Whispers from the Past: Finding Love Amongst the Secrets of the Bay

by Verity Thornhill

When Rose Brayling moves to the windswept coast of Robin Hood’s Bay to work in a quirky bookshop, she is hoping for a quiet new start somewhere she can stay for longer than six months. What she doesn't expect is a decades-old family secret waiting to be uncovered—or the surly mechanic, Luke Loxley, whose moods shift as swiftly as the tide that crashes against the beach of the Bay.

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2025

About the author

Verity Thornhill is a romance writer from England with a love for small towns, second chances, and the quiet magic of everyday moments. Her short stories have appeared in two magazines, and her debut novel 'Whispers from the Past' introduces readers to a heartfelt tale of love, loss, and finding home in unexpected places.

When she’s not writing, Verity can usually be found chasing ideas with the help (or hindrance) of her black cat, who believes every keyboard is a bed, every comfy chair in the house is his, and every writing break is a call for snacks.

Reviews

[Taryn Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fiction equivalent of a warming hot chocolate

I loved this debut novel. I wasn’t sure if I would, because I don’t tend to read romance, but I found this to be a lovely uplifting story, that felt like a warm hug. Since I only read in bed at night (discounting audiobooks), I found myself looking forward to spending more time with these characters: all really well-rounded and beautifully depicted. All the dialogue felt natural and well-crafted. Loved it.

I would gladly spend time, in real life, with any one of these characters. Although I loved Rose, the FMC, and her fun and vibrant friend Holly, I think the characters I would choose to spend time with, were Susie and Eleanor; lovely, older women, who were both caring and inspiring; the kind of women we would all benefit from having in our lives.

I’m not well-versed in romance novels, but I was able to identify clever use of the classic romance tropes: the will-they won’t-they; the grumpy meets sunshine; the meet-cute – a term I’ve only recently learned. There was even mention of some Jane Austen characters, and plenty of other fictional characters and books, including Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief – one of my favourites.

This novel is set in the real-life location of Robin Hood’s Bay on the Yorkshire coast, and it features a bookshop! I mean, what’s not to love? Oh, and an especially nice touch, was the playlist. Each chapter was given a song title that hinted at what was to come (all great song choices btw). I’ve never come across this before and it really enhanced the whole experience for me. The playlist, along with a reading list, were also provided at the end. Again, a really nice touch.

A gorgeous feel-good novel that is the first in a series. I’m very much looking forward to book two (and hoping that it, too, features a playlist).

[Bertha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I’ve found a new favorite! 📖✨ I just finished Whispers from the Past by Verity Thornhill, and it is a solid 5/5 stars for me. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

What really blew me away was how beautifully the author touches on sensitive topics like loss and family. It felt so authentic and tactful. Plus, there is a major revelation toward the end that I totally didn't see coming! 😱

Note for my fellow readers: This one is written in UK English! If you aren’t used to those spellings or phrases, it might catch you off guard at first, but it adds such a lovely atmosphere to the setting.

I’m already crossing my fingers that we get more from this author soon. I need more from this world! 🌸

[Sue Glanville · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The chapters with song titles is inspired! The story leaves you wanting more! I have never visited the setting of this book but I definitely want to go to that area now! Can’t wait to read the next one!