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A Hundred Crickets Singing
In wars eighty years apart, two young women living on the same Appalachian estate determine to aid soldiers dear to them and fight for justice, no matter the cost.1944. When a violent storm rips through the Belvidere attic in No Creek, North Carolina, exposing a hidden room and trunk long forgotten, secrets dating back to the Civil War are revealed. Celia Percy, whose family lives and works in the home, suspects the truth could transform the future for her friend Marshall, now fighting overseas, whose ancestors were once enslaved by the Belvidere family. When Marshall’s Army friend, Joe, returns to No Creek with shocking news for Marshall’s family, Celia determines to right a long-standing wrong, whether or not the town is ready for it.1861. After her mother’s death, Minnie Belvidere works desperately to keep her household running and her family together as North Carolina secedes. Her beloved older brother clings to his Union loyalties, despite grave danger, while her hotheaded younger brother entangles himself and the family’s finances within the Confederacy. As the country and her own home are torn in two, Minnie risks her life and her future in a desperate fight to gain liberty and land for those her parents intended to free, before it’s too late.With depictions of a small Southern town “reminiscent of writings by Lisa Wingate” (Booklist on Night Bird Calling), Cathy Gohlke delivers a gripping, emotive story about friendship and the enduring promise of justice.
425 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2022
107 people are currently reading
4448 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Gohlke
16 books1,325 followersBestselling, Christy Hall of Fame, and Carol and INSPY Award-winning author, Cathy Gohlke writes novels steeped with inspirational lessons, speaking of world and life events through the lens of history. She champions the battle against oppression, celebrating the freedom found only in Christ. Her critically acclaimed novels include This Promised Land, Ladies of the Lake, A Hundred Crickets Singing, Night Bird Calling, The Medallion (Christy Award), Until We Find Home, Secrets She Kept (Christy Award; Carol Award; INSPY Award); Saving Amelie (INSPY AWARD); Band of Sisters; Promise Me This (listed by Library Journal as one of the Best Books of 2012); I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires (Christy Award, American Christian Fiction Writers Award and listed by Library Journal as one of the Best Books of 2008) and William Henry Is a Fine Name (Christy Award).
Cathy has worked as a school librarian, drama director, and director of children's and education ministries. 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 children and grandchildren. Visit her website at www.cathygohlke.com and find her on Facebook at CathyGohlkeBooks. Follow her on BookBub.
Cathy has worked as a school librarian, drama director, and director of children's and education ministries. 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 children and grandchildren. Visit her website at www.cathygohlke.com and find her on Facebook at CathyGohlkeBooks. Follow her on BookBub.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
March 8, 2022
In March 1944, a violent storm causes a tree to go through the ancient attic roof at the Belvidere family home and it wakes up Celia and her brother Chester. Miss Lilliana and her husband Reverend Willard are in England the Perry family are taking care of Gardens Gate. A secret room is exposed, it’s a hidey-hole used by members of the Underground Railroad and it’s been sealed off. They find a trunk with old clothes in it, a sword and Celia discovers it has a false bottom. It contains a diary and papers for the manumission of slaves from the plantation. Marshall Raymond is Celia’s friend, his ancestors the Tate’s were slaves at Belvidere and the information that’s been hidden for decades could be life changing. Marshall and his friend Joe are currently serving in the army overseas and in different divisions.
In 1861, Minnie Belvidere is busy running her families plantation and her mother has just passed away. Horace, Minnie and Elliott Belvidere consider their slaves family, they plan to set them free and then North Carolina secedes. Living in a state that supports slavery, it’s too dangerous for the Belvidere’s to free their slaves and they need to protect their secret work. Grayson the youngest Belvidere thinks very differently to the rest of his family, he sides with the Confederates and Elliott’s loyal to the Union. They worry Grayson might cause trouble and he does. Minnie tries to fulfill her parent’s wishes, but Grayson is devious and extremely cunning.
The dual timeline story gives readers a look at life in No Creek, North Carolina during the Civil War, after it ended and in the 1940’s. In wars eighty years apart, two young women living on the same Appalachian estate are determine to aid soldiers dear to them and fight for justice and freedom for all.
I received a copy of A hundred Crickets Singing by Cathy Gohlke from Edelweiss and Tyndale Publishing in exchange for an honest review and some of the characters included are from the authors previous book Night Bird Calling. It’s a story about living in a small remote mountain community, where people have certain beliefs and despite the passing of time, many are still racist and are members of the clan. Celia desperately tries to change people's attitudes and right a wrong from the past. I highly recommend reading both books by Ms. Gohlke and five stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17988...
In 1861, Minnie Belvidere is busy running her families plantation and her mother has just passed away. Horace, Minnie and Elliott Belvidere consider their slaves family, they plan to set them free and then North Carolina secedes. Living in a state that supports slavery, it’s too dangerous for the Belvidere’s to free their slaves and they need to protect their secret work. Grayson the youngest Belvidere thinks very differently to the rest of his family, he sides with the Confederates and Elliott’s loyal to the Union. They worry Grayson might cause trouble and he does. Minnie tries to fulfill her parent’s wishes, but Grayson is devious and extremely cunning.
The dual timeline story gives readers a look at life in No Creek, North Carolina during the Civil War, after it ended and in the 1940’s. In wars eighty years apart, two young women living on the same Appalachian estate are determine to aid soldiers dear to them and fight for justice and freedom for all.
I received a copy of A hundred Crickets Singing by Cathy Gohlke from Edelweiss and Tyndale Publishing in exchange for an honest review and some of the characters included are from the authors previous book Night Bird Calling. It’s a story about living in a small remote mountain community, where people have certain beliefs and despite the passing of time, many are still racist and are members of the clan. Celia desperately tries to change people's attitudes and right a wrong from the past. I highly recommend reading both books by Ms. Gohlke and five stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17988...
April 24, 2022
After reading Night Bird Calling I've been anxiously waiting for this follow up book and both stories are incredibly moving!
In A Hundred Crickets Singing we have a dual time line spanning an eighty year time difference of two women living on the same Appalachian estate helping their soldiers despite the cost.
This dual time line deals with Civil War, bother against brother, one for the Confederate one for the Union.
In No Creek,NC the racial tensions and prejudice during WWII runs deep. Both time lines are very well written and realistic with well developed characters and plot lines that kept me reading.
The author has done a lot of research for her books and it shows in her writing style.
We are still facing many of these racial issues today and not just in the South.
To better understand the future we need to first understand the past.
Highly recommended!
Publish date April 5,2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
In A Hundred Crickets Singing we have a dual time line spanning an eighty year time difference of two women living on the same Appalachian estate helping their soldiers despite the cost.
This dual time line deals with Civil War, bother against brother, one for the Confederate one for the Union.
In No Creek,NC the racial tensions and prejudice during WWII runs deep. Both time lines are very well written and realistic with well developed characters and plot lines that kept me reading.
The author has done a lot of research for her books and it shows in her writing style.
We are still facing many of these racial issues today and not just in the South.
To better understand the future we need to first understand the past.
Highly recommended!
Publish date April 5,2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
May 19, 2022
I really enjoyed this one! Very suspenseful; kept me turning the pages!
I would have given it 5 stars, but the amount of different characters was a bit difficult to keep up with. And you can’t flip back in a Kindle book like you can in a print copy!
It was a nice surprise after finishing to learn that “Nightbird Calling” is the prequel to this one, so I jumped right into it!
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in return for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
I would have given it 5 stars, but the amount of different characters was a bit difficult to keep up with. And you can’t flip back in a Kindle book like you can in a print copy!
It was a nice surprise after finishing to learn that “Nightbird Calling” is the prequel to this one, so I jumped right into it!
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in return for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
April 5, 2022
Cathy Gohlke takes us back to No Creek, NC in the beautifully told companion novel to Night Bird Calling, which was incredibly moving. This one is told in dual time, a time of wars eighty years apart. We find the Belvidere family in the midst of the Civil War, torn between supporting the Union and the Confederacy, a family torn apart by the war. Our hearts break at the racial injustices. We also see the same family's descendants during WWII, again with racism abounding, even in the Army.
And we also see those righting hard to overcome these injustices. The tension is real in these scenes that make you feel the hurt. Gohlke has created an entire cast of characters that will march right into your heart. And some, sadly, that will cause you deep pain as you read their hatred.
Cathy Gohlke's books simply take root in your heart. Her work is stunning and will not soon leave your mind, if at all. This is definitely one for the keeper shelf.
I was given an early copy of this book by Tyndale Publishing via Net Galley. The opinion in this review is expressly my own.
And we also see those righting hard to overcome these injustices. The tension is real in these scenes that make you feel the hurt. Gohlke has created an entire cast of characters that will march right into your heart. And some, sadly, that will cause you deep pain as you read their hatred.
Cathy Gohlke's books simply take root in your heart. Her work is stunning and will not soon leave your mind, if at all. This is definitely one for the keeper shelf.
I was given an early copy of this book by Tyndale Publishing via Net Galley. The opinion in this review is expressly my own.
November 27, 2022
3+ stars.
This book ended up closer to 3.5 stars but not enough for me to round it up. I realize that many readers loved this book, but of course we're not all going to love the same novels.
This is my first time reading anything by Cathy Gohlke, wife of musican Danny Gohlke. Her writing is fairly solid and has some good things about it so I plan to read more by her.
While I am tired of the now overused dual timeline novels, Gohlke did a good job with these and they did work together well. However, despite the grit, etc, added, this book still felt like it ran too close to the surface. I'd have loved to see more depth of character, nuances and more that two POVs to make this a strong enough book for me to give it 4 or 5 stars. I loved the fact that she didn't gloss over serious problems the way some Christian novels do--this book is part of a growing trend that was long overdue.
Things that would have made this novel much stronger:
1. Showed us more POVS, for eg the POV of Minnie's father - would have LOVED to see the conflicts Minnie's father was going through in his mind. This would have helped give much more authenticity to this novel. At the very least had some well done conversations between Minnie and her father. What we were told was very superficial.
2. Not had so many anachronistic terms and ideas. Sure, we don't want to read novels written now just like they would have been written then--but some thoughts and ideas were so strongly late 20th/early 21st century it was jarring. Yes, of course there were abolitionists who believed in the equality of blacks, I would have LOVED to see the conflicts Minnie's father was going through in his mind.
3. Grayson was an important character, but very two dimensional.
4. Etc.
This book ended up closer to 3.5 stars but not enough for me to round it up. I realize that many readers loved this book, but of course we're not all going to love the same novels.
This is my first time reading anything by Cathy Gohlke, wife of musican Danny Gohlke. Her writing is fairly solid and has some good things about it so I plan to read more by her.
While I am tired of the now overused dual timeline novels, Gohlke did a good job with these and they did work together well. However, despite the grit, etc, added, this book still felt like it ran too close to the surface. I'd have loved to see more depth of character, nuances and more that two POVs to make this a strong enough book for me to give it 4 or 5 stars. I loved the fact that she didn't gloss over serious problems the way some Christian novels do--this book is part of a growing trend that was long overdue.
Things that would have made this novel much stronger:
1. Showed us more POVS, for eg the POV of Minnie's father - would have LOVED to see the conflicts Minnie's father was going through in his mind. This would have helped give much more authenticity to this novel. At the very least had some well done conversations between Minnie and her father. What we were told was very superficial.
2. Not had so many anachronistic terms and ideas. Sure, we don't want to read novels written now just like they would have been written then--but some thoughts and ideas were so strongly late 20th/early 21st century it was jarring. Yes, of course there were abolitionists who believed in the equality of blacks, I would have LOVED to see the conflicts Minnie's father was going through in his mind.
3. Grayson was an important character, but very two dimensional.
4. Etc.
April 12, 2022
Powerful and poignant dual time line that spans from the Civil War to WWII in No Creek, NC. It can be gut wrenching to read about the social and racial injustices but Ms Gohlke has done superior research and sweeps you into these troubled times with finesse. As I read it was like watching a movie in my mind as the words were so visual and realistic. The characters were real, raw, and holding on to faith in the midst of the storms of life. My heart was broken to read of their plights and rejoiced at their triumphs. I will never listen to crickets sing again without being reminded of this book. I especially loved Minnie’s diary and how it affected Celia. Move this one to the top of your must read list. Zephaniah 3:17
I was blessed to win a copy from Goodreads. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I was blessed to win a copy from Goodreads. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
April 27, 2022
Thanks #NetGalley @TyndaleHouse for a complimentary copy of #AHundredCricketsSinging upon my request. All opinions are my own.
In split timelines (1861 and 1944) and through two wars (Civil War and WW11) we hear the stories of two young women who lived on the same plantation and same house in No Creek, North Carolina (Appalachia) as they face the hardships of war and encounter unrelenting racism and prejudice. It’s through Celia’s discovery of a hidden journal in 1944 that we hear Minnie’s story from the Civil War days and cheer for Celia as she attempts to right a wrong.
I love both main characters, the connection between the two storylines, and the exploration of racism/prejudice between the two time periods. However, what I love the most is that each timeline is equally compelling and tension filled. So often in a dual timeline story, one timeline is more interesting and engaging than the other, or one is more dominant. But in A Hundred Crickets Singing, I loved each timeline and cast of characters and I didn’t mind the time hop in alternating chapters. This is a rare occurance for me and is what ultimately leads me to a five star rating. The entirely of the story from beginning to end through two time periods and two sets of characters is compelling. Each storyline is so well developed that it could easily be two separate books. To combine them is great story telling from my perspective!
Admittedly, there are a lot of characters to track! I had to be mindful of the chapter title at first which clearly denotes the time period. You might want to keep notes of characters at the beginning until you are fully acclimated in the story. I think if you have previously read Night Bird Calling, you will have more familarity with the characters (although this can be read as a stand alone). I admire both young women from each storyline for their endurance and determination and sense of justice. Both are realistically portrayed. First, Minnie (1861) as she assists her family and community in the operation of their part of the Underground Railroad. I also admire her faithful and descriptive journal entries and careful records which Celia will discover eighty years later in a secret, hidden, and sealed room. I also admire Celia (1944) and her determination to unravel a mystery from the past and make things right for one family. I appreciate her community efforts and vision for a better future. Both women are admirable in their ability to manuever through a minefield of political opinions and prejudices.
The author creates a strong sense of place in each time period through her vivid descriptions of rural, small town (small minded) North Carolina and the colorful cast of characters she places there.
I appreciate the thoughtful themes presented including friendship, family loyalty, righting a wrong, leadership in the community, the ongoing fight against racism and prejudice, holding onto faith, hardships of war, confronting injustice, and taking risks. Personally, I do appreciate when faith is presented as an authentic part of a character’s life and not in a preachy way.
“The persistent, conflicting voices of all those I love, spoken and not, are deafening–a hundred crickets shouting, screeching in my brain. The mounting tension is intolerable. Help us Lord!”
When I noticed that Cathy Gohlke was the author, having loved The Medallion, I knew I wanted to read A Hundred Crickets Singing. Although it’s a follow up to Night Bird Calling (which I haven’t yet read and am now eager to read), it can absolutely be read as a stand alone. I’m enthusiastically recommending Hundred Crickets for fans of well-written and well-researched histfic, for readers who love stories of inspirational women, and for those who appreciate important and heartfelt themes. Book clubs will definitely enjoy this for its rich discussion possibilities.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
In split timelines (1861 and 1944) and through two wars (Civil War and WW11) we hear the stories of two young women who lived on the same plantation and same house in No Creek, North Carolina (Appalachia) as they face the hardships of war and encounter unrelenting racism and prejudice. It’s through Celia’s discovery of a hidden journal in 1944 that we hear Minnie’s story from the Civil War days and cheer for Celia as she attempts to right a wrong.
I love both main characters, the connection between the two storylines, and the exploration of racism/prejudice between the two time periods. However, what I love the most is that each timeline is equally compelling and tension filled. So often in a dual timeline story, one timeline is more interesting and engaging than the other, or one is more dominant. But in A Hundred Crickets Singing, I loved each timeline and cast of characters and I didn’t mind the time hop in alternating chapters. This is a rare occurance for me and is what ultimately leads me to a five star rating. The entirely of the story from beginning to end through two time periods and two sets of characters is compelling. Each storyline is so well developed that it could easily be two separate books. To combine them is great story telling from my perspective!
Admittedly, there are a lot of characters to track! I had to be mindful of the chapter title at first which clearly denotes the time period. You might want to keep notes of characters at the beginning until you are fully acclimated in the story. I think if you have previously read Night Bird Calling, you will have more familarity with the characters (although this can be read as a stand alone). I admire both young women from each storyline for their endurance and determination and sense of justice. Both are realistically portrayed. First, Minnie (1861) as she assists her family and community in the operation of their part of the Underground Railroad. I also admire her faithful and descriptive journal entries and careful records which Celia will discover eighty years later in a secret, hidden, and sealed room. I also admire Celia (1944) and her determination to unravel a mystery from the past and make things right for one family. I appreciate her community efforts and vision for a better future. Both women are admirable in their ability to manuever through a minefield of political opinions and prejudices.
The author creates a strong sense of place in each time period through her vivid descriptions of rural, small town (small minded) North Carolina and the colorful cast of characters she places there.
I appreciate the thoughtful themes presented including friendship, family loyalty, righting a wrong, leadership in the community, the ongoing fight against racism and prejudice, holding onto faith, hardships of war, confronting injustice, and taking risks. Personally, I do appreciate when faith is presented as an authentic part of a character’s life and not in a preachy way.
“The persistent, conflicting voices of all those I love, spoken and not, are deafening–a hundred crickets shouting, screeching in my brain. The mounting tension is intolerable. Help us Lord!”
When I noticed that Cathy Gohlke was the author, having loved The Medallion, I knew I wanted to read A Hundred Crickets Singing. Although it’s a follow up to Night Bird Calling (which I haven’t yet read and am now eager to read), it can absolutely be read as a stand alone. I’m enthusiastically recommending Hundred Crickets for fans of well-written and well-researched histfic, for readers who love stories of inspirational women, and for those who appreciate important and heartfelt themes. Book clubs will definitely enjoy this for its rich discussion possibilities.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
September 18, 2022
Takes you back to two Historical times during the Civil War and WW2 it is like two books in one but the characters are connected.It is a very emotional story but beautifully written. A good read for anyone who enjoys Historicals.
March 16, 2022
Zephaniah 3:17
A dual timeline story told from both the point of view of the white and the black. This story spans the Civil War and WWII. It is told of families that lived in South Carolina in an estate called Belvidere Hall in the 1800's and Garden's Gate in the 1940's.
A story of human's their triumphs and their failures. A story of love and war and faith. During the civil war a family torn apart. Elliott the eldest son and the daughter Minnie as well as their father want to free their slaves and give them portions of land. Grayson the younger son is a staunch confederate even to the point of turning in his brother to the confederacy. This story is of the Belvidere family. The family, their slaves and the town of no creek , North Carolina.
In the 1940's during WWII the story is of Celia and Joe, Marshall and Ivy. The same town in North Carolina. The same home as in the civil war story. The town is still racial divided and prejudice is prominent especially in those that are descendants of the confederate sympathizers in the past. Celia and the Jewish doctor work together with the town to break down some of the prejudice and bring peace to the town between all races. The Italian soldier Joe, the black soldier Marshall, and the people of the town. It takes a tragic event to cause this to happen.
I think this was a wonderful story and it depicted the racial tension of the two periods in history. It was well written and the characters were perfect for their parts in the story. I enjoyed reading the history, the love stories, and the different feelings of people toward others.
It was a Christian story as the characters put their faith in God to lead them and to keep them safe during their battles both at home and on the battlefield. I enjoyed reading of their faith and the power in their prayers.
I did enjoy reading this book and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Cathy Gohlke for writing a wonderful story, to Tyndale House Publishers for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me.
A dual timeline story told from both the point of view of the white and the black. This story spans the Civil War and WWII. It is told of families that lived in South Carolina in an estate called Belvidere Hall in the 1800's and Garden's Gate in the 1940's.
A story of human's their triumphs and their failures. A story of love and war and faith. During the civil war a family torn apart. Elliott the eldest son and the daughter Minnie as well as their father want to free their slaves and give them portions of land. Grayson the younger son is a staunch confederate even to the point of turning in his brother to the confederacy. This story is of the Belvidere family. The family, their slaves and the town of no creek , North Carolina.
In the 1940's during WWII the story is of Celia and Joe, Marshall and Ivy. The same town in North Carolina. The same home as in the civil war story. The town is still racial divided and prejudice is prominent especially in those that are descendants of the confederate sympathizers in the past. Celia and the Jewish doctor work together with the town to break down some of the prejudice and bring peace to the town between all races. The Italian soldier Joe, the black soldier Marshall, and the people of the town. It takes a tragic event to cause this to happen.
I think this was a wonderful story and it depicted the racial tension of the two periods in history. It was well written and the characters were perfect for their parts in the story. I enjoyed reading the history, the love stories, and the different feelings of people toward others.
It was a Christian story as the characters put their faith in God to lead them and to keep them safe during their battles both at home and on the battlefield. I enjoyed reading of their faith and the power in their prayers.
I did enjoy reading this book and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Cathy Gohlke for writing a wonderful story, to Tyndale House Publishers for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me.
June 19, 2024
From Civil War days in the south to present day after WWII in the South. In a town called No Creek.
This was an emotional journey for the character in this story. It emphasized a great love for their neighbors and the bonds of family.
This was an emotional journey for the character in this story. It emphasized a great love for their neighbors and the bonds of family.
May 18, 2022
A great read! At first, I really struggled to keep up with the two different timelines, but I was able to get into the plot a little more than halfway into the book. I loved the main characters' plight, especially those of Celia, Joe, and Marshall. I would definitely recommend this book to those who like clean Christian fiction with a good plot and brilliantly written characters!
November 9, 2022
I loved meeting Miss Lill, Celia, and many of the folks of No Creek in 'Night Bird Calling', so to realise that this novel was a continuation of the story of No Creek, focusing on Celia, a new friend, Joe, and Miz Hyacinth's auntie was a joyful surprise.
I really enjoyed this book, though there were some really hard things to read about. The issues of racial tension were very prevalent, and the heartache of those trying to do better to bring the people of No Creek together was palpable.
I especially loved how each of the main characters was able to learn how to trust in God, and 'lean not unto [their] own understanding' in their quest.
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book, though there were some really hard things to read about. The issues of racial tension were very prevalent, and the heartache of those trying to do better to bring the people of No Creek together was palpable.
I especially loved how each of the main characters was able to learn how to trust in God, and 'lean not unto [their] own understanding' in their quest.
4.5 stars
October 14, 2025
This was the follow-up book to Night Bird Calling, and they really need to be read together, in order. This particular book both precedes and follows Night Bird Calling - it is a dual-timeline, multi-generational saga that extends from before the Civil War to after WWII. It explores questions of race especially, but also the ideas of men's and women's roles during that time period.
Lest that sound a bit dry, let me assure you it is exciting and beautiful, with well-drawn characters and a plot that is woven through both books, tying them together. It is a book of tremendous faith; faith that looks to the past and ahead to the future, even when the evidence is not seen. This was a fantastic book, and I can't wait to read more from this author!
Lest that sound a bit dry, let me assure you it is exciting and beautiful, with well-drawn characters and a plot that is woven through both books, tying them together. It is a book of tremendous faith; faith that looks to the past and ahead to the future, even when the evidence is not seen. This was a fantastic book, and I can't wait to read more from this author!
October 8, 2022
A 4 star Historical fiction
A dual time line story taking place in the Civil War and WW2. Two strong will women both fighting the unfair treatment Blacks during these times period. Can fight and win the war of the dark days in the south.
An interesting view of the trouble times in the south. Both times period shown both women doing what ever they can to fight and win the war of segregation. A interesting view of the times. Highly recommend it!!
A dual time line story taking place in the Civil War and WW2. Two strong will women both fighting the unfair treatment Blacks during these times period. Can fight and win the war of the dark days in the south.
An interesting view of the trouble times in the south. Both times period shown both women doing what ever they can to fight and win the war of segregation. A interesting view of the times. Highly recommend it!!
May 10, 2022
For some reason, it took me a little over 100 pages to really get into this dual timeline novel (WW2 and Civil War eras.) After I reached that point, something changed for me and I got connected to the characters and hooked on the story. I'm so glad I stuck with it because I ended up really enjoying the read. And if you like inspirational historical fiction, I bet you will too.
June 13, 2022
I really enjoyed this duel time book. Set in the Civil War and WWII. It addresses race issues in the south and puts you right in the heart of it. It’s such a heavy time in our history and i enjoy reading and learning more about it. When Celia finds a trunk in a secret room in the house she is staying in with her brother it is filled with all kinds of things from the 1860 during the civil war and could blow the roof off long held secrets!
November 17, 2022
1860s and 1940s North Carolina
Engaging time slip novel with race disparity at its core.
Engaging time slip novel with race disparity at its core.
February 20, 2022
Another beautifully written dual time story by Cathy Gohlke brings readers back to the small town of No Creek in the Carolinas.
Both stories take place during war, eighty years separating them: The Civil War and World War 2. Not much changes in the way of racial relations in the small isolated town. The underlying tension is palpable, and one grieves along with both heroines at the hatred exhibited toward others in their community. Two families battle against the evil (in the past and still in the 40s), though united, they stand apart. The stories almost feel impossible to resolve as layers are peeled back and the heroines fight the battles around them.
The Civil War storyline was dark and heavy. As I read Minnie’s journey and her fight to free her family’s slaves before they lost the war, I could almost feel her fear. And the fact that her own family unit was divided in the cause, created an interesting turn.
The Second World War storyline, though a bit lighter, still presented the same racial tension, though through the relationships of others and in different parts of the world.
As always, Cathy Gohlke provides a compelling narrative with thought-provoking passages.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Both stories take place during war, eighty years separating them: The Civil War and World War 2. Not much changes in the way of racial relations in the small isolated town. The underlying tension is palpable, and one grieves along with both heroines at the hatred exhibited toward others in their community. Two families battle against the evil (in the past and still in the 40s), though united, they stand apart. The stories almost feel impossible to resolve as layers are peeled back and the heroines fight the battles around them.
The Civil War storyline was dark and heavy. As I read Minnie’s journey and her fight to free her family’s slaves before they lost the war, I could almost feel her fear. And the fact that her own family unit was divided in the cause, created an interesting turn.
The Second World War storyline, though a bit lighter, still presented the same racial tension, though through the relationships of others and in different parts of the world.
As always, Cathy Gohlke provides a compelling narrative with thought-provoking passages.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 14, 2022
This author's story was sure powerful, engaging and will at times make you cry. Simply because of the cruelty that was portrayed throughout the book.
I love this author's stories immensely! She has done her research spot on and has developed a wonderful story.
I simply couldn't put it down!
Gohlke shows us that much hasn't changed between the human races.
She does a super job of bringing the story to life.
Celia and Minnie are two of my favorite characters. I loved their strength and endurance and stubbornness of course.
Those traits are what's going to get them through the hard times.
I was cheering them on the whole way through!
I loved the name of No Creek. It was definitely unusual considering.
I took my time in savoring this book because I didn't want it to end!
A book that is well worth the read. I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I love this author's stories immensely! She has done her research spot on and has developed a wonderful story.
I simply couldn't put it down!
Gohlke shows us that much hasn't changed between the human races.
She does a super job of bringing the story to life.
Celia and Minnie are two of my favorite characters. I loved their strength and endurance and stubbornness of course.
Those traits are what's going to get them through the hard times.
I was cheering them on the whole way through!
I loved the name of No Creek. It was definitely unusual considering.
I took my time in savoring this book because I didn't want it to end!
A book that is well worth the read. I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
September 21, 2022
Another fantastic book by a fantastic author
Cathy Gohlke has done it again-penned a story that will pull you in from the very beginning and leaving you breathless to the end. Filled with characters and a setting so real that you’ll want to visit them in No Creek, it’s a book you’re sure to live. The lessons it contains are ones we’d do well to listen to today.
Cathy Gohlke has done it again-penned a story that will pull you in from the very beginning and leaving you breathless to the end. Filled with characters and a setting so real that you’ll want to visit them in No Creek, it’s a book you’re sure to live. The lessons it contains are ones we’d do well to listen to today.
May 27, 2022
Return to No Creek, North Carolina, with Celia Percy as she comes of age in the segregated rural community, and unearths secrets held for generations that could pave a new way for the future.
Set in the same world as Night Bird Calling, this book can be read as a companion or as a standalone. The book follows Celia and Joe in the present day, while also telling the story of Minnie Belvidere a courageous young woman during the Civil War who fought for her family and the freedom of others.
A powerful read, with hard hitting themes, heartwarming, heartbreaking, gritty, and full of faith this book does a good job of showing the moral dilemmas in light of the human condition in the 1860s and 1940s. I loved how this book shows familiar faces like Celia and Marshall, Ruby, Miss Lill and her husband. I especially enjoyed learning more about the Belvideres and seeing their history all come together in the past and present through the strong women of faith who took up the causes of others.
Celia is a spirited young woman, passionate, with a big heart for others. She is young but growing into a wonderful woman inside and out, I liked her honesty and how she sticks up for her friends. I also really liked getting to know Joe, seeing his friendship with Marshall and how Marshall helps him to look deeper into things he had been avoiding. I admired Minnie so much, her strong faith even in the hopeless times.
Overall, this was a poignant read, tackling tough subjects with faith, and unforgettable characters. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Set in the same world as Night Bird Calling, this book can be read as a companion or as a standalone. The book follows Celia and Joe in the present day, while also telling the story of Minnie Belvidere a courageous young woman during the Civil War who fought for her family and the freedom of others.
A powerful read, with hard hitting themes, heartwarming, heartbreaking, gritty, and full of faith this book does a good job of showing the moral dilemmas in light of the human condition in the 1860s and 1940s. I loved how this book shows familiar faces like Celia and Marshall, Ruby, Miss Lill and her husband. I especially enjoyed learning more about the Belvideres and seeing their history all come together in the past and present through the strong women of faith who took up the causes of others.
Celia is a spirited young woman, passionate, with a big heart for others. She is young but growing into a wonderful woman inside and out, I liked her honesty and how she sticks up for her friends. I also really liked getting to know Joe, seeing his friendship with Marshall and how Marshall helps him to look deeper into things he had been avoiding. I admired Minnie so much, her strong faith even in the hopeless times.
Overall, this was a poignant read, tackling tough subjects with faith, and unforgettable characters. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 3, 2025
I just finished this book, and I hardly know where to begin in sharing my thoughts. What a powerful story - full of heartache, but with equal measures of healing and promise.
First, before reading A Hundred Crickets Singing, let me recommend that you start with the story immediately preceding this - Night Bird Calling. It helps to flesh out all the characters from the little town of No Creek, North Carolina. Celia, Marshall, Lilliana and more take center stage in the middle of World War 2, and they go on a journey back to the Civil War that none of them expected to take.
The hard parts of this story are not glossed over. There is incredible loss in both timelines because the reality is, war changes people as they take sides. Anyone on the opposing side is the enemy, and "truth" and "which side God is on" means different things to different people. But amidst all that heartache and division, healing is taking place in the lives of these characters as they work to repair decades of secrecy and attempt to make things right. It is no easy story to read, but it's worth every second. Once these characters take hold of your heart, you can't help but root for their success and happiness.
If you love layered, redemptive historical stories, I highly recommend A Hundred Crickets Singing.
**Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review. This is my honest opinion.
First, before reading A Hundred Crickets Singing, let me recommend that you start with the story immediately preceding this - Night Bird Calling. It helps to flesh out all the characters from the little town of No Creek, North Carolina. Celia, Marshall, Lilliana and more take center stage in the middle of World War 2, and they go on a journey back to the Civil War that none of them expected to take.
The hard parts of this story are not glossed over. There is incredible loss in both timelines because the reality is, war changes people as they take sides. Anyone on the opposing side is the enemy, and "truth" and "which side God is on" means different things to different people. But amidst all that heartache and division, healing is taking place in the lives of these characters as they work to repair decades of secrecy and attempt to make things right. It is no easy story to read, but it's worth every second. Once these characters take hold of your heart, you can't help but root for their success and happiness.
If you love layered, redemptive historical stories, I highly recommend A Hundred Crickets Singing.
**Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review. This is my honest opinion.
May 17, 2022
This is an interesting book set in two time periods on
The same estate and with the same families in No Creek North Carolina. The book is about love, loyalty and friendship in the face of racism and prejudice as it plays out during the American Civil war with the controversy of free slaves. Then during and after the Second World War where the same prejudice and racist attitudes in the US Army and in England impact the same families.
The same estate and with the same families in No Creek North Carolina. The book is about love, loyalty and friendship in the face of racism and prejudice as it plays out during the American Civil war with the controversy of free slaves. Then during and after the Second World War where the same prejudice and racist attitudes in the US Army and in England impact the same families.
January 4, 2023
I’m quickly becoming a Cathy Gohlke fan! I loved this story - I recommend reading Night Bird Calling before reading this one.
April 29, 2025
This book will stay with me for a long time. I thought nothing could top Night Bird Calling as my favorite Cathy Gohlke novel but I was wrong. I couldn’t put it down and am already loaning it out to someone. This series should be in everyone’s library.
April 7, 2023
#BookReviewFriday
#2023readingchallenge
#44Lifechangingdiscovery
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#44 Life Changing Discovery
Book: A Hundred Crickets Singing
Author: Cathy Gohlke
Narrator: Marguerite Gavin
Review: Another 5 star read! I’m truly blessed! This was just a great family saga, had me thinking why haven’t I read more like this?
I really enjoyed the pacing of this book. It’s a dual time line book, but both portions span several years, and two different wars which I thought was pretty cool. The 80 years gap between those two wars and seeing what is happening in each timeline, how things can change, but not fast enough was handled effortlessly. This book was simply beautiful in its approach, showing God’s abiding love and perfect timing. The amount of grace shown by the characters was subtle and interwoven in such a way it brought tears to my eyes. Hyacinth and Ruby Lynn are two minor characters, but the grace these two women showed rippled through an entire community, and I didn’t even see it coming.
I chose this book because I wanted to see a life changing discovery that would change more than just the main character. About half way through the book, I was thinking that this book might not fit the bill, because all though “The discovery” takes place fairly early on, it has no effect. It’s a slow burn. It happened the way it was meant to, when it became known it changed everything. The road getting there was beautiful, informative and showed God’s hand throughout. I appreciate the historical accuracy shown through the eyes of ordinary humans who lived it. There are no dramatic scenes of horror and brutality but a very honest take on the mindset of those who kept slaves and lost the war. In the more modern timeline, you see the affects of a small town and the army dealing with segregation. It was beautifully rendered and handled with grace, dignity and respect. Definitely a learning opportunity for those who are unfamiliar with the timeline from slavery to share cropping to segregation.
The way all these elements are woven in to the lives of the main characters Minerva, Cecelia and Joe was beautiful. We get Joe’s story of finding God on the beaches of Normandy and then finding a home and family, Cecelia’s story of growing up with a beautiful heart and open mind in a small town that puts race before everything, to their own detriment and Minerva’s story, a woman of dignity and grace who loves all people and stands up to the pressures of being a great lady in her day. Marshall, only seen through Joe’s and Cecilia’s POV, is the epitome of someone who leans on God and trust His timing through all the adversity stacked against him.
It was such a beautifully rendered tale with an outstanding cast of characters who relied fully on God but knew they were the tools for change.
I had one small gripe that drove me crazy, we can forgive but the way they kept forgetting how evil one of the main antagonist was frustrated me to no end!!
Overall. Highly highly recommend this book, this author and this narrator. This narrator was awesome, I’m ready to look for all of her books and give them a listen. She really brought the characters to life. It was like watching a movie, in fact this book would make a great movie.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/scriptl...
#2023readingchallenge
#44Lifechangingdiscovery
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#44 Life Changing Discovery
Book: A Hundred Crickets Singing
Author: Cathy Gohlke
Narrator: Marguerite Gavin
Review: Another 5 star read! I’m truly blessed! This was just a great family saga, had me thinking why haven’t I read more like this?
I really enjoyed the pacing of this book. It’s a dual time line book, but both portions span several years, and two different wars which I thought was pretty cool. The 80 years gap between those two wars and seeing what is happening in each timeline, how things can change, but not fast enough was handled effortlessly. This book was simply beautiful in its approach, showing God’s abiding love and perfect timing. The amount of grace shown by the characters was subtle and interwoven in such a way it brought tears to my eyes. Hyacinth and Ruby Lynn are two minor characters, but the grace these two women showed rippled through an entire community, and I didn’t even see it coming.
I chose this book because I wanted to see a life changing discovery that would change more than just the main character. About half way through the book, I was thinking that this book might not fit the bill, because all though “The discovery” takes place fairly early on, it has no effect. It’s a slow burn. It happened the way it was meant to, when it became known it changed everything. The road getting there was beautiful, informative and showed God’s hand throughout. I appreciate the historical accuracy shown through the eyes of ordinary humans who lived it. There are no dramatic scenes of horror and brutality but a very honest take on the mindset of those who kept slaves and lost the war. In the more modern timeline, you see the affects of a small town and the army dealing with segregation. It was beautifully rendered and handled with grace, dignity and respect. Definitely a learning opportunity for those who are unfamiliar with the timeline from slavery to share cropping to segregation.
The way all these elements are woven in to the lives of the main characters Minerva, Cecelia and Joe was beautiful. We get Joe’s story of finding God on the beaches of Normandy and then finding a home and family, Cecelia’s story of growing up with a beautiful heart and open mind in a small town that puts race before everything, to their own detriment and Minerva’s story, a woman of dignity and grace who loves all people and stands up to the pressures of being a great lady in her day. Marshall, only seen through Joe’s and Cecilia’s POV, is the epitome of someone who leans on God and trust His timing through all the adversity stacked against him.
It was such a beautifully rendered tale with an outstanding cast of characters who relied fully on God but knew they were the tools for change.
I had one small gripe that drove me crazy, we can forgive but the way they kept forgetting how evil one of the main antagonist was frustrated me to no end!!
Overall. Highly highly recommend this book, this author and this narrator. This narrator was awesome, I’m ready to look for all of her books and give them a listen. She really brought the characters to life. It was like watching a movie, in fact this book would make a great movie.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/scriptl...
August 1, 2025
4.25 Stars
Completed: May 15/25
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrator: Marguerite Gavin - fantastic and emotive!
Challenge Prompt: CNL's #5 of 50 — “with a red cover” — the female has red clothing
Book #61 of 2025: Though it's not called a series, this novel covers the time period well before and then shortly after Night Bird Calling -- 1861 and 1944. The character of Celia is a strong commonality between NBC and the later time period of this book. The same narrator is used for both stories and she does an absolutely stellar job.
I enjoyed going back to No Creek and learning the stories from before and after the time of the Night Bird Calling novel. Perhaps I missed some things (?) but I had a hard time keeping everyone straight in this novel. I'm still a little confused about some stuff. I felt like I spent a fair amount of time trying to piece things together as I was listening. It's been quite a while since I listened to the other book but I felt that I remembered it well. Even still, I enjoyed this novel greatly.
However, because it's Cathy Gohlke, she immerses me in her writing and causes me to think and reflect. She writes so powerfully and weaves a story in a spectacular way. She has this ability to personalize history and make you feel you are living it yourself, even though it's fiction.
The author has a great ability to tap into strengths and weaknesses of the characters. There are so many layers and stories within stories. I love books that impact me and cause me to think of them long after they are read.
Completed: May 15/25
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrator: Marguerite Gavin - fantastic and emotive!
Challenge Prompt: CNL's #5 of 50 — “with a red cover” — the female has red clothing
Book #61 of 2025: Though it's not called a series, this novel covers the time period well before and then shortly after Night Bird Calling -- 1861 and 1944. The character of Celia is a strong commonality between NBC and the later time period of this book. The same narrator is used for both stories and she does an absolutely stellar job.
I enjoyed going back to No Creek and learning the stories from before and after the time of the Night Bird Calling novel. Perhaps I missed some things (?) but I had a hard time keeping everyone straight in this novel. I'm still a little confused about some stuff. I felt like I spent a fair amount of time trying to piece things together as I was listening. It's been quite a while since I listened to the other book but I felt that I remembered it well. Even still, I enjoyed this novel greatly.
However, because it's Cathy Gohlke, she immerses me in her writing and causes me to think and reflect. She writes so powerfully and weaves a story in a spectacular way. She has this ability to personalize history and make you feel you are living it yourself, even though it's fiction.
The author has a great ability to tap into strengths and weaknesses of the characters. There are so many layers and stories within stories. I love books that impact me and cause me to think of them long after they are read.
November 11, 2022
I was enjoying the book until it started to feel like I was listening to the WOKE liberal news media. For the last two years we've been told the narrative of how our country is systemically racist and we haven't gotten past our past sins of slavery. I don't believe this is true about America. We have come a long way and the "racial injustice" of 2022 that is being blown up lately is a political ploy from the left to get more votes and political power. I was disappointed that Cathy Gohlke seems to have joined this bandwagon. I stopped reading halfway through.
February 28, 2023
I could write an essay about all the reasons I don't like this book, and maybe I should to save other people some time, but I'll keep it simple. It's rambling, it takes forever for anything to happen, the characters are all 2-dimensional. Characters we're supposed to like don't have any flaws, and characters we're not supposed to like have no good qualities. All the moral issues discussed in the story have absolutely no nuance. It's frustrating because the concept was so interesting, but the execution just isn't there. Reading this book felt like a chore.
April 20, 2023
DNF - it could be I didn’t like the narrator’s voice. It was a pitch that is harder for me to hear. Not a fan of the 2 different time period telling. 1.75 & 2.0 speed didn’t make a difference in listening to narrator.
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