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Tabitha's Kin #1
Where Stillness Speaks
The last place Audra Bancroft wants to be is trapped in the glittering world of the elite—paraded as little more than a decoration on some gentleman’s arm. She longs to be truly known and understood, but as the niece of a wealthy businessman, she is anything but. When her uncle announces her betrothal to a man she despises—a man whose power could ensure she never escapes the gilded cage—she makes the only choice her heart can to disappear.
Hiding her true identity, Audra takes a position on a family-run farm in another state, where faith runs deeper than blood and work is done with calloused hands. Though unaccustomed to the honest toil of the laboring class, she is determined to prove herself. Winning over the sharp-eyed eldest son, Tobias Haystead, is another matter entirely. He finds her suspicious, far too outspoken—and a threat to his family’s carefully guarded secret.
When Audra’s past catches up to her, she tells a desperate lie to save herself—one that binds her fate to Tobias in a way neither of them saw coming.
Hiding her true identity, Audra takes a position on a family-run farm in another state, where faith runs deeper than blood and work is done with calloused hands. Though unaccustomed to the honest toil of the laboring class, she is determined to prove herself. Winning over the sharp-eyed eldest son, Tobias Haystead, is another matter entirely. He finds her suspicious, far too outspoken—and a threat to his family’s carefully guarded secret.
When Audra’s past catches up to her, she tells a desperate lie to save herself—one that binds her fate to Tobias in a way neither of them saw coming.
Audible Audio
Published December 8, 2025
About the author
Chelsey Welwood
2 books42 followersChelsey Welwood writes historical fiction from her country home in southern Alberta, where she lives with her husband and their four children. She treasures the simple joys of life—quiet mornings with a cup of tea, long walks beneath prairie skies, and time spent with those she loves most. When she's not writing, Chelsey enjoys painting or curling up with one of her cats and a good book. Her hope is that every story she writes will move hearts, breathe hope, and reflect the faithfulness of God.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
December 27, 2025
Once in a very rare while, I come across a book I read with my whole soul … breath held, hopes trembling, every page whispering, “Be still. Listen.”
Where Stillness Speaks is that kind of book.
Chelsey Welwood invites us into the ache of Audra Bancroft’s world. A world gilded on the outside and hollowed out with loneliness underneath. I recognized that longing to belong, that ache to be known, as if Welwood wrote from some secret well we all carry but rarely name. “To know God and be known by Him, was a longing she hadn’t dared name. But now, she ached for it.” Those words felt like truth ringing, reverberating, straight through me.
Audra’s flight from the stifling glitter of privilege to the rough, honest hope of a farmstead is so much more than a setting change. It’s a pilgrimage. It is a wrestling for freedom, found family, and a faith that grows up through suffering like wildflowers cracking through stone. I felt every bruise, every sharp word, every moment Audra had to climb back on: “Every single time. Even if it meant staring down a man like Tobias Haystead to do it.” How many times do we all need to be reminded to climb back on, even when our hands and knees are shaking?
But it isn’t just Audra’s journey that makes this novel remarkable. It’s the heartbeat of the Haystead family. Their fierce love, their guarded secrets, their relentless faith that creates a shelter for readers as much as for Audra. Welwood writes faith as true oxygen. It is breathed into dialogue, into wounds, into the very soil her characters till. Tabitha’s words echo with eternal truth in the real world: “Remember this .. whatever comes, God’s in it with you. Talk to Him … He is nearer than you know.”
And when the darkness presses in, when secrets threaten to shatter the fragile peace Audra has found, the Gospel is cherished: “Don’t you see? You … were worth His blood. He died for you and for me. So that our sin could no longer separate us from the Father. He was the prefect sacrifice. Holy, blameless, atoning for our sin and making us righteous in the sight of God.”
Included in the many reasons to adore Where Stillness Speaks is honesty about pain, about rejection, about the shadows that linger even in the midst of hope. Evangeline’s words to Jane, spoken in the kind of friendship that sees right through to the center, became a prayer over my own life: “He sees our pain. He steps into it with us. I don’t know what you carry, but I know you’re running from something. Ask Jesus to show you where He was in all of it. He understands suffering. He knows rejection. Loneliness. Pain. And that’s why you can trust Him to meet you in the darkest places.”
Stillness, here, isn’t emptiness. It’s the place where God meets us, quiet but unmistakable, in the aftermath of every loss, every betrayal, every hard-won step toward grace. The slow-burn romance is tender and raw, but the real love story is the one God writes on the hearts of Audra, Tobias, and everyone who finds shelter in this family. By the end, I felt like I’d been folded into their kinship: “Slowly – almost unwillingly – a sense of kinship stirred within her. It was unfamiliar yet unmistakable, as though their cause had become her own.”
This is a story for anyone who’s ever run from their past, wrestled with doubt, or longed for a love that sees all and stays anyway. It’s for the hearts who doubt their value, yet find themselves chosen, loved, and redeemed by the One who gave everything for them. It’s for the reader hungry for stories where faith in Jesus is the song the whole narrative is straining to hear.
Chelsey Welwood, I don’t just recommend your book … I’m eternally grateful for it. I will be reading every story you write, and I’ll be praying others discover this rare gift of a debut. Stories like this remind me what Christian fiction can and should be: honest, redemptive, unforgettable.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the author via Book Sirens. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
Where Stillness Speaks is that kind of book.
Chelsey Welwood invites us into the ache of Audra Bancroft’s world. A world gilded on the outside and hollowed out with loneliness underneath. I recognized that longing to belong, that ache to be known, as if Welwood wrote from some secret well we all carry but rarely name. “To know God and be known by Him, was a longing she hadn’t dared name. But now, she ached for it.” Those words felt like truth ringing, reverberating, straight through me.
Audra’s flight from the stifling glitter of privilege to the rough, honest hope of a farmstead is so much more than a setting change. It’s a pilgrimage. It is a wrestling for freedom, found family, and a faith that grows up through suffering like wildflowers cracking through stone. I felt every bruise, every sharp word, every moment Audra had to climb back on: “Every single time. Even if it meant staring down a man like Tobias Haystead to do it.” How many times do we all need to be reminded to climb back on, even when our hands and knees are shaking?
But it isn’t just Audra’s journey that makes this novel remarkable. It’s the heartbeat of the Haystead family. Their fierce love, their guarded secrets, their relentless faith that creates a shelter for readers as much as for Audra. Welwood writes faith as true oxygen. It is breathed into dialogue, into wounds, into the very soil her characters till. Tabitha’s words echo with eternal truth in the real world: “Remember this .. whatever comes, God’s in it with you. Talk to Him … He is nearer than you know.”
And when the darkness presses in, when secrets threaten to shatter the fragile peace Audra has found, the Gospel is cherished: “Don’t you see? You … were worth His blood. He died for you and for me. So that our sin could no longer separate us from the Father. He was the prefect sacrifice. Holy, blameless, atoning for our sin and making us righteous in the sight of God.”
Included in the many reasons to adore Where Stillness Speaks is honesty about pain, about rejection, about the shadows that linger even in the midst of hope. Evangeline’s words to Jane, spoken in the kind of friendship that sees right through to the center, became a prayer over my own life: “He sees our pain. He steps into it with us. I don’t know what you carry, but I know you’re running from something. Ask Jesus to show you where He was in all of it. He understands suffering. He knows rejection. Loneliness. Pain. And that’s why you can trust Him to meet you in the darkest places.”
Stillness, here, isn’t emptiness. It’s the place where God meets us, quiet but unmistakable, in the aftermath of every loss, every betrayal, every hard-won step toward grace. The slow-burn romance is tender and raw, but the real love story is the one God writes on the hearts of Audra, Tobias, and everyone who finds shelter in this family. By the end, I felt like I’d been folded into their kinship: “Slowly – almost unwillingly – a sense of kinship stirred within her. It was unfamiliar yet unmistakable, as though their cause had become her own.”
This is a story for anyone who’s ever run from their past, wrestled with doubt, or longed for a love that sees all and stays anyway. It’s for the hearts who doubt their value, yet find themselves chosen, loved, and redeemed by the One who gave everything for them. It’s for the reader hungry for stories where faith in Jesus is the song the whole narrative is straining to hear.
Chelsey Welwood, I don’t just recommend your book … I’m eternally grateful for it. I will be reading every story you write, and I’ll be praying others discover this rare gift of a debut. Stories like this remind me what Christian fiction can and should be: honest, redemptive, unforgettable.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the author via Book Sirens. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
January 12, 2026
This story was simply awesome....her writing touched my heart so often, totally held my interest throughout, captivating, has been added as a favorite, as I am already eager to read the next one in the series! I am totally curious to see how in the world that surprise ending will pan out in the following book. It's no wonder she has been receiving such wonderful reviews; all well deserved for this book was a truly Christian book.
The spiritual elements were woven throughout so naturally as the family lived their lives fully trusting in the Lord and living the way He wanted them; it's wasn't without tragedy nor danger for that too is a part of life for it takes courage to do what's right. She infused the gospel beautifully which was so impressive....it has done my soul a world a world of wonder. It was an unexpected ending but also so satisfying as it was throughout sure.
I can most certainly and am gladly recommending this wholeheartedly for anyone :)
The spiritual elements were woven throughout so naturally as the family lived their lives fully trusting in the Lord and living the way He wanted them; it's wasn't without tragedy nor danger for that too is a part of life for it takes courage to do what's right. She infused the gospel beautifully which was so impressive....it has done my soul a world a world of wonder. It was an unexpected ending but also so satisfying as it was throughout sure.
I can most certainly and am gladly recommending this wholeheartedly for anyone :)
September 27, 2026
1859 Kentucky and Indiana
Lovely debut!
Audra Bancroft flees her aunt and uncle's home after they arrange a marriage for her. She learns to live differently and what is really important.
Lovely debut!
Audra Bancroft flees her aunt and uncle's home after they arrange a marriage for her. She learns to live differently and what is really important.
October 27, 2025
One the best parts of this little corner of the internet is finding authors, especially new and/or independent, that I would never have discovered on my own. I saw this gorgeous cover and decided to give it a read.
Where Stillness Speaks is the debut novel from Chelsey Welwood. I love when a book is marketed as Christian fiction and we truly get good biblically sound Christian content. Stories that boldly speak Jesus’s name, His saving grace, and His blood that was shed on the cross for you and me. This book, my friends, does all of these things beautifully.
Audra was orphaned at a young age and sent to live with her uncle and his wife. A privileged life wasn’t one she was familiar with, as her family wanted more from life than just status and wealth. When she comes of age, an advantageous marriage is arranged to a man—whose reputation proceeds him—she deems is unworthy. So with a hope and a prayer, she steals away in the night for a better tomorrow.
Providence leads her to the Haystead family. With her true identity hidden, Audra begins to learn of life on the farm, while turning the heads of the two brothers. But soon she is discovered and when threats are made to the family she has grown to love she must choose between her happiness and the Haysteads’ livelihood.
I loved this story and the characters. The romance was a sweet slow burn. Our heroes were honorable and protective. Our heroines, strong and determined. The unexpected twist left me anxious for the next installment. Highly recommend this one!
I received a complimentary copy from Book Sirens. All opinions are my own.
#christianfiction #histroricalfiction
Where Stillness Speaks is the debut novel from Chelsey Welwood. I love when a book is marketed as Christian fiction and we truly get good biblically sound Christian content. Stories that boldly speak Jesus’s name, His saving grace, and His blood that was shed on the cross for you and me. This book, my friends, does all of these things beautifully.
Audra was orphaned at a young age and sent to live with her uncle and his wife. A privileged life wasn’t one she was familiar with, as her family wanted more from life than just status and wealth. When she comes of age, an advantageous marriage is arranged to a man—whose reputation proceeds him—she deems is unworthy. So with a hope and a prayer, she steals away in the night for a better tomorrow.
Providence leads her to the Haystead family. With her true identity hidden, Audra begins to learn of life on the farm, while turning the heads of the two brothers. But soon she is discovered and when threats are made to the family she has grown to love she must choose between her happiness and the Haysteads’ livelihood.
I loved this story and the characters. The romance was a sweet slow burn. Our heroes were honorable and protective. Our heroines, strong and determined. The unexpected twist left me anxious for the next installment. Highly recommend this one!
I received a complimentary copy from Book Sirens. All opinions are my own.
#christianfiction #histroricalfiction
March 19, 2026
Debut novel - good combo of Misty Beller/Elizabeth Camden/Pepper Basham….I think Chelsey will keep getting better so keeping my eye on her books 🤎 I listened on Audible (narrator was lacking in my opinion 😔)…the story just flew by with all the twists and plot pivots with just the right amount of sweet feelings! Chelsey wove Christian faith and prayer seamlessly throughout and I loved every minute.
January 4, 2026
THIS BOOK! This is why I love Christian fiction so much. Where Stillness Speaks is my first 5 star book of the year and will lead the way on my favorite books of 2026!
Talented debut Author Chelsey Welwood has written an outstanding historical that is simply stunning. The story has fascinating relatable characters who are in impossible situations, impossible to the human eye, but God. I was riveted to the page and read it in less than a day.
Where Stillness Speaks is masterfully told, the inspirational thread so powerful I could feel the Spirit of God as I turned each page. That doesn't happen often in the best of books. I'm still pondering all the spiritual insights of yielding to God's will, relinquishing control and letting Him guide us.
This is one phenomenal story I highly recommend! I can hardly wait for the second book in the Tabitha's Kin series.
Talented debut Author Chelsey Welwood has written an outstanding historical that is simply stunning. The story has fascinating relatable characters who are in impossible situations, impossible to the human eye, but God. I was riveted to the page and read it in less than a day.
Where Stillness Speaks is masterfully told, the inspirational thread so powerful I could feel the Spirit of God as I turned each page. That doesn't happen often in the best of books. I'm still pondering all the spiritual insights of yielding to God's will, relinquishing control and letting Him guide us.
This is one phenomenal story I highly recommend! I can hardly wait for the second book in the Tabitha's Kin series.
October 10, 2025
This was so much more than a simple love story. This was a story of a woman fighting for what she wanted and believed in no matter what it took. There was mystery, wonder, hatred and if course love all interwoven perfectly throughout. I read this book fairly fast because I quickly got so absorbed in it i couldn't put it down.
April 24, 2026
I can’t wait for book two, I’m dying to get Evangeline and Damien story.
February 23, 2026
fantastic!
This was such a great story! I loved it so much! Very strong Christian content! Definitely recommend! Can’t wait for book 2!
This was such a great story! I loved it so much! Very strong Christian content! Definitely recommend! Can’t wait for book 2!
October 7, 2025
Where Stillness Speaks, Chelsey Welwood’s spellbinding debut, is a rare gem,
Jumping straight into the thick of things, Welwood wastes no time drawing the reader into an unusual yet brilliantly crafted plot that blends the tension of an enemies-to-lovers arc with the intrigue of a fake marriage setup. And yet, it is so much more than that. While the romance is both tenderly written and emotionally satisfying, what elevates this story to greatness is the profound spiritual journey of its characters. Welwood masterfully weaves in moments of faith, reflection, and personal growth that linger long after the book is closed.
The novel reminded me, in the most heartfelt way, that sometimes the most powerful action is to simply wait for God—and trust Him in all things. Watching the characters navigate hardship and uncertainty underscored just how difficult, yet how transformative, that kind of waiting can be.
Welwood’s prose is evocative, her pacing impeccable, and her ability to marry romance with deeper spiritual truths nothing short of remarkable.
Where Stillness Speaks is a beautiful, faith-centered love story that also invites the reader into a quiet, powerful contemplation of trust, surrender, and grace.
This is a debut brimming with talent and heart, and I have no doubt Chelsey Welwood will quickly become a beloved voice in both romance and inspirational fiction. I eagerly anticipate her future books.
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes; all opinions are entirely my own.
Jumping straight into the thick of things, Welwood wastes no time drawing the reader into an unusual yet brilliantly crafted plot that blends the tension of an enemies-to-lovers arc with the intrigue of a fake marriage setup. And yet, it is so much more than that. While the romance is both tenderly written and emotionally satisfying, what elevates this story to greatness is the profound spiritual journey of its characters. Welwood masterfully weaves in moments of faith, reflection, and personal growth that linger long after the book is closed.
The novel reminded me, in the most heartfelt way, that sometimes the most powerful action is to simply wait for God—and trust Him in all things. Watching the characters navigate hardship and uncertainty underscored just how difficult, yet how transformative, that kind of waiting can be.
Welwood’s prose is evocative, her pacing impeccable, and her ability to marry romance with deeper spiritual truths nothing short of remarkable.
Where Stillness Speaks is a beautiful, faith-centered love story that also invites the reader into a quiet, powerful contemplation of trust, surrender, and grace.
This is a debut brimming with talent and heart, and I have no doubt Chelsey Welwood will quickly become a beloved voice in both romance and inspirational fiction. I eagerly anticipate her future books.
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes; all opinions are entirely my own.
October 31, 2025
I can hardly believe this is a debut novel! Chelsey Welwood writes with such confidence and eloquence. Her protagonist, Audra, leaps off the page in even her quietest thoughts: “There was nothing left to say, and no one left to hear it.” How could this book possibly have a happy ending for a girl with no voice or freedom in her own family? Well, hang on tight, because there’s an inspirational story here that WILL be told in its own sweet time! I like the twists and hurdles in this gentle romance, and can’t wait for the sequel. I’m sure Evangeline’s story will keep me on the edge of my chair like this one did. I received an early copy from BookSirens and was not required to post a review.
October 3, 2025
I haven't read a historical fiction book that I have enjoyed lately, but this book was amazing. The emotions that each character experiences are so real. Audra runs away and is lead to the Haystead family. I loved the story about Audra and Tobias and Evangeline. Having a relationship with God and being lead by His hand are big points in this book, and I really enjoyed that.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I found this to be a great uplifting book, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!! Great book and great author!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I found this to be a great uplifting book, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!! Great book and great author!
October 8, 2025
If there was 10 stars I would give it! Left wanting more! Very well written, a great story. When an author can bring you into a book where you feel transported into an era of a different time and can envision the scenes written; that is a great read! I found this book to be just that and more, I was drawn to read it nightly or as time allowed and get lost- that is what a great books does! Going to search out information for book 2 now!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
January 17, 2026
Oh my! This debut indie book by Chelsey Welwood is fabulous! 😯 I was a bit tired of historicals & gravitated more towards contemporary or dual-timelines, but this book, y'all! And the conclusion completely blew me away! I simply cannot wait for the next one in this series. Only 2 weeks into the new year & this is already one of my fave novels of 2026! The characters, plot, faith thread, conclusion—a.m.a.z.i.n.g.—all of it!
September 13, 2025
An incredibly well-written, wholesome, and inspiring read. I was hooked from the very first page and completely absorbed as the story unfolded beautifully. I absolutely loved every moment of it and can't wait for the second book!
October 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It is well written. I really liked the main characters. The plot had just the right amount of drama. I would love to read the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 14, 2026
You know that feeling you get when you come across the special kind of story that consumes you? Where the emotions leap off the page and into your heart and your reading journey becomes full of heartache and hope, right along with the heroine? Where sometimes it’s hard to catch your breath because you desperately need to know that everything is going to work out? And you want it to right away only not really because you don’t want the story to come to an end? Well, ‘Where Stillness Speaks‘ was that kind of read for me. And now I’m emotionally wrung out and not quite coherent as you can tell from my rambling.
I think what touched me the most was the significant inspirational thread that is so tightly woven into the very fibre of the story that the novel couldn’t exist without it. The Haystead family are struggling homesteaders who have known their share of grief and strife. Yet their unwavering faith acts as a beacon to a very lost and frightened Audra. She’s the epitome of a ‘poor little rich girl’, fleeing a deplorable arranged marriage with no idea of what comes next. Tabitha Haystead takes her in, with mixed reactions from her adult offspring. Evangeline is ecstatic, Felix is amused but Tobias is suspicious. Audra is caught in the middle.
Yes, this is Audra and Tobias’ love story, but honestly, I was drawn to the Haysteads as a whole even more. Such wonderful family dynamics and Tabitha’s matriarchal wisdom and steady inspiring words gave me lots to ponder in my own life. And I so love when fiction grows my faith!
Welwood has a lovely writer’s ‘voice’. Her artfully crafted words and phrases are immersive and the depth in characters and backstory beg to be savoured. I enjoyed every second I spent with Audra and the Haysteads.
There’s friction and drama but lighthearted moments too as well as the lure of an impossible romance. And while, no spoilers here, Welwood graciously provides Audra and Tobias with a heartfelt HEA, we find Evangeline in a particularly tenuous situation at the conclusion of ‘Where the Stillness Speaks’ which leaves me scrambling to get a hold of book two in the ‘Tabitha’s Kin’ series asap!
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2026/10/14/w...
I think what touched me the most was the significant inspirational thread that is so tightly woven into the very fibre of the story that the novel couldn’t exist without it. The Haystead family are struggling homesteaders who have known their share of grief and strife. Yet their unwavering faith acts as a beacon to a very lost and frightened Audra. She’s the epitome of a ‘poor little rich girl’, fleeing a deplorable arranged marriage with no idea of what comes next. Tabitha Haystead takes her in, with mixed reactions from her adult offspring. Evangeline is ecstatic, Felix is amused but Tobias is suspicious. Audra is caught in the middle.
Yes, this is Audra and Tobias’ love story, but honestly, I was drawn to the Haysteads as a whole even more. Such wonderful family dynamics and Tabitha’s matriarchal wisdom and steady inspiring words gave me lots to ponder in my own life. And I so love when fiction grows my faith!
Welwood has a lovely writer’s ‘voice’. Her artfully crafted words and phrases are immersive and the depth in characters and backstory beg to be savoured. I enjoyed every second I spent with Audra and the Haysteads.
There’s friction and drama but lighthearted moments too as well as the lure of an impossible romance. And while, no spoilers here, Welwood graciously provides Audra and Tobias with a heartfelt HEA, we find Evangeline in a particularly tenuous situation at the conclusion of ‘Where the Stillness Speaks’ which leaves me scrambling to get a hold of book two in the ‘Tabitha’s Kin’ series asap!
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2026/10/14/w...
February 12, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. Right amount of spunk and fire from the MC's. When Aura is being forced into a loveless marriage with a man she despises, she takes things into her own hands. Cutting most of her hair and dressing as a young man, she leaves her aunt and uncles home. Not sure where she will land, she gets lucky and finds a woman needing some all round help on her family ranch.
Even though she is from a gentile family, she is willing to learn quickly. There is some tension that pops up between her and one of the brothers on the ranch, who mostly runs everything. Lots of fun situations, friendships she forges. Until one day things fall apart.
Twists and turns in her situation keep things interesting. I was very surprised by the ending and this is the first in a series. So be prepared to want to read the rest of the series.
I received an ARC from BookSirens in return for my honest review. Here it is that did not affect my review in anyway. Looking forward to more
Even though she is from a gentile family, she is willing to learn quickly. There is some tension that pops up between her and one of the brothers on the ranch, who mostly runs everything. Lots of fun situations, friendships she forges. Until one day things fall apart.
Twists and turns in her situation keep things interesting. I was very surprised by the ending and this is the first in a series. So be prepared to want to read the rest of the series.
I received an ARC from BookSirens in return for my honest review. Here it is that did not affect my review in anyway. Looking forward to more
February 3, 2026
Completed: Feb. 03/26
Series: Tabitha’s Kin, #1
Format: audiobook (Audible - owned)
Narrator: Cheryl Sterkenburg - a pleasant voice — muffled a few times, not a lot of difference with some voices
Challenge Prompt: BR’s Olympics Bingo, “LUGE yourself in a good book.”
Book #9 of 2026: This is a debut author and therefore new to me.
I quickly got into this novel and really enjoyed the first third. I also quite enjoyed the last third. The middle was a little dry and didn’t keep my attention in the same way. The juxtaposition of her going from a life of luxury to physical work made for a huge adjustment. However it was her growth as a person, and a desire to be free from the fakery and nonsense of her privileged life, that was quite rewarding.
I particularly appreciated the faith content in this book. I listened as the main character come to faith and that was special. I respected that her questions, struggles, and eventually, her commitment were clearly shared with us as readers.
Series: Tabitha’s Kin, #1
Format: audiobook (Audible - owned)
Narrator: Cheryl Sterkenburg - a pleasant voice — muffled a few times, not a lot of difference with some voices
Challenge Prompt: BR’s Olympics Bingo, “LUGE yourself in a good book.”
Book #9 of 2026: This is a debut author and therefore new to me.
I quickly got into this novel and really enjoyed the first third. I also quite enjoyed the last third. The middle was a little dry and didn’t keep my attention in the same way. The juxtaposition of her going from a life of luxury to physical work made for a huge adjustment. However it was her growth as a person, and a desire to be free from the fakery and nonsense of her privileged life, that was quite rewarding.
I particularly appreciated the faith content in this book. I listened as the main character come to faith and that was special. I respected that her questions, struggles, and eventually, her commitment were clearly shared with us as readers.
January 28, 2026
A superb debut novel. Has everything I am looking for. A fake marriage, an arranged marriage and a surprise wedding. I liked the twists and turns and elements of faith. Eager to read more this author.
February 10, 2026
Where Stillness Speaks, Chelsey Welwood's debut novel, is a home run for me. The novel starts out fast-paced with Audra leaving her aunt and uncle's home to avoid not only loveless marriage, but a potentially dangerous one too. She happens upon Tabitha, gives her a pseudonym, and is invited to come work on Tabitha's family's farm in exchange for room and board. Having been raised as part of the elite, Audra has to get her hands dirty and do the hard work.
When her aunt and uncle find her, Audra makes the spontaneous decision to say she is married to Tobias, Tabitha's son who seems like he can't stand Audra. But over the course of the subsequent days, will it grow into something deeper? Will her past come back to threaten the family and home she has come to love?
Because of Welwood's excellent writing, I could feel the fear, anxiety, hope, and Spirit-filled moments. Welwood builds complex, realistic characters that struggle with their faith and God's sovereignty.
Also, WOW... what a twist 🤯
You'll want to add Where Stillness Speaks on your TBR!
I CANNOT wait to read Evangeline's story in the next novel!
When her aunt and uncle find her, Audra makes the spontaneous decision to say she is married to Tobias, Tabitha's son who seems like he can't stand Audra. But over the course of the subsequent days, will it grow into something deeper? Will her past come back to threaten the family and home she has come to love?
Because of Welwood's excellent writing, I could feel the fear, anxiety, hope, and Spirit-filled moments. Welwood builds complex, realistic characters that struggle with their faith and God's sovereignty.
Also, WOW... what a twist 🤯
You'll want to add Where Stillness Speaks on your TBR!
I CANNOT wait to read Evangeline's story in the next novel!
May 25, 2026
Delightful and captivating debut novel. I love this book and the story. I look forward to the sequel!
Love the thread of faith, and the message of Hope that is weave through this book and teach teaching to be still and hear God‘s voice.
Love the thread of faith, and the message of Hope that is weave through this book and teach teaching to be still and hear God‘s voice.
August 1, 2026
What started as a “hey, what’s this book that’s been sitting here on my bookshelf for months collecting dust and probably isn’t any good but i’m bored right now” turned into a “wow. that was good. where is the next one?!”
December 18, 2025
I loved this book so much! Beautiful story, heart throbbing and spiritual. I’m not crying, you are!
December 8, 2025
I'm a sucker for romance, but I want my story to have substance, too, and this story didn't disappoint. Audra's struggle to end an unwanted engagement rang true, and her attempts to set her own course were admirable.
She finds refuge with the Haysteads - a family of integrity and a dangerous secret. That subplot and Audra's fear of discovery drew me in.
"Sometimes fear didn't scream; it just settled in deep and quiet."
Both main characters had a lovely faith arc, and I'm looking forward to Evangeline's book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
She finds refuge with the Haysteads - a family of integrity and a dangerous secret. That subplot and Audra's fear of discovery drew me in.
"Sometimes fear didn't scream; it just settled in deep and quiet."
Both main characters had a lovely faith arc, and I'm looking forward to Evangeline's book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 26, 2025
I could not put it down. I was given an ARC of this wonderful book an am voluntarily leaving this review. It has been a while since I've rated a book 5 stars. This one definitely deserves each and every star. The flow of the writing smooth, the pace of the storyline was just right, the Christian messaging was beautiful, the development of the characters made me think that I personally had stepped into this story and they were my family. I got hooked right from the beginning. And I mean hooked. I felt almost personally invested in the story with characters and the emotions and had to force myself to take a break and get some sleep (2 am on a weeknight.. whoops). I kept thinking of the story all day at work the next day in excitement for getting home to finish it. I am very much looking forward to more by this author and am blown away that this is a debut novel. Read it. You wont regret it.
November 25, 2025
This is a touching and wonderful Christian historical romance. It put my mind in a peaceful world. I loved it and highly recommend it.
November 9, 2025
What a powerful story of loving someone for who they are. Audra knew all about control but love in a stranger’s family and an introduction to God’s love for her was a different experience. I cried reading about the care and generosity a woman and later her family could so easily extend to someone even after learning her dangerous secret - it really moved me to tears. The story doesn’t leave you sad but is rather inspiring and makes you want to be like the characters that reach out to help others. The ending is so satisfying.
I received this as an advance review copy for free, but I’m so glad I had the privilege to so and be introduced to a talented storyteller. This book is suitable for mid teens and adults. It is a clean read but contains a little mild violence.
I received this as an advance review copy for free, but I’m so glad I had the privilege to so and be introduced to a talented storyteller. This book is suitable for mid teens and adults. It is a clean read but contains a little mild violence.
November 2, 2025
great new author for me
What a delightful story. I loved the spiritual side very much always in the appropriate places. I loved the honesty and especially the characters and the morals that define a family. Great, believable plot, wonderful twists and turns and happy resolution…going for book 2 now!!!
What a delightful story. I loved the spiritual side very much always in the appropriate places. I loved the honesty and especially the characters and the morals that define a family. Great, believable plot, wonderful twists and turns and happy resolution…going for book 2 now!!!
April 13, 2026
What an amazing faith filled story. Can’t wait until the next book comes🙏
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