Red Headed Book Lady: The Songs that could have been by Amanda Wen

ABOUT THE BOOK

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.

The Songs That Could Have Been is full of the same deftly handled, resonant writing that readers and critics alike enjoyed in Amanda Wen's first book in the series. Fans of Lisa Wingate and Rachel Hauck will add Amanda Wen to their must-read shelves.

MY REVIEW

I enjoyed this book so much! What an incredible story!

I loved being swept into this 2 different time line story but I have to say that Rosie's story is my favorite!
Rosie is my favorite character and I felt that as I read her story I began to have a better understanding of dementia. My heart sure went out to her. I felt like she was my own grandmother.
Lauren's story was equally interesting. She had me drooling with her specialty. Food that's all I'll say about this one.
Wen is such a good storyteller. I love how she writes from the heart and brings her characters to life in the pages.
This book will be added to my keeper shelf. And to my list of favorite 2022 reads.
Thank you for another wonderful story Ms. Wen! I hope you'll keep them coming!
5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend!
You might want to keep a box of tissues by your side! Fair warning!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amanda Wen’s debut novel, Roots of Wood and Stone, released to both reader and critical acclaim, including a Christy Award nomination for First Novel. She also placed first in multiple contests, including the 2017 Indiana Golden Opportunity Contest, the 2017 Phoenix Rattler Contest, and the 2016 ACFW First Impressions Contest, among others. In addition to her writing, Amanda is an accomplished professional cellist and pianist who frequently performs with orchestras, chamber groups, and her church’s worship team, as well as serving as a choral accompanist. A lifelong denizen of the flatlands, Amanda currently lives in Kansas with her patient, loving, and hilarious husband, their three adorable Wenlets, and a snuggly Siamese cat.