Buy new:
$35.55
FREE delivery Wednesday, May 15
Ships from: Amazon
Sold by: N and A Book Distribution
$35.55
FREE Returns
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$35.55 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$35.55
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon
Ships from
Amazon
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$7.29
Book shows minimal signs of wear. Book shows minimal signs of wear. See less
FREE delivery May 15 - 16. Details
Or fastest delivery May 9 - 13. Details
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$35.55 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$35.55
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Ships from and sold by Every Little Thing Resale.
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Cathy Gohlke
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Night Bird Calling Hardcover – January 5, 2021

by Cathy Gohlke (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,199 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$35.55","priceAmount":35.55,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"35","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"55","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"cCN%2B3PiNPSNBwkWfhDto9W6s0LYpEsg%2FOlXusLczxaxF7U0087FCctZbVcTmxG3PRzTMlqHX%2BdSGk8tBS3PqkEKy22YaPrRToS2lD6qulr%2B5sKK6U26rY9TnM6Vp11%2Busbk47MOt9kGoSCTna6WP%2B3xBfMgtanWBSav9O5vv8wYJVTqNyrNCaJoYQRQo7FNy","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$7.29","priceAmount":7.29,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"7","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"29","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"cCN%2B3PiNPSNBwkWfhDto9W6s0LYpEsg%2FnSbArtnEWY0SEqaRm7ekcjg%2BKUtPcNGj0HTE%2Br99F9BpglDBvmPc%2BRaEnOno7WjBVuzn%2Fm6okqljHeZG%2Bo78LgdrVgK6x2OA6rkmSWNQ6SXHJboWkA0l8e%2Bzgc4wcY21xArXhONwXoCsXfKuSj1%2F4vSluTy1GoFE","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

From award-winning author Cathy Gohlke, whose novels have been called “haunting” (Library Journal on Saving Amelie) and “page-turning” (Francine Rivers on Secrets She Kept), comes a historical fiction story of courage and transformation set in rural Appalachia on the eve of WWII.

When Lilliana Swope’s beloved mother dies, Lilliana gathers her last ounce of courage and flees her abusive husband for the home of her only living relative in the foothills of No Creek, North Carolina. Though Hyacinth Belvidere hasn’t seen Lilliana since she was five, she offers her cherished great-niece a safe harbor. Their joyful reunion inspires plans to revive Aunt Hyacinth’s estate and open a public library where everyone is welcome, no matter the color of their skin.

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

With war brewing for the nation and for her newfound community, Lilliana must overcome a hard truth voiced by her young friend Celia: Wishing comes easy. Change don’t.
Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Print length
    448 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Tyndale House Publishers
  4. Publication date
    January 5, 2021
  5. Dimensions
    5.7 x 1.3 x 8.4 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1496429710
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1496429711
  8. See all details
Next page
The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

From the Publisher

night bird calling cathy gohlke

night bird calling booklist endorsement

publishers weekly endorsement night bird calling cathy gohlke

foreword reviews cathy goelke endorsement

discover more cathy gohlke
cathy gohlke
cathy gohlke the medallion cathy gohlke until we find home cathy gohlke saving amelie cathy gohlke secrets she kept cathy gohlke
Customer Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
268
4.8 out of 5 stars
553
4.6 out of 5 stars
477
4.6 out of 5 stars
1,165
4.5 out of 5 stars
1,109
Price $11.49 $11.49 $11.49 $11.49 $14.49

Editorial Reviews

Review

Cathy Gohlke examines spousal abuse and restored faith in Night Bird Calling, an engrossing novel about a woman’s flight to rural Appalachia. . . . Night Bird Calling is a sumptuous, textured ode to small-town relationships. For all of their intricate secrets and sins, No Creek and its battlegrounds yield to become a beautiful refuge. -- Foreword Reviews

Gohlke (Secrets She Kept) delivers a gripping story about the trauma of domestic and church abuse set in 1941 Appalachia. . . . Gohlke creates a cast readers will love, and the strong themes of the bonds of family forged outside one’s kin resonate. The author’s fans will love this. -- Publishers Weekly

Gohlke’s efforts to address real-life issues and the evils of racism is laudable and shows religious truths in this Christian historical-fiction novel. Night Bird Calling also interlaces themes of redemption, friendship, and grace, and its depiction of a small southern town is reminiscent of writings by Lisa Wingate. -- Booklist

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tyndale House Publishers (January 5, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 448 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496429710
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496429711
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.16 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.7 x 1.3 x 8.4 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,199 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Cathy Gohlke

Cathy Gohlke

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Bestselling, 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 A Hundred Crickets Singing, Night Bird Calling, The Medallion (winner of the 2020 Christy Award), Until We Find Home, Secrets She Kept (winner of the 2016 Christy, Carol and INSPY Awards), Saving Amelie (winner of the 2015 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 (listed by Library Journal as one of the best books of 2008 and winner of the 2008 Christy and American Christian Fiction Writers Award) and William Henry is a Fine Name (winner of the 2007 Christy Award).

When not traveling to historic sites for research, she and her husband, Dan, divide their time between Northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore, enjoying time with their grown children and grandchildren. Visit her website at www.cathygohlke.com, and find her on Facebook at CathyGohlkeBooks; on Bookbub (@ CathyGohlke); and on YouTube, where you can subscribe to Book Gems with Cathy Gohlke for short videos of book recommendations.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
1,199 global ratings
I love this book!!!
5 Stars
I love this book!!!
Night Bird Calling was so good!!! I love the characters and the storyline is intense and then heartwarming and back to intense again. I enjoyed the inclusion of My Utmost for His Highest in the story. I am so happy that a book is coming out next year that will continue the stories of these wonderful characters that feel like family.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Izzygirl
5.0 out of 5 stars So Good!
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2024
Verified Purchase
I love this author. Cathy Gohlke is a wonderful writer. Her characters are so real and so beloved. She is an amazing story teller. This book is both heartbreaking and heart warming.
Helpful
 Report
Deborah Anne
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely & Heartfelt !!
Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2024
Verified Purchase
This Author Cathy Gohike has a Lovely way with words . Her Character's are very real to believe there hurt you feel it , cry , laugh , crave there love for each other. Lilliana wanted love from her Father but got Abuse & was Sold to a Old Narcissist pig of a man . Pastor Jesse , Oh how I wish men like that really exist. If they did not in USA !!! I love this book!!!!
Helpful
 Report
Stephanie McCall
4.0 out of 5 stars A Book Full of Night, But With a Beautiful Song
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2021
Verified Purchase
Cathy Gohlke's latest captivated me right away, as I rooted for the freedom of protagonist Lillianna Grace. But what makes this novel so great is, it so expertly ties together the stories and needed freedoms of not only Lilianna but other characters. I rarely see an author who can make such a big cast as the one in Night Bird Calling memorable. The fact that Cathy did, and with such a timely novel, impressed me.

One of my favorite parts was the presence of so many strong, multifaceted women, and how their arcs spoke to the experiences and journeys of women in the past and present. Lilianna, for instance, is an abuse survivor but I wouldn't call her an abuse victim. Victims are helpless. Victims accept what is as something that won't change. Lilianna is terrified, as anyone would be, but she doesn't roll over. She needs confidence and assistance from women like Aunt Hyacinth, Gladys, and Granny Chree, but they don't just hold her hand. They become part of her community, part of the niche she carves for herself. And once she finds love and acceptance, she holds on for dear life, consequences be darned. That's major guts and I loved her for them, plus the honest portrayal of what a frightening yet realistic marriage and childhood she'd endured.

The other women are much the same; I loved them for their depth and diverse presences in the story. Aunt Hyacinth is the kind of woman I want to be when I become elderly, the kind who offers knowledge, love, and spiritual and material fulfillment to anyone who needs her. I'd love to be Granny Chree, too, although I'm unsure I could ever have her herbal knowledge or spiritual foresight. That said, her foresight is something I pray God would give me. Gladys Percy, too, made me smile and laugh or cheer by turns. She's the quintessential "Southern mama," and the way she related to and tried her best to protect her kids reminded me of my own mom.

As for Celia Percy...well, no other way to say it, she's my mini-me. I was this kid at eleven, if not quite so extroverted or eager to put feet to grand imagined plans. Cathy asks in a discussion question if readers admired Celia or found her frustrating. Well, I'm firmly in the admiration camp. Her spunk and bravery, especially at the climax, were both inspiring and unexpected, in that most Christian authors these days don't give kid characters the roles Celia found herself in. Nor do most kid characters get the chance to act as catalysts for real and lasting change on any level, so bravo to Cathy for that alone.

I also want to give Cathy points for including so much diversity in one book. Now, when I say "diversity," I don't necessarily mean race and religion, although those are factors. The Tates, Dr. Vishnevsky, Granny Chree, and others are real characters and representations of real people, not just WASPs with darker skin or a Jewish label. But by "diversity," I also mean, tackling the diverse happenings of WWII. Most people see a World War II novel and they think, "Hitler's Europe," which Cathy touches on and with which I think she did a good job. But having grown up in Appalachia, having heard some real stories, I commend her for focusing mainly on Appalachian culture, struggles with racism and ethnocentrism, poverty, moonshine, and so forth. Everything from Garden's Gate to Shady Grove Baptist felt real to me, and in a way, like home, without being corny.

I did note that Night Bird Calling has some darkness, and like life, it can be a dark book. But "life" is the key word. Whether dealing with spousal and spiritual abuse, the Klan, or something in between, Cathy writes in a raw way, but never stays stuck in the darkness. She always allows hope to come through in one way or another, even for the villains, and sometimes in understated, unexpected ways.

For instance, I downright hated Gerald Swope and Ida Mae in particular for most of the novel. I also had trouble stomaching the Wishon brothers and even Celia's daddy. But I loved the way the story ended for all of them, and how Cathy presented the message of forgiveness without tying everything up in pretty bows. Sometimes the perpetrator will never say they're sorry. Sometimes you have to let them go. Sometimes circumstances improve and sometimes they don't. But I think Cathy successfully got across what other authors only try to--forgiveness is mostly about healing, for the wronged and the one who did wrong.

There are a few tiny weak points that push this book into 4.5-4.75 territory. One is Lilianna's marriage and Gerald. Not that I wanted to see more of that guy, but it felt odd for him to disappear for reams of pages, after threatening to have Lilianna committed (committed, for goodness' sake), and shunned forever. Because Gerald was so despicable and determined, I didn't quite buy that having him show up one last time, and having Lilianna send her dad a letter, would completely resolve things.

I also wanted to see more of some elements, like the library and Ruby Lynne's tutoring, and more of Ruby Lynne in general. She's a strong and memorable woman too, but since her character was kind of built around abuse and pregnancy, I felt like I didn't get to see enough of her intelligence and "spark." I wanted more, especially when it came to her interactions with the other Garden's Gate women. And, this is just a personal preference, but I did wonder if the book would've worked as a split time novel.

Overall then, Night Bird Calling is a wonderful book and well worth the read. As the country continues struggling with racism and other prejudices, and how those have been systemic even if we didn't know it, I'd say Night Bird Calling is a necessary book. Read it, particularly if you can identify with the plight of a character but even, and maybe especially, if not. I can guarantee you'll be glad you did.
20 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Ashley Sammons
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful story!!
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2024
Verified Purchase
Sooo good. I loved that Scripture and Devotionals from Oswald Chambers were seamlessly incorporated into three story. I loved every character, and the book ended nicely. I want to see this book made into a movie!!!
Helpful
 Report
Lorie
5.0 out of 5 stars so good!
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2024
Verified Purchase
I loved this book! So much to rediscover about God’s love and our understanding or lack of that understanding. Great story of real life!
Helpful
 Report
D. Troutman
5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Read
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2022
Verified Purchase
This book has wonderful characters. It was surprising to me to realize half way through the book who the dominate character is in this book, a coming of age child who, like so many, has big responsibilities on her small shoulders. This takes place in the South at the beginning of World War II. Today is Martin Luther King holiday as I write this. Young people have no real idea of the prejudice black people endured during this era. This would be an awesome read for them, not to make them mad, but to realize how people like Martin Luther King stood up for their rights to be treated respectfully and fairly, and to realize they have an open door to have any job, any training, live any where they choose. I’m not saying that life is perfect for any of us, or that prejudice doesn’t exist, but when you read a book like this, it truly opens your eyes.
This story has a multitude of story lines going, some pretty heavy stuff, but the main characters had a love and concern for all people and had to face their fears and stand up for what was right. I too have been a victim of domestic abuse and many of the thoughts written here resonated with me. No, maybe others might think that my life isn’t all that great, but to me, to be free from the terror, to live as I choose to, is so freeing and is a great blessing. I too had to “fight” against the feelings that God hates divorce, my own feelings, and that of the church and other Christians. I had to get professional counseling to help me through the feeling that I was worthless. I am NOT worthless and God directed my steps to release me from my abusive marriage and give me true joy and peace found only in the Lord Jesus Christ. I’m so grateful for the life I have now.
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Saharra
5.0 out of 5 stars Not an easy read, but so worth it!
Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2022
Verified Purchase
I’m sitting here, stunned, after reading this book straight through in one sitting, trying to find words to communicate its magnificence. I’ve actually had it sitting on my shelves since it released, and knew when I preordered that it’d be excellent. But never never did I imagine the way it spoke to the deepest parts of my soul, or the way God reached through its lines and pages with the balm of Gilead for the scarred tissue of my heart. The writing is lovely, the story riveting, and populated with characters I suspect will linger long in my thoughts. But it’s also so deep, so raw, and so REAL. It’s not an easy read, not by a long shot. It deals with evil, awful things - abuse, rape, addiction, the KKK. But Gohlke exposes the harsh, ugly reality of human depravity with a tenderness and compassion that wrecked me, in the best sort of way. I felt every possible emotion as I moved through the pages. This book is medicinal soul food; it simultaneously cleaned me out left me full up to the brim. I can’t recommend it enough.
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed Night Bird calling
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2024
Verified Purchase
I liked the book being told by an 11 year old girl, her views, opinions and how brave she was.
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Kay Pat
4.0 out of 5 stars Another great book from Cathy Gohlke
Reviewed in Australia on December 7, 2021
Verified Purchase
This was a very readable book with likeable characters and it kept me wanting to see what happens next. Although it dealt with difficult subjects it was not a dark book to read. It was different from other books I've read by this author which have centred on war time Europe but was just as good.
Report