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The Mountain Song Legacy #2
The Wind Harp (The Mountain Song Legacy #2) by B. J. Hoff
B.J. Hoff's unforgettable characters from A Distant Music reunite for an even more gripping, dramatic episode in The Mountain Song Legacy.When Maggie MacAuley returns to the small coal town of her childhood, she has no intention of staying. Her life is in Chicago now. There's nothing to keep her in Skingle Creek......nothing but the discovery that a man who has lived most of his life for the children of Skingle Creek is no longer the hero of Maggie's childhood but seems destined to become the love of her life.In Maggie's quest for independence, she finds her greatest strength in sacrifice...and in her struggle to heal her family, she finds her heart renewed by love.
Hardcover
First published August 1, 2006
23 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
B.J. Hoff
51 books146 followersBJ Hoff’s writing is known for her historical settings, her unforgettable characters, and her lyrical prose. She is the bestselling author of numerous historical fiction series, including the Riverhaven Years, the Mountain Song Legacy, the Song of Erin saga, the American Anthem series, An Emerald Ballad series, and her newest book Harp on the Willow.
Her five-volume Emerald Ballad series was the first major work of fiction to bring the Irish immigration experience to the CBA marketplace, and the work that first brought BJ an international reading audience.
Her readers know they can expect to meet some memorable people in her novels and also know that many of those people will be immigrants; Irish immigrants particularly but not exclusively.
BJ admits to a passion for building worlds. Whether her characters move about in small country towns or metropolitan areas, reside in Amish settlements, secluded mansions, or coal company houses, she creates communities where people can form relationships, raise families, pursue their faith, and experience the mountains and valleys of life.
She’s intent on making her historical novels relevant to the present by developing characters and settings that, while staying true to the history and culture of their times, reflect many of the spiritual trials and social problems faced by contemporary readers. Her novels are meant to be stories that build a bridge from the past to the present.
Her literary awards include the Christianity Today’s Critics Choice Book Award for fiction; a Gold Medallion Award finalist; and a number of Excellence in Media Silver Angel awards. Her books have been translated into many foreign languages, and she frequently hears from her international readers in countries such as Ireland, England, Norway, and Germany.
A former church music director and music teacher, BJ writes from her home in a small town in east central Ohio. She and her husband share a love of music, books, and time spent with their family: two daughters and three lively young grandsons.
Her five-volume Emerald Ballad series was the first major work of fiction to bring the Irish immigration experience to the CBA marketplace, and the work that first brought BJ an international reading audience.
Her readers know they can expect to meet some memorable people in her novels and also know that many of those people will be immigrants; Irish immigrants particularly but not exclusively.
BJ admits to a passion for building worlds. Whether her characters move about in small country towns or metropolitan areas, reside in Amish settlements, secluded mansions, or coal company houses, she creates communities where people can form relationships, raise families, pursue their faith, and experience the mountains and valleys of life.
She’s intent on making her historical novels relevant to the present by developing characters and settings that, while staying true to the history and culture of their times, reflect many of the spiritual trials and social problems faced by contemporary readers. Her novels are meant to be stories that build a bridge from the past to the present.
Her literary awards include the Christianity Today’s Critics Choice Book Award for fiction; a Gold Medallion Award finalist; and a number of Excellence in Media Silver Angel awards. Her books have been translated into many foreign languages, and she frequently hears from her international readers in countries such as Ireland, England, Norway, and Germany.
A former church music director and music teacher, BJ writes from her home in a small town in east central Ohio. She and her husband share a love of music, books, and time spent with their family: two daughters and three lively young grandsons.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 24, 2021
3.5 out of 5 stars
January 26, 2017
Here is a sweet Historical Romance. This can be read as a stand alone book; however, the experience is enriched if it is read after reading the first book in The Mountain Song Legacy series. "A Distant Music" provides detailed descriptions of the setting and the personal backgrounds of the two leading characters in "The Wind Harp" making them already familiar friends before embarking on the journey with them through this second book. This book isn't anywhere near as haunting in its tone as the first one; nevertheless, life in Skingle Creek, Kentucky is still full of hard knocks and pain.
July 27, 2018
I'm rather disappointed in this book. When I read the first book in the Mountain Song Legacy, I was impressed with Ms. Hoff's descriptive writing talent and excellent story weaving though I wasn't too keen on the setting. With this book, I just didn't feel the same talented writing. The writing isn't exactly poor, just...less than ideal. My tastes have probably changed.
As for the actual story, it didn't particularly appeal to me. I mean, a romance between a girl and her former teacher who is 15 years older than her? Rather strange in my opinion! But the dear, sweet children who were suffering abuse: their story is heartbreaking yet beautiful. Other than them, I felt little connection to the characters.
I appreciated how mature both Maggie and Jonathan are. Though at 24(?) and 39, I suppose maturity is to be expected.😊
Basically, I would call "The Wind Harp" mediocre. It left no very remarkable impressions on me.
As for the actual story, it didn't particularly appeal to me. I mean, a romance between a girl and her former teacher who is 15 years older than her? Rather strange in my opinion! But the dear, sweet children who were suffering abuse: their story is heartbreaking yet beautiful. Other than them, I felt little connection to the characters.
I appreciated how mature both Maggie and Jonathan are. Though at 24(?) and 39, I suppose maturity is to be expected.😊
Basically, I would call "The Wind Harp" mediocre. It left no very remarkable impressions on me.
September 11, 2018
I didn't really enjoy the first book of this series but this book more than made up for it. The plot line keeps moving and one can't help but be sucked into the developing love story. I especially liked Maggie's parents in this book. Straight forward and loving but having life issues as we all do. Maggie's character is well developed and her interaction with her sister is charming.
A very good read.
A very good read.
February 19, 2025
Second book in the Mountain Song Legacy series, in the Fall 1904.
One thing I found interesting were the quotes and verses at the start of each chapter. I would look forward to each one. I’ve become a fan of BJ Hoff. Her style is classy, and the stories flow easily, not choppy or too confusing.
I’m starting the third book right now!
One thing I found interesting were the quotes and verses at the start of each chapter. I would look forward to each one. I’ve become a fan of BJ Hoff. Her style is classy, and the stories flow easily, not choppy or too confusing.
I’m starting the third book right now!
March 27, 2019
The main subject of The Wind Harp is abuse – parental and spousal. The main characters, the MacAuley family, are held up as a family who loves, versus the abusive families where there is little or no love. This story begins when Maggie returns home after being away to college and career because her father was injured in a mining accident. While at home Maggie finds reasons to stay in her hometown of Skingle Creek.
BJ Hoff is a good author. This story is not totally predictable. Her character descriptions are good. It is an interesting read.
BJ Hoff is a good author. This story is not totally predictable. Her character descriptions are good. It is an interesting read.
October 20, 2022
After reading, "The Distant Music", I couldn't wait to read this. It came out exactly as I had hoped and was even parallel to my own life. A great series!
April 15, 2017
This book had a different feel than the first book and I liked the first book better. "The Wind Harp" takes place about ten years after "A Distant Music" with many of the same characters and the same setting.
This book somehow felt somewhat empty. I wasn't able to relate to the characters as well and felt as if the author kinda took an out by making it too focused on the romance (something I had been quite happy to find in a limited qualities in the first book). It wasn't that the romance was inappropriate, because I don't think it was, and I thought some of it fit in the book, just not so much.
There were also several things I disagreed with in the book, such as the mindset that happiness was so important. I agree that we should have a deep joy but although happiness is something I would really like, it's not a main focus in life because happiness isn't a guarantee, and as much as you want to, you can't promise to make someone else happy. (This was just from one chapter of the book, but it bothered me.)
Overall the book kept me wanting to turn pages and find out what was happening next, but overall I wasn't satisfied. I will most likely read the third book in the series because it *is* interesting.
I'm giving the book 3 out of 5 stars and 4 out of 10 stars.
This book somehow felt somewhat empty. I wasn't able to relate to the characters as well and felt as if the author kinda took an out by making it too focused on the romance (something I had been quite happy to find in a limited qualities in the first book). It wasn't that the romance was inappropriate, because I don't think it was, and I thought some of it fit in the book, just not so much.
There were also several things I disagreed with in the book, such as the mindset that happiness was so important. I agree that we should have a deep joy but although happiness is something I would really like, it's not a main focus in life because happiness isn't a guarantee, and as much as you want to, you can't promise to make someone else happy. (This was just from one chapter of the book, but it bothered me.)
Overall the book kept me wanting to turn pages and find out what was happening next, but overall I wasn't satisfied. I will most likely read the third book in the series because it *is* interesting.
I'm giving the book 3 out of 5 stars and 4 out of 10 stars.
March 31, 2012
The second book in BJ Hoff's The Mountain Song Legacy continues with Maggie coming back to stay in the coal mining town where she grew up. Maggie and her childhood teacher, Jonathon Stuart fall in love. It is a touching love story and since my mother was born in a coal mining town, I enjoy reading and learning about the struggles of the families who lived in coal mining towns in the early 1900's.
October 11, 2014
After reading Books 1 and 3 in the Mountain Song Legacy trilogy, I appreciated the story's completion. Of course it would have been better to read them in sequence, but The Wind Harp was the last one available from the library. Problems in a remote Kentucky coal town included a sensitive discussion of child and spouse abuse. A tender love story offered some relief from the harshness of 1900's mountain life. I recommend this series as quality Christian fiction.
May 2, 2015
A Heart-Warming Story
I found myself smiling and sometimes crying as I read the story of Maggie and Jonathan. Such a love story that you want to read about and I can't wait to read the last novel of this trilogy.
I found myself smiling and sometimes crying as I read the story of Maggie and Jonathan. Such a love story that you want to read about and I can't wait to read the last novel of this trilogy.
April 30, 2022
Song Weaver: Mountain song Legacy 2 Hoff, B J 3 Hist.F rom 2) newlyweds face challenges as lose a loved one & deal with sister's abusive husband trying to claim the daughter he' abused. bring together for massive healing 8/31/2016 8/29/2016
October 13, 2011
The ending was no surprise. I had a feeling in the previous book that this might be happening. A very cute love story.
June 27, 2011
I really enjoyed this novel-better then the first.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews