The Weight of Birds

A Novel

Christian - Romance - Contemporary
267 Pages
Reviewed on 06/09/2020
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

I have always made up stories, plots, and characters. I just didn't realize I was doing it.
I didn't know I was a writer until this past year, 2019. As Faulkner puts it, "if a story is in you, it has to come out."
That story, The Weight of Birds, came out in a fierce way, and here we are.
Stories are all around us. The writer's job is to recognize them.

Amanda lives in Alabama, with her husband and cat. She enjoys reading, writing, cooking and painting. Her favorite author is Ken Follett, her favorite actor is James McAvoy, and her favorite book is Life of Pi by Yann Martel.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

In The Weight of Birds by Amanda Lewis, when Cecelia loses her husband Charlie to a brain aneurysm at just 25 years of age, her entire world falls apart. Her trust in God and goodness had disappeared and its place was grief and anger. Cecelia and Charlie's dream of an art gallery was gone and a fresh start away from all the painful memories seems the only solution. Cecelia moves to New York to open an art gallery, where she meets Peter, a charming and mysterious Swedish art curator. His ice-blue eyes and kindness immediately draw Cecelia toward him. As their relationship continues, Cecelia wonders if Peter will be the person that can heal her heart and soothe the painful memories of Charlie. But when they take a trip to his hometown of Gothenburg and she meets his bohemian artist brother Mattias, her whole life is turned upside down. Cecelia has a difficult choice to make which could lead her to lose them both. Is there such a thing as love at first sight where souls are connected? What if God is always around you? What if everything happens for a reason and you just need to open your eyes and notice the miracles as they appear?

The Weight of Birds by Amanda Lewis is wonderful and so heartwarming. I loved the message that even though you go through tragedy, there is the chance of future happiness; you just have to place your trust in God. The characters have been carefully thought out, their detailed personality traits brought them completely to life. Cecelia's superb morality and optimism, Peter's strength, and charisma, and Mattias's free spirit and kindness. I really enjoyed following Cecelia and Mattias's personal journey as they both tried to overcome their painful pasts and trust in human kindness once more. The spiritual message fitted perfectly into the plot and I loved the thought that God sits behind a huge desk covered in sticky notes. I also thought the vision of a seagull representing Charlie was a brilliant spiritual detail in the story. Mattias's baptism scene is both emotional and electric. The descriptive narrative was excellent, especially the beautiful landscapes of Gothenburg. There were many obstacles that kept the story moving forward and the ending was truly joyous. A warning before you read the epilogue; it will bring a tear to your eye.

K.C. Finn

The Weight of Birds is a work of fiction in the Christian and romantic sub-genres and was penned by author Amanda Lewis. An emotive and heartfelt drama about recovery and new hope, we find our protagonist Cecelia Sweeting crashing down from a perfect life when her husband is taken from her. Shattered and feeling terribly alone, Cecelia picks herself up and resolves to take her talents to New York to open a gallery, according to her plans before her husband died. But once there she meets Swedish brothers Peter and Mattias Levander, and the hope of healing her heart returns once more. So begins a beautiful journey across many lands, with faith and hope at its core.

Author Amanda Lewis has crafted a truly uplifting work of romantic and dramatic fiction which keeps emotion and deep personal connection at its core at all times. Realistic and genuine in its presentation of feelings, Cecelia Sweeting is a woman that all can relate to in her pain, and admire for her strength and fortitude moving forward from tragedy. I particularly enjoyed the dialogue and the inclusion of some very important conversations about hope and openness, which really resonate in all aspects of the plot and came across very naturally with the word choices of the author. The narrative style also allows us a close insight into Cecelia’s way of thinking, which enhances the emotional and well-paced character-driven plot. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Weight of Birds as a gorgeously atmospheric and inspiring novel to warm the hearts of those who read it.

Peggy Jo Wipf

Amanda Lewis touches on the turmoil and uncertainty a young widow experiences in her novel, The Weight of Birds. In this book, Cecelia Sweeting had lost her husband and soul mate, Charlie, to a brain aneurysm. She continues their dream and moves to New York to open a gallery for her photos. Though Cecelia is lonely and embarks on a new career, she finds she is not alone but is guided by God’s hand. He had provided for her before she even knew what she needed. Now she must trust God with a new relationship. Peter had become her best friend, but his brother, Matthias, seems to understand her heart’s desires more. If she had to choose between the brothers, whom should she choose? Where would God guide her?
 
The Weight of Birds exposes the delicate decisions and emotions a young widow endures. The plot is rich with hope, peace, and trust. God’s lead is obvious, but the unique way God guides Cecelia is sweet. She takes years to understand and recognize the way God was watching over her life. With edgy precision, Amanda Lewis applies all the elements of a good Christian romance: smooth and seamless action between the characters, the right amount of drama and twists, and the characters reveal their trust in God. The author breathes life into Cecelia and the incredible trials she faces. Overall, this novel fascinated me and made me think about the unique ways God may reveal himself in my life.

Lisa McCombs

The Weight of Birds by Amanda Lewis is a refreshingly delightful story about an accidental love triangle between two brothers and one special lady. Savannah natives Cecelia and Charlie lead a charmed life as high school sweethearts before falling into wedded bliss, never once questioning their decision to start a life together immediately after graduation. The story could end here, but as with any good plot, disaster strikes and Charlie dies of an unexpected brain aneurysm, leaving Cecelia distraught and wasting away. When her best friend lovingly bullies Cecelia into moving forward with her talents in relocating to New York City, the young widow begrudgingly agrees. Many weeks pass when suddenly one day a mysterious stranger seeks shelter from a rainstorm in Cecelia’s art studio, turning her healing process into an unexpected romantic adventure. Enter said stranger’s equally handsome brother, forcing the young widow to look closely at her moral loyalty to her dead husband.

In this beautiful example of religious romance, author Amanda Lewis stays solid in a message of following God’s path. Prefaced with scripture from Psalms 91:11 (For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways), this story offers strong reminders of God’s presence in the midst of turmoil and heartache without an overabundance of preaching. Cecelia exemplifies the woman every young Christian wants to be while exerting hope and redemption in the face of sadness. Dialogue and narrative are believable and uplifting. I enjoyed the symbolism included in the author’s use of God’s creations to bring her message clearly into focus. Thank you, Amanda Lewis, for sharing this inspiring love story.

Rabia Tanveer

The Weight of Birds: A Novel by Amanda Lewis is the story of a young widow as she is getting back her life and learning to live once again. Cecelia was happily married to Charlie but her whole world came crashing down when he died due to an aneurysm. Moving forward was a task, but with the help of a great support system, she survives one day at a time. With a heavy heart, Cecelia decides to move to New York and look for an art gallery where she could display her photographs. That becomes the start of something new. Meeting the mysterious Peter opens new doors in her heart and confuses her at the same time. Love is knocking on her heart once again, but she is not ready to love someone so soon. There are three prospective men in her life, but will she give anyone of them a chance? What will Cecelia do?

The Weight of Birds: A Novel by Amanda Lewis is such a beautiful, emotional, entertaining, and heartbreaking story. Cecelia was going through a tough time, but her support system was great. They helped her pick up the pieces of her life and get back on her feet. The pace is great, the author didn’t rush anything and gave Cecelia enough time to heal her heart and recover before moving on. Of all the prospective men in her life, Peter was my favorite. He was compassionate, determined, and complemented her well. Cecelia’s struggles felt real and her desire to move forward was relatable. I enjoyed her progress and development. I loved this sweet romance.