I loved this book it was a delightful tale with wonderful characters and settings. I received a review copy from NetGalley but the views and opinions expressed herein are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and WaterBrook & Multnomah for an ARC copy of The Songbird of Hope Hill by Kim Vogel Sawyer. This story is about Birdie, a young woman in 1895 forced to work as a prostitute because she was abandoned by her mother. The story follows Birdie being invited by Isaiah Overly and his son, Ephraim, to leave the prostitution work and come live at their house Hope Hill, where Isaiah and his wife, Ophelia, minister to the woman and give them a safe place to live and learn about God.

The story is told in three POVs, Birdie, Ephraim, and Ophelia. The main theme of the story is redemption, which I liked. It was a sweet story, centered on family, God's love, and second chances. If you are looking for a clean, wholesome book with strong scriptural references of love, redemption, and restoration, then you will enjoy this book. The only thing I thought was missing was the romance. I think there could have been more there, but overall, this was a very sweet book, a little long, but still I enjoyed it.

Absolutely loved this story! The characters were amazing, the plan of salvation woven throughout the story was outstanding, and the way the story is told is pretty breath-taking! Highly highly highly recommend!

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

This is a wonderful story of forgiveness, grace, and redemption. The story is told through the point of view of the main characters, Birdie, Ephraim, and Ophelia. The author tastefully addresses the topic of prostitution and helps you see what the characters experienced during the 1800's. I enjoyed the way Sawyer developed each of the three characters and helped the reader see their growth in love and understanding of God and each other. I also like the way that Birdie is taught that even though she trusted the wrong person and was used by them God offers forgiveness and redemption by the examples that Ephriam and his mother Ophelia offer to her.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely beautiful story of redemption and second chances, even for the “worst” among us. Memorable characters that I’d love to be friends with in real life…and a definite candidate for multiple rereads in the future!

The subject matter could easily have been too heavy, but by using a master hand at focus and portrayal, it is a story of redemption and not one of the gutter. Very well done.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

An ispiring book about the courage to change and become better. This is a sweet, sentamental read that most will enjoy. Some hard topics but done in a way to keep it inspiring.

The Songbird of Hope Hill
A Novel
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Pub DateApr 09 2024
WaterBrook & Multnomah |WaterBrook
Christian| Historical Fiction| Romance

WaterBrook & Multnomah and Netgalley have provided me with a copy of The Songbird of Hope Hill for review:



Her survival has led her to a life of ill repute, and today Birdie Clarkson is only searching for escape. When Reverend Isaiah Overly and his son, Ephraim, appear and offer a better life, she takes it. Birdie climbs into the back of the preacher's wagon, ignoring the madam's furious rant. 




Birdie is taken to Hope Hill, the sanctuary the reverend and his wife, Ophelia, founded for women like her to learn skills to rise above their pasts. Birdie finds herself singing in the revival choir Ephraim leads, even though she's certain she shouldn't be representing God.


Despite the Reverend Overly's assurances that no one is irredeemable, Birdie remains convinced that she is beyond saving. Can Ephraim convince her that God loves her more than she can comprehend-and that he does too?


I give The Songbird of Hope Hill five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

I very much enjoyed this book. It’s another story loosely based on the book of Hosea in the Bible. It was very well written. The story and character development were spot on.

Enjoyed this story with its twist. A story of new beginnings and forgiveness. I always enjoy the writing of this author. Thanks for the advanced copy from NetGalley and the publisher.

Birdie is ever-so-reluctant to live and work at the local brothel. When her father died and her mother ran off, there seemed no other option. The madame, Lida, does permit the local evangelist to minister to her girls from time to time. Birdie and Olga choose to go with the pastor to change their lives. Olga’s reason is different from Birdie’s. Olga needs a safe harbor due to a pregnancy. Birdie was not brought up in this life and wants a way back to normal. And, a way to find her older aunt who lives several states away.

The pastor, his wife and adult son are the caretakers of the recovery home. They provide schooling for the women in addition to finding them employment placements. Lida pops in and out of the story as she has ties to the pastor’s family.

This book had a lot of twists and turns but it was really good.
Birdie had a rough life and I was so glad that she met Ephraim. And of course, the secrets
surrounding Ephraim were very surprising.
I would highly recommend this book. It's a very good read.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc.

A wonderful story of new beginnings, forgiveness and blessings for all of the characters. I enjoyed reading about Birdie and how the Lord worked in her life from her lowest moments to a life filled with love and happiness. I can't wait to read more books from Kim Vogel Sawyer!

I usually love books by Kim Vogel Sawyer but haven't read one in awhile. This one sounded really good; I love historical romances. Birdie is a prostitute that was rescued by a man that runs a home for ex-prostitutes along with his wife and son. Unfortunately, there is so much religion in this book I felt like I was sitting in church listening to a sermon. To the point where that was the main thread running through the story, NOT Birdie's story or a romance with Ephraim. I haven't finished the book and not sure I will. Very disappointed as previous books I've read by Sawyer have all been the type to not want to put them down.

What a beautiful, lovely story! I love Mrs. Sawyer’s books because they always hold so much grace. This novel was a prime example. It was wonderful to see how Birdie and other women left lives of prostitution and found new places of good repute in society.

The twists and turns were surprising and kept me guessing. One particular twist shocked me in the best way.

The characters were well developed and enjoyable to root for.

I can hardly wait for Mrs. Sawyer’s next book.

Content: brothels, prostitution, unwed pregnancy

Whether you think you've gone beyond redemption and salvation - or if think you're too good for the world - you'll enjoy this book. This love story of transformation, forgiveness, and new life gives hope that anything is possible.

You'll like the characters, find yourself cheering for a happy ending, and enjoy the descriptions. It offers the reader a chance to consider the effects of rushing to judgment and condemnation of others. In Ephraim and Birdie's relationship, there's joy and growth - and yes, that happy ending.

Good for passing time in a quiet week, as a bedtime novel, or speeding along your commute.

What a powerful story of God's redemption, forgiveness, and love.
I absolutely loved this book and fell in love with the characters. The story is told from the points of view of three of the characters, Birdie, Ephraim, and Ophelia.
Birdie is one of the young ladies that found herself in a situation she wished she hadn't been in. When we first meet her she is living and working in a brothel and is clearly ashamed of the fact that she is there.
Ephraim Overly is the son of Isaiah and Ophelia. We meet him when he comes with his father to the brothel where Birdie is. They are there to reach out to the ladies and offer them a place to live and become free of their lives of sin.
Though the story is mainly told from Birdie and Ephraim's points of view, we occasionally get to see the story from Ophelia's point of view.
As the story progresses the author shows how the ministry work of the Overlys impacts not just Birdie, but the other women living at Hope Hill, plus their son Ephraim as well. We also see their struggles in the community. To me, this was a good reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace, mercy, and His forgiveness.
There was quite a bit going on in this story. I loved how the author slowly revealed the backgrounds of characters and how secrets were uncovered. I had some suspicions on how things were going to turn out, but the author surprised me with some revelations.
A wonderful Christians historical fiction story. One I highly recommend.
I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

Kim Vogel Sawyer is an author that you can trust to deliver a story strong in faith, and THE SONGBIRD OF HOPE HILL is no exception. Set in 1895 Texas, the novel centers around a husband and wife who have made it their life's mission to rescue women from brothels. When Birdie and Olga leave their old lives behind and try to find new starts at Hope Hill, the Overly's adult son soon finds himself smitten with the shy, musically talented Birdie. Taught all his life by his parents that these women deserve new lives and forgiveness, he wonders if they accept Birdie as anything beyond a "project"? And can Birdie accept that God has not imprisoned her to her past? And will Olga ever be able to be part of a family as she desires? And why, does the owner of Lida's Place seem to hold specific anger and venom toward Isiah Overly and his wife? Much is offered in this redemptive story.

I don't read many westerns, but the musical thread to this book intrigued me, and I am glad I gave the novel a try.

Based on the true story of Rev. and Mrs. J.T. Upchurch, Kim Vogel Sawyer's historical fiction book The Songbird of Hope Hill is both touching and poignant. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the couple established a home for the redemption of erring girls. (For further research on Rev. Upchurch and his work, numerous online resources are accessible.)

Each young woman rescued by Reverend Isaiah Overly has a story filled with sadness and fear that is somber, unsettling and startling. They are welcomed by divine grace into an opportunity for redemption in the gracious Upchurch home. The Songbird protagonist, Birdie, firmly embraces her destiny. She realizes her gift for singing and starts to use it as a means to showcase God's glory.

I value Sawyer's ability to weave biblical truths and teachings into the plot without coming across as didactic. The story was engaging, making me feel as though I was witnessing the events as they happened.

This book is a moving story filled with a profound sense of humanity and depth that leaves a lasting impact.

I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley and Waterbrook Multnomah. All opinions are my own, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

The Tapestry of Grace is a book that shows how when we make our own plans and try to get God to fulfill them it doesn’t always go the way we plan. Sawyer writes a novel that shows how God can work things out in the way we least expect it. This book has romance, hope, grace and inspiration all woven together.

My gratitude to publisher Waterbrook for a NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

This was a 3.75/5 star read for me. I enjoyed it. I loved the plot and characters. I was invested in the story and old time christian community. However, some parts of the book gave me a weird, kind of gross feeling. It just seemed off. If it weren't for that I definitely would have rated it higher. I love Kim's writing and her books. I will still continue to read her books. I would recommend this book to some people, but not all audiences.