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Songs in the Night #2
His Watchful Eye: Songs in the Night Book 2
In this riveting story of Christians in Hitler's Germany, Pastor Josef Schumacher-introduced in While Mortals Sleep, Book One in the Songs in the Night series-has risked all to stand against the evils of Nazism, teaching the youths of his church to strive for righteousness. One of those young people is now Second Lieutenant Konrad Reichmann, whose loyalty has been won over by the Hitler Youth movement. But now on the Russian Front, he has discovered that reality bears no resemblance to the glory of the Third Reich. As Russia's winter is unleashed, supplies, fuel, and morale are diminished. When the slaughter of innocents further disillusions him, Konrad embarks on a bold and dangerous plan. Lamp Post is proud to present its Inspired! series-timeless, inspirational books for all lovers of fiction who want to feel good about the books they read. Enjoy historical and contemporary stories of Adventure, Romance, Sci-Fi, Mystery, and more!
416 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2002
12 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Jack Cavanaugh
36 books154 followersJack Cavanaugh is an award-winning, full-time freelance author with twenty-five published novels to his credit. His nine-volume American Family Portrait series spans the history of a nation from 1630 to the present and is still in print nearly fifteen years following its release.
A student of the novel for more than a quarter of a century, Jack takes his craft seriously, continuing to study and teach at Christian writers conferences. He is the former pastor of three churches in San Diego County and draws upon his theological background for the spiritual elements of his plots and characters.
His novels have been translated into a dozen foreign languages, largely because of the universal scope of his topics. Jack has not only written about American history, but about South Africa, banned English Bibles, German Christians in the days of Hitler and Communism, revivals in America, and angelic warfare.
Jack’s current writing schedule includes motion picture screenplays and e-book serial fiction with Internet distribution. His novel Death Watch has been optioned to be made into a motion picture by Out Cold Entertainment, Inc.
Jack has three grown children and lives with his wife in Southern California.
AWARDS
• Silver Medallion Award (1995), Christian Booksellers Association
• Christy Award (2002, 2003), Excellence in Christian Fiction
• Silver Angel Award (2002), Excellence in Media
• Gold Medal, Best Historical (2001), ForeWord Magazine
• Best Historical Novel (1994), San Diego Literary Society
• Best Novel (1995, 1996, 2005), San Diego Christian Writers Guild
A student of the novel for more than a quarter of a century, Jack takes his craft seriously, continuing to study and teach at Christian writers conferences. He is the former pastor of three churches in San Diego County and draws upon his theological background for the spiritual elements of his plots and characters.
His novels have been translated into a dozen foreign languages, largely because of the universal scope of his topics. Jack has not only written about American history, but about South Africa, banned English Bibles, German Christians in the days of Hitler and Communism, revivals in America, and angelic warfare.
Jack’s current writing schedule includes motion picture screenplays and e-book serial fiction with Internet distribution. His novel Death Watch has been optioned to be made into a motion picture by Out Cold Entertainment, Inc.
Jack has three grown children and lives with his wife in Southern California.
AWARDS
• Silver Medallion Award (1995), Christian Booksellers Association
• Christy Award (2002, 2003), Excellence in Christian Fiction
• Silver Angel Award (2002), Excellence in Media
• Gold Medal, Best Historical (2001), ForeWord Magazine
• Best Historical Novel (1994), San Diego Literary Society
• Best Novel (1995, 1996, 2005), San Diego Christian Writers Guild
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 3, 2020
*bawls*
I hope to write books half this good someday.
I hope to write books half this good someday.
January 24, 2016
Nooo!!!!! How in the world did it end like this?!?!? Augh! I NEED the 3rd book! Like, now!
*ahem* okay, I guess I should calm down.
This book was so good! There were many times where I had no idea how in the world it would all get wrapped up. In the end, I guess it still didn't. It was probably the worst cliffhanger ending I've read in my entire life.
This book just had so many emotions running through it. One minute you would be laughing, the next you were crying, and then you just wanted to throw the book across the room.
It was so good to be reunited with the characters from the first book. Konrad, Ernst, Neff, Lisette, Willi and Gail as well as Mady and Josef.
Konrad's journey through out the book along with Lisette's was so sweet, yet at the same time it was hard to read at times. It was completely heart-wrenching all they went through.
The historical accuracy and background was so amazing! When I feel like I'm standing in the buildings in bombed-out Berlin and accompanying the main character on a mission, then you know the author has done a good job! I also may have a slight crush on Konrad. . .something had better change in the 3rd book!!
So, yeah. I loved the book and can' wait to start the last one!! :)
*ahem* okay, I guess I should calm down.
This book was so good! There were many times where I had no idea how in the world it would all get wrapped up. In the end, I guess it still didn't. It was probably the worst cliffhanger ending I've read in my entire life.
This book just had so many emotions running through it. One minute you would be laughing, the next you were crying, and then you just wanted to throw the book across the room.
It was so good to be reunited with the characters from the first book. Konrad, Ernst, Neff, Lisette, Willi and Gail as well as Mady and Josef.
Konrad's journey through out the book along with Lisette's was so sweet, yet at the same time it was hard to read at times. It was completely heart-wrenching all they went through.
The historical accuracy and background was so amazing! When I feel like I'm standing in the buildings in bombed-out Berlin and accompanying the main character on a mission, then you know the author has done a good job! I also may have a slight crush on Konrad. . .something had better change in the 3rd book!!
So, yeah. I loved the book and can' wait to start the last one!! :)
June 26, 2017
I didn't think this could be any better than the first book, but it was!! I cried just as hard and was just as amazed by the plot and characters as the first one. I simply cannot say how much I love this book. Konrad... *please excuse me while I go sob in a corner* It's too much!!! Lisette is so sweet and patient, and I love Neff!! 😭 The ending is sooo sweet and sooo sad and it's a horrible cliffhanger!! This series literally ripped my heart and smushed it to pieces but I love it so much haha. My mom kept commenting on how depressed I was and I was like, "It's this blessed book!"😂 But even so, it's worth the pain. 5 stars!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2018
*takes a deep breath*
*takes another*
*and another*
Wow. That was a ride.
*takes another*
*and another*
Wow. That was a ride.
February 7, 2025
Jack Cavanaugh’s His Watchful Eye is a compelling continuation of the narrative set forth in While Mortals Sleep, shifting the focus to the younger ensemble of characters—Konrad, Ernst, and Lisette—while delving deeper into the harsh realities of Nazi Germany during World War II. Although the book can be read on its own, its full impact is best appreciated as part of the series, where the context provided by the first installment enriches the overall experience.
The novel is structured with a notable mini climax around the 40% mark, effectively dividing the narrative into two distinct phases. Cavanaugh’s pacing is measured—neither sluggish nor overly brisk—which allows the reader to be steadily drawn into the grim world he portrays. His descriptive prowess brings to life the emotional and physical horrors of the era without resorting to excessively graphic depictions, striking a balance that remains accessible for a young adult audience.
One curious aspect of the book is its prologue, set at the fall of the Berlin Wall—a time and setting that contrasts sharply with the remainder of the narrative. This element appears to serve as a bridge to subsequent volumes, inviting readers to revisit the prologue after completing the story.
The narrative weaves in themes of forgiveness and moral reckoning, reflecting Christian values without becoming overtly didactic. However, some moments, such as Konrad’s offhand remark questioning whether Jesus would carry a rifle, seem to oversimplify complex theological ideas. Additionally, the novel addresses weighty issues including various forms of abuse, suffering, and social prejudice. These topics are handled with a sensitivity that renders them accessible to both middle schoolers and older readers, though they may not satisfy those seeking a more intense or gritty depiction.
Overall, His Watchful Eye is a well-crafted work of historical fiction that enriches its genre with a believable narrative and thoughtful thematic explorations, despite a few minor narrative quirks. It is a worthy read for fans of World War II historical fiction and those interested in a nuanced exploration of morality in a troubled era.
The novel is structured with a notable mini climax around the 40% mark, effectively dividing the narrative into two distinct phases. Cavanaugh’s pacing is measured—neither sluggish nor overly brisk—which allows the reader to be steadily drawn into the grim world he portrays. His descriptive prowess brings to life the emotional and physical horrors of the era without resorting to excessively graphic depictions, striking a balance that remains accessible for a young adult audience.
One curious aspect of the book is its prologue, set at the fall of the Berlin Wall—a time and setting that contrasts sharply with the remainder of the narrative. This element appears to serve as a bridge to subsequent volumes, inviting readers to revisit the prologue after completing the story.
The narrative weaves in themes of forgiveness and moral reckoning, reflecting Christian values without becoming overtly didactic. However, some moments, such as Konrad’s offhand remark questioning whether Jesus would carry a rifle, seem to oversimplify complex theological ideas. Additionally, the novel addresses weighty issues including various forms of abuse, suffering, and social prejudice. These topics are handled with a sensitivity that renders them accessible to both middle schoolers and older readers, though they may not satisfy those seeking a more intense or gritty depiction.
Overall, His Watchful Eye is a well-crafted work of historical fiction that enriches its genre with a believable narrative and thoughtful thematic explorations, despite a few minor narrative quirks. It is a worthy read for fans of World War II historical fiction and those interested in a nuanced exploration of morality in a troubled era.
December 25, 2023
This was a really good story through the majority of the book but lost its momentum when the characters started doing things which were much too unbelievable. The most ridiculous thing was when Ernst & Konrad decided to save the German POW. Come on. They had no chance to save that guy. No one would have attempted that. Not what was on the line for Konrad and the children. And the vow that Konrad made not to kill anyone else was just stupid considering that Krahl was going to kill him. I think I will stop now on this trilogy. Probably just a 3.5. Bummer.
January 28, 2018
Another hear.t-stopping read by a great author. Picking up where While Mortals Sleep left off, the story of the Schumacher family continues, adding to it the stories of the Youth group as they grow up and learn life's lessons the hard way in Hitler's war-torn Germany. As Josef weakens, Konrad's resolve grows. can't wait to read book 3 in this trilogy
August 28, 2018
This is book #1 of this series. It is about a minister, and a group of teen boys who are in Hitler's Nazi Youth and also the church youth group. The story begins with the fall of the Berlin Wall, then begins in 1940 Christmas with a party for the kids at the minister's home.
This book is very well written. I recommend it to those readers who enjoy history and the events in Germany in WW2.
This book is very well written. I recommend it to those readers who enjoy history and the events in Germany in WW2.
September 22, 2019
Second in series and well done!!
February 1, 2008
(Written August 30, 2003)
Konrad was just a boy when he joined Hitler’s youth movement. Now he is a man, and all the more responsible for his choices. He persuades his friend, Neff, to join the army with him, and they go off together, toting gun and camera.
Back at the Schumachers’ home, Lisette waits anxiously for Konrad. She has her own problems, too, as she works as a secretary. The boss, a married man, loves to feast his eyes on his secretaries.
One day when bombings are close overhead, Lisette rescues a young child from a rubble heap. The child has a new home with the Schumacher’s already large house of elsewhere-unwanted children.
When terrible things begin to happen in the war, Konrad realizes his captain (?) has become a bloodthirsty man. Leaving the army a traitor, he goes back home pretending all is well. Pastor Schumacher knows differently. Konrad tells the pastor what happened, and what he intends to do about Hitler, the plight of the nation. Resolved, Konrad arms himself to assassinate Hitler, leaving Lisette behind once again.
Will Konrad strike the serpent and become just like him?
In another part of the country, childhood friend, Ernst, is a scientist. One day, Ernst meets a beautiful secretary and falls in love. Only she is French, and hates Germans.
With numerous twists and emotionally charged scenes, Jack Cavanaugh has once again created a masterpiece. I didn’t want to put this book down, and I didn’t want it to end! I’m impatiently waiting for Book 3!
Konrad was just a boy when he joined Hitler’s youth movement. Now he is a man, and all the more responsible for his choices. He persuades his friend, Neff, to join the army with him, and they go off together, toting gun and camera.
Back at the Schumachers’ home, Lisette waits anxiously for Konrad. She has her own problems, too, as she works as a secretary. The boss, a married man, loves to feast his eyes on his secretaries.
One day when bombings are close overhead, Lisette rescues a young child from a rubble heap. The child has a new home with the Schumacher’s already large house of elsewhere-unwanted children.
When terrible things begin to happen in the war, Konrad realizes his captain (?) has become a bloodthirsty man. Leaving the army a traitor, he goes back home pretending all is well. Pastor Schumacher knows differently. Konrad tells the pastor what happened, and what he intends to do about Hitler, the plight of the nation. Resolved, Konrad arms himself to assassinate Hitler, leaving Lisette behind once again.
Will Konrad strike the serpent and become just like him?
In another part of the country, childhood friend, Ernst, is a scientist. One day, Ernst meets a beautiful secretary and falls in love. Only she is French, and hates Germans.
With numerous twists and emotionally charged scenes, Jack Cavanaugh has once again created a masterpiece. I didn’t want to put this book down, and I didn’t want it to end! I’m impatiently waiting for Book 3!
December 7, 2010
Bleh, Christian fiction drek. Since this is Christian fiction, no flaming poos will be assigned, but this book fails by being haplessly mediocre, with zero tension/excitement to move the plodding characters through the plot. Backstory and motivations are info-dumped left and right in boring expository lumps. The females are typical Christian fiction creations; nice, bland creampuffs for God. And the guys...well, they're creampuffs too.
Perhaps it doesn't help that this book is not standalone, but a sequel that assumes foreknowledge of a lot of the characters emotional development. I didn't get to see any of the motivational conflict I was hoping to see with the SS sniper character having to choose between his loyalties and his morality. I didn't get a powerful character who struggles and makes his own decisions. Instead I got a boy who sort of goes with the flow and rolls wherever the winds buffet him. Supposedly he was some sort of commanding officer. HA! The guy had so little charisma, I couldn't believe anyone would follow his orders. Maybe he acts with more confidence later on; but I'm not going to find out since I'm not finishing this.
Perhaps it doesn't help that this book is not standalone, but a sequel that assumes foreknowledge of a lot of the characters emotional development. I didn't get to see any of the motivational conflict I was hoping to see with the SS sniper character having to choose between his loyalties and his morality. I didn't get a powerful character who struggles and makes his own decisions. Instead I got a boy who sort of goes with the flow and rolls wherever the winds buffet him. Supposedly he was some sort of commanding officer. HA! The guy had so little charisma, I couldn't believe anyone would follow his orders. Maybe he acts with more confidence later on; but I'm not going to find out since I'm not finishing this.
June 3, 2012
Another powerful, insightful, and disturbing book about German Christians during WWII. I couldn't put it down. In fact, I finished it two days ago and didn't stop to write this review - I jumped right into book #3! Jack Cavanaugh does such a good job of explaining the inexplicable. How could young people, raised in Christ's Church, become Nazi youth and then soldiers involved in unspeakable acts against humanity? What caused them to go this way - and what brought some of them back? This is another book worth your time to read and digest. Parts of it are disturbing but they are important to understand because things like this really happened. The fictional characters are so believable, you can being to understand what it could have been like. Well done, Mr. Cavanaugh, you deserve all 5 stars for this one!
January 19, 2022
Former rating: 4 stars
New rating (Jan. 18, 2022): 5 stars
Man this book was so good and that ending was so terrible in every sense of the word. Like a good terrible. It hurt so much and I know there's more pain to be had. But this may be my favorite of the trilogy. Maybe. Probably.
My favorite is definitely Konrad 🥰
I just want him to be happy.
So if you like hard World War 2 stories that don't hold back, (after having read While Mortals Sleep first, of course),this one is for you. It's painful yet hopeful and really, really good.
New rating (Jan. 18, 2022): 5 stars
Man this book was so good and that ending was so terrible in every sense of the word. Like a good terrible. It hurt so much and I know there's more pain to be had. But this may be my favorite of the trilogy. Maybe. Probably.
My favorite is definitely Konrad 🥰
I just want him to be happy.
So if you like hard World War 2 stories that don't hold back, (after having read While Mortals Sleep first, of course),this one is for you. It's painful yet hopeful and really, really good.
August 18, 2012
To some degree it was a disappointment. I expected more after Mr.Cavanaughs collaboration with Bill Bright.
The characters seemed one dimensional. Although predictable the plot kept a certain tension.
The characters seemed one dimensional. Although predictable the plot kept a certain tension.
November 26, 2016
Another cliffhanger
If you're not a speed reader or like to stay up
Late at night, don't pick this book up. It's a continuous story of Pastor Josef's group of young Christian, German's lives as they struggle through World War II
If you're not a speed reader or like to stay up
Late at night, don't pick this book up. It's a continuous story of Pastor Josef's group of young Christian, German's lives as they struggle through World War II
February 28, 2011
really good book about Christian youth during the Third Reich
April 22, 2013
Exciting, edge of your seat inspirational/historical thriller.
June 2, 2012
Excellent read, wish our libraby had more of this authors books.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews