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Whisper Horse #3

The Place I Belong

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Nancy Herkness invites readers back to Sanctuary, West Virginia, in Book Three of the award-winning Whisper Horse series.

Fleeing professional scandal and a broken engagement, veterinarian Hannah Linden abandons Chicago for the mountain town of Sanctuary, West Virginia, hoping to put her troubles with men and the media behind her. But when she encounters world-famous chef Adam Bosch, she finds herself increasingly drawn to the charming but darkly complex man and his troubled teenage son, Matt. Adam, a recovering alcoholic, fears he can never be a worthy father to the surly, distant boy he has just come to know, and enlists Hannah’s help in his struggle to connect with his son.

Hoping to coax Matt out of his shell, Hannah introduces the boy to an ailing brown pony who has the power to change his view of the world. But can the determined little whisper horse prove to Hannah, Adam, and Matt that they were meant to be a family?

348 pages, Paperback

First published June 3, 2014

409 people are currently reading
615 people want to read

About the author

Nancy Herkness

23 books896 followers
Nancy Herkness is the award-winning, best-selling author of contemporary romance for readers who love richly developed characters and an immersive reading experience. Meet the wealthy, powerful alpha heroes who need down-to-earth women to show them how to find soul-deep love and pulse-racing passion. Nancy’s vivid writing brings to life settings both elegant and homey, while making her flawed but fascinating characters leap off the page and into your heart. Savor the thrill of falling in love by diving into one of Nancy’s books.

Author of the Royal Caleva, Consultants, Wager of Hearts, and Whisper Horse series, as well as several other contemporary romance novels, Nancy has sold over a million books. She is also a two-time nominee for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA® award.

Nancy has received many honors for her work, including the Book Buyers Best Top Pick, the New England Readers’ Choice award, and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award. She graduated from Princeton University with a degree in English literature and creative writing.

A native of West Virginia, Nancy now lives twelve miles west of the Lincoln Tunnel in suburban New Jersey with two tabby cats.

For more information about Nancy and her books, visit www.NancyHerkness.com. Sign up for her monthly newsletter—and get a free novella—at: http://www.nancyherkness.com/newsletter/

Social media links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancyherkness
BookBub author: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nancy...
Amazon author: https://amazon.com/stores/author/B001...

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Lorelei's Lit Lair.
107 reviews38 followers
June 20, 2014
THE PLACE I BELONG (A Whisper Horse Novel) by Nancy Herkness.

Nancy Herkness continues delivering superb romance, this time featuring the All-in-Black charmer Chef Adam Bosch, successful owner of The Aerie, an elite restaurant in the area. Hannah, a kind hearted city girl, wants to find a fresh start to leave behind an ex-fiancé and other problems as she finds a job working as a vet in Sanctuary. But issues in the past catch up with her, which may affect those around her. Topics in this story include a teenage son who appears unexpectedly in Adam's life. He's also an AA sponsor. Both Adam and Hannah will deal with their issues and of course there's a happy ending. Other four legged protagonists are always present which truly make this story even a more enjoyable read. There are friends from previous stories present, whom I really enjoyed seeing again! You'll find drama, passion, exquisite cuisine, lots of animal love and sense of community and support. Sanctuary is one of those places you wish you could live in. I can't say enough great things about Nancy Herkness' writing style. I'm just pleased as punch to be able to review her stories. 5 happy hearts for this one!



Profile Image for Sarah.
2,138 reviews30 followers
April 8, 2019
Fantastic series

Book 3 of Whisper Horse Series by Nancy Herkness
Hannah is the new vet at Sanctuary veterinary hospital but she’s got secrets and running from a dark past.
Adam is running also from his drunken past but when Matt turns up in Sanctuary he has to face his past mistakes and start making a future for him and his son.
I absolutely love this series especially with it centred around Whisper Horses and now ponies.
Adam has a dog that was accidentally shot and needed veterinary treatment, that’s when he meets Hannah the new vet and they hit it off straight away. Adam convinces Hannah to have Matt a surly teenager for the day to show him what value a pet has to a person life after need let Trace (Adams dog) escape into the woods and was shot by hunters.
Really enjoyed this book as a audible the narrator fully covers every accent well and really draws you into story.
Looking forward to more in series
Profile Image for Eileen Dandashi.
542 reviews17 followers
January 30, 2015
Title: The Place I Belong, Book 3 Whisper Hose series
Author: Nancy Herkness
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Romance, Contemporary Fiction
Published By: Montlake Romance (June 3, 2014)
Story Setting: Sanctuary, West Virginia (a small town)
Pages: 349
ASIN: B00HNLCS0Y
Whisper Horse series:
Take Me Home
Country Roads
The Place I Belong

About the Story: Hannah Linden, a veterinarian has buried herself in a little small town in West Virginia, far from her professional woes and her ex-fiancé in Boston. She considered herself lucky to find someone who would hire her after she told them what happened in her previous job. Something else Hannah hadn’t expected, is her growing love for the town, its people and her patients.

She becomes emotionally touched with Matt, a young teenager who spent a day with her at the clinic learning how important animals are in people’s lives. Hannah finds Matt’s father complex and charming – someone she needs to stay away from to keep her heart intact.

Adam Bosch, Matt’s father and world-renowned chef, when learns of Matt’s existence cannot come to grips with the idea of being a father—he would destroy anyone close to him. Adam has issues he struggles with daily and knows he must keep a distance from people. He’s an alcoholic and has stayed away from the bottle for nine years, but when he drinks he's afraid that he would be abusive as his father was. Adam convinced himself he can’t be a father nor could he get married. What would he do to his wife or child? Adam fills his life with cooking and has a restaurant in Sanctuary that people fly in by helicopter to dine. That’s his life and he doesn’t need more, but when he meets Hannah, things begin to change.

When Hannah helped Adam with his troubled son he was drawn to her physically and emotionally. She was light to his dark. And he couldn’t stay away.

My Thoughts: This story had three things going for it that I really liked.

The setting is in a small town up in the mountains. There is something a small town has that a larger one doesn’t and these types of stories draw me. It’s as if there is some healing quality to living in a smaller community with the type of people who live there.

Coupling that with a story with animals, it was even more endearing. The little pony that became Matt’s whisper horse tugged at my heartstrings. Trace, Matt’s dog even played a heroic role within the plot. They were as much part of the story as Adam, Hannah and Matt.

Lastly, the story dealt with social issues and diseases we grapple with today and laymen need to further understand how they affect our lives and behavior.

They say that an author should write what they know. Nancy Herkness was born and raised in the mountains of West Virginia and was able to capture the feeling of a small town in words because I saw it very clearly in my mind.

Her story was evenly paced with no slow points that dragged and she kept me reading hours at a time.

The heat between Adam and Hannah was quite sizzling launching them both into territory both were afraid to face. Both had quite noble character.

Her writing lifted words from the page to my imagination. The dialog came natural within a well-crafted whole. Herkness is an excellent writer showing me a life that I’ve never lived until now. The idea of animals sharing our emotional burdens is not new to me however, her story was unique with the idea of whisper horses.

When I read Herkness's novel it reminded me of author Susan Mallery's series Fool's Gold. If you enjoy her books, you'll surely enjoy Nancy Herkness's novel--an all-around well-crafted story, romance with a sizzle, in a small town contemporary setting with a heart-warming happy ever after ending.

About the Author: Nancy Herkness was born and raised in the mountains of West Virginia, where she rode a pony much like other children ride bicycles. Herkness discovered her love of reading and soon after a passion for writing romance when her grandmother gifted her a Georgette Heyer novel.

After graduating from Princeton University with honors in English literature and creative writing, she had successful careers in retail, computer programming, and marketing before finally returning to her first love--writing.

She’s the author of the Whisper Horse series as well as several other contemporary romances. Herkness is one of 2003’s Best Up and Coming Authors in the Affaire de Coeur’s readers’ poll. She is also the winner of several writing awards, including the Golden Leaf Award, the Aspen Gold Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.
Profile Image for Sonia189.
1,156 reviews32 followers
May 29, 2016
Better than the first two in everything but the romance felt meh to me.
Profile Image for Vickie.
1,600 reviews4 followers
November 20, 2017
I loved this third book in the Whisper Horse Series by Nancy Herness. Hannah Linden is a veterinarian who ends up in Sanctuary, WV after a professional scandal. She meets up with Adam Bosch, the reclusive owner of the restaurant, The Aerie. Adam has just been given custody of a son about whom he knew nothing. Enter Satchmo, a rescue horse, who just might be the whisper horse for Matt.

I really enjoyed meeting the two main characters in this story as well as seeing the characters from the first two books. I like the author's style of writing as well as the small town feeling that she captures in these books. I have enjoyed the series!

Go Cards! L1C4!!
Profile Image for LORI CASWELL.
2,882 reviews328 followers
May 14, 2014


Dollycas’s Thoughts

She did it again. Nancy Herkness continues to write books I quickly find myself lost in. This whole Whisper Horse theme touches me. I wish I had a whisper horse!!

All the main characters in this story are broken. Hannah was blamed for something any caring person who have done and the man that is supposed to love her turns his back on her. Adam had a very rough upbringing and his self esteem is lower than low. He tries to escape into his work but knows something is missing. Matt just lost his mother and is sent to his father, a man he doesn’t know at all. Heck Adam didn’t know about him either.

Herkness has written a wonderful story that is more than just a romance, these three people are almost reborn as they are surrounded by the caring community of Sanctuary, West Virginia. Don’t worry, there are a few steamy romantic scenes too.

The author paints pictures so easily with her words. I could easily see all three of stories as movies. I love this escape!!
Profile Image for Sandy Sexton.
199 reviews3 followers
May 25, 2016
I bought this as a Kindle special as it had good reviews, and I'm always a sucker for books which feature horses. It's a romance with a tall, dark and handsome hero and an intelligent, capable blonde heroine. Who could ask for more? The relationship between the characters is well balanced, with each bringing a positive element into the life of the other. The teenage son is well portrayed, as are the various minor characters - the friends and acquaintances. I also enjoyed the setting, a small, friendly town in West Virginia. The beauty of the area and the kindness of the locals created a feeling of peacefulness. I found the sex scenes 'eye rolling', but happily skimmed over them to follow the other plot lines. I enjoyed this and am glad I read it on this rainy afternoon. It was a perfect curl up on the couch with a cup of tea read.
Profile Image for Barbara Longley.
Author 32 books556 followers
July 11, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the dynamic of between the single father struggling to find a way to connect with his son, and the father's struggles with believing himself worthy of happiness. I also loved that the whisper horse in this book was a whisper pony, and that the heroine was a veterinarian. Nancy created very relatable, lovable characters, both the humans and the animals, and I found I could not put the book down! I highly recommend the entire series. I love books that deal with real life issues and characters who must overcome adversity, and Nancy's Whisper Horse series very much fits the bill.
724 reviews5 followers
April 23, 2020
WONDERFUL STORY! 😁

This was an amazing book! I don't know how she does it but Nancy Herkness writes with such depth and realism while also making the story joyful and uplifting..... the interaction of the characters is wonderfully expressed also. The loyalty, support and friendships portrayed are so inspiring. I love that the characters from previous books continue to appear. In fact I believe that that is also something that makes each book even more heartwarming and "must read" books. Hannah and Adam were such humanly flawed people dealing with their pasts..... Their romance was sexy and sweet. Adam's battle with alcoholism was heartbreaking and described in such a gripping and authentic way. I come from a family with many alcoholics and I know how much it can distort life for the alcoholic and the families they belong to. Matt and Satchmo 's relationship and interaction was amusing, sad at times, but so beautiful and loving.... Adam's love for Trace and Trace's love for Adam was so moving and as animal lover I loved how much animals were featured. The bonuses in some of her books is the epilogue which I enjoy immensely. I really like when an author gives you that last little piece of the story... I also enjoyed reading the thoughts concerning the story at the end of the book. I highly recommend this book it was a real treat to read.😇
Profile Image for Pontiki.
2,540 reviews9 followers
April 18, 2019
Adam is the darkly handsome man who runs Aerie, a gourmet restaurant on a mountain. He’s haunted by history, his childhood and his own mistakes.

When he learns he has a teenage son, he enlists the help of Hannah, a vet who looks after his dog when Adam’s son inadvertently causes him to be injured.

Hannah is compassionate, and drawn to Adam, though his charm is to close to her ex’s, and he left her when she needed him most.

Together, they help Adam’s son connect to his own whisper horse, and grieve his mother’s death. They also help each other with their problems, including her soiled reputation due to lies told about her in her job in Chicago, and his history of alcoholism and fear of becoming violent like his father was.

Great story, I love the whisper pony, though the theme is still a bit much.

KU
Profile Image for Merle.
2,418 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2021
Chef in Hot Water

Adam is the master of his destination restaurant m the one with a nearby helipad so that important (and wealthy) people can arrive. He has little control over other things, though. He has a teenage son he had never known about. He is also a recovering alcoholic. Hannah Linden is the new veterinarian in town, giving Tim time to travel with his wife. She also has a past to escape, having left a scandal behind. They help each other to heal and find they are stronger together.
1,238 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2023
I enjoyed this book and this series. This book is about Matt, Adam, and Hannah. Matt is Adam;s son who has a whisper horse named Satchimo. Matt just met his father four months ago and is having a hard time ajusting.

Satchimo becomes ill so Dr. Hannah linden is called in to care for him. Hannah and Matt get along from the start something that Adam sees immediately. Adam doesn't know if he and Matt are a good fit.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,689 reviews9 followers
July 20, 2017
Ups & downs with great food

This story tackles some difficult subject matter and I'm not ashamed to say that I did shed a tear or two. There where ups and downs and plenty of great food. Also, a young man with an uncertain future and to much loss. This is a lesson in love, loss, fighting for what's right, fighting for the ones you love & belief in yourself. Well worth reading.
Profile Image for Night Runner.
1,556 reviews36 followers
April 19, 2021
Good Story with a good back story woven into the primary story. All of the MCs were likable and the relationship building with the early teen son felt real. At times the negative thoughts were repetitive but I could skip forward so my ears would not bleed. Definitely worth the read, especially if you like small towns.
Profile Image for Quinlan Marcy.
459 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2017
Wonderful third story in the series!

This one really brought pieces of varied backgrounds together and made each character stronger. I am definitely a fan of Ms. Harkness and look forward to reading more of her books!
1,711 reviews6 followers
December 13, 2017
Heartfelt joy

Broken and hiding, trying to find a place to begin again. Seeking shadows out of the stark limelight of a politicians fiancee. Now starting over in small town. Finding complete bliss.
24 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2018
Wonderful

This is a wonderful book!!! I really like the author!! I hated for it to end!!! I bought it because it's a story about a veterinarian and has horses in it!! Highly recommend it!!!
Profile Image for Alison.
1,125 reviews13 followers
July 3, 2019
These horse whisper story's are beautiful & moving.

Adam, Matt(Adam's son) & Hannah's story was beautiful & moving but these guys of Sanctuary can be frustrating. I really wanted to shake Adam in this one but the chemistry between these two was off the chart.
427 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2020
Very nice

Nice to be back in this little town. Nice story with three likable people. Enjoyed the descriptions of food and the passion for both professions shown by the lead characters.
942 reviews7 followers
May 19, 2021
Another Fantastic Novel

Again, very well written with great characters and storyline. I truly enjoy the books in this collection. Such wonderful stories about horses healing people and themselves.
495 reviews4 followers
August 7, 2021
Wow, this book has gone to the top of my most favorite read list. This is such a heartwarming story and it really reaches through to your heart. I love the storyline and I love the place in which the story took place. I just love this book. Awesome read
14 reviews
May 9, 2018
Deep

It's interesting to introspect with the questions at the end of each book. Makes one feel the depth of all the stories that lie dormant within us.
Profile Image for Anitajt.
491 reviews8 followers
July 17, 2019
I’ve really enjoyed listening this series.
10 reviews
July 28, 2019
Horse book series.

Love this series. I hope there is another. Read this one in one weekend!! Great quick read writer Will recommend
1 review
July 5, 2020
good

good book to read. great strory and grear series. would read again. a matter of fact i read the series twice
Profile Image for Hayley Hemming .
341 reviews10 followers
April 7, 2021
My first Nancy Herkness book and I really enjoyed it :)
Would definitely read more
Profile Image for Kati Driban.
118 reviews2 followers
February 8, 2023
All the feels

This book is sexy, sweet, frustrating and has a HEA. Herkness is a great author and an automatic read for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

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