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House of Secrets #3
Whispering Hearts
The third and final book in the gothic saga of romance, class divisions, and family secrets that began with House of Secrets.
A young, struggling British singer in New York agrees, in a moment of desperation, to become a surrogate for a wealthy couple living in a dark mansion.
A young, struggling British singer in New York agrees, in a moment of desperation, to become a surrogate for a wealthy couple living in a dark mansion.
Unknown Binding
First published November 10, 2020
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8706 people want to read
About the author
V.C. Andrews
370 books9,099 followersBooks published under the following names - Virginia Andrews, V. Andrews, Virginia C. Andrews & V.C. Endrius. Books since her death ghost written by Andrew Neiderman, but still attributed to the V.C. Andrews name
Virginia Cleo Andrews (born Cleo Virginia Andrews) was born June 6, 1923 in Portsmouth, Virginia. The youngest child and the only daughter of William Henry Andrews, a career navy man who opened a tool-and-die business after retirement, and Lillian Lilnora Parker Andrews, a telephone operator. She spent her happy childhood years in Portsmouth, Virginia, living briefly in Rochester, New York. The Andrews family returned to Portsmouth while Virginia was in high school.
While a teenager, Virginia suffered a tragic accident, falling down the stairs at her school and incurred severe back injuries. Arthritis and a failed spinal surgical procedure forced her to spend most of her life on crutches or in a wheelchair.
Virginia excelled in school and, at fifteen, won a scholarship for writing a parody of Tennyson's Idylls of the King. She proudly earned her diploma from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth. After graduation, she nurtured her artistic talent by completing a four-year correspondence art course while living at home with her family.
After William Andrews died in the late 1960s, Virginia helped to support herself and her mother through her extremely successful career as a commercial artist, portrait painter, and fashion illustrator.
Frustrated with the lack of creative satisfaction that her work provided, Virginia sought creative release through writing, which she did in secret. In 1972, she completed her first novel, The Gods of the Green Mountain [sic], a science-fantasy story. It was never published. Between 1972 and 1979, she wrote nine novels and twenty short stories, of which only one was published. "I Slept with My Uncle on My Wedding Night", a short fiction piece, was published in a pulp confession magazine.
Promise gleamed over the horizon for Virginia when she submitted a 290,000-word novel, The Obsessed, to a publishing company. She was told that the story had potential, but needed to be trimmed and spiced up a bit. She drafted a new outline in a single night and added "unspeakable things my mother didn't want me to write about." The ninety-eight-page revision was re-titled Flowers in the Attic and she was paid a $7,500 advance. Her new-generation Gothic novel reached the bestseller lists a mere two weeks after its 1979 paperback publication by Pocket Books.
Petals on the Wind, her sequel to Flowers, was published the next year, earning Virginia a $35,000 advance. The second book remained on the New York Times bestseller list for an unbelievable nineteen weeks (Flowers also returned to the list). These first two novels alone sold over seven million copies in only two years. The third novel of the Dollanganger series, If There Be Thorns, was released in 1981, bringing Virginia a $75,000 advance. It reached No. 2 on many bestseller lists within its first two weeks.
Taking a break from the chronicles of Chris and Cathy Dollanganger, Virginia published her one, and only, stand-alone novel, My Sweet Audrina, in 1982. The book welcomed an immediate success, topping the sales figures of her previous novels. Two years later, a fourth Dollanganger novel was released, Seeds of Yesterday. According to the New York Times, Seeds was the best-selling fiction paperback novel of 1984. Also in 1984, V.C. Andrews was named "Professional Woman of the Year" by the city of Norfolk, Virginia.
Upon Andrews's death in 1986, two final novels—Garden of Shadows and Fallen Hearts—were published. These two novels are considered the last to bear the "V.C. Andrews" name and to be almost completely written by
Virginia Cleo Andrews (born Cleo Virginia Andrews) was born June 6, 1923 in Portsmouth, Virginia. The youngest child and the only daughter of William Henry Andrews, a career navy man who opened a tool-and-die business after retirement, and Lillian Lilnora Parker Andrews, a telephone operator. She spent her happy childhood years in Portsmouth, Virginia, living briefly in Rochester, New York. The Andrews family returned to Portsmouth while Virginia was in high school.
While a teenager, Virginia suffered a tragic accident, falling down the stairs at her school and incurred severe back injuries. Arthritis and a failed spinal surgical procedure forced her to spend most of her life on crutches or in a wheelchair.
Virginia excelled in school and, at fifteen, won a scholarship for writing a parody of Tennyson's Idylls of the King. She proudly earned her diploma from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth. After graduation, she nurtured her artistic talent by completing a four-year correspondence art course while living at home with her family.
After William Andrews died in the late 1960s, Virginia helped to support herself and her mother through her extremely successful career as a commercial artist, portrait painter, and fashion illustrator.
Frustrated with the lack of creative satisfaction that her work provided, Virginia sought creative release through writing, which she did in secret. In 1972, she completed her first novel, The Gods of the Green Mountain [sic], a science-fantasy story. It was never published. Between 1972 and 1979, she wrote nine novels and twenty short stories, of which only one was published. "I Slept with My Uncle on My Wedding Night", a short fiction piece, was published in a pulp confession magazine.
Promise gleamed over the horizon for Virginia when she submitted a 290,000-word novel, The Obsessed, to a publishing company. She was told that the story had potential, but needed to be trimmed and spiced up a bit. She drafted a new outline in a single night and added "unspeakable things my mother didn't want me to write about." The ninety-eight-page revision was re-titled Flowers in the Attic and she was paid a $7,500 advance. Her new-generation Gothic novel reached the bestseller lists a mere two weeks after its 1979 paperback publication by Pocket Books.
Petals on the Wind, her sequel to Flowers, was published the next year, earning Virginia a $35,000 advance. The second book remained on the New York Times bestseller list for an unbelievable nineteen weeks (Flowers also returned to the list). These first two novels alone sold over seven million copies in only two years. The third novel of the Dollanganger series, If There Be Thorns, was released in 1981, bringing Virginia a $75,000 advance. It reached No. 2 on many bestseller lists within its first two weeks.
Taking a break from the chronicles of Chris and Cathy Dollanganger, Virginia published her one, and only, stand-alone novel, My Sweet Audrina, in 1982. The book welcomed an immediate success, topping the sales figures of her previous novels. Two years later, a fourth Dollanganger novel was released, Seeds of Yesterday. According to the New York Times, Seeds was the best-selling fiction paperback novel of 1984. Also in 1984, V.C. Andrews was named "Professional Woman of the Year" by the city of Norfolk, Virginia.
Upon Andrews's death in 1986, two final novels—Garden of Shadows and Fallen Hearts—were published. These two novels are considered the last to bear the "V.C. Andrews" name and to be almost completely written by
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
October 1, 2020
Whispering Hearts
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I know V.C Andrew’s write this book but I still get excited when I see her name. I hope the ghost writer give’s credit to her family. It still an enjoyable read 4 stars
Happy Reading
Lisa
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I know V.C Andrew’s write this book but I still get excited when I see her name. I hope the ghost writer give’s credit to her family. It still an enjoyable read 4 stars
Happy Reading
Lisa
December 11, 2020
I requested this book from Netgalley on a whim, since I read the Flowers in the Attic series as a kid and was really curious what the author was writing these days. That shows how much I am not a real fan of VC Andrews, as she's been dead for over thirty years. This book was ghostwritten with her name on it. I don't know how that's legal, but it was incredibly dull and a DNF for me. I kept trying to pick up the book and read more, but I found it absolutely boring and could not get into it. From other reviews that I've read, the second half is even worse and the ending is abrupt and expected, so I'm glad I didn't keep plodding through this one.
December 7, 2020
Eighteen year old Emma lives in the beautiful country side in the UK. Having lived there her whole life she is a famous singer in her area in pubs and bars she is well known.
The bright lights of NY are luring her in and she's ready to come to the states.
It's so much harder to find her way in life in the states than she could ever imagine.
Things are more expensive and there are more girls vying for broad way parts that she could ever imagine. The competition is fierce. When she has a falling out with her room mate money becomes tight and parts far and few between.
In Whispering Hearts Emma is desperate for money and then a chance meeting may just be the way out of her money woes but it all comes down to morals. Will she do the unthinkable for money?
The book was a bit drawn out in parts and not as good as some of the other V.C. Andrews books I have read.
Whispering Hearts also has ended on a cliff hanger to make sure readers continue on with it.
Published November 10th 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
The bright lights of NY are luring her in and she's ready to come to the states.
It's so much harder to find her way in life in the states than she could ever imagine.
Things are more expensive and there are more girls vying for broad way parts that she could ever imagine. The competition is fierce. When she has a falling out with her room mate money becomes tight and parts far and few between.
In Whispering Hearts Emma is desperate for money and then a chance meeting may just be the way out of her money woes but it all comes down to morals. Will she do the unthinkable for money?
The book was a bit drawn out in parts and not as good as some of the other V.C. Andrews books I have read.
Whispering Hearts also has ended on a cliff hanger to make sure readers continue on with it.
Published November 10th 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
December 10, 2020
This story was ridiculous. Don’t waste your time reading it. It starts simple enough with a decent storyline then jumps to total craziness and ends with you thinking what did I just read no ending storyline
November 23, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley, Gallery books and the Author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Well this was the third in the "House of Secrets" series and sadly it didn't end with a bang, if fact it was written as the prequel to the series and it was just ok.
When I was younger I Loved VC Andrews books so I sort of feel like I have to read them but I think it's time to hang it up.
Well this was the third in the "House of Secrets" series and sadly it didn't end with a bang, if fact it was written as the prequel to the series and it was just ok.
When I was younger I Loved VC Andrews books so I sort of feel like I have to read them but I think it's time to hang it up.
September 21, 2020
I saw that there was a new offering from V.C. Andrews available and immediately knew I had to check it out. Now, the original Andrews of Flowers in the Attic fame has been long gone for a while now, but the spirit clearly remains in enough of an incarnation to write a new novel.
The story follows Emma, who is an aspiring singer, as she reaches adulthood in England and decides to move to New York.
Unfortunately, in the loss of V.C Andrews, we also have lost the terror and gothic horror that a story like this would have been imbued with. It tried very hard to encapsulate a feeling of desperation and mystique, but in all reality, it was just all over the place.
Don't get me wrong, the story was compelling as hell and easy to read so I crushed it in less than two days. However, it left me with a feeling of "...but what comes next". Perhaps I have jumped into the middle of a series unknowingly, or there will be a sequel as there so often is with Andrews' novels. Sadly, I didn't find it as engaging and overwhelming as other books of the genre normally are.
I would suggest reading it as an easy read on a nice weekend away, but if you're looking for something to relive your teenage years like I was, keep searching.
This ebook was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Emma, who is an aspiring singer, as she reaches adulthood in England and decides to move to New York.
Unfortunately, in the loss of V.C Andrews, we also have lost the terror and gothic horror that a story like this would have been imbued with. It tried very hard to encapsulate a feeling of desperation and mystique, but in all reality, it was just all over the place.
Don't get me wrong, the story was compelling as hell and easy to read so I crushed it in less than two days. However, it left me with a feeling of "...but what comes next". Perhaps I have jumped into the middle of a series unknowingly, or there will be a sequel as there so often is with Andrews' novels. Sadly, I didn't find it as engaging and overwhelming as other books of the genre normally are.
I would suggest reading it as an easy read on a nice weekend away, but if you're looking for something to relive your teenage years like I was, keep searching.
This ebook was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2020
Well, at least Whispering Hearts is better written than the recent godawful (and unnecessary) Flowers in the Attic prequels. That's not saying much about the ghostwriter, Andrew Neiderman, because he has written many stinkers under the V. C. Andrews name over the last 10+ years.
Whispering Hearts works well as a prequel to the House of Secrets series, but that's if you've read them. If you're a casual reader, then you're going to it think it's dull and full of cliches. The plot of a young woman moving to the big city to become a dancer has been overdone in books and movies. So if you're looking for a fresh plot, then you're going to be disappointed.
The blurb states, "From V. C. Andrews comes unputdownable gothic novel of big city dreams gone wrong." Now there's nothing gothic about the book. Andrew Neiderman lost his gothic edge a long time ago, and "unputdownable" must be a hidden joke. The writing style is generic at best. It's more of a fluff bargain bin read than a gothic thriller. Nothing is thrilling about the story. It's just a melodrama with lots (and I mean lots) of cringy dialogue.
Overall, Whispering Hearts is neither good or bad. For me, it falls in the middle of the road. Yes, it's a step above the recent Flowers in the Attic prequels, but it lands nearly par with the House of Secrets and Echoes in the Walls. If you're one of the diehard V. C. Andrews loyalists who devours anything published under the late author's name, then you might enjoy Whispering Hearts. However, everyone else will see it either as a failed attempt by Andrew Neiderman or another cash grab by the publisher.
Whispering Hearts works well as a prequel to the House of Secrets series, but that's if you've read them. If you're a casual reader, then you're going to it think it's dull and full of cliches. The plot of a young woman moving to the big city to become a dancer has been overdone in books and movies. So if you're looking for a fresh plot, then you're going to be disappointed.
The blurb states, "From V. C. Andrews comes unputdownable gothic novel of big city dreams gone wrong." Now there's nothing gothic about the book. Andrew Neiderman lost his gothic edge a long time ago, and "unputdownable" must be a hidden joke. The writing style is generic at best. It's more of a fluff bargain bin read than a gothic thriller. Nothing is thrilling about the story. It's just a melodrama with lots (and I mean lots) of cringy dialogue.
Overall, Whispering Hearts is neither good or bad. For me, it falls in the middle of the road. Yes, it's a step above the recent Flowers in the Attic prequels, but it lands nearly par with the House of Secrets and Echoes in the Walls. If you're one of the diehard V. C. Andrews loyalists who devours anything published under the late author's name, then you might enjoy Whispering Hearts. However, everyone else will see it either as a failed attempt by Andrew Neiderman or another cash grab by the publisher.
December 20, 2020
I'm not sure what it says about the book that I got 75% of the way through before realizing things sounded familiar and this was the back story/prequel for characters I had already read 2 other books about... whoops? I guess it made it more suspenseful since I went into it not realizing I already should have known the outcome! It, as well as the whole trilogy were meh. Typical formulaic Andrew Niederman drivel, but at least they weren't ghosts or vampires. He's set the bar so low over time that even this can squeak 3 stars out of me.
December 29, 2020
Well, this was nowhere near anything VC Andrews wrote. I’m sorry but this was weak. Not the typical extreme fu**ed up stories she wrote. If I don’t think of it as a VC Andrews book then the story was okay. It was a quick read.
October 16, 2020
While Whispering Hearts definitely had a V. C. Andrews-esque vibe, I was pretty disappointed in it overall. First off, the pacing of the book was pretty terrible. The beginning is so incredibly slow and BORING. I had to force myself to keep reading and had to keep coming back to it so it took me longer to read than other books. Then, in the last half of the book, it suddenly felt like it was in hyperspeed. Like what? A year just passed? I'm not especially opposed to great descriptions but when it lacks feeling and emotion and is more a boring monotonous list of the day, I really don't care to read it. Then, when it is passing so quick, still lacking emotion, and just telling us what is happening in a reduced form, it makes it impossible to connect with the character or really care what happens to them. There is really no character development and some subplots that seemed to emerge and build up to simply evaporate. It seems as if the author may have gotten bored and then tried to quickly finish....or realized writing at the same pace would result in over a thousand pages so the opposite approach was adopted? I'm honestly not sure. The book left off on a huge cliffhanger as well after finally getting interesting around 85% of the way through.
The overall plot definitely felt very V.C. Andrews, but the execution was pretty far off. It is overwhelmingly obvious that this is a ghost written book and not the real thing. Hopefully the sequel will be better well written and not have these issues.
The overall plot definitely felt very V.C. Andrews, but the execution was pretty far off. It is overwhelmingly obvious that this is a ghost written book and not the real thing. Hopefully the sequel will be better well written and not have these issues.
November 9, 2020
WHISPERING SECRETS tells the story of Emma, a British wannabe singer who becomes a surrogate mother for a wealthy family.
I tried to like this book, but honestly, not much happens in the first half of the story. When something finally does happen, it's not particularly interesting. Plus, this is a prequel to the House of Secrets series, so if you've read the previous books, then you'll already know what happens to the protagonist. There are no surprises, no suspense, no interesting developments. All we get are really bad cliché metaphors that sound like something from a twelve year old's diary. The writer doesn't seem to have a good grasp of the female perspective.
Reading these new V.C. Andrews books is uncomfortable. Like many readers, I only continue to read these novels because they have the late V.C. Andrews' name on them. But we all know she's not the one writing them, and we all complain incessantly about the ghostwriter's lack of storytelling ability. It's time to stop enabling the publisher, unless they want to find a new ghostwriter. These books don't even come close to resembling the original V.C. Andrews' writing style.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I tried to like this book, but honestly, not much happens in the first half of the story. When something finally does happen, it's not particularly interesting. Plus, this is a prequel to the House of Secrets series, so if you've read the previous books, then you'll already know what happens to the protagonist. There are no surprises, no suspense, no interesting developments. All we get are really bad cliché metaphors that sound like something from a twelve year old's diary. The writer doesn't seem to have a good grasp of the female perspective.
Reading these new V.C. Andrews books is uncomfortable. Like many readers, I only continue to read these novels because they have the late V.C. Andrews' name on them. But we all know she's not the one writing them, and we all complain incessantly about the ghostwriter's lack of storytelling ability. It's time to stop enabling the publisher, unless they want to find a new ghostwriter. These books don't even come close to resembling the original V.C. Andrews' writing style.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2021
I read these for mindless entertainment. This one was actually better than most of the ones the ghostwriter writes as I was actually entertained for most of it. Emma moves from England to NYC despite her family's wishes to become a singer. It doesn't go as planned and she is given the opportunity to be a surrogate. Of course it seems to good to be true and the family is incredibly odd but offers a lot of money.
November 3, 2020
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com
2.75 Heart I really need to stop reading “V.C. Andrews” books. When she passed away we lost the real author and no one can duplicate her so why I continue to try I have no idea.
This is the third in the series and to be honest I did not read the first two and felt like I stepped into the middle of a story even though I think they are supposed to be a stand alone they are not (in my opinion). The story was well sorry to say it was boring for more than a third to half of the book. I never connected with the characters at all.
I guess I could say this is my error for even requesting it knowing that the great V.C. Andrews is not who is writing these stories.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
2.75 Heart I really need to stop reading “V.C. Andrews” books. When she passed away we lost the real author and no one can duplicate her so why I continue to try I have no idea.
This is the third in the series and to be honest I did not read the first two and felt like I stepped into the middle of a story even though I think they are supposed to be a stand alone they are not (in my opinion). The story was well sorry to say it was boring for more than a third to half of the book. I never connected with the characters at all.
I guess I could say this is my error for even requesting it knowing that the great V.C. Andrews is not who is writing these stories.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2021
A bit slow to start but then keeps you hooked throughout the rest.
November 11, 2020
First of all, I have an issue with a ghostwriter that has the same writing style as the deceased V.C. Andrews writing books using her name. This book is nothing like what Ms. Andrews would write. The beginning of this book was so descriptive and drug along forever. I stuck it out and then the last few chapters seemed like the author realized they met their quota for pages written and had to hurry to end the story. I just couldn't get into this.
October 19, 2020
I used to love V.C. Andrews books so much and would devour them within days. But this one is so obviously written by a different person. I mean we all know it's not her anymore, but it didn't use to be quite so obvious. The writing of this book is terrible and it felt like a true chore reading it.
March 24, 2021
Not a great book, and I have read other non “VC Andrews” written books and this is the worst. I had a hard time determining what time period it was in. The story was just not believable on any level, her career aspirations, living in NY, her relationship with her family. Nothing was right and then it turned into Rebecca!
October 30, 2020
**I received an ARC from the publisher on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I just recently got into the V. C. Andrews books and was excited to read this. Out of the ones I've read, this is my least favorite. It starts out slow and you don't get to the actual plot of the story till about 300 pages in. Emma is a well written character and you sympathize with her. But for me, the plot could've been better. It is well written but it's not a fast read. I feel like there could've been less details about her father since it didn't focus on her family. And less details about NY before the actual plot kicks in. The over all story isn't bad, it's your typical Andrew's book but I feel like it could've been better.
I just recently got into the V. C. Andrews books and was excited to read this. Out of the ones I've read, this is my least favorite. It starts out slow and you don't get to the actual plot of the story till about 300 pages in. Emma is a well written character and you sympathize with her. But for me, the plot could've been better. It is well written but it's not a fast read. I feel like there could've been less details about her father since it didn't focus on her family. And less details about NY before the actual plot kicks in. The over all story isn't bad, it's your typical Andrew's book but I feel like it could've been better.
September 30, 2020
Whispering Hearts, written under V.C. Andrews, is a coming of age story about a young girl who leaves home to pursue her dreams. As a young girl in England, Emma has grown up singing at every possibly opportunity and basking in the praise she receives about her natural talent. Her father is stern and stringent and has very solid feelings about how to secure a solid future in the world though. Finding success through singing is an unacceptable, ridiculous and unfathomable approach to surviving in the real world, and he forbids Emma to continue on the path she has set into motion. She spent years working as a teenager to earn enough money to leave England to begin a life in New York City. She knew she was destined for big things, and that the only way she could reach fame, recognition, and stardom was to be discovered in NYC. Her father warns her that if she leaves she is never welcome to return and will no longer be part of the family, but she refuses to give up on her dreams and leaves her mother, sister, and father in search for the life she’s always dreamed of.
Once in New York she is fortunate to have a place to stay and a job at a diner because a teacher she had in England helped secure those basic necessities for her before she left. Within the first few hours she is in NYC though she learns a lesson the hard way, and it is only one of many experiences that threaten to overwhelm her. Never one to give up though, Emma forges ahead and manages to handle each obstacle that comes her way. Nothing comes easily though. She desperately needs a roommate in order to be able to afford her apartment, but finding a reliable roommate is harder than she expected. She knew there would be a staggering number of hopeful singers at auditions too, but there are more than she could’ve possible imagined and she is rejected time and time again. When the bills start piling up and she starts falling farther and farther behind, she is greeted with an unexpected and unusual opportunity to make an astronomical amount of money.
Samantha and her husband want Emma to be a surrogate and carry a baby for them. Cut off from her own family and sworn to secrecy, Emma has to weigh the pros and cons on her own and make a life altering decision that will change the course of her future forever. She agrees to be a surrogate mother, and moves into the Wyndemere mansion with Samantha and her husband, Dr. Davenport. Nothing goes as planned though, and as one eerie and somewhat creepy thing leads to another, Emma knows that her life will never be the same.
This book wasn’t for me. Although I appreciate the author’s hard work, I felt that the story was very basic and dragged on. I enjoyed the way the author intertwined the wisdom Emma gained from her father throughout different parts of the story and the mysterious undertone to the setting of the mansion, but I felt that the book fell short to other works by V.C. Andrews. The ending had the twisted trademark that I love about V.C. Andrews books, but other than that, it just wasn’t for me. I falsely assumed that Whispering Hearts was an original book written by V.C. Andrews that had never been published before for whatever reason, and was not aware that it was written under her name and not necessarily written by or with her in the past. Although I can see the similarities, it didn’t pull me in the way other books by V.C. Andrews always did.
Thank you V.C.Andrews, Simon & Schuster eGalley, and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of reading Whispering Hearts. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinions.
Once in New York she is fortunate to have a place to stay and a job at a diner because a teacher she had in England helped secure those basic necessities for her before she left. Within the first few hours she is in NYC though she learns a lesson the hard way, and it is only one of many experiences that threaten to overwhelm her. Never one to give up though, Emma forges ahead and manages to handle each obstacle that comes her way. Nothing comes easily though. She desperately needs a roommate in order to be able to afford her apartment, but finding a reliable roommate is harder than she expected. She knew there would be a staggering number of hopeful singers at auditions too, but there are more than she could’ve possible imagined and she is rejected time and time again. When the bills start piling up and she starts falling farther and farther behind, she is greeted with an unexpected and unusual opportunity to make an astronomical amount of money.
Samantha and her husband want Emma to be a surrogate and carry a baby for them. Cut off from her own family and sworn to secrecy, Emma has to weigh the pros and cons on her own and make a life altering decision that will change the course of her future forever. She agrees to be a surrogate mother, and moves into the Wyndemere mansion with Samantha and her husband, Dr. Davenport. Nothing goes as planned though, and as one eerie and somewhat creepy thing leads to another, Emma knows that her life will never be the same.
This book wasn’t for me. Although I appreciate the author’s hard work, I felt that the story was very basic and dragged on. I enjoyed the way the author intertwined the wisdom Emma gained from her father throughout different parts of the story and the mysterious undertone to the setting of the mansion, but I felt that the book fell short to other works by V.C. Andrews. The ending had the twisted trademark that I love about V.C. Andrews books, but other than that, it just wasn’t for me. I falsely assumed that Whispering Hearts was an original book written by V.C. Andrews that had never been published before for whatever reason, and was not aware that it was written under her name and not necessarily written by or with her in the past. Although I can see the similarities, it didn’t pull me in the way other books by V.C. Andrews always did.
Thank you V.C.Andrews, Simon & Schuster eGalley, and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of reading Whispering Hearts. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinions.
August 25, 2020
My thanks to Edelweiss for the e-ARC.
I have been a fan of V.C. Andrews' books since reading her Flowers in the Attic and Casteel series years ago. I have fallen way behind and have quite a few of her books(series and stand-alones) to catch up on. Her writing created a mood. Atmospheric and foreboding. Her books were addictive and unputdownable. The releases written by ghost writers are...just not the same. Whispering Hearts is the second book I've read that was not written by V.C. Andrews herself(Silhouette Girl was the first).
Beautiful and talented, Emma Corey grew up in a family that stifled her dreams and ambitions. They considered them foolish, frivolous, and far-fetched. But, tenacious Emma would not be deterred. She took a bold step and headed to New York to try her luck. Despite of having a head start(housing in a prime location, employment, and supportive friends), life was not easy. She got a taste of the city early on and her days were an endless cycle of back-breaking work, rejection, and money shortages. Until...her landlord offers a tempting opportunity, one that is hush-hush, lucrative, and daunting. But, less daunting than returning back home defeated.
In the blink of an eye, Emma is whisked from one new world to another. Will THIS risk ultimately be worth the reward?
Overall, this book was just okay. I kept reading, hoping for a plot twist. But, there was none. It was just a story, an uncompelling one, with an ending that hints at a sequel(I found out later that this book was book 3 of 3 in the House of Secrets series and serves as a prequel).
I have been a fan of V.C. Andrews' books since reading her Flowers in the Attic and Casteel series years ago. I have fallen way behind and have quite a few of her books(series and stand-alones) to catch up on. Her writing created a mood. Atmospheric and foreboding. Her books were addictive and unputdownable. The releases written by ghost writers are...just not the same. Whispering Hearts is the second book I've read that was not written by V.C. Andrews herself(Silhouette Girl was the first).
Beautiful and talented, Emma Corey grew up in a family that stifled her dreams and ambitions. They considered them foolish, frivolous, and far-fetched. But, tenacious Emma would not be deterred. She took a bold step and headed to New York to try her luck. Despite of having a head start(housing in a prime location, employment, and supportive friends), life was not easy. She got a taste of the city early on and her days were an endless cycle of back-breaking work, rejection, and money shortages. Until...her landlord offers a tempting opportunity, one that is hush-hush, lucrative, and daunting. But, less daunting than returning back home defeated.
In the blink of an eye, Emma is whisked from one new world to another. Will THIS risk ultimately be worth the reward?
Overall, this book was just okay. I kept reading, hoping for a plot twist. But, there was none. It was just a story, an uncompelling one, with an ending that hints at a sequel(I found out later that this book was book 3 of 3 in the House of Secrets series and serves as a prequel).
November 18, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for this copy of Whispering Hearts by V,C, Andrews,
Like many readers, Flowers in the Attic is a book that I will never forget. It was shocking and provocative for it's time, although it would be considered tame by current standards. V.C. Andrews is a great storyteller, that much can't be denied. In Whispering Hearts, we hear the story of Emma Corey, a young woman from a small Irish town who heads to New York City to pursue her dreams of career as a singer. Emma soon discovers that life in the big city is hard, with challenges that she didn't anticipate. With a family back in Ireland who disapproves, Emma must find a way to make it on her own.
This was an enjoyable, albeit confusing, read. There are two halves to Emma's story and they aren't very well connected. We get a little more than half of Emma's struggle to acclimate to New York City and then the plot changes immediately and dramatically. I didn't enjoy the second part of Emma's story, I felt it was rushed, with very important plot points skipped over in a sentence. The boook ends with a dramatic sentence but it wasn't a satisfying end for me at all.
Whispering Hearts is worth a read if you're a V.C.. Andrews diehard but I'd have trouble recommending for anyone else.
Like many readers, Flowers in the Attic is a book that I will never forget. It was shocking and provocative for it's time, although it would be considered tame by current standards. V.C. Andrews is a great storyteller, that much can't be denied. In Whispering Hearts, we hear the story of Emma Corey, a young woman from a small Irish town who heads to New York City to pursue her dreams of career as a singer. Emma soon discovers that life in the big city is hard, with challenges that she didn't anticipate. With a family back in Ireland who disapproves, Emma must find a way to make it on her own.
This was an enjoyable, albeit confusing, read. There are two halves to Emma's story and they aren't very well connected. We get a little more than half of Emma's struggle to acclimate to New York City and then the plot changes immediately and dramatically. I didn't enjoy the second part of Emma's story, I felt it was rushed, with very important plot points skipped over in a sentence. The boook ends with a dramatic sentence but it wasn't a satisfying end for me at all.
Whispering Hearts is worth a read if you're a V.C.. Andrews diehard but I'd have trouble recommending for anyone else.
January 19, 2021
I received a copy through Goodreads via Simon and Schuster.
Emma Corey has just graduated from high school at the age of 18 and has decided to leave her home of Guildford for the bright lights of New York, much to her family’s displeasure, most especially her father. She wanted to pursue a career as a singer and was ready to do what it took. She arrived in New York not knowing what to expect and was captivated by the bright lights and all the attractions, until she started experiencing the “real” world. She met some shady people along her journey, but she also made some new friends as well. Just as Emma was about to give up entirely on her dream, after having gone to numerous auditions and going through a couple of roommates, her luck changed. She received an offer that she just could not refuse.
Not a bad read, but definitely not a “typical” V.C. Andrews book, at least not from what I remember when I read “Flowers in the Attic” way back. I can just imagine what it would be like for an eighteen-year-old just out of high school traveling to a place she knew nothing about, let alone not knowing anyone, as well as being outcast by her father.
Emma Corey has just graduated from high school at the age of 18 and has decided to leave her home of Guildford for the bright lights of New York, much to her family’s displeasure, most especially her father. She wanted to pursue a career as a singer and was ready to do what it took. She arrived in New York not knowing what to expect and was captivated by the bright lights and all the attractions, until she started experiencing the “real” world. She met some shady people along her journey, but she also made some new friends as well. Just as Emma was about to give up entirely on her dream, after having gone to numerous auditions and going through a couple of roommates, her luck changed. She received an offer that she just could not refuse.
Not a bad read, but definitely not a “typical” V.C. Andrews book, at least not from what I remember when I read “Flowers in the Attic” way back. I can just imagine what it would be like for an eighteen-year-old just out of high school traveling to a place she knew nothing about, let alone not knowing anyone, as well as being outcast by her father.
September 25, 2020
This is a typical V.C. Andrews book! By this I mean that it has all of the wonderful characters and mysterious situations that all of her stories have. It does not disappoint.
Emma arrives in New York from England looking for the bright lights and big city. She desperately wants to be an actress. New York offers this and she is determined to find it there. Once she arrives she sees that it isn't all its cracked up to be. Nothing is going easy and nothing is free. She ends up being propositioned by a couple who want to have a baby and want Emma to carry it for them. She is desperate not to return to her controlling father in England so she takes them up on their offer.
Things are strange and uncomfortable from the very beginning when she enters this agreement with the couple. All of the people involved are mysterious and strange. Again, typical V.C. Andrews and very much a page turner. I enjoyed this book very much. Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC. I am honored to be part of the reviewing process.
Emma arrives in New York from England looking for the bright lights and big city. She desperately wants to be an actress. New York offers this and she is determined to find it there. Once she arrives she sees that it isn't all its cracked up to be. Nothing is going easy and nothing is free. She ends up being propositioned by a couple who want to have a baby and want Emma to carry it for them. She is desperate not to return to her controlling father in England so she takes them up on their offer.
Things are strange and uncomfortable from the very beginning when she enters this agreement with the couple. All of the people involved are mysterious and strange. Again, typical V.C. Andrews and very much a page turner. I enjoyed this book very much. Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC. I am honored to be part of the reviewing process.
November 6, 2021
Wow. I can’t even explain the frustration I have in this book. The whole thing desperately needs an editor, it’s filled with typos, poorly structured sentences and unnecessary paragraphs galore. The plot is so slow the first 3/4 of the way through then is rushed at the end, gliding over huge details, and leaving piles of loose ends, and plot points continually hinted at then left unsatisfactorily forgotten. This is also a prime example of men who can’t write women. The main character is self absorbed and has zero character growth until maybe the last five pages, but it’s saying her grown has been happening the whole time as a cheap cover up when she was already written as a sue Ann type. On a positive note, if you take a shot every time main character brings up her dad you’ll have a much better night. Especially if you’re reading it for the purpose of reading a bad book. Honestly her daddy issues got me drunk.
October 4, 2024
This was my first “VC Andrews” book I’ve picked up after seeing some of the movie adaptations of books like Flowers in the Attic. I DNF after 30 minutes of reading and from seeing other reviews, it seems this is a ghost-written dumpster fire using a dead authors name to publish books.
Anyway, I found the prologue sufficient set up of what we can expect of the MC and her family, but the first chapter goes into ENDLESS detail of memories that tell us the same exact characteristics of her father, mother, and sister over and over again. I almost skipped through the rest of the chapter out of boredom but decided to keep reading as there were only a few pages left. When the MC finally leaves on her journey to New York, the story takes way too long to develop and we’re left reading meaningless and boring exposition for pages and pages and pages.
First book I have ever not finished!
Anyway, I found the prologue sufficient set up of what we can expect of the MC and her family, but the first chapter goes into ENDLESS detail of memories that tell us the same exact characteristics of her father, mother, and sister over and over again. I almost skipped through the rest of the chapter out of boredom but decided to keep reading as there were only a few pages left. When the MC finally leaves on her journey to New York, the story takes way too long to develop and we’re left reading meaningless and boring exposition for pages and pages and pages.
First book I have ever not finished!
September 18, 2020
First, I am a huge fan of V.C. Andrews and her Flowers in the Attic series among the most famous. So I was excited to see this book, Whispering Hearts, appear on NetGalley and quickly requested and downloaded it. It started well, and I was looking forward to diving into a "traditional" Andrews story. Unfortunately, I was left feeling a bit disappointed as I wanted to read a story that had a true Andrew's plot with twists, intrigue, and page-turning excitement. Whispering Hearts felt a bit flat, and I kept waiting for more to happen.
I don't feel I missed anything by not reading the other two books in the series. And I will continue to read some of the newer V.C. Andrew's books to see if they hold up to V.C.'s original writing and storytelling.
I give this book a 3.25 out of 5-star rating.
I don't feel I missed anything by not reading the other two books in the series. And I will continue to read some of the newer V.C. Andrew's books to see if they hold up to V.C.'s original writing and storytelling.
I give this book a 3.25 out of 5-star rating.
November 2, 2020
Emma Corey lives in the England countryside with her family but she has always dreamed of escaping & heading to the Big City of New York to pursue a singing career. She saved up the money & shortly after her 18th birthday she is gone. For mths on end she works as a waitress by day while going on auditions on the side. It seems like she'll never get her break until one conversation with her landlord changes everything. He tells her of a wealthy couple looking for a surrogate but that arrangement is a very peculiar situation. That just gets even more peculiar after it is made.
This book was amazingly dark & entertaining to read!!!!! The relationship between surrogate & client was the weirdest creepiest thing though. If you enjoy VC Andrews previous books her selected ghostwriter did not disappoint!!!!!!! I would highly recommend this book
This book was amazingly dark & entertaining to read!!!!! The relationship between surrogate & client was the weirdest creepiest thing though. If you enjoy VC Andrews previous books her selected ghostwriter did not disappoint!!!!!!! I would highly recommend this book
November 29, 2020
Emma leaves her family in England to head to NY to work towards a singing career. After many auditions , failed roommates, and a job that causes her to barely make ends meet , her landlord introduces her to a couple that offer her a large amount of money to be their surrogate. This story follows all of the hardships that Emma endured trying to prove to her father that she can make it on her own.
This story was overall ok , I feel that had it truly been written by V.C. Andrews it would’ve been a bit darker and more detailed but it still was decent. Thank you Netgalley for an arc for my honest opinion.
This story was overall ok , I feel that had it truly been written by V.C. Andrews it would’ve been a bit darker and more detailed but it still was decent. Thank you Netgalley for an arc for my honest opinion.
March 19, 2021
I won this book on a giveaway from good reads. The beginning was very slow to get going. I found it hard to get into the story. There were a lot of descriptions which seemed overdone. It takes place in England with Emma. Emma wanted to make it famous in America for singing going against her typical family set ups. She saved money up and set out for America. Once in America she faced a lot of challenges. I did not enjoy the ending, although I will say the ending was not something I expected. I would suggest you read this if you enjoy a read that has twist and turns and isn’t easy to predict.
February 5, 2022
I almost gave this 5 stars, I liked it that much, but I found the end just went nowhere. The first half of the book really built up the characters and plot and the the second half just seemed to rush through everything, and as it was getting to the last 10 pages I was thinking is something big gonna happen soon? It was fun to read though, I thought the writing was a bit better than the previous 2 books in the series too, sure Andrew Neiderman is a hack author but every now and again he pulls something really good out of his hat and this is one of them.
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