THE SONGBIRD OF HOPE HILL by KIM VOGEL SAWYER is a beautifully written story of redemption and forgiveness, with unforgettably real characters and a sweet romance. The Christian message, based on Romans 10:11,”……Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed”, is an integral part of the story, which takes place in Tulsey, Texas, in 1895.
Isaiah and Ophelia Overly run a refuge for women who have escaped prostitution, where they are taught the truth of God’s Word and are educated so that they can find honest work.
Lida Holland is a hardened “madam” who runs the brothel, Lida’s Palace, where Birdie Clarkson has sought refuge after her father’s death and her mother’s abandonment. Isaiah and his son Ephraim manage to encourage Birdie to leave the brothel and go with them to Hope Hill…..
Ephraim, who is a musician and runs the choir that sings for his father’s meetings, is blown away by Birdie’s beautiful voice…..
Secrets are uncovered, and even with the prejudice and hostility that abounds amongst the population of the area and some “good Christians”, there is hope for these bruised souls who have been give the choice to follow Christ…..
This is a lovely story and I do not want to spoil your read by telling you too much.
I cannot recommend The Songbird of Hope Hill highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley and WaterBrook & Muktnomah. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

God's grace, redemption, forgiveness, fulfilling God's purpose for you, and valuing children as God's gift (regardless of the circumstances of birth) are all trademarks of Kim Vogel Sawyer's novels. The Songbird of Hope Hill is no exception. Not written in a common style for Sawyer (Amish or Mennonite characters), The Songbird of Hope Hill is inspirational and hopeful with realistic characters. This novel does not disappoint.

A copy was provided for my review, but all opinions are my own.

This is a Christian romance set in 1895 in Texas. Birdie's father died and her mother abandoned her, so she goes to her mother's childhood friend hoping she'll help her get to her aunt. Only, Lida pressures Birdie into prostitution at her brothel. Birdie now feels worthless, used, and rejected. Then a pastor enters the brothel, offering refuge at his mission, and Birdie accepts. But what does her future hold? Most folk don't want anything to do with an ex-prostitute, and a few even claim God won't forgive a sin as bad as hers.

Ephraim is talented at playing and singing music, and he dutifully helps his pastor father with his mission and revivals. He feels restless, though, and he doesn't understand how his parents can pray for Lida (as he's never been told that they once knew each other). He's captivated by Birdie's beautiful singing and enjoys her kind, caring personality, but he's not supposed to get personally involved with the girls at the mission.

The main characters were engaging, reacted realistically to events, and grew in maturity. Birdie and Ephraim shared interests and got along well. The main focus of the story was how God forgives and can make one new. The pastor constantly prayed to God for guidance, and several of the ex-prostitutes accepted Christ as they came to understand what He'd done for them. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this story of renewal and healing.

This is the first I had heard of this author, but as a lover of Christian romance, I decided to grab the ARC. I’m so glad I did.

This was a lovely little read, not something I would recommend for young or easily triggered readers however, as the content is very specific in regards to the main characters past actions.

The characters were well developed and the plot, though no means original, was engaging enough to keep readers interested.

I loved the Christian aspects to this story, and the journey from sinner to redeemed soul.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest opinions.

Another delightful book by Kim Vogel Sawyer. I loved the story of redemption for Birdie and the girls of Hope Hill House.
It was a fast read that reminded me of Sabrina by Lori Wick. Pick it up and read it, you will enjoy it!

This was a strong historical fiction novel, I enjoyed the concept overall and that the characters felt like they were supposed to be in this time-period. Kim Vogel Sawyer does a great job in writing this novel and I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this story.

The Songbird of Hope Hill by Kim Vogel Sawyer is an uplifting redemptive story set in 1895, Texas. A touching story that will leave readers inspired to view others through a lens of mercy.

The author takes a sensitive subject and handles it with care, showing how there is hope and forgiveness for everyone, no matter how far we fall. It is a well-written story packed with faith, hope and love. I liked seeing all of the different character perspectives, especially Birdie's, and could relate to some of their struggles. The romance is a tender one, based on friendship, but not the focus.
Readers who enjoy Christian historical fiction, with plenty of faith and a clean romance, should enjoy this one. 4.5 stars

"The Songbird of Hope Hill" is a beautifully crafted tale of second chances. Birdie Clarkson's journey from a life of desperation in a house of ill repute to the hopeful haven of Hope Hill is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

The narrative captures the essence of survival, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of a better life. The characters, particularly Birdie, Reverend Isaiah & Ophelia Overly, Ephraim, and Lida are intricately developed.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its ability to tackle sensitive topics with grace and compassion. The exploration of Birdie's internal struggles and her journey to faith is both realistic and moving. The themes of redemption and the belief in the inherent goodness of every soul are skillfully interwoven into the fabric of the story, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

"The Songbird of Hope Hill" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love and faith. The characters are relatable, and the themes are timeless. This is a five-star read that will linger in your heart long after you've turned the last page. Highly recommended for those seeking a compelling and uplifting journey of redemption.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to read Sawyer's novel in return for an honest review.

This review is completely my own opinion, not anyone else's.

I was not sure what to expect with this book because I have not read much by this author but it was a good read. It was a bit slow for my taste but I do not regret finishing it because I loved how the author really exemplified the story of forgiveness and redemption. It was a beautiful story of a woman who thought that her life was over but through the loving kindness of one family, she was shown the love of Christ.

The characters in this book are very realistic and gave much food for thought. Encouraging people to follow their dreams and know their skills given by God.

The first christian romance book that I read was written by Kim Vogel Sawyer. I remember as a teen I just wanted to read something that was clean and wholesome and I found that with her books. She paints her characters in such a way that you feel like you are right there with them. In The Songbird of Home Hill we meet characters that are struggling with brokenness and through it all we see the beautiful journey of redemption. Kim Vogel Sawyer wove so many lessons into her book and many times it left me reflecting. Overall another beautifully written book!

The Songbird of Hope Hill by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a beautiful story of redemption! This is a new to me author and one I would recommend. I look forward to reading more books by Mrs. Sawyer.

This story is inspired historical fiction based in late 1800s to early 1900s dealing with mature themes, but is full a Christian encouragement, restoration, and redemption. A story of coming to faith, and those struggling in their faith. The pages throughout the book had lots of mentions of Christian prayer and conservation that focused on truth from the Bible.

It was a page turned, and I enjoyed seeing the characters from the book turn to God and grow in their faith.

Such a powerful and redemptive story. I enjoyed how the author put faces to the women who are involved in prostitution. These women are also created in the image of God and are so precious to Him.



So many of the characters were so enjoyable for many different reasons. I loved how Ophelia had this quiet strength and wisdom. Birdie was so tough despite the rough road that she had been on. I was rooting for Ellie throughout the book!



I enjoyed how the reader can guess what "secrets" are hidden throughout the story but many aren't revealed until the end.



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

Songbird of Hope Hill
This was a historical romance that was distinctive in the story content. Not sure I would recommend for younger teen readers, but I enjoyed. There were some predictable aspects of the story, but also some surprise twists. I think this is the first novel I have read by this author, but I liked her development of the characters and I would look for more of her books. Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for an advance copy
# Net Galley #Kim Vogel Sawyer #Waterbrook

Birdie is alone and needs help to survive. Where will she find the help she needs?

Kim Vogel Sawyer did a great job on this book. I found it very interesting and not what I had expected. I received a copy of this book via Netgalley.

A beautifully woven story of a young woman, Birdie, who is a prostitute at Lida's Palace. She is the newest addition and is desperate to save enough to buy a train ticket to her aunt’s home, her only surviving relative.

During one of the nights as the girls are preparing for the clientele’s arrival, the Reverend Isiah Overly and his son, Ephraim pay a visit to see if any of the girls are interested to leave this place of ill repute and come with them. Most, laugh them off, Birdie and Olga take them up on their offer and escape in the night back to their home, where Isiah's wife Ophelia is waiting to welcome new girls who have taken the Reverend up on his offer.

The author does not sugar coat life for these women and the uphill battles they face, given people’s prejudice and inability to accept that everyone deserves a second chance in life. Trying to keep your head above water when it is so much easier to sink; to never lose hope and to face each challenge head on.

A beautifully written love story unfolds that keep you rooting for the couple and hopeful that they will have their HEA. It kept me engaged from the very first word right to the end and I hope this review will help you decide to read it too.

I received a copy of this book as a gift through NetGalley and the author and this is my honest and voluntary review.

The Songbird of Hope Hill is a beautiful story of hope, love, forgiveness, and rebirth. Kim Vogel Sawyer has written a story that should stir every person who reads it to exam their heart's condition. This is a beautiful story of a young lady, Birdie, who doesn't feel clean after leaving a house of ill repute. Rescued by Reverend Overly and taken to Hope Hill, Birdie learns about a forgiving and loving God. The story revolves around the people of Hope Hill and their daily lives working and serving God. It is a beautiful story but even more it answers a lot of questions for those who may be struggling with identity problems. This book can be used as a tool for seeking the answers. I recommend this book to anyone who may have a problem or anyone who just wants to read a very good story.

I would like to thank Waterbrook Publishing for allowing me to read an advanced reader copy. I was in no way influenced to give a positive review.

Songbird of Hope Hill by extraordinary storyteller Kim Vogel Sawyer is one of my favorite books that I have read this year. This Christian historical western romance novel is a true delight. It is worth savoring after getting past the first few pages.

The writing is so exquisite that I felt part of the story. I could envision myself living at Hope Hill and helping everyone. The story was carefully planned and written with details that brought the book come to life. The characters could not have been crafted any better. Their personalities, beliefs, values, and even physical descriptions were perfect. I wanted to be their friend.

There is a strong Christian message of redemption, hope, and love revealed in this unique tale. It is the story of Birdie, a young girl reluctantly working in a house of ill repute. Within the first few pages change comes. Filled with twists and turns, this was a page turner that I could not put down. I hope this is made into a movie so that the message is shared.

I highly recommend this book to mature readers because of the prostitution. It contains great spiritual content, scripture, and inspiration. Older teens should be fine with it. This would make a delightful Reading Group choice. After the story there are discussion questions to assist in delving deeper. It receives a 5+ out of 5 star rating from me. Please read this when it is published. You will be so glad you did. I received a copy from NetGalley, but these are my honest words.

#TheSongbirdofHopeHill #NetGalley

I was not sure I was going to like this book, but I did. This is the story of girls being rescued out of prostitution in the old west, if they chose to be. A clear presentation of the gospel was given some of the rescuers needed some help also in the matter of forgiveness. I was given this complimentary copy for the purpose of reviewing.

Take your time. There are some romance novels where you eagerly anticipate the moment when the characters confess their love and tie the knot ☺️. However, with this one, I found myself savoring the journey. I felt like a fly on the wall as I delved into this book, relishing the character development of both the primary and secondary characters. It was a delightful read, free from excessive drama or tragedy, offering a light-hearted yet impactful experience. The spiritual lessons ✅, character development ✅, and the chemistry between Ephraim and Birdie ✅ were all masterfully executed. Overall, it's an excellent book, and I wholeheartedly recommend it :)

#TheSongbirdofHopeHill #NetGalley