Night Bird Calling

Written by Cathy Gohlke

Narrated by Marguerite Gavin

From award-winning author Cathy Gohlke, whose novels have been called “haunting” (Library Journal on Saving Amelie) and “page-turning” (Francine Rivers on Secrets She Kept), comes a historical fiction story of courage and transformation set in rural Appalachia on the eve of WWII.
When Lilliana Swope’s beloved mother dies, Lilliana gathers her last ounce of courage and flees her abusive husband for the home of her only living relative in the foothills of No Creek, North Carolina. Though Hyacinth Belvidere hasn’t seen Lilliana since she was five, she offers her cherished great-niece a safe harbor. Their joyful reunion inspires plans to revive Aunt Hyacinth’s estate and open a public library where everyone is welcome, no matter the color of their skin.

Slowly Lilliana finds revival and friendship in No Creek―with precocious eleven-year-old Celia Percy, with kindhearted Reverend Jesse Willard, and with Ruby Lynne Wishon, a young woman whose secrets could destroy both them and the town. When the plans for the library also incite the wrath of the Klan, the dangers of Lilliana’s past and present threaten to topple her before she’s learned to stand.

With war brewing for the nation and for her newfound community, Lilliana must overcome a hard truth voiced by her young friend Celia: Wishing comes easy. Change don’t.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
• Release date: Jan 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9781496456038

Cathy Gohlke

Cathy Gohlke is a Christy, Carol, and INSPY award-winning author who writes novels steeped with inspirational lessons from history. Her stories reveal how people break the chains that bind them and triumph over adversity through faith. When not traveling to historic sites for research, she and her husband, Dan, divide their time between northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore, enjoying time with their grown children and grandchildren. For more information, visit CathyGohlke.com.

Reviews for Night Bird Calling

[Tracy Ortiz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I'm not finished yet I just got into the 6th chapter and I Love this woman's writing it is so good and so inspirational and the grandma is wonderful I listen to I mean I listen to audiobooks and I listen to authors that like s*** her and I'm just glad I found her thank you I'll be back to rate the whole book i just finished this book i loved it ive found my best new author i cant wait to start a one

[martha wessinger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was a very captivating story. I enjoy listening to long books that keep me involved with the characters. I felt that the author could have done a better job of bringing the story of main character, Lilly together at the end.

[Jenny Meadows · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The novel was pretty good, but this recording skipped around. It completely jumped at one point from early in one chapter to mid-chapter two chapters later.

I also heard some sections twice - I don’t know if I somehow accidentally skipped back, or this recording repeated.

I finally switched over and listened to the rest of the book on Hoopla without problems.

[Becki Basley · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Night Bird Calling by Cathy Gohlke. (Scribd autobook)

Set in Appalachia right before World War II, a young ministers wife escapes from her abusive husband after the death if her mother. She runs to her great aunt in No Creek North Carolina

Her aunt Hyacinth who is now blind and at the end if her days welcomes her great niece Lilliana home and they work together to bring Hyacinths home back its glory and also establish a Library for the. locals. Liliana goes through alot in the book but comes out stronger as a person and stronger in her faith. I normally dont like books like this but i actually thought this was very beautifully written . Along the Way, the author addresses topics of racism, domestic abuse, small town politics, and homelessness.

The treasure in the book is the secondary character of 11 year old Celia Percy. I Wont spoil her story but i immediately loved this little Girl and she made the book even more soecial for me.

Its s very Nice read.

[Christy Janes · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

Originally reviewed at blissbooksandjewels.com

[Donna Larson Christian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very gripping story. Well read too. Keep writing these good stories. I sure will read them.

[Annie Crauwcamp · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The narrator didn’t impress me. And the story was a bit predictable. Just not up there with the best authors.