The Mockingbird's Song

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.

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.

Good