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About this item
Highlights
- "A stunning journey of loss, love, and yearning. . . .
- Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards (Religious Fiction) 2022 3rd Winner
- Author(s): Amanda Wen
- 272 Pages
- Fiction + Literature Genres, Christian
Description
About the Book
"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"--Book Synopsis
"A stunning journey of loss, love, and yearning. . . . Past and present are deftly woven together in this dual-timeline narrative that will leave readers flying through the pages." --Amanda Cox, author of the 2021 Christy Award Book of the Year, The Edge of Belonging 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. "A reading experience both heartfelt and heart-tugging, a timeless exploration of young and enduring love and the grace found in second chances. Amanda Wen is a rare and remarkable storyteller, and this is a novel I will not soon forget." --Amanda Barratt, Christy Award-winning author of The White Rose ResistsReview Quotes
"Amanda Wen is a fresh new voice in the Christian fiction arena! Blending well researched historical events with modern-day, relatable characters, she crafts tales within tales that are guaranteed to delight and inspire readers. I highly recommend this inspiring writer."--Kim Vogel Sawyer, best-selling author of Freedom's Song (12/20/2021 12:00:00 AM)
"As poignant as it is intricately crafted, The Songs That Could Have Been takes readers on a journey spanning decades and linking the stories of two couples who find themselves drawn together in unexpected and beautiful ways. This is a reading experience both heartfelt and heart-tugging, a timeless exploration of young and enduring love and the grace found in second chances. Amanda Wen is a rare and remarkable storyteller, and this is a novel I will not soon forget."--Amanda Barratt, Christy Award-winning author of The White Rose Resists (12/20/2021 12:00:00 AM)
"Readers will be swept off their feet by Amanda Wen's second installment of the Sedgwick County Chronicles. The Songs That Could Have Been takes readers on a stunning journey of loss, love, and yearning for the things that could have been. Within these pages, Wen masterfully handles difficult themes like addiction and racism with authenticity, grace, and hope. Past and present are deftly woven together in this dual-timeline narrative that will leave readers flying through the pages. The Songs That Could Have Been is the 'can't miss' book of the year."--Amanda Cox, author of the 2021 Christy Book of the Year, The Edge of Belonging (12/20/2021 12:00:00 AM)
"There are so many brilliant moments in The Songs That Could Have Been. Amanda Wen took risks that paid off with a treasure trove of themes which will resonate in my heart for a very long time. Peppered with struggle and yearning, the journeys of Carter and Lauren, Rosie and Ephraim, will ultimately fill you with deep hope and joy. Have tissues ready, but know they will be mostly for happy tears."--Deborah Raney, author of Bridges and the Chandler Sisters Novels series (12/20/2021 12:00:00 AM)
Dimensions (Overall): 8.4 Inches (H) x 5.5 Inches (W) x .8 Inches (D)
Weight: .6 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 272
Genre: Fiction + Literature Genres
Sub-Genre: Christian
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Format: Paperback
Author: Amanda Wen
Language: English
Street Date: June 21, 2022
TCIN: 85238569
UPC: 9780825447693
Item Number (DPCI): 247-67-0049
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 0.8 inches length x 5.5 inches width x 8.4 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.6 pounds
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4.9 out of 5 stars with 8 reviews
100% would recommend
8 recommendations
All About Second Chances!
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Rebecca Maney - 2 years ago
"Can someone tell me please . . . what's happened to Ephraim?" A desperate plea from a lovely woman whose mind is routinely losing and confusing vital information from her past. Her granddaughter feels completely helpless, who exactly is Ephraim? It's certainly not her grandfather. Helping solve the mystery of Ephraim is not food blogger and photographer Lauren Anderson's only new project, she also has to figure out what to do about Carter Anderson. The chances of them literally running into each other were . . . . . . well, it was bound to happen sooner or later . . . after all, he was back in Wichita. "How many times had she dreamed of this moment? . . . But all those empty promises, those pretty but meaningless words, had left deep wounds." Taking second chances to an entirely new level, this story deep dives into the reasons that two couples, decades apart, lost their first chance to begin with. Not afraid to approach hard topics, the author gracefully and tenderly speaks the truth with love, treating broken hearts and aged minds with the care they deserve, allowing Lauren and Carter to discover on their own that God's grace is stronger and more reliable than any effort they can muster on their own. The "songs that could have been" still play a tune of love. . . . . . after all this time. . . . especially after all this time. Wonderful book!
Beautiful story!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
SB1989 - 2 years ago
The Songs That Could Have Been is s story that touches the heart and stays with the reader long after the last page has been read. Amanda Wen did a fabulous job writing a story with a beautiful plot and characters that you want the best for. The story has a dual timeline, and the author does an incredible job of effortlessly transitioning the story between time periods. The couples in each time period, and the obstacles and decisions made in each relationship are ones that touch the heart and makes the book nearly impossible to put down. Wen does an outstanding job weaving faith love, and hope throughout the story, while also gracefully tackling sensitive issues in a way that makes the story moving and filled with hope. The ending of the story was especially uplifting for me. The story was tied together nicely and left me feeling contented and gratified. Overall, an absolutely excellent read. I can’t wait to read more books from the author! I received a copy of this novel from the author and publisher for my reading pleasure and voluntarily chose to share my review. All thoughts and opinions in this review are mine alone.
Outstanding!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Connie Saunders - 2 years ago
The Songs That Could Have Been is a wonderful split-time romance novel with two touching love stories. One of them is the achingly beautiful story of Rose and Ephraim, a teenage white girl and her black male classmate, growing up in Wichita, Kansas in the 1950s. This is Christian romance so the hugs and kisses are very pure but author Amanda Wen stunningly portrays their longing to be together and the obstacles that they encounter. The modern romance story between Lauren and Carter is equally painful, as their past relationship threatens the possibility of them sharing a future. Much of their current connection centers around their efforts to discover the identity of the Ephraim who floats in and out of Grandma Rose's confused mind. Lauren's deceased grandfather was Orrin Spencer, so who in the world is Ephraim? This story is a poignant reminder of growing up in the 1950s and Wen perfectly captures the mindset of that era. Oh, how I wanted Rose and Ephraim to be together but I could understand the ramifications of their romance during that time! I was amazed by the author's ability to voice the thoughts and concerns of Carter, Lauren, Ephraim, and both young Rose and Grandma Rose. I also admired her willingness to tackle the difficult subjects of Alzheimer's, eating disorders, alcoholism, and race relations. There are many conflicts throughout this story but they are outweighed by Wen's extraordinary portrayal of love and redemption. Best of all, we are given the perfect ending! The Songs That Might Have Been is a must-read Christian fiction novel. I received a copy of this book from the author and Kregel Publications. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
God’s Grace Surrounds Us
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Deana - 2 years ago
Wow. Furst I will say that this goes to the top of my list of favorite books for 2022. I think I am almost recovered from a story that flowed like a melody as it washed over my soul. It is hard to describe what an impact this book has been to me. I have started to really enjoy dual time line stories but I have never read one that had so much impact on me. The author captures exactly what it was like in the mid ninety fifties. The high school Rosie attended was pretty typical except for one thing. It was taboo, unheard of and sinful for a white girl to date a black young man. Oh how I adored Rosie and Emphraim’s beautiful story. Two young people who looked past the color of one’s skin and found love that was so pure no one could stop them. I wonder what it would be like to love someone who others shunned? Rosie is my favorite character probably of all time. I loved her innocence, her pure heart and her unconditional love that years later still impact her life. I wanted to walk down the school hall with her and Emphraim and dare someone to say something to them. Although this story took place many years ago, I am not sure we are any closer to accepting each other. Their love for each other overshadowed every hurtful word said to them and made them unselfish in every decision they made about their relationship. They thought of each other’s feelings and made sacrifices to protect each other. I want to say so much more about this couple but instead I will let readers find their way through a journey that tackles prejudice, faith, hope and unconditional love. Lauren and Carter’s story tackles addiction. Lauren gets her heart broken by Carter and spirals out of control. Her health becomes an issue that she has battled for years. How they reconnect is quite special and I enjoyed how their lives collide as they uncover a long ago love story between Lauren’s grandmother and a very special young man who will impact an entire generation. They both struggled with addiction but never wanted to be truthful about it. When you hide a secret it always finds a way to be exposed. Carter has a deep rooted disappointment in his father because he finds him weak. What he never realized was he was just as weak and needed to face the truth that addiction can’t be done alone. Lauren has always blamed her breakup for the reason of her addiction. What she learns is that God’s grace is enough. We all need a reminder that our past doesn’t have to define our future. There is always hope and God can redeem what others thought would be impossible. We may have scars, but God heals them and gives us joy. I appreciate that the author tackles racism in this story and exposes the truth of how people were treated and still are to this day. I pray as you read this story you show compassion to others help those in need and never give up. God can do the impossible even being two people back together more than sixty years later and begin a new chapter for them. I received a copy of this book from Read With Audra blog tours. The review is my own opinion.
The Songs That Could Have Been
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Pam K - 2 years ago
I really enjoyed this sequel to Roots of Wood and Stone that is also dual timeline. The present story focuses on Lauren and her second chance with Carter, now a TV meteorologist, who she hadn't seen for thirteen years. They have a deep love for each other but serious issues to work through. Grandma Rosie's alzheimer's continues to worsen but an old Bible prompts a memory of someone named Ephriam, who the reader learns more about in the 1950's timeline. It's a story not only of second chances but of learning of God's redemption and his power in putting together the broken pieces. I highly recommend The Songs That Could Have Been. I received a complimentary copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Compelling Characters
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
labornotinvain - 2 years ago
A resurfaced memory, a painful past relationship, can they move forward? A powerful story about love, redemption, and forgiveness. A story told in the present day with glimpses into a past of forbidden love and lost hopes. I loved that this story picks up with familiar characters from the previous book, but could also be read as a standalone. A beautifully told story, well written, with effortless transitions. I think that my favorite part of the book was Ephraim and Rosie's story set in the 1950's and how the author vividly brought that time to life in a realistic and conscious way. Compelling storytelling, with strong themes of faith throughout. I thought that the author did an excellent job of showing the heartbreak of Alzheimer's disease, the loss and heartbreak, as well as the bright moments. Lauren and Carter are likable protagonists, flawed, vulnerable, with past regrets that they are still overcoming. Overall, a memorable read, compelling, engaging, and well written, dealing deftly with difficult topics. Definitely recommend! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A Must-read!!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Deena - 2 years ago
Wow! What an incredible dual timeline story by Amanda Wen. This author's storytelling skills shine in this second installment of her Sedgwick County Chronicles series as she weaves together a current day story rife with the difficult topics of alcoholism, bulimia, and Alzheimers with a 1950s forbidden interracial romance. Wen handles these emotionally charged subjects with grace, compassion, and wisdom while pointing readers to the truth of God' love and mercy. The love stories in each timeline are believable and the characters endearing. I loved everything about this page-turning book and it's going straight to my favorites list. I highly recommend this read! *I received an ARC of this book but was not required to submit a favorable review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Love
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Maureen - 2 years ago
A story that will touch your heart, and when finished stays with you. What a wonderful job the author has done in dealing with very tough subjects. The author gives us siblings that love their Grandmother, she is dealing with the dreaded alzheimer's disease. When she drops a name from the past, we are looking for this elusive person, is he even still alive? Enter a lost love from granddaughter Lauren's past, and we have doors opening for both her and her Grandmother, but will Lauren's heart be able to withstand spending time with Carter Douglas? This is a read that really touches on very tough subjects, and dealing with your own demons, and be sure to read the author's notes at the end with her person touch on this story. A story to get lost in, with sweet romance, and the ugly head of prejudice, along with struggles of a personal nature that need to be fought every day! In the end I never wanted to leave the lives of these people I now cared about! I received this book though the Publisher Kregel, and was not required to give a positive review.