Family Feuds Effect Generations…



Sarah Loudin Thomas has written a novel full of people who carry issues that can destroy people if they don’t allow God to change them and their hearts. 



The characters were well developed and the story will draw you in and keep you reading. 



Audiobook: Narrated by Leah Horowitz
Leah Horowitz will draw you deeper into the book. She does not distract from the story and made this book easy to listen to.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

This was an amazing story of how God should shape your life and not let revenge take a hold on you.

You won’t want to miss this historical Christian fiction book.

Sarah Loudin Thomas does a fantastic job of being an excellent storyteller in this book.
Thomas builds the plot at a good pace while developing the characters so that the reader feels nothing is lacking!
I can’t wait for her next book!

An intriguing story based loosely on the story of Jonah.
Colman is sent to preach to the McLeans, the clan that his family has a longstanding feud with.
The resulting events are fascinating to read about.
I enjoyed the Biblical parallels. I also found the characters refreshing.
Ivy especially blessed me.
Thought provoking with lessons on forgiveness and love.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

When Silence Sings by Sarah Loudin Thomas is a powerful Christian historical novel set in 1930. Some details are factual, around which the author has woven her story.
The main focus of the novel is an ancient feud, sparked by jealousy of the gifts from God. It is Old Testament stuff – an eye for an eye but Jesus shows us a new way, He calls us to love our enemies and to forgive. “God loves everyone – no matter how wrong we might think they are.” It does not matter what we think of people, each one is a child of God.
The feud is fuelled by anger. We need to let our anger go. When we cannot do this in our strength, we must ask God for help. “It was going to take long hours on his knees to let this anger go.”
God asks that we are obedient to His calling. At its core, the novel has the Jonah theme. Sometimes God has to bring us to our knees before we obey Him. Far better to respond when we first heart His voice.
God uses a child to soften a heart of stone. Fences around a heart meant to protect, have imprisoned instead.
Jesus used parables to teach lessons. People will learn far more through stories than when we bash them with our Bibles. We need to live and love like Jesus.
Trust is a major theme. It requires little trust when we can see in the light. Trusting in the dark is a whole new level. “When you can’t trust anyone else, trust God.”
God looks at our hearts. Within the novel there is prejudice against skin colour – one is too dark, another too light. We need to look beyond the surface to see the heart that beats beneath.
When Silence Sings was a wonderful and powerful read. It was beautiful to witness hearts turning to God.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

This was an interesting story. I wasn't expecting the story-line to go the way it did. This story is a bit of a wild west family feud. It pits the Harpe family against the McLeans. The feuding goes way back and no one has thought to strop it tile Colman. I love Colman, he's the sort of character you can't help but love. He's awkward, funny, caring, and sometimes charming. He's also a preacher from the Harpe family who goes into the McLean territory to "bring the word of God to them". Ivy is very interesting and I love her gently strength. She is not from either family but thought to be a decedent from "Moon people". This story is not all that it seems. The twist and turns it took kept me reading it til the early hours of the morning. If you are looking for a great fiction with a wild west supernatural twist then this is a book for you! Happy reading my friends!

I got this book after loving one of Sarah Loudin Thomas' other books and I was enthralled by When Silence Sings.

I only disagree with the ... blessings that the characters had, I don't really agree with it. Aside from that, I loved the book, the feud, the story like Jonah's, and the romance all made When Silence Sings into an ideal read for historical fiction lovers.

This is an interesting and engaging book, right to the end. Step into an Appalachian feud, just like the Hatfield and McCoys, only it's the Harpe and McLean families. They've been in a feud for many years, some don't even know why. Colman Harpe will go through an experience both like Jonah and the Whale and Joseph when he resists God's call. Lots of bible lessons throughout, all good and well applied. Coleman is a preacher, and as good as he thinks he is, he still finds it hard to tolerate a McLean, especially after one just killed his cousin. But he's called to bring the McClean clan to God. Serepta is the head of her clan, and she's tough as nails. There's bootlegging, theft, kidnapping beatings and murders in this story. Just about everything you can think of. It's so well written you can't help but wish salvation and the best for each of them. In fact the characters are so real I caught myself starting to tell my husband something about a character one day (!)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#WhenSilenceSings #NetGalley

When Silence Sings
A Novel
by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Bethany House


Bethany House Publishers
Christian

Pub Date 05 Nov 2019


I am reviewing a copy of When Silence Things through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:


In the Appalachian town of Thurman, West Virgina, Colman Harpe works for the C&O. What Colman Harpe really wants is to be a preacher and lead his own congregation though. When his cousin is gunned down by a member of the rival McLean Clan, and the clan matriarch Serepta Mclean, taunts him by coming to his tent revival in their area Colman Harpe chooses peace over the act of seeking revenge, which the rest of his family has chosen.






Colman who has exceptionally good hearing is shocked when he hears the Lord tell him he needs to preach to the McLeans. He decides to run away, but fails miserably and ends up getting sick in the last place he wants to be Mclean Territory. Ivy Gordon a herbalist who has been made an outcast because of her birthmark nurses him back to health. The problem is his work is hindered by Serepta’s iron grip on the region, as well as his uncle’s desire to break that grip. Colman soon discovers the bad guys aren’t always the ones you think they are.






If you are looking for a book that has a historical setting as well as intrigue, and we,l developed characters, a book that will leave you turning the pages from the first page to the last I highly recommend When Silence Things.



I give When Silence Things five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Believing he has been called as a pastor, Colman Harpe yearns to get to work. Without a church, he keeps his job with the C&O railroad. He's also part of the Harpe family which has been feuding with the McLeans for so long that folks don't really remember why. Matriarch Serepta McLean rules with an iron fist, sending a threatening letter to the Harpes on the murder of a Harpe by a McLean. It was heartless and spurs the feud deeper.
Colman sets himself apart as much as he can, to the disgust of his uncle Webb. Webb is as nasty and mean as Serepta.
God, though, can work through we mere humans. Colman has a Jonah experience which confirms that God is indeed putting him to work. I enjoyed this book for the story, the setting and the outcome.

When Silence Sings by Sarah Loudin Thomas
I loved so many things about this book: its setting, characters, plot, and writing. Being a West Virginia girl, I enjoyed the story taking place in some historic towns in West Virginia, not too far from where I grew up. The author admits to bending history a little to fit her story, but I think it is fascinating to read about a place near to your heart.
The characters were complex, intriguing and well-written. I loved that they grew and changed within the pages of the novel. My favorite was Ivy, or maybe it was Coleman or Serepta. They were all so interesting.
The plot was like taking a meandering stroll through a forest. The path led the reader on, but you never knew what vista you might stumble upon. There were some surprises, and one disappointment to me: Charlie. I missed his presence in the story. I found myself hoping that a sequel will follow and allow Charlie to re-enter the lives of the characters.
The writing was vaguely reminiscent of some of Billy Coffey’s southern fiction that has a pinch of the supernatural in it. I was always weighing the events to see if they could be “real” or not.
This book grabbed my interest for all the reasons I mentioned above. I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy historical fiction or southern fiction. I am grateful to the publisher for a complimentary copy in return for this, my honest review.

Although there is a bit of a love story woven in, this book is strictly historical fiction (not historical romance). There’s mystery, adventure, faith, and of course a feud to rival any other.

This story is a bit of a play on the story of Jonah. Okay, not a bit. ExceptWhen Silence Sings set in West Virginia in the 1930s, there were many parallels. Namely how Colman Harpe had a direct call from God to preach to the McLean clan. But the Harpes and McLeans had been feuding basically forever… even to the death at times.

As a Harpe, he believed the McLeans were sinners undeserving of his message—much like Jonah. And no, it wasn’t a fish that swallowed him, but Thomas found another way to entrap Colman as he fought his call.

I think the most precious part of this story was the orphan girl Serepta McLean rescues. I have to be honest, I was not keen on Serepta mothering the child. And in the end… well… that would be a spoiler wouldn’t it? I’ll have to leave you to make your own opinion.

The most complex was Serepta herself. I applaud Thomas on her character development with this very human, very lost, very broken woman. A woman who craved power, but in truth was far more vulnerable than even she could have ever thought.

And Ivy. Ivy was a very interesting character, very loving. She gave of her kindness freely even though it was often returned with mockery. Even fear.

Sometimes I read a book and think ‘what a touching story’, or ‘wow the descriptions were incredible’. With this story it was the characters and how well they were brought to life. And their desperate need of Christ. Since Colman was on an Evangelistic mission, I would say that Sarah Loudin Thomas succeeded in her own mission in telling this story.

I give When Silence Sings 4 stars and recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and women’s contemporary fiction.

I’m always on the lookout for quality fiction set in the Appalachians, and Sarah Loudin Thomas is an author I can count on to deliver just that. In this novel, she takes the story of Jonah and turns it on its head. She spins a tale, very similar to what Colman does, that is very familiar Biblically, but feels like it could be taking place in your community.
There isn’t a single character in this book that is truly good. Each of them has their flaws, some are large and on display for all to see, while some are the hidden sins of a self-centered heart. I so appreciated that, though, because there isn’t a one of us who can’t identify. Who can’t push aside self-deception and see that we could very easily be Jonahs as well?
Yet, each of these characters also are very sympathetic. Even Serepta. And how Sarah brings it all to a close is so beautiful. In all, I truly enjoyed this book and would heartily recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

The story of Jonah retold in 1930's Appalachia.



Coleman Harpe has always had exceptional hearing, he puts his skills to use working for the railroad, but he has a heart for preaching. His family has long been embroiled in a feud with the McLeans, who shot his cousin. So when he hears God tell him to go preach to the McLeans, it is the last thing that he wants to do. But when he tries to escape his calling, it only take him closer to the heart of the McLean lair.



A mountain tale of feuding families,faith amidst the superstition and crime, that runs rampant. The story follows main characters from both clans, showing their strengths, conflicts, tender moments and struggles.



Slow to start, it took awhile to get to the characters and the lay of the land, but after that it picks up and keeps pace. I really liked the Gordon family and how they stay just barely a part of the McLean operations, yet have enough standing to stand their ground. I liked how this book showed good and bad in boths sides, as well as showing the saving power of the Gospel. An enjoyable read, with many striking characters, and a memorable plot.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Sarah Loudin Thomas writes Appalachia, especially Depression Era Appalachia. Her newest offering, When Silence Sings, brings Jonah, Jesus, and the Hatfields and McCoys to life in ways that were never expected.

Colman Harpe hears things most other people cannot. When he hears a voice telling him to preach to the McLeans, his first thought is to go the other way. One of the McLeans shot his cousin, Caleb, in the back over a card game. It's just one more volley in the feud between the Harpes and McLeans.

There is a power struggle between Webb Harpe and Serepta McLean, the leaders of the two families. Webb wants Serepta's bootlegging operation and Serepta wants nothing more than power and wealth. The demise of Serepta's hold on her family begins when both of her sons steal her liquor from her and one of them ends up dead. Colman has been preaching to the family in a brush arbor meeting, but he still feels the burden to talk to Serepta.

I have deeply appreciated every book that Sarah has written. She writes with a depth often not seen in many books of this genre. She knows her setting well, and researches the history of the area to make her plots realistic. Her characters are not only believable, but reach to the emotions of the readers, whether with love or dislike.

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a song in the silence.

My thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley.com for providing the galley I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A powerful story about the end of a decades long family feud.

Thomas has a knack for writing characters with unique spiritual gifts. Colman's is his hearing. Ivy's is healing.

My favorite character in this book though was the adorable orphan child.

As always this Thomas book was full of beautiful historical insight. Her research sets her apart from other authors.

I really liked the parallels to Jonah in this book. I also really appreciated the overarching theme of forgiveness. It was amazing to see the Lord work through Coleman in this book to reach so many people. I love how gifted he was with preaching even if he didn't think he was.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.

When Silence Sings by Sarah Loudin Thomas was a pretty good read. I liked it and will give it four stars.

Sometimes God does His best work with unwilling tools. I think He does it to prove it's Him and not us.

In the 1930's in the hills of Virginia there were two feuding families - the McLeans and the Harpe's. No one knows for sure what started the feud but it became about power over the other. When a son of the Harpe' clan is killed, Coleman Harpe hears the voice of God. He has that gift of hearing well. But like Jonah, he was not a man of violence but he was not willing to share the gospel to the McLeans. And instead of a being thrown from a ship as Jonah, Coleman was thrown from a train in a freak storm and ended in dark cave. It is there that he knew God had a special purpose of him and begin to work in his heart. He always wanted to be a preacher but only wanted to share the good news to those that deserved it. God had called him to share the his love and salvation with Serepta McLean.

Serepta has always struggled in life. Left alone to raise two boys that are now men, she has never been able to trust any man. The closest she has come to trusting is her "man" Charlie. Secretly, they have affections for each other but the culture does not take to kindly to mixed races. Serepta runs an illegal bootlegging gig and being powerful she has no time to let down her guard until she witnesses the death of a family that leaves a 4 year old girl orphaned.


God uses circumstances and people to bring the Harpe's and the McLeans to a climax that is nothing but a hallelujah party. Reading this account, prejudice has no room for the gospel, but there is room at the table for those that are broken. The brokenness always brings beauty when the Gospel is shared. The loudest voice can be the silence of God. Highly recommend this one!

A Special Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

Have you ever looked at pictures from the Great Depression era? You know that feeling, that sense of melancholy you get? Almost a stillness, a solemn view of life, and a sense of resignation with just a tinge of hope. Sarah Loudin Thomas takes these same emotions and turns them into prose in a poignant manner in When Silence Sings.

This amazing story pulled me right into the mountains of West Virginia amid a feud that started a century earlier. Where folks lived in conditions we would be appalled at and yet thought nothing of it. Where poverty was so much a part of life it wasn’t even a thing.

The speech of the characters and the narration were rich with the idiosyncrasies and colorful flavor of Appalachian families without feeling overdone.

The conflict between the McLeans and the Harpes was so ingrained into the fabric of the characters, even Colman, who desired to be a preacher and knew the Word of God well, didn’t find it strange or wrong for the feud to exist. He despised and feared the McLeans. In fact, I was set to not like him much when I first observed his thoughts and actions. Then I realized that this was a retelling of the story of Jonah. All of a sudden, my entire perspective changed and I saw how masterfully the author communicated the type of reluctance Jonah would have felt when told to go preach to the sworn enemy of his people!

Perhaps it is my love of stories; nevertheless, I was captivated by the way Colman preached. Not by creating deep treatises on theological teachings but through the simple stories of the Bible, made more relevant and real to his audience. In a community where education was rare, there wasn’t a much better way to reach their hearts!

I was intrigued by the way the issues of prejudice were brought into the story. Not only was there the prejudice of the families towards each other and prejudice against a man of African-American descent, one of the characters lacked pigmentation in her skin and was feared by the people for that.

While there is a hint of romance, this is not a romantic story. It deals with deep heart matters such as hatred, unforgiveness, and pride. And shows the power of God to transform hearts and minds. The ending is satisfying but does not neatly wrap up all the loose ends, much like real life.

This is my first full-length novel by Sarah Loudin Thomas and I hope it is not the last! She is now on the list of authors I really enjoy!

“Colman walked along the last car of the coal train, tapping each wheel with his long-handled hammer, listening intently to the clang clang clang. He cocked his head to the left and closed his right eye so he could hear better. The tone was just about perfect. Good—no cracks.” -Opening lines of When Silence Sings by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Sarah Loudin Thomas’ When Silence Sings is a novel which is hard to fit into a category. It is set in 1930 in West Virginia with two families stuck in a feud. At the opening, another murder has occurred. The death is that of Colman’s cousin and it prompts him to reconsider the origins and point of the feud. He feels prompted by God to preach to his family’s enemy, Serepta. He tries to avoid the calling but life circumstances lands him in the midst of Serepta’s territory.

Serepta is a fascinating character with a past that has traumatised her and her business is experiencing problems. The person she most trusts is a black man, Charlie, making their relationship dangerous and they have to keep it hidden.

To these two, a third character, Ivy, is added. She has been an outcast for most of her life and yet is full of positivity and hope. She helps doctor those who cross her path and, when she finds Colman in need, helps his recovery. Her home and care become the crossroads for the story as she connects Colman and Serepta.

The storyline is a study in forgiveness. In working through the fallout of the feud, Sarah explores empathizing with “the enemy”. She examines the place of vengeance for those who believe in Christ and she highlights the power of love and hope.

There is mystery, romance and drama throughout the novel but it appears in surprising ways. Full of rich descriptions and insightful phrases, this is one to chew over rather than rush through. There are several scenes of racial abuse and violence which I found distressing in an otherwise interesting story, so be forewarned. It’s a four out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale.