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.

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.