Picture a storyteller who weaves tales of courage and faith against the backdrop of history—meet Cathy Gohlke! This award-winning author of inspirational historical fiction has captivated readers with her heartfelt novels, often set during the Civil War and World War II. With a knack for blending meticulous research with emotional depth, Gohlke’s stories explore the fight against oppression, drawing from her North Carolina roots and a lifelong fascination with the Underground Railroad.
The Making of Cathy Gohlke
Born with a storyteller’s heart, Cathy Gohlke grew up surrounded by the rich history of North Carolina’s farms and small towns. A family tale about her grandaunt’s farmhouse serving as a haven for enslaved people on the Underground Railroad sparked her passion for stories of freedom and resilience. Before becoming a novelist, Gohlke wore many hats—school librarian, drama director, and children’s ministry leader—each role honing her ability to connect with people and their journeys. Her Christian faith, which she describes as the source of her inspiration, guided her to write novels that celebrate the triumph of the human spirit.
Cathy Gohlke’s Unforgettable Stories
Gohlke’s novels are a masterclass in historical fiction, blending vivid settings with characters who face moral dilemmas and personal transformation. Her debut, William Henry Is a Fine Name (2006), follows a young boy navigating the tensions of a pre-Civil War world, earning a Christy Award for its poignant exploration of slavery and friendship. Saving Amelie (2014) transports readers to Nazi Germany, where a woman risks everything to protect a deaf child from the horrors of eugenics, winning an INSPY Award. Secrets She Kept (2015), a Christy and Carol Award winner, delves into family secrets unraveling against the backdrop of World War II. Her recent work, A Hundred Crickets Singing (2022), revisits Appalachia, weaving tales of justice and community. Gohlke’s style is immersive, with richly drawn characters and themes of faith, freedom, and redemption that resonate deeply.
Her meticulous research brings history to life—whether it’s the Underground Railroad’s secret networks or the Warsaw ghetto’s harrowing realities. Gohlke doesn’t shy away from tough topics, yet her stories always carry a thread of hope, making them both heart-wrenching and uplifting.
Why Cathy Gohlke Matters
Cathy Gohlke’s impact lies in her ability to make history feel personal. Her novels don’t just recount events; they invite readers to wrestle with questions of justice, courage, and faith alongside her characters. By championing the fight against oppression, she inspires readers to reflect on their own values and the world around them. Her multiple awards—Christy, Carol, INSPY, and American Christian Fiction Writers honors—attest to her influence in the inspirational fiction genre, while her readers praise her for bringing lesser-known historical moments to light.
About Cathy Gohlke
- Key Works: William Henry Is a Fine Name, Saving Amelie, Secrets She Kept, A Hundred Crickets Singing
- Awards: Three-time Christy Award winner, Carol Award, INSPY Award
- Genres: Inspirational Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction
- Fun Fact: Gohlke’s love for history was sparked by a family story about the Underground Railroad.
Ready to step into a world where history and heart collide? Snag William Henry Is a Fine Name or Saving Amelie and dive into Cathy Gohlke’s unforgettable storytelling!