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Sonnets of the Spice Isle #1
On the Wings of a Whisper
Stone Town, Zanzibar, Early 1866
RyAnne Hunter is determined to stop her father from leaving for the continent of Africa, where he plans to start a mission station. And she only has until morning. Tonight at the Harcourts' Annual Ball will be her last chance to change his mind. She must succeed! Papa's health, and her future, depend on her success. But, as if her task isn't difficult enough, now the insufferable Captain Dawson has agreed to guide Papa's expedition!
After spending six months at sea, Captain Trent Dawson only wants to think about rest and relaxation. However, when he's recruited by a British naval officer to help put an end to a slave smuggling ring, the perfect opportunity presents itself in Dr. Hunter, who needs a guide to the Interior. Now if he can just help the doctor without spending too much time with the man's troublesome and flighty youngest daughter.
A thrilling historical romance from the time of missionary explorer David Livingstone.
This is episode #1 of a 6 part serialized story.
RyAnne Hunter is determined to stop her father from leaving for the continent of Africa, where he plans to start a mission station. And she only has until morning. Tonight at the Harcourts' Annual Ball will be her last chance to change his mind. She must succeed! Papa's health, and her future, depend on her success. But, as if her task isn't difficult enough, now the insufferable Captain Dawson has agreed to guide Papa's expedition!
After spending six months at sea, Captain Trent Dawson only wants to think about rest and relaxation. However, when he's recruited by a British naval officer to help put an end to a slave smuggling ring, the perfect opportunity presents itself in Dr. Hunter, who needs a guide to the Interior. Now if he can just help the doctor without spending too much time with the man's troublesome and flighty youngest daughter.
A thrilling historical romance from the time of missionary explorer David Livingstone.
This is episode #1 of a 6 part serialized story.
104 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2016
199 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
About the author
Lynnette Bonner
72 books405 followersLYNNETTE BONNER, the daughter of missionaries, was born and raised in Malawi, Africa, graduated high school from Rift Valley Academy, a boarding school in Kenya, and attended Northwest University in Washington, where she met her husband, Marty. A few years after their marriage, they moved to Pierce, Idaho. While studying the history of their little town, Lynnette was inspired to begin The Shepherd’s Heart Series with Rocky Mountain Oasis.
Marty and Lynnette have four children and currently live in Washington, where Marty pastors a church.
Marty and Lynnette have four children and currently live in Washington, where Marty pastors a church.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 17, 2016
RyAnne knows her father has health issues and will likely not make it back from the adventure he is about to embark on with Captain Trent Dawson. Though she tries to convince him not to go, the trip is to go on as planned. The night before the journey is to begin, the family attends a ball. It is an action filled evening. But in the end, RyAnne is not able to change her fathers mind.
Trent likes to rile RyAnne. They clash often, but there is also quite a spark of chemistry between them. They make you smile, and even laugh out loud a few times. Two more stubborn but determined characters never existed.
Lynnette Bonner has done an amazing job in developing these interesting characters that are involved in all sorts of things. Slave trade, family secrets, unsavory characters. You’ll find them all in the Sonnets of the Spice Isle’s Episode 1. I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of these episodes that will be releasing every few months. And while you enjoy the story, make sure you enjoy the cover, which is also created by this multi-talented author. She’s a favorite of mine, both for her great story telling and her cover artwork. Pure God given talents!
Trent likes to rile RyAnne. They clash often, but there is also quite a spark of chemistry between them. They make you smile, and even laugh out loud a few times. Two more stubborn but determined characters never existed.
Lynnette Bonner has done an amazing job in developing these interesting characters that are involved in all sorts of things. Slave trade, family secrets, unsavory characters. You’ll find them all in the Sonnets of the Spice Isle’s Episode 1. I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of these episodes that will be releasing every few months. And while you enjoy the story, make sure you enjoy the cover, which is also created by this multi-talented author. She’s a favorite of mine, both for her great story telling and her cover artwork. Pure God given talents!
March 12, 2018
So many interesting characters & culture references!
This book kept me on the edge of my seat! And it was so wrong to leave off at a cliffhanger! I enjoyed the slight romance thread, of course (being the hopeless romantic I am), but it wasn't really the main plotline. The hero and heroine actually want different things the entire time, making for some very intriguing tension. And the vivid ending scene? Gut-wrenching but excellently done. I can't think of a single thing I didn't like about it!
This book kept me on the edge of my seat! And it was so wrong to leave off at a cliffhanger! I enjoyed the slight romance thread, of course (being the hopeless romantic I am), but it wasn't really the main plotline. The hero and heroine actually want different things the entire time, making for some very intriguing tension. And the vivid ending scene? Gut-wrenching but excellently done. I can't think of a single thing I didn't like about it!
October 1, 2018
This is the first installment of six in the Sonnets of the Spice Isle. The story itself was gripping and, with it being a little over 100 pages, a very quick read. I found some of the actions and descriptions disturbing, but that's what life at the time was like and so it was well portrayed. I'm definitely curious how the rest of the story plays out, but I'm not sure when (or if) I'll get the rest of the series.
March 13, 2019
IT's so fast I had to listen to it three times to make sure I caught everything. It's like half-hour sitcom series and then open to get the next one. I am interested in the story so I may get the next one just to see how the story continues.
May 3, 2019
Cliff hanger. Enjoyable and interesting. Characters are adventurous and fun to get to know.
July 30, 2024
So lovely! Perhaps a little squee for me, but very moving. The depictions of slavery were so heart wrenching. Very well written.
April 18, 2016
Exotic Adventure!
From the beautiful white-sanded beaches of the island of Zanzibar, the gentle sound of aquamarine ocean waves lapping outside of plantation walls, and the fragrant scent of indigo and gardenias—to the darkness of the malodorous, sewer-thickened stench of the docks and surrounding sea—comes an exhilarating tale from the pen of author Lynnette Bonner, set in exotic Africa in the 1800s.
RyAnne Hunter lives with her parents and two siblings on a beautiful indigo plantation on the other side of the island of Zanzibar. Her beloved papa's health is at risk and RyAnne must stop him from traveling to the continent of Africa to start a mission station—at any cost. She attends the Harcourts' Annual Ball as it will be her last chance to talk her papa out of this ridiculous venture, and meets up with the insufferable Captain Trent Dawson. Trent, captain of The Wasp, has agreed to guide Dr. Hunter on his expedition, but only to help put an end to the slave smuggling trade. The handsome and charming Harcourt heir, Brayden, once again proposes to RyAnne at the ball and this time she might consider it...if the daring plan she concocts to keep her father home succeeds and if the exasperating Trent would simply stay out of her hair!
I have never read a serialized book before, and I was delightfully surprised at how much the author squeezed into the first installment! And just when my heart started racing and I flipped the page to see what was going to happen next...it ended! (gasp!) Thankfully the next installment came out in a few days! Due to the fact that Ms. Bonner was born and raised in Malawi, Africa, lends much authenticity to this colorful, dramatic adventure. I was hooked from the very first page with her use of descriptive imagery and the beauteous setting of Africa—with exquisite indigo plantations, the scent of fragrant foliage and the song of cicadas filling the night air, fascinating characters, and of course, the promise of a breathtaking romance! All isn't frivolity and lightheartedness, however, as the heartbreaking issue of slave trading is proficiently and compassionately intertwined throughout the storyline. Be sure to order your copies of Episode 1 and Episode 2 of Sonnets of the Spice Isle today!
From the beautiful white-sanded beaches of the island of Zanzibar, the gentle sound of aquamarine ocean waves lapping outside of plantation walls, and the fragrant scent of indigo and gardenias—to the darkness of the malodorous, sewer-thickened stench of the docks and surrounding sea—comes an exhilarating tale from the pen of author Lynnette Bonner, set in exotic Africa in the 1800s.
RyAnne Hunter lives with her parents and two siblings on a beautiful indigo plantation on the other side of the island of Zanzibar. Her beloved papa's health is at risk and RyAnne must stop him from traveling to the continent of Africa to start a mission station—at any cost. She attends the Harcourts' Annual Ball as it will be her last chance to talk her papa out of this ridiculous venture, and meets up with the insufferable Captain Trent Dawson. Trent, captain of The Wasp, has agreed to guide Dr. Hunter on his expedition, but only to help put an end to the slave smuggling trade. The handsome and charming Harcourt heir, Brayden, once again proposes to RyAnne at the ball and this time she might consider it...if the daring plan she concocts to keep her father home succeeds and if the exasperating Trent would simply stay out of her hair!
I have never read a serialized book before, and I was delightfully surprised at how much the author squeezed into the first installment! And just when my heart started racing and I flipped the page to see what was going to happen next...it ended! (gasp!) Thankfully the next installment came out in a few days! Due to the fact that Ms. Bonner was born and raised in Malawi, Africa, lends much authenticity to this colorful, dramatic adventure. I was hooked from the very first page with her use of descriptive imagery and the beauteous setting of Africa—with exquisite indigo plantations, the scent of fragrant foliage and the song of cicadas filling the night air, fascinating characters, and of course, the promise of a breathtaking romance! All isn't frivolity and lightheartedness, however, as the heartbreaking issue of slave trading is proficiently and compassionately intertwined throughout the storyline. Be sure to order your copies of Episode 1 and Episode 2 of Sonnets of the Spice Isle today!
March 15, 2016
My thoughts:
This was such a great start to a serialized series!! Lynnette Bonner has crafted characters that grab you immediately. RyAnne is a determined firecracker of a character, and Trent is the perfect balance for her. Both are lovable. They’ll bring you back again and again for the following installments in this series.
Lynnette has also done a masterful job of description in this story! It truly felt like I was there, and is obvious she has a love for Africa that will be hard for any other author to match. The setting of this story—Zanzibar in 1866—brings in some historical elements that are very hard to read, especially at the very end of the book when RyAnne witnesses something first-hand. Though the scene was reality, the author does a beautiful job of balancing it with hope.
Overall, I highly recommend this book. It’ll be a hard wait for the second installment, though! J
*I was given this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own and not influenced in any way.
This was such a great start to a serialized series!! Lynnette Bonner has crafted characters that grab you immediately. RyAnne is a determined firecracker of a character, and Trent is the perfect balance for her. Both are lovable. They’ll bring you back again and again for the following installments in this series.
Lynnette has also done a masterful job of description in this story! It truly felt like I was there, and is obvious she has a love for Africa that will be hard for any other author to match. The setting of this story—Zanzibar in 1866—brings in some historical elements that are very hard to read, especially at the very end of the book when RyAnne witnesses something first-hand. Though the scene was reality, the author does a beautiful job of balancing it with hope.
Overall, I highly recommend this book. It’ll be a hard wait for the second installment, though! J
*I was given this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own and not influenced in any way.
November 29, 2024
I wasn't sure what to expect from this little book being a serial type, but I ended up liking it. It covers a place and time period I didn't know much about and I found it interesting although very sad and tragic. It shows the horrors of slavery from the side of Africa/Zanzibar. This book gave me enough of a taste to be interested in the rest of the series, however it did feel short and I felt like many details had to be left out. Knowing little to nothing about Zanzibar, I would have liked to know more about the setting, and since the characters already knew each other, it was hard to get a feel of what their relationship had been like in the past. That being said I could tell a lot of research went into this book and I'd like to read the rest of the series. I would also try this author's longer books.
March 15, 2016
This is a historical romance set in Zanzibar in 1866. This is also a serialized novella so it will be continuing. Which I for one am excited about. Lynnette Bonner did a great job at grabbing my attention from the beginning. I loved all of her details about Zanzibar and the historical period at that time. Her heroine, RyAnne is a very spirited young lady who absolutely adores her father and is trying to keep him from a grueling trip to Africa. She is determined to keep him at home. The hero, Captain Trent Dawson has his hands full with RyAnne trying to keep her out of harm's way. I don't want to give any spoilers so I suggest you get this book, because I highly recommend it.
*I was given this book in exchange for my honest review.
*I was given this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 21, 2016
Get ready to fall in love! Captain Trent Dawson is one of the finest heroes I have ever met in the pages of a book. Tall and handsome, strong and clever, with a good heart and a strong moral purpose. Again and again, he is called to look out for Ryanne Hunter , the beautiful daughter of Dr. Ryan Hunter. Ryanne isn’t the usual damsel in distress. Along with natural beauty, she has wealthy parents and has enjoyed what would appear to be an ideal childhood ... except for the strained relationship with her mother. Thus she is all the more devoted to her father and willing to go to almost any ends to help him.
Can’t wait for the next episode!
Can’t wait for the next episode!
March 15, 2016
A swashbuckling Rogue for a Hero, a rebellious Heroine and a riveting plot make for a wonderful read. There is a dashing hero, romance and intrigue in this first part of a serialized book by Lynette Bonner.
You will love Trent and RyAnne as they clash on whether RyAnnes's father will go to Africa. I loved this first part and can't wait for the second part of the book. This book was given to me by the Author for my honest review. All views expressed are my own.
You will love Trent and RyAnne as they clash on whether RyAnnes's father will go to Africa. I loved this first part and can't wait for the second part of the book. This book was given to me by the Author for my honest review. All views expressed are my own.
March 21, 2016
I spent about 55 years of my life in Africa. On the Wings of a Whisper is a fascinating novella. I learned things about the slave trade that I never knew. The romance has great conflict, which makes it all the better. The descriptions are so vivid that it took me 'home' again to the Africa I love. I highly recommend it.
September 9, 2017
I see this book more as "a teaser" than a story. The author, Lynnette Bonner, has set the stage for what seems will be an interesting and intriguing story involving some good men, some evil men and some family secrets that will be exposed throughout the story. RyAnne is certainly an interesting character who is bound to get herself into a few sticky situations as her story is told. Captain Dawson seems like a man who will 'stand out' as the story develops.
I suspect once I have read more in the series, I will feel more excited about the story, but at this point I feel that it is really short and incomplete, and easily forgettable.
Rather than a series, where every book is a complete story within itself but each book introduces more exciting and interesting characters, this one seem more like a trilogy except the author plans to write six in the series (a hextology or sextet?), I think the material may have worked better with 3 books rather than 6, and it may be something this author will consider in future publishing, or perhaps this would be a Prequel to a Series. hmmmm.....
I would be interested in the opinion of others who have only read Book 1 in 'On The Wings Of A Whisper' (Sonnets of the Spice Isle)
I suspect once I have read more in the series, I will feel more excited about the story, but at this point I feel that it is really short and incomplete, and easily forgettable.
Rather than a series, where every book is a complete story within itself but each book introduces more exciting and interesting characters, this one seem more like a trilogy except the author plans to write six in the series (a hextology or sextet?), I think the material may have worked better with 3 books rather than 6, and it may be something this author will consider in future publishing, or perhaps this would be a Prequel to a Series. hmmmm.....
I would be interested in the opinion of others who have only read Book 1 in 'On The Wings Of A Whisper' (Sonnets of the Spice Isle)
September 15, 2021
A little disappointing, as it was not a complete story. Really, it ended on a cliffhanger, and nothing was resolved. It was interesting, sure, and I certainly want to know what happens next. Interesting marketing technique, for sure.
It took me a significant amount of time for me to fully understand the physical and chronological setting, just because it wasn't immediately and clearly stated, and it wasn't a standard American or British country. Once David Livingstone made a cameo appearance, I was able to place the time period more accurately, but I wasn't positive if it was 1840/50s or later.
As far as characters, I found RyAnne to be a self-centered brat, just as Captain Dawson described her, with an illogical mind unable to think through anything. I liked Captain Dawson (who wouldn't like the one who acts as ever-present protector?), but his personality didn't break out of the classic, predictable male hero mold.
The plot, too, was pretty stale and reminiscent of bare bones plots for countless romance stories--except this one didn't have conclusions to its plot points. It was a romance, yes, but also an adventure and moral story. The wickedness of the slave trade was portrayed, and seems to be a major theme of the series. The Christian perspective is present.
It took me a significant amount of time for me to fully understand the physical and chronological setting, just because it wasn't immediately and clearly stated, and it wasn't a standard American or British country. Once David Livingstone made a cameo appearance, I was able to place the time period more accurately, but I wasn't positive if it was 1840/50s or later.
As far as characters, I found RyAnne to be a self-centered brat, just as Captain Dawson described her, with an illogical mind unable to think through anything. I liked Captain Dawson (who wouldn't like the one who acts as ever-present protector?), but his personality didn't break out of the classic, predictable male hero mold.
The plot, too, was pretty stale and reminiscent of bare bones plots for countless romance stories--except this one didn't have conclusions to its plot points. It was a romance, yes, but also an adventure and moral story. The wickedness of the slave trade was portrayed, and seems to be a major theme of the series. The Christian perspective is present.
June 24, 2022
Whew! There were times when I couldn't put it down! Just like when I read, Uncle Tom's Cabin in highschool, I am forever changed after reading this series! I would love to share this with my daughters. However, a couple of them I will wait with as they are "sensitive souls". Nevertheless, I loved every page, and your "extras" were excellent in helping me to discern the facts from fiction.
I was already passionate about the injustices that still go on today, but I am even more so now. I would recommend this historically accurate Christian fiction series -- for mature teens and up. (If descriptions of deaths, murders, and kidnappings, etc. Are difficult for you or your older teens to read, I would recommend previewing.)
I was already passionate about the injustices that still go on today, but I am even more so now. I would recommend this historically accurate Christian fiction series -- for mature teens and up. (If descriptions of deaths, murders, and kidnappings, etc. Are difficult for you or your older teens to read, I would recommend previewing.)
May 29, 2025
An excellent story of life in 1866 in Africa. I laughed a little and cried in my heart a lot for the atrocities that happened. It was not easy to put down and since I normally start reading late in the evening, the second night I could not stop reading (good thing I am retired and can stay up really, really late!!). There are actually 6 stories in the series, all in this one book. I don't remember how I got this, but I am thankful that I did. I highly recommend this excellently researched book for anyone who would like to get more information about the slave trade. I have read quite a few of Lynnette Bonner's books and they all have been excellent.
November 15, 2016
Very intriguing!
This story was very intriguing! It went too quickly!! RyAnne is a feisty young woman (hmm just like me), she has a mind of her own. She's determined to keep her father from making a mistake. So she does something that may endanger herself....I'll not know until I read the rest of the books. But I can imagine the problems she will get into.
The Captain is a serious man that doesn't like to break the rules.
These two clash but I see a romance between them.
This story was very intriguing! It went too quickly!! RyAnne is a feisty young woman (hmm just like me), she has a mind of her own. She's determined to keep her father from making a mistake. So she does something that may endanger herself....I'll not know until I read the rest of the books. But I can imagine the problems she will get into.
The Captain is a serious man that doesn't like to break the rules.
These two clash but I see a romance between them.
July 31, 2018
Troubling
This read was one that I had given a pass a while back. But I found myself getting it and reading it. There were some really horrific things concerning slaves in this read that made it very hard for me to keep reading. There seemed to be a lot of mixed messages about what the Bible and Christianity as well! I did not enjoy it!
I received this read as a free copy and I am voluntarily submitting my review.
This read was one that I had given a pass a while back. But I found myself getting it and reading it. There were some really horrific things concerning slaves in this read that made it very hard for me to keep reading. There seemed to be a lot of mixed messages about what the Bible and Christianity as well! I did not enjoy it!
I received this read as a free copy and I am voluntarily submitting my review.
December 12, 2019
Ha! This will teach me to look at the length of a book and the additional audiobook before I buy both! This was 108 pages and less than 2 hours long. Apparently it's the beginning of a multi-part story.
I don't think it was more than a day in the life of the two main characters. What there was of it was good, it's just that it went nowhere.
I don't recommend it unless you want to buy all parts.
I don't think it was more than a day in the life of the two main characters. What there was of it was good, it's just that it went nowhere.
I don't recommend it unless you want to buy all parts.
November 27, 2020
"Sonnets of the Spice Isle" is a serialised story. "On the Wings of a Whisper" is novella #1 in a series of 6. I recommend having all 6 of these instalments of the story ready to read one immediately following the other to keep the momentum of the storyline going as each novella ends at an exciting To-be-Continued point in time. This series is a fast-paced adventure that, although somewhat predictable, is highly entertaining, never-the-less.
July 11, 2025
This is the first time I have read a Lynnette Bonner book and I enjoyed it immensely. I felt like I was watching a movie and could imagine each scene. The story is wonderful and heartbreaking at the same time. May we always have faith in our loving Creator, Jesus our Savior, even when evil abounds.
January 30, 2026
This story definitely kept my attention with all the slavery, crocodiles, lion attacks, and the budding romance between the Caption and RyAnne.
Lots of inspiring messages about God’s faithfulness and grace.
It just wasn’t my favorite read ever. Something in the way it was written maybe? Or the fact that the main character annoyed me 😅. But nonetheless I’m happy to have read it!
Lots of inspiring messages about God’s faithfulness and grace.
It just wasn’t my favorite read ever. Something in the way it was written maybe? Or the fact that the main character annoyed me 😅. But nonetheless I’m happy to have read it!
January 15, 2017
A good Christian novel on early missions and slavery.
Moved slower than I expected, leaving the sequels room for further action. I dislike some sequels because of this, preferring action page turners right from the start.
Moved slower than I expected, leaving the sequels room for further action. I dislike some sequels because of this, preferring action page turners right from the start.
November 10, 2017
Just a start of s book!!!
Very good story ,written well but just the beginning of a book . Would like to know the ending but will not buy any more for that would lead to another buy, then another, where would it end??
Too many good books out there that don't whole you hostage!!!!
Very good story ,written well but just the beginning of a book . Would like to know the ending but will not buy any more for that would lead to another buy, then another, where would it end??
Too many good books out there that don't whole you hostage!!!!
May 16, 2018
I really enjoyed the story.
This was well written and interesting, I liked the characters and found that I didn't feel cheated by this short story. I was intrigued enough to buy the book. Good writing.
This was well written and interesting, I liked the characters and found that I didn't feel cheated by this short story. I was intrigued enough to buy the book. Good writing.
April 3, 2020
Serialized but great!
A wonderful beginning to the tale of a courageous group of people wanting to stop the slave trade and spread the gospel. Great main characters and strong plot propel you to read quickly. Can't wait to read the next installment.
A wonderful beginning to the tale of a courageous group of people wanting to stop the slave trade and spread the gospel. Great main characters and strong plot propel you to read quickly. Can't wait to read the next installment.
April 9, 2022
A captivating read
I really enjoyed the topic of this first book. The banter between the main characters was entertaining and bringing to light some dark historical truths, was an eye opener. Recommended.
I really enjoyed the topic of this first book. The banter between the main characters was entertaining and bringing to light some dark historical truths, was an eye opener. Recommended.
March 13, 2025
This was a very interesting and difficult read. I never read about the slave trade in Africa, only about when they arrived in America.
It was a very insightful historical account about this time in history. Lynnette is an excellent writer who incorporates fact and fiction to keep the story alive.
It was a very insightful historical account about this time in history. Lynnette is an excellent writer who incorporates fact and fiction to keep the story alive.
May 30, 2017
Love it so far!
Ienjoy this sort of book. I love the time it takes place. I don't like the way the character is treated by her mother. Karen vitrano
Ienjoy this sort of book. I love the time it takes place. I don't like the way the character is treated by her mother. Karen vitrano
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews