This was a 3.75/5 star read for me. I enjoyed it. I loved the plot and characters. I was invested in the story and old time christian community. However, some parts of the book gave me a weird, kind of gross feeling. It just seemed off. If it weren't for that I definitely would have rated it higher. I love Kim's writing and her books. I will still continue to read her books. I would recommend this book to some people, but not all audiences.

The songbird of Hope hill review

I’ve only read a handful of books this year but I feel that each one was handpicked by God for me to read. This one is definitely one of them.

First off I have to say that this is my first read of Sawyer’s which blows my mind since I hear about her all the time. And I can honestly say that this is my favorite of hers so far :)

The way she pulled her readers into the story early on and made me really empathize with Birdie from the beginning made this such a memorable read. I loved each of the characters and how they were portrayed. The Reverend and Mrs Overly, Ephraim, little Ellie, Olga, even Lida. They were such deep characters that I wanted to spend more time with and get to know. (A sequel isn’t necessary but I would LOVE it).

The relationships and friendships were also so beautiful and touching. It wasn’t unrealistic or over the top yet it set my sights so high as to who I should be and what I should look for in friendships. Honestly love a good book that changes my perspective.

Finally, the Christian theme of salvation, forgiveness, and redemption was not preachy but was rooted so deeply and naturally in it. It was so full of joy that it was impossible not to rejoice with them. I also feel such joy at knowing such an amazing and loving God.

I really loved how she handled the more difficult parts of the book. There was nothing in it that I would be ashamed to read out loud and it just handled so gently a topic that is incredibly difficult. I would definitely recommend this as a must-read to my friends.

I loved this book. The storyline was realistic. Women during that time didn't have a lot of options to make a living if they had no family to support them. I thought the characters were well done, showing the many levels of struggle for those trying to get out of the business of prostitution; those willing to help them; and those willing to do anything to keep them there. I appreciate being given the opportunity to read this advanced copy. I will be reading more of this author's books.

About this book:

“Birdie Clarkson only recently started working at Lida’s Palace, a house of ill repute at the edge of Tulsey, Texas. Abandoned and penniless, she turned to someone she thought was a friend, but instead it turned out to be a nightmare. She wants to leave, but doesn’t know how. And how will she ever feel clean again? When Reverend Isaiah Overly and his son, Ephraim, arrive offering a safe haven and better life for any of the women who want to leave, Birdie takes a chance. Ignoring the madam’s furious raging, she climbs into the back of the preacher’s wagon.
The Reverend and his wife, Ophelia, welcome Birdie to Hope Hill, which they founded as a haven to teach women how to read and write, how to keep a house, and other skills necessary to ensure their future will be brighter than their past. Hesitant at first, Birdie soon joins the preacher at revival meetings and becomes part of the chorus, singing alongside Ephraim.
Reverend Overly’s ministry is built on the premise than none are irredeemable. When romance develops between Ephraim and Birdie, will Ephraim be able to convince Birdie that God’s redemption wipes the soul clean—or will she feel forever smeared?”


Series: As of now, no. Seems to be a stand-alone novel.


Spiritual Content- Romans 10:11 at the beginning; Many Scriptures are mentioned, remembered, read, quoted, & discussed; Many Prayers & Thanking God (including a couple “If God loves the way the preacher said He does…[something won’t happen]” prayers by Birdie); Revivals, Church going, Worshiping, Services, Sermons, & Singing hymns; Being baptized; Lots of witnessing to others & Being witnessed to (very frequently); Many talks about God, Jesus, freedom in Him, trusting Him, His ways, following Him, forgiveness, sins, salvation, & redemption; Talks about those & events in the Bible; 'H's are capital when referring to God & Jesus; Birdie thinks God has turned His back on her after she went to Lida’s Palace (also thinking that she can’t trust Him because everyone else she’s trusted has hurt her in some way and later wishes she knew how to pray for others); *Spoilers* At a revival, Birdie feels a tug and around the half-way point prays to receive God into her heart which changes her outlook and thoughts towards herself; She is also baptized as a public proclamation of her new faith; Birdie does get mad at God for a brief moment when disappointing news comes to her and she wonders if this is a test of her commitment to God *End of Spoilers*; Birdie recalls her mother not liking church, not wanting her father to read the Christmas story to her, & being mad at church and God (*Spoiler* this is because a friend was violated by a pastor they both knew *End of Spoiler*); Ephraim and his family have prayed diligently for brothels like Lida’s Palace to end; Ephraim’s father goes to house of ill repute to preach sermons to the women working there and the men who visit those places (the madam makes a comment that there’s been no “sermon good enough” to keep the men away and that “fine Christian folks” in town snub the women there); Ephraim’s parents have warned him about remaining professional to the women at Hope Hill so that the women aren’t distracted about a relationship with a man instead of with God who could “restore them from the inside out”; Birdie feels condemned by church goers for her prior employment & is concerned about always having that stain on her; Ephraim uses his talents to honor God and lives for Jesus, but isn’t sure if he’s happy; Ephraim wonders why God doesn’t heal someone who is doing a lot of good for others & feels like it’s unfair; Ophelia came to a place of peace about putting aside her dreams to support his husband’s dreams (God uses their combined desires to serve a greater purpose); A former brothel worker doesn’t think God bothers with her because of her past (she makes a handful of comments throughout the book); A former brothel worker hopes that God takes the baby in her womb from her; A woman quotes her father talking about God helping those who help themselves and that if God is real, He will help good people and because He’s powerful, she doesn’t need to help Him; A man at a revival talks badly about the former prostitutes and would rather a preacher set fire to the brothels than talk to the people there (he also says that there are sins too big to be forgotten and is mad that the preacher brought the women into a church); Lida says that God let her loose years ago or perhaps she let Him loose; *Spoiler* Towards the end, Ophelia prays with Lida *End of Spoiler*; Someone thinks she is being carried by an angel to Heaven (she is not); Many mentions of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, freedom in Him, trusting Him, His will, following Him, forgiveness, sins, sinners, & salvation; Many mentions of prayers, answered prayers, praying, blessings over food, & thanking and praising God; Many mentions of churches, church going, revivals, sharing the gospel, professions of faith, reverends, preaching, sermons, ministries, worship, choirs, & songs/hymns; Mentions of Bibles, Bible reading, Bible studies, & devotions; Mentions of those & events in the Bible; Mentions of God-given talents and gifts; Mentions of a baptism; Mentions of Heaven; Mentions of Christians & being Christlike; Mentions of miracles; Mentions of blessings & being Blessed; Mentions of holier-than-thou people, condemning faces at a church towards former brothel workers, & Ephraim’s parents’ ministry being run out of two prior towns by those who opposed their ministry; A few mentions of God’s commandments; A few mentions of God enacting judgment on the wicked; A few mentions of Methodist & Presbyterian Churches; A couple mentions of the book ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’; A couple mentions of a woman’s name being stricken from the church’s membership list for having a child out of wedlock; A mention of a man being called a saint; A mention of a preacher being called a “religious fanatic”;
*Note: A few mentions of luck (which Birdie wonders about wanting luck for a new job because luck hasn’t been in her Bible reading); A mention of good Christians praying instead of wishing (which at that reminder, Ephraim plays a hymn singing out a prayer); A mention of the phrase about idle hands being the devil’s workshop; A mention of a family’s “curse” of weak hearts.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: two ‘stupid’s; A mention of curses (said, not written); Eye rolling; A fire, smoke, saving someone in a burning building, & injuries (up to semi-detailed); An Illness, Pain, & Injuries (barely-above-not-detailed); Grief & sobbing over a death (barely-above-not-detailed); Ephraim eavesdrops on his father’s private prayer & feels guilt for doing so; A man at a revival talks badly about the former prostitutes and would rather a preacher set fire to the brothels than talk to the people there (Ephraim agrees with him about burning down the brothels *Spoilers* until he sees one on fire and rescues a woman out of the burning building; He is ashamed of his prior thoughts; Ophelia is scared that he started the fire but doesn’t ask him about it; A woman says that part of her wishes she died in the fire *End of Spoilers*); Ephraim bites back bitter comments towards his parents after learning upsetting news; Birdie tells a fib (knowingly, but doesn’t want to tell someone a sudden revelation); Birdie faces a girl who is mean towards her & her snide comments, but Birdie shows her grace; Mentions of deaths & grieving families (including for children, barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of an illness progressing (weakness of the heart), fainting, injuries, pain, & early deaths because of it (*Spoiler* Ophelia has this and knows her time is near *End of Spoiler*, up to semi-detailed); Mentions of a fire, attacks, violence, & injuries (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of people running the ministry out of town (including threatening to burn their house down and cause harm/injuries to them); Mentions of thieves, stealing, & stolen items; Mentions of mothers leaving their children (including Birdie’s mother leaving her); Mentions of cigars & smoking; Mentions of bullies & their snide comments; A few mentions of a father dying after being kicked in the stomach by a mule (Birdie’s father); A few mentions of an injured dog & the dog being shot at (but will be okay); A few mentions of a liar, lies, & lying; A few mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of a child becoming mute after inconsolable weeping; A couple mentions of wars & battles; A couple mentions of threats & bribes; A couple mentions of prisons & jails; A couple mentions of rumors; A couple mentions of hunters & hunting; A mention of possible murder; A mention of arson; A mention of vandalism; A mention of a fist fight; A mention of a drunk; A mention of manure;
*Note: Birdie’s mother left her and ran off with a man; Birdie recalls her mother’s hurtful words & yelling at her; Mentions of the deaths of infants & a mother holding herself aloof from another baby that made it past infancy (*Spoiler* Birdie’s mother with her, which Birdie isn’t sure she agrees with her father’s thoughts on the second part *End of Spoiler*); A few mentions of a book & author (Les Misérables); A mention of a man treating his wife like she’s stupid.


Sexual Content- Light touches, embraces, & nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); A married couple shares seven barely-above-not-detailed kisses and touches (barely-above-not-detailed); Birdie works at a house of ill repute and there’s comments on and many mentions of it (such as Birdie being tricked into staying there, Birdie feeling dead inside because of it, wearing bawdy costumes, a woman asking if a man was eager the night before after seeing ripped clothing, a woman tells Birdie that she doesn’t have anything “worth buyin’” for a man, the women competing against each other, men buying their bodies, the actions there being a sacrifice to strangers of something “that is meant to be shared as an expression of love to a devoted husband”, a madam calling the girls her “merchandise” and belittling them, a madam saying there will be more girls coming to work for her because the world is full of men that will visit them, the women there being used instead of cherished, some women going back to that former life after living it for some time, a couple of the women feeling unclean, their desperation forcing them to sell their bodies, & the money earned from it); The words prostitutes, fallen women, and soiled doves are all used when referring to those who work/worked at brothels or houses of ill repute; Birdie prays that if God is as loving as a reverend says, there won’t be a baby inside of her; Birdie is concerned about seeing men who visited the brothel at a church, but then berates herself thinking that they wouldn’t come to the church; Birdie feels disgraced because of the stain of being at the brothel and feels unclean and not good (this becomes aware to her after seeing condemning faces at a church); Ephraim’s father frequently visits house of ill repute to help the women there and preach to them (Ephraim never went in before this book starts and thinks that he received “enough ridicule and rejection” as a result of his father’s actions by those who don’t understand their ministry; When he goes in, he keeps from looking at the woman because of their clothing, but does look at their faces later); Ephraim’s parents have warned him about remaining professional to the women at Hope Hill so that the women aren’t distracted about a relationship with a man instead of with God & encourage him to find joy and fulfillment in God (like they encourage the women); A woman is infatuated with Ephraim and tries to impress him with her actions and appearance & attempts to be near him often (he’s aware of it and does not encourage her); Ephraim says that the men who go to brothels “engage in depravity, sullying an act God intended to be holy between a husband and wife”; Ephraim comments on the depravity of prostitution resulting in unwanted conceptions and the babies being before in shame, but his mother says that the child is innocent of wrongdoings and that a child’s conception never takes God by surprise adding that every child is a blessing and not a burden; Ephraim struggles with the thought that what his family is doing for the former prostitutes isn’t enough and that the men who frequent brothels should be held for their actions with the women (instead of just the women being shunned by others in town); *Major Spoilers but important trigger note regarding mentions of a sexual assault* Ephraim was conceived when a pastor violated the young piano player at his church who was a 16-year-old girl; That young teen girl was Lida, the brothel owner, and Ephraim is very angry, hurt, and embarrassed by it, thinking less of himself and that his parents lied to him; Ephraim thinks that she became a prostitute because of him and what happened to her; He feels tainted and unworthy after finding this out and for a couple chapters he thinks this; The assault is only described as a violation of the girl and of her trust of the man, no other terms like assault or rape are used in the story part of the book (assault is used in the discussion questions) *End of Spoilers*; *Spoilers* The other woman who leaves the brothel with Birdie, Olga, is pregnant; She would have seen someone who would get rid of it, but didn’t want to hurt the baby because it did nothing wrong, so she was thankful when the reverend came; Olga doesn’t plan to keep the baby, however, thinking it would be best of both of them; Olga says she isn’t good or clean and the baby proves it; She plans to give the baby to a place that will find a good home for the infant; *Major Spoiler* She chooses to get married to a widower and keeping the baby which seems to be a very good solution for her and the man *End of Spoilers*; Many mentions of houses of ill repute/brothels, prostitutes, the women of the house of ill repute’s “visitors”, the women bragging about how many favor them, & being “more friendly” to the men; Mentions of abortions (never directly named, but said as “the person who could make babies leave a mother’s womb” and getting rid of a baby); Mentions of out-of-wedlock pregnancies, the prostitutes who get pregnant at a brothel being casted out if they got pregnant, them leaving the brothels to give birth elsewhere, & seeing someone who would get rid of it so they could continue to work at the brothel (one women didn’t want to do that because the baby did nothing wrong but doesn’t want to keep the baby herself); Mentions of crushes/liking someone, infatuation, & being jealous; Mentions of flirting; A few mentions of adultery; A few mentions of Birdie’s mother running off with a man; A few mentions of some of the women being attracted to Ephraim since he is the only available man around them (this has happened since he first had whiskers; It’s added that sometimes the loneliness would tempt him to respond to the women, but his mother encouraged him to find his joy and fulfillment in God while praying about a future spouse); A couple mentions of a prostitute getting a pair of horses in a trade for her services; A couple mentions of others making speculations if a single man ran a home to rescue and rehabilitate fallen women; A couple mentions of a teenaged girl’s father kicking her out after seeing her kiss a guy which lead her to go to work at a brothel; A couple mentions of reputations & scandals; A couple mentions of married couples kissing (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of the possibility of women being molested; A mention of Birdie knowing how babies are made; A mention of a father calling his teenaged daughter “bad names” when finding her kissing a guy; A mention of a woman appraising Ephraim; Some love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of others snubbing the women who work at house of ill repute (including the “Christian folk”); A few mentions of Birdie giving other women privacy when changing; A couple mentions of a wife and child passing away in childbirth; A mention of a brothel owner wearing sheer clothes in front of a man to make him squirm; A mention of brothel workers not being appropriately dressed.

-Elizabeth “Birdie” Clarkson, age 17-18
-Ephraim Overly, age 26
P.O.V. switches between them, Ophelia
Set in 1895 (Epilogue in 1890)
352 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars

{ Add up to a full star for Older Teens who may relate to the feeling of not feeling worthy enough for God‘s love or a “lost cause”.}

Even though I’ve read and enjoyed many books by this author, I was hesitant to read this book due to it being compared to “Redeeming Love” and “Where the Road Bends” by Rachel Fordham, two books which I admittedly didn’t like due to content and how events in those books played out. That said, I decided to try this book because I’ve enjoyed the faith content this author puts into her books and thought she wouldn’t go into the details of the unfortunate lifestyle that Birdie was tricked into. The actual parts of that house of ill repute are actually only in the first two chapters, so it while there’s many mentions of prostitution and the women feeling ashamed by their pasts, it was kept PG in terms of the actual content, I venture to say, but would still say it’s better for ages 16+.

I was concerned that this book might have the “savior” trope that is very common with this type of plot-line—that is, when the male lead is looked as the main girl’s savior out of a hard or terrible situation and their love is what is the main message of this book. But, once again, I had hope in this author’s faith content shining through and being the true redemptive message and that’s exactly what happened. The faith content was so strong throughout this book and there were very few pages where God wasn’t thought out or prayed to on page. The faith content truly makes this book stand out with the message of God wanting everyone to come to Him no matter your past actions.

I do think that Ephraim fell a bit quickly for Birdie as he wanted to protect her more than the other girls, but the romance was definitely second fiddle to the important faith content and faith moments throughout the book.

Both Ephraim and Birdie could be considered sheltered in different ways, so they did have their moments and thoughts that felt younger than their ages—but then again, Birdie was only seventeen so it makes sense for her. I did find it hard to connect to both of them and I wouldn’t say this is a new favorite by this talented author, but I did enjoy all of the faith moments and discussions.




*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Revell) for this honest review.

As a musician, I always enjoy books that involve a musical storyline, and this one was no exception. While it does involve the theme of brothels and prostitution, I appreciate that no intense / unnecessary details were gone into, and was more just implied along the way. Instead, Kim choose to focus on the redeeming values of saving the girls out of that lifestyle and showing them that they still have worth despite what the world wants to tell them. It's a story of beauty amidst the ashes (in part of the book, literally, heh) and was a very enjoyable read!

My thoughts: The Songbird of Hope Hill is a historical fiction written by Kim Vogel Sawyer. I don't read a whole lot of historical romances but Ms Sawyer is a go to favorite. There are a lot of twists and turns in the story that will keep you guessing as to the story behind the story and how it will all work out. The hero and heroine both have a hard life and so does the hero's parents. I fell in love with most of the characters and had to keep reading to find out what happens. If you like romantic suspense you will love The Songbird of Hope Hill. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

I love this beautiful story of redemption and restoration set in 1895 Texas. It is everything I have come to expect from this gifted storyteller. Beautifully created characters, who touched my heart and moved me to care what happened to them, drive the expertly plotted story. I greatly appreciate the strong faith thread emphasizing the worthiness of every individual since all are created in God’s image and seeking God’s will above our own. A memorable quote: “I’m so glad He sees what we can be instead of what we are.” I also appreciate the role that music plays in the story with lyrics of old hymns that inspire and bring back great memories. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have added it to my Best Reads of the Year list. I recommend it as a must read for fans of Christian Historical Romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a beautifully written book that is full of emotions. It is full of God's grace and forgiveness. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. It's a *MUST READ*!!
I received a complimentary copy from WaterBrook & Multnomah via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book is about rescue and redemption. Isaiah and Ophelia Overly and their son Ephraim have a rescue ministry. They offer prostitutes a chance at a new life. This book explores that attempt at new lives. It is a very enjoyable book. I received an ARC copy and am leaving a review of my own choice.

Here is the link to the podcast episode that we did about this title!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Q2VN8T0EO6fuxJ52s3e9X?si=5b993434647f4ea2

3.5⭐️ I was a bit nervous that this book might be too heavy—I mean we are talking about a redemption story about prostitutes—but Kim Vogel Sawyer handled this sensitive topic beautifully❤️ The reminders of Scripture, God’s forgiveness, and hope in Christ were my favorite parts! I also loved the side story about Lida Holland.

I would have personally loved to have seen the romance bloom a bit more. I’m not talking about kisses or weird noticings 😉 We just get to watch their friendship bloom more from a distance, and the end felt a bit rushed to me. Godly romance that is super sweet and chaste is also beautiful and I love those stories! Ephraim was a fairly well developed character, but Birdie herself felt a bit flat to me.

The gospel is given in the story, but there were a few times where I was surprised at the way the leaders handled the girls… Obviously, they needed to see Christ, but, for example, pushing Birdie to sing for God when she wasn’t yet saved—and they knew it—seemed confusing (both for Birdie in her thoughts and me personally…almost like they were using her). No spoilers, but I also wondered about Olga.

So overall this was an (almost) light story, which seems a bit shocking for the background. Though not my favorite by the author, it had many good points. I probably won’t reread it, but I’m thankful for the good spiritual reminders I found in it!

Content: brothels more in mention than details, prostitution, abandonment,

When I want to read any historical novel, I look for one penned by this author. I know I will be caught up in the storyline, meet wonderful characters and most importantly, be thoroughly entertained without leaving my house.

I love the setting, the history and the sad reality faced by the people of Sourwood Mountain. The message of faith and integrity are woven together perfectly, making this an incredible read. Fans of both historical and Christian fiction will find this book well worth the read.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. Opinions are my own.

In The Songbird of Hope Hill Kim Vogel Sawyer weaves an engaging, emotional story highlighting the power of faith in God and love put into action that offers life-changing restoration and new beginnings. The story is set in a Texas town in the late 1800’s where a Pastor and his wife and son have made it their life’s work to rescue women from brothels. The characters are rich and relatable. While Birdie struggles to find faith, Ephraim is learning to see if his faith will stand and make it fully his own. I truly enjoyed this well-written, heartwarming story of the redemptive power of God’s love. Thank you to NetGalley and Revell publishing for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

I'm so glad He (God) sees what we can be instead of what we are. ~Birdie

I've been a fan of Sawyer's books for a long time. I love how she tells stories of redemption, restoration and God making something new from the ashes of broken lives. This was just as good as I anticipated it would be!

I enjoyed getting to know Birdie, who was forced into a lifestyle not of her choosing. The guilt & shame she felt was palatable and connected me to her in a deep way. My heart rejoiced when both she & Olga decided to leave the brothel when preacher Isaiah Overly invited all the girls to a better life at Hope Hill. I was pleased to see how much they changed with tender loving care from Isaiah, his wife & the example of Christ they embodied.

Their son Ephraim followed in their footsteps with a heart for the downtrodden and ministered with his gift of music. He was patient, always kind, helpful and lent a hand in whatever needed done. His treatment of the girls that stayed at Hope Hill was a testament to his genuine character.

There were a few surprising twists & turns that were definitely heart-warming and made the story even better, in my opinion. This is a character driven, faith-filled book that kept me glued to the pages, I had a hard time putting it down! I love the theme of forgiveness (even for oneself), new life in Christ, broken dreams reshaped into something better and, of course, a happy ending for all. Sawyer knows how to pen a great story not only to entertain, but also feed your soul!

* Many thanks to Waterbrook/Multnomah publishers through NetGalley for a copy of this book. I wasn't obligated to write a review & all opinions here are my own. *

The Songbird of Hope Hill by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a story of second chances through faith and forgiveness. Meaningful conversation between Isaiah Overly the preacher “God’s ways aren’t our ways, but—” and Ephraim his son “His ways are always better” was truly the theme throughout this heartfelt fictional historical Christian novel.

The story centers around Birdie who is rescued from a house of ill repute by Pastor Overly. The Pastor along with his wife Ophelia founded Hope Hill, a haven to teach women how to read and write, and other skills necessary to ensure their future will be better than their past. All of the characters within the story have their own struggles, which weave together with Birdie’s as she journeys towards faith. At Hope Hill Birdie upon joining the choir finds that her gift of song was meant for singing praises to God. We also get to witness the most beautiful love story between Ephraim and Birdie as they slowly grow together in faith, friendship, and mutual love.

Sawyer with her masterful prose takes her readers on a journey that will forever resonate that even the most broken can find redemption in the loving embrace of God. She is unmatched in her ability to make the most realistic intricate characters and narrative to draw one’s attention from beginning to end. An impactful inspiring story, The Songbird of Hope Hill, touches one’s heart and will linger for long after the end.

I received a complimentary copy of this outstandingly beautiful book, The Songbird of Hope Hill, from WaterBrook & Multnomah via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review, and all opinions are my own.

The Songbird of Hope Hill is the first book I have read by author Kim Vogel Sawyer. Based on this reading experience, I can easily say that it will not be my last. The historical setting of 1800s Tulsey, Texas was just right for this story of living with purpose and finding one's true place in the world. Faith is not merely an element in this book, it is boldly central to the plot. I enjoyed the musical aspect of the story, and the themes of redemption through Christ vs. redeeming one's self, and that one's past doesn't have to determine one's future served to create a strong link between this historical story and today's world. While I did find certain points to be predictable, overall I enjoyed the book very much and will be seeking out other books by the author.

Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Beautiful story. I loved seeing how Christ’s love and grace was presented in multiple characters and their individual circumstances.
The story is told from the perspectives of three characters- Birdie, a young woman who had been forced into prostitution, Ophelia, a reverend’s wife, and Ephraim, the reverend’s son. I thought it was well written and enjoyed insight into each of these main characters. I just wish the relationship between Birdie & Ephraim felt more developed, it felt lacking somehow to me.
I recommend this to anyone who is looking for a good Christian read!

Hope, grace and mercy definitely describe Sawyer's latest novel. Reality is not all happiness and perfect people, but instead what happens to them and how they overcome circumstances, or not. Birdie's life has been a tragic one but her future holds promise after she is rescued and brought to Hope Hill. The characters within are complex but the reader can't help but be drawn to them. I enjoyed this clean, Christian redemptive light romance. I intend to visit more of Sawyer's books as she is a creative storyteller.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Waterbrook and Multnomah publishers for this ARC.

I enjoyed this book and thought the storyline was beautiful. It tells the story of how God rescues and redeems and is always bringing beauty from ashes. Excellent!

The Songbird of Hope Hill, by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a wonderful story of how God forgives us for our past and offers us a new life. This is a well written story that is easy to read and to imagine. This is such an inspirational story to read. I just love the characters for their strength and love for helping others. I felt sorry for Birdie as she long for her remaining family and she worked so hard to get to them. I enjoyed the different tasks the Overly family had to help the women that chose to join their family and how they were able to help so many. 

This is a delightful story to read. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.