Freedom's Song

 Title: Freedom's Song

Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer

Publisher: Waterbrook Press

Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance

Source: Net Galley

My Review:

 I enjoy Kim Vogel Sawyer's writing. While many people have "auto-buy" authors, I have "auto-read" authors. Ms. Sawyer is one of those authors. Whenever I see her name, I immediately want to read her books. I do not bother to see what the book is about, I just request it or put it on my TBR list.

Thunderous applause. Cries of "Encore, encore!"

 Fanny is one of the sweetest, most lovable characters you will ever meet. No matter what situation she faces, she handles it with grace, and sweetness. Her faith is as natural to her as breathing. While life had given her much to complain about, she chose not to. She continued to sing and praise her Lord. Her friendship with the family she meets in the early part of her journey was heart-warming and heart-breaking. It would have been nice to know whether they arrived at their destination and how their journey went.

She never won arguments with Sloan or Burke. Sometimes she argued anyway, if only for the sake of entertaining herself and utilizing her wits. 

Walter is a strong male lead. His attentiveness and kindness to Fanny after she arrives unexpectedly at his house, also endears the reader to him. Learning of his story and struggles, seeing his faith in action, which is also as natural to him as breathing, you can't help but wish that he would get the wife he needs. 

This story is filled with doses of humor and enough suspense to keep you engaged. The plot was strong and the story flowed smoothly. There was character growth in Fanny, Walter, and Sloane.You could see their struggle with good and evil, especially Sloane. All of the characters are relatable and you especially love Annalise. There are strong messages of faith, freedom, forgiveness, hope, and love in this story. When I finished the book, I had an a-ha moment, and the title made complete sense. I love those moments!

I loved the ending, it brought chills and tears to my eyes. It could not have been sweeter. However, it also left me asking questions. I don't know if the author left some things (like the Moore's unfilled dreams) somewhat unfinished to leave room for another story, or if, as in real life, we don't always know what happens to everybody. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction.

Thank you to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

★★★★/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads): 

Indentured servant Fanny Beck has been forced to sing for riverboat passengers since she was a girl. All she wants is to live a quiet, humble life with her family as soon as her seven-year contract is over. However, when she discovers that the captain has no intention of releasing her, she seizes a sudden opportunity to escape--an impulse that leads Fanny to a group of enslaved people who are on their own dangerous quest for liberty. . . .

Widower Walter Kuhn is overwhelmed by his responsibilities to his farm and young daughter, and now his mail-order bride hasn't arrived. Could a beautiful stranger seeking work be the answer to his prayers? . . .

After the star performer of the River Peacock is presumed drowned, Sloan Kirkpatrick, the riverboat's captain, sets off to find her replacement. However, his journey will bring him face to face with his own past--and a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be free. . . .

Uplifting, inspiring, and grounded in biblical truth, Freedom's Song is a story for every reader who has longed for physical, emotional, or spiritual delivery.