Kim Vogel Sawyer is an author whose books I have read in the past, so I was delighted to receive an advance copy of her book Freedom's Song.

Fanny is a talented singer who was brought to America from Ireland by a riverboat owner to sing on his riverboat. The difficulty? She came on an indenture agreement which she thought was for 7 years, but the holder of the indenture, Sloan, has a plan to hold her contract for 35 years (7 years for Fanny and each member of her family). Fanny feels trapped, and longs to escape.

Freedom's Song is the story of Fanny's escape - and how she grows personally during that process. But it's also the story of Walter Kuhn, who is a significant part of Fanny's growth and ultimate freedom from Sloan.

Freedom's Song met my expectations, and I encourage others to read it.

#netgalley #freedomssong

Fanny has a beautiful voice that has taken her far away from family and freedom. As an indentured servant she looks forward to completing her 7 year term, only to discover that the riverboat captain who holds her indenture has no plans for releasing her. When the boat wreck strands her with a band of fugitives from slavery she begins her journey toward freedom. The book is actually three stories in one. Her journey toward freedom, the captain's journey to God, and her journey to her family with a caring farmer are woven together in a heartfelt story. Kim Vogel Sawyer's Freedom's Song is a well written and touching story. of faith. forgiveness, and hope. I enjoyed reading the story.

Fanny became an indentured servant on the riverboat Peacock because of her beautiful singing voice and the contract her father signed with the captain. Unbeknownst to the family because of their inability to read, the contract was for 35 years instead of the 7 that they believed. As we follow Fanny’s journey in hopes of escaping and reuniting with her family in New York, the storyline brings her in contact and introduces us to several characters who are after the same thing as Fanny…freedom from captivity and freedom from fear. The author does a good job in drawing the reader into the story because of the vivid details and made the book hard to put down.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for my review and honest opinion.

Freedom's Song was the first title I have read by Kim Vogel Sawyer. I thoroughly enjoyed her unique storytelling in this upcoming release. The character growth was well matched with the storyline's progress. There were some unexpected turns, building to the climax, that pleasantly surprised me. I liked not being able to predict what would come next.

I am not a huge fan of detailed descriptions in books, but the author crafted the scenes in a way that appealed to all five senses without boring. A very short way into the book, I sat aside my reviewer hat and just enjoyed the journey and the message of true freedom throughout. I look forward to adding more of this author's work to my TBR.

It is not often that you read a book of this magnitude! Freedom's Song is an inspiring, emotional, spiritual journey. Kim Vogel Sawyer allows the reader to travel with the character, Fainche "Fanny" Beck, on her journey from riverboat singer to housewife. Along the way Fanny encounters escaped slaves, underground railroad workers, friendly and unfriendly people on her journey. Always she is mindful of God's purpose for her life. The story begins with Fanny singing on a riverboat, the River Peacock. At the age of fourteen she is indentured to Sloan Kirkpatrick in exchange for bringing her family from Scotland to America. Now seven years later, Sloan has no intention of releasing Fanny. When the ship catches fire, Fanny has the opportunity to leave her cabin and is accidentally knocked overboard. Her journey home begins and what a journey it is. I loved reading Fanny's story. This is a beautiful story of love, hope, charity and faith. I definitely recommend this book as a must-read!

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book!

This is the story of a girl who was purchased as an indentured servant by an unscrupulous riverboat captain. She sang to the customers and then returned to her quarters under guard. When there is a fire on the boat, she manages to escape and meets up with a group of runaway slaves. They help each other and manage to get to freedom. This is an interesting story that highlights the underground railroad and the plight of all people who are not free. I love the combining of cultures and the historical accuracy. Once again, Kim Vogel Sawyer has written a wonderful story!

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion

This was a captivating story about Fanny Beck who was an indentured servant aboard a riverboat who is able to escape during a storm. In her attempt to get home to her family, she comes upon a man and his daughter and stays with them to help him care for his daughter. In the midst of this, Sloan, who owned the riverboat, is on the search for Fanny and longs to see her returned to his riverboat.

Fanny is such a strong character who is such a wonderful role model for women. She took a terrible circumstance that she was in and continued to rely on God.

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

One of my favorite authors,and I was not disappointed with this book. Without telling too much of the story,I was afraid how it would go. I always enjoy a sweet story that has some interesting twists. The wonderful description of where the main character started and where she ended was great. I especially love the way she traveled with some very blessed people. I would highly recommend this book.

Fanny Beck was forced to sing on a Riverboat as a indentured servant as a young girl.. For her service her parents could come to America. Sloan the riverboat captain kept her locked in a room. When she had a chance to escape do to a fire on the boat she tries to escape but is pushed off the boat into the river. A bunch of slaves find her and she travels to help them to safety. When she gets them most of the way she wants to go to New York to find her parents. She has little money and sings at stations for coins. As she walks to get to the next station she hears a baby crying and goes to help. When she sees the child alone she cares for the child till her father finally comes home. Will Fanny finally get to New York or will she help the widow Walter Kuhn care for his child ? This is a beautiful story and a book hard to put down. Kim Vogel Sawyer really knows how to draw you in. I hope she writes more so we can learn about Enoch and his family.

An inspirational book with many counter cultural views. It shows how people can overcome life's challenges and follow what is in their hearts being true to themselves.

If you like sweet historical romance, this is a book for you. When I am looking for a faith based, well written love story, I know I can count on Kim Vogel Sawyer. As the title states this story is all about freedom. Fanny was indentured by a dishonest man to sing seven years on a riverboat. Enoch and his family were escaping for their freedom. Yet throughout the book we learn we may all be enslaved to something and that Jesus died to set us all free. I found the book captured me throughout and left me wanting more. Thank you to Waterbrook Press through NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Freedom's Song is a beautifully written story of a girl, Fanny, that is an indentured servant on a river paddle boat, as a singer. She doesn't understand that her contract, signed by her father, is for seven years for each family member, not just seven years. During a storm, she is knocked overboard, and tossed into the river below. She awakens to voices nearby, but is unaware of where she is, she only knows that, for now, she is free. She travels a while with a family of runaway slaves, until she reaches Chicago. She wants to get to New York City, but she doesn't have the money for a train ticket. As she travels from one town to the next, she hears a baby crying in the distance from the train station. She investigates, and find a very little girl in a crib, all alone. Soon, the child's father limps home with a leg injury. Since he is a widower, she agrees to work for him, caring for his baby daughter while he works in the field. Everything works out well, until the captain of the riverboat catches up to her. She doesn't want to go back to the boat, but what can she do? An excellent, clean, and very exciting story!

I enjoyed following Fanny on her road to freedom. The story was pretty engaging and most of the side characters were lovable (Annaliese was adorable). The terrible lack of communication between Fanny and Walter was a bit much at times, enough to make me want to reach into the pages and shake them both.

I'm not entirely sure how I felt about the third POV from Sloane. I think I can understand why the author included it, but personally, I felt like it slowed the rest of the story down for me. Regardless, this was a sweet, hopeful story overall.

Thanks to NetGalley and to Waterbrook & Multnomah for the eARC of this story in exchange for my honest review.

This was an exciting story about a singer who saw the chance to escape slavery and see her family. Fanny Beck was managed by a domineering overseer who locked her in her room all day until her performance.
Fanny is swept overboard during a storm and she is found by escaping slaves who travel with her for safety.
Fanny helps the slaves and travels on supporting herself by singing until she comes to a desolate Indiana homestead and hears a crying baby.
You will have to read the book yourself to find out what happens to Fanny.

Thank you netgalley for this arc.

I love sweet historical romance stories, especially this type. I also love historical romance set in the US or west.

Great quick feel good read, I recommend.

The first part of the book was less enjoyable as it is the pre-story leading to the part I wanted to read, but once you get into the main story it is worth it. I loved the MCs.

I won't say the rest ...I would love to share ...becuase it would spoil this story.

I would also like to thank the author for creating a story and sharing it.

FREEDOM'S SONG by KIM VOGEL SAWYER is a really lovely historical romance novel with a strong Christian message based on John 8:36 "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."
We meet Fanny Beck singing for the guests on the River Peacock as Sloan Kirkpatrick's prisoner and money maker. This lonely life comes to an abrupt end when she falls overboard. She makes it to shore and seizes this chance to escape, joining up with runaway slaves, Enoch and his family, who become her first friends in seven lonely years. I like to see her interaction with these people who teach her about true freedom, and also her compassion towards Anneliese, who she finds alone and crying in Walter Kuhn's cabin. In all this we see how God works to bring about His purpose in a person's life.
Walter has suffered from fear since he was bullied at school and he feels guilty that he did not save his wife Grete when she ran into their burning barn.
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
I highly recommend Freedom's Song as a most enjoyable and inspirational read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from WaterBrook & Multnomah. The opinions in this review are completely my own.