"Echoes of a Silent Song" by Amanda Wen [with giveaway!]

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Echoes of a Silent Song by Amanda Wen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

I'm a huge fan of Amanda Wen's storytelling abilities, and Echoes of a Silent Song not only held up to but exceeded my expectations.

In our contemporary storyline, high school choir accompanist Blair faces a new school year with another new director. Her school hasn't been able to keep a director for more than one year for a long time, making it hard for the students to gain ground or trust those who work with them. This year looks to be the same, as disgruntled composer Callum Knight sees Peterson High as just a rung in his ladder before returning to the life he wants working with professionals in Boston.

On the first day of school, as Blair and Callum are picking out music for their concerts, they come across a faded piece of handwritten score that is so hauntingly beautiful that they must find out more about its composer. Iris Wallingford was a student set to graduate in the spring of 1970 before dying by suicide... or did she?

The historical first person storyline follows Iris through the fall of 1969 and into the fateful events of early 1970. Iris is quiet but in love with music -- and with Victor Nelson. She would do anything for Vic, and believes he feels the same way about her. But events soon unfold that leave Iris grappling with the choices they've made, for better or worse.

I loved this book for many reasons. For one, I know Amanda herself is a high school choir accompanist, so it was a joy knowing Blair's day job reflected hers (though without the mystery solving!). For another, the characters and their emotions come across real and strong, and they deal with things I know are relatable to readers because they were relatable to me. I loved the sparks of romance, the wounds that are able to be healed, and how faith is woven throughout in a natural way.

If you are a fan of dual timeline stories, I highly, highly recommend Amanda's books. The stories will touch your heart and echo across your soul. Make sure to check out Echoes of a Silent Song today!

I received my copy of the book from the author and JustReads Publicity. All thoughts in this review are my own.

About the Book

Title: Echoes of a Silent Song

Series: Melodies and Memories #1

Author: Amanda Wen

Publisher: Kregel Publications

Release Date: October 21, 2025

Genre: Split-time Romance

 

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.

 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | BookBub | Bookshop

Also Available:

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About the Author

Amanda Wen is a Carol– and Selah Award–winning and Parable best-selling author of inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction, including Roots of Wood and Stone, The Songs That Could Have Been, and The Rhythm of Fractured Grace. She is also a professional musician. She lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband and three children.

Connect with Amanda by visiting amandawen.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Echoes of a Silent Song and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 29, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 5, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

"A Seaside Homecoming" by Julie Klassen

 


If you've enjoyed meeting the Summers sisters in Julie Klassen's On Devonshire Shores series, you won't want to miss this third book as disgraced sister Claire comes home to Sidmouth.

Claire Summers had an error in judgment years ago, and has lived outcast in Scotland taking care of an elderly aunt. When Aunt Mercer dies, Claire is forced to choose the next steps in her journey, and she chooses to return to those she loves most, even though her welcome is uncertain. She takes a position helping run an inn close to her family's home and soon finds herself involved in the business and community -- and face to face with her mother and sisters again.

Sarah, Emily, Viola, and Georgiana are thrilled to see their eldest sister again, though Mrs. Summers is less certain after her husband's dying admonition about Claire's indiscretion. 

I was glad to revisit this family and get Claire's story at last, though I didn't enjoy it as much as the other books in the series. Claire's story ended up being underwhelming, and the romance had no chemistry. I really wished this story had been about Sarah instead. However, Sarah's story is coming up next in the novella A Sea View Christmas, and I am looking forward to reading it. I hope that will be the happy conclusion this reader is looking for.