Where Is the Hope in Grief for a Young Amish Widow? Sylvia has been nearly paralyzed with grief and anxiety since the tragic death of her husband, father, and brother in a traffic accident. She tries to help in the family’s greenhouse while caring for her two young children, but she prefers not to have to deal with customers. Her mother’s own grief causes her to hover over her children and … children and grandchildren, and Sylvia seeks a diversion. She takes up birdwatching and soon meets an Amish man who teaches her about local birds. But Sylvia’s mother doesn’t trust Dennis Weaver, and as the relationship sours, mysterious attacks on the greenhouse start up again.
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The first book in the series titled The Crow’s Call introduces readers to the King family who experience a tragedy that will either draw the family closer to God and each other or not. In this second tale, the strain of running a greenhouse on their property has become heavier as there are acts of vandalism on the property. Belinda is the main female character and the mother who must now run the greenhouse business and while hurting also tries to help her family through the maze of grief. Now, this may sound like a depressing tale to read but there is much hope interwoven in the pages. On top of that, there is a flair of mystery. Then, add a neighbor lady named Virginia who loves to look at her neighbors’ actions through a pair of binoculars!
Henry and Sylvia are working through their grief and learning to live again as they take up the hobby of watching birds. Sylvia has two small children to raise alone and while she doesn’t see herself as having any kind of a future with anyone, a surprise just might be in store for this young widowed woman. A new character is introduced in this book by the name of Dennis Weaver who is shy and while he is interested in Sylvia, he knows that he must forgive a wrong in the past in order to have any kind of future with her.
There are themes of faith throughout the book, and I think it shows how it anchors the soul when storms come. The author does a splendid job of balancing the reality of grief with faith and working through the anger sometimes aimed at God. The tale shows how the King family is just beginning to learn to live again without their loved ones and the hope that can come with new relationships as well as drawing near to God.
I look forward to the concluding book set to come out in Spring of 2021 titled The Robins Greeting to see who has been vandalizing the family, what is in Sylvia’s future and more. Hope you enjoy the series too!
This book is the second in Wanda’s Amish Greenhouse Mystery series. After reading and enjoying the first book, I was very much looking forward to this one, and I was not disappointed. The characters in the story are so real and are working through problems that anyone could relate to. From loss to love, faith to new friendships, this book has it all. It’s encouraging and exciting to see Sylvia begin to let her heart heal and to find not only a new love interest, but also a hobby that she shares with Dennis and her brother. Belinda finds strength to continue running her greenhouse despite the recurring vandalism issues. Amy’s marriage brings happiness for her and Jared, but when a possible act of extreme vandalism happens soon after, the family is left with questions and worries that require them to trust in their faith. An excellent read that draws you in and keeps you reading to the end! I can’t wait for the third book, The Robin’s Greeting, to be available too.
The Mockingbird Bird’s Song , the second book in best-selling author Wanda Brunstetter’s Amish Greenhouse Mystery Series, takes us back to Strasburg Pennsylvania and the King family.
It has been almost a year since a horrific tragedy took the lives of three men of this Amish family.
Sylvia Beiler, who not only lost her father and brother,lost her husband Toby.
It has been a really struggle for Sylvia who has to cope with her grief and also raise her two young children.
Things start to get a little better for the young widow,who with her brother Henry becomes interested in birdwatching. When , by chance, while watching birds with Henry, she meets a newcomer to the community, Dennis Weaver.
As for Belinda King , she may be forced to sell the family’s greenhouse.
To add to all of Belinda’s worries, the mysterious acts of vandalism are still happening to the family.
You don’t want to miss this wonderful book to see how the King family has coped with their grief and healing . With grief there is always hope.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of The Mockingbird Bird’s Song by it’s author Wanda Brunstetter and Barbour Publishers
As usual Wanda Brunstetter writes another great novel. I have read lots of this author’s books. It’s a terrible situation when a tragedy happens. Both Sylvia and her mother is trying to deal with that in their own way. Sylvia finally starts birdwatching and meets Dennis. Her mother is definitely not happy. What happens after the relationship doesn’t work is not good for their business.
Great characters and a great plot that keeps you on your toes makes a good book. Will they figure out what is going on and who is doing this vandalism? A little romance and a little mystery combined with the Amish people and their “plain” ways and I’ve got what I love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishers but I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own
Author Wanda Brunstetter continues her Amish Greenhouse Mystery series with The Mockingbird’s Song. You’ll want to read book one, The Crow’s Call, as book 2 is a true continuation of the story. And I’ll warn you right now, Brunstetter doesn’t neatly wrap things up in either book. So now I’m excited to read book three.
We meet up with Amish widow Sylvia once again. I was cheering her on as she made steps toward emotional healing. I really wanted to give her a hug and help her out. That’s how I know it’s a good story. But there’s quite a mystery brewing and Sylvia wonders if she can trust Dennis. And what about the man who’s interested in her mother? And then there’s the neighbor. Oh boy. Who in the world did it?
This truly is a unique series for Brunstetter and I recommend you read it if you enjoy Amish stories and mysteries.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Always so exciting to sit down and read one of Wanda’s novels. And this Amish mystery did not disappoint. I love how Wanda incorporates the Amish life with the greenhouse mystery. The characters are deep and inspiring in living and walking with God. We learn so much more about Virginia and see remarkable strides with Sylvia. Clearly the mystery isn’t solved yet and I look forward to reading book 3.
I was given a copy of this book by the Author and a review was not required. This review is my own.
I love this series. Please remember that this series must be read in order to understand the mystery that is running through the series. This whole series takes place with one Amish family that is trying to get through a horrifying event. Each member of the family is finding a slightly different way to come back from the tragedy. This book shows how Sylvia is handling the tragedy. I love how the characters each have to learn to trust in God again and learn to live life again. I received a copy of this book from Barbour for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
The Mockingbird’s Song is the second in the Amish Greenhouse series by Wanda Brunstetter. I am a fan of Brunstetter’s Amish romance books and I am a huge fan of mysteries. To me, this is more of an Amish romance. There is just a hint of a mystery surrounding the greenhouse though.
The story picks up with the King family still dealing with their grief all in their own way. While the book hits on all the family members, this time the focus is more on Sylvia, a possible romance, and her hovering mother. The unhappy neighbor is still complaining about living there and I keep hoping she will realize how lucky she is. I was given an ARC by Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for an honest review.
The Mockingbird’s Song is the second in the Amish Greenhouse Mystery series written by Wanda Brunstetter. The King family is picking up the pieces after a tragic accident. (I would recommend reading Book 1, The Crow’s Call, in the series first, but Book 2 makes a great standalone book.) A series of events is making the family consider selling the greenhouse, & deal with emotions they may or may not be ready to deal with. There is a lot of mystery & intrigue that keeps you guessing, with more insight into the characters, as well as the introduction of the new person. This book is very well written, with more insight into the characters as well as drama and suspense. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
This is book two in the Amish Greenhouse Mystery series and I highly recommend you read book one first as you will not want to miss the background story of this family. I find each member of this family intriguing and how each handle grief in a different way is very realistic. I’m still left curious as to the neighbor Virginia and what her story is. Although unlikable I feel like she is a victim of abuse, but we shall see in the next book. The vandalism on the greenhouse continues and is still unresolved. I have a few suspects but still can’t figure it out, as Ms. Brunstettler continues to pen a series that has you speculating. No one writes sweet romance with faith and family like veteran author Ms. Brunstetter. Even if you aren’t an Amish fiction fan I think you will enjoy the simplicity of her stories with multiple layer characters. I enjoyed the addition of Dennis as a possible love interest for Sylvia and how he is dealing with loss also. The added bonus is the bird watching of which I am a fan as it is relaxing, therefore I can see it’s healing quality to the characters of Henry, Sylvia, and Dennis. A well rounded sweet romance with plenty of mystery to keep you guessing. I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
The Mockingbird’s Song by Wanda E. Brunstetter is book two in her Amish Greenhouse Mystery series. This Amish fiction novel is another in the genre by this author of multiple bestsellers. The novel is part of a series, but the author has done a good job of making it a standalone.
Sylvia Beiler and her family are still grieving the loss of her husband, father and brother. She and her children have moved in with her mother, sister and younger brother. Sylvia’s anxiety has caused her to be wary of dealing with the customers that patronize the family’s greenhouse. Sylvia doesn’t think she’s ready for a romantic relationship but begins to change her mind when she meets Dennis Weaver while birdwatching with her brother, Henry. Sylvia’s mother is definitely not pleased with her relationship with Dennis and makes that clear to everyone. The family now has to deal with conflicting emotions about Sylvia’s relationship and the continuing mystery of unwarranted vandalism threatening the family business.
Wanda E. Brunstetter has penned another gem. She is writing from personal knowledge of Amish practices, so the novel is purely authentic. The Mockingbird’s Song is an intriguing mystery with a sweet romance thrown in for good measure. The plot and characters are excellent. The author smartly incorporates the translation of German-Dutch words, though most can be gleaned through context. I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars. It’s a great read for fans of chaste romance, religious fiction and/or mystery.
My thanks to Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
This is the story of Sylvia, Amy Kings sister fro story book 1. In this book we get to see Sylvia work within herself to move forward after a year of losing her husband, dad and brother in an accident, when they were on their way to get ice cream to go along with her mom’s cake.
Sylvia is learning to bird watch along with her younger brother that has find that hobby a most relaxation from all the work he does around the house along with the hurt that he is holding inside himself from losing all three members of his family in one night. As, winter comes and their greenhouse is closed everything seems at peace. Only their mom’s younger boyfriend that seems to just show up unexpected and uninvited.
As Amy is getting ready to prepare for her wedding to Jared, and Sylvia finds an inner peace bird watching, is time to open up the greenhouse. Is then when one day Henry and Sylvia meet up Dennis. He is new to the area, trying to start a new life for himself after he watches his father accidentally get shot by his uncle. Also a bird watcher they start comparing notes and thoughts about the birds they see. But is then when Sylvia starts opening up to letting go and moving forward.
But once everything seems well, the unexpected events start happening at the greenhouse, and even at their barn. And a unkept lady being watched at in connection to the events, especially after taking Sylvia’s little daughter to her shack without letting anyone know…. OR could it be their mom’s friend Monroe??
This is a story of finding Peace within as well as letting God clean up all your pain and making you new again to open up for New chances in love.
A story that will keep you reading more to find out who is doing the attacks to their greenhouse as well as a story that will help you find peace within yourself by finding a hobby to help and letting God back in and asking for forgiveness and help in time of fear, loss and uncertainties.
I received a copy of this book for my honest personal review. You will enjoy this second book…as the third will be coming soon.
I rec’d a copy from Barbour Publishing and was not required to give a positive review. However, Wanda does not disappoint with this story! Sylvia is mired in her grief – she lost her dad, brother, and husband in one tragic accident. Her focus is on her children and her grief until her brother, Henry, gets her interested in his hobby of bird-watching. She meets Dennis who then plays a big part of the story. Other characters are Maude, a bag-lady that wanders in & out, Virginia, her neighbor across the street, Virginia’s husband, Earl, and Monroe a former suitor of Belinda, Sylvia’s Mother. If you read the first book in this series, which I hope you did, you learned that random acts of vandalism happened and are still happening in this story. I hope the next book in this series will reveal who is doing the vandalism! I have my suspicions but will with-hold that information – in case I’m wrong you know! I wholeheartedly recommend this book and the first book – The Crow’s Call. Can’t wait for the next book to come out! Thank you, Wanda Brunstetter, for another great book & story!
The Mockingbird’s Song is the second exceptional book written by Wanda Brunstetter in her Amish Greenhouse Mystery series. The author has such unique writing style that gives her the ability to weave an interesting story each and everytime. Her characters are very well developed and likeable. I have enjoyed getting to know the characters in this series. They definitely keep the storyline moving and interesting.
In this story the author keeps her mystery going and growing more intense. The person responsible definetly steps up his vandalism. By the end of the story the vandalism is devastating. We also get to see how healing comes with time for several of the characters, there is a marriage for one, and the disgruntled neighbor Virginia is starting to take an interest in her Amish neighbors but not for the right reasons. Maude, the older homeless lady, makes several appearances throughout the story and is up to no good. A new character emerges in this story, Dennis Weaver, a young Amish man who trains horses but is also an avid birdwatcher. When Henry and Sylvia stumble upon Dennis by accident of friendship ensues but not everyone is fond of Dennis. Also making several appearances is a Mockingbird. Sylvia is not sure if he is friend or foe. This story is so inspiring for so many reasons. Finding healing, friendship, and even love. Faith is definitely found throughout the entire story.
Although I did receive a complimentary copy of this book to read and review from the author and Barbour Publishing, I was not expected to post a favorable response just an honest one. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others. I am anticipating the third book in this series that is titled The Robin’s Greeting set to release on 2021.
Congratulations to Wanda Brunstetter for continuing her series with this inspiring story for her readers enjoyment.
This is a fantastic Amish novel!
I love the main characters in this book. It was great seeing how all of the members of the King family are progressing through the grieving process. Some of the have made more progress than others. This makes the story very realistic.
The acts of vandalism that begin in the first book continue. There are a few people that seem to be likely suspects. That just keeps me guessing. I do tend to get frustrated with Belinda’s refusal to report it to the sheriff. I look forward to finding out who the culprit is in the final book of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
The Mockingbird’s Song is a wonderful addition to Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Greenhouse Mystery series. Although second in the series, it can be easily read as a standalone book as the author recaps well the events from the first book. I like Brunstetter’s style of writing and her honest and redemptive approach to down-to-earth struggles that her characters encounter. The characters are strong, resilient, and realistic with depth to their emotions, strengths, and foibles. I could easily connect with them. The journey through grief is one of the main focal points of the story and the author fittingly portrays it through the various King family members, each in their own way dealing with the tragedy of past months. The tidbits of information regarding the hobby of birding added a lot of interest to the story. The Mockingbird’s Song is not just another trite novel about the Amish. It is one that reminds readers about the importance of family, faith, and hope and perhaps new love too, amidst the aftermath of life-changing events. With the mystery of the vandalism to the greenhouse unresolved and questions about some other relationships, I can’t wait to read the third book of the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions are my own.
I enjoyed reading this 2nd installment of this series. There is so many things going on that you want to keep reading and never put the book down. Happy wedding to Amy! I also enjoyed the unique bird watching. Very fun read!
This is the second book of the Amish Greenhouse Mystery series by Wanda. It is a page turner. It’s the story about an Amish widow who is trying to move on from the loss of her husband, father and brother. Her younger brother’s hobby of bird watching helped her to find peace and she met someone with the same interest and also had a loss of family. An Amish birding love story!
The Mockingbird’s Song by Wanda E. Brunstetter
(Book 2 in the Amish Greenhouse Mystery series)
A widow with two children, Sylvia Beiler feels her mother is being too over-protective and meddlesome when she meets Dennis Weaver while bird watching. When the budding romance is squelched and troubling events start happening at the family-run greenhouse again, Sylvia must confront her reoccurring anxieties.
Sylvia has been nearly paralyzed with grief and anxiety since the tragic death of her husband, father, and brother in a traffic accident. She tries to help in the family’s greenhouse while caring for her two young children, but she prefers not to have to deal with customers. Her mother’s own grief causes her to hover over her children and grandchildren, and Sylvia seeks a diversion. She takes up birdwatching and soon meets an Amish man who teaches her about local birds. But Sylvia’s mother doesn’t trust Dennis Weaver, and as the relationship sours, mysterious attacks on the greenhouse start up again.
Where Is the Hope in Grief for a Young Amish Widow?
This is Sylvia Beiler and her two small children’s story.
Sylvia Beiler and Dennis Weaver’s story.
Sylvia youngest brother Henry’s story.
the King family from the first book Crow’s Call.
This is the story about the King family, who lost Vernon (father), Abe (brother), and Toby (son-in-law).
Sylvia’s Mother, Belinda’s story.
Amy and Jared’s story.
Sylvia Beiler is a young mother left with two small children to raise.
Sylvia and her two children live with her mother.
Amy, and her mom, Belinda, run the family greenhouse to keep the financial aspect of the family going. Her brother, Henry, also helps out frequently.
Sylvia helps to run the household while also making sure her two young children are well taken care of.
She rents out her home that she & Toby (her husband) previously lived in to Dennis. Dennis is an avid bird watcher and engages Sylvia & Henry in bird-watching also.
Dennis is an avid bird watcher and engages Sylvia and Henry in bird-watching.
Sylvia allowed Dennis Weaver the option to rent her house and set up his horse training business on the grounds.
A widow with two children, Sylvia Beiler feels her mother is being too over protective and meddlesome when she meets Dennis Weaver while bird watching. When the budding romance is squelched and troubling events start happening at the family-run greenhouse again, Sylvia must confront her reoccurring anxieties.
I highly recommend reading.
The Mockingbird’s Song by Wanda E. Brunstetter is a 5 star book.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and was under no obligation to post a review.
more books by Wanda E. Brunstetter
(Amish Greenhouse Mystery
The Crow’s Call
The Mockingbird’s Song
The Robin’s Greeting
The Blended Quilt
Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club
1. The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club
2. The Tattered Quilt
3. The Healing Quilt
Amish Cooking Class
1. The Seekers
2. The Blessing
3. The Celebration
Prayer Jars
1. The Hope Jar
2. The Forgiving Jar
3. The Healing Jar
Lancaster County Saga
The Discovery
Joy is the furthest thing from the hearts of the families of Vernon King, Abe King, and Toby Beiler since they died in a terrible accident in front of their home in Strasburg, PA. The family begins to find glimpses of hope in subsequent months. I enjoyed visiting the King family and their friends again. I liked this even better than The Crow’s Call, first in the author’s Amish Greenhouse Mystery books, perhaps because the characters are now like friends rather than first-time acquaintances. They are well defined, and the author weaves faith, grief, and Amish family values with humor, and even joy. The author shares their grief with grace and dignity, showing there is no one “right” way in healing.
Belinda will never love anyone again the way she did Vernon, and her daughter Sylvia is devastated at the loss of her beloved husband Toby, her father, and her brother Abe. Younger daughter Amy King and boyfriend Jared have planned their wedding for the following year. Belinda and Amy grow closer to the Lord, Sylvia doesn’t seem to want a relationship with Him, and Henry is angry at God.
Belinda and Amy now run the family greenhouse, where vandalism began after the accident that killed the men. Henry, not quite 16, doesn’t want to help and is angry all the time. Sylvia can’t bear to live in the home she and Toby spent their married life in, so she and her small children live in the family home. Wracked with grief, she can’t talk with people, and won’t go into the greenhouse but takes care of the home as much as she can.
A short time after Vernon’s death, Monroe, Belinda’s suitor from long ago school days, began visiting her at the greenhouse. He seems creepy to Belinda and Sylvia, as if he wants to Vernon’s place in her life. Vandalism continues until the greenhouse is closed for the winter but begins anew come the spring opening. It is as if someone wants them to shut down the greenhouse.
In the spring, Sylvia takes an interest in the birds Henry watches. One day they go out for a couple hours, and meet a long-time birder, Dennis, who recently moved to the area. Dennis start asking Henry and Sylvia to join him. This hobby is the first thing Sylvia has shown an interest in since the men died, and it brings pleasure to Henry, also. Belinda has concerns about Dennis paying attention to her teenage son and widowed daughter. Nobody knows him locally, and she is afraid he might want to court Sylvia.
What a great add to this series! I truly enjoy the characters and appreciated getting to know Sylvia much better this time. Watching the nosy neighbor is very entertaining! I typically don’t like a mystery to be continued from one novel to the next, but in this case, it enhances the overall family saga. I appreciate most how the prayers and faith of Belinda and Amy are shared, and how honest Sylvia, Henry, and Dennis are with their faith challenges. There continues to be surprises throughout, and even in autumn, there is fresh hope for a future. I am looking forward to visiting this family again! I highly recommend this to fans of the author, of Amish Christian fiction, and relationships taking priority over the mystery.
From a thankful heart: I received an electronic copy from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.