Whispers from the Cove

Smoky Mountain Secrets Saga #1

by Jeanne Hardt

Lily Larsen has never been afraid of anything, yet the effects of the war are wearing her down.Her beautiful home in Cades Cove, Tennessee, lies deep in the Smoky Mountains. For decades, her family has farmed and lived peacefully, until the soldiers came and made every day a struggle to survive.Whether they wear gray or blue, the men in uniform arrive unexpectedly and take whatever they want. Not only do they steal food and livestock, but some believe they can help themselves to anything they desire. Lily now has something to fear.Caleb Henry is running from his own battles, bleeding and broken. He seeks refuge in the cove and literally runs into Lily. Because he’s injured, she shows compassion and sneaks him into her cabin, trusting her folks to tend him.But there’s more to Caleb than they see on the surface. His arrival changes their lives, and what happens going forward can never be undone.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Ebooks

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2017

About the author

Jeanne Hardt has always been involved in the creative arts in one form or fashion.

In November of 2010, a dream inspired her to write her first novel. Having moved from the Northwest to the South in the mid-nineties, she was drawn to Southern history.

Though she moved to Tennessee to pursue a career in music and acting, once she set her hands on the computer keyboard, she discovered her true passion and hasn’t stopped writing since.

Her stories are far from typical romances, though she promises a happy ending. She’s recently branched out into other genres, including young adult and contemporary women’s fiction. However, her true writing passion will always remain with historical fiction.

She currently lives in Tennessee with her husband, their little dog, Jax, and a multitude of dreams.

Reviews

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is my first book by J. Hardt. It started a little slow for me, but the second half of the book held my attention. Now I am looking forward to picking up book two! The characters in this book were likable and well thought out. I feel like the author did a good job researching this time period, as their daily lives felt believable. If you enjoy historical romance and some family drama, this is a good series to pick up!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers from the Cove is the first installment from the Smoky Mountain Secrets Saga. I loved it! I just loved Lily and Caleb. I cannot wait to read the next book the series to see what happens next in their story.
100 stars.

[Leslie Clary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving

Enjoyed this book. Heart wrenching near the end, had to go to book 2, I was hooked on the series

[Emily Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cade’s Cove is one of my favorite places ever, so to read a story set in its location drew me in. Other than the name itself, there were no other talk about the land, the uniqueness of the geography, or intimate connections to the actual location- which was disheartening. The story was easy to follow and is not one of skittles and butterflies. I really liked the book and plan on reading further into the series to see how it all plays out.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I felt that the characters were very well drawn and I enjoyed getting to know them. Even the less likable characters were portrayed well so that they were more than just one dimensional villains. I also enjoyed seeing the growth in the characters, especially Pa. However, there were 2 things that really bothered me about the book. (1) This was set during the Civil War, yet there was not a single mention of slavery or race or why men were choosing to fight for the Union or the Confederacy. Even when brother fought against brother, no mention was made of why they chose one side or the other. I don't know what the author's reasoning was in avoiding this issue, but I found it unrealistic to think that these characters would never once mention their feelings about slavery or about the reasons for the war or anything related to race. (2) This book definitely ended with a cliff hanger, leaving the reader with no choice but to read the next book in the series to see what happens with the characters. Usually that is a real turn-off for me, but I did like this book enough to get the 2nd installment as well ... which also ends with a cliff hanger....

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

SAD

First, I want to be clear : this is not my usual choice of a book. It is a difficult type for me to read. Frankly, I hated Gone With The Wind, and find that American Civil War books all strike me the same. I read to escape everyday angst, and these are full of it.
From a craft standpoint, the characters are good. The idea behind inclusion of each one is solid, although telegraphed. The plot is well-followed. The dialogue is generally solid.
However, there is a flatness that I couldn't escape. I may have just not been in the right mood for this book. I bought another from the author, which follows this one, I think. I may read it someday, to see if it was just me.

[rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

This was a pretty good book. I don't like how he ended even tho there will be a sequel it left my heart heavy. Now of course both main characters put themselves in this predicament with their lies and choices they made. The author does a good job of making the reader feel you are actually there.

[Suzanne Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard times during the civil war

Enjoyed reading about the struggles and sacrifices the
Citizens went through during this period. It was also surprise ing how many southerners were for the Union cause. Jeanne made it so realistic and am sure there were many situations similar to this. I plan to read the rest of her books.

[Susan P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the Smoky Mountains during the end of the Civil War, this book held my interest. A few of the things that happened were just a little too coincidental, and I was a little confused by a couple of the historical happenings (maybe we were supposed to realize that news travels slowly); and the book ends abruptly (with a sequel to follow), but I still liked it.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read! Loved it!

I could hardly put this book down. I am looking very forward to reading the next two. This book kept me excited to see what happened next. Laughing, loving and heartbreak.

[Morris Edmonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book,I’ve always loved historical stories and especially the ones that’s about life in the Appalachian mountains. This was based on life in Cade’s Cove at the ending of the Civil War. I’ve visited Cade’s Cove many times and love it there so much history there.

[Sandy Locke · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea of a book about one of my favorite places on earth was exciting to me. I was told, when I purchased it, the author was a local. She is not. The story line was good, however, it moved way to slow. I had a difficult time trudging through. I probably won’t be buying book 2 in this saga.

[Melissa Cornett Vaught Coop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

Having a story set in my favorite place was great!! I can picture the locations in the book with areas of the cove!! Love all the characters and am holding out hope for Lily and Caleb!!

[Gary David Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

Loved the storyline and am anxious to read all the stories recommended. Good grammar and edited well. Will start the next one now

[Elizabeth Downing · Rating 5 out of 5]

great and enjoyable read keeps your interest to the end

[hosking,theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

I enjoyed this book. It held my interest. My heart went out to Lily and her family. I hope to see if this story continues Nd hope there is a happy ending.

[Brooke · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful. A dumb man ruining this girls life. Her family. They took her baby away.

[Rita Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have a home in Wears Valley and have been thru Cades Cove after reading this book it puts it in a new light........

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good but abrupt ending was sad.

[Judy Pannell-Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I visit this area a lot, I can just imagine being here while I'm reading!!!

[DH · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it, but it bluntly ended.

[Pam McCallister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Barbara Ball · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would have appreciated a deeper description of the Cades Cove setting. The italics were annoying and distracting, so much so for me that I won’t continue reading the series.

[henry smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. Tragic but I guess it’s the way life was. Left an empty feeling for the young lady.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relatively unlikely tale, in many respects IMO

Set in the final years of the Civil War, when discipline broke down in both armies & bands of deserters added to the soldiers of both armies preying on civilians, the story starts out soundly enough. The families of Cade's Cove, a real place now in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park in Tennessee, have developed codes signals for mail call or raiding parties, & each family has hiding places for young children & for livestock that they all know how to use.
When one daughter tries to go after her sow, that has run away from her, a wounded soldier grabs her, puts his hand over her mouth, & tells her he is not there to harm her but to protect her from the rov9ng band that is closer than she knows. He secures her promise not to scream when she is let go. Her rescuer is dressed in Union uniform trousers, & her family sides with the Union. He is badly wounded, so she tends his wounds as best she can & takes him home with her. With the scarcity of food, the family is wary of having a wounded man to watch over & feed, but they reluctantly take him in.
Over time, the girl & the soldier fall for one another, but he has a secret that he finally confides in her, & she tells him he must return to his family & be reconciled. The decision to do so will have far reaching repercussions for everyone.

[Sharon Eikenberry-Deary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily was a strong Smokey Mountains girl who loved and gave to her family. until the day she found the rebel solider.

[shirley dockery]

Good

Liked the description of the land..characters were very good.
Descriptions of characters was good.reading second book as well hope it s as good.

[brenda metcalf]

5th grade level?

Story line is good , but I just felt I was reading a junior high school book. Do I recommend ? Only if u can not find anything else