A story filled with quirky characters set in 1930's West Virginia. The author combines true events, fudging a little on the timing to create quite a tale. Two families feuding, with many family members not even remembering the reason why reminds readers of the famous Hatfield McCoy Feud. Caught up in the middle, Coleman wrestles with his calling from God while hard-hearted Serapta softens a little as she cares for a four year old orphan. Readers will enjoy this deep story.

"When Silence Sings" by Sarah Laudin Thomas takes the reader back to a time when the mountains, and the people who lived there were far less tame. The story is set in the midst of a feud between the Harpe family and the McLeans in the mountains of West Virginia. Among decades of hate and distrust, Coleman Harpe is forced to choose between two callings. The calling of God to preach to the McLeans; and the calling of man to join the feud and avenge the death of his cousin. Coleman runs away, but finds himself in terrible shape in the middle of McLean territory. The story is a reminder of how our worst decisions can still put us right where we need to be to fulfill our calling.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

I'll be honest, historical novel, When Silence Sings, by Sarah Loudin Thomas, wasn't what I expected. Perhaps I should have read the back copy more clearly. However, once I was into the story, it sucked me right in.

Coleman Harpe has excellent hearing. He also wants to be a preacher. The problem is, his family has been in a feud with the McLeans for generations. Coleman tries to stay out of the conflict, but when his cousin is murdered, he's not sure how not to hate the murderer.

Serepta McLean keeps an iron fist on her business interests, both legal and illegal. She wants her eldest son to take over the business eventually, but that plan may be derailed when he murders a Harpe.

Despite his contrary emotions, Coleman feels God's calling to preach to the McLean's. Now he must decide whether to follow God or his own path.

The story switches from Coleman to Serepta, allowing readers to see the motives from both sides of the feud. Just because Coleman wanted to be a preacher didn't mean he always handled things Christian-like. And just because Serepta led the enemy didn't mean she didn't exhibit sacrificial love.

When Silence Sings takes many twists and turns. The "good guys" and "bad guys" were a challenge to sort out, which was the theme of the story. No matter our intentions, we are all human in the end.

If you're looking for a unique story that draws you into the drama, check out When Silence Sings. I loved the story.

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I received this book free from Net Galley in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This author whisks readers back in time to the 1930’s West Virginia. She beautifully gives readers the lay of the land through her complex characters and the feud they’ve upheld for years. The author states, “up until now I’ve set my stories in imaginary towns that look a whole lot like the places where I grew up….not this time.” She goes on to tell readers of all that is real and the things she fudged on to make her story work.

Early on the author introduces a number of colorful, quirk, believable characters. I enjoyed their honest search for the truth, their struggle with faith, God and peace. I also liked how this author handled the family feud, many didn’t understand why they were feuding in the first place. Some uphold this feud not seeing the need for change, they didn’t care how it started. But others realized this had to stop. There had to be a change. Many of them were tired of fueling the feud, keeping this hate in their heart. In the end there had to be more to life then fighting. I liked how this was portrayed.

Serapta McLean was head of the family business. She’s a cold-hearted, take charge woman. She becomes vulnerable after taking in a little girl who’s lost her whole family. This has Serapta thinking about making big changes. Especially after Colman started banging on her door. Could Colman be the one to help in this change? Could she even think of doing something different? Surrender all to God?

I was drawn to the story by Coleman who wrestles with God’s calling. He has to cross the feud line to answer this call. Coleman told stories just like Jesus did, but he felt there had to be more to the preaching.

I liked what Coleman Harpe told Hoyt, “I’m just trying to follow God’s call..I’m still not convinced this storytelling business is what He had in mind. If I spend time with folks, I can witness to them proper.”…”Preaching, telling stories, and ministering to the McLeans who came to his meetings wasn’t enough. He needed to strike at the heart of the darkness that had weighed on the region for too long….”It was time to witness to Serepta McLean herself. He’d rarely felt so certain about anything in this life. …If he could win her to faith, surely the rest would follow. If he could lead her to peace, their struggles would come to an end.”

The characters grew and changed as the story progressed. Coleman and a few others figure out what’s most important, discover the path God has for them, and finally hear the message that leads to peace, hope and love.

I enjoyed the setting; the people and the small-town feel. I liked the sweet romance, along with the mystery, danger, intrigue, and stories of the bible that Coleman shared. I liked how believable characters struggled with the balance of finding their place in the world when they didn’t know they needed to find it. I liked the feel-good ending. This would make a good book club pick at there is much to discuss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
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"When Silence Sings" by Sarah Loudin Thomas is an historical fiction book. The story is set in the Appalachian rail town in West Virginia. in the 1930's. There has been a family feud for generations with the McLean's and the Harpe's. The drama evolves with the challenges of the families trying to win the battles against the other families. The characters are very well described and the scenes as well. The reader will feel as though they have stepped into these families and there challenges. The book helps you see what times were like during that era. Coleman is a Harpe and works for the railroad. He has a rich character and wants to bring God's love to these troubled families as a preacher. I appreciate Bethany House for allowing me to read and review this well written story. Thank you also to netgalley. These opinions are only mine and are under no obligation . I am posting my review on Goodreads, facebook, netgalley, Amazon, my blog, , CBD.com .

It took me a few chapters to get drawn into this story, but once I was it was so worth it. When Silence Sings has quite an original storyline, sort of a Jonah meets the Hatfields and McCoys. I love the way Thomas takes Bible stories and sets them in the early 1930s West Virginia, making them relatable to the mountain folk and to her readers as well. The character development in this story is very well done. A sequel continuing the story of Colman Harpe and Ivy Gordon would be very well received. Readers will close this book with visions of where their story might lead.

I highly recommend When Silence Sings and am grateful to have received a copy from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

I requested to review When Silence Sings because I enjoy historical fiction set in the Appalachian Mountains. I'm so glad I did. Sarah Loudin Thomas has written a stunning story that encompasses so much of what life looks like when we listen to God. In the time of feuding families, Colman Harpe hears God's call. He wants to run away. As a matter of fact he tries. But after wrestling with angels, a beautiful story unfolds. I loved the journey of Coleman's character. Then there is Ivy. She's just lovely. A sweet woman with a huge heart. I can't forget Serepta. What an interesting character. She brings a dose of apprehension to the story. But in the midst of all the feuding, fear, and family there is faith. Sprinkled with mountain folktales and anecdotes, When Silence Sings is an excellent novel. Cozy up by the fire and soak in this hopeful tale. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

When Silence Sings tells the story of West Virginia feuding families in the early 1900s. A railroad man who dreams of becoming a pastor becomes involved in the feud against his desires. He learns that following God doesn't always lead him in the direction HE wants to go. The author does a FANTASTIC job of weaving together the stories of several different characters, yet you never get confused about who is who. Each characters role is interwoven with the others in unexpected but very realistic ways. This book has substance, yet is also an easy read. Very well-written historical fiction!

A love story at its purest, but not what you think.

In 1930 Thurmond and Hinton, West Virginia life was vastly different than it is today. Family feuds and the struggles for power seemed a way of life. People from one side, the Harpe family, hated people form the other side, the McClean family, and vice versa. Most didn’t even know why, but all were caught up in the fight. When a McLean shoots dead a Harpe it just adds fuel to an already unpredictable fire.

Amid this hate and animosity, we see the heart of Colman Harpe, who knows God has called him to preach and wants nothing to do with the ongoing squabbles, but still feels a great loyalty to his family. When he realizes God expects him to go and preach to the enemy…the McClean clan… he isn’t sure it’s possible.

We also see the heart (or seemingly lack thereof) of Serepta McClean who has little concern for anything other than herself and her empire, the legal and illegal. As things seem to be slipping through her hands, “She wished the God who surely hated her would strike her down and be done with it”.

This is when this purest, truest love story begins.

The truest love, the best love in this tremendous story, is seen in the love one man has for others. The love Colman has, overcomes his hate and his fear as he speaks of God to people who hate him. More importantly, we see the love of God who never gives up on us no matter how dark our heart seems.

This book was not what I expected. I like a good love story; this is an exceptional love story in so many ways. Sarah Loudin Thomas does not disappoint in the telling of this tale. Her way with words puts you right there with those wonderful folks, in 1930 West Virginia. You enjoy each character “good” or “bad” and end up with great affection for all for them. A few times I wanted to put the book down, but only because the “happily ever after” seemed to be slipping away. I would highly recommend this book (all of Thomas’s books)

Many thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book via Netgalley. The opinions are all my own.

Sarah Loudin Thomas is an author I turn to time and time again for unique characters and stories. I love how she weaves faith and the supernatural into the lives of ordinary people and places. When Silence Sings has parallels of the story of Jonah told through the eyes of two feuding families that live in West Virginia. Murder, boot legging and superstitions abound between the Harpe and the McLean clans. I enjoyed every minute of it. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy historical fiction.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for the purpose of review.

'I'd rather look for the best. The worst usually makes itself known soon enough.'

West Virginia. 1930. Two families, the McLeans and the Harpes, feuding with each other for generations, find things are coming to a head quickly after a McLean guns down a Harpe in cold blood and runs off.

Colman Harpe promised his mother he'd not get involved with the feud and so far he's managed to keep his promise. Colman has felt the call to preach and then he hears God call him to preach to his sworn enemy, and the head of the clan, in particular. Serepta McKlean is a strong, unbending woman and it's her son who did the killing. Will she listen to the words from God Colman brings? There are many, many secrets that stand to be revealed if she listens.

This book was fascinating. Told in Thomas's unique style, in the backwoods and hollers of West Virginia, the reader gets a glimpse of a life that is no longer. Her way with words is special indeed and the cadence of her descriptions is perfect! I was entranced the entire time I was reading. The spiritual element here is good, too: sometimes everything that looks bad is not always bad and God can bring about His work no matter what our eyes see. Highly recommended. Bravo!

*My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.

WHEN SILENCE SINGS by SARAH LOUDIN THOMAS is one of those very special novels that stays with you long after you have read the last page, and which I will definitely read again! I love the story, I love the characters, and most of all I love the biblical truth running through it. It is full of modern day parables, not only in the stories that Colman tells, but in the lives of the characters.
Colman Harpe has a special gift of hearing. Some say special gifts were given to the Harpes when a Holy Spirit preacher came to Thurmond, West Virginia, in 1832, which caused a rift between them and the "unbelieving" McLeans. When Jake McLean shoots Caleb Harpe, fuel is added to the feud between the two families. Things are not as they seem and there is a great deal of intrigue.
The story takes place in 1930. Colman is in a quandary as he feels led to preach and hopes to even have his own church one day, and for that reason cannot join with the majority of his family members who are out for revenge. When the Lord tells him to go and preach salvation to the McLeans, he, like Jonah, goes in the opposite direction, which leads to his own "belly of the whale" experience.
If you are looking for a really good read, with interesting characters, an excellent plot and great Christian message, this is the book for you!
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

First sentence: 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.

Premise/plot: Colman Harpe desires to be preacher and leave the family feud far far behind. But the family feud isn’t just in the past. The McLeans are still out to get the Harpes. In fact, soon after the novel opens, Jake McLean murders Caleb Harpe, Colman‘s cousin. The Harpes vow vengeance—most of them at least. Serepta McLean’s message doesn’t cool things down either. Can Colman manage to stay out of the feud and avoid the drama on both sides? For the Harpes, to take no side in the feud is to be on the McLean’s side. If Colman actually follows his call, he’s risking his very life. God has called him not just to preach—a general call—but to preach to the McLean clan specifically. Will Colman run away like Jonah? Or will he learn to love his enemies with the love of Christ?

My thoughts: I really got swept up in the story. I believe it’s set in Tennessee circa 1930/31. At first all I was seeing were the parallels between this story and the book of Jonah—too many to be a mere coincidence. But then the story became so much more than that. The story alternates perspectives between Colman Harpe and Serepta McLean. That was a nice touch. It’s hard to see them as enemies when they’re humanized. I enjoyed every minute of this one.

The Harpes and the McLeans have been feuding for generations, so it's no surprise to Colman Harpe that when his cousin is killed by a McLean, the Harpes want vengeance. Colman, an aspiring preacher, tries to remind himself that vengeance is the Lord's and stay out of things, but then he receives an unexpected call from the Lord--to preach to the McLeans. Not sure how to carry out that call, and even sure he wants to, he heads out on a fishing trip instead, only to be stranded in a storm and lost in mountain caves until he emerges in the McLeans' territory, cared for by Ivy, an outsider who encourages him to answer his call to preach to the McLeans.

Serepta McLean, the matriarch of the McLean clan, has worked too hard to gain control of and prosper the family businesses to let anything get in her way. Neither of her two sons quite seems up to scratch to be the next leader of their empire--the elder is too sloppy and the younger too eager to make changes Serepta doesn't approve of. While she needs to tend to business and bringing at least one of her sons up to scratch, when a terrible accident leaves a young girl orphaned, Serepta impulsively takes her in and soon finds that the little girl changes her life way more than she anticipated.

Wow! This book was incredibly well written. I don't know anything about West Virginia in 1930, and yet, Sarah Loudin Thomas brought it to life in such a way that it felt totally familiar to me. I was quickly immersed in the setting as well as the plot. From the get-go, Colman, with his Jonah-like story, just tugged at my heart; I think a lot of readers can relate to feeling like there's something God wants us to do but don't have any idea how to actually do it. I thought that was totally relatable, as was how he felt caught between his family and his own desires for life. Ivy and her uncle, who care for him, were totally endearing as well. As for Serepta, she was a fascinating character, one who does things that are definitely questionable but who also does good things. She, along with other characters, definitely make for an interesting discussion topic, like what makes someone good or evil, if anyone is past redemption, etc. There's just so much to like about this book--and there's tons to talk about, which makes it a great choice for book clubs. Highly recommend--I'm picking this as one of the best books of 2019!

I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This is a beautifully written book. So emotional for me. It has been some time since I've read a book by Sara Loudin Thomas and I'm wondering why. She's a masterful storyteller, impactful and inspiring. Colman Harpe and Serepta McLean are deep characters I won't soon forget. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was not obligated to leave a positive review.