A widowed mother, Amelia Miller never thought of finding love again—until she meets Christian Yoder while on a sisters’ trip to Ohio. When Christian suddenly has the opportunity to move to Indiana near Amelia, what started as a spark grows to a flame. . .but there are complications. Amelia’s son, who is on the autism spectrum, doesn’t like the new man who has been coming around, and he often acts out in tantrums. Amelia’s love for her son is her priority, so romance may have to be sacrificed. Christian, though, is determined to find a connection with the boy.
New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.
Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Oh how I love a Wanda Brunstetter story! She had my emotions all over the place. Once I started reading THE MELODY OF LOVE it was very hard to stop! The twists and turns made it impossible to put down, as I had to know what was going to happen to Amelia after losing her husband and being in quite the pickle of two men wanting to marry her! What an awesome story. All of Wanda’s characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again.
Once you start reading THE MELODY OF LOVE it will be very hard to stop! Wanda sure knows how to put a new twist on Amish fiction! Trust is the main lesson in this wonderful story. Can we put our trust in God to right our troubles in our lives if it is his will? This story definitely makes you think about that question. Amelia and her son, Micah live on a farm in Indiana. Her husband and her parents are killed when she is pregnant with Micah. Micah has some sort of disability and Amelia has him tested. She learns he has ASD, which is Autism Spectrum Disorder. A summer program at the library is recommended for ways to deal with ASD and Amelia signs them both up for the class. While Amanda is at a family wedding in Ohio she meets Christian Yoder. Over time, they develop a friendship and things move quickly! He moves to Indiana for a job and to be closer to Amelia and Micah.
THE MELODY OF LOVE is without a doubt one of the best Amish books I’ve read in 2026 so far. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. Wanda Brunstetter is such a wonderful and heart tugging author and she had me laughing and crying on the very same page. I am now going to read all of her previous books that I have somehow missed as she is now an auto buy author for me! THE MELODY OF LOVE made me very sad to have to say goodbye to the Miller family. Grab your copy today and get on the couch!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Melody of Love by Wanda E Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach – Likeable Characters and Interesting Story
Wanda Brunstetter has become one of my favorite writers of Christian Amish fiction. I was grateful for the opportunity to read her newest book, The Melody of Love, which is co-authored with her daughter Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach. This story is a little different from Wanda’s other Amish fiction stories.
The Melody of Love tells the story of young Amish widow, Amelia Miller and her eight-year-old son Micah. While Amelia was pregnant, her husband and parents died in a terrible buggy accident. Eight years later, Amelia is trying to navigate the challenges of raising a son as a single parent. Recently, Micah was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and that diagnosis helped Amelia understand why her child’s behavior was different than other children. Amelia desired to better equip herself and Micah, so she signed up for a support group for parents and children with ASD. She hoped they could both learn new skills that would help them navigate ASD and its impact on their everyday life.
As a young widow and parent, Amelia didn’t have any hope or expectations of remarrying. But she was committed to parenting her son Micah well. Even though she was in the middle of the summer support group classes, Amelia decided to attend a family member’s wedding with her sisters. Her brother and sister-in-law would be caring for Micah while she was gone.
Amelia didn’t anticipate the changes that might come her way over the summer. Developing a friendship with an English woman, or the chance to love again with a man who lived a state away. How could this all work out? Would it be worth the risk? How would it impact her son? Will Amelia be able to conquer her fear of loss? Or will she settle for life as she’s known it without unnecessary risks?
My favorite thing about Wanda’s books are the characters and relationships she develops. The Melody of Love was especially interesting with the autism spectrum disorder woven in to the story. I had no idea that autism was something that effected the Amish community. I appreciated learning about autism and how it impacts the children, families and their communities. It was interesting learning about ways that ASD children and their parents can employ new skills or methods to help their children cope with the sensory overload they experience.
This book has likeable characters who are caring, loving and committed to one another. There were a few times I was frustrated with Amelia and Christian and their fear of rejection and taking a risk. I liked their friends Macie and Aaron and their willingness to lovingly speak truth to their friends. Love the setting of the story, always seems peaceful and beautiful.
If you enjoy Amish Christian fiction, or romance, and seeing growing relationships with family and friends, you may want to read The Melody of Love by Wanda E Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach.
I would like to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Melody of Love by Wanda E Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.
Set in Goshen, Indiana Amelia Yoder spends the majority of her day caring for her son Micah and her home after a tragic accident took the life or her husband and her parents. Micah is eight years old and prone to outbursts that Amelia deals with as best she can. After a visit with a doctor, Micah was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Amelia receives a packet of information and a suggestion to try a program for children with autism at her local library. Deciding it would be good for son she gives it a try and meets Macie who is running the program and is on the spectrum herself. The two become good friends and find ways to help Micah navigate the world around him. As the story moves fluidly Amelia has the opportunity to travel to Ohio with her sisters to attend a wedding leaving Micah with his beloved aunt and uncle. Never in a million years did she expect to meet a man who piqued her interests. Christian Yoder is an honest and hardworking man who trains horses to pull buggies etc. for a living and lost his wife tragically. The relationship that forms between Amelia and Christian is very realistic as is the relationship between Micah and Christian. There were times in the story that Christian thinks Amelia is letting Micah get away with temper tantrums because he may be spoiled not understating the underlying causes. As the story unfolds, Christian learns more about autism and realizes he was too quick to judge things and he leans into learning what works with Micah and what doesn't. Christian has fallen in love with Amelia, and she is scared to commit herself to him, but when a bicycle ride causes Christian to be injured Amelia realizes she loves him too. As the two learn to navigate the world around them will they decided to marry and live happily ever? Having a grandson with speech delay it can be frustrating dealing with outbursts when I can't determine what he is saying. All of the testing to determine if he is on the spectrum, the hearing tests that no one to this day can tell us if he does have a hearing deficit, and the opinions of others makes life hard at times for our incredibly sweet grandson. I can understand the worry as parents wait for the testing to be done. Wanda and her daughter Lorine did an amazing job of writing a story that deals with a sensitive subject and one that is different for every person diagnosed with ASD. Written with care and a lot of faith this is a must read for fans of this writing duo.
Publication Date July 1, 2026 At its heart, The Melody of Love explores the fragile balance between calling and commitment, and that part really stuck with me. The heroine’s journey feels so authentic and emotionally honest. Her struggle between duty and desire is not overdone, it just unfolds in a way that feels very real and easy to connect with.
One thing you should know going in is that it is very, very detailed and definitely slow paced. The authors really take their time with every emotion, conversation, and internal struggle. There were moments where it felt like it lingered a bit too long, especially if you are used to faster stories. But at the same time, that detail is what pulls you in and makes everything feel more meaningful and sincere.
The character development is so well done. The main character feels vulnerable and real, especially in her faith journey. It is not perfect or easy, it is something she wrestles with and grows into, which made it feel even more inspiring. The family relationships also add so much warmth. I loved how the story shows love in simple, everyday ways instead of big dramatic moments.
Faith is woven in so naturally. It never feels forced, just a steady presence throughout the story. The message about trusting God, even when things are unclear, comes through in such a gentle but powerful way.
I also really liked how music is used throughout the book. It is more than just a theme, it becomes a symbol of purpose, harmony, and finding where you belong. That part added such a meaningful layer to the story.
It feels sincere and does not rely on huge plot twists or drama. Instead, it is all about those quiet, meaningful moments. It may be very slow and very detailed, but if you are in the mood for something reflective and comforting, it really does stay with you.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts are my own.
I so enjoyed reading Wanda E. Brunstetter's latest book, "The Melody of Love" co'authored along with her daughter, Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach. The flow of the story was great and the writing was wonderful. Learning more about ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) was beneficial to me especially when others talk about it.
Ameila and her son, Micah live together on a small farm in Indiana. Her husband and parents were killed when she was pregnant with Micah. She recently had testing done on her son. The results showed that Micah has high spectrum autism. A summer program at the library is recommended for ways to deal with ASD. Amelia wants to sign up for it to learn more about it.
The opportunity comes up for Amelia and her 2 sisters to go to a famoly wedding in Ohio. Amelia!'s brother and wife will watch the farm and take care of Micah. While in Ohio, Amelia meets Christian Yoder and they become friends . They plan to keep in touch. Amelia questions herself about being friends with someone in Ohio. She has not mentioned her son has ASD. Amelia is still going through the papers the doctor gave her. Amelia decides the ASD workshop would be good for both of them. Christian Yoder trains horses in Ohio. He investigates a job offer in Indiana training horses and being co-owner. Will things workout for Amelia and Christian if he moves closer to them? He takes the job and moves to Indiana. They become friends with Macie and Aaron and do things together. When they go on a bike ride together. Christian falls off his bike, and needs to go to hospital. Amelia and Micah take care of Christian once home from hospital. Micah and Christian have became good friends. He has taught Micah how to whistle bird songs and do beats when they play a song. Have Christian and Amelia been falling in love? The summer ASD workshop has proven beneficial for all of them. Will the relationship continue to thrive? Will all work out for the 3 of them? The book ends on a happy note. You will need to read this great book to find
The Melody of Love by Wanda E Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach
Amelia Wasn’t Looking for Love
A widowed mother, Amelia Miller never thought of finding love again—until she meets Christian Yoder while on a sisters’ trip to Ohio. When Christian suddenly has the opportunity to move to Indiana near Amelia, what started as a spark grows to a flame. . .but there are complications. Amelia’s son, who is on the autism spectrum, doesn’t like the new man who has been coming around, and he often acts out in tantrums. Amelia’s love for her son is her priority, so romance may have to be sacrificed. Christian, though, is determined to find a connection with the boy. Features:
From New York Times Bestselling Author, Wanda E. Brunstetter and her daughter Lorine Brunstetter VanCorbach Unique story about an Amish woman who's raising a son with autism spectrum disorder Story takes place in Goshen, Indiana Brunstetters have strong ties to the Amish community Amish fiction delivers life-changing inspiration and entertainment Brunstetter's fiction has sold more than 12 million units Amelia Miller and her young son, Micah. Ameila Miller lost her parents and husband in a buggy accident. Amelia and her 2 sisters to go to a family wedding in Ohio. She met Christian Yoder at the wedding. They plan to keep in touch. Christian Yoder trains horses in Ohio. Christian is determined to find a connection with Micah. Amelia developed a friendship with Macie . She helped her understand how to help Micah. I recommend this book. The Melody of Love by Wanda E Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach is a 5-star book. I am looking forward to reading more books by Wanda E Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
This book covers a topic that is different from any other Amish story I've read, but I love it. It deals with the subject of what it might be like to raise a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) inside an Amish community. The story centers on a widowed mom named Amelia, and her son, Micah. The doctor recently told Amelia that Micah has ASD, but the problem is that Amelia, her family, and their local school know nothing about it.
Things start to turn around when Amelia joins a special summer program at the library designed for kids like Micah and their parents. It shows how challenging it is to learn that your child's brain is wired differently, and offers some good solutions. This program makes a huge difference in their lives.
There's also a romance plot that gets pretty dramatic. Amelia didn't plan on dating or remarrying, then a widower named Christian comes into the picture. At first, things are really rocky between Christian and Micah. But Christian puts in the effort to understand Micah, and they get so close that Amelia gets jealous! It creates this crazy conflict that might completely ruin her relationship with Christian.
The way Christian connects with Micah is heartwarming, and the drama between Amelia and Christian kept me flipping the pages. It was super interesting to see the specific struggles an Amish family might face dealing with ASD. I appreciate that faith is part of the story, and highly recommend this five-star, sweet story.
Thanks to Barbour Books, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.
The authors have given readers a beautiful story that illustrates the struggles of a young widow. Amelia faces the grief of losing her husband as well as raising a child with special needs. I absolutely loved seeing how Amelia unselfishly attends to her son Micah. Being on the autism spectrum Micah faces challenges every day. I liked how Amelia researched and found a place for Micah to get help and show others that he is able to do tasks. My heart went out to this family as many times it is hard to face difficulties alone.
Christian is a young man who isn’t looking for a relationship but a God encounter changes that. I like how he is hard working and such a gentleman. When Amelia and Christian start a friendship there are bumps in the road. Christian doesn’t know about Micah and his struggles. He at times thinks that Micah is being disobedient until Amelia opens up to him. I can see why both of them are frustrated because there is a lack of communication at times.
I did like how the authors give details on autism and share how there is help for parents to seek out. What begins as a friendship may turn into more as Christian is able to bond with Micah. This is heartwarming to Amelia. I did notice there were a few times Amelia felt left out but she soon realizes that Christian is genuine in his feelings for her and Micah.
Readers need to know that this may be a sensitive subject but it is done in a graceful way with many details to help those that have autism. A beautiful story that gives readers a look at relationships, compassion and a realistic look at autism.
I received a copy of this book from the authors and publishers. The review is my own opinion.
The Melody of Love is a dual writing project by Wanda Brunstetter and her daughter, Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach. In an up-front, caring and unapologetic way, it tells the story of young Michah, a child with autism. As the story opens, we find his mother Amelia Miller has just received test results on her son, and now has a name for what makes him so unique. I love the caring and gentle way the authors explain autism - that it merely means that the person’s brain is wired differently - but not in a bad way. In fact, the authors repeat many times that a child on the autism spectrum is not being naughty (although it may seem that way to anyone unfamiliar with this condition). As someone only mildly familiar with autism, I appreciated this, as well as the descriptions given for young Micah’s behavior. Micah’s mother, Ameila, is a young widow, having lost both her husband and parents in the same accident, when she was pregnant with Micah. She never imagined she would become involved with anyone again, but does, when she meets Christian Yoder, when she is visiting neighboring Ohio for a family wedding. As if a long distance relationship were not challenging enough, Christian jumps to many wrong conclusions based upon not understanding autism and how it affects not only the person who has it, but their family dynamics, as well. In this story, we see Micah grow and blossom - and we see the adults in the story grow and blossom, as well! This is a great story of love, acceptance and understanding. You will come away better for having read this story.
Another great one by Brunstetter(s). This book was true to life in some of the challenges of raising a child with ASD. Amelia was raising Micah alone after the death of her husband and had learned to adjust their lives enough that Micah's autism diagnosis was being managed relatively well. When Amelia accompanies her sisters on a trip to attend a family wedding, she meets Christian, the young Amish man who has become a widower and feels the loneliness of his solitary life. Amelia and Micah are attracted to one another but realize their relationship can not grow since they live in different states. Then, Christian receives a job opportunity that would require him to move near to Amelia. When he takes the job, their relationship develops into a romance, however, Micah doesn't like Christian and does not respond well to the changes in their lives due to his mother's new friend. Fortunately, Christian is able to bring Micah around with some of their shared interests, but now does Micah mean more to him than Amelia? How will Amelia handle her feelings on envy when it comes to sharing her son? Can Christian and Amelia work through all the obstacles between them to pursue their romance or are they both destined to remain single after their spouses deaths? This book is well worth the read and contains some valuable helps in dealing with an autistic person. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
This book was one of my favorite newer releases from Wanda Brunstetter. She shared authorship on this novel with her daughter, Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach, but the writing and story are so smoothly done that one would never know it was co-written. The story shares real life aspects of raising a child on the autism spectrum. Amelia Miller is a single parent that navigates caring for her son Micah with ASD. When Amelia has the chance to attend a family wedding in a neighboring state, she meets Christian Yoder and develops a friendship. When Christian moves close to her home for work, he has the chance to get to know Amelia's son as well and grow his relationship with them both. I enjoyed seeing the care Amelia takes in learning ways to help make Micah's life more comfortable, as well as seeing romance blossom between Amelia and Christian. Seeing Micah grow was also a win in the story. The story as a whole offers wonderful characters, realistic situations for a child with ASD, and themes of acceptance, family, and faith. The book also gave me a better understanding of ASD and ways to help individuals with this diagnosis. Kudos to the author for writing a story that offers a truthful look at and acceptance of ASD. Definitely a must-read book. I voluntarily read an advance copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions shared are my own and I was not obligated to leave a positive review.
This is a fantastic book! It broaches topics like single parenting, unlikely friendships and autism.
The characters are relatable and easy to like! Amelia is AMAZING! She's an Amish single mother who just learned that her young son has autism. She exhibits extreme patience and unconditional love! Micah is all boy! He has endless energy. His behavior is often misunderstood by family and friends but Amelia makes sure to keep everyone updated about his autism. Macie is my favorite! She's very compassionate and willing to help Amelia discover ways to help Micah. Her and Amelia develop a wonderful friendship! Christian is open to the idea of finding love again but he has no experience in dealing with a child on the spectrum.
I love how the authors incorporate faith in God throughout the book! There were several excerpts from sermons that encouraged me a lot! One of the ministers talks about Psalm 46:10. " In this passage, God said we are to be still and know that He is God. When we do that, a calm should come over us that pushes anxious thoughts away and replaces them with an assurance that God is who He says He is. That alone should give us a sense of peace."
I was provided a complimentary ARC copy of the book from Barbour House Publishers via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Melody of Love is an inspiring tale of a young widow raising an autistic son and finding new love again. Her son’s recent ASD diagnosis answers a lot of questions for Amelia Miller, but now she is overwhelmed trying to find the resources to help her son until she finds a summer program for children with special needs. Led by Ms. Macie Robertson, Amelia soon learns some new coping strategies for her son, and she makes a new friend in the process. When Amelia leaves home for a wedding, she meets another widower, Christian Yoder, and the two start a friendship. When Christian relocates closer to Amelia, she introduces him to her son Micah. Will Christian accept her son? And will Amelia, Christian, and Micah navigate their new relationship dynamics so they can become a family? With love and compassion, this novel highlights the challenges of raising an autistic child. It shows the joy, everyday obstacles, and triumphs. Amelia is a strong mother, doing the best for her child. When her son takes a liking to Christian, Amelia feels slighted, although she knows she should be thankful for their bond. True emotions are showcased, and a final tragic moment puts feelings into perspective in the story’s ending. This was a joy to read and immerse myself in the Amish culture and simpler way of life. I always feel inspired after reading a Wanda E. Brunstetter novel.
The Melody of Love offers a perspective not often seen in Amish fiction. We're shown the struggles of an Amish widow who has devoted her life to raising her young son by herself, and her efforts to help him after he is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. As I read Amelia's journey, I was reminded that single parenting can seem overwhelming, but how much worse would it be to have an ill or challenged child? How could there ever be time to think of your own happiness? Would you dare hope to find another chance for love and marriage?
Co-authors Wanda E. Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach poignantly share Amelia's realistic emotions as she navigates the realities of autism. She's determined to help her son Micah, excited that Christian Yoder will be moving to Indiana, but also afraid that Micah won't accept this Amish widower. I enjoyed the blossoming friendship between Christian and Micah, the understanding special ed teacher who helps Amelia and her son, and the support from the Amish community in Goshen. I was also excited that music was so important to Micah in this touching story of family love, second chances, and acceptance of God's Plan!
I received a complimentary copy from the authors and Barbour Publishing. There was no obligation for a positive review.
You know you will always learn something new when you read a Wanda Brunstetter book. This is so true in the early release of The Melody of love by Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter VanCorbach.
Through the eyes of young widow, named Amelia, and her young son, Micah, who is on the spectrum for autism, we learn about the struggles of being a single parent with a special-needs child and the need to learn to love and trust again.
The characters in this story are wonderfully developed which makes them easy to connect to. The storyline is made to feel realistic and your emotions become intertwined in the story.
While learning about resources that are available for children like Micah, Amelia developed a friendship with an Englischer, who helped her understand how to guide Micah to live in the real world.
When Amelia met Christian at a family wedding feelings were awaken that she thought were Long dead. Even with this realization, there was much to learn and except about each other.
I highly recommend this five star book to be added to your TBR pile. It is too good to miss.
Thank you Barbour Publishing for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to give a positive review.
The Melody of Love by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach is a touching story about Micah, a child with autism, and the people who love him. The characters are beautifully developed—realistic and relatable, with both strengths and flaws that make them feel genuine. I appreciated the thoughtful way autism was described, showing that Micah’s brain is wired differently, but certainly not in a negative way. Micah’s mother, Amelia, has remarkable patience, something she needs in abundance as she lovingly guides her energetic son. I especially liked how willing she was to learn new techniques that could help Micah thrive. Faith is gently woven throughout the story, and I found several passages so encouraging that I marked them to revisit later. The romance between Amelia and Christian is sweet and tender, and the recurring theme of music adds a lovely thread throughout the book. The writing is more detail-oriented than some of Wanda E. Brunstetter’s other novels, which slows the pacing at times, but that extra care feels appropriate given the subject matter. I applaud the authors for writing a heartfelt story featuring an Amish child with autism. The Melody of Love is a tender, faith-filled story that plays a beautiful tune on the heart.
I was so happy to read a book written by Mrs Wanda Brunstetter and her daughter Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach.
As always this story holds and captures characters so Wonderful. And never disappoints. This story brings heartfelt situations that we don't understand. I learn more about things and it shares situations that you don't hear or know about.
This story, The Melody of Love, shares the stories of 3 people. Two young widowers and a little boy with autism.
Amelia lives to help her son Micah how to navigate in the world with his recent diagnosis of autism. Then comes Christian, who helps to understand Micah's world. And hopes for Amelia to see a different world with possibilities for her son.
But a detour in the progress, gives Micah a setback when Christian leaves for a job. Amelia is also torn. But that's when a opening of light happens the enjoyment and love for a bird song. That captures the hope that Amelia has been looking for. And the music of a wonderful future for Micah. And the purpose of Christian in their lives.
This story is wonderfully written and put together. I enjoyed it.
I received a ARC from the author publisher. All stated here is my own. I was not required a positive comment.
Amelia Miller lives in Goshen, Indiana, with her eight-year-old son, Micah. She is a widow and raising her son, who has been diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Amelia has been dealing with this and trying to figure out how to help Micah adjust more to a normal life.
Her doctor advises her to send her son to a special program at the library this summer for children and parents dealing with this disorder. She meets Macie, the teacher, who explains the program's offerings, and she immediately signs up.
Macie explains that they will discover different techniques to deal with the "outside" world and make him respond differently to everyday life.
While she goes to Ohio with her sisters to prepare for a family wedding, she meets Christian Yoder. Unfortunately, he is also a widower, and they become friends.
Amelia is afraid to move past friendship with Christian, and there is an adjustment as Micah accepts this stranger into their lives.
Christian is trying hard, gets Micah a dog, and then teaches him about music. Very slowly, he is opening up and liking him.
Can Amelia open her heart once again to this kind, caring, and loving man?
An Inspiring story that is so well written by a mother and daughter duo. One of the best Amish books I have read this year as it deals with real life struggles as Amelia deals with being a single parent raising a son on the ASD spectrum. I loved the sensitivity they showed as they write of her journey and the issues she learns to navigate with her son. Micah is such a sweet, sensitive little boy and he became my favorite character as he played with his chicken, Matilda. I could picture that chicken on his head and in his book bag and it brought many smiles to my face. It is a well rounded story with realistic characters that are each dealing with issues as they trust in God and learn to seek Him in all situations. I found I had a hard time putting this down and consumed it over the span of twenty four hours. Whether you are a fan of Amish Fiction or not I recommend this one as it is enlightening and contains a story that pulls on your heartstrings and also brings joy. I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
The Melody of Love is a beautiful story about a single mother raising a child with ASD, autism spectrum disorder, in an Amish community. This story's well-written and full of information. The story about Amelia Miller, and her son, Micah. Amelia has always known her son was different, but didn't know why. She took him to a doctor to get answers. There she found out the reason, and received info on his diagnosis. Micah knew he was different from the other kids at his school. He wanted to know why. He asked his mom one day after school, on their way home. She told him she would discuss it later. Amelia was introduced to a program at her local library taking place during the summer. Here they met Macie, the Special Needs Director of Elkhart County District. She was over the summer program. Overall, the story discusses ways that help kids suffering from ASD, and their families. How music helped Micah, through Christian, which Amelia met in Ohio while helping with a wedding. This is such a beautiful, touching, loving read.
The Melody of Love by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach is a stand-alone Amish novel. Widow Amelia Miller's son, Micah, has ASD--Autism Spectrum Disorder. Christian Yoder is a widower who was only married six months before a vehicle rear-ended his late wife's buggy and caused her death. When Amelia and Christian first meet, Micah refuses to talk to him, but as Amelia and Christian's friendship grows, Micah grows to love and look up to Christian. Will this friendship between them become a forever family?
I think this is the only Amish fiction book I've read that has Autism in its story line, and it helped me to understand Autism better. Other themes in the book include faith, love, and second chance. I really enjoyed this story, and if you're a Wanda Brunstetter fan, or a fan of Amish fiction, you won't want to miss this one!
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BarbourPublishing for an ARC e-pub of this book.
All opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.
Amelia Miller met Christian Yoder while helping at her cousin's wedding. He is so taken with the young widow that he takes steps to move to her area to see if a friendship and maybe more will develop between them. Amelia mourns her husband while taking on the chores on her farm along with providing for and raising her son who has recently been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. She knows so little about what they are both dealing with, so she agrees to participate in a class that not only helps parent and child to understand but also work on what can make life easier. I want to thank Barbour Publishing for my advanced reader's copy through NetGalley. This is my own opinion of the book. I really appreciate the great feeling and education that is shown about autism through young Micah's actions and the things that Macie Robinson shares with Amelia. Micah's actions show what "stimming" means for example, which was more meaningful than just having a character describe it. The authors did an excellent job of having Amelia and Christian work on a tentative relationship between two widowed people. Amelia had to put her son first especially because they were dealing with this confirmed diagnosis for Micah to live his best life. This would be an excellent book for a reader to better understand how a parent could deal with a child's diagnosis. It is also a realistic approach to a second chance at love story. It's a Wanda E. Brunstetter Amish story written with her daughter too!
This story dealt beautifully with a tough subject, autism. We meet a darling young Amish boy named Marcus. He and his mother have lived along all of his life, and as the story begins his mother Amelia has just gotten his diagnosis. We journey as doors open and we learn more about the illness and how to cope. Along with dealing with her son she is offered a gift of a new relationship, but will she accept? This is a faith based read, and I loved how prayer was used in making major decisions. When prayer wasn't used, well, things didn't turn out as we hoped. This is a story about children, farm life, some sweet romance, and a life's journey in an Amish Community. I will be looking for more by this author! I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.
The “Melody of Love” is probably going to be my favorite Christian romance book so far. This novel is such a beautiful and heartwarming read. One of the things I loved most about this book was the way romance was portrayed in such a God-honoring way. The relationship felt genuine, wholesome, and centered on faith, respect, and purity rather than just plain emotions. It was refreshing to read a romance that pointed back to God and showed love in such a meaningful and uplifting light.
The characters were lovable, and their journey kept me invested from beginning to end. This story was both sweet and inspiring, and it reminded me that romance can be beautifully written while still honoring Christian values. I would definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy clean Christian romance with depth, faith, and heart!!!
I really loved reading The Melody of Love from the writing team, Wanda E. Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach. I enjoyed meeting Amelia Miller and Christian Yoder. I thought they had great chemistry with one another and it was fun seeing their interactions. I wanted to keep reading to find out how they will be navigate whether or not they can spend a life together.
Five stars is what I believe The Melody of Love deserves. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean Amish fiction, as well as, clean romance. I would love to read more from the collaboration of Wanda E. Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach in the future.
I received a copy of Brunstetter and Van Corbach's The Melody of Love Barbour Publishing, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive one. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
The Melody of Love is a nicely written Amish fiction story by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Lorine Brustetter Van Corbach. This is an enjoyable story that is well written and easy to read. I like how the authors have written a nice story that focuses on a second chance for Amelia and Christian. I appreciate how nicely the authors have added the subject of autism and different aspects of the illness. I found the part of Amelia and her son attending a summer class to help him learn to manage his emotions, feelings and actions. I like how honest the story is with how Amelia struggles with her faith following the death of her parents and husband.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.
This book is about a young widow named Amelia and her young son, Micah, who is on the spectrum. She meets a young widower at a cousin’s wedding and they strike up a friendship. I loved the characters in the book, especially Macie, whom they met during a summer program and became friends. Christian did drive me a little crazy though, because sometimes he had opinions which were not helpful at all. Sometimes the pacing was a little slow, but it did’t make me enjoy the story less. The Brunstetters have been incorporating tough subjects into their later books and I appreciate it. As I’ve seen it said before, the ath to true love is never easy. Thank you to Netgalley and Barbour Fiction for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
Amelia Miller is a young widow with a son, Micah, who is eight years old, living in an Amish community in Goshen, Indiana. Micah has Autism and his mom does everything she can to help him through various situations that arise due to his issues like loud noises and difficult people interactions.
She and her two sisters go to Ohio for a cousins wedding where she meets Christian Yoder, also a young Amish widower. While there they have many conversations. Christian, who trains horses finds a job in Indiana and moves there where he will be closer to Amelia. I really enjoyed the story of the situations that develop between the two.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing and Net Galley and was under no obligation to post a review.
This mother daughter team of author's have written a fabulous book. I read this book in one day it was just that good. Though there have been books written about autism before there are not many written that pertain to Amish characters. Thoroughly researched the book was very realistic I enjoyed meeting our character on the autism spectrum and seeing how compassionate his mother is giving him space when he needs it and gentle love when required. I enjoyed seeing a second chance at love play out for our widowed characters. The pacing in this one is just right in this emotional and faither filled story that I enjoyed so much.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Sometimes I crave reading Amish inspirational books and Wanda E Brunstetter is one of my "go to" to fill that craving. Anything to do with nature, little kids, romance and the Amish appeal to me and this book had all of the above. I was drawn to Amelia from the beginning and then Christian when he was introduced as well. Micah was such a wonderful child and the author did a great job describing ASD and the resources available to help without distracting from the storyline. Overall, this was a great read and one I will definitely be recommending to others.
I received this book complimentary from Barbour Publishing and wasn't obligated to read or review it. All opinions are strictly mine.