PAULA'S REVIEW:
Echoes of a Silent Song by Amanda Wen is a masterpiece. I loved the nostalgic vibes it gave me. I was transported back to my high school years 1965-67 and my choral classes. My teacher was also my church choir leader. I also remember waiting to see which number would come up in the draft during the Vietnam era. My husband enlisted in the Navy before he could be drafted.
Ms. Wen not only evokes memories but weaves a complicated, intriguing story within the enemies-to-love romance. Blair and Callum were so believable with their pasts not quite in the past. The insight into composing music was mesmerizing. I appreciated that both Callum and Iris were composing to please God and not man.
This was not only a really good yarn, it brought out aspects of the human condition such as depression and narcissistic behavior. It showed the difference in understanding those conditions between the 70s and the present.
One thing that bothered me was a scene near the end, but I am not going to spoil the story and did not take off points.
This is an excellent, compelling story and I cannot wait for the next book in the Melodies and Memories series.
This is an excellent, compelling story and I cannot wait for the next book in the Melodies and Memories series.
*A complimentary copy was provided by Kregel on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread
BackCover Blurb:
A split-time romance from an award-winning author
When a choral composer and conductor falls victim to creative block, he resorts to his fallback plan of teaching high school choir. Callum Knight’s goal at Peterson High is simple: rediscover his muse, extract himself from teaching, and get back to Boston as quickly as possible.
As the long-suffering accompanist at the high school, Peterson-native Blair Emerson has watched the revolving door of choir directors and their negative impact on her choirs over the last few years. She is less than impressed when a disheveled Callum stumbles in on his first day.
But then they discover an unsigned, unfinished, and handwritten choral composition by a clear musical genius. Blair recalls rumors of Iris, a Peterson student from the 1970s who composed music but was found dead during her senior year. Blair and Callum work to determine if the piece is hers, and the truth they uncover shakes both of them to the core.
With rhythm and flair, Amanda Wen takes readers on an unexpected journey into the depths of a small town’s history in this riveting first book in the Melodies and Memories duology.
A split-time romance from an award-winning author
When a choral composer and conductor falls victim to creative block, he resorts to his fallback plan of teaching high school choir. Callum Knight’s goal at Peterson High is simple: rediscover his muse, extract himself from teaching, and get back to Boston as quickly as possible.
As the long-suffering accompanist at the high school, Peterson-native Blair Emerson has watched the revolving door of choir directors and their negative impact on her choirs over the last few years. She is less than impressed when a disheveled Callum stumbles in on his first day.
But then they discover an unsigned, unfinished, and handwritten choral composition by a clear musical genius. Blair recalls rumors of Iris, a Peterson student from the 1970s who composed music but was found dead during her senior year. Blair and Callum work to determine if the piece is hers, and the truth they uncover shakes both of them to the core.
With rhythm and flair, Amanda Wen takes readers on an unexpected journey into the depths of a small town’s history in this riveting first book in the Melodies and Memories duology.
Kregel Publishing, October 2025
Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House
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