The Songs That Could Have Been Book Review

While recently recovering from minor surgery, I had the opportunity to read Amanda Wen’s new book, The Songs That Could Have Been. This is the second book in Sedgewick County Chronicles series that I have reviewed – and Amanda is quickly becoming my favorite new author! I love how her stories transport you to another time and place and time. It was perfect for “escaping” from the soreness of surgery!

After a devastating tailspin in her late teens, Lauren Anderson’s life is finally back on track. Then a chance meeting with Carter Douglas, her first love and the man who broke her heart, threatens to throw her well-balanced world out of control.

Now a TV meteorologist, Carter is determined to make amends with Lauren. After all, she still owns his heart. But his old demons are forcing him toward the same decision he faced in the past. Is he courageous enough to make a different choice this time around?

When Lauren’s elderly grandmother, Rosie, begins having nightmares about a man named Ephraim–a name her family has never heard before—a fascinating and forbidden past love comes to light. As Lauren and Carter work to uncover the untold stories of Rosie’s past in 1950s Wichita, they embark on a journey of forgiveness and second chances that will change their lives—and Rosie’s—forever. Along the way, they’ll learn that God wastes nothing, his timing is perfect, and nothing is beyond his grace and redemption.

Definitely grab a copy of The Songs That Could Have Been for your late summer read! The story will pull you in, and you won’t be able to put it down until the end. I can’t wait to read the next book in the Sedgewick County Chronicles! I hope Amanda is working on it!

About the Author

Amanda Wen is an award-winning inspirational romance writer and split-time women’s fiction. She has placed first in multiple writing contests, including the 2017 Indiana Golden Opportunity, the 2017 Phoenix Rattler, and the 2016 ACFW First Impressions contests. She was also a 2018 ACFW Genesis Contest finalist. Her debut novel was a 2021 Christy Award First Novel finalist.
 
Wen is an American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) member and regularly contributes author interviews for their Fiction Finder feature. She also frequently interviews authors for her blog and contributes to the God Is Love blog. She is the author of Roots of Wood and Stone and The Songs That Could Have Been.
 
In addition to her writing, Wen is an accomplished professional cellist and pianist who frequently performs with orchestras, chamber groups, and her church’s worship team. She serves as a choral accompanist as well. A lifelong denizen of the flatlands, Wen lives in Kansas with her patient, loving, and hilarious husband, their three adorable Wenlets, and a snuggly Siamese cat.
 
To find Amanda Wen’s blog and short stories, visit www.amandawen.com. Readers can also follow her on Facebook (@AuthorAmandaWen), Twitter (@AuthorAmandaWen), and Instagram (@authoramandawen).

A complimentary e-copy of The Songs That Could Have Been was provided to facilitate this post.  No other compensation was received in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.  No affiliate links are present in this post.  Please see my disclosure for more information.