What do you think?
Rate this book
The Soft Whisper of Roses
Every blended family has its problems, but how do you build a future when the past won’t let go?
Rebecca Townsend has only been married six months and already doubts Gary’s promise of “till death do us part.” Betrayed by her first husband, she’s trying her hardest to get it right this time. But when her new husband’s unresolved family issues resurface, she’s afraid she and her son will be abandoned once again.
Just when Gary thought he’d found happiness with a woman who truly understood him, the death of his first wife blindsides him with unanticipated grief and guilt. After years of letting his career get in the way of being the husband and father he should’ve been, he must now live up to his new wife’s expectations while attempting to fit his resentful teenage daughter into the mix.
But high-pressure careers don’t leave much time for stopping to smell the roses, and this family is almost out of time. A radical plan conceived by Gary’s ex-wife before her death risks tearing them all apart…or will it finally bring them together as the family God meant them to be?
Rebecca Townsend has only been married six months and already doubts Gary’s promise of “till death do us part.” Betrayed by her first husband, she’s trying her hardest to get it right this time. But when her new husband’s unresolved family issues resurface, she’s afraid she and her son will be abandoned once again.
Just when Gary thought he’d found happiness with a woman who truly understood him, the death of his first wife blindsides him with unanticipated grief and guilt. After years of letting his career get in the way of being the husband and father he should’ve been, he must now live up to his new wife’s expectations while attempting to fit his resentful teenage daughter into the mix.
But high-pressure careers don’t leave much time for stopping to smell the roses, and this family is almost out of time. A radical plan conceived by Gary’s ex-wife before her death risks tearing them all apart…or will it finally bring them together as the family God meant them to be?
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2020
8 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Myra Johnson
62 books560 followersNative Texan Myra Johnson writes emotionally gripping stories about love, life, and faith. Myra is a three-time Maggie Awards finalist, two-time finalist for the prestigious ACFW Carol Awards, winner of Christian Retailing’s Best for historical fiction, and winner in the Inspirational category of the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards.
After living five years in Oklahoma, then eight years in the beautiful Carolinas, Myra and her husband are thrilled to be back in the Lone Star State enjoying wildflowers, Tex-Mex, and real Texas barbecue! The Johnsons share their home with a very pampered rescue dog and a cat with attitude.
Follow Myra on BookBub, https://www.bookbub.com/profile/myra-..., for deals and new releases.
Awards of note: When the Clouds Roll By, Till We Meet Again, Book 1 (Abingdon Press 2013), won the historical fiction category of the 2014 Christian Retailing's Best Award. Autumn Rains (Heartsong Presents 2009), won the 2005 RWA Golden Heart for Best Inspirational Romance Manuscript.
Myra’s writing career was launched in 1985 when she sold her first short story while taking a course through the Institute of Children’s Literature. Myra later joined the ICL staff as a magazine writing instructor, teaching hundreds of students the fundamentals of story and article structure, plotting, character development, and market analysis. She now writes full-time and is active in her church as well as local and national writers groups.
Myra and her husband have been married for 50+ years. The Johnsons have two married daughters, seven grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
After living five years in Oklahoma, then eight years in the beautiful Carolinas, Myra and her husband are thrilled to be back in the Lone Star State enjoying wildflowers, Tex-Mex, and real Texas barbecue! The Johnsons share their home with a very pampered rescue dog and a cat with attitude.
Follow Myra on BookBub, https://www.bookbub.com/profile/myra-..., for deals and new releases.
Awards of note: When the Clouds Roll By, Till We Meet Again, Book 1 (Abingdon Press 2013), won the historical fiction category of the 2014 Christian Retailing's Best Award. Autumn Rains (Heartsong Presents 2009), won the 2005 RWA Golden Heart for Best Inspirational Romance Manuscript.
Myra’s writing career was launched in 1985 when she sold her first short story while taking a course through the Institute of Children’s Literature. Myra later joined the ICL staff as a magazine writing instructor, teaching hundreds of students the fundamentals of story and article structure, plotting, character development, and market analysis. She now writes full-time and is active in her church as well as local and national writers groups.
Myra and her husband have been married for 50+ years. The Johnsons have two married daughters, seven grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 29, 2020
This is such an inspiring and emotional book! I loved the flawed, realistic characters. I really felt like I knew them, as Johnson has a way of pulling the reader in, making them feel a part of the story. I really enjoyed seeing the characters' development, especially with Noelle, Rob, and Gary. The multiple POVs allows the reader to see all sides of the story unfold.
Johnson does a great job of depicting the dynamics and challenges of blended families, as well as that of being a woman working in a corporate world and trying to raise a family. Themes of grief, faith, forgiveness, and perseverance are key. Spiritual truths clearly show God at work in this family, and those truths may just minister to the reader, as well.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Johnson does a great job of depicting the dynamics and challenges of blended families, as well as that of being a woman working in a corporate world and trying to raise a family. Themes of grief, faith, forgiveness, and perseverance are key. Spiritual truths clearly show God at work in this family, and those truths may just minister to the reader, as well.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
September 17, 2020
I love how God turns tragedy this family goes through into something good at the end! This story emulates Romans 8:28 and Psalm 30:5 where it says that God will work all things for the good to those who love Him and that weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. After the death of Kate Townsend to cancer—both a mom & wife—Gary, Noelle, Rebecca & Kevin must learn to pull together to find their purpose and form new family bonds. Watching them grow in the story was at times hard because of all the emotions, attitudes, and challenges they have to overcome and work through. My heart went out to each one as they learned their place within the family unit and come to grips with a new “normal”. I especially loved how faith in God played an important role! Gary wasn't a believer but God softened his heart, young teen Noelle is a believer but her faith was stretched, Rebecca & young son Kevin both had strong faith that helped them navigate all the ups & downs life throws them. I admire Rebecca in how she always turned to the Lord when she struggled. She still had hard times and her attitude wasn't always that of a believer, but she recognized those times, prayed through, and asked God to change her heart. Kevin's young heart was soft towards all things spiritual, he loves unconditionally. I like how he often reminded his mom Rebecca of God's truths.
Blended families are hard in the first place, I think grief added an extra layer for these characters to work through. The ending was fabulous, I even ended up having tears in my eyes because it was so beautiful! Myra Johnson made this family real in my mind, this story truly touched my heart. She doesn't sugar coat all the problems or make them go away easily, she shows how God can help change hearts if we lean on Him when things aren't the way we want them to be. Faith played central role & I loved how it ministered to me as a reader. Spiritual truths in fiction help me along my own Christian walk!
I recommend this to fans of contemporary Christian fiction who aren't afraid of reading about messy lives changed by God's hand & how He brings about His promises. Sometimes in unexpected ways!
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and wasn't obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are my own. *
Blended families are hard in the first place, I think grief added an extra layer for these characters to work through. The ending was fabulous, I even ended up having tears in my eyes because it was so beautiful! Myra Johnson made this family real in my mind, this story truly touched my heart. She doesn't sugar coat all the problems or make them go away easily, she shows how God can help change hearts if we lean on Him when things aren't the way we want them to be. Faith played central role & I loved how it ministered to me as a reader. Spiritual truths in fiction help me along my own Christian walk!
I recommend this to fans of contemporary Christian fiction who aren't afraid of reading about messy lives changed by God's hand & how He brings about His promises. Sometimes in unexpected ways!
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and wasn't obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are my own. *
September 20, 2020
The Soft Whisper of Roses is a fast-paced story about an adolescent named Noelle, whose mother dies then she faces the wishes of her deceased mother for her biological father to move back into the house with his new bride and stepson.
Teenage life is full of angst while completing the typical adolescent developmental tasks necessary to go into young adulthood let alone navigating complicated blended family relationships, as well as the family task of forming a new family identity. From the beginning, I question how the family will transition into forming a healthy family unit that will become their new community family identity. I wonder if the family dynamics become more broken and complicated. How will a newly married stepmother help her stepdaughter, Noelle, navigate through the grief and loss of her own mother? Will Rebecca be able to help? Will Rebecca’s own career get in the way? Will Rebecca leave it up to the biological father, Gary, to fulfill his fatherhood role? Is moving into Gary’s ex-wife’s house the answer to finding family harmony? Finding God’s way isn’t always as clear as we would like it to be at a particular moment in time. Many times, there are surprises along the way to help figure out whether we need to wait on God’s timing or move forward on our own.
Johnson skillfully entertained and engaged me with each well-developed character’s personal pain, coping skills and sometimes-unpredictable behavior. As a Family Relations and Child Development major, I would enjoy asking the author more about the background of the deceased mother, Kate, with the idea of understanding why she left such explicit wishes regarding her daughter.
The Soft Whisper of Roses is a great read for the high school or college level classroom, as well as book clubs who enjoy discussing blended family relationships in the context of Christian faith.
Reviewed by Jewel Sample--Award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses.
Disclaimer: I received an e-book copy from the author and I am under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Teenage life is full of angst while completing the typical adolescent developmental tasks necessary to go into young adulthood let alone navigating complicated blended family relationships, as well as the family task of forming a new family identity. From the beginning, I question how the family will transition into forming a healthy family unit that will become their new community family identity. I wonder if the family dynamics become more broken and complicated. How will a newly married stepmother help her stepdaughter, Noelle, navigate through the grief and loss of her own mother? Will Rebecca be able to help? Will Rebecca’s own career get in the way? Will Rebecca leave it up to the biological father, Gary, to fulfill his fatherhood role? Is moving into Gary’s ex-wife’s house the answer to finding family harmony? Finding God’s way isn’t always as clear as we would like it to be at a particular moment in time. Many times, there are surprises along the way to help figure out whether we need to wait on God’s timing or move forward on our own.
Johnson skillfully entertained and engaged me with each well-developed character’s personal pain, coping skills and sometimes-unpredictable behavior. As a Family Relations and Child Development major, I would enjoy asking the author more about the background of the deceased mother, Kate, with the idea of understanding why she left such explicit wishes regarding her daughter.
The Soft Whisper of Roses is a great read for the high school or college level classroom, as well as book clubs who enjoy discussing blended family relationships in the context of Christian faith.
Reviewed by Jewel Sample--Award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses.
Disclaimer: I received an e-book copy from the author and I am under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are my own.
September 11, 2020
What a heart-tugging novel of family healing!
Award-winning author Myra Johnson has written an emotional women’s fiction novel dealing with the oftentimes challenging dynamics of blended families. Corporate business woman and single mother Rebecca Townsend must confront her negative feelings toward her distracted new husband, Gary. Divorced because of his obsession with his career, Gary now deals with guilt over neglecting his first family and now is attempting to mend his relationship with his fifteen-year-old daughter, Noelle.
I was deeply drawn into this story because the engaging characters are so well-developed....realistic, flawed and striving to do their best. With difficult situations to be faced, I felt the pain and confusion of all involved as they struggled with various obstacles to bring their blended family together. The theme of listening to God’s whispers and trusting Him, shows comforting strength can be received if we wait with patience.
An intensely moving story of faith and perseverance! If you like an emotionally satisfying story of hope, I highly recommend The Soft Whisper of Roses written by an excellent author, Myra Johnson.
Favorite quote: “Things will never be like they used to be. All we can do is try our best to accept the changes and ask God to help us grow through them.”
*I was given a copy of this book with no requirement to write a review. I’m honored to offer my honest opinion.
Award-winning author Myra Johnson has written an emotional women’s fiction novel dealing with the oftentimes challenging dynamics of blended families. Corporate business woman and single mother Rebecca Townsend must confront her negative feelings toward her distracted new husband, Gary. Divorced because of his obsession with his career, Gary now deals with guilt over neglecting his first family and now is attempting to mend his relationship with his fifteen-year-old daughter, Noelle.
I was deeply drawn into this story because the engaging characters are so well-developed....realistic, flawed and striving to do their best. With difficult situations to be faced, I felt the pain and confusion of all involved as they struggled with various obstacles to bring their blended family together. The theme of listening to God’s whispers and trusting Him, shows comforting strength can be received if we wait with patience.
An intensely moving story of faith and perseverance! If you like an emotionally satisfying story of hope, I highly recommend The Soft Whisper of Roses written by an excellent author, Myra Johnson.
Favorite quote: “Things will never be like they used to be. All we can do is try our best to accept the changes and ask God to help us grow through them.”
*I was given a copy of this book with no requirement to write a review. I’m honored to offer my honest opinion.
September 25, 2020
My friend, Myra Johnson, gave me an advance copy of her new book, expecting nothing in return. I enjoyed the book as a good story well told. She addresses the apprehension and actuality of blending a family in a very realistic manner. I enjoyed her story very much and think it is very well written. I hope you will, too.
September 25, 2020
Inspirational, hard-to-put-down read with relatable characters who entice you to become part of the narrative. Uplifting story of family conflict and redemption, perfect for a heartwarming getaway from the stresses of life around us.
September 10, 2020
Myra Johnson's newest Christian novel is about a real family, facing real problems, and overcoming them through faith--not only in each other, but in God. Gary and Rebecca have forged a new family in the wake of failures by both of them to succeed in their first marriages. When Gary's ex-wife dies and Rebecca's ex-husband surfaces to get to know his son, they're suddenly forced to confront the challenges they thought they'd left behind. Gary's daughter Noelle mistrusts her father because of broken promises of the past and is hesitant to believe he has changed. When the four family members merge households, in deference to Noelle's mother's wishes, they each learn to trust in God for hope in making this new family work, and then to trust each other to follow God's call.
The Soft Whisper of Roses does a wonderful job of portraying the challenges of relationships in a modern world, in which careers and dedication to success can often destroy families. The book demonstrates the faith that can hold things together and help families recognize what priorities God is calling them to attend to. A thoroughly satisfying and thought-provoking read!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
The Soft Whisper of Roses does a wonderful job of portraying the challenges of relationships in a modern world, in which careers and dedication to success can often destroy families. The book demonstrates the faith that can hold things together and help families recognize what priorities God is calling them to attend to. A thoroughly satisfying and thought-provoking read!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
October 1, 2020
Poignant story of a family's redemption.
A splintered family reeling in the face of loss, trying to find their way through hurt, unforgiveness and grief. Inspiring story of God's redemptive love and restoration for those who seek Him.
Highly recommend. Keep the tissues handy!
A splintered family reeling in the face of loss, trying to find their way through hurt, unforgiveness and grief. Inspiring story of God's redemptive love and restoration for those who seek Him.
Highly recommend. Keep the tissues handy!
Read
November 16, 2022I'll be reading scenes from my novel at the upcoming Texas Word Wrangler Festival, Nov. 18-19, 2022. The book is meaningful to me for many reasons, including Laurence the cat, based on my real-life cat Tippy, who also had a role in my high school play "I Remember Mama." (My goodness, THAT was a long time ago!)
September 10, 2020
Complex, difficult, problematic, confused are all words to describe a teenager named, Noelle, who has severe trust issues when it comes to her father. She is demanding, bratty, and overindulged after her mother dies from cancer and her absentee father, who has remarried, is suddenly thrown back into her life. She resents her stepmom who is trying to be a friend and her stepbrother who has issues of his own with his absentee father. A real-life story that reflects what happens in a lot of broken families. Only prayer and faith in God can restore this family. Will the plan that Noelle’s mother, Kate, set in motion before she died change everyone’s lives for the better? You need to read this sweet story to find out!
I was given a complimentary copy by the author. The opinions are my own.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author. The opinions are my own.
October 14, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by Myra Johnson; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
October 17, 2020
Intense drama with lots of twists and turns. Interesting and entertaining characters that definitely have flaws that they need to work through. Can they work through the issues and find love and romance? Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 4, 2020
Emotional, heartfelt, & undeniably realistic. This book so many things regarding feelings, blended families, death, tragedies ... Very interesting perspectives from multiple points of views. Great read!
March 25, 2021
Excellent. Very real to life showcasing God's redemption in the midst of trying circumstances. Highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews