| Beth E. Westcott

It has taken a while, but Melody of Life, the long-awaited sequel to Meadow Song, is on its way toward completion and publication. Kate Greenway Chambers found her true love in Meadow Song, and I’ve asked her talk about of the people and share memories.

I remember the warm spring day in late April when I met Jack Chambers.

Ellie Somers had given me the day off from working at her shop, Mill Valley Florist, so I could paint. I’m an artist, and my dream was to make my living painting, but I had stopped painting after the death of my fiancé, Tim. Ellie invited me to come to Millvale and work for her, and I accepted her invitation because I wanted to escape the pain of my loss. I lived in Millvale for almost a year when she told me about a beautiful wildflower meadow along a back road outside Millvale. I went there, hoping to restart my life and pursue my dream.

I was so immersed in reproducint the scene before me on canvas I didn’t hear the little girl approaching, When she spoke to me, I dropped my paintbrush and lost my hat.I started to scold her, until I saw her face, a beautiful, full of life but fragile face. And she was so interested in my painting. She introduced herself as Blythe Chambers and told me she lived in the cottage up the road. It reminded me of the three bears’ cottage from the story of Goldilocks. Blythe asked me questions about painting, and we established an immediate connection.

Then a man came looking for Blythe, her uncle, Jack Chambers. He didn’t say much, but he obviously loved Blythe. For the first time since my fiancé’s death, a man stirred something within me. You’ll find out what happens when you read Meadow Song.

Mark Chambers is Jack Chambers’ older brother, his only brother. Blythe is Mark’s daughter. You might think Mark and Jack are twins, with their dark hair, stunning blue eyes, and similar build. Despite the five years between them, they’re very close.

After the deaths of their parents, eighteen-year-old Mak had taken responsibility for his thirteen-year-old, angry and rebellious brother. Because of Mark’s age, and he was still in high school, an elderly great uncle became their guardian so the brothers could stay together. Jack outgrew his anger and rebellion. Mark attended college and got married. The uncle died. Blythe was born. Mark’s wife died.

Jack, Mark, and Blythe were the only remaining members of the Chambers family. Family is so important to them. Jack and Mark suffered so much loss, yet they maintained their faith in God. However, Jack determined never to marry because losing someone you love isn’t worth the pain. I thought differently. I fell in love with Jack, and Mark became a dear friend. Meadow Song tells the story of finding love after loss and how God can take the broken pieces of our lives and shape them into something better.

Melody of Life begins six months after Meadow Song ends.