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Eagle Harbor #2

Love's Every Whisper

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She’s back in town and about to make the biggest mistake of her life. And he doesn’t know how to stop her…

When Elijah Cumming’s childhood sweetheart arrives back in the small town of Eagle Harbor, he couldn’t be happier—until he realizes she intends to marry the wrong man.

If Victoria actually loved Gilbert, Elijah would step back and let the marriage happen. But she doesn’t love him, Gilbert will never be able to make her happy, and the longer she’s in town the more Elijah’s own feelings for Victoria grow.

Can Elijah find a way to show Victoria how he feels before it’s too late?

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a small-town, faith-based family saga with a friends-to-lovers, forbidden romance.

408 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 21, 2015

768 people are currently reading
496 people want to read

About the author

Naomi Rawlings

37 books974 followers
Naomi Rawlings is the author of historical Christian novels, including the Amazon bestselling Eagle Harbor Series. While she'd love to claim she spends her days huddled in front of her computer vigorously typing, in reality, she spends her time homeschooling, cleaning, picking up, and pretending like her house isn't in a constant state of chaos. She lives with her husband and three children in Michigan's rugged Upper Peninsula, along the southern shore of Lake Superior where they get 200 inches of snow every year, and where people still grow their own vegetables and cut down their own firewood--just like in the historical novels she writes.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
Profile Image for ✨ Gramy ✨ .
1,382 reviews
April 16, 2019
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The story takes place in a small town located on the edge of Lake Superior. This was a well-developed, clean and wholesome historical romance located in Lake Superior, with well-defined characters, a progressive plot line, dramatic action, feudal conflicts, romance versus obligation, and some mystery. It boldly lends an ear to scriptures but doesn't hit you over the head with them.

There was a lot of conflicts based on the differences between the classes, beliefs in what the town needed most, and a life-long rivalry between two males. Of course, a woman they had both grown up with, experiencing a slight disability, became caught between the two of them. Her character grows tremendously, based on words of faith and trust. Personally, I am losing patience with storylines that involved a woman caught between the adoration of two different men. There were some twists and turns that burst through old thoughts and beliefs to reach a new understanding.

It was an enjoyable tale based on the complexity of love, faith, and enduring strength.
This book is able to stand on its own, but if you read them in order, you will be more familiar with some of the characters that carry over. Each story does include its own H.E.A., which is always a good way to conclude a fictional adventure.
Profile Image for Julia.
3,076 reviews93 followers
June 13, 2017
Love's Every Whisper by Naomi Rawlings is a most delightful Christian historical romance. It is the second book in the Eagle Harbor series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Throughout the novel there is an ancient feud, going back to childhood. Two men with different agenda's clash as the action comes thick and fast. At first they seem poles apart but as the novel progresses, the reader catches glimpses that underneath it all, they are not so different.
The novel revolves around rescuing people from choppy seas and the need for proper lifeboat facilities. This can be seen as a motif for us - we all need rescuing by Jesus from the choppy waters of life. Our lifeboat is a mixture of God's grace and His truth to be found in His Word, the Bible.
We all matter to God. People are very good at believing the worst about themselves. They relive their failures again and again. They are listening to the wrong voices. We need to banish the voices that tell us we are no good and listen to God's life affirming voice that says we are beautiful and we are loved.
The novel warns about the dangers of the love of power and the love of money. When outward appearances matter more than inward character, we have got our priorities wrong.
Everyone needs friends. Friends who will stick by them through thick and thin. The novel portrays some beautiful friendships.
The story is about love too. Everyone should be loved and have someone who makes their eyes light up.
There is a wonderful feeling of community. The reader can 'feel' the warmth emanating from the pages of the book.
Having read the first book, it was wonderful to meet up with familiar characters to see how their lives were progressing. As the novel ended, there have been teasers for the reader as to what is to come in book three. And I for one, cannot wait.
Absolutely delightful. I am loving Naomi Rawlings writings.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Profile Image for Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective).
1,436 reviews85 followers
February 3, 2018
Another great story in this series! And I love how each book is linked together. Seeing old characters, and slowly bringing a new relationship into perspective that will be the lead for the next book in the series. I am hooked!

This story held romance, drama, mystery, and action. Two couples who seemingly longed to be together, but didn’t think it was possible. A great tale of doing what’s “right” for ones family, or following your heart. So many times I wanted to jump in the book and console Victoria and tell her what a mistake she was making! But these characters just need to understand it for themselves and learn from their mistakes.

I was hooked until the last pages, and cannot wait to see what lies ahead for the next couple! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Mary.
395 reviews3 followers
July 27, 2017
Endearing story of a young women who stuttered, seemed to be a little clumsy and didn't fit the bill of the normal wealthy daughter of a business man. Her older sister snagged a supposedly good catch, but Victoria struggled with what her parents wanted for her. For many years she thought about a boy she knew from school and community, but he was from a different class, a fisherman. Finally it seemed like her parents made a match for her with another young local businessman. But there was no love between them...did there need to be? It seemed money was the main interest for most of the family. Could Victoria go through with a loveless marriage? Did her schooldays friend have feelings for her? Read and find out.
Profile Image for Trisha.
449 reviews46 followers
June 12, 2017
See full review and bonus material at: www.joyofreadingweb.wordpress.com

I couldn't put this book down. From the first chapter to the last, I was enveloped in the story of Victoria and Elijah. I simply loved Elijah and Victoria's story! It has everything you are looking for in a fantastic story; dynamic, realistic characters, that grow during the story, and an active and engaging story with a well-developed plot. I look forward to reading the other books in this series and spending more time exploring Eagle Harbor.
Profile Image for Gretchen.
299 reviews56 followers
June 4, 2018
I love how the heroine in this novel is sweet and mild tempered. I get annoyed that almost all main female characters always have such a strong personality and are typically described as stubborn and outspoken. I also love reading books when a character has been in love with their love interests for years. Enjoyed this book even more than the first!
581 reviews
September 4, 2015
From Amazon:
Victoria Donnelly is, as always, a failure. With five years of failed courtships behind her and the calendar inching closer to another birthday, Victoria's determined to redeem herself and snag a proposal from a wealthy childhood acquaintance, Gilbert Sinclair. But returning to Eagle Harbor stirs up long forgotten memories. And worse, old affection for her betrothed's enemy.
Elijah Cummings has loved Victoria for fifteen years. But fishermen's sons don't marry shipping barons' daughters. He knows it. She knows it. The entire town knows it. Resolved to keep his distance from Victoria, Elijah focuses on establishing a much needed life-saving station, risking his own life by rescuing sailors stuck aboard shipwrecks.

My review:
This is the second book of the Eagle Harbor series and I think it’s the best yet! The story immediately drew me into the middle of a storm where Elijah is trying to save people from an impending shipwreck. I could feel the ice cold wind and waves crashing down on me & was blinded by the snow falling. My emotions were on alert, every nerve ready to snap & my heart beating so fast I could barely hear above the roar of the ocean. Will there be lives saved this day or will the danger be too high and Elijah must abandon the rescue? Little does he know that Victoria is seeking him out on shore, calling his name, barely able to stand on slippery rocks, her lantern trying to cut through the rapid snow falling. She should be helping the new doctor in town inside the warmth of his clinic tending to the needs of the rescued soldiers from a recent shipwreck.
Then there’s Gilbert Sinclair, the childhood bully all grown up. Victoria and her parents pinning their hopes on a marriage proposal. But is he the right man for Victoria, and does she really have a choice? I see her simpering to his demands, not wanting to shame her family, only wanting her parents to see her as anything but a failure yet again. I have to admit, I did not like Gilbert and wanted Victoria to stand up to him. Her stuttering only fueled her shame and made her more self conscious. There were times I was angry with her for letting Gilbert play with her emotions and treat her like a child needing to be pacified. And those times I wanted to tell Gilbert off myself & sting his cheek with my hand!
There is such a depth of character in this story. I loved how Rebekah (Elijah’s sister) stood up to those who opposed her and her passion for wanting to be on every ship rescue. For her bravery and tenacity. And we were able to revist Mac & Tessa from the first book. We find them about to welcome another member of the family and how Mac takes to being a family man. The town of Eagle Harbor gets under your skin and takes residence. Every page held me captive emotionally, I cried, I laughed and I cheered. I simply could not put this down until the very last page. And even then, I was reliving every scene trying to absorb it. This is one that will stick with me for a long time. I can’t wait until her next book comes out! I highly recommend this series to inspirational historical readers. God is prevalent throughout and it’s refreshing to see the characters live out their faith. Well done, Naomi, thank you for another riveting ride of my life!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review which I have given here**

Profile Image for Brittany .
2,879 reviews209 followers
September 1, 2015
Love’s Every Whisper pulled me in from the very first page. The intense storms that rage on Lake Superior set the stage for dangerous rescues and life-threatening situations. And while the daring risks these volunteer life-savers took kept me on the edge of my seat, the equally tumultuous emotional journeys of the two main characters kept me turning pages to find out what would happen next.

Victoria, the heroine of the novel, was such a complex character. I felt so sorry for the way she had been treated by her family all of her life due to her stutter. It was frustrating to see Victoria fold in upon herself in difficult situations, instead of standing up and fighting for what was right. It was painful to witness the way she viewed herself. I could feel her inner turmoil as she tried to determine what the right path was. Wow! This character grew so much throughout the story! From start to finish, the transformation that she went through was amazing.

Elijah was such a wonderful leading man. His kindness to Victoria from the time they were both young grew into a love that he felt could never be acted upon based on their positions in society. It was hard to see him suffer through some of Victoria’s decisions. The fact that she seemed set to marry a man who did all he could to bring trouble to Elijah added insult to injury. Elijah was such a brave man and did everything he could to save as many people as he could. Still, he wrestled with every life lost. The author did a great job of communicating his inner turmoil.

I truly felt immersed in this time period and learned so much about the history of the life-saving service. Add in the captivating romance brewing between Elijah and Victoria and this was a book that I didn’t want to set down! It is book two in the series, however, it can be read and thoroughly enjoyed even if you have not yet read book one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
3,925 reviews1,763 followers
October 14, 2015
I'm beginning to think I need to don boxing gloves before I read one of Naomi Rawlings' books because I know I'll be called upon to defend beloved characters. She certainly puts her poor hero and heroine through the paces. Conflict abounds and I adored every angsty minute.

Rich in characterization and plot, this story hums with tension of every kind. Victoria and Elijah's unspoken attraction pulls story threads taut as their romance progresses to toe-curling satisfaction. Not before being mired in the depths of hopeless despair, mind you. My emotions churned my insides out as I devoured each page.

The author excels at conflict -- in fact she is downright mean to her hero and heroine which exasperates and thrills me all at the same time. How can I both hate and love reading all those angsty bits?! They certainly keep me riveted and anxious for more.

Being 'fearfully and wonderfully made' is a touching refrain that echoes throughout the book and applies to so many of the characters. It is particularly hard for Victoria to grasp since she comes from a very emotionally abusive family. She struggles with finding her voice and the courage to speak her mind.

Eagle Harbor series fans will be thrilled to find Mac and Tressa play a prominent role in this book as well. So satisfying to catch up with them three years later -- even if angst abounds in their lives as well.

A compelling read that you'll want to consume in one sitting.

My thanks to the author for supplying me with a review copy of this book.
Profile Image for Nana.
652 reviews
Read
February 10, 2016

Loves Every Whisper was beyond my expectations! I was swept into the first book of this series with excitement. This second book is even more intense and impressive. Unpredictable, fast paced, suspense filled drama exceeded even Love's Unfading Light. Characters from the first novel in the series flow into the second book with a familiarity that is authentic and remarkable.

Victoria is sought after by a wealthy man who is deceptive and pretentious. Her family has arranged for a marriage of convenience while she is attracted to another. She may be attracted to the fisherman who is known for his life saving enterprise, but family expectations override her interest in those beneath her class.

Shipwrecks are a common threat as Lake Superior's storms threaten the ships that travel the deadly waters. A life-saving team has been invaluable to the victims of these shipwrecks. Without that team the numbers of lost sailors and travelers would be overwhelming. The portrayal of shipwrecks and rescue endeavors are intense and descriptive. As a resident in the area the author is very familiar with the location and landmarks, as well as tragedies in the mines of the area and the shipwrecks of Eagle Harbor. That knowledge is a pivotal part of this novel.

I found this book to be one of the most exciting stories, revealing many layers of relationships, family dynamics, and the devotion of a man who values the lives of others above his own. I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,673 reviews582 followers
July 7, 2017
This is one of those rare occasions where I loved the second book in a series more than the first! What stood out to me the most was how much action was depicted with the scenes of Elijah and his crew rescuing sailors and passengers from boats that hit rocks or sandbars during frigid storms on Lake Superior. I loved Elijah's passion for saving lives that otherwise would have been needlessly lost. His love for Victoria seems hopeless, but they continue to encounter each other and their restrained affection creates a palpable romantic tension. Every character in the story is flawed (some more than others) but all came to life because of their determination through the struggles each faced. I was sad for the emotional abuse Victoria endures from her family and Gilbert and how each attempt at expressing herself was met with contempt and manipulation. Thankfully she forms an unlikely bond with Elijah's defiant sister Rebekah and through her example learns of the true source of strength and confidence- relying on the Lord. Elijah and Victoria each focus on certain scripture verses for help as they struggle to follow their hearts amid pressure and conflict from family and the community.

(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
Profile Image for Sharon Paavola.
253 reviews29 followers
July 13, 2017
How pleased I was to discover this second Eagle Harbor book more enticing than than the first book. Ms Rawlings builds on the foundation she set in Unfading Light and fashions a beautiful love story vastly different. Victoria Donnelly's father produces an engagement and soon to be wedding for her. She has failed to find a suitable mate and her life long stuttering and anxiety seem to be the cause of her problems in her parents' social world. Their wealth and status though casts her above the childhood friend who always understood and protected her. Her fiancee has known her all her life, too so she accepts her lot as his wife. She knows God loves her or does he? Will he answer her prayers?
I underlined many thought provoking passages as the characters wrestle with what they know in God's word and how to live that out in reality.
This is another outstanding novel with incredible depth into the Christian faith, loyalty to family, and being true to oneself.
974 reviews18 followers
October 28, 2015
I fell in love with the first book in this series and this was just as good if not better. I loved the characters in this well written book. I felt like I was right there. The inspirational theme is what makes it so wonderful. I am looking forward to reading the third book in this series.
Profile Image for Jeanne.
23 reviews3 followers
September 22, 2015
A great book right from the start! Beautiful vivid and historically accurate descriptions and a story that kept surprising me along the way. Highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Patricia.
2,958 reviews17 followers
February 3, 2016
Rating 3.5. This had a lot of story threads going in with the different characters and I can see it is inevitable that I must go on to book 3 to follow up on all of the familiar characters.
Profile Image for Ashley.
1,176 reviews45 followers
August 7, 2017
4.5 Stars

After reading and loving the first book in this series, Love's Unfading Light, I was super excited to read Victoria and Elijah's story in Love's Every Whisper. And it did not disappoint! It was just as good as the first!

Elijah's doing something so admirable and heroic by starting a life-saving station to rescue people whose ships have wrecked. This led to some pretty intense scenes of daring rescues where I'd be holding my breath and reading as fast as I could, hoping beyond hope that everything would work out okay. I really felt for Victoria. The way she was treated, looked down on, and made fun of because of her stutter was heartbreaking. Her growth from the beginning of the book to the end was beautiful to read. The way Elijah treated her was so sweet. I loved when they were together on the page; their chemistry was so great! There were so many issues in their way, though. It seemed like there was no chance of them ever getting together.

I loved my second visit to Eagle Harbor and am very eager to read book three. It's about Rebekah and Gilbert, so I'm beyond intrigued to see how that plays out! I highly recommend this wonderful series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.
Profile Image for Miriam Jacob.
238 reviews
February 7, 2019
“Love’s Every Whisper” by Naomi Rawlings is a Christian historical romance. It is the second book in the Eagle Harbor series. An ancient feud rages from childhood as the novel revolves around high sea rescues and a warm feeling of community. Victoria Donnelly finally finds a way to redeem herself in the eyes of her family but she has to return to her home town of Eagle Harbor, where forgotten romantic feelings can resurface. Elijah Cummings, a fisherman’s son, has loved Victoria, a shipping baron’s daughter, for fifteen years. But everyone knows that the great difference in the complex pecking order of the social hierarchy prevents Elijah and Victoria from ever getting married. Meanwhile Elijah establishes a life-saving station, risking his own life by rescuing sailors from horrifying shipwrecks. Victoria is about to make an irreversible decision. Elijah can save save drowning sailors but can he save Victoria without destroying their love? The scenic town of Eagle Harbor, Michigan is the beautiful setting for this memorable story of love, courage, and high drama on the seven seas.
200 reviews
June 15, 2022
Okay, as I said before if you say romance when regarding a book I really don't want to read it. I read the first in this series because it was given to me it was free and I think I wrote a good review. At the end of that book was the first chapter of the second book in the series, "Loves Every Whisper" so I read that chapter and immediately had to go get this from the library. I love the characters in the first book and I did want to see where they went from there.
It is written well. It is historical fiction. You can check out some of the things in the book and there historical. It takes place on Lake Superior in the late 1800s. And I just could not put it down.
I give a good book a three and I gave this book of four so I'm thinking this one was even better than the first. My library didn't have number three so I got it from Kindle. I like feeling a real book but sometimes you gotta read.
The book is good, the characters are good, it's written well... And every time I knew what was going to happen next it didn't go that way! I would recommend it.
Profile Image for Sherry.
128 reviews15 followers
February 8, 2018
Review
Love’s Every Whisper, book two in the Eagle Harbor series is an inspiring message of trusting God in the midst of heartache and hardships. Set in the 1800’s it’s interesting to see how relationships developed then. Women were not allowed to speak up, express their feelings and it was expected that one not to marry outside of your class. Plus many marriages were for convenience. Imagine the heartache many women probably experienced because of “having” to marry someone who you didn’t love but your parents expected and arranged for you. Throughout the book I could see how communication back then must have been lacking. As the story progressed Victoria put more trust in God becoming stronger, not only in faith but as a person. There’s a lesson here that many people even today can take from this.

I’m eagerly looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Thank you Naomi for writing such beautiful Christian fiction.
Profile Image for Julie.
1,081 reviews74 followers
July 19, 2025
Elijah has been in love with Victoria for over 15 years. His background as a fisherman's son doesn't give him the clout that he needs to marry, let alone court, the daughter of a shipping baron. As Victoria struggles to find her way in life, and hopefully marry one day, Elijah is out rescuing men left and right from the waters of Lake Superior. Another man comes into the picture, one that Victoria is much more suited for socially. The question is, can Elijah save her from her own personal drowning?

This is a great story with many enjoyable elements. There is a forbidden love, someone trying to swoop in, action, danger, reconciling, sweet romance, and so much more. The narrator of this audiobook did a great job conveying the different emotions of each character throughout the story. This is the second book in a series and can be read as a standalone but it's fun to see previous characters popping in to say "Hi!".
Profile Image for Joy Lokey.
175 reviews
May 31, 2021
The challenge of high society has totally discouraged Victoria of her hopes for a marital match because of a very noticeable and embarrassing stutter. She succombs to her parent's wishes to match with Gilbert, an up and coming shipping company owner with plans to build cranes. Gilbert is a man ahead of his time, not interested in love, but in his own successes. Elijah, a struggling fisherman, has loved Victoria from childhood. He and Gilbert have been rivals since childhood. The broad class separation keeps Elijah from pursuing Victoria, yet he continues to pursue the friendship and clearly sees those two as an imbalanced match. Everything unfurled when Victoria discovered her father's scandal. The discovery brings her into God's perfect plan for her life and the perfect arms of her rescuer.
Profile Image for Heidi Morrell.
1,375 reviews17 followers
March 22, 2025
This was a fantastic continuation of the Historical Christian fiction series set in Eagle Harbor, MI. In addition to my love for lighthouses, as I shared in the previous book's review, I learned much about life saving when boats, big or small, are in trouble. Saving people in multiple ways was a theme that resonated throughout this book. Calling off an engagement was also a similarity. Listening to God's voice and Believing He loves us just how He made us is so important. Both trials and blessings will come into our lives... choosing Joy through each, no matter the circumstances, is how our faith and trust in our Creator grows
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series! I was provided with a copy of this series Box Set by the author as a result of being a Winner of a book giveaway, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.
174 reviews
October 20, 2024
Thrilling and heartfelt

A woman of value who doesn’t value herself with a friend Elijah who has been her protector through the years. By society’s rules, neither should associate with the other. He’s a fisherman and a volunteer rescuer, she’s a high society daughter who stutters and is a clutz.

Victoria is engaged to a local magnate Gabriel who is trying to become owner of the fleet of his father’s. But she has feelings and desires to become the best at something- maybe her charity work with children?

Class and society fight with survival on the waters of the Great Lakes.

A taut and rewarding tale worth reading.
944 reviews9 followers
August 15, 2018
Love's Every Whisper is the 2nd book in the Eagle Harbor series, and I've read and loved them both. Book 2 is a beautifully written clean love story with tension, drama, twists and turns, and a very surprising ending--I didn't see that coming! It was good to see the characters from Book 1 continued in this story. The town becomes divided in supporting either Gilbert or Elijah in improving the community, a marriage proposal, a drowning, fraud--this book has it all. I highly recommend this book and this series. Looking forward to reading Book 3 soon!
460 reviews2 followers
October 25, 2021
Love's Every Whisper by Naomi Rawlings elicited delightful chuckles.

Elijah Cummings, the H, was so kind, considerate, and patient with Miss Victoria Louise Donnelly, the h.

I'm also glad that Victoria didn't remain timid throughout the entire story.

I love that they were able to have their happily ever after, and that the characters from the first story, carried over to this one.

This was such a wonderful world to visit, for an afternoon read.
47 reviews
June 18, 2022
Good book!

This is a good story. The characters are believable and interesting personalities. I kind of knew how it was going to turn out but it was fun reading all the twists and turns the storyline took to get to that conclusion. And it was clean, which I really appreciate!! I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series as well as others that Naomi Rawlings has written.
8 reviews
January 8, 2024
Who will be next?

Edge-of-your-seat reading! The characters are real, with all their flaws, and we get to see them transition into the people they are capable of being. Not perfect—but trying to be better.

Loved learning about the historical life-saving stations on the coasts way back when. So interesting!! Each storm that arose I kept thinking “will everyone weather this storm safely?”

Love it. Adventure, history, love…has it all!
2,285 reviews83 followers
March 14, 2024
Christian Historical Romance

Another amazingly riveting story, but I'm still very dissatisfied with the male voices by this narrator. I also found the characters from book 1 to sound completed different in book 2. But her female voices are quite musical! the cadence is perfect, and I still believe if this narrator was matched with a man, they'd make a fantastic team! Some of my favorite audiobooks have a team of narrators!
28 reviews
May 11, 2020
After I read Naomi Rawlings first book of the series and began to get all the characters in place, I truly enjoyed this Christian story. This is dated back before the 1900’s in a small town on the shore of Lake Michigan. The characters become real, you want to keep reading beyond the first series. The main characters in this one is Victoria and Elijah.
Profile Image for Heidi Miller.
234 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2020
I’m finding the second book even more compelling than the first. The effects of class distinctions and prejudice seemed authentic, and the primitive state of the practice of medicine alarmed me. There are plenty of primary and secondary characters to love and hate and gradually get to know. I’m eager to start book 3.
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