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The Dogwood Gospel: A Southern Coming-of-Age Historical Fiction Novel About Found Family and Self-Discovery
A talented young trick rider finds unexpected community in a traveling carnival, only to discover secrets in the shadow of the Big Top.
Kentucky, 1954. Sixteen-year-old Charlie has no memory of being abandoned as a toddler—only the life she's known with Mama Rose and Papa Arlo, the rigidly devout couple who raised her as their own. But when Papa Arlo's rules begin pressing tighter by the day, and Mama Rose reveals a long-buried secret, Charlie realizes the truth of her past lies elsewhere. So she runs.
Disguised as a boy and dreaming of a future beyond the hills, Charlie follows the Ohio River to the Southland Carnival, where her fiery red curls and daring trick riding skills catch the owner's eye, and Charlie is transformed into a featured act. As "The Irish Princess," she soars beneath the Big Top, thrilling crowds and finding family among the carnival's kindhearted misfits and wounded souls.
Back in the hills of rural Kentucky, police chief Curtis Cates has his hands full with the disappearance of three local girls when he receives the call that Charlie has gone missing. As he begins investigating, the evidence leads in a shocking direction, calling to mind an unsolved murder that has haunted him for thirteen years. When the trail takes him to the Southland Carnival, Charlie's hard-won freedom collides with the secrets she fled, forcing both of them to face truths that have waited too long to be told.
Award-winning singer-songwriter Cindy Morgan, author of "mesmerizing" and "atmospheric" (Historical Novel Society) Southern fiction, delivers a coming-of-age story threaded with mystery and heart that's perfect for fans of Donna Everhart and Ellen Marie Wiseman.
Standalone Southern women's fiction in the vein of Kim Michele Richardson and Lisa WingateCaptivating historical fiction set in the 1950s that's perfect for book clubsFeatures a horse-riding heroine, a cold-case mystery, and themes of adoption, forgiveness, belonging, and found familyIncludes discussion questions
Kentucky, 1954. Sixteen-year-old Charlie has no memory of being abandoned as a toddler—only the life she's known with Mama Rose and Papa Arlo, the rigidly devout couple who raised her as their own. But when Papa Arlo's rules begin pressing tighter by the day, and Mama Rose reveals a long-buried secret, Charlie realizes the truth of her past lies elsewhere. So she runs.
Disguised as a boy and dreaming of a future beyond the hills, Charlie follows the Ohio River to the Southland Carnival, where her fiery red curls and daring trick riding skills catch the owner's eye, and Charlie is transformed into a featured act. As "The Irish Princess," she soars beneath the Big Top, thrilling crowds and finding family among the carnival's kindhearted misfits and wounded souls.
Back in the hills of rural Kentucky, police chief Curtis Cates has his hands full with the disappearance of three local girls when he receives the call that Charlie has gone missing. As he begins investigating, the evidence leads in a shocking direction, calling to mind an unsolved murder that has haunted him for thirteen years. When the trail takes him to the Southland Carnival, Charlie's hard-won freedom collides with the secrets she fled, forcing both of them to face truths that have waited too long to be told.
Award-winning singer-songwriter Cindy Morgan, author of "mesmerizing" and "atmospheric" (Historical Novel Society) Southern fiction, delivers a coming-of-age story threaded with mystery and heart that's perfect for fans of Donna Everhart and Ellen Marie Wiseman.
Standalone Southern women's fiction in the vein of Kim Michele Richardson and Lisa WingateCaptivating historical fiction set in the 1950s that's perfect for book clubsFeatures a horse-riding heroine, a cold-case mystery, and themes of adoption, forgiveness, belonging, and found familyIncludes discussion questions
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 3, 2026
About the author
Cindy Morgan
23 books93 followersCindy Morgan is a wife, mother, and singer/songwriter. She has recorded eight records, had twenty number-one songs, and has won nine Dove Awards over her career, including her most recent Dove Awards for 2008 Songwriter of the Year and 2008 Country Song of the Year for "How You Live," the song she wrote for Point of Grace. Cindy.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thoroughly entertaining, The Dogwood Gospel transported me into the historical world of 1950’s carnivals. Cindy Morgan is a master storyteller and this novel shines with page-turning mystery and characters you have no choice but to cheer on. Found family, hope, and forgiveness give deep roots to this story of finding freedom.
If you enjoyed the atmospheric settings of Water for Elephants and Night Circus, then The Dogwood Gospel needs to be at the top of your tbr list.
If you enjoyed the atmospheric settings of Water for Elephants and Night Circus, then The Dogwood Gospel needs to be at the top of your tbr list.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m not sure whether to call the genre of this book Christian historical fiction, domestic suspense, police procedural, coming-of-age, or cold-case mystery because it’s all of those things.
It’s 1941, Kentucky, and Charlotte (or “Charlie”) is orphaned when she’s a toddler and taken in by sweet Rose and her horrible husband, Arlo. Rose and Arlo attend a strict church. There are nice people there, but both Arlo and the preacher, Brother Williams, are more interested in power than the Gospel. Thankfully, another preacher, a kind and wise man named Brother Mike, shows up later in the book; otherwise this would be a grim Christian novel!
When Charlie is an older teen, she runs away and joins the circus (a carnival, to be specific). Meanwhile, teens go missing. Enter the police chief, Curtis Cates. Charlie’s adventures at the carnival and police chief Curtis Cates’ investigation of the missing teens take up most of the novel.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the carnival—the acts, the animals, the work that is involved in running a carnival, and the bonds between outcasts (runaways like Charlie, people with congenital disabilities, and those who have strange talents).
Charlie is a horse enthusiast, so horses feature prominently in the book. Charlie’s exhilarating rides and skillful tricks are amazing. Horse lovers will enjoy those scenes.
I also liked the way Morgan showed two prominent characters growing in their faith without it being sappy.
However, I was thrown out of my reading a few times. The story takes place in the 1940s and 1950s, but there are some modern-day elements that sneak in. For example, high-fives weren’t part of American culture until the 1970s, and the phrase “girl time” didn’t come about until the 1980s. So I took off half a star.
I took off another half a star because SO much goes on in this book. I got a little dizzy with all the layers of plot, the two timelines, and all the characters.
Still, the book kept me up way past my bedtime several nights in a row, so it’s definitely an engaging read. Four stars!
It’s 1941, Kentucky, and Charlotte (or “Charlie”) is orphaned when she’s a toddler and taken in by sweet Rose and her horrible husband, Arlo. Rose and Arlo attend a strict church. There are nice people there, but both Arlo and the preacher, Brother Williams, are more interested in power than the Gospel. Thankfully, another preacher, a kind and wise man named Brother Mike, shows up later in the book; otherwise this would be a grim Christian novel!
When Charlie is an older teen, she runs away and joins the circus (a carnival, to be specific). Meanwhile, teens go missing. Enter the police chief, Curtis Cates. Charlie’s adventures at the carnival and police chief Curtis Cates’ investigation of the missing teens take up most of the novel.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the carnival—the acts, the animals, the work that is involved in running a carnival, and the bonds between outcasts (runaways like Charlie, people with congenital disabilities, and those who have strange talents).
Charlie is a horse enthusiast, so horses feature prominently in the book. Charlie’s exhilarating rides and skillful tricks are amazing. Horse lovers will enjoy those scenes.
I also liked the way Morgan showed two prominent characters growing in their faith without it being sappy.
However, I was thrown out of my reading a few times. The story takes place in the 1940s and 1950s, but there are some modern-day elements that sneak in. For example, high-fives weren’t part of American culture until the 1970s, and the phrase “girl time” didn’t come about until the 1980s. So I took off half a star.
I took off another half a star because SO much goes on in this book. I got a little dizzy with all the layers of plot, the two timelines, and all the characters.
Still, the book kept me up way past my bedtime several nights in a row, so it’s definitely an engaging read. Four stars!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
•𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰•
{𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒐𝒈𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑮𝒐𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒍}
“𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚛𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚍𝚒𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚍.”
🎪 Release Date: November 3, 2026 🎪
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.
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Where has Cindy Morgan been hiding my whole life?! I only recently came across her name when looking for new books, and when I saw she was likened to T. I. Lowe’s writing style, I was immediately intrigued! After finishing this book, I’m happy to report that she did not disappoint and the comparison was pretty accurate. The emotional depth I was looking for was indeed present and full of sorrow and healing!
I found the author’s writing style to be very straightforward—nothing poetic or in-depth about it. While I found I didn’t mind it in this book, I typically like a bit more of a nuanced writing style in the books I read. This could be in the author’s favor, though, because it makes the book very readable and easy to digest, and there are certainly plenty of readers who will appreciate that.
I’m a HUGE fan of books involving carnivals, circuses, fairs, etc. so I was immediately onboard with the synopsis of this book! I find the life of carnies to be quite fascinating, and I try to read every book I come across that involves them. I love the thrill of the rides and the show right along with the audience!
The story that unfolded within this book caught me a bit off guard—in a good way. It read how I thought it would, but it also had some added plot lines that I didn’t see coming, which certainly added intrigue to the story. I think most readers will find it to be a really good book!
The characters were very well-written and easy to connect with. I liked that the story was mostly told from the pov of two characters who seemed to have very little to do with each other at first, but ended up connecting in the end. The ending was very satisfying and brought everything to a close in the best way possible, leaving readers feeling happy and fulfilled.
.
.
.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers. All opinions listed are purely my own.
{𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒐𝒈𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑮𝒐𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒍}
“𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚛𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚍𝚒𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚍.”
🎪 Release Date: November 3, 2026 🎪
.
.
.
Where has Cindy Morgan been hiding my whole life?! I only recently came across her name when looking for new books, and when I saw she was likened to T. I. Lowe’s writing style, I was immediately intrigued! After finishing this book, I’m happy to report that she did not disappoint and the comparison was pretty accurate. The emotional depth I was looking for was indeed present and full of sorrow and healing!
I found the author’s writing style to be very straightforward—nothing poetic or in-depth about it. While I found I didn’t mind it in this book, I typically like a bit more of a nuanced writing style in the books I read. This could be in the author’s favor, though, because it makes the book very readable and easy to digest, and there are certainly plenty of readers who will appreciate that.
I’m a HUGE fan of books involving carnivals, circuses, fairs, etc. so I was immediately onboard with the synopsis of this book! I find the life of carnies to be quite fascinating, and I try to read every book I come across that involves them. I love the thrill of the rides and the show right along with the audience!
The story that unfolded within this book caught me a bit off guard—in a good way. It read how I thought it would, but it also had some added plot lines that I didn’t see coming, which certainly added intrigue to the story. I think most readers will find it to be a really good book!
The characters were very well-written and easy to connect with. I liked that the story was mostly told from the pov of two characters who seemed to have very little to do with each other at first, but ended up connecting in the end. The ending was very satisfying and brought everything to a close in the best way possible, leaving readers feeling happy and fulfilled.
.
.
.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers. All opinions listed are purely my own.
July 22, 2026
A story that lingers long after the last page, with unique characters who grow and learn through difficult circumstances. Family, friendship and faith highlight both good and evil in this surprisingly deep tale set in the 1950's, in a small Kentucky town, aptly named Hurt.
Unsolved cold cases involving missing children and unexplained deaths, all land squarely on the shoulders of a local sheriff who is determined to dig up the truth, at his own risk. The mystery to be solved slowly unravels as bits and pieces are added to the picture, with a lot revealed in the end. It was a lot to put together, with both a sad backstory and some gritty subjects touched upon; the author gives just enough details to draw the picture without being too graphic. Not a light read, but a story that brings up hard topics that are pertinent even today.
Charlie was a tough young gal who had such a sad history, yet she pushed through to find hope and purpose with help from above and loyal, kind friends. The sheriff Chief Cates was a great, underdog type hero that goes through his own valley of troubles, and comes out victorious in the end. I liked how the author threads in a redemptive message, especially later on in the story, that added hope and light to an otherwise sad tale.
Recommend to readers who enjoy inspirational tales with some grit and realism, like those of Lisa Wingate, Jaime Jo Wright, and Kristy Cambron. 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
Unsolved cold cases involving missing children and unexplained deaths, all land squarely on the shoulders of a local sheriff who is determined to dig up the truth, at his own risk. The mystery to be solved slowly unravels as bits and pieces are added to the picture, with a lot revealed in the end. It was a lot to put together, with both a sad backstory and some gritty subjects touched upon; the author gives just enough details to draw the picture without being too graphic. Not a light read, but a story that brings up hard topics that are pertinent even today.
Charlie was a tough young gal who had such a sad history, yet she pushed through to find hope and purpose with help from above and loyal, kind friends. The sheriff Chief Cates was a great, underdog type hero that goes through his own valley of troubles, and comes out victorious in the end. I liked how the author threads in a redemptive message, especially later on in the story, that added hope and light to an otherwise sad tale.
Recommend to readers who enjoy inspirational tales with some grit and realism, like those of Lisa Wingate, Jaime Jo Wright, and Kristy Cambron. 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
November 2, 2026
I really loved this book! The Greatest Showman meets mystery/suspense? Yes, please! It does have some really heavy content, but I loved the way the good guys win and how the gospel is portrayed. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Dogwood Gospel is the grittiest Christian fiction book I have ever read. It doesn’t shy away from or sugarcoat hard topics. It wraps them in a gripping story about a girl running hard after the life she wants. She has little memory of her earliest years and has been brought up in a home and religion that is gray and unloving. But when she realizes she is being forced into a marriage that will keep her trapped in this lifestyle, she runs away and literally joins the circus (a traveling carnival).
This is not a book for young readers or those sensitive to topics like sex trafficking, murder, and emotional abuse. The scenes are not graphic, but they don’t pull any punches either. Charlie, the main female character, and Curtis, the main male character, are easy to like and cheer for even with their flaws. This is not a romance. Curtis is a much older married policeman trying to solve a cold case along with cases about a murdered man and some missing young girls. Woven in is Brother Mike, the chaplain of the carnival who is doing all he can to help those caught up in the shadier side of carnival life. He is a man to be admired and emulated.
I loved this novel and would recommend it to everyone, with the caveats listed above.
Not family friendly.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is not a book for young readers or those sensitive to topics like sex trafficking, murder, and emotional abuse. The scenes are not graphic, but they don’t pull any punches either. Charlie, the main female character, and Curtis, the main male character, are easy to like and cheer for even with their flaws. This is not a romance. Curtis is a much older married policeman trying to solve a cold case along with cases about a murdered man and some missing young girls. Woven in is Brother Mike, the chaplain of the carnival who is doing all he can to help those caught up in the shadier side of carnival life. He is a man to be admired and emulated.
I loved this novel and would recommend it to everyone, with the caveats listed above.
Not family friendly.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
This is the first book I have read by Cindy Morgan and it won't be my last. This is my top read so far of this year. As others mentioned it's hard to put in a category. It is historical but also includes a cold case, coming to age and a mystery that goes threads through the whole book.
The book starts with a murder. This murder will take 13 years to solve. In a small country town in Kentucky called Hurt this murder takes place. Police chief Curtis Cates who at the time was just a deputy is called to this murder and it will haunt him for the next 13 years.
Just prior to the murder a salesman came across the scene and saves the child Charlie and takes her to a family to raise. The book then jumps forward 13 years where Charlie is now 16 living with adoptive parents and struggling. Her father is strict and also abusive in many ways. When he tried to make her do something she runs away and eventually joins the circus.
The running away leads to police chief Curtis Cates investigating her going missing which leads to other missing teens. The circus seems to be a common link.
This story covers some deep issues but at the same time there is a lot of lighter moments. The book reads so well and I didn't want to put it down. I read it in 2 days and enjoyed it. I love Charlie's spirit and love the Circus elements. But the darker sides while real and need to be exposed may bother readers who struggle with any form of abuse and the darker side of life. There are positive messages in this book, and the faith element is real.
There is so much I would like to say about the book, but I don't want to give anything away. I could see this book as a Cold Case miniseries as it has all the elements. While it does cover some heavy subjects, I am so glad I got to read this book. As mentioned, it is my number one read of the year.
This is the first book I have read by Cindy Morgan and it won't be my last. This is my top read so far of this year. As others mentioned it's hard to put in a category. It is historical but also includes a cold case, coming to age and a mystery that goes threads through the whole book.
The book starts with a murder. This murder will take 13 years to solve. In a small country town in Kentucky called Hurt this murder takes place. Police chief Curtis Cates who at the time was just a deputy is called to this murder and it will haunt him for the next 13 years.
Just prior to the murder a salesman came across the scene and saves the child Charlie and takes her to a family to raise. The book then jumps forward 13 years where Charlie is now 16 living with adoptive parents and struggling. Her father is strict and also abusive in many ways. When he tried to make her do something she runs away and eventually joins the circus.
The running away leads to police chief Curtis Cates investigating her going missing which leads to other missing teens. The circus seems to be a common link.
This story covers some deep issues but at the same time there is a lot of lighter moments. The book reads so well and I didn't want to put it down. I read it in 2 days and enjoyed it. I love Charlie's spirit and love the Circus elements. But the darker sides while real and need to be exposed may bother readers who struggle with any form of abuse and the darker side of life. There are positive messages in this book, and the faith element is real.
There is so much I would like to say about the book, but I don't want to give anything away. I could see this book as a Cold Case miniseries as it has all the elements. While it does cover some heavy subjects, I am so glad I got to read this book. As mentioned, it is my number one read of the year.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
** “The past is strange. It buries itself, hides when it’s too much for us to bear.” **
Singer/songwriter Cindy Morgan brings her talents to the literary world once again with “The Dogwood Gospel,” a story of forgiveness, searching for the truth and second chances.
When Charlie was a toddler, her mother was killed and she was secretly placed with a rigid couple to raise her. So when her “adoptive” father tried to marry her off to a much older widower, she knows it’s time to escape and seek out the truth of her past.
Running to the Southland Carnival, a place she found a clue to within her baby items, she hopes to find out the answers to who she truly is. But when other girls from her area also go missing, more attention is brought to Charlie’s disappearance than she would like.
What follows is an intriguing story filled with mystery, a sense of coming-to-age, and the desire for a better life. Morgan does an incredible job of filling her story with heart and intrigue, all while creating a cast of characters that are both delightful and loathsome.
She also fills “The Dogwood Gospel” with several threat themes, like how to cope with the feeling of not belonging; God will light the path He wants us to walk on; what people do reveals much more about who they are than what they say; “the only good thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing”; we often see what we want to see, and not the truth; the power of sacrifice; and the want for revenge when we really must forgive.
Fans of authors like Colleen Coble with a 1950s flair, and James Markert (but not the books under his pseudonym J.H. Markert), and stories like real-life Sonora Webster with some mystery added will love “The Dogwood Gospel,” which is due out Nov. 3.
Five stars out of five.
Tyndale Fiction provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Singer/songwriter Cindy Morgan brings her talents to the literary world once again with “The Dogwood Gospel,” a story of forgiveness, searching for the truth and second chances.
When Charlie was a toddler, her mother was killed and she was secretly placed with a rigid couple to raise her. So when her “adoptive” father tried to marry her off to a much older widower, she knows it’s time to escape and seek out the truth of her past.
Running to the Southland Carnival, a place she found a clue to within her baby items, she hopes to find out the answers to who she truly is. But when other girls from her area also go missing, more attention is brought to Charlie’s disappearance than she would like.
What follows is an intriguing story filled with mystery, a sense of coming-to-age, and the desire for a better life. Morgan does an incredible job of filling her story with heart and intrigue, all while creating a cast of characters that are both delightful and loathsome.
She also fills “The Dogwood Gospel” with several threat themes, like how to cope with the feeling of not belonging; God will light the path He wants us to walk on; what people do reveals much more about who they are than what they say; “the only good thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing”; we often see what we want to see, and not the truth; the power of sacrifice; and the want for revenge when we really must forgive.
Fans of authors like Colleen Coble with a 1950s flair, and James Markert (but not the books under his pseudonym J.H. Markert), and stories like real-life Sonora Webster with some mystery added will love “The Dogwood Gospel,” which is due out Nov. 3.
Five stars out of five.
Tyndale Fiction provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When 16 year old Charlie's guardian arranges a marriage for her, she decides it's time to take her life into her own hands. Staging a scene to look like she was attacked by a wild animal, she runs away to join the circus and maybe learn something about her biological parents. When Chief Cates is called by her guardians Rose and Arlo, he doesn't think an animal was involved. He begins to inspect her case, and finds in the next county over there is a couple of other missing girls about her age, and the death of a young man who didn't smell after being dead for 2 days. All these cases seem to point to Sheriff Gale and the Southland Carnival, and the only way he's going to get to the bottom of these cases, and maybe his cold case from 13 years before, is to go undercover at the same carnival that seems to be trouble at every turn.
I requested this book because I've always like Cindy Morgan as a singer and wasn't sure what she would be like as an author. The prologue had given me a bit of a pause, but I enjoyed the rest of the story far more. I quickly realized her songs are written like stories so of course she would be able to write a novel. Overall I would read more of her stories.
I requested this book because I've always like Cindy Morgan as a singer and wasn't sure what she would be like as an author. The prologue had given me a bit of a pause, but I enjoyed the rest of the story far more. I quickly realized her songs are written like stories so of course she would be able to write a novel. Overall I would read more of her stories.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A story that read like I was watching a movie. We begin in the 1950's Kentucky, with a sixteen year old girl, living with a very strict family. She is a very pretty girl with a mane of red hair, and she doesn't look anything like her parents.
The story has a lot packed into it, a cold murder case, missing girls, a current murder, and a carnival.
The journey has a lot going on to get answers, and things are not always easy. A Christian read, that really shows some of the dark sides of life! We spend a lot of time at the Circus, aka Carnival, and get to know these folks, life sure isn't easy, and I found out things I never knew.
I loved the epilogue in this read, and the good vs evil theme. Also all along rooting for Charlie!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale, and was not required to give a positive review.
The story has a lot packed into it, a cold murder case, missing girls, a current murder, and a carnival.
The journey has a lot going on to get answers, and things are not always easy. A Christian read, that really shows some of the dark sides of life! We spend a lot of time at the Circus, aka Carnival, and get to know these folks, life sure isn't easy, and I found out things I never knew.
I loved the epilogue in this read, and the good vs evil theme. Also all along rooting for Charlie!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale, and was not required to give a positive review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars
At first I didn't know when this book was going to go to the circus (like the cover shows), but everything was good with the pacing, in my opinion. The story starts out talking about a man who falls in love in high school, impregnates his girlfriend, marries her, and has some money struggles. He gets into some trouble with the law, goes to prison, comes out over a year later, and while trying to make things right, his wife leaves him and their son. He has a "found family" who helps him out and he makes friends around him, but then he stumbles upon a murdered neighbor. This neighbor has a young three-year-old daughter. He decides to scoop her up and drop her off at a place where he knows the couple recently lost their own three-year-old daughter. He hopes she will be raised well there.
The years go by and now that little girl, "Charlie" as she's called, is about seventeen years old. She lives in a very strict legalistic Christian family home. It is the 1950s now. She loves riding her horse. Her adoptive father, Arlo, is not a kind man. Her adoptive mother, Rose, does her best to help raise her and loves her.
There is also Cates. He is a detective on the police force who has been trying to solve the murder of Charlie's mom for years and doesn't even understand what fully happened and who killed her.
Girls keep going missing in the area, and one of them is Charlie. He needs to investigate if the girls have related cases or if they are separate. He decides to go undercover and ends up at the circus and investigates around him with what might just be a hidden sex trafficking ring.
This book confused me at first because the perspective switched and we didn't really learn more about the guy who was brought up at the beginning of the story (it does wrap around much later), but it was actually very good, and I loved learning about what was going on. There were a lot of characters in this, but they do get introduced slowly. The problem is that some of these characters' names came up much later and I had to try to remember who each person was, but they do explain in case people don't really remember much.
This was good storytelling!
This book was more about a search for both Charlie's past and these missing girls. It just so happened that she leads Cates to where everything gets revealed, and it was so good. It showed how God is always there even in the hard times.
There is especially one man named Brother Mike who acts as the pastor at the circus. He does his best to bring wisdom and direction to the people who live in the circus. He even guides Charlie to not be led astray into a false fortune telling scheme. Also, Cates has his faith in God the whole time and prays for help and guidance to find answers. I think the only tough thing is the extreme rules in Christianity that Arlo forces on Charlie and his wife, but I think it was well done how this was not the right way of following God.
If you like some murder mysteries and also circus stories, this was great. I am sure some of the things brought up in this story will be hard for readers, but it really could be put into movie form. I enjoyed learning about the characters and really enjoyed it. I didn't think I would absolutely love it when I started it, but I I went, "Woah" in the first chapter. Right away I was thinking, "This is heavy." Then it lightens up and then gets heavy again. It goes back and forth with that. It was very much the way I could have seen several things played out for people who lived in that time and in that environment. The ending really was so beautiful. This book really is about God's justice coming to light.
content: pregnancies out of wedlock mentioned, forced abortions brought up (no details), sex trafficking of pre-teen and teen girls (no details, but there are mentions of "girlie shows" at the circus for men to oogle and take advantage of dancers in a separate area of the circus), a marriage was being forced upon a teen girl at one point, there is murder, there is a strange way that someone dies at the end of this that might be a bit odd for people, a young man walks in on a teen girl who is not fully dressed and wants to take advantage of her (without success), there's a lot of smoking (it is the 1950s and many people smoked then), there is a fortune teller who uses tarot cards and tries to read a palm but the way this is brought up is not in a good light at all and there is a reprimand and explanation with what God wants for this situation, there are kidnappings and runaways, corruption brought up, mentions of people drinking alcohol, domestic abuse, extreme controlling parent issues
At first I didn't know when this book was going to go to the circus (like the cover shows), but everything was good with the pacing, in my opinion. The story starts out talking about a man who falls in love in high school, impregnates his girlfriend, marries her, and has some money struggles. He gets into some trouble with the law, goes to prison, comes out over a year later, and while trying to make things right, his wife leaves him and their son. He has a "found family" who helps him out and he makes friends around him, but then he stumbles upon a murdered neighbor. This neighbor has a young three-year-old daughter. He decides to scoop her up and drop her off at a place where he knows the couple recently lost their own three-year-old daughter. He hopes she will be raised well there.
The years go by and now that little girl, "Charlie" as she's called, is about seventeen years old. She lives in a very strict legalistic Christian family home. It is the 1950s now. She loves riding her horse. Her adoptive father, Arlo, is not a kind man. Her adoptive mother, Rose, does her best to help raise her and loves her.
There is also Cates. He is a detective on the police force who has been trying to solve the murder of Charlie's mom for years and doesn't even understand what fully happened and who killed her.
Girls keep going missing in the area, and one of them is Charlie. He needs to investigate if the girls have related cases or if they are separate. He decides to go undercover and ends up at the circus and investigates around him with what might just be a hidden sex trafficking ring.
This book confused me at first because the perspective switched and we didn't really learn more about the guy who was brought up at the beginning of the story (it does wrap around much later), but it was actually very good, and I loved learning about what was going on. There were a lot of characters in this, but they do get introduced slowly. The problem is that some of these characters' names came up much later and I had to try to remember who each person was, but they do explain in case people don't really remember much.
This was good storytelling!
This book was more about a search for both Charlie's past and these missing girls. It just so happened that she leads Cates to where everything gets revealed, and it was so good. It showed how God is always there even in the hard times.
There is especially one man named Brother Mike who acts as the pastor at the circus. He does his best to bring wisdom and direction to the people who live in the circus. He even guides Charlie to not be led astray into a false fortune telling scheme. Also, Cates has his faith in God the whole time and prays for help and guidance to find answers. I think the only tough thing is the extreme rules in Christianity that Arlo forces on Charlie and his wife, but I think it was well done how this was not the right way of following God.
If you like some murder mysteries and also circus stories, this was great. I am sure some of the things brought up in this story will be hard for readers, but it really could be put into movie form. I enjoyed learning about the characters and really enjoyed it. I didn't think I would absolutely love it when I started it, but I I went, "Woah" in the first chapter. Right away I was thinking, "This is heavy." Then it lightens up and then gets heavy again. It goes back and forth with that. It was very much the way I could have seen several things played out for people who lived in that time and in that environment. The ending really was so beautiful. This book really is about God's justice coming to light.
content: pregnancies out of wedlock mentioned, forced abortions brought up (no details), sex trafficking of pre-teen and teen girls (no details, but there are mentions of "girlie shows" at the circus for men to oogle and take advantage of dancers in a separate area of the circus), a marriage was being forced upon a teen girl at one point, there is murder, there is a strange way that someone dies at the end of this that might be a bit odd for people, a young man walks in on a teen girl who is not fully dressed and wants to take advantage of her (without success), there's a lot of smoking (it is the 1950s and many people smoked then), there is a fortune teller who uses tarot cards and tries to read a palm but the way this is brought up is not in a good light at all and there is a reprimand and explanation with what God wants for this situation, there are kidnappings and runaways, corruption brought up, mentions of people drinking alcohol, domestic abuse, extreme controlling parent issues
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed reading The Dogwood Gospel, a historical coming-of-age novel set in the 1950’s in a small town in Kentucky. Charlie is a talented horse rider who’s adopted and feeling suffocated by the harsh and rigid religious rules being imposed on her. She’s sixteen and looking for freedom and a place that feels like home.
When Charlie is given information about her past, she’s determined to discover the truth. Difficult circumstances culminate in Charlie running away. She’s on a quest to find a circus that might hold the key to unlocking her past.
Cates is the police chief in Hurt, Kentucky, who’s haunted by a cold case murder he couldn’t solve thirteen years earlier. A few young girls are missing, including Charlie, and their missing persons cases might be connected to a circus.
I loved journeying with Charlie in the story and I appreciated the satisfying story ending. Multiple characters were on a faith journey in the story. There were characters who were experiencing hardship, including abuse. Charlie had to deal with her emotional baggage from being raised in an environment that included spiritual abuse and domestic violence.
I was intrigued by the multiple mysteries in the story and the behind the scenes insights into the nomadic life of circus performers and their entourage. I loved the quirky side characters and animals who played important roles in the story.
I recommend The Dogwood Gospel to historical fiction readers who like small town Southern 1950’s coming-of-age novels with women’s fiction themes, multiple mysteries including a cold case murder, a circus, found family, and strong faith elements including forgiveness themes.
Many thanks to Tyndale and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
When Charlie is given information about her past, she’s determined to discover the truth. Difficult circumstances culminate in Charlie running away. She’s on a quest to find a circus that might hold the key to unlocking her past.
Cates is the police chief in Hurt, Kentucky, who’s haunted by a cold case murder he couldn’t solve thirteen years earlier. A few young girls are missing, including Charlie, and their missing persons cases might be connected to a circus.
I loved journeying with Charlie in the story and I appreciated the satisfying story ending. Multiple characters were on a faith journey in the story. There were characters who were experiencing hardship, including abuse. Charlie had to deal with her emotional baggage from being raised in an environment that included spiritual abuse and domestic violence.
I was intrigued by the multiple mysteries in the story and the behind the scenes insights into the nomadic life of circus performers and their entourage. I loved the quirky side characters and animals who played important roles in the story.
I recommend The Dogwood Gospel to historical fiction readers who like small town Southern 1950’s coming-of-age novels with women’s fiction themes, multiple mysteries including a cold case murder, a circus, found family, and strong faith elements including forgiveness themes.
Many thanks to Tyndale and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I don't know what it is about a circus setting that will draw me in every time... while I may not actively seek them out, every book I have read that has centered around the circus has been one that I loved. Needless to say, from the moment I saw the tents on this cover, I was intrigued. Thankfully, the story inside kept me every bit as captivated from start to finish. This story had so much going on... a sixteen-year-old runaway who has joined the circus as a trick rider, a variety of other unique characters there, missing girls, an unsolved murder and the detective trying to put all the pieces together... I found myself drawn into the mysteries behind it all and at the edge of my seat wondering how everything was going to work out in the end. This was so well written and had beautiful messages of faith and found family that I couldn't help but be drawn into... with perfectly placed twists to keep me reading on. If you love Christian historical fiction and mysteries, this is one you will certainly want to add to your TBR.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Cindy Morgan has once again graced us with a story that is not to be missed. She pens a story of young Charlie whose life has had more than one huge twist to it. Taken from her home after her mother was killed, she is left on the doorstep of a couple who have lost their daughter. What happens to her after that is not to be missed.
A story that kept me focused on the story from the beginning to end, The Dogwood Gospel is one of those books that will remain with your long after you are finished. It is a unique storyline that might sound uninteresting, but don't miss out on learning a little bit about a group of people that were in margins of society. Even to this day. Those that belong to and work for the little circuses/fairs that traveled the country in the 50's.
Your heart will break for young Charlie and she works to navigate not only her own history but also life that she knows little about.
I recommend anyone looking for something to read that will take you on a journey of discovery and even hopefulness. One that makes you realize that families come in all shape and sizes.
A story that kept me focused on the story from the beginning to end, The Dogwood Gospel is one of those books that will remain with your long after you are finished. It is a unique storyline that might sound uninteresting, but don't miss out on learning a little bit about a group of people that were in margins of society. Even to this day. Those that belong to and work for the little circuses/fairs that traveled the country in the 50's.
Your heart will break for young Charlie and she works to navigate not only her own history but also life that she knows little about.
I recommend anyone looking for something to read that will take you on a journey of discovery and even hopefulness. One that makes you realize that families come in all shape and sizes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely loved everything about this one!
This Christian historical fiction, police procedural, cold-case mystery, coming-of-age story, domestic suspense novel hit every mark for me. Friends, this is a new favorite.
The characters were rich, authentic, and easy to connect with, and I was completely hooked by the layered, intriguing plot. The carnival setting was wonderful, and I especially enjoyed the dual POV. The ending was incredibly satisfying.
I also appreciated the focus on faith and the genuine character growth. It never felt forced or preachy, just naturally woven into the story.
10 outta 10 would recommend! This one is definitely earning a spot on my home library shelves.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale Fiction for the complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This Christian historical fiction, police procedural, cold-case mystery, coming-of-age story, domestic suspense novel hit every mark for me. Friends, this is a new favorite.
The characters were rich, authentic, and easy to connect with, and I was completely hooked by the layered, intriguing plot. The carnival setting was wonderful, and I especially enjoyed the dual POV. The ending was incredibly satisfying.
I also appreciated the focus on faith and the genuine character growth. It never felt forced or preachy, just naturally woven into the story.
10 outta 10 would recommend! This one is definitely earning a spot on my home library shelves.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale Fiction for the complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Cindy Morgan has followed up her critically acclaimed first fiction novel, The Year Of Jubilee, with a very different story. Where Jubilee focused on a young girl, coming of age in the deep south during the height of the civil rights movement while simultaneously working her way through a family tragedy and navigating the family dynamics surrounding both, The Dogwood Gospel follows another young woman experiencing very different circumstances. Charlie feels trapped in the home she was raised in under the oppressive and, at times, physically abusive fist of her “adoptive” father Arlo.
Charlie is haunted by a mystery from her past that she can’t quite piece together and she longs to find a place where she feels she truly belongs. When she is faced with a forced marriage she doesn’t want, she executes an elaborate plan to escape, under the cover of night, and follows the only lead she has to try and track down the past she longs to remember. That lead takes her on a journey, disguised as a boy, to join the Southland Carnival.
A parallel B-Story follows the local law man, Chief Cates, who is still troubled by a 13 year old unsolved murder mystery and when young girls begin disappearing locally, he feels pulled back into long lingering regrets and a new search for answers. The suspicious disappearance of young Charlie puts him on a path he never anticipated and it will soon lead him on a journey of discovery that will eventually draw him into the darker side of the Southland Carnival and an encounter with Charlie that will forever change the trajectory of both of their lives.
The Dogwood Gospel is a very different story from it’s predecessor, however, both stories share some of the same elements such as centering on young women as central characters through which we discover their respective worlds, as well as central themes that have the main characters going through their own evolutionary walks to discovering faith.
The Dogwood Gospel is a thrilling adventure that will keep you guessing and entertains with fascinating stories of life in the carnival and the outcasts that have come to call it home with their found family.
If you haven’t read Cindy’s first novel, The Year Of Jubilee, I give it my highest recommendation for its incredibly powerful story and well rounded characters that will leave you feeling like you’ve known the town of Jubilee and it’s inhabitants for years.
About the author:
Cindy Morgan is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter and author. Her debut novel, The Year of Jubilee, was nominated for a Christy Award in General Fiction and an Audie Award for its audiobook performance. She is also the recipient of the prestigious Songwriter of the Year honor and the 2024 Hollywood Independent Music Award for her single “Jubilee,” featuring Tommy Sims, from the companion soundtrack The Sounds of Jubilee.
Morgan is a two-time Grammy nominee and a fourteen-time Dove Award winner—including the 2023 Inspirational Album of the Year for her work as a producer. She also received a 2024 Music in Media Award nomination for Documentary Song of the Year for “Pain Has a Purpose.” With twenty-one number-one radio singles, she has written songs for an extensive list of artists, including Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Sierra Hull, Sandra McCracken, India.Arie, Rachael Lampa, Rascal Flatts, Echosmith, Ricky Skaggs, Glen Campbell, Mandisa, Natalie Grant, and many others.
Morgan is the cocreator of the charitable Hymns for Hunger Tour with longtime collaborator Andrew Greer, raising awareness and support for hunger relief organizations worldwide. For the past decade, she has partnered with Operation Song, which pairs professional songwriters with veterans navigating PTSD to help them process their stories through music. Most recently, Morgan has collaborated with City Gate and Hope in the Gate, writing songs that give voice to the stories of unhoused individuals across America. She also recently hosted her first annual songwriting intensive, The Troubadour Storyteller’s Retreat, alongside her daughters, Cova Gentry and Savannah Shepherd, who are also writers.
Morgan is married to Jonathan, an attorney and songwriter.
For more information visit cindymorganmusic.com.
Charlie is haunted by a mystery from her past that she can’t quite piece together and she longs to find a place where she feels she truly belongs. When she is faced with a forced marriage she doesn’t want, she executes an elaborate plan to escape, under the cover of night, and follows the only lead she has to try and track down the past she longs to remember. That lead takes her on a journey, disguised as a boy, to join the Southland Carnival.
A parallel B-Story follows the local law man, Chief Cates, who is still troubled by a 13 year old unsolved murder mystery and when young girls begin disappearing locally, he feels pulled back into long lingering regrets and a new search for answers. The suspicious disappearance of young Charlie puts him on a path he never anticipated and it will soon lead him on a journey of discovery that will eventually draw him into the darker side of the Southland Carnival and an encounter with Charlie that will forever change the trajectory of both of their lives.
The Dogwood Gospel is a very different story from it’s predecessor, however, both stories share some of the same elements such as centering on young women as central characters through which we discover their respective worlds, as well as central themes that have the main characters going through their own evolutionary walks to discovering faith.
The Dogwood Gospel is a thrilling adventure that will keep you guessing and entertains with fascinating stories of life in the carnival and the outcasts that have come to call it home with their found family.
If you haven’t read Cindy’s first novel, The Year Of Jubilee, I give it my highest recommendation for its incredibly powerful story and well rounded characters that will leave you feeling like you’ve known the town of Jubilee and it’s inhabitants for years.
About the author:
Cindy Morgan is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter and author. Her debut novel, The Year of Jubilee, was nominated for a Christy Award in General Fiction and an Audie Award for its audiobook performance. She is also the recipient of the prestigious Songwriter of the Year honor and the 2024 Hollywood Independent Music Award for her single “Jubilee,” featuring Tommy Sims, from the companion soundtrack The Sounds of Jubilee.
Morgan is a two-time Grammy nominee and a fourteen-time Dove Award winner—including the 2023 Inspirational Album of the Year for her work as a producer. She also received a 2024 Music in Media Award nomination for Documentary Song of the Year for “Pain Has a Purpose.” With twenty-one number-one radio singles, she has written songs for an extensive list of artists, including Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Sierra Hull, Sandra McCracken, India.Arie, Rachael Lampa, Rascal Flatts, Echosmith, Ricky Skaggs, Glen Campbell, Mandisa, Natalie Grant, and many others.
Morgan is the cocreator of the charitable Hymns for Hunger Tour with longtime collaborator Andrew Greer, raising awareness and support for hunger relief organizations worldwide. For the past decade, she has partnered with Operation Song, which pairs professional songwriters with veterans navigating PTSD to help them process their stories through music. Most recently, Morgan has collaborated with City Gate and Hope in the Gate, writing songs that give voice to the stories of unhoused individuals across America. She also recently hosted her first annual songwriting intensive, The Troubadour Storyteller’s Retreat, alongside her daughters, Cova Gentry and Savannah Shepherd, who are also writers.
Morgan is married to Jonathan, an attorney and songwriter.
For more information visit cindymorganmusic.com.
November 9, 2026
This is a beautifully written story. My first from Morgan, but not my last. I want to go read her debut novel!
Honestly what captured my attention the most was the growth in Charlie's character. Charlie's journey teaches us so much - about life, about pain, and about going out and being true to you. The circus was just delightful, and the characters were endearing. Reminded me not to judge a book by it's cover - something I don't think I can ever tire of being reminded of.
The Dogwood Gospel is not a light book, though there are light hearted moments for sure. It is one that I think would be great for book clubs to read and discuss! Highly recommend this historical read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review.
Honestly what captured my attention the most was the growth in Charlie's character. Charlie's journey teaches us so much - about life, about pain, and about going out and being true to you. The circus was just delightful, and the characters were endearing. Reminded me not to judge a book by it's cover - something I don't think I can ever tire of being reminded of.
The Dogwood Gospel is not a light book, though there are light hearted moments for sure. It is one that I think would be great for book clubs to read and discuss! Highly recommend this historical read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I loved everything about this book, the characters, the setting, the mystery. Cate was a sheriff determined to solve a 13 year old cold case that had plagued him concerning the brutal murder of a beautiful young girl. Charlie was a 16 year old girl who ran away from a very oppressive home and became a trick rider in a carnival. The way everything came together at the end made for a perfect ending and I highly recommend reading this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Charlie desperately searches for answers about her past and ends up discovering who she truly wants to be. With found family, intrigue, secrets galore and a beautiful thread of faith, this book will keep you guessing and turning the pages! It definitely kept me up way past bedtime.
I will definitely be looking out for more books by Cindy Morgan. Her style was moody and not too fast paced.
For fans of Where The Crawdads Sing and Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I will definitely be looking out for more books by Cindy Morgan. Her style was moody and not too fast paced.
For fans of Where The Crawdads Sing and Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
November 7, 2026
A beautifully crafted coming-of-age story that completely blindsided me with its unpredictable twists! I thought it would be about a young runaway who runs off to join the carnival, falls in love, and lives happily ever after. Was I ever wrong?! Yes, a young runaway does performs beneath the Big Top, but there's no romance at all for you readers who prefer that. As a matter of fact this is more of a deeply complex, gritty mystery that leaves one guessing til the very end. Unputdownable!!
October 20, 2026
This book kept my attention from chapter 1!
Being a fellow horse girl 1 really enjoyed that part of the book. I loved all the characters and where their stories went.
I think the true hero of the story will surprise you in who delivers justice.
The writing was so easy to follow and kept me wanting to know what was on the next page.
Any book by this author is an absolute read for me.
Being a fellow horse girl 1 really enjoyed that part of the book. I loved all the characters and where their stories went.
I think the true hero of the story will surprise you in who delivers justice.
The writing was so easy to follow and kept me wanting to know what was on the next page.
Any book by this author is an absolute read for me.
November 5, 2026
Gosh, this was sooo good. It was such a beautiful story of hope, love and forgiveness. I couldn't get enough and devoured it in a single day. Being a Ky girl myself, I especially loved the Kentucky setting.Though it was my first experience with this author, it certainly wont be my last.
Thank you NetGalley, and Tyndale for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.
Thank you NetGalley, and Tyndale for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Well-written historical fiction, but the pacing was too slow for me and the characters, though well conceived, just weren’t that interesting. I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars. Rich characterization with plenty of mystery, grit, hope, and surprises. I was engaged throughout.
November 8, 2026
Loved this book! I couldn’t wait to read it every day to see what was happening! Beautiful song at the end of the author’s note.
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