The Songs That Could Have Been by Amanda Wen

1950s/Present – Kansas

Two couples in love. Two sets of impossible circumstances. One powerful God of grace.

After a tailspin in her late teens, Lauren Anderson’s life is finally back on track. Her battle with bulimia is under control, her career is taking off, and she’s surrounded by a loving family. Then a chance meeting with Carter Douglas, her first love and the man who broke her heart, leads to old feelings returning with new strength. And suddenly her well-balanced world is thrown off kilter.

Now a TV meteorologist, Carter is determined to make amends with Lauren. After all, she still owns his heart. But the reasons they broke up aren’t lost–and those old demons are forcing him toward the same decision he faced in the past. He isn’t sure he’s 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.

One Comment

Having loved the debut, Roots of Wood and Stone by Amanda Wen, I could not wait to see what she tackled in her second book, and tackled was right. Some hard subjects were handled well: views on race in the 50s, alcoholism, eating disorders and letting Christ control your life. The characters jump off the page and into your heart as they deal with life situations.
This dual time story was heartbreaking at times: “They had made the right choice. The mature choice. The loving choice. But that didn’t mean it wouldn’t shatter her heart.” But also uplifting and filled with hope: “God had a plan, even man’s stupidity could not thwart that plan… it is never too late for God. Nothing is too far gone for Him to redeem it.”
Ms. Wen handled the race conflict of the 50s in a sensitive way, showing the conflicting emotions of two teens, Rosie and Ephriam. I liked the way she voiced Rosie’s thoughts as she struggled with alzheimers in later life.
The book was not at all depressing. It was rounded out nicely throughout. Because Lauren is a food blogger, I liked that she named her cats Alton and Nigella! I also caught the weather related references since Carter was a weatherman.
This book was every bit as good as the first and gave me more of a glimpse into the lives of the characters I connected with in the first book.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel as part if the I Read with Audra book tour. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

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The Songs That Could Have Been by Amanda Wen