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When the Night Whispers
A riveting, modern-day gothic tale about a woman who succumbs and then must save herself from a dark lover
That night was the first time I tasted champagne—French he told me, and as I loved all things French I was enchanted. I barely remember what we said—only that I did most of the talking: about leaving the South, my dreams of becoming a writer, my thoughts of Harlem . . . and of you. He said very little, only this: “The moment I saw you I knew you would be mine forever. And even death, even that, could not part us.”
Jocelyn’s life feels empty, devoid of passion and purpose. After she finds a journal written by her “doomed” great-grandmother, Caprice, she is spellbound by her story: the escape from a loveless marriage, her seduction by a nameless lover who is both “demon and savior.” Then, as if stepping out of a dream, Jocelyn meets Asa, her mysterious next door neighbor.
Asa is charming, handsome, and daring and, as if by magic, she is drawn into his hedonistic lifestyle. Yet there is something unsettling about Asa. Luna is suspicious of this man, and although Jocelyn is dismissive of Luna and amused by her friend’s warnings, she can’t completely ignore them. She begins to wonder if things with Asa aren’t quite what they seem.
That night was the first time I tasted champagne—French he told me, and as I loved all things French I was enchanted. I barely remember what we said—only that I did most of the talking: about leaving the South, my dreams of becoming a writer, my thoughts of Harlem . . . and of you. He said very little, only this: “The moment I saw you I knew you would be mine forever. And even death, even that, could not part us.”
Jocelyn’s life feels empty, devoid of passion and purpose. After she finds a journal written by her “doomed” great-grandmother, Caprice, she is spellbound by her story: the escape from a loveless marriage, her seduction by a nameless lover who is both “demon and savior.” Then, as if stepping out of a dream, Jocelyn meets Asa, her mysterious next door neighbor.
Asa is charming, handsome, and daring and, as if by magic, she is drawn into his hedonistic lifestyle. Yet there is something unsettling about Asa. Luna is suspicious of this man, and although Jocelyn is dismissive of Luna and amused by her friend’s warnings, she can’t completely ignore them. She begins to wonder if things with Asa aren’t quite what they seem.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published February 5, 2013
4 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Savanna Welles
2 books10 followersA pen name of Valerie Wilson Wesley.
Savanna Welles is a New Jersey-based writer. She loves jazz, cooking for friends, and spontaneous trips to distant places. Although she has written books using another name, When the Night Whispers is her first paranormal romance.
Savanna Welles is a New Jersey-based writer. She loves jazz, cooking for friends, and spontaneous trips to distant places. Although she has written books using another name, When the Night Whispers is her first paranormal romance.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 22, 2013
When the Night Whispers by Savanna Welles (aka Valerie Wilson Wesley) is the authors foray into paranormal fiction. Jocelyn and her daughter Mikela move into the home of Jocelyn’s deceased mother. Soon after, she meets and falls deeply into lust with her new sexy and irresistible neighbor, Asa. The Markham women have a history of bad luck when it comes to men so it is no surprise when Asa turns out not to be Prince Charming. Through in mysterious writings and a friend plaqued with the "boon","and you have the makings for a good read.
Fans of Wilson Wesley will easily recognize her writing style, but make no mistake; When the Night Whispers is not a Tamara Hale mystery. The book started out a bit confusing as I tried to follow the history of Caprice, Nana France, and Constance, Jocelyn’s great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother. But once the book started moving, the flow was fast paced and very enticing.
Wilson Wesley does a decent job in her switch to a new and difficult genre. There were areas that lacked development and challenged the reader to overlook miscues and a need for substance. I would have liked to see a little more story in some areas, like when Jocelyn and Asa first became involved, how he convinced her to do the crazy things she did, and more of a struggle between her lust for Asa and love of Mikela. At times the attention to imagery overshadowed the plot.
The story itself was gripping and kept me wondering what would happen next. Wilson Wesley does a good job in her crossover to paranormal, but mystery may be her bread and butter. I was set to give When the Night Whispers 3.75 stars, but had to take away for the rushed, unimaginative ending.
I would recommend When the Night Whispers to fans of Tananarive Due, and those into angels and demons.
Peace & Blessings,
Tracy L. Darity
www.tracyldarity.com
2K13 Letters & Themes Challenge: Choose Your Own Adventure
Fans of Wilson Wesley will easily recognize her writing style, but make no mistake; When the Night Whispers is not a Tamara Hale mystery. The book started out a bit confusing as I tried to follow the history of Caprice, Nana France, and Constance, Jocelyn’s great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother. But once the book started moving, the flow was fast paced and very enticing.
Wilson Wesley does a decent job in her switch to a new and difficult genre. There were areas that lacked development and challenged the reader to overlook miscues and a need for substance. I would have liked to see a little more story in some areas, like when Jocelyn and Asa first became involved, how he convinced her to do the crazy things she did, and more of a struggle between her lust for Asa and love of Mikela. At times the attention to imagery overshadowed the plot.
The story itself was gripping and kept me wondering what would happen next. Wilson Wesley does a good job in her crossover to paranormal, but mystery may be her bread and butter. I was set to give When the Night Whispers 3.75 stars, but had to take away for the rushed, unimaginative ending.
I would recommend When the Night Whispers to fans of Tananarive Due, and those into angels and demons.
Peace & Blessings,
Tracy L. Darity
www.tracyldarity.com
2K13 Letters & Themes Challenge: Choose Your Own Adventure
January 27, 2013
Jocelyn and her daughter, Mikela more back into Jocelyn mother’s house. In the basement, Jocelyn finds an old journal written by her great-grandmother, Caprice. The story goes that Caprice fell in love with a mysterious man and left her husband and child behind.
Jocelyn and Mikela have a new neighbor. His name is Asa. Jocelyn’s friend, Luna does not like Asa. She gets bad vibes from him. So much so that Luna warns Jocelyn about Asa. Jocelyn brushes Luna’s concern aside. This will turn out to be a bad mistake for Jocelyn.
I wanted to read this book after I read the summary. It had my interest. I like a good gothic story. There is something about a gothic story that is different from paranormal. When I think of paranormal, I think of more magic but a gothic tale is haunting and might give you a few chills along the way. While I did not get chills reading this book, I was memorized by it.
Asa is definitely the tall, dark, and mysterious type. The type that does spell trouble with a capital “T”. I found his voice more powerful when he spoke during his moments in the book. As the story progressed, I found myself shielding away from Asa. He is evil. Jocelyn did not measure up as strongly to Asa’s character. She felt weak. Even Jocelyn’s dead great-grandmother, nana, and mother had stronger voices. I would have liked to have seen Luna and her mother more in this book. They were interesting. The way this story ended does lead on that there may be another book. Hopefully there will be another one and then Luna can make a better appearance.
Jocelyn and Mikela have a new neighbor. His name is Asa. Jocelyn’s friend, Luna does not like Asa. She gets bad vibes from him. So much so that Luna warns Jocelyn about Asa. Jocelyn brushes Luna’s concern aside. This will turn out to be a bad mistake for Jocelyn.
I wanted to read this book after I read the summary. It had my interest. I like a good gothic story. There is something about a gothic story that is different from paranormal. When I think of paranormal, I think of more magic but a gothic tale is haunting and might give you a few chills along the way. While I did not get chills reading this book, I was memorized by it.
Asa is definitely the tall, dark, and mysterious type. The type that does spell trouble with a capital “T”. I found his voice more powerful when he spoke during his moments in the book. As the story progressed, I found myself shielding away from Asa. He is evil. Jocelyn did not measure up as strongly to Asa’s character. She felt weak. Even Jocelyn’s dead great-grandmother, nana, and mother had stronger voices. I would have liked to have seen Luna and her mother more in this book. They were interesting. The way this story ended does lead on that there may be another book. Hopefully there will be another one and then Luna can make a better appearance.
August 20, 2016
Solid 3 stars
I enjoyed this book, and it was easy to see and recognize Valerie Wilson Wesley's writing and it was so enjoyable and easy to get sucked in. There was moments in the beginning where it was a little confusing to get all her family members straight, but it's not too much of a distraction.
Jocelyn and her daughter, who would seem to have a very healthy relationship, move back into their family home and this mysterious stranger comes knocking and gets involved with Jocelyn. He's demanding, abusive, an asshole, has a huge chip on his shoulder for the women in her family and.... he wants her soul. He finessed his way into her heart and makes her question her sanity and also the relationship between her friend Luna and her daughter.
But the 200 page mark, I was a little annoyed with Jocelyn, but I understand that when your in an abusive relationship it's hard to see where you're going wrong, and that would have been her downfalls if it wasn't for the women in her family. I would have liked to see more of Luna and her grandmother.
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would, but it had it's faults. But it doesn't stop me from reading Valerie Wilson Wesley's books (she's one of my favorites)
I enjoyed this book, and it was easy to see and recognize Valerie Wilson Wesley's writing and it was so enjoyable and easy to get sucked in. There was moments in the beginning where it was a little confusing to get all her family members straight, but it's not too much of a distraction.
Jocelyn and her daughter, who would seem to have a very healthy relationship, move back into their family home and this mysterious stranger comes knocking and gets involved with Jocelyn. He's demanding, abusive, an asshole, has a huge chip on his shoulder for the women in her family and.... he wants her soul. He finessed his way into her heart and makes her question her sanity and also the relationship between her friend Luna and her daughter.
But the 200 page mark, I was a little annoyed with Jocelyn, but I understand that when your in an abusive relationship it's hard to see where you're going wrong, and that would have been her downfalls if it wasn't for the women in her family. I would have liked to see more of Luna and her grandmother.
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would, but it had it's faults. But it doesn't stop me from reading Valerie Wilson Wesley's books (she's one of my favorites)
September 6, 2022
It was a quick and easy read, but also a very dark and disturbing read. It had a very southern feel, like it should take place in New Orleans, but it takes places in Jersey. It just didn't match. The whole time I was reading it, it felt like New Orleans. It also felt like something was missing. To me, the characters were a bit flat. Interesting premise though. Several generations being affected at different times.
February 21, 2013
So I won this book as a good reads giveaway and after finishing another book I had I started.
I can usually jump right into a book with in the first few pages this one though I had a hard time getting into. I was confused on and off again for the first 70 pages. I felt as thought it was skipping around before I even had a chance to meet & really figure out the characters.
I stuck with the story & kept pushing through. I can say I am really glad that I did. I loved how it all came together in the end. With the spirits of her family behind her & how she came to understand why her family did what they did.
I also took away from this book not only as it being supernatural but almost a love story. Not the type your thinking of course, but about how deep a parents love runs for their child or how your best friend will do anything to save you, even if it means risking her own life.
I was a little disappointed in not figuring out about Asa/Ezea's three companions. More how, who, when about them. Why the woman offered the locket & told Caprice what she did (don't want to spoil)? I would have liked to find out more about the three.
If there is to be a second book though I can not wait to read it.
I can usually jump right into a book with in the first few pages this one though I had a hard time getting into. I was confused on and off again for the first 70 pages. I felt as thought it was skipping around before I even had a chance to meet & really figure out the characters.
I stuck with the story & kept pushing through. I can say I am really glad that I did. I loved how it all came together in the end. With the spirits of her family behind her & how she came to understand why her family did what they did.
I also took away from this book not only as it being supernatural but almost a love story. Not the type your thinking of course, but about how deep a parents love runs for their child or how your best friend will do anything to save you, even if it means risking her own life.
I was a little disappointed in not figuring out about Asa/Ezea's three companions. More how, who, when about them. Why the woman offered the locket & told Caprice what she did (don't want to spoil)? I would have liked to find out more about the three.
If there is to be a second book though I can not wait to read it.
February 10, 2018
I wanted to love it. Unfortunately, the characters were flat and the back story lacked details.
December 29, 2013
WHEN THE NIGHT WHISPERS, a modern-day supernatural gothic tale tantalizes with dangerous secrets, wise whispers and deadly passions. At thirty-one years old, Jocelyn Markham is looking for a new start in life and to get back to the “original me”. So, with eleven year old daughter Mikela in tow moves into her childhood home, an old house with a troubled soul. Curious about a cardboard box her unsentimental mother brought down from the attic, Jocelyn finds a treasure trove of pages written by her “doomed”, great-grandmother Caprice exposing unspoken family mysteries. But projects are put on hold when shaking the hand of her gorgeous next-door-neighbor Asa, as “his touch raced from her fingertips through her heart and landed in the pit of her stomach with a burst of heat that grabbed her breath. Jocelyn unquenchable desire for Asa overtakes her life and his requests of proof of her love become more demanding and destructive until the ultimate request. Asa is determined not to be denied, as he has waited much too long for what belongs to him, and just needs another touch to fulfill his destiny.
Tension and suspense builds from the start as the book starts with Asa’s voice; mounting with each passing chapter as ancestors whisper, the journal’s mystifying words connect the past and the present, an overwrought Jocelyn dismisses friends’ concerns and language evokes the pending dread. Intriguing secondary characters and the villainous Asa often overpower Jocelyn’s voice so at times readers will be exasperated by her actions. I delighted in learning the meaning of flowers and herbs sprinkled into the storyline, reading Caprice’s words, and how the determined Markham protects their own. The story craftily unfolds the evilness that overtakes Jocelyn and the plotlines all come together in a satisfying ending. But readers are teased that this may not quite be the end.
WHEN THE NIGHT WHISPERS will delight fans of gothic-themed love stories and is a welcome addition to the paranormal romance genre.
Tension and suspense builds from the start as the book starts with Asa’s voice; mounting with each passing chapter as ancestors whisper, the journal’s mystifying words connect the past and the present, an overwrought Jocelyn dismisses friends’ concerns and language evokes the pending dread. Intriguing secondary characters and the villainous Asa often overpower Jocelyn’s voice so at times readers will be exasperated by her actions. I delighted in learning the meaning of flowers and herbs sprinkled into the storyline, reading Caprice’s words, and how the determined Markham protects their own. The story craftily unfolds the evilness that overtakes Jocelyn and the plotlines all come together in a satisfying ending. But readers are teased that this may not quite be the end.
WHEN THE NIGHT WHISPERS will delight fans of gothic-themed love stories and is a welcome addition to the paranormal romance genre.
June 23, 2013
Gothic and paranormal genres are not on my list of preferred reads, but I read this one because it was selected by my Book Club. I must admit that I was surprised that it held my interest from start to finish. The story is about Jocelyn (a divorced mother), her great grandmother, her daughter, her ex-husband, her best friend, and a mysterious lover. Jocelyn is beleaguered by poor instincts and bad judgement, resulting in a desperate need for paranormal help from her best friend. The book is well written and I enjoyed the read with one exception: the book is plagued by gratuitous profanity, which was even, on occasion, spewed by the middle-school-aged daughter.
February 26, 2013
When the night whispers was OK as far as
the story went but there was much unnecessary
profanity and crude and explicit sexual content
and drug abuse.
It was true terror at times and pure evil.
I did as the story suggested and destroyed
it so that evil doesn't affect anyone else I may know.
it was a book won in the Goodreads giveaway and I
am sorry I entered the giveaway. It is apparently a
part of a sequel. I will know in the future to avoid
the writings of Savanna Welles.
I do appreciate the Goodreads giveaways. I have been
pleased with most of the books I have won.
the story went but there was much unnecessary
profanity and crude and explicit sexual content
and drug abuse.
It was true terror at times and pure evil.
I did as the story suggested and destroyed
it so that evil doesn't affect anyone else I may know.
it was a book won in the Goodreads giveaway and I
am sorry I entered the giveaway. It is apparently a
part of a sequel. I will know in the future to avoid
the writings of Savanna Welles.
I do appreciate the Goodreads giveaways. I have been
pleased with most of the books I have won.
May 22, 2013
Very vivid and colorful imagery of the scenes and characters. But still not quite sure of what or when the story actually occurred. The imagery, I now realize, is what got me threw the 275 pages of "ok, this is gonna get good!!"....and not so much. This apparently is the author's first "paranormal romance", so in my opinion it's certainly not the best of her works. Continuously had the potential for the wow factor, but never really got off the ground. Rather disappointing, and I really hate saying that about books.
October 1, 2014
This book was about Jocelyn, whose mother has just passed, she is lonely and looking for something and finds it in her mysterious next door neighbor. She just doesn't realize how mysterious he truly is until it's almost too late. He almost destroys her. I don't read a lot of paranormal and I enjoy Tananarive Due and Octavia Butler, but something about this book didn't sit right with me. It made me uneasy and I couldn't wait to finish it so I could move on to something lighter.
July 3, 2015
I usually stick to fantasy romance books(urban or paranormal or whatnot), but this was at the dollar store and grabbed my attention. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like it, but I got through it quickly and easily. The story was gripping and held my interest. The main character, like others have said, felt weak in comparison to Luna and Asa, and even background characters. I'd like to have spent more time with Luna or Mikela.
August 11, 2016
I won this book thru a Goodreads give-away.
I had a hard time getting into it. I usually like paranormal romances but this seemed stilted at first & I wasn't sure I was going to finish it. I am glad I did, it picked up towards the middle of the book & I finished it pretty quickly.
I had a hard time getting into it. I usually like paranormal romances but this seemed stilted at first & I wasn't sure I was going to finish it. I am glad I did, it picked up towards the middle of the book & I finished it pretty quickly.
July 27, 2015
Why did she had to invite hi in her house? OMG this book got me so into it. It took me like two days to read thanks for the home duties and stuff. I enjoy it. Thanks to Valerie I will buy more and more books of paranormal romance.
July 5, 2016
Just won this new treasure in a goodreads first read giveaway! Can't wait for it to get here!
April 4, 2013
*First-reads win*
This book started out good. Then it just fizzled out. Wasn't a bad book. Just didn't enjoy it as much as what I thought I would.
This book started out good. Then it just fizzled out. Wasn't a bad book. Just didn't enjoy it as much as what I thought I would.
September 2, 2013
Didn't care for it. Very boring just skimmed through it.
June 20, 2015
This book seemed a bit abusive. At first it seemed cool. There was only one character I enjoyed. And that was Luna.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews