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Beautiful Whispers
Twenty-one year old Jane lives on a gorgeous Virginia Plantation and carefully manages her quirky family. Everyone assumes she'll marry her rich childhood sweetheart, but everything changes when Alexander returns. There is an instant attraction between the girl from one of Virginia's oldest families and the son of a maid, but Jane is haunted by horrible images from her past. Will Alexander protect her from a past he doesn't even know about?
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2013
9 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
About the author
Alice Ayden
50 books15 followersI wrote my first short story when I was five, but when an assignment in a lit course challenged me to “rewrite” the last chapter of Jane Eyre I was hooked. I dreamt of going to an ivy cloaked university in England or Scotland, but my health issues forced me to rethink that agenda. Working through and with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, food allergies, migraines and the scary health emergencies, I managed to finish both my Bachelor’s degree in English and History and my Master’s in Strategic Intelligence.
As a child, I wanted to be everything from a veterinarian (can’t stand to see any animal hurt) to an actress (too shy) to an astronaut (not good at science) to an Egyptologist (I wilt in extreme heat – or anything over 70 degrees). Writing makes sense to me. My characters pursue all the subjects that interest me and/or terrify me. I started with screenplays and TV scripts, and my first screenplay placed finalist and semi-finalist in several screenwriting competitions. Loving a challenge, I dove further into the writing craft to study dialogue, description, plot, pacing, story (if there was a book on writing I’ve read it).
When I’m not writing, I’m filling up bird feeders, troubleshooting computers, playing games (I’m a freak for logic problems and Tom Clancy video games), reading (anything by Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, Dean Koontz, Anne Rice), watching movies (I personally would like to recommend Joss Whedon be officially named a god). I’ve never met an animal I didn’t love and regularly rescue bugs and spiders. Living in North Carolina and Texas, I became the snake expert and successfully relocated many happy snakes who lived to tell the tale. I’ve lived in California, Arizona, Texas and North Carolina but have felt most at home in Virginia.
Sidenote: I love finding friends on Goodreads!
As a child, I wanted to be everything from a veterinarian (can’t stand to see any animal hurt) to an actress (too shy) to an astronaut (not good at science) to an Egyptologist (I wilt in extreme heat – or anything over 70 degrees). Writing makes sense to me. My characters pursue all the subjects that interest me and/or terrify me. I started with screenplays and TV scripts, and my first screenplay placed finalist and semi-finalist in several screenwriting competitions. Loving a challenge, I dove further into the writing craft to study dialogue, description, plot, pacing, story (if there was a book on writing I’ve read it).
When I’m not writing, I’m filling up bird feeders, troubleshooting computers, playing games (I’m a freak for logic problems and Tom Clancy video games), reading (anything by Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, Dean Koontz, Anne Rice), watching movies (I personally would like to recommend Joss Whedon be officially named a god). I’ve never met an animal I didn’t love and regularly rescue bugs and spiders. Living in North Carolina and Texas, I became the snake expert and successfully relocated many happy snakes who lived to tell the tale. I’ve lived in California, Arizona, Texas and North Carolina but have felt most at home in Virginia.
Sidenote: I love finding friends on Goodreads!
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 31, 2013
This book was a prize sent to me from a Goodreads.com giveaway. Honestly, I'm torn about this book for several reasons. The premise behind the story and the way the plot reveals itself is well done. The reader is given enough information to answer some of their questions but not enough to ensure that he/she turns the page. The author did a great job in describing the estate and created a lot of colorful characters that brought a bit of levity after some of the more serious or darker parts of the story.
However, I was constantly thrown off by the fact that the main character, Jane, was to be 21 years-old. To me, she acted much younger than that. My first impression of the character was that she was in her early teens and her behavior does little to change that image until I nearly reached the end of the book. There is a sense of growth within the character during the book but to me, it wasn't believable from the start. Maybe if her actions were given a bit of explanation such as being caused by the trauma or memory loss, it would have been different for me.
I was also distracted by quite a few typos, grammar errors and punctuation mistakes. I realize that no manuscript is ever perfect. Even some of the best-selling authors have problems with their books. For me, the mistakes took me out of the story for a moment and that made it difficult to get back into the groove, so to speak. I wholeheartedly believe that will a little more polish, this could be a great read.
Overall, I thought the idea, the plot and many of the characters really made the book worth reading. The way the point-of-view switches between chapters does take a little getting used to, but it was interesting play on our generation being caught up with that of the past. If you're looking for a book filled with love, choices, unexplained time loss and intrigue, then this is one you should check out.
However, I was constantly thrown off by the fact that the main character, Jane, was to be 21 years-old. To me, she acted much younger than that. My first impression of the character was that she was in her early teens and her behavior does little to change that image until I nearly reached the end of the book. There is a sense of growth within the character during the book but to me, it wasn't believable from the start. Maybe if her actions were given a bit of explanation such as being caused by the trauma or memory loss, it would have been different for me.
I was also distracted by quite a few typos, grammar errors and punctuation mistakes. I realize that no manuscript is ever perfect. Even some of the best-selling authors have problems with their books. For me, the mistakes took me out of the story for a moment and that made it difficult to get back into the groove, so to speak. I wholeheartedly believe that will a little more polish, this could be a great read.
Overall, I thought the idea, the plot and many of the characters really made the book worth reading. The way the point-of-view switches between chapters does take a little getting used to, but it was interesting play on our generation being caught up with that of the past. If you're looking for a book filled with love, choices, unexplained time loss and intrigue, then this is one you should check out.
August 12, 2013
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
I'm not usually a fan of suspense, I hate to feel my heart palpitate, and there is the urge to read the last part of the book to know what in the world is going to happened. Beautiful Whispers, had me on my seat, on my bed, and I was awake the entire night. The urgency of finishing the novel was important - and when I finally did my heart didn't stop from beating so fast, and I have the urge to thump my head into the wall - it ended in a cliffhanger. Argh. How did this happened?! I'm about to get into the good stuffs here!!!!
When two separate world collides, either everything will crumble or the pieces will just fit in the puzzle. The attraction between Jane, a daughter from an old rich in Virginia and Alexander, a maid's son.
Everyone thought that Jane will marry her rich, childhood sweetheart Byron. But everything changes when Alexander came into the picture. But there are mysteries that are yet to be solved. Jane thought that people around her are keeping secrets from her. Secrets that involves her. And Alexander - she just saw him, and yet why does he feel so familiar? Jane starts to take responsibility in the household, but as she begins to, secrets begins to unravel. Her memories starts coming back, and she wasn't sure if those were just dreams or a part of her past. Where did her scars came from? Who is following her?
Alexander knew something, her family knew something. But Alexander wouldn't dare to tell her, until she's ready or at least remember something. Her grandmother promised to tell her. But before she could, something happened - I was at the end page. (See?!!!)
Nevertheless, Alice Ayden gave me a novel worth reading for (and it's not even my favorite genre!), she kept me up and awake. I couldn't wait to get my hands of Missing 6 - maybe then I will have all my answers, but as of now, I just have to sit back and wait patiently for its release.
*ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not usually a fan of suspense, I hate to feel my heart palpitate, and there is the urge to read the last part of the book to know what in the world is going to happened. Beautiful Whispers, had me on my seat, on my bed, and I was awake the entire night. The urgency of finishing the novel was important - and when I finally did my heart didn't stop from beating so fast, and I have the urge to thump my head into the wall - it ended in a cliffhanger. Argh. How did this happened?! I'm about to get into the good stuffs here!!!!
When two separate world collides, either everything will crumble or the pieces will just fit in the puzzle. The attraction between Jane, a daughter from an old rich in Virginia and Alexander, a maid's son.
Everyone thought that Jane will marry her rich, childhood sweetheart Byron. But everything changes when Alexander came into the picture. But there are mysteries that are yet to be solved. Jane thought that people around her are keeping secrets from her. Secrets that involves her. And Alexander - she just saw him, and yet why does he feel so familiar? Jane starts to take responsibility in the household, but as she begins to, secrets begins to unravel. Her memories starts coming back, and she wasn't sure if those were just dreams or a part of her past. Where did her scars came from? Who is following her?
Alexander knew something, her family knew something. But Alexander wouldn't dare to tell her, until she's ready or at least remember something. Her grandmother promised to tell her. But before she could, something happened - I was at the end page. (See?!!!)
Nevertheless, Alice Ayden gave me a novel worth reading for (and it's not even my favorite genre!), she kept me up and awake. I couldn't wait to get my hands of Missing 6 - maybe then I will have all my answers, but as of now, I just have to sit back and wait patiently for its release.
*ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2013
I'm usually not one for a suspense type of reading even when it's mixed with my favorite topic of romance but I can Beautiful Whispers is now an except, it had me going. I really enjoyed this read and can't wait to read Missing 6 to find out what happens next. Ill be doing a full review on my book blog on August 12th please stop by.
http://two-tall-tales.blogspot.com
UPDATE
you can find my full review here --> http://two-tall-tales.blogspot.com/20...
http://two-tall-tales.blogspot.com
UPDATE
you can find my full review here --> http://two-tall-tales.blogspot.com/20...
August 29, 2013
Free book on kindle, but I enjoyed it. Unfortunately there are several typos and a few grammatical errors. I was getting annoyed by not knowing what Jane didn't know and then the book ended. So, I spent the $3.99 to purchase the concluding story. It bothers me to not know how a story ends. My true opinion of this story will be revealed in my review of Missing 6.
I'm not very fond of the author's writing style or the switching of voices in each chapter, but I did get the hang of it and now I just need to know the ending. It better be good.
I'm not very fond of the author's writing style or the switching of voices in each chapter, but I did get the hang of it and now I just need to know the ending. It better be good.
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August 14, 2013Unfortunately I couldn't get into this. I read till about the 35% mark but I was slightly confused by most of it. I really hate not being able to finish a book!!
June 20, 2013
A truly excellent book which displays the author's creativity and superb ability to weave a mystery. The ending is not what you expect!
October 6, 2013
pretty good book. the last book better have the answer to ol' girls issues in it or else imma be PISSED!!!!!!
January 6, 2014
Good read, but not sure what to think. I was hoping for more questions to be answered in book 1. Not sure if I'm going to read book 2.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews