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Author Spotlight,  Giveaway,  Hope-filled Fiction

Amanda Wen: Spotlight on Echoes of a Silent Song & a Giveaway

October 22, 2025 / 51 Comments

I hope you enjoy Amanda Wen’s spotlight post about her new release, Echoes of a Silent Song. For a chance to win a copy, be sure to comment below by October 28! (Paperback for a US winner OR an ebook for international)

In Echoes of a Silent Song, two characters—past timeline heroine Iris and contemporary hero Callum’s former fiancée Rayne—struggle with their mental health. One of the goals in writing this story was to bring attention to both the progress we’ve made as a society in areas related to mental health while highlighting the work still to be done. 

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, when Iris is first struggling with what today would likely be diagnosed as depression, all mental health conditions were lumped under the term “anxiety.” These conditions were treated with medications, but the cure was frequently worse than the disease. In even earlier times, people suffering from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions would’ve been subjected to shock therapy, ice baths, and even lobotomies.

As someone who’s dealt with depression and anxiety for most of her life, I’m so very grateful for the advances in treatment. The medication I take is quite effective, and thankfully side effects are very minimal. 

But one thing I and many others have dealt with from fellow believers is sometimes a dismissal of the reality of our conditions and even criticism for seeking counseling or medication. Early on in my depression journey, I received the message from church and Bible study groups both that depression and anxiety were just a sign of a lack of faith, and that counseling and medication were yet another sign of that lack of faith. If I truly trusted Jesus to the extent that I should, so the advice went, then I wouldn’t worry at all. He’s done so much for you, people would tell me, so what in the world do you have to be sad about? 

Yet David, a man after God’s own heart, penned Psalms like these: 

“Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak.” (Ps. 31:9-10 NIV).

““How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death…” (Ps. 13:2-3 NIV)

David certainly wasn’t perfect, but in all my years as a Christian I’ve never heard anyone condemn him for a lack of faith. His faith drove him to the arms of a loving God, a God who may not have eliminated his suffering, but who carried him through it.

And this is still what God does today.

Through prayer and Bible study, yes. But also through counseling, through support groups, through medication, and sometimes even through inpatient hospitalization. 

Struggling with your mental health doesn’t mean you lack faith. It means your brain chemistry is wonky. It means you’ve got wounds that God may be bringing to your attention in order to heal. It means God wants you to come toward him, not run away. But even if you do run, he’ll chase you down in the most loving and perfect way just for you. I’m living proof.

If you’re struggling, please let me know so I can pray for you. If you need someone to talk to, I’m here. And if you need immediate help, please call 988. 

Mental health issues can derail you for a time, but through God’s love and grace, they do not have to define you. 

Thank you for your transparency, Amanda, and for writing a book with such important truth. Sharing our story opens the door for others to share theirs, and I pray God will use your vulnerability and this novel in amazing ways!

Visit the #HopeFilledFiction blog and comment on Amanda Wen’s spotlight post by 10/28 for a chance to win her new release, Echos of a Silent Song! #giveaway #splittimefiction

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Join the conversation. Have you read any of Amanda’s books? Do you have a favorite? Does her spotlight on Echos of a Silent Song pique your interest about the book? What aspects most grab your attention?

Be sure to comment below by October 28 for a chance to win a copy of Amanda’s new release! (Paperback for a US winner OR an ebook for international)

Echos of a Silent Song book cover

Echos of a Silent Song by Amanda Wen

Click the book cover for purchase link

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.

Amanda Wen is a multi-award-winning author of inspirational split-time women’s fiction. Awards and honors include the ACFW Carol, the Selah, and the Foreword Indies Gold Award, and she is also a three-time Christy Award finalist. In addition to her writing, Amanda is an accomplished professional cellist and pianist who performs frequently with orchestras, opera and musical theater companies, as well as serving as a choral accompanist. A lifelong denizen of the flatlands, Amanda lives in Kansas with her patient, loving, and hilarious husband, their three hilarious teenage Wenlets, and a snuggly Siamese cat. 

Connect with Amanda: Website / Newsletter / BookBub / Facebook / Instagram

Amanda Wen Head Shot

Please share Amanda’s spotlight on social media to help spread the word about her new release!

If you missed Lori DeJong’s interview last week about Mistletoe and Malice, FIND IT HERE.

As a Jesus girl for more than thirty years, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true to life stories. She is a multi-award-winning author, an active ACFW member, and a six-year ACFW Virginia board member. Connect with Deena through her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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51 Comments

  • Amanda Wen
    October 31, 2025 at 10:43 am Reply

    Y’know, I hadn’t really thought about releasing this book at this particular point in history (once I finished the revision process this past winter I put it out of my mind in favor of working on my next project!), but you make a really good point!! God knew exactly when it needed to be released! And you said it better than I ever could–the struggle is real, but so is God’s grace. Thanks for sharing!

  • Deena Adams
    October 29, 2025 at 9:19 am Reply

    Congratulations to Dienece, the winner of Amanda’s book! Please follow the instructions in your email to claim your prize. Thanks to all who engaged on the blog! I hope you’ll contiue to connect through the posts each week.

  • Cherie J
    October 27, 2025 at 1:16 pm Reply

    I enjoyed the spotlight. Amanda is a new to me author. This book sounds so intriguing. Mental health is such an important issue. I agree with what Amanda said about Christians not always reacting well to it. Unfortunately, there is still some work to be done.

    • Amanda Wen
      October 31, 2025 at 10:39 am Reply

      There is indeed, but I’m celebrating all the progress that HAS been made in this area, including the opportunity to publish a book like this. I’m so glad Christians are being willing to discuss mental health and I’m honored to join those ranks. Thanks for stopping by!

  • Gina Hayward
    October 27, 2025 at 10:06 am Reply

    I have not read any of Amanda’s books…yet! But all I have seen are good things. This book sounds filled with hope and sheds light on a serious topic. I do know that past traumas (like bad relationships) really can affect your mental health. I have struggled with holding on to anxieties and anger because of it. Would love to read this!

    • Amanda Wen
      October 31, 2025 at 10:41 am Reply

      Past traumas are a HUGE component of mental health, and I’ve worked through many of those in counseling. While I still have depression and anxiety, I now know how to deal with reminders of past trauma much more effectively than I did before, so I’m grateful for my therapist! Praying for you as you heal from your past.

  • Lynn Moore
    October 23, 2025 at 12:04 pm Reply

    Amanda….what a great time in our world for “this” book! Depression & mental struggles are at an all time high. May those who read your book find hope & encouragement….. and a new mind set for those who do not understand that this is not a “lack of faith” issue. The struggle is very real for so many families. And so is God’s grace!
    Blessings to you!
    Lynn Moore

    • Amanda Wen
      October 31, 2025 at 10:43 am Reply

      Y’know, I hadn’t really thought about releasing this book at this particular point in history (once I finished the revision process this past winter I put it out of my mind in favor of working on my next project!), but you make a really good point!! God knew exactly when it needed to be released! And you said it better than I ever could–the struggle is real, but so is God’s grace. Thanks for sharing!

  • Mary A. Felkins
    October 22, 2025 at 2:08 pm Reply

    How very unfortunate that we, the Church, cast downward glances at those with mental issues, depression and sweep it aside as “lack of faith”. Glad to see this book out in the world. May it open eyes to our need for compassion in this area!

      • Danielle Hull
        October 22, 2025 at 9:23 pm Reply

        I have listened to or read 3 of Amanda’s books. I love her story-telling! She is tackling such an important topic here, and I appreciate her being so vulnerable in sharing her personal life.

      • Traci
        October 23, 2025 at 7:26 am Reply

        Very interested in reading this book. I do love your frankness and your vulnerability and sharing your struggles. My oldest son suffers with depression and anxiety, and it’s heartbreaking to watch and not be able to do anything physically. Of course prayer is our first resort.

        And you play the cello! Obviously that has nothing to do with the book, but my dream has always been to play the cello, but I’ve never taken the steps to do so. What an amazing instrument!

        Whether I win a copy or not I will definitely invest in this writing.

        • Deena Adams
          October 24, 2025 at 8:34 pm Reply

          Traci, the book centers around a high school choir, so music is a big part of the story! And it’s not too late for you to learn the cello. Maybe you should give it a shot!

        • Amanda Wen
          October 31, 2025 at 10:36 am Reply

          Cello is the best instrument (not that I’m biased. 🙂 )!! So glad you’re learning! When I taught cello lessons adult beginners were my absolute favorites to work with.

          Sorry to hear about your son’s struggles. I also have a son who struggles with depression and it’s honestly harder on me to watch him deal with it than to deal with it myself. But I told him when he first got diagnosed that if that was the whole reason I had depression in the first place–to be able to help him through it from the point of view of someone who could relate to it–then it was so very worth it. Praying for you both!

    • Amanda Wen
      October 31, 2025 at 10:38 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Mary! I do feel the church has made a lot of progress–our pastor several years ago shared about his struggles with depression and my jaw hit the floor, because that was the first time I’d ever heard it addressed from the pulpit! I’m so grateful for those who came before me and talked about this struggle, and I’m just hoping to pay it forward to someone else who may need to know. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

  • Louise Martin
    October 22, 2025 at 10:09 am Reply

    Thank you for bringing light and grace into the times our lives seem dark. God used counseling and medication at different times of my life to help me. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted!

    • Deena Adams
      October 22, 2025 at 10:31 am Reply

      So true, Louise. I’ve had bouts of depression throughout my life and have gone to counseling during several different seasons. When they recommended medication, I believed the lie that as a Christian I shouldn’t need medication since I had faith in God. I refused the meds, which I now realize was not necessarily the best decision. God uses many different means to help us heal and live an abundant life.

  • Jeanette Davis
    October 22, 2025 at 9:17 am Reply

    Thank you for this opportunity. I am looking forward to reading your book and am putting it on my goodreads ‘want to read’

  • Michelle Fink
    October 22, 2025 at 8:14 am Reply

    Thank you, Amanda, for being so vulnerable and open in your book. I appreciate the time and effort you put into this.

  • Lual Krautter
    October 22, 2025 at 8:00 am Reply

    Would love to win a print copy, as I can relate to the cover and music theme, especially since I am a harpist 🙂 As a singer, songwriter, and recording artist, it’s neat how the Lord opens doors to use my harp music and songs to encourage people in many settings (church, nursing homes, assited living, and personal visits). http://www.facebook.com/LualOKrautter Thanks for the opportunity to enter a giveaway! God bless!

  • Dienece Darling
    October 22, 2025 at 7:59 am Reply

    I have read her books! Roots of Wood and Stone is my favourite and also my first. It’s right above me on my bookshelf. ❤️
    I’ve heard David mentioned before for depression but no one has ever pointed out that people don’t say he lacks faith. That really hit home, so thank you for sharing that. It was a powerful point.

    • Amanda Wen
      October 31, 2025 at 10:32 am Reply

      Wow, thanks, Dienece! I’m so glad that point hit home for you! So thrilled you’ve enjoyed Roots of Wood and Stone; thanks for letting me know that!

  • Kera Bell
    October 22, 2025 at 7:37 am Reply

    I completely relate to this interview. I struggle so much with depression not really a whole lot of anxiety but more depression because I have CP so it gets kind of lonely and sometimes it’s painful, etc. because not a lot of people understand.

    • Deena Adams
      October 22, 2025 at 10:25 am Reply

      Kera, I’m so sorry for your pain and lonliness. Living wih CP must be so hard. My ten-year-old grandson has CP and spends his time in a wheelchair or in bed. I hate that he can’t walk, talk, eat, or do things other kids can do, but he’s such a light and a joy to all who know him! His parents do an incredible job of giving him a wonderful life filled with opportunities that bring him happiness.

      Just know you have extreme value and worth, Kera, despite any and every obstacle you face. God loves you so much! I pray the Lord will lift your depression and fill you with an abundance of His joy and peace.

    • Amanda Wen
      October 31, 2025 at 10:31 am Reply

      Depression is so oppressive. I’m sorry you’re dealing with this, Kera. Praying for God to infuse you with his peace.

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