Echoes of a Silent Song

By Amanda Wen

"Wen . . . plays the narrative's parallel timelines perfectly, and readers will be drawn in from the first few notes, with a dramatic crescendo showing that, despite unexpected tragedy, God is still working." -Library Journal

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0825449812
• ISBN13: 9780825449819
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: Kregel Publications
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.67 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.6" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Splendid dual time novel

“But you are where the other half of my soul lives.” Amanda Wen has crafted a masterpiece of intrigue, faith, purpose, music, and romance in her newest dual timeline novel. Set in small town Peterson, IL, the present timeline follows a choral conductor and composer Callum and collaborative accompanist Blair. Callum and his insecurities, drive for perfection, and grief of losing his fiancée make him temperamental and has him grasping for his muse which he has long lost. Blair has her own hurts and disappointments that she unfortunately transfers unto Callum as the school year starts. Despite both of them being musicians and artists, Callum wants to push the high schoolers outside of their comfort zone and challenge them whereas Blair wants to remain in the safety of the known and the doable. Their passion for music and the students was contagious and their spark - whether of anger or love - was something to behold. 1969 timeline was all in first person voice of Iris. Her composer thought process was really fascinating and I loved getting to know her. There were many twists and turns to her story and what we find out in the end had my jaw dropping. With unforgettable characters, thought-provoking look at mental health, soul-searching questions of who God truly is, and beautifully written prose, this book will enrich your heart, mind and soul. It’s one of my favorite books of 2025. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Kregel Publications via JustRead Tours and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.