THE SONGBIRD OF HOPE HILL is everything I look for in a novel. Kim Vogel Sawyer continues to amaze me with her writing. Her characters come to life immediately, and I was invested in their journeys from page one.

The developing romance between Ephraim and Birdie is at once realistic and emotional. As Birdie considers what redemption really means, tears sprang to my eyes. The author does a wonderful job of addressing this theme without ever seeming preachy.

The side characters are also very realistic and entertaining.

Ultimately, this is a heartwarming story about hope.

I will always look forward to the next Kim Vogel Sawyer book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance e-galley; all opinions are 100% my own.

A beautiful story of family, love, forgiveness, redemption and second chances. As with all of Kim's novels, her latest is heartwarming as expected.

The Songbird of Hope Hill is a heartwarming story set in 1895 Texas. It is .told from the perspective of three characters: Birdie, a young woman without nearby relatives working as a prostitute, Ephraim, a preacher's young adult son and Ophelia, a preacher's wife and Ephraim's mother.


Sawyer addressed the topic of prostitution with sensitivity and a wide variety of emotions and opinions through the POV’s from Birdie, Ephraim, and Ophelia. We are left knowing not one of us is without sin, and there is always grace and forgiveness available.

I appreciated the growth I saw in Birdie throughout the book, especially as she realized she needed to give her heart over to God completely.

It took me a few chapters to get into this book, but once I did, I was all the way in. The author created such a sweet story of redemption, love, and forgiveness, stretching over generations. There were so many emotionally charged moments in this book, but it does a masterful job of creating empathy in the reader. These poor girls who had lost their way and this family that took them in and treated them with dignity was just a lovely look at what it means to be Christ like.

The story between these pages, about forgiveness, redemption, and grace, was beautifully written and delivered.

The topic of prostitution might not be an easy topic for some readers, but the author addressed the struggles experienced in the 1800’s with sensitivity and a wide variety of emotions and opinions through the POV’s from Birdie, Ephraim, and Ophelia.

I enjoyed the growth I saw in Birdie, and how she only was able to completely forgive and move on after she gave her heart to God. Her struggles to overcome her shame were real even though she was taken advantage of when she only asked for help. Her compassionate heart for others and the empathy she showed was what made her a strong, loveable character.

Ophelia was a beautiful character who represented unconditional love tangibly.

Ephraim’s own journey to learn to find God’s will for his life under the shadow of his parents’ ministry also came across strongly. His internal struggles and questions, while trying to respect his parents, was something which made me connect with him so much more and made him feel more real to me.

The focus of this story was about new beginnings and faith in God, though there was also a subtle love story growing in the background.

Birdie is a talented young woman who finds herself in a desperate situation, trapped in a lifestyle she never wanted. So when she get's her chance to escape, she takes it, leaving with Reverend Overly to Hope Hill.

A heartwarming story of healing and forgiveness. Birdie struggles to let go of her tainted past and accept the new life offered to her, as she works with the other women at Hope Hill. Slow building story, but the characters grew on me as I got further in. I loved the solid themes of redemption and new beginnings.

Great relationship building through friendship and more, with a likeable heroine, and a full cast of characters. A little bit of romance, but mostly the story was about Birdie and her new life at Hope Hill, adjusting, and leaving her past behind. Heartwarming and touching.

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

This story delves into the harsh realities of the 1800s, highlighting the limited opportunities for a young woman without family support to earn a living honestly. Birdie, left destitute by her mother, turns to her mom's friend Lida, who runs the local brothel. Despite her reluctance, Birdie feels she has no other choice. However, a glimmer of hope emerges when a preacher and his son offer her a chance at a better life at Hope Hill. It's a tale of redemption and the boundless love of God, reminding us that no one is beyond His reach.

It beautifully illustrates God's forgiveness, embracing individuals regardless of their past sins, whether outward like prostitution or inward like unforgiveness. God's love knows no bounds.

I loved the dynamics between the different characters and watching each of them grow in different ways. This was an entertaining and heartwarming story. I expect nothing less from this author.

I would like to thank the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Kim Vogel Sawyer just released The Songbird of Hope Hill, and it’s a sweet tale of redemption and hope that you’re sure to enjoy. While you can’t get much deeper than prostitution and the hate with which people take sides over it, Sawyer’s story shows the redeeming qualities of God’s love. Hope is threaded through the story as Birdie learns just how much Jesus loves her.

I enjoyed trying to figure out the story’s twists and turns before Sawyer revealed them, and she got me with several. Trying to figure out the backstory of each character and just where they might be headed was fun.

I think this novel could prompt great discussions for book clubs. It can definitely prompt digging into the theology of the story. If you like sweet stories with unforgettable characters and a strong moral lesson, The Songbird of Hope Hill is definitely the book for you.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Set in 1895 Tulsey Texas, The Songbird of Hope Hill is a five star historical fiction novel that will rest in readers' hearts for long after the last page is read. It is a story of hope, healing, forgiveness, and restoration. It is also a story of living sacrificially, putting God and His kingdom first. Kim Vogel Sawyer has written characters who realize and demonstrate that we are all sinners for whom Christ died, and one sin is not any more or any less forgivable than another. Readers will also be encouraged to persist in prayers for the lost, relying on God's timing.

I highly recommend The Songbird of Hope Hill to those who enjoy historical fiction, to those who think they are beyond hope of redemption, and to those who have a passion for praying for the lost, and for those who just love a well-written, thought-provoking story. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook & Multnomah via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Great story about God's redeeming grace and forgiveness. Great reminder that God loves and forgives us all if we just ask.

This book had me from the beginning. It’s a sweet story of redemption and forgiveness from one of my favorite authors.
When Ephraim Overly and his father rescued Birdie from a brothel, he was shocked to learn that she sang with the voice of an angel. As she began to learn more about this awesome God she sang about, she began to question, “Could God really forgive all sins? Even hers?”
This book is beautifully written. I nearly wept several times as God’s love drew Birdie. One of my favorite aspects of The Songbird of Hope Hill was the clear presentation of the gospel. Kim Vogel Sawyer always does an amazing job of showing the Savior in her books.
This is a sweet, gentle read, but it has a few surprises along the way that you’ll love!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to Netgalley for my review copy.

When I read the blurb of this book I was intrigued. The premise is different to other books I have read and I wanted to know more. I am so glad I had an opportunity to read the latest book by Kim vogel Sawyer.

We meet Birdie who has ended up in a place she never thought she would be. A brothel. Her father passed away a few years back and her mother abandoned her and she went for help from her mothers friend. She is unhappy and is struggling. We then meet the reverend Isaiah and Ophelia Overly and there son Ephraim. They run Hope Hill a home where they rescue working girls giving them an education and the skills to live a better life. Teaching them about the one true God.

Birdie accepts the invitation to leave the brothel and goes to Hope Hill. They also have a women's choir and we see Birdie excel with her beautiful voice. She is most at peace when singing and has a true gift. We see her struggle with how God could forgive her for what she has done and how can she forgive herself.

This book has so much in it. We see the impact on the girls where they are loved and accepted. We also see change and hope. There is so much I want to talk about but it would give to much away. There are many surprises in the story both good and bad. But I do love how the book plays out. This book gives hope and reminds us in God's eyes things we think are unforgivable he can forgive.

This book is Historical fiction with a light romantic thread and a strong faith element.

The Songbird of Hope Hill by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a beautiful story of God's grace. Redemption comes in many forms for many of the characters, showing how God lavishes his love on us.
Birdie finds freedom from a life of sin when Isaiah Overly offers her sanctuary at Hope Hill. As Birdie turns to Jesus and learns to trust Him, love unfolds between her and the preacher's son. Their story is immensely satisfying.
It's not often that villains are given such a robust treatment. Abused by a man she should have been able to trust, Lida turned to prostitution out of desperation. As time goes on, she owns her own brothel, trapping others in her web. But through the relentless pursuit of a loving Gd, even Lida finds redemption.
Beautifully written. God's extravagant love shines through. #TheSongbirdofHopeHill #NetGalley
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Songbird of Hope Hill is a wonderful Christian story of helping others find their way into a place of safety and into God’s forgiveness. I was quite taken by the depth of the characters concern and love for the women in this historical story. Wonderful character development in a plot that shows how to live, speaking the truth in love. There are also some twists that were extremely surprising but it did explain how the Reverend and Mrs. Overly’s ministry came to be a calling from God. Birdie Clarkson’s story is just as interesting if heartbreaking at times. Still she found her way with the Overlys help, finding love on the way too.

Kim Vogel Sawyer is not a new author for me to read her books but this by far my favorite. I highly recommend this book.

Each time I read a Kim Sawyer book, I am certain it is her best one ever. This was no exception. The Songbird of Hope Hill is a story of redemption when forgiveness seems impossible, hope in the midst of despair, and a Heavenly Father who has a plan for good for each of us. Birdie, coerced into prostitution through no fault of her own, feels as if she has fallen too far for God's forgiveness, or anyone else's for that matter. But Isaiah and his son Ephraim rescue her from the brothel, moving her to Hope Hill, a place for the fallen women who hope for a better life. At Hope Hill, Birdie's beautiful singing voice is discovered and she becomes a part of the revival choir Ephraim has formed.
As we travel through Birdie's story we become acquainted with others who will light her path including Ophelia, Ellie, and Olga. As Birdie's faith becomes stronger, Ephraim's encouragement shows her that she is not beyond God's redemption or His love.
As she climbs from the dark place where Ephraim found her, can she forgive herself enough to let others forgive her - and love her?
The Songbird of Hope Hill is inspiring, uplifting and encouraging, with heart fluttering romance alongside. Go with Birdie as she finds her way from hopelessness to the Light.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion

“Could she trust a God she didn’t know and had never seen when she couldn’t trust the people she did know? ‘

This was a sweet story of redemption and second chances. It is filled with spiritual references. Songbird of Hope Hill is a novel about God’s redemption. The theme is very clearly presenting God’s acceptance of all in spite of poor life choices. The Songbird of Hope Hill is very simply written and a quick read although the plot moves fairly slow. Some of the characters just didn’t seem very realistic to me. And so I can’t count this for me personally as a great read. But I know this will be a book that strikes a cord with many struggling with regret or poor self esteem. I received a copy of The Songbird of Hope Hill from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.


Review posted on Goodreads- additional reviews posted after release date.

A heartwarming story of 1895 Texas. Birdie has been let down and led into sin by someone she thought she could trust. But when Preacher Isaiah Overly comes to the brothel and offers a way out, she and Olga return with him to Hope Hill, a refuge for girls to start a new life.
This story shows the selflessness of Isaiah, his wife and his son Ephriam. They teach the girls necessary skills, music lessons and clearly present the Gospel.
I appreciate the strong faith message. The themes of redemption, forgiveness, reconciliation and the way God always draws us to become His children are prevalent. A vey enjoyable read.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook- Multnomah via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*

This book was just such a beautifully written picture of God's goodness and his grace. No one can run away from his love. no matter what they have done or what has happened.

Such a fantastic book! I loved all the characters and became emotionally attached to several. This is a story that drew my heart with how God’s grace, forgiveness, and love can transform the most unforgivable sins. A slow building romance with so many secrets and hurt built into the lives of Ephraim and Birdie. When secrets surface and the results of the circumstances demand attention my heart was near to bursting at the truths and their effects on all involved. Readers will become emotionally involved in this tale of how pain inflicted so long ago touched and changed the lives of all the characters. Second chances come with a price but in this beautiful story woven around God’s gift of beauty from ashes it’s a price worth more than gold!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

Absolutely stunning. Kim Vogel Sawyer has already been a favorite author of mine but The Songbird of Hope Hill is now my absolute favorite book. I've never read a more beautiful depiction of the gospel, salvation, redemption, and forgiveness. We even get religious people coming to grips with their hypocrisy.

Story: 5/5

Worldview: 5/5

Right from chapter 1, I was floored. Birdie is a heartbreaking reflection of women stuck in prostitution, and she is given hope for a new life, without strings attached. The girls at Hope Hill are all so different. Some are still bitter about their pasts, others are afraid for the future. Some will cling to any man because they crave attention and validation, while others find their value in Christ. They go to church, but religious people there shun and judge them for their pasts. Reverend Overly is not afraid to call out the hypocrisy but still treat everyone with grace and mercy. There is just so much more between the pages here that I can't get into without spoilers, sorry!

Worldview is intricately woven from the first page. Some people may find this book preachy, but I think it was perfect. Every character, every situation, every outcome is viewed through a godly lens. Some people are bitter and have their own idea of God, while others think that they can exact judgement on sinners themselves. Everyone is challenged in their worldview, and though not all come to Christ, they can't deny they know the truth.

I can't stress enough how beautiful this book was. It deals with difficult themes, like sex trafficking/prostitution, judgmental religion, and how God's grace can work through it all.

Christian fiction readers will enjoy this heartwarming story set in Texas during the 1800's. Reverend Overly and his wife, along with their son, Ephraim minister to their community through revivals and funerals. Their special ministry is rescuing prostitutes and teaching them about God and his forgiveness. Birdie, one of the women rescued, tangled story is on the main storylines. Sweet story! I loved the message in this novel and the music aspect.