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American Anthem #1-3
American Anthem
BJ Hoff offers another thrilling historical saga that will capture the hearts of readers everywhere. At the entrance to the city, an Irish governess climbs into a carriage and sets out to confront the man who destroyed her sister's life--a blind musician who hears music no one else can hear ... On a congested city street, a lonely Scot physician with a devastating secret meets a woman doctor with the capacity to heal not only the sick ... but also his heart ... In a tumbledown shack among hundreds of others like it, an immigrant family struggles to survive, and a ragged street singer old beyond her years appoints herself an unlikely guardian ... So begins American Anthem , a story set in 1870s New York that lets the reader step into another time to share the hopes and dreams and triumphant faith of a people you'll grow to love ... a people readers will never forget. "An eloquently told story that weaves history, music, faith and intrigue ... an absolute pleasure." -- Christian Retailing "The story gently unfolds with intriguing characters, and the sound of music, which Hoff manages to make fly off the pages with her glorious and passionate descriptions." -- Christian Library Journal Originally published to strong sales several years ago, this new edition combines three of BJ's best novels into one saga-length volume.
559 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2009
66 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
B.J. Hoff
51 books148 followersBJ Hoff’s writing is known for her historical settings, her unforgettable characters, and her lyrical prose. She is the bestselling author of numerous historical fiction series, including the Riverhaven Years, the Mountain Song Legacy, the Song of Erin saga, the American Anthem series, An Emerald Ballad series, and her newest book Harp on the Willow.
Her five-volume Emerald Ballad series was the first major work of fiction to bring the Irish immigration experience to the CBA marketplace, and the work that first brought BJ an international reading audience.
Her readers know they can expect to meet some memorable people in her novels and also know that many of those people will be immigrants; Irish immigrants particularly but not exclusively.
BJ admits to a passion for building worlds. Whether her characters move about in small country towns or metropolitan areas, reside in Amish settlements, secluded mansions, or coal company houses, she creates communities where people can form relationships, raise families, pursue their faith, and experience the mountains and valleys of life.
She’s intent on making her historical novels relevant to the present by developing characters and settings that, while staying true to the history and culture of their times, reflect many of the spiritual trials and social problems faced by contemporary readers. Her novels are meant to be stories that build a bridge from the past to the present.
Her literary awards include the Christianity Today’s Critics Choice Book Award for fiction; a Gold Medallion Award finalist; and a number of Excellence in Media Silver Angel awards. Her books have been translated into many foreign languages, and she frequently hears from her international readers in countries such as Ireland, England, Norway, and Germany.
A former church music director and music teacher, BJ writes from her home in a small town in east central Ohio. She and her husband share a love of music, books, and time spent with their family: two daughters and three lively young grandsons.
Her five-volume Emerald Ballad series was the first major work of fiction to bring the Irish immigration experience to the CBA marketplace, and the work that first brought BJ an international reading audience.
Her readers know they can expect to meet some memorable people in her novels and also know that many of those people will be immigrants; Irish immigrants particularly but not exclusively.
BJ admits to a passion for building worlds. Whether her characters move about in small country towns or metropolitan areas, reside in Amish settlements, secluded mansions, or coal company houses, she creates communities where people can form relationships, raise families, pursue their faith, and experience the mountains and valleys of life.
She’s intent on making her historical novels relevant to the present by developing characters and settings that, while staying true to the history and culture of their times, reflect many of the spiritual trials and social problems faced by contemporary readers. Her novels are meant to be stories that build a bridge from the past to the present.
Her literary awards include the Christianity Today’s Critics Choice Book Award for fiction; a Gold Medallion Award finalist; and a number of Excellence in Media Silver Angel awards. Her books have been translated into many foreign languages, and she frequently hears from her international readers in countries such as Ireland, England, Norway, and Germany.
A former church music director and music teacher, BJ writes from her home in a small town in east central Ohio. She and her husband share a love of music, books, and time spent with their family: two daughters and three lively young grandsons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 15, 2014
Absolutely MAGNIFICENT.
This is precisely what literature is supposed to do: live and breathe. The journey from the prologue of Book One to the epilogue of Book Three led not only to the manifestation of a wondrous sound but that of a vision as well. The vision of a blind genius, no less! Oh, I had a qualm or two on stylistic and technical notes (like, why did such an abundance of words, especially when it came to the characters' dialogue, have to be emphasized with italics? and shouldn't there have been some explanation or even a word about Caterina's being nearly as articulate as a preteen at only four years old, unless I missed that detail?), but the SPIRIT of the story was unrushed, satisfying, and triumphant--miraculous without being over the top.
Beautiful book cover as well, though it's a pity Harvest House got the color of Michael Emmanuel's eyes wrong, especially when his eyes are such a major part of the story. But, that error is ultimately of little matter.
Aside from works by authors I know personally and John Nielson Had a Daughter (which may always be my favorite book for sentimental reasons), American Anthem may very well be the best piece of work I've read thus far by a 21st Century author. Certainly one of the greatest books I've ever read, period.
This is precisely what literature is supposed to do: live and breathe. The journey from the prologue of Book One to the epilogue of Book Three led not only to the manifestation of a wondrous sound but that of a vision as well. The vision of a blind genius, no less! Oh, I had a qualm or two on stylistic and technical notes (like, why did such an abundance of words, especially when it came to the characters' dialogue, have to be emphasized with italics? and shouldn't there have been some explanation or even a word about Caterina's being nearly as articulate as a preteen at only four years old, unless I missed that detail?), but the SPIRIT of the story was unrushed, satisfying, and triumphant--miraculous without being over the top.
Beautiful book cover as well, though it's a pity Harvest House got the color of Michael Emmanuel's eyes wrong, especially when his eyes are such a major part of the story. But, that error is ultimately of little matter.
Aside from works by authors I know personally and John Nielson Had a Daughter (which may always be my favorite book for sentimental reasons), American Anthem may very well be the best piece of work I've read thus far by a 21st Century author. Certainly one of the greatest books I've ever read, period.
July 7, 2016
Well this was an absolute fucking chore to read. It's very rare that a book will bore me to tears. Very very rare. So much useless blathering that I found myself finding excuses not to pick it up. Thankfully over the years I've acquired the skill of speed reading, which I rarely use because I rarely come across a book this boring. But it definitely came in useful with this book because this could just not end fast enough.
May 12, 2024
An interesting look at how faith and music impacted the lives of three sets of immigrants in 1870's New York. This is three books that includes three different love stories interwoven.
June 30, 2012
American Anthem is a story that brings together a group of characters historical and fictional to create one cohesive whole about redemption and second chances. Most prominently featured are an Irish family, and a young girl who emmigrates to America to meet her brother-in-law. B.J. Hoffs has a singularly unique ability to describe music that makes the soul leap and bound and your spirt soar. If you are aquainted with the movie August Rush you will have some idea of what B.J. Hoffs can do in writing.
November 8, 2019
WOW!!!
One of the most amazing books I have ever read! Very well written and hard to stop reading it. I wanted more! Hoff beautifully ties in many historical characters appropriately. She weaves all the characters together effortlessly.
One of the most amazing books I have ever read! Very well written and hard to stop reading it. I wanted more! Hoff beautifully ties in many historical characters appropriately. She weaves all the characters together effortlessly.
March 5, 2010
Great historical fiction about 3 heartwarming families where love and faith are enough to conquer their obstacles. Characters are easy to connect with and likable. Three books in 1 volume.
September 18, 2012
Couldn't put it down!
November 1, 2012
This was an inspirational book which had my interest to the end. It was easy to read. I was also in the mood for such a book.
May 17, 2024
This was three stories together in one book. Set in 1870s New York, it follows three main groups of people as they navigate life's difficulties, and their Christian faith. A young woman comes to America to help raise her niece after her sister's death, but is her brother-in-law the monster she was told he was? A Scottish doctor tries to do the best he can for his community, but has secrets of his own that could cause problems with his practice. And one family moves to America for new opportunities, but sometimes struggles follow you. As these three stories intertwine we see how they progress and overcome life's difficulties with the help of their faith and community!
I debated between 3 and 4 stars on this one. I felt some of the time jumps were a bit odd and confusing at times. If I had read these as three separate stories I think it would have been a bit awkward. The book separations seemed to come at weird times. Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend the book club meeting for this, so I wasn't able to discuss with others.
I debated between 3 and 4 stars on this one. I felt some of the time jumps were a bit odd and confusing at times. If I had read these as three separate stories I think it would have been a bit awkward. The book separations seemed to come at weird times. Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend the book club meeting for this, so I wasn't able to discuss with others.
November 5, 2022
This book had lots of characters woven into this story. The author did a good job of meshing all their lives together. From death to betrayal in a marriage and then Susanna comes into the picture to take care of Caterina and all the emotions of a blind man as a musician - can they become a family for real? McGoverns have lost it all in Ireland but can they find new hope in America. Renny Magee - a street urchin trying to find her way in life. Andrew and Bethany - doctors trying to make a living by treating the less fortunate but does love come to them? Paul and Nell - a forbidden love. Maylee - the joy she brings to the story even though her days are numbered. The hard-nosed copy Frank - how does Mary Lambert fit into his life? It seemed like this was a long book because it took me several days to read it but it was well worth the read. So many ins and outs to all the storylines that kept me wanting to spend every free moment reading what would happen next.
September 2, 2025
A sweeping family saga full of faith and people overcoming all kinds of troubles. The story encompasses the trials and growth of several people, from an orphaned street girl, to a big Immigrant Irish family, two doctors, and the blind Maestro the story and music evolves around. A charming story of faith, forgiveness, redemption, and more. A stirring enjoyable read!
July 22, 2021
I can't say that this is great literature but I can say I liked reading a book with old fashioned values. The setting is the late 1800 and the focus is on immigrants of all incomes. It really didn't off my any new incites, but I still found the book very enjoyable.
August 8, 2022
Great Historical Book
This is a long read, but worth it. It is an unusual historical story, full of music, love, struggles, actual real people, and numerous other things. I loved this book! A great read!!
This is a long read, but worth it. It is an unusual historical story, full of music, love, struggles, actual real people, and numerous other things. I loved this book! A great read!!
August 8, 2022
Excellent story!
Wonderful story, but really three stories combined. Too much to tell in one review,but each story is gripping and you will want to keep reading until the end! Absolutely wonderful! Loved it!
Wonderful story, but really three stories combined. Too much to tell in one review,but each story is gripping and you will want to keep reading until the end! Absolutely wonderful! Loved it!
December 2, 2019
Amazing read!
This book was simply amazing! The music of America is the music of our faith. Such a blending of cultures in this amazing country we love. Strongly recommend!
This book was simply amazing! The music of America is the music of our faith. Such a blending of cultures in this amazing country we love. Strongly recommend!
July 17, 2020
One of the best books I have read. Loved it
March 9, 2017
Lovely book. I give it a wholehearted recommendation. It's well-written, with a beautiful conceit about a blind composer who hears music from above. However, one point did irritate me. One character is scared of having children after witnessing someone dying in childbirth- but then she magically, in about five seconds, decides that she's willing to have a bunch, risking that over and over (and it was a genuinely huge risk back then), just because her husband wants them- even though it seems like she doesn't want them, and even though he already has one! Granted, that happened back then, but the author seemed to glorify it. It just didn't seem quite egalitarian. Anyway, enough ranting. It was a great book and I'm only complaining over about a page of it. The rest is good.
June 20, 2016
This book is truly amazing -- The very best I've read in a long time. It's really three novels in one, and I wished it would have been even more. The novel is full of appearances by individuals who played a part in our country's history, especially in faith-related aspects. Although the book is fairly long (549 pages), the chapters are small and headlined by wonderful quotes, including some poetry by the author herself. The story itself begins in New York Harbor in 1846, and is an insightful look at immigration when our country had come to its full birth along with an underlying story of music, love, disappointments, failures, griefs, and joys. All in all, this is just a great book! I loved it!
September 2, 2015
Wonderful
I can't say enough good things about this book. This book/story touched my heart In so many ways. I enjoyed getting to know the characters as if they were family. The Lord was honored throughout this book. Thank you for not having any sexual content. This author is so talented, I recommend her and this book. If you love our country, it's history and our Lord you will be blessed reading this book.
I can't say enough good things about this book. This book/story touched my heart In so many ways. I enjoyed getting to know the characters as if they were family. The Lord was honored throughout this book. Thank you for not having any sexual content. This author is so talented, I recommend her and this book. If you love our country, it's history and our Lord you will be blessed reading this book.
February 6, 2019
Incredibly Written Historical Fiction (with some real characters)
This book is actually three books gathered together in one. This is an beautifully written work that touches the emotions of the reader as you make your way through the trials and delights of the characters who live at Bantry Hill and nearby. You will be sorry for the book to end. I have read and enjoyed it twice, and I am sure I will read it again. Some books become dear to me. This is one of them.
This book is actually three books gathered together in one. This is an beautifully written work that touches the emotions of the reader as you make your way through the trials and delights of the characters who live at Bantry Hill and nearby. You will be sorry for the book to end. I have read and enjoyed it twice, and I am sure I will read it again. Some books become dear to me. This is one of them.
March 24, 2014
I thought this was a wonderful book! My first of B.J. Hoff's writing, I can't wait to read more of her. Rather than concentrate on only one storyline per book, she seamlessly wove three families' stories together--it was hard to put it down! I'm glad I got this edition, and not the individual books because it would've been hard to wait for the next book. Highly recommended!
August 7, 2012
The characters were well developed and interesting in their struggles for a new life in America. Of course, several strong women dominated the storylines. But all the characters had their own charm.Even though this is a raily large book it is worth your time to read it.
Read
August 18, 2011The plot is fine, a bit predictable, but interesting enough. This author is way too wordy, however!! It's like she's getting paid per word! She tells you exactly what each character thinks about EVERYTHING, several times. I probably will not ever read anything else by this author!
July 4, 2013
This book was absolutely amazing! The characters or very relatable and for the most part likable. Whether a few things I didn't like Brenda reading another book by Vijay off? Yes, but overall this is a very well-written book.
July 30, 2009
Kind of boring to begin with, but all of the characters meld together and it really becomes quite inspirational!
July 20, 2010
I was pulled into the story of this book, and was pleasantly surprised at how much I did enjoy it.
March 31, 2012
American Anthem is a three in one book. It tells the story of Irish immigrants struggles when coming to America looking for a better life. I could not put it down.
November 7, 2013
definitely a good read
July 16, 2013
I really enjoyed this book which is my first read by this author. I love the historical background set in 1870s New York and I how it took me into the lives of the characters.
January 10, 2023
Awesome
Amazing story with real facts and people woven into it. Attention holding, realistic emotions expressed, and faith building! Outstanding always.
Amazing story with real facts and people woven into it. Attention holding, realistic emotions expressed, and faith building! Outstanding always.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews