It's been a little while since I'd read the first book in this series, but it didn't take me too long to dive in and find my place again.
This story deals with the topic of racism, and friendship that doesn't know those boundaries.
A beautiful story, and yet full of very hard things.
Two story lines, and it's always intriguing to me to see how they tie together.
Very well written, thought provoking story.

When I began listening to A Hundred Crickets Singing, I realized that there is a connection to another book by Cathy Gohlke that I read. Night Bird Calling introduced us to Celia Percy, although you don't need to have read that book to enjoy this one. This is a dual timeline story with one setting is back in 1861 during the Civil War and the second in 1944 during WWII. Both are intriguing stories and I loved how they came together. The story begins in 1944 when a storm uncovers secrets in the attic of the Belvedere home in No Creek, North Carolina. Celia Percy works in the home and while investigation the damage, comes upon a secret room, a trunk and some documents that have been hidden for over 80 years. Flash back to 1861, just after North Carolina has succeeded and the Civil War is in full swing. The Belvedere family has been rocked by the death of their matriarch and Minnie Belvidere is trying to hold things together. Her father seems to have the beginnings of dementia and is getting forgetful. Minnie and her father support Lincoln and the emancipation of the slaves, but her brother is deeply involved in the confederacy. Minnie wants to do what her father intended and had papers prepared to give land to their freed slaves/servants. In 1941, African Americans are still being treated as second class citizens and there are many Jim Crow laws in place. Marshall and his best friend Joe are training to be doctors when they enlist. In Europe, Marshall falls in love with a white, English girl and secretly get married. When he is injured, he is sent back to the US and Joe is left to try and find his wife, who has kept their marriage a secret from her parents. As the story surrounding Belvedere House is shared, Marshall's life may be changed in more ways than one.

A Hundred Crickets Singing is a well written historical fiction story with a mystery, romance, family, racism, integrity, greed and more. I often enjoy one timeline more than the other in dual timeline stories, but both of these are excellent. The characters are well developed and extremely likable. They are both very similar in that the main characters are two young women living on the same Appalachian estate are determine to aid soldiers they care about and fight for justice and freedom for everyone. The comparison of the two times also demonstrates that although time has passed, many feelings and prejudice continue. The secondary characters are also well drawn. In this community in 1941 there is a German doctor, with many residents refusing to go to him, they would rather travel miles away. There were segregated hospitals and black patients had to travel further at risk to their lives, and they were not allowed to have white visitors. I was a bit surprised by some of the things that were in place. As the two stories come together, I was rooting for the truth to come out and right to be served. I definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction and dual timeline stories.

This book both takes off where Night Bird Calling left off, but also goes back another 80 years. On one side we follow Celia Percy, at 14 years old now and during World War II, as she discovers a hidden room and a big secret and on the other side we follow Minnie Belvidere during the Civil War.

The Belvidere's owned slaves with the intent to free them and give them land. Though they were freed, the land was never given to them due to some very unfortunate circumstances. The youngest son ended up inheriting the Belvidere property and he was not friendly toward the colored people even though they were officially freed through the Emancipation Proclamation.

Jump ahead 80 years until World War II and you see that inequality is still rampant in No Creek and not just there. Marshall, a colored man, and Joe, an Italian man both face more than their share of racial slurs, Marshall's being much, much worse.

Celia and her friends work hard to break down the racial divide in No Creek and while they make headways, there is still much progress to be made.

This book broke my heart to read of the unfairness of life in the South for colored people. Living in the rural North, we don't see that much of it here and yet I was confronted with my own prejudice against other groups that aren't like me. It has opened my eyes and hopefully my compassion to see each person as God created them: precious humans in His eyes.

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

Poignant, heart-wrenching, yet filled with hope, this book by one of my favorite historical fiction authors kept me engrossed throughout. With a dual-timeline and well-drawn characters, it paints a picture of racial prejudice during the Civil War and WWII and the struggle to overcome it. At times it was hard to read about the injustice in our history, but it is enlightening and ultimately leaves a feeling of hope. Although it is a sequel to Gohlke’s book, Night Bird Calling, it can be read and enjoyed alone. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

When you continue this story, you want certain things to happen. I would say, let go of those expectations. This time period, and story doesn't lend itself to pure happiness, but reality more. It is heartbreaking, yet so important, in showing the inequality that those with skin colors other than white suffered with despite them fighting alongside for freedom.

A HUNDRED CRICKETS SINGING takes up a few years after NIGHT BIRD CALLING, but it can be easily read as a stand-alone book. In fact, I did not realize the connection between the two books until I had been reading for several chapters. It was the reference to a home being the community library that sparked my memory and then characters (although a few years older) fell into place. Front and center in this dual-time line novel is the ugly truth of racism. Despite it being 1945 and the United States young men, both white and black, are fighting overseas, they are treated differently. Blacks are not given all the perks that the whites are, and when returning home, often meet the same old jim crow restrictions and prejudices. At times in No Creek, North Carolina, it seems that the Civil War has never ended, and while blacks are technically free men and women, segregation rules supreme. Or so it seems, when 15 year old Celia finds a closed off attic room complete with a trunk with a hidden compartment full of documents indicating that Marshall Raymond, a young black man then serving overseas, should actually own a piece of property held by one of the town's most bigoted men. Both the 1940's story and the 1870's one explore what it means to stand up for what is right and that fairness and justice is not a smooth, nor a straight path. I received a copy of this novel from Netgalley and also checked out the audio version. I give both a strong recommendation.

A Hundred Crickets Singing by Cathy Gohlke is a beautifully written book about serious issues in our country’s history. Ms Gohlke quickly absorbs you in the story of little children who discover a hidden room. This catapults the reader into a story full of vivid characters and truly tragic horrors based on race. This is a story of hope and reconciliation. It is a beautifully written book and I highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

An incredible dual-time story by Cathy Gohlke. Basically set in a rural town community during WWII and Civil War eras. Characters that are realistic with strengths and flaws portrayed. The discovery of a hidden room and a false-bottomed trunk begins a healing journey—two young women from different generations who, despite the difficult restraints of people and circumstances work to right the wrongs they see in their respective societies. I thoroughly enjoyed the faith journeys of some of the characters as they recognized the Lord's timing in their lives and the acknowledgment of His presence and help. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will not want to miss A Hundred Crickets Singing. I listened to a library copy of the audiobook and Marguerite Gavin did a great job narrating Celia and Minnie's stories. I was not required to write a review and the opinions are my own.

Return to No Creek, North Carolina, with Celia Percy as she comes of age in the segregated rural community, and unearths secrets held for generations that could pave a new way for the future.

Set in the same world as Night Bird Calling, this book can be read as a companion or as a standalone. The book follows Celia and Joe in the present day, while also telling the story of Minnie Belvidere a courageous young woman during the Civil War who fought for her family and the freedom of others.

A powerful read, with hard hitting themes, heartwarming, heartbreaking, gritty, and full of faith this book does a good job of showing the moral dilemmas in light of the human condition in the 1860s and 1940s. I loved how this book shows familiar faces like Celia and Marshall, Ruby, Miss Lill and her husband. I especially enjoyed learning more about the Belvideres and seeing their history all come together in the past and present through the strong women of faith who took up the causes of others.

Celia is a spirited young woman, passionate, with a big heart for others. She is young but growing into a wonderful woman inside and out, I liked her honesty and how she sticks up for her friends. I also really liked getting to know Joe, seeing his friendship with Marshall and how Marshall helps him to look deeper into things he had been avoiding. I admired Minnie so much, her strong faith even in the hopeless times.

Overall, this was a poignant read, tackling tough subjects with faith, and unforgettable characters. Highly recommend!

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

Cathy Gohlke pens another home run of a time-slip story that grabs your heart, and attention from the start. Readers instantly care for her wide range of characters, as they walk in their shoes, giving a deep understanding of their circumstances. The author’s love of research shines throughout this novel, both in the 1860s and 1940s.

I like how this author shows the heart break of racial injustice and how hard it was for some families to set their slaves free, even when it was their heart’s desire like to do so. Cathy Gohlke brilliantly takes readers on a memorable, heart-felt journey that is filled with tension and family drama. It’s one you don’t want to miss and won’t soon forget.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher/NetGalley. 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 https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

A Hundred Crickets Singing caught my eye and the storyline summary was intriguing.
Once I read it, I was impressed how she wove the present story in with the past.
She did a fabulous job capturing life in Civil War days.
It was very interesting and captivating!

A great read! At first, I really struggled to keep up with the two different timelines, but I was able to get into the plot a little more than halfway into the book. I loved the plight of the main characters, especially that of Celia, Joe, and Marshall. I would definitely recommend this book to those who like clean Christian fiction with a good plot and brilliantly written characters!

This book started out so good, and I was so excited to read it! I definitely judge books by their covers, and this one is gorgeous! There's a mystery right from the start, and it grabbed my attention immediately.

I loved the different stories from the same house. All that history there fascinated me. I'd love to live in an old house like that, where there are generations of stories. The longer the book went on, though, the harder it was to keep the side stories and the different characters straight. And the longer it went on, the less it held my attention *because* of all those side stories and characters.

The ending was completely unbelievable to me, and I found the epilogue to be too long.

I think the book would have been excellent if some of the chapters and characters would have been cut out. It just went too long in my opinion, and ended up too neatly and predictably.

*I was given this book for my honest review. Opinions are my own.*

After A Night Bird Calling comes Hundred Crickets Singing. It is a historical fiction that is told using two timelines. Two young women, during two different time periods, living on the same Appalachian estate are determined to aid soldiers that are dear to them, at whatever the cost
. Cathy Gohlke is a talented author that tells this story beautifully. This one will be added to my list of favorites.
Thanks to Tyndale Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
A great book for historical fiction fans!!
5 Stars!!

This is a beautifully written dual-timeline historical fiction novel written by Cathy Gohlke. I would recommend it for readers who enjoy stories that take place during the Civil War. I enjoyed it, but there were SO many characters to keep track of. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars

Thanks #NetGalley @TyndaleHouse for a complimentary copy of #AHundredCricketsSinging upon my request. All opinions are my own.

In split timelines (1861 and 1944) and through two wars (Civil War and WW11) we hear the stories of two young women who lived on the same plantation and same house in No Creek, North Carolina (Appalachia) as they face the hardships of war and encounter unrelenting racism and prejudice. It’s through Celia’s discovery of a hidden journal in 1944 that we hear Minnie’s story from the Civil War days and cheer for Celia as she attempts to right a wrong.

I love both main characters, the connection between the two storylines, and the exploration of racism/prejudice between the two time periods. However, what I love the most is that each timeline is equally compelling and tension filled. So often in a dual timeline story, one timeline is more interesting and engaging than the other, or one is more dominant. But in A Hundred Crickets Singing, I loved each timeline and cast of characters and I didn’t mind the time hop in alternating chapters. This is a rare occurance for me and is what ultimately leads me to a five star rating. The entirely of the story from beginning to end through two time periods and two sets of characters is compelling. Each storyline is so well developed that it could easily be two separate books. To combine them is great story telling from my perspective!

Admittedly, there are a lot of characters to track! I had to be mindful of the chapter title at first which clearly denotes the time period. You might want to keep notes of characters at the beginning until you are fully acclimated in the story. I think if you have previously read Night Bird Calling, you will have more familarity with the characters (although this can be read as a stand alone). I admire both young women from each storyline for their endurance and determination and sense of justice. Both are realistically portrayed. First, Minnie (1861) as she assists her family and community in the operation of their part of the Underground Railroad. I also admire her faithful and descriptive journal entries and careful records which Celia will discover eighty years later in a secret, hidden, and sealed room. I also admire Celia (1944) and her determination to unravel a mystery from the past and make things right for one family. I appreciate her community efforts and vision for a better future. Both women are admirable in their ability to manuever through a minefield of political opinions and prejudices.

The author creates a strong sense of place in each time period through her vivid descriptions of rural, small town (small minded) North Carolina and the colorful cast of characters she places there.

I appreciate the thoughtful themes presented including friendship, family loyalty, righting a wrong, leadership in the community, the ongoing fight against racism and prejudice, holding onto faith, hardships of war, confronting injustice, and taking risks. Personally, I do appreciate when faith is presented as an authentic part of a character’s life and not in a preachy way.

“The persistent, conflicting voices of all those I love, spoken and not, are deafening–a hundred crickets shouting, screeching in my brain. The mounting tension is intolerable. Help us Lord!”

When I noticed that Cathy Gohlke was the author, having loved The Medallion, I knew I wanted to read A Hundred Crickets Singing. Although it’s a follow up to Night Bird Calling (which I haven’t yet read and am now eager to read), it can absolutely be read as a stand alone. I’m enthusiastically recommending Hundred Crickets for fans of well-written and well-researched histfic, for readers who love stories of inspirational women, and for those who appreciate important and heartfelt themes. Book clubs will definitely enjoy this for its rich discussion possibilities.

Loved the book. Tough subject but well done. I enjoyed reading it but it isn't scheduled to be reviewed on the blog. We will however be adding it to the church library.

Characters from Night Bird Calling return for a new adventure set between two wars!

Old houses always hold secrets and Gardens Gate is no exception. After a storm damages the roof, a hidden room is discovered by Celia Percy and her younger brother. With civil war era clothing and documents, they discover that this room was once used to hide slaves making their way along the Underground Railroad to find freedom in the North, which is completely unexpected knowing that the ancestors were slave owners and Klan members. As Celia uncovers more about the civil war, her friends Marshal and Joe are across the Atlantic preparing for the Normandy invasion in 1944. When Marshal makes a choice that shocks not only his family, but the whole community, Celia knows it is up to her to make it so that he can return home.

Eighty years earlier, Minnie Belvidere is stuck between her two brothers, one that is for the Union, but must enlist in the Confederacy and the other who fully believes the Confederate values. Her mother was always a proponent of freedom for all men and women, which made them an unpopular family in North Carolina. After her mother’s death, her father’s health begins to deteriorate, she knows she must step in to continue her mother’s legacy.

I was not expecting a time slip novel from Cathy Gohlke, but I’m pleased to say that I hope she decides to write more. She has been such a master of historical fiction that it seemed only fitting that she took this challenge to bring readers not just one, but two fantastic stories set years apart, but both at war.

I loved seeing previous characters return for a chance to see how their stories are continuing as well as meeting new characters from a previous era. In both timelines, the protagonist is a young female who is set on making wrongs right based on the social norms. With love, suspense, and great characters, readers will love this book just as much as the first. While I would say that you don’t have to read Night Bird Calling before this one, I do think it will give quite a bit of backstory that readers would otherwise miss.

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

In wars eighty years apart, two young women living on the same Appalachian estate determine to aid soldiers dear to them and fight for justice, no matter the cost.
1944. When a violent storm rips through the Belvidere attic in No Creek, North Carolina, exposing a hidden room and trunk long forgotten, secrets dating back to the Civil War are revealed. Celia Percy, whose family lives and works in the home, suspects the truth could transform the future for her friend Marshall, now fighting overseas, whose ancestors were once enslaved by the Belvidere family. When Marshall’s Army friend, Joe, returns to No Creek with shocking news for Marshall’s family, Celia determines to right a long-standing wrong, whether or not the town is ready for it.

1861. After her mother’s death, Minnie Belvidere works desperately to keep her household running and her family together as North Carolina secedes. Her beloved older brother clings to his Union loyalties, despite grave danger, while her hotheaded younger brother entangles himself and the family’s finances within the Confederacy. As the country and her own home are torn in two, Minnie risks her life and her future in a desperate fight to gain liberty and land for those her parents intended to free, before it’s too late.

Another beautifully written dual-time story by Cathy Gohlke that brings readers back to the small town of No Creek, North Carolina. Gohlke’s A Hundred Crickets Singing is a profoundly insightful and inspiring story with timelines between the Civil War and WWII.

Gohlke does what she does best—hold our society’s collective faces to the mirror of history.

Rather than words on dusty tomes, Gohlke brings life to the realities of slavery and the so-called emancipation of slaves causing us to take a deeper look at prejudices in the 21st century where too often tolerance is mistaken for equality.

She does this with compelling stories of people we come to love and applaud for their bravery and tenacity. Chronicling the story of two families—the Belvidere and Tate families—for eighty years.

The Pre-Civil War period, the Belvidere family owns much land—and slaves, such as the Tate family

But this story’s protagonist, is the beloved character from Night Bird Calling, Celia Percy. Older now, she is no less determined to uncover new mysteries. Celia is the mirror. With a persistent voice of innocence and wisdom and candor, she pulls this story together.

The story begins when a thunderstorm tumbles an enormous tree through the attic of the Belvidere home. Celia and her brother find a hidden room that was sealed for eighty years.

Piled high with trunks, Celia finds a secret compartment filled with paperwork. Paperwork that could—and should—change the lives of her friends, the Tates. She also discovers Minnie Belvidere's diary that chronicles the truth and injustices of the Civil War era and the dual legacies of her family.

Which brings us to the Civil War timeline. Minnie is the voice of the battle between two Belvidere legacies—justice and injustice.

History is about people, and this author knows how to develop characters that guide us through the treacherous times of both time periods with a discerning eye toward today’s headlines.

A Hundred Crickets Singing will no doubt become a classic along with her first novel, William Henry is a Fine Name, and frankly should be essential reading for those of us who need a vivid perspective of race relations.

Although this is a pseudo-sequel to Night Bird Calling, it can be a standalone. However, it does contain many of the same characters as the first story and is a bit easier to follow if read in order.

I highly recommend A Hundred Crickets Singing for its beautiful, inspiring writing, page-turning journeys through time, and powerful and relevant messages.

I received an advance eBook copy from Tyndale through #NetGalley for my honest review.