Tuesday, August 4, 2020

The Mockingbird's Song by Wanda E. Brunstetter

The Mockingbird's Song (Amish Greenhouse Mystery #2)
Holmes County, Ohio, Baskets & Blooms small business run by the Amish.
Book Summary

The Mockingbird’s Song by Wanda E. Brunstetter has Sylvia Beiler grieving the loss of her husband, brother, and father on Christmas Day.  To make matters worse, Monroe Esh dropped by and stayed the rest of the day.  Sylvia and her siblings can tell that Monroe is interested in their mother.  They hope that she does not return his affections.  One day in early spring, Sylvia notices a grey mockingbird in a tree.  She decides to go birdwatching with Henry to help occupy her time, and they come upon Dennis Weaver who has just moved to town.  He is looking to rent a property for his horse training business and Sylvia offers to let him look at her home.  Belinda, Sylvia’s mother, is surprised by Sylvia’s rash offer, but she cannot dissuade her daughter.  As spring progresses and Sylvia sheds the black of mourning, Sylvia and Dennis begin spending time together. Unfortunately, Belinda does not approve of Dennis which has Sylvia doubting her blossoming feelings.  Belinda is on edge because the threats that she thought were behind them started when they reopened the greenhouse in March.  How far is someone willing to go to get to scare off the King family?
In this July 13, 2011, photo, Amish children help out with chores in a greenhouse in Centerville, N.Y.
My Thoughts

The Mockingbird’s Song by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the 2nd Amish Greenhouse Mystery. It can be read on its own for those who have not read The Crow’s Call.  I thought the story was well-written with developed characters.  Sylvia Beiler misses her husband.  She is depressed and angry at God.  She worries about her children and does not like to be separated from them for any length of time.  Henry is also angry and rebellious.  When he is not busy with chores, Henry likes to read magazines and books on birds.  Amy Beiler is planning her wedding to Jared next fall.  She cannot wait to become a wife.  Belinda Beiler misses her husband whom she loved dearly.  Instead of dealing with her feelings, she keeps herself busy with work, her grandchildren, and worrying about her family.  The Mockingbird’s Song is a story about dealing with overwhelming grief, the various threats to the family and their livelihood, birdwatching, hope, and love.  Sylvia and Henry have lost faith in God.  They do not understand why He did not save their family members.  The mystery is not the focus of the book.  It is something that is happening, but it is not investigated.  The threats are escalating making the situation dangerous.  Virginia Martin and her husband, Earl live across from the King family.  Virginia dislikes living in the country and especially from the noisy and smelly greenhouse (her words).  She spends most of her day watching her neighbors (reminds me of my Grandma Anderson).  Loneliness and the actions of the woman’s first husband have shaped Virginia.  I am curious to see how Virginia’s story will turn out.  The Mockingbird’s Song is an inspiring story of faith, family, friendship, healing, and love.  I am curious to find out what happens next with the King family and their greenhouse.  
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The Mockingbird's Song is available from Amazon* as well as The Crow's Call.  Wanda E. Brunstetter has Amish Friends Farmhouse Favorites Cookbook with over 200 recipes for simple and hearty meals.  I appreciate you reading my review today.  I am sharing my thoughts on Piecing It All Together by Leslie Gould tomorrow.  It is the beginning of Plain Patterns series.  I hope that you have a joyful day.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader
Woman Reading in a Garden by Georges d'Espagnat
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