plans to restore the house’s library surface. This library will become a lending library for the town to promote the joy of reading to anyone in town regardless of the color of their skin. However, some feel that this library should only be used by the whites and don’t like change. As war in Europe begins to brew, so do the dangers in this small community. There are secrets that could change everything that Lilliana holds dear!

Cathy Gohlke is a master of creating stories set during difficult times. She has such an inspiring ability to create real conflict between her characters that makes her stories move along as such a suspenseful pace that readers can’t help but be intrigued. Her ability to create a world to bring readers to the time of the Klan mixed with a young woman who had never experienced the Jim Crow era of the South that was suddenly thrust into it was just masterful.

The development of the main characters was brilliant as well. Lilliana was extremely flawed having been involved in two abusive relationships, her father and husband, and was extremely untrustworthy of men. Yet she had the courage and backbone to stand up to several men she didn’t know. Celia was loud, outspoken, and yet yearned for a father figure to keep her dreams alive. Ruby Lynne was such a heartbroken character in so many ways that you just wanted to reach through the pages to hold and comfort her. Not many authors can successfully create that level of emotional connection with so many characters.

This will be a difficult novel to read for some as it deals with abusive relationships, Jim Crow era violence, drinking, and rape. However, the story is so genuine that it is well worth the read!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

#Night Bird Calling # is a Christian historical fiction book by Cathy Godlke. Cathy is a very accomplished author. She has received the Christy award 4 times. She has also received the Carol and Inspy awards as well. # Night Bird Calling# takes place in rural Appalachia in the foothills of No Creek during World War II. The story is told from Lilliana's perspective as the narrator. . The themes are overcoming adversity through faith, racism, truth, courage, transformation . The reader will grow attached to the characters. The reader will feel for their struggles and difficulties. The story describes the characters, setting clearly. The narrator describes what is going on during World WarII. I recommend this book. The book was given to me by the publisher to read and review. The opinions are my own. Thank you to the author, publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.

Cathy Gohlke hits it out of the park with her newest novel that talks about tough topics and reveals experiences near and dear to her heart. She says in a recent interview, “I grew up mostly in the South during years of the civil rights movement, where I witnessed segregation, desegregation, racial oppression, and abuse but also heroic stands against injustice and some hard-won changes. I learned that attitudes do not change just because laws change. Transformation of the heart is also needed. That is as true today as it was then.”

She continues, “As a young woman, I ran away from an abusive marriage and an oppressive church. My journey toward emotional and spiritual healing took many years. I want women in similar situations to know that they are not alone, that God loves them so very dearly and that the condemnations of their oppressors do not come from Him. I wrote Night Bird Calling not only for victims of abuse, but in the hope that readers might gain insight, sympathy, and empathy for those who’ve been abused or pushed down, that they might better understand and see creative ways they can help, ways they can be a voice for the voiceless or those needing someone to walk alongside them”

This sediment resonates throughout the novel giving hope to the hopeless and courage for everyone to do their part and let God do the rest. I like how this is done in a natural non-preachy way. I be thankful for this authors courage to pen such a heartfelt novel on subjects that are hard to think about let along discuss. Praying for a healing in our land and its people as this novel is read. This is a book to be experienced. I highly recommend it for your next book club pick.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

I have long enjoyed Cathy Gohlke’s books and this one was no exception. She has written a compelling and powerful story here. Set in 1941, she deals with domestic abuse and racism in a small southern town with centuries old, long held beliefs about how things should be. Told from three different viewpoints, Gohlke brings each character to life in this story ina moving narrative. I would like to be able to say that I especially liked a few characters but they were all done so well, that I will most likely keep these folks in my mind for quite sometime. Well done!

My thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I received no compensation and the opinion here is entirely my own.

In Night Bird Calling, Cathy Gohlke returns to American soil with an inspiring story set in rural North Carolina amidst the first stirrings of WWII. Gohlke’s last four books dealt with the oppression of Nazi Germany, but what is unsettling in this book, is how that same oppression and racism lurks in the beautiful hills and quaint folk of No Creek. It is the universal tale of those who abuse power and people—even in the church.

Yet, as with all Gohlke’s stories, the ugliness of hatred and violence is tempered with the hopeful embers of love, integrity, wisdom, and redemption. The charming characters bring respite and humor between the challenging moments. Her elegant writing is nothing short of poetry, speaking with compassion and descriptive narrative.

Every character from the protagonist, Lilliana, to Aunt Hyacinth, to Granny Chree, to Pastor Jesse, to young Celia, to those hooded in white robes of hatred, were developed authentically and with depth. By the way, Celia would give To Kill a Mockingbird's Scout a run for her money.

Lilliana’s journey from Philadelphia as an abused and timid woman to the Lilliana of Garden’s Gate is beautifully and authentically crafted.

Gohlke’s messages of courage, revelation, and forgiveness are for us all.

Certain to be a classic, Night Bird Calling, does Christian literature proud and builds on the foundation of names like C.S. Lewis and Hannah Hunard.

I received a complimentary copy of #NightBirdCalling from Tyndale Publishing via #NetGalley, however the opinions stated are my own.

This book was my introduction to Cathy Gohlke's writing, and I was impressed by her ability to weave a rich story full of historical detail and authentic characters. She offers a glimpse into the South in the early 1940s, when the horrors of racism and the KKK were still prevalent. Those topics, combined with the abuse several characters face, make this a book I would only recommend to older teenagers and above. However, the way these difficult topics are handled with such honesty and grace is what makes this such a powerful, moving story. Lilliana's determination, Celia's spunk, and Hyacinth's story of redemption will stay with you long after the last page. This book is a must-read for historical fiction fans!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Trigger warning: spousal abuse and racism

I've read a number of Gohlke's books, and I've always enjoyed them. She doesn't shy away from tackling difficult topics. Her latest addresses abuse, racism, and family secrets. They're woven together to create an engaging tale.

Night Bird Calling shows the reader a glimpse of what it might've been like to grow up in the old south, where former slaves and the KKK meet in a small town in North Carolina. Traditions run high with people leery to break free. There is a faith element, and you can see God working through the characters, but it's not preachy. Overall, this is an emotional, thought-provoking read. It's a timely tale, even though the story is set around eighty years in the past.


Some of my favorite quotes:

"In the end, when people hear something ugly long enough, they believe it's true. They want to believe it to set it in a box they can understand and label."

"The thing is, we can't let our fears or things we don't understand weigh us so far down that they keep us from picking up and going forward. We're still on this earth for a reason..."

"Mama and Daddy taught me that color doesn't matter, that class is only a fallen man-made notion, and that every man has the responsibility to better himself as he's able."

I was amazed as I began reading this book that it was set not far from where I live! I messaged the author and she told me she’d set the story in Wilkes County, NC. That is where I live! That fact alone made it enjoyable to me and to recommend it to my book club for our January selection!

I won’t go into details about the story here, as they can be obtained elsewhere.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review.

Night Bird Calling by Cathy Gohlke is a story about racism in the south during the early 1940's. The story is heart-wrenching and thought provoking. With realistic hurt and shame, the story hit on harsh realities of the past. The plot kept moving forward and kept my attention. I had a hard time putting the novel down. While I have read Gohlke's World War II novels, this story is definitely something completely different. It is set in American soil and features basically the same time period; however, it deals with a completely different evil than Hitler. It deals with race and the KKK. While this story touches on issues that the media wants their audience to believe is still around, it is a timely story even if it takes place almost eighty years ago. I felt bad for Lilliana Grace. I really enjoyed the curiosity of Celia Percy. She loves books and solving mysteries. Because of her curiosity, it can get her in trouble and good things happen too. She was my favorite character in the novel. Overall, Night Bird Calling was an enticing read, filled with lessons readers should ponder and think about for a while.

I received a complimentary copy of Night Bird Calling by Cathy Gohlke by Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Well written historical novel that deals with spousal abuse and racism. Ms. Goalkeeper has written another winner. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

Cathy Gohike never fails to deliver. A great novel touching on history, racial tension, and abuse. Through it all, you can feel God working on the characters.

Another masterpiece by Author Cathy Gohlke. This amazing story has lingered with me long after I finished the book. In fact, "Night Bird Calling" would make a fantastic movie. The talented pen of Author Cathy Gohlke immerses the reader in the North Carolina mountains where the scenery and the characters come to vivid life.

Spousal abuse, racism, courage, truth, and transformation are just some of the words to describe this beautifully redemptive story.

Some of the quotes that I highlighted:
"In the end, when people hear something ugly long enough, they believe it's true. They want to believe it to set it in a box they can understand and label."

"The thing is, we can't let our fears or things we don't understand weigh us so far down that they keep us from picking up and going forward. We're still on this earth for a reason....... What are you here to do? I reckon that's the point to figure."

"I couldn't sit around waiting, wondering when the shoe might drop. I had a life to live, for as long as I could live it."

Granny's wise words: "As long as you lettin' that man stumble you into believin' Jesus can't love you, he's trippin' down that road toward that millstone and that sea. It be bad enough for him what he's already done. The Lord don't look kindly on oppressors; you know that. But you fallin' away from the Lord under that man's shoe, livin' his victim all this life long, seals his fate. Don't you see Jesus don't want that for you-or him?

"As long as folks stared at differences and not the sameness, Celia knew they'd never bridge the gap."

"Mama and Daddy taught me that color doesn't matter, that class is only a fallen man-made notion, and that every man has the responsibility to better himself as he's able."

"Their own hate and hypocrisy and fear of what they don't understand got them riled."

Over breakfast, Gladys tried to explain to me how most of the men in the county saw joining the Klan as a civic duty. "They said it supports family life and values and keeps outsiders from taking over." "Outsiders? Like poor, young Marshall or his faithful, hard-working uncle, or Dr. Vishnevsky, The only doctor this county has? I'm not feeling charitable toward those views."
"I'm not asking you to be charitable, Lilliana. I'm trying to help you understand that snubbing your nose at an entire community of men will not change them. They believe in what they are doing at their core. And that's what's so dangerous."

"Jesse said his prepared sermon aside, fairly certain that the preparation for the baby born in Bethlehem wasn't on the mind of his congregation. Yet nothing short of the peace that baby brought could heal the hate he'd seen in the woods last night."

"I realized that in order for a marriage to succeed, in order for a family to survive and thrive after hard times, each member needed to commit, to work at it, to give it all they had, even when afraid."

This multilayered story of hardship, truth, and unforgettable characters: Lilliana, Aunt Hyacinth, Gladys, Celia, Chester, Reverend Willard, Dr. Vishnevsky, Granny Chree, Marshall, and Ruby Lynne, is sure to win your heart as they did mine. I highly recommend "Night Bird Calling".

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy of Night Bird Calling. All opinions are my own.

Journey to rural No Creek, North Carolina, pre World War II for a moving story of Liliana, a runaway abused wife. This story is realistically told in a way that readers will see from the eyes of Liliana. The characters and their situations are authentic to the time period. Eyes will be opened to the abuse of women and the racial tensions in this small community. Some is the subjects are not pleasant but reflect truths not spoken of during this time. Eleven year old, Cecila Percy is quite intuitive and passionate but annoying at times with the snooping. I love Aunt Hyacinth's love for the people and her wisdom of life. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will love this book. Highly recommended!!

Cathy Gohlke never fails to deliver with her stories. She brings to light different topics and don't usually leave me comfortable. In Night Bird Calling, Gohlke takes on the topics of abuse, racism and family secrets. Each topic on its own deserve own focus, but woven together makes for a very interesting read.
Set in the hills of No Creek, North Carolina, Night Bird Calling gives you a taste of what was like to grow up in a place steeped in old traditions and beliefs. Racism runs deep and former slaves and KKK mix together in a small town where no one is quite ready to break those traditions. Until Lillianna comes to town. She has run away from her abusive husband and is ready to change things for the good. Once she has found her courage and herself.
An interesting step in to a culture I knew little about or even understand, makes for a good read.

The era is the early forties to the beginning of World War II, the place is No Creek, North Carolina. The principal players are Celia Percy, Lilliana Swope, Hyacinth Belvidere, Jesse Willard, a few other characters who populate No Creek, and a couple of characters who live in Pennsylvania. The circumstances include wife abuse (physical, emotional, and spiritual), KKK activities, moonshining, and rape. Cathy Gohlke has treated these societal ills with her usual high quality style. Night Bird Calling is one of those novels that you don't want to put down, but you don't want it to end; it's like seeing a train wreck--you don't want to watch it but you can't look away.

After Lilliana's mother's funeral, Lilliana falls asleep in one of the pews of the church waiting for her husband to take her home. She overhears her husband and her father, both elders in the church, discussing how her husband can get rid of her to marry someone else. She knows she can't go home to her husband or her father, so she walks to the train station and gets the first train out of Philadelphia to No Creek. Her great-aunt Hyacinth will take her in, she hopes.

I found this book to be engrossing, compelling, and wholly intriguing. The only problem I had with the book is that the author bounces back and forth between first person--Lilliana telling her own story, and third person narration to fill in the gaps between Lilliana's parts. It is still a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a whip-poor-will singing at night.

NIGHT BIRD CALLING by CATHY GOHLKE tells the poignant story of Lilliana Swope, whose experience of marriage has been horrific, with both her mother and herself having married abusive men.
Before her mother dies she entrusts her with a ruby ring belonging to Grand Aunt Hyacinth Belvidere, together with her address in No Creek North Carolina, and tells her to make every effort to get there.
After her mother's funeral she overhears a conversation between her father and her husband, Gerald, hearing how Gerald has decided to get rid of her without losing his eldership position in the church, and runs away with just the clothes on her back, catching a train to No Creek.
The story takes place in 1941, with the second world war in full swing in Europe and the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December of that year, Still suffering from the recession, people are pretty desperate to make a living and moonshining is rife, resulting in some fathers being in jail and unable to support their families. There are marital and racial problems, and to make things worse the KKK is very active in the area.
There are some absolutely delightful characters such as Celia Percy, avid reader and budding detective, Grand Aunt Hyacinth who is blind but who sees so much with spiritual eyes, the extremely busy and helpful Reverend Jesse Willard who is quite smitten with the beautiful Lilliana and the brave Jewish doctor, Dr Vishnevsky; and then there are some who are downright nasty and vindictive, such as Ida Mae and Janice Richards, to mention just a few.
It is one of the loveliest novels I have read this year and I highly recommend it for the great story and strong Christian message. This author really shows us the heart of her characters in an understanding and sensitive way. I also love the quotations from Scripture and from Oswald Chambers.
I was given an ARC copy of the book by Tyndale House Publishers from NetGalley. The opinions in this review are completely my own.