When Silence Sings

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

"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 .

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”

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TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
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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.”

"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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 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!

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.

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!

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.