Freedom's Song

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a highly acclaimed, bestselling author with more than 1.5 million books in print in seven different languages. Her titles have earned numerous accolades, including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim and her retired military husband, Don, live in central Kansas, where she continues to write gentle stories of hope. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and her grandchildren.

Reader's Guide


1. Fanny’s plunge from the riverboat into the Mississippi River sent her on a journey she never could have imagined. Has an unexpected, unpleasant experience ever sent you in a different direction? Could you see God’s hand in the experience? 

2. Sloan tricked Fanny’s father into signing a thirty-five-year commitment of service. Because Sloan duped the family, was Fanny obligated to fulfill the agreement? Why or why not? 

3. Fanny unwittingly became caught up in an Underground Railroad operation. She didn’t have to stay with Enoch and his family. Why do you think she chose to do so? 

4. Walter branded himself a coward because he had run in fear from the bullies who’d tormented him during his childhood. Was this a fair designation? Why or why not? Have you ever placed a certain "brand" on yourself? How can we keep from defining ourselves negatively and instead view ourselves through God’s eyes? 

5. Sloan grew up in a home with few material possessions but a great deal of love. Why do you think he was dissatisfied with his life? How did scriptures and spoken words from his past affect him as he sought a new singer? Have you ever been influenced by remembered words from the Bible or a loved one? In what way? 

6. When Fanny heard a young child crying, why did she decide to investigate? If you heard a child in distress, how would you respond? 
7. After deciding to let Fanny go, Sloan considered contacting his parents. Do you think he followed through with it? What kind of reception do you think he received? 

8. Freedom is a theme throughout the story—Fanny’s freedom from Sloan, Enoch and his family’s freedom from bondage, and Walter’s freedom from a cloak of fear. Ransom told Fanny, "I’m free because Jesus forgave my sins." Later, Fanny realized she would still be free even if held captive again by Sloan. What is the difference between physical freedom and spiritual freedom? Have you found freedom in Christ? How has it affected you?

Sawyer (Echoes of Mercy) again digs into history in this enjoyable faith-filled adventure about an indentured servant on a popular riverboat. In 1860, Fanny Beck is the star singer aboard the River Peacock steamboat, but also a prisoner between shows, as she’s indentured to Sloan Kirkpatrick for a seven-year contract. Fanny dreams of escape, praying that one day she’ll reunite with her family in New York City. Then Fanny learns that Sloan plans not to honor the end date of the contract, and, when a fire breaks out on the boat, she escapes. Fanny’s long trek to freedom includes traveling witha family of escaped slaves, sleeping aboard train cars, and singing for money—and then Sloan pursues her upon learning she survived the fire. After Fanny arrives in Gideon, Ind., she finds a sobbing child alone in a cabin and meets the girl’s father, Walter Kuhn, who recently injured himself. He works out a deal for Fanny to care for the girl in order to earn train fare until Walter’s mail-order bride arrives. But plans change when a relationship between the two kindles. Sawyer’s episodic narrative and rich assortment of characters fighting for freedom provide the story with many twists and unexpected side-plots. The author’s fans will love this. (Oct.) — Publishers Weekly


"Kim Vogel Sawyer has once again written a delightful, heartwarming tale of romance and adventure. Readers will come to love Fanny and Walter—and perhaps even the "villain," Sloan—all compelling characters, each of whom journeys to a moment of gripping revelation and change. Don’t miss this engaging story." — Louise M. Gouge, award-winning author of Winning Amber

"A truly enjoyable and riveting read. Young Fanny’s character captured me right from the start. A beautifully told story of the priceless value of freedom." — Melody Carlson, author of the Legacy of Sunset Cove series

"Kim Sawyer is known for her long list of uplifting and hope-filled novels, but Freedom’s Song may be her best yet. Deftly weaving the theme of freedom through an unforgettable story of love and escape, Kim delivers a tale that readers will not soon forget. The characters will jump off the page and into your heart, and the message will bring you hope." — Kathleen Y’Barbo, a Publishers Weekly
bestselling author of The Yes Dare, book 3 of the Pies, Books & Jesus Book Club series

"Kim Vogel Sawyer writes classic Christian fiction at its finest. Freedom’s Song is no exception. I didn’t want it to end, but it ended the way I wanted it to—that is a great book." — Tracey Bateman, author of The Nanny Proposal

"Freedom’s Song is a heartwarming story of God’s perfect timing and provision. Out of the darkness of indentured servitude emerges a sweet romance and a strong story of hope that will resonate with readers. Fanny, the heroine, is inspiring because she never gives up and she clings to her faith in spite of the difficult things she faces. Another great read from Kim Sawyer." — Vickie McDonough, bestselling author of more than fifty novels and novellas, including The Anonymous Brid