Once again, Cathy Gohlke takes a time period in history and makes it come alive. This book touched my heart in many ways. The book deals with a very sad and controversial time; during the end of WWII.

Gohlke's characters are fabulous! Their stories are a hundred crickets singing. Each unique and interesting. I have too many favorites: Celia, Minnie, Elliot, Alma, Joe, Marshall, and Ruby Lynn. I became invested in their lives; their triumphs, I celebrated. Their setbacks, I mourned.

I was genuinely sad for the book to end, but I was happy that it ended the way it did! Cathy Gohlke is becoming one of my favorite authors, and I can't wait to read her next book! ( )

Poignant, heart-wrenching, yet filled with hope, this book by one of my favorite historical fiction authors kept me engrossed throughout. With a dual-timeline and well-drawn characters, it paints a picture of racial prejudice during the Civil War and WWII and the struggle to overcome it. At times it was hard to read about the injustice in our history, but it is enlightening and ultimately leaves a feeling of hope. Although it is a sequel to Gohlke’s book, Night Bird Calling, it can be read and enjoyed alone. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. ( )

What could I say about Gathy Gohlke's books that has not already been said, and said so much better than I could? I am so glad she wrote a second novel about No Creek, NC. I was still captivated by the interesting people populating this segregated town.
I do not know how to put into words all the emotions I felt as I read about the lives of the residents, both slave and slave owner, abolitionists and Klan members.
We, as a country, have come a long way from the dark days of the Civil War, with racism persisting through WWII, and even until now. We have done the right thing by abolishing slavery, the Civil Rights Act, ending Jim Crow, etc. Cathy Gohlke has said it best in her book: "None of this makes sense, but I don't blame God for it like I used to. I blame the ugliness and hatred of people. How God can stand to look at us, I don't know." Here's another" "You can push all that past aside if you want to, but until you understand where people around here came from and why they think the way they do, you won't be able to help them get beyond it...You have to learn from what's gone on and work hard if you want to make the future better."
Cathy looks at the evil of racism and gives Hope through Jesus Christ and that we all need to trust Him and know that He is always working. We must always work, also, to see the image of God in everyone we come in contact with and help to break the cycle with our acts of love toward others ( )

It’s hard to put into words how powerful this book is and how it just touched my soul. This book follows the characters from her other book, Night Bird Calling, and it’s truly amazing. This book is a split time story, between the Civil War and WWII and the people of No Creek, North Carolina.

The author is such a wonderful writer that I can just picture every character, everything that is happening...just as if I were watching a movie. I felt like I’ve been living in No Creek the whole time. The characters are so real, dealing with issues that have plagued mankind from the beginning of time. I love this Bible verse that is weaved throughout the story:
“The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

And please, read the Note to Readers at the end. Amazing! ( )

Title: A Hundred Crickets Singing
Author: Cathy Gohlke
Pages: 432
Year: 2022
Publisher: Tyndale House
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
When I first came across the synopsis for this book, I was immediately intrigued. Recently, I sat down to read a tale of two women in two different eras who longed to set things right for those unable to do so. One timeline is during the Civil War era where a family in a town called No Name brings comfort, aid and hope to those in the underground railroad. The Belvidere family also brings help and hope to their community through various acts of love and kindness.
The other timeline is during WWII where segregation in the services doesn’t keep two men from encouraging each other. One man is named Marshall, who is black and is working to become a medic with the hopes of becoming a doctor after the war. The other man is Joe who considers Marshall a brother but also faces shunning by some because of his Italian heritage. Together they face challenges after the war but work hard to fulfill their dream of being doctors together in the town of No Name.
There is so much more to the story than the little I shared above, but I don’t want to reveal so much that the joy of discovery is lost by those who have yet to enjoy the book. There is a previous story with these characters in it titled, Night Bird Calling, which I didn’t know about before I read this book. However, that didn’t dimmish in any way my enjoying this book, and I may go back and read the other book soon. The novel is engaging from the start, and it reached out and grabbed my heart the further along I progressed in the book. I loved how the women, even when faced with limitations as to what they could accomplish in their generation, still sought ways to bring comfort, aid and change. The men in each generation faced some very tough challenges, and even when they were mocked or ridiculed, they continued to press on. Readers will enjoy seeing how while we all wish change were immediate it takes time, sometimes a generation before lasting change is possible. But even then, continuously pressing forward with courage, humility and faith lives can be redeemed and hope can burst forth.
I recommend reading this newest novel by Cathy as well as the other ones she has written with insight, thought and heart.
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. ( )