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The Heart Whisperer
At 33, Claire's mother had everything to live for. But she died in a tragic accident. And it was her daughter's fault. Now Claire is the same age. A floundering actress with a broken heart. Her life is going nowhere in the company of her gorgeous best friend, ex-rock star, Ray Devine. Her estranged brother, Nick, is back from America with his perfect wife. But Dublin is full of dark memories and he is already planning his escape. What will happen when another accident throws brother and sister together and a lifetime of secrets come to light?
416 pages, Paperback
Published September 12, 2013
24 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
About the author
Ella Griffin
13 books184 followersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/EllaGriffinA...
Twitter: @EllaGriffin1
In previous lives, Ella has been Ireland’s Clumsiest Waitress and Shyest Radio DJ, a travel writer and an award-winning advertising copywriter.
She has written 4 novels and is working on a 5th.
Twitter: @EllaGriffin1
In previous lives, Ella has been Ireland’s Clumsiest Waitress and Shyest Radio DJ, a travel writer and an award-winning advertising copywriter.
She has written 4 novels and is working on a 5th.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 11, 2016
I do love the Irish writers! Gorgeous stories, relatable characters & an equal mix of reality, dreaminess, happiness & sadness! Welcome to my life Ella Griffin!
This is a buoyant read filled with wonderful friendships & a bit of a dysfunctional family. Filled with Irish charm, I laughed & got teary & thoroughly enjoyed this book. Highly recommended.
This is a buoyant read filled with wonderful friendships & a bit of a dysfunctional family. Filled with Irish charm, I laughed & got teary & thoroughly enjoyed this book. Highly recommended.
March 9, 2014
I don't remember how I got this book, but I found it on my shelf while looking for my next book. The cover makes it look like your typical airy-fairy chick lit do I didn't hold out any great hopes.
But how wrong can one woman be - I loved it! It was funny and there was the heroine got herself into the usual scrapes, including opting more than once for the wrong man, but underneath it all was an undercurrent of real sadness and a portrayal of lives wasted due to something that happened in the past. It made me cry towards the end and I don't do that hugely often.
If I had one criticism it would be that the reveal of the past event perhaps should have come a little earlier as I found myself getting cross that it was perpetually being alluded to but never really described.
However, I'm willing to forgive it that and highly recommend it to others who may be looking for something that is chick lit with a bit more reality and a lot more emotion.
But how wrong can one woman be - I loved it! It was funny and there was the heroine got herself into the usual scrapes, including opting more than once for the wrong man, but underneath it all was an undercurrent of real sadness and a portrayal of lives wasted due to something that happened in the past. It made me cry towards the end and I don't do that hugely often.
If I had one criticism it would be that the reveal of the past event perhaps should have come a little earlier as I found myself getting cross that it was perpetually being alluded to but never really described.
However, I'm willing to forgive it that and highly recommend it to others who may be looking for something that is chick lit with a bit more reality and a lot more emotion.
April 25, 2013
I loved this book from the very first page - it made me laugh, it made me cry. It was such a joy to read this beautiful book about love, and loss and finding oneself. A book I will remember and cherish.
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March 24, 2020ok
April 8, 2019
I’ve returned to writer Ella Griffin for another thought provoking, gripping story. Claire is wallowing in sadness and lack of motivation. Her childhood was tragic, and she seems unable to grow up. Her friend and housemate, Ray is in the same predicament but at least he has a successful past. Meanwhile Claire’s brother Nick is concealing his damaged youth in a “perfect lifestyle” and a blossoming career as a relationship guide. But they are all forced to face up to their past, Claire by the severe accident which befalls her father, Nick by a crisis in his perfect marriage to Kelly, and Ray when his past sins catch up with him.
Interwoven amongst these dramas are amusing incidents on a film set, and others with an angelic little girl and an enormous clumsy dog. Claire discovers a wonderful family she wants to be part of, Nick and Kelly fall apart, and Dog pulls at our heartstrings. This is a plot which captures your imagination and explores the way we deal with emotional crises. It kept me reading long into the night.
Interwoven amongst these dramas are amusing incidents on a film set, and others with an angelic little girl and an enormous clumsy dog. Claire discovers a wonderful family she wants to be part of, Nick and Kelly fall apart, and Dog pulls at our heartstrings. This is a plot which captures your imagination and explores the way we deal with emotional crises. It kept me reading long into the night.
February 25, 2023
Lovely story
January 13, 2013
Way way back in March 2010, around the time that I started my blog, I reviewed Ella Griffin's debut novel Postcards From The Heart. I was really impressed by Ella's writing, she managed to combine humour with high emotion and a little bit of heartbreak. At last, almost two years later her second novel is about to be published. It will be available in hardback on 31 January 2013 and is published by Orion.
The Heart Whisperer, like Postcards From The Heart is a comedy with a bittersweet edge. Ella Griffin has an amazing ability to move from comedy to heart-wrenching emotion at the turn of a page.
Claire Dillon is an actress, although not a very successful one. She is thirty-three with no romance in her life, her car is on it's last legs, her flat is owned and subsidised by her best friend (ex Rock Star Ray Devine), and it's really time that she did something about her life. Claire's mother died aged 33, on Claire's seventh birthday. Her mother had it all, two beautiful children, a loving husband and a career as a GP. Claire is determined that by the time her next birthday arrives, she too, will have life sorted.
Ella Griffin has created a cast of characters who are larger than life, and wonderfully realistic. A family, who on the face of it, appear to be happy and settled. Claire the actress, her brother Nick the relationship guru and his shiny, happy American wife Kelly. Their father is a little odd, eating only omelettes and Jaffa Cakes, but he's happy in his own way. Claire's best friend Ray Devine is her rock, once a very successful rock star, he now lives on the royalties from his most famous song and makes sure that Claire is well cared for.
Possibly the best, most lovable character of the story is the wonderful Dog! Claire's Dad rescued the aged mongrel many years ago, after a group of louts tied him to a shopping trolley and let him loose. Known as 'Dog' ever since, he is a old, wiry haired, eat and chew anything sort of guy - obsessed with the TV News programme and able to win over the heart of the most serious dog-hater.
I have only praise for Ella Griffin's writing and I loved The Heart Whisperer as much as her first novel. I laughed and I cried as Claire discovered the secrets that had been kept from her over the years. I cheered when she found happiness and I hissed when she was betrayed - I rooted for her on every page.
Claire's friend Ray and her brother Nick feature heavily in the story, and their accompanying stories blend well with Claire's. There are a lot of characters to keep up with at times, but each one adds something extra to the story, adding a different perspective and often a touch of humour.
This is a smart and uplifting story cleverly written with humour and emotion. It is modern and will appeal to anyone who has ever enjoyed authors such as Marian Keyes and Milly Johnson.
The Heart Whisperer, like Postcards From The Heart is a comedy with a bittersweet edge. Ella Griffin has an amazing ability to move from comedy to heart-wrenching emotion at the turn of a page.
Claire Dillon is an actress, although not a very successful one. She is thirty-three with no romance in her life, her car is on it's last legs, her flat is owned and subsidised by her best friend (ex Rock Star Ray Devine), and it's really time that she did something about her life. Claire's mother died aged 33, on Claire's seventh birthday. Her mother had it all, two beautiful children, a loving husband and a career as a GP. Claire is determined that by the time her next birthday arrives, she too, will have life sorted.
Ella Griffin has created a cast of characters who are larger than life, and wonderfully realistic. A family, who on the face of it, appear to be happy and settled. Claire the actress, her brother Nick the relationship guru and his shiny, happy American wife Kelly. Their father is a little odd, eating only omelettes and Jaffa Cakes, but he's happy in his own way. Claire's best friend Ray Devine is her rock, once a very successful rock star, he now lives on the royalties from his most famous song and makes sure that Claire is well cared for.
Possibly the best, most lovable character of the story is the wonderful Dog! Claire's Dad rescued the aged mongrel many years ago, after a group of louts tied him to a shopping trolley and let him loose. Known as 'Dog' ever since, he is a old, wiry haired, eat and chew anything sort of guy - obsessed with the TV News programme and able to win over the heart of the most serious dog-hater.
I have only praise for Ella Griffin's writing and I loved The Heart Whisperer as much as her first novel. I laughed and I cried as Claire discovered the secrets that had been kept from her over the years. I cheered when she found happiness and I hissed when she was betrayed - I rooted for her on every page.
Claire's friend Ray and her brother Nick feature heavily in the story, and their accompanying stories blend well with Claire's. There are a lot of characters to keep up with at times, but each one adds something extra to the story, adding a different perspective and often a touch of humour.
This is a smart and uplifting story cleverly written with humour and emotion. It is modern and will appeal to anyone who has ever enjoyed authors such as Marian Keyes and Milly Johnson.
February 20, 2013
Review originally on I Heart.. Chick Lit.
www.iheart-chicklit.blogspot.com
What I thought about it:
I really enjoyed Ella's first book, so I had high hopes that The Heart Whisperer would deliver the same message conveyed by the author. And I'm glad to report, yes. In fact, if I may say so, I loved The Heart Whisperer and enjoyed it more than Ella's debut. The plot captured me from the prologue, where the readers are given a vague glimpse into Claire's past and leaves the readers guessing, which sort of builds up a bit of suspense.
The Heart Whisperer is about Claire Dillon, a thirty-three year old with a flailing acting career, where nothing in her life works, including the letter "p" in her laptop and her poor car, Mossy. Still hurting and blaming herself for her mother's death, she lives through every year with the same regret and finally, on her thirty-third birthday, she decides to turn her life around - new career, new man, new adventures.
I really adored Claire. She is a wonderful heroine, who speaks to readers with an odd sense of humour which made me really like her. She's a very likeable person, I envy her relationship with her best friend-cum-landlord, Ray who was a one-time singer with a massive chart-topper. Just when everything in her life starts to fall apart, cue Dog, a large grey dog who belongs to Claire's dad, Tom. Since the accident which happened when Claire was seven, she was scarred for life - she's terrified of dogs and water. But gradually, after a terrible incident, Claire's life starts getting better, mainly because of Dog. I know, he's not even a person, but I tell you, he's more than a dog. I loved him, he was the finest example of a man's best friend. I would love to have a dog like Dog. He makes a remarkable presence in the book.
The thing I would like to emphasise is Ella Griffin's writing. Her writing voice is simply commendable, it's unique and fresh. Imagine a new and modern Marian Keyes with loads of dark humour tinged with sarcasm. It's witty and honest. Her writing complements the flow of the book, which is excellent because readers are taken on an emotional roller-coaster. The further you're on the ride, the more you delve into Claire's heart-wrenching past. She can make you laugh at the happy moments she shares with you through the book, she has the ability to push your buttons with the most painful revelations and even melt your heart with the sentimental bits. Her writing focuses on one thing: family. The intricate and complicated ties and relationships in families are her forte.
Verdict:
I can't recommend it highly enough. I loved how Ella could connect with her readers with the simple yet painful truths and even makes your heart swell with love for your family and loved ones. A compelling read perfect for fans of Marian Keyes and Lisa Jewell.
Rating : 5/5
www.iheart-chicklit.blogspot.com
What I thought about it:
I really enjoyed Ella's first book, so I had high hopes that The Heart Whisperer would deliver the same message conveyed by the author. And I'm glad to report, yes. In fact, if I may say so, I loved The Heart Whisperer and enjoyed it more than Ella's debut. The plot captured me from the prologue, where the readers are given a vague glimpse into Claire's past and leaves the readers guessing, which sort of builds up a bit of suspense.
The Heart Whisperer is about Claire Dillon, a thirty-three year old with a flailing acting career, where nothing in her life works, including the letter "p" in her laptop and her poor car, Mossy. Still hurting and blaming herself for her mother's death, she lives through every year with the same regret and finally, on her thirty-third birthday, she decides to turn her life around - new career, new man, new adventures.
I really adored Claire. She is a wonderful heroine, who speaks to readers with an odd sense of humour which made me really like her. She's a very likeable person, I envy her relationship with her best friend-cum-landlord, Ray who was a one-time singer with a massive chart-topper. Just when everything in her life starts to fall apart, cue Dog, a large grey dog who belongs to Claire's dad, Tom. Since the accident which happened when Claire was seven, she was scarred for life - she's terrified of dogs and water. But gradually, after a terrible incident, Claire's life starts getting better, mainly because of Dog. I know, he's not even a person, but I tell you, he's more than a dog. I loved him, he was the finest example of a man's best friend. I would love to have a dog like Dog. He makes a remarkable presence in the book.
The thing I would like to emphasise is Ella Griffin's writing. Her writing voice is simply commendable, it's unique and fresh. Imagine a new and modern Marian Keyes with loads of dark humour tinged with sarcasm. It's witty and honest. Her writing complements the flow of the book, which is excellent because readers are taken on an emotional roller-coaster. The further you're on the ride, the more you delve into Claire's heart-wrenching past. She can make you laugh at the happy moments she shares with you through the book, she has the ability to push your buttons with the most painful revelations and even melt your heart with the sentimental bits. Her writing focuses on one thing: family. The intricate and complicated ties and relationships in families are her forte.
Verdict:
I can't recommend it highly enough. I loved how Ella could connect with her readers with the simple yet painful truths and even makes your heart swell with love for your family and loved ones. A compelling read perfect for fans of Marian Keyes and Lisa Jewell.
Rating : 5/5
February 9, 2013
When Claire turns thirty-three, the same age her mother was when she died, she takes a reflective look at her life. A struggling actress, she lives downstairs in her best friend Ray's house, her car is barely working, and when she compares it to all that her mother had when she was the same age she decides to give herself a year to sort her life out. Her brother Nick is a relationship guru who is having some problems in his own marriage, while Ray is pinning all his hopes on a reunion of his once successful band.
I loved this book. I was invested in it from page one. Claire is a wonderful character, who has lived her life in the shadow of guilt over her mother's death. I was rooting for her to sort her life out, and every new revelation made me feel for her and become more on her side. I enjoyed Ray and the humour he brought to the novel.
Nick was a different sort of character, at first I found him difficult to warm to but as the novel progresses we see more of his personality and the person he used to be, and I couldn't help but feel sympathetic towards him.
I particularly enjoyed the minor characters. Willow was excellent, I laughed at all her mispronounciations and she brought out a wonderful side of Ray's character. A special mention of course must be given to Dog, I fell in love with him. He was amazing With plot twists at every turn and the ability to have you laughing one minute and crying the next, this is a definite winner from Ella Griffin.
I loved this book. I was invested in it from page one. Claire is a wonderful character, who has lived her life in the shadow of guilt over her mother's death. I was rooting for her to sort her life out, and every new revelation made me feel for her and become more on her side. I enjoyed Ray and the humour he brought to the novel.
Nick was a different sort of character, at first I found him difficult to warm to but as the novel progresses we see more of his personality and the person he used to be, and I couldn't help but feel sympathetic towards him.
I particularly enjoyed the minor characters. Willow was excellent, I laughed at all her mispronounciations and she brought out a wonderful side of Ray's character. A special mention of course must be given to Dog, I fell in love with him. He was amazing With plot twists at every turn and the ability to have you laughing one minute and crying the next, this is a definite winner from Ella Griffin.
September 2, 2013
my librarian recommended this book & I wasn't disappointed. it was a thoroughly enjoyable read!
December 13, 2017
The story of Claire Dillon and her family and friends is written very intimately, and the behaviour of the characters is very real. The novel itself is beautiful and so descriptive, but my opinion about this specific book is quite biased in terms of what I look for in a read:
This book was too sad too much of the time, and even the happy ending was really not all that happy. Reading it I felt as gloomy as the weather described in the book (I live in South Africa and am not accustomed to gloom).
Claire was rather a bit annoying with her pity party, while my favourite character, Dog, ended up being yet another casualty in this already sad situation.
The writing, I felt, was more beautiful than the story.
This book was too sad too much of the time, and even the happy ending was really not all that happy. Reading it I felt as gloomy as the weather described in the book (I live in South Africa and am not accustomed to gloom).
Claire was rather a bit annoying with her pity party, while my favourite character, Dog, ended up being yet another casualty in this already sad situation.
The writing, I felt, was more beautiful than the story.
August 11, 2020
Ireland. Families. Dogs.
Story: Claire's mother died 27 years ago. Every year the family visits the cemetery where she's buried. After her therapist brother challenges her to do something that scares her, she decides to spend the next year trying to make something out of her life.
Characters: Claire is a mess, out of work and living in her best friend and former rock legend's basement. Nick, her brother has been happily married to Kelly for years snd they both have steady jobs and live in suburbia.
Language: Set in recent present, 2000's , Ireland. Told in multiple perspectives with multiple storylines mixed in. As the Marian Keyes blurb on the front says, laugh out loud funny. Heartbreakingly sad.
All that and a dog. A nice contemporary novel with a bit of realism thrown in.
Story: Claire's mother died 27 years ago. Every year the family visits the cemetery where she's buried. After her therapist brother challenges her to do something that scares her, she decides to spend the next year trying to make something out of her life.
Characters: Claire is a mess, out of work and living in her best friend and former rock legend's basement. Nick, her brother has been happily married to Kelly for years snd they both have steady jobs and live in suburbia.
Language: Set in recent present, 2000's , Ireland. Told in multiple perspectives with multiple storylines mixed in. As the Marian Keyes blurb on the front says, laugh out loud funny. Heartbreakingly sad.
All that and a dog. A nice contemporary novel with a bit of realism thrown in.
October 21, 2018
If you like Marian Keyes, Lisa Jewell, Santa Montefiore and Cecelia Ahern you will enjoy this author too.
Claire lost her mother when she was 6 in a drowning accident. Nick, her older brother, took on the job of looking after her until a passer-by cast incorrect aspersions. Their father had given in to his grief. Nick has become a couples counsellor and lands a job on afternoon TV. His wife is an interior designer but is she really happy? Claire lives in a flat which is part of Ray Devine's house. She has known him since she was at school, but he's had stardom and is looking for the next big song - but can he write it?
Claire lost her mother when she was 6 in a drowning accident. Nick, her older brother, took on the job of looking after her until a passer-by cast incorrect aspersions. Their father had given in to his grief. Nick has become a couples counsellor and lands a job on afternoon TV. His wife is an interior designer but is she really happy? Claire lives in a flat which is part of Ray Devine's house. She has known him since she was at school, but he's had stardom and is looking for the next big song - but can he write it?
June 15, 2022
I would rate this 4.5 if I could. I really enjoyed the book, I had read The Memory Shop and wanted to try some of Ella Griffin's other novels and this didn't disappoint. It was sad, it was funny, it felt real and I felt as if I was living in the book. The character's were great and I enjoyed the dynamics of relationships, showing that there are always twists and turns in life.
A book I would recommend to friends.
A book I would recommend to friends.
October 24, 2018
Loved this book!
I wasn't sure when I started reading it and nearly gave up, but I'm really glad that I persevered, what a brilliant story!! Really good characters, very witty and very different. It kept me reading way into the night.
I wasn't sure when I started reading it and nearly gave up, but I'm really glad that I persevered, what a brilliant story!! Really good characters, very witty and very different. It kept me reading way into the night.
July 28, 2019
A heady mix of love, loss and forgiveness
Loved the misreads, not quite malopropisms, however, equally funny. It is difficult to understand a book that makes you laugh, cry and you don't want it end. Not many books like this. Absolutely great when it happens though. Loved it. 🐕
Loved the misreads, not quite malopropisms, however, equally funny. It is difficult to understand a book that makes you laugh, cry and you don't want it end. Not many books like this. Absolutely great when it happens though. Loved it. 🐕
April 29, 2018
3,5 ***
September 5, 2018
Very enjoyable read with likeable characters. I like this author’s story telling skills.
October 4, 2018
Great story
Great story that definitely gathered momentum as the book went on. Funny, sad, frustrating and true to how people behave
Great story that definitely gathered momentum as the book went on. Funny, sad, frustrating and true to how people behave
October 14, 2018
Love
I enjoyed the book but, I so wanted Ray and Claire to get together, so the ending was a big disappointment to me.
I enjoyed the book but, I so wanted Ray and Claire to get together, so the ending was a big disappointment to me.
April 6, 2019
It took me some time to get into the book, not sure why. But then I very much liked it. The main characters go through rough times, but all ends well that ends well!
August 16, 2019
Didn’t finish this book, a load of rubbish!
July 19, 2021
Another 30 something damsel in a mess who sorts out her life with determination, friends, family and a dog. The word puns like “smoke covered horses” were a delight.
December 1, 2022
A lovely book. The dog was gorgeous, but this so much deeper, delving into the impact of secrets and hidden hurts. Beautiful dialogue and genuine characters…. I hope to read more by this author.
March 9, 2024
This book is about everything—death, parenting, marriage, career failures and successes, illness, dogs, babies and love. 4.5
July 21, 2013
Marian Keyes wrote "Ella Griffin can make you laugh and cry in the turn of a page" and I couldn’t possibly come up with a better set of words to describe this lovely book. I loved Postcards from the Heart, but this one is – unbelievably – even better.
Claire realises she is now the same age as her mother was when she died suddenly, and decides she’ll give herself a year to make a success of her acting career. She lives in a flat in the house of her best friend Ray, a former pop star who now turns songs into jingles for advertisements: while Claire is trying to turn her life around, he makes a shocking discovery that rocks his life too, and not just because of his “inferiority cornflakes” (you need to read it...!). Claire's brother Nick is a TV relationship coach whose marriage to Kelly isn’t everything it seems. And Claire’s father has withdrawn from life after losing his wife, his most meaningful relationship being with the wonderful Dog.
This is a book full of secrets and revelations, beautifully written, perfectly paced, with moments of wonderful humour but others of almost unbearable sadness and poignancy. The revelations are unexpected and extremely well handled, and the characters become people you really care about. And that’s not just the human characters – Dog is an absolute triumph, one of the most real and engaging animals I’ve come across in a book for a very long time. A beautiful read for anyone who enjoys their chick lit well written and with a little more depth – I loved it.
Claire realises she is now the same age as her mother was when she died suddenly, and decides she’ll give herself a year to make a success of her acting career. She lives in a flat in the house of her best friend Ray, a former pop star who now turns songs into jingles for advertisements: while Claire is trying to turn her life around, he makes a shocking discovery that rocks his life too, and not just because of his “inferiority cornflakes” (you need to read it...!). Claire's brother Nick is a TV relationship coach whose marriage to Kelly isn’t everything it seems. And Claire’s father has withdrawn from life after losing his wife, his most meaningful relationship being with the wonderful Dog.
This is a book full of secrets and revelations, beautifully written, perfectly paced, with moments of wonderful humour but others of almost unbearable sadness and poignancy. The revelations are unexpected and extremely well handled, and the characters become people you really care about. And that’s not just the human characters – Dog is an absolute triumph, one of the most real and engaging animals I’ve come across in a book for a very long time. A beautiful read for anyone who enjoys their chick lit well written and with a little more depth – I loved it.
March 6, 2013
Claire Dillon has a sadness about her. She lost her mother at a tender age and was brought up almost by her older brother as their father struggled to come to terms with their loss.
Claire is not lucky in the romance stakes and struggles with close relationships.
Nick, her brother is a relationship counsellor and reluctant TV star, but is he a fraud as his own marriage to Kelly falls apart.
Ray, long term friend and neighbour to Claire has a past that is about to catch up with him and turn his world upside down. He turns to his friend Claire for guidance.
An accident brings the estranged Claire and Nick back to the family home and opens up memories and secrets from the past.
This story begins by gently introducing the characters to the reader so they can empathise with their tragic pasts and how they are coping with the sometimes sudden and life changing events. Then the emotion and tension builds up as the memories and secrets unravel leaving the reader feeling very emotional and reaching for the tissues.
After reading Postcards from the Heart by this author I was really looking forward to The Heart Whisperer. I have to say this one is by far my favourite and Ella Griffin's writing just gets better and better.
5 out of 5 for me! Added to my Top Reads 2013 list
Thank you to Orion for a review copy. This did not influence my review in any way.
Claire is not lucky in the romance stakes and struggles with close relationships.
Nick, her brother is a relationship counsellor and reluctant TV star, but is he a fraud as his own marriage to Kelly falls apart.
Ray, long term friend and neighbour to Claire has a past that is about to catch up with him and turn his world upside down. He turns to his friend Claire for guidance.
An accident brings the estranged Claire and Nick back to the family home and opens up memories and secrets from the past.
This story begins by gently introducing the characters to the reader so they can empathise with their tragic pasts and how they are coping with the sometimes sudden and life changing events. Then the emotion and tension builds up as the memories and secrets unravel leaving the reader feeling very emotional and reaching for the tissues.
After reading Postcards from the Heart by this author I was really looking forward to The Heart Whisperer. I have to say this one is by far my favourite and Ella Griffin's writing just gets better and better.
5 out of 5 for me! Added to my Top Reads 2013 list
Thank you to Orion for a review copy. This did not influence my review in any way.
March 9, 2013
The Heart Whisperer is a book I had been looking forward to since I read Ella Griffin's first book 'Postcards From The Heart'. I rushed out to get in in my local Easons and took It and me straight to Starbucks for a coffee. Two coffees and one tea later, I was completely engrossed in the lives of Ray and Claire, not to mention Dog. The familiar, comforting setting of Dublin, as it had in Postcards, made the characters seem like people I know - real people with real feelings about their past, present and future. Ella Griffin has, with great talent, interwoven the lives of her characters seamlessly and with fabulous wit and compassion. Although I powered through the first half of the book in pretty much one sitting, the second half was more difficult to read. This is not in any way a reflection of the book, but a reflection of my mother's ability to swipe a book that I am obviously enjoying and become completely engrossed in it herself! Having managed to retrieve the book, I really enjoyed finishing it and was sorry that it had come to an end. I'm already looking forward to Ella's next novel. Not since Marian Keyes have I become so excited about an author. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves friendship, life, wit and humour. This book has all four in abundance.
February 19, 2013
I have to admit I read Irish author Griffin's first book and have been waiting for this novel to trundle onto the shelves. It's the tale of Claire who loses her mother at a young age and blames herself. The impact of the terrible guilt she (and her brother, Nick) carries on her shoulders undermines all her attempts to make a go of life. But this is no misery lit. Griffin writes beautifully about mothers and daughters while still managing to make me laugh along the way. The wonderfully deluded ex-rock star Ray and lovely little Willow never failed to make me laugh while I have to say I cried buckets over Dog (the dog)! Wonderful, moving, funny, clever and beautiful. Can't praise it highly enough. If you like great writing, good storytelling and wise insights then pick up this book right away.
December 26, 2015
I absolutely loved this one! I'm becoming a huge fan of chick lit and this here is a perfect read for chick lit lovers. The characters are all individually flawed, wounded, relatable people. They might even remind you of someone you know in your own life. Maybe a distant brother, maybe even yourself. The book follows Claire, and her mission to be a better person with a more sorted life, to be more like her mother - the mother she lost at 6 and blames herself for the unfortunate tragedy. What unfolds are the lives of those who make up her lovely but wounded family; a few best friends; and even a rotten boyfriend. Your heart will be touched, you will crack a few smiles, maybe a laugh; and you might shed a tear or two along the way. The best chick lit book read by me this year!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews