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.

I am enjoying the underlying mystery that has run through books one and two. I have an idea of the culprit but will have to wait until March of 2021 to find out if I am correct.

Virginia, the Englisch neighbor across the street, is still her unhappy self. Her character gives the story a realism we don't always see but man is she a Debbie downer. Nothing satisfies the woman.

This series should be read in order because of the mystery that runs throughout.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Barbour Publishing, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

Reveiw from Fantastic Fiction.
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.

Generally don’t read romance but the description caught my attention.

I hate to disagree with the positive reviews, but I struggled to get through this story. It was incredibly slow moving for me, especially in the first 100 pages. It did not help that I was bombarded with so many characters and their chapter-long perspectives. I find that I do not favor books that introduce me to 10 people in the first few chapters and then tell the story from these 10 different perspectives. I believe more is gleaned from two perspectives with well written situations, descriptive feelings, and engaging dialogue. There were several characters who didn't seem to have a place in this book at all-- almost as if multiple stories had been thrown together to fill pages. Thank goodness for the character of Dennis. Outside of Dennis, I did not feel much of a connection with any of the other characters. That is, I did not feel I cared about them much. I don't mean that to sound harsh but I usually laugh, cry, and relate to characters seamlessly and that just didn't happen here. The character of Virginia in particular was exhausting and quite a downer. I found myself skipping pages yet not missing a thing because basic points were rehearsed over and over and there were a lot of unnecessary italicized character thoughts. Just as an example, let's imagine a character stubbed their toe. They would say something like "Ow," which would have been enough for readers to glean that it hurt! Instead, characters would follow up with an italicized thought like, "Wow, that really hurt, I never want to do that again. That would be really painful if I did it again." Things like that made the book twice as long and made me feel as though I wasn't given much credit as a reader with common sense. That said, I did like some of the discussion questions at the end of the story. I applaud the author for writing a wholesome story about a tough subject like grief. For that reason, I would try to give another one of her books a chance. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Wanda Brunstetter has written two books of a three book series called the Amish Greenhouse Mysteries. I read the first book and was disappointed that the mystery was ongoing. You have to read the whole series to find the solving of the mysterious vandalism that is attacking the King Greenhouse.

The second book of the series is “The Mockingbird’s Song”. In this book we follow the King family as they try to come to grips with the deaths of father, husband and brother in a buggy accident only a year previously.

Sylvia’s husband, Toby was one of the men killed. She has two toddlers to raise by herself and decided to move in with her mother, sister, and brother, leaving her own home unused. Acts of vandalism continue to plague Belinda King and her family, but she will not ask for help from the sheriff.

Dennis Weaver is a horse trainer from another district who is looking to find a home and land where he can further his business. He comes to Strasburg, Pennsylvania looking for just that. Sylvia and Henry, her brother, are out birding one day and run into Dennis doing the same thing. They become friends and Sylvia offers to let Dennis rent her home and property.

The story goes on with inserts of various acts of vandalism and still Belinda is adamant that the law not be called in to help. I guess it frustrated me that the novel was written with trivial conversations among the characters and a total disregard for the many acts against them. I finished the book, but was not really enamored of it. I will have to read the third book in the series to find out who has a grudge against the King family. I really prefer to read books that can stand alone in a series. It just frustrates me to come to the end of a book to find that there really is no end.

This was the second book in the Amish Greenhouse series. I enjoy reading these books as a light, happy read in between more intense books. This book was a good continuation to the family's story. I still wish we had more clues to who is responsible for the vandalism of the greenhouse, but this was an easy, enjoyable read. I received a copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest feedback.

Another fantastic book by this talented author! Full of unexpected twists and turns! A beautiful story of the Plain People,

When I find myself worrying about the characters of a book that I've just finished reading than its a sure sign of how much this reader was drawn into the story! Wanda Brunstetter always leaves me satisfied and waiting for the next book in the series. I love her writing style and I keep on reading her books over the years. I'm never disappointed.
In The Mocking Birds Song readers are swept once again into the lives of the King family. In book one three family members died in a horrible accident. Now in book two the year of mourning comes to an end. Someone has been trying to force them into closing the greenhouse and moving. In book two it escalates to threats and damage to their greenhouse and property. Belinda King wonders if she should give in and close the nursery. Each incident seems to go from bad to worse. All this time Belinda still mourns the loss of Vernon , her late husband. There is romance and also some humor weaved into the story. I could go on and on here but my suggestions are for you to buy this book and read it.
If you are a fan of Wanda Brunstetter or love Amish Fiction and mystery stories you will love this book. I strongly suggest that you read Book one first, The Crows Call. It will help you to get acquainted with the story and the characters before moving on to The Mocking Birds Song.
I downloaded an Arc copy of this book from Netgalley and Barbour Publishing. A favorable review was not requested. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own.

We are back with the King family about 10 months after the losses of the first story. Earl and Virginia are still neighbors, and with the opening of the greenhouse in the spring the random acts of vandalism have started up again. We meet newcomer Dennis (his brother Gerald and mother Amanda), who rents Sylvia’s house and see Ezekiel and his family as well as Brad and Sara, briefly, Monroe, Herschel and Maude. Jared and Amy are looking forward to their fall wedding, and Sylvia and Henry have started birdwatching together, along with Dennis. The story is easy to get in to and we see some growth through the hurts of the prior year.
A complimentary copy was provided by Barbour Publishing/Shiloh Run Press via Net Galley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Christmas is not the same this year for the King family here in their Amish community of Lancaster, PA. Sylvia’s husband, father and brother were killed in a tragic accident just a few months ago, and everyone is still grieving the losses. Her maam, Belinda, seems to be doing better than Sylvia or her brother Henry. He is only fifteen and is angry with the world, expressing it to everyone. Henry is happiest when he’s birdwatching, a new hobby he recently acquired. Sylvia is angry with God for taking her husband and leaving her with two very young children to raise without a father.

Henry’s interest in birds attracts Sylvia’s attention and the two of them do some birdwatching together. On one of their outings, they meet Dennis Weaver who has recently moved to Lancaster. Dennis is also Amish and has also experienced a recent loss, so he knows something of their grief. Dennis is looking for a place to rent with some land for training horses to pull buggies. Sylvia has just the house … the home she shared with her husband where she no longer lives, since she moved back in with her maam. Will their business agreement evolve into a friendship and a possible new relationship?

The family is also dealing with a series of vandalisms on their property as well as items that have gone missing. They have no idea who is responsible, and Belinda does not want to involve the police. She prays God will intervene on their behalf and cause the vandal to repent of their misdeeds.

THE MOCKINGBIRD'S SONG is the second book in Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Greenhouse Mysteries Series. I did not have the pleasure of reading the first book, but this one is truly delightful and can easily be read as a stand-alone. The characters do a lot of introspective dialogue with themselves and reveal their true thoughts to us in that manner. The plot is slow and methodical, as the characters work through their grief and come to grips with the huge void in each of their lives. This is a story about struggling with the past, unforgiveness and restored faith. Don’t miss this inspirational novel!

I received an ARC copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I so much am enjoying this series and I absolutely loving reading about the King family. I would recommend reading them in order. There is a little bit of everything in this book from romance to humor to sadness. After the loss of a father, husband and son, the Kings are learning how to move on while running their business. My favorite is the neighbor across the street who cannot understand the ways the Amish live and watches them through binoculars. Great reading!

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 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.

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.

This is a wonderful, emotional, and spiritual Amish story. It deals with love, loss, and grief, and family. I connected and sympathized with Sylvia, and enjoyed the birdwatching aspect of the story much more than I expected to! Although it isn't necessary to read the first book of the series, I recommend it. Each story stands well by itself, but there is so much to gain by reading them both. I look forward to the conclusion!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

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.

Dealing with grief and love

I enjoy Ms Brunstetter's books, and found this one up to her usual high standard. The mysterious vandalism initiated in book one of this series, The Crows Call, is continued and enriches the plot, but I have to say, I am wondering as the attacks get worse why the authorities are not involved. The Mockingbirds Song continues the story of The Crows Call, this time centering on Sylvia, the young daughter/widow of the bereaved family. She is trying to support her children while finding her own new role in the family and community. As she and her brother get to know a newcomer to the area, they are also more and more involved with bird watching. The themes of dealing with grief are key to this series.

I also liked the continuation of characters from the Prayer Jar series. All in all, the Mockingbirds Song is much worth reading!

I received an advanced e-copy from the publisher via Netgalley with no obligation. This review is voluntary and my own opinion.

I love this Amish mystery series. This installment explores tragedy and grief. I enjoyed reading about birdwatching and the greenhouse. I highly recommend.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Wanda is an amazing writer who has the ability to draw you into the story in such a way that you feel like you're a character yourself. She shows that the Amish are just like anyone else even though they live a different lifestyle.

I loved this book!! Great story!! I didn't like the neighbor she was in their business too much!! Love this author's books!! Received this book from netgally!!