Night Bird Calling
Praise for Cathy Gohlke
Night Bird Calling
“Engrossing. . . . A sumptuous, textured ode to small-town relationships.”
FOREWORD REVIEWS
“In Night Bird Calling, Cathy Gohlke mines the national spirit on the cusp of WWII and successfully illuminates how communal change can manifest through unconditional love.”
SARAH MCCOY, New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author of Marilla of Green Gables
“With her signature gift for delving into topics and truths as relevant to us today as they are to the characters found within these pages, Cathy Gohlke delivers a poignant story rich with vibrant characters, woven with spiritual depth, and bound together by hope.”
AMANDA BARRATT, author of The White Rose Resists and My Dearest Dietrich
“Night Bird Calling inspired a whole range of emotions. It made me made me smile, then cry. I became angry at the villains, then rejoiced because of the bravery of the characters. I kept turning pages because I had to know what would happen next. One of the best books I’ve read all year!”
VANESSA MILLER PIERCE, bestselling author of the Loving You series
“Night Bird Calling will break your heart before it fills it up again with hope. Lilliana has endured what no person ever should—abuse in the name of religion. . . . I applaud Gohlke for vulnerably sharing this story of messy redemption. Read Lilliana’s story, but then please share it with someone who is also desperate for the freedom Christ offers.”
LUCINDA SECREST MCDOWELL, author of Soul Strong and Life-Giving Choices
“Night Bird Calling is a spellbinding story about the evils of racism and abuse but also the transformative power of forgiveness. With her signature style of elegance and grace, Cathy Gohlke has created another beautiful, poignant novel that stirred something deep within me. This is a gift for all those who love to read redemptive fiction.”
MELANIE DOBSON, award-winning author of The Curator's Daughter and Memories of Glass
“Sight and sound, feeling and scent permeate Night Bird Calling, Cathy Gohlke’s sensate and gripping new release. Deft with description and tact, Gohlke handles unfortunately timeless issues sensitively and with hope.”
JANE RUBIETTA, speaker and author of The Forgotten Life of Evelyn Lewis and Brilliance: Finding Light in Dark Places
“Cathy Gohlke tells a stirring story that touches on challenging life events—abuse, racial tensions, and injustice—through the eyes of a woman seeking sanctuary and a precocious preteen trying to make sense of life events beyond her maturity. Beautifully written, this novel is a powerful, poignant, and sensitive portrayal of imperfect people struggling through their frailties and learning how choosing grace, mercy, and love can heal many wounds.”
MICHELLE ULE, author of Mrs. Oswald Chambers: The Woman behind the World’s Bestselling Devotional
The Medallion
“A riveting read from cover to cover, The Medallion is one of those extraordinary novels that will linger in the mind and memory long after the book itself is finished.”
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEWS
“This is a thought-provoking novel of courage, survival, and unselfish assistance during the Holocaust.”
HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY
“Cathy Gohlke skillfully weaves true stories of heroism and sacrifice into her novel to create a realistic portrayal of Poland during WWII. The Medallion is a stunning story of impossible choices and the enduring power of faith and love.”
LYNN AUSTIN, author of If I Were You
“A master storyteller, Cathy Gohlke has created unforgettable characters in unthinkable circumstances. This story completely undid me, then stitched me back together with hope. A novel that has grabbed my heart—and won’t let go—for what I’m sure will be a very long time.”
HEIDI CHIAVAROLI, Carol Award–winning author of The Orchard House
“The Medallion is a beautifully written story with a riveting plot, realistic characters, and moving themes of sacrificial love, redemption, and forgiveness. Highly recommended for readers who are willing to stay up late, because they won’t be able to put this book down!”
CARRIE TURANSKY, award-winning author of No Ocean Too Wide and Across the Blue
Until We Find Home
“Gohlke’s powerful historical novel features a suspenseful and heart-wrenching plot and unforgettable characters.”
LIBRARY JOURNAL, starred review
“Gohlke’s latest takes place in England’s lush Lake District during the early days of World War II. Readers will likely smile at appearances from various literary icons, such as Beatrix Potter and C. S. Lewis, among others. The story is well researched and well written.”
ROMANTIC TIMES
“Splendid at every turn! Until We Find Home is a lushly penned novel about a courageous young woman whose definition of love—and trust—is challenged in every way. A must for fans of WWII and British front history. Not to be missed!”
TAMERA ALEXANDER, USA Today bestselling author of To Whisper Her Name and A Note Yet Unsung
“Until We Find Home is a deeply moving war story. . . . Gohlke’s well-developed characters, vivid descriptions, and lush setting details immerse readers into the story.”
JODY HEDLUND, Christy Award–winning author of Luther and Katharina
Secrets She Kept
“Cathy Gohlke’s Secrets She Kept is a page-turner with great pacing and style. She’s a terrific writer.”
FRANCINE RIVERS, New York Times bestselling author
“This well-researched epic depicts life under the Nazi regime with passionate attention. While the Sterling family story serves as a warning about digging into the past, it is also a touching example of the healing power of forgiveness and the rejuvenating power of faith.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
“Gohlke takes the reader on a compelling journey, complete with mystery and drama. She weaves in real stories from Ravensbrück, making this drama one that will be difficult to forget. It is well researched, and the multilayered characters demonstrate the power of love and sacrifice.”
ROMANTIC TIMES, Top Pick Review
“Gripping . . . emotional . . . masterfully told, this is an unforgettable tale of finding family, faith, and love.”
RADIANT LIT
Saving Amelie
“Moving. . . . At times both emotional and suspenseful, this is a fantastic novel for those who love both historical fiction and human-interest stories.”
ROMANTIC TIMES
“In this compelling and tense novel, Gohlke tells a haunting story of the courageous few who worked tirelessly and at great risk to themselves to save people they did not know. . . . Reminiscent of Tatiana de Rosnay’s stirring stories of human compassion and hope, this should appeal to fans of both authors as well as to historical fiction readers.”
LIBRARY JOURNAL
“Definitely worth the read. Cathy Gohlke is a very talented author, and . . . I recommend Saving Amelie for everyone who likes World War II . . . fiction with inspirational tones.”
FRESH FICTION
Also by Cathy Gohlke
William Henry Is a Fine Name
I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires
Promise Me This
Band of Sisters
Saving Amelie
Secrets She Kept
Until We Find Home
The Medallion
Visit Tyndale online at tyndale.com.
Visit Cathy Gohlke’s website at cathygohlke.com.
TYNDALE and Tyndale’s quill logo are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Ministries.
Night Bird Calling
Copyright © 2020 by Cathy Gohlke. All rights reserved.
Cover photograph
of sisters holding hands copyright © by Des Panteva/Arcangel.com. All rights reserved.
Designed by Lindsey Bergsma
Edited by Sarah Mason Rische
Published in association with the literary agency of Natasha Kern Literary Agency, Inc., P.O. Box 1069, White Salmon, WA 98672.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version.
Night Bird Calling is a work of fiction. Where real people, events, establishments, organizations, or locales appear, they are used fictitiously. All other elements of the novel are drawn from the author’s imagination.
For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Tyndale House Publishers at csresponse@tyndale.com, or call 1-855-277-9400.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Gohlke, Cathy, author.
Title: Night bird calling / Cathy Gohlke.
Description: Carol Stream, Illinois : Tyndale House Publishers, [2020]
Identifiers: LCCN 2020030944 (print) | LCCN 2020030945 (ebook) | ISBN
9781496429711 (hardcover) | ISBN 9781496429728 (trade paperback) | ISBN
9781496429735 (kindle edition) | ISBN 9781496429742 (epub) | ISBN
9781496429759 (epub)
Subjects: GSAFD: Christian fiction.
Classification: LCC PS3607.O3448 N54 2020 (print) | LCC PS3607.O3448
(ebook) | DDC 813/.6--dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020030944
LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020030945
Build: 2020-11-20 16:37:02 EPUB 3.0
For Jesse Stephen Gardiner
Whose name aptly means Gift and Crown
You are joy, adventure, and discovery to me, Beloved Grandson
All my love, forever
Contents
Also by Cathy Gohlke
Acknowledgments
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-One
Chapter Forty-Two
Chapter Forty-Three
Chapter Forty-Four
Chapter Forty-Five
Chapter Forty-Six
Chapter Forty-Seven
Chapter Forty-Eight
Chapter Forty-Nine
Chapter Fifty
Chapter Fifty-One
Chapter Fifty-Two
Chapter Fifty-Three
Chapter Fifty-Four
Chapter Fifty-Five
Chapter Fifty-Six
Chapter Fifty-Seven
Chapter Fifty-Eight
Chapter Fifty-Nine
Chapter Sixty
Chapter Sixty-One
Chapter Sixty-Two
Chapter Sixty-Three
Chapter Sixty-Four
Chapter Sixty-Five
Chapter Sixty-Six
Chapter Sixty-Seven
Chapter Sixty-Eight
Chapter Sixty-Nine
Chapter Seventy
Chapter Seventy-One
Chapter Seventy-Two
Chapter Seventy-Three
Chapter Seventy-Four
Epilogue
Note to Readers
Discussion Questions
About the Author
Acknowledgments
NIGHT BIRD CALLING is a book that has long lived in my heart. It could not have been written without the generosity, help, and insights of others.
My deepest gratitude to
My brother, Dan Lounsbury, who introduced me to the names “No Creek” and “Saints Delight,” bestowed upon me North Carolina histories of Wilkes and Surry Counties—the early homes of our maternal grandparents—and supplied me with numerous histories, articles, and links to obscure details of North Carolina history from the mountains to the Outer Banks. Thank you for your early read and insights into this manuscript. I love that we share a love for all things quirky and Southern. Special thanks to Dan and his dear wife, Randi, who allowed me to spend long and lovely writing days on their porch and for keeping me supplied with sweet tea and good fellowship.
Those dear ones, some who’ve gone before and some who still walk with me, who helped me through a horrific time in my own life—a time that was not wasted, but that helped make me who I am and that I pray God uses through the pages of this book to bless others in need with the help He has given me.
Oswald and Biddy (born Gertrude Hobbs) Chambers. Biddy’s shorthand transcription and publication of her late husband’s talks and writings have impacted the world as one of the most widely read devotionals in the Christian world for over eighty years—long after his (and now her) death. Excerpts from daily devotions found in Chambers’s My Utmost for His Highest help make this story a compass to the heart of our Lord. Even now, all these years after they were written, Chambers’s words daily convict and inspire me.
Biographies of Oswald and Biddy were so helpful in better understanding their lives, their timelines, and their inspiring commitment to Christ. Special thanks to Michelle Ule, author of Mrs. Oswald Chambers, and to David McCasland, author of Oswald Chambers: Abandoned to God, for their detailed writings.
Natasha Kern, dear friend, sister in Christ, and agent extraordinaire, who always knows that there is more to the story than I can begin to explain, and for encouraging me on that writing journey of discovery.
Stephanie Broene and Sarah Rische, amazing Tyndale editors. I love that each of you sees so clearly the holes in my stories that I do not see and helps me find a way to bring to the page all that is in my heart. Yours is a gift—rare and sweet.
To all of my Tyndale team—Elizabeth Jackson (acquisitions editor), Andrea Garcia (marketing manager), Lindsey Bergsma (designer), Katie Dodillet—thank you for all you do to bring my stories to readers. You bless me each and every day.
Robert Whitlow, wonderful author and attorney-at-law, for generously helping me understand the legal ramifications of trusts and the importance of the recording of deeds, and for brainstorming possibilities to escape “deep legal waters” in this work of fiction. I’m so grateful. Any misunderstandings or mistakes are mine.
My dear mother, Bernice Lemons, who gave me insights and family stories from the South that spanned years before and during WWII. Some of those memories are fictionalized in this book.
Etta Idol, dear friend of my mother’s and of mine, who shared rich memories of growing up in Wilkes County, North Carolina. Parts of Garden’s Gate were inspired by your lovely childhood home.
Terri Gillespie, dear and wise friend, amazing author, and the one I always go to with questions of Jewish life and culture. We have walked many literary miles together, including the pages of this book. Thank you for your early read and thoughtful insights.
Carrie Turansky, wonderful author, whose precious friends
hip and encouragement never wavers. You’ve shown me so much of the love of Christ. I hope I’ve shared some of that in this book. Thank you for your early read and insights for this manuscript.
Stephanie Green, dear and brilliant friend, for your early read of this manuscript and for giving me your insights into the times and people of this story. I value your thoughts and sisterhood in Christ.
Vanessa Miller Pierce, generous and bestselling author, for your early read of this manuscript and wise insights. Thank you for opening my eyes to things I hadn’t seen.
My family—husband, son, daughter and son-in-law, grandchildren, sister, brothers, nieces and nephews, all the greats and all those we claim by marriage—life is more precious because of you. Thank you for praying for my writing and for all your encouragement.
In appreciation and memory of my maternal grandparents, whose lives, stories, and times pepper the pages of this book. You gave me so much, and though you no longer walk this earth, you continue to inspire me by your love and examples through precious memories.
I will always appreciate the words of my uncle Wilbur Goforth, who helped me see that service for the Lord and His people happens both inside and outside the church. When torn between two career paths for the second half of my life’s journey, he reminded me that a sure way to know I am working in the will of God is to ask, “Do I have joy? Is this yoke easy? Is this burden light?” The answer is yes—writing gives me great joy. This yoke fits securely but does not chafe. This burden is true but shines as light in my heart!
Beyond all measure I thank my heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ for gifts of hope, life, love, family, and unmerited salvation. Life is precious because of Your love and constant, tender care. Life is joyful in Your presence. May this book become an instrument of hope and healing that points only to You, for You are the hope we crave, and You are the healing and salvation we so desperately need.
Chapter One
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
MAY 1941
My mother was a beautiful woman, a magnificent and generous woman who loved music and poetry and literature and gardens. She loved to dance, though she only ever did so in the privacy of her room, with me. Her smile, though rare in her last months, brightened the sun. She was a devoted wife and loving mother, however ill-used by her husband. If anyone says differently, they’re a liar or misled by my father.