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Poppy Creek #6

The Whisper in Wind

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They’re polar opposites not looking for romance. But what will they do when it finds them ?

Lucy Gardener is finally ready to settle down and stop job hopping. So, when her brother asks for her help to document the town’s quirky fall festivals for a promotional video for his inn, she’s up to the challenge. She was not, however, ready to share the task with a brooding former marine. And being attracted to the handsome grump is out of the question.

And yet… here she is…

Vick Johnson wants nothing to do with small town life. He has one last assignment, then he can put the close-knit community that has been a continual threat to his don’t-get-attached policy in his rearview mirror forever. He can’t let himself get distracted by his boss’s little sister despite her gorgeous eyes and bright, innocent smile.

Too bad he’s failing miserably…

But if Lucy and Vick want to make it to happily ever after , they have bigger problems than they realize—and more than a few secrets between them. Can they overcome the overwhelming obstacles? Or will their love fade like a whisper in the wind? Each book in the feel-good, small-town series is a sweet and heartwarming read that's much more fun when read in order. ALSO INCLUDES:
Original recipes.
Book club questions and more...

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 31, 2021

531 people are currently reading
525 people want to read

About the author

Rachael Bloome

46 books662 followers

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5 stars
1,282 (62%)
4 stars
547 (26%)
3 stars
182 (8%)
2 stars
20 (<1%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
Profile Image for Kirby.
866 reviews42 followers
August 23, 2021
Rachael Bloome truly knows how to write from the heart, and I always look forward to her new book releases. She always gives her readers a hint at the next couple to be featured at the end of the previous story, and reading the tidbits towards Lucy and Vick's story had me even more excited to get to read their own story.

Poppy Creek is one of my all time favorite fictional towns, and I always appreciate getting to revisit it again and again. Previous characters always play a part of the current story, and Lucy and Vick's romance becomes even more heartwarming thanks to the many contributions from Poppy Creek's generous and compassionate residents. They appear to be polar opposites at the start of the story, but both will learn the important lesson that things are seldom as they initially appear, and the reader gets to travel on this heartfelt journey with both Vick and Lucy.

The many events that pop up throughout each and every Poppy Creek novel remind me heavily of Stars Hollow, and I adored the focus on the many fun fall festivities that causes Vick and Lucy's wearisome friendship to turn into something much more.

When protagonists are book lovers, they instantly endear themselves to me, and readers luck out with this one in getting not one, but two book loving main characters, and I adored their bonding over their joint adoration of a childhood classic. It added another element to an already amazing story, and I wanted to reread those particular pages over and over again.

I can't possibly recommend this beautiful story enough, and I think there's a little bit of all of us that wishes we could live in a lovely little town like this one. Where problems are never too big to be solved, and where everything wraps up nicely with a big red bow by the end of the story. Perhaps that's not realistic, but reading these books provides a lovely escape from the problems of everyday life.

Final Rating: 5/5.

Thanks so much to Rachael Bloome for allowing me to advance read and review this.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Savannah Condie.
178 reviews
August 17, 2025
Fall vibes were 100/10. Seriously the perfect thing to read to get me in the mood for fall. I swear I could feel chilly gusts of wind just from reading this. And the smells she described!! Even down to the “decaying leaves” where the author wrote it as sweet and earthy was perfection. And all the cinnamon and pumpkin drinks and foods!!!! And all the cute fall events in the town!!!!!! Seriously just perfect it was giving stars hollow in all the ways.

On the other hand, the romance was bland. The insta love was just so immediate I didn’t care about it. But also it was so fast it felt fake. They didn’t really know each other up until they had to work on the video project together. Then literally by the end of that same day, both their inner dialogue is “I’m feeling things. Could this be love??” And by day 4 I swear they’re telling each other they love each other. It was giving BYU let’s be real. And what PMO was the miscommunication. I imagine teenagers in a high school relationship communicate more than these two.

Now don’t get me wrong, I hated the romance in this, but I still enjoyed this book. If I were to rate the romance alone it would be a 1. The fall vibes were 100. So therefore I’ll give this book a solid 3⭐️
Profile Image for Susan Peterson.
1,998 reviews380 followers
November 20, 2022
uplifting romance

The Whisper in Wind is an uplifting, hopeful romance. Vick and Lucy are both at loose ends, trying to figure out what to do with their lives. They have growing feelings for each other that are complicated by past traumas, and uncertainty about their future. I loved watching them work through it all, with trust and hope.
Profile Image for Daria White.
Author 16 books130 followers
September 10, 2021
I could not put this story down! Literally read it in two sittings. Beautiful story between Lucy and Vick and I loved seeing previous characters return from Poppy Creek. Rachael did an amazing job with this latest installment in this series! I look forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Melissa-ann Strausser.
295 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2021
Book #6 these stories just keep getting better. I love all the new characters & how they intertwine with the old ones.
Profile Image for Mattie B..
525 reviews17 followers
June 26, 2023
This was cute but nothing that will be memorable, for me. The best part about this was autumn atmosphere. I loved the cozy, small town setting. You could almost smell the crisp in the air. This was sweet, just nothing spectacular.
Profile Image for BethanyKate.
329 reviews3 followers
December 24, 2021
Ugh, the predictability has finally gotten to me. Same plot as the first five. This one seemed rushed, but at the same time seemed to drag on. Maybe it's because I knew what was going to happen and just wanted it to be over? I don't know. I also didn't like Lucy and Vick as much as some of the other main characters. There is a seventh book coming out and maybe the break from this series is just what I'll need to enjoy it.
Profile Image for Mary Baker.
2,138 reviews55 followers
March 4, 2022
This is a safe, quick read that deals with two people who are trying to avoid facing realities about themselves. Unfortunately, I didn't feel involved with their story because there wasn't a lot of intense conflict in it. The characters didn't interact with each other very strongly, and the plot wasn't developed as thoroughly as it could have been. I liked the atmosphere of Poppy Creek and felt it would be a good place in which to live.
Profile Image for Carolyn Vandine West.
883 reviews36 followers
December 22, 2022
First read from this author. It was a sweet storyline. I just wanted to like it more. This was book 6 in this series. First one my library had. Vick has had a rough life, leaving him wary of close relationships.
Lucy is a happy girl, who is having trouble getting settled. When their paths cross, can anything come of it?
I would like to read more by this author.
Profile Image for Maggie | TheeReadingRedhead.
351 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2025
📚 Series: Poppy Creek (Book 6)
🎭 Genre: Contemporary Romance

🥜 In a Nutshell: Two opposites must work together to capture footage of various fall activities at the inn in Poppy Creek. While they couldn't be more different, they find a spark between them as they work together.

✅ Fall vibes
✅ Small town charm
✅ Grumpy/Sunshine

This was not my first visit to Poppy Creek, as I have enjoyed books 1 and 4 as well. They were both Christmas themed stories but the series has books set at different points throughout the year. What I loved about the Christmas books in the series was that they both were filled with Christmas traditions in Poppy Creek as well as sweet romance. It was like reading a Hallmark movie. I went in to this book expecting the same experience but with fall traditions. However, while that is what the book delivers, it felt much more serious than the other books that I have read in the series. This one was less light-hearted and more focused on the serious issues that the characters were struggling with like a health condition and family issues. I do remember there being a little depth to the characters' stories in the other books but those things did not weigh down the small town charm and romance. I felt like in this one those things were overshadowed by the personal issues. It was still a good story, just not quite what I was expecting after my previous reads in the series. I had hoped for more focus on the fall traditions and romance. Overall, not what I was expecting nor wanting but still well written and I will continue to read more in the series since I enjoy the charm of Poppy Creek.
Profile Image for Jennifer Lara.
1,140 reviews4 followers
June 21, 2024
The Whisper in Wind by Rachael Bloome is the sixth book in the Poppy Creek series. Lucy Gardener is ready to settle down and start her dream career. When her brother, Jack, asks her to help document the town’s fall festivals for a promotional video for the Whispering Winds Inn, she looks forward to it. However, she was not prepared to share the task with Vick Johnson, the brooding former marine and her secret crush. Vick has one foot out the door. He always knew his time in Poppy Creek would be temporary and while he has plans to leave, the close-knit community is making it difficult to leave. Especially Lucy with her bright smile. With their obvious connection, will Lucy and Vick take a chance on a happily ever after?
I truly love this series and I wish Poppy Creek was a real town I could visit and maybe even live. I loved the close knit community friendships. In an uplifting style, The Whisper in Wind is an inspiring romance story with the characters’ finding a purpose and a home. I could not put this book down as Lucy and Vick struggle with their sense of purpose and trying to find their place in the world. Their journeys as individuals and as a potential couple was sweet and heartwarming. I loved that they connected over the love of a book. There were sweet moments throughout the story and I cannot wait for the rest of the series. I highly recommend The Whisper in Wind and the previous books in the Poppy Creek series.

The Whisper in Wind is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook


Profile Image for Anne-Marie .
968 reviews23 followers
August 22, 2021
I loved everything about this story....I have fallen in love with Poppy Creek.
I wish I could give this a higher star rating because it deserves more than 5 stars!
We find ourselves back in Poppy Creek reading about the wonderful characters that we have seen in past books in the series...this one The Whisper in Wind is the story about Lucy and Vick...
You can read the synopsis to know what the book is about but not a lot of reviews centre on how well the book is written...
Rachael Bloome has a way of writing that pulls you into the story and it's like watching a television show in your mind. The book flows and it keeps you reading until you find yourself reading the end. Whenever I get to the end of a Rachael Bloome book I find myself hoping and praying it doesn't end. Each book in the series can be read as standalones but don't read them like that....get the first one and read them in order....it will make more sense because of the background characters.
Each book does contain an inspirational verse from the bible but the books aren't in your face religious...they are heartwarming and beautiful.
There are not too many fictional towns that I have fallen in love with but this is one of them...I could see myself living there and enjoying life.
Highly recommend!

Thank you to Rachael Bloome for allowing me to read an advanced digital copy of her book for an honest opinion...this is truly my honest thoughts about the book.
87 reviews5 followers
September 13, 2024
Book #6 in Rachael Bloome's Poppy Creek series, The Whisper in Wind, is another wonderful story about the small, charming town of Poppy Creek, Ca and its residents. Lucy Gardner is the care-free and easygoing sister of the towns new Inn Jack and his soon to be wife, Kat. She comes back to Poppy Creek to help Jack and Kat promote business for their Inn. She is finally ready to find a job she will keep and starts having crippling migraines. Her doctor tells her to have an MRI and doesn't tell anyone. Vick is an ex-Marine suffering from PTSD, his mother has passed away and he grew up never knowing his father. He is a loner and constantly moving about. He plans to move to Alaska soon and a replacement at the diner where he is a cook is hired, a stranger named Rhett Douglas, a hardworking, older man. Lucy and Vick are asked to make videos of the town's festivals in hopes they will bring new business to Jack and Kat's Inn. Poppy Creek has an abundance of traditions and filled with fun, and unique festivals that make you happy, and laugh and wishing you could be a part of them. There are twists, intense scares and shocking surprises. As always, the book has emotional and heartwarming romance. I adore these characters, and I am going to be heartbroken when this series if over.
Profile Image for Lisa Wetzel.
565 reviews28 followers
August 31, 2021
Rachael Bloome has written another heartwarming novel to add to her Poppy Creek Series. The Whisper in Wind is Book Six and this is Lucy and Vick’s story. Along with this story you will find many familiar people and their stories that overflow into this wonderful addition. This beautifully written novel takes you back to Poppy Creek and you will not want to leave. This is an extraordinary place rich in so many attributes……family, friendships, love and many wonderful traditions to name a few. Bloome will pull you into this story from the beginning and you will not want to let go even when the book is finished. I love reading this series and being swept away to Poppy Creek. There are lessons to be learned and friendships to be made. I highly recommend this book and series if you want to be swept away to a much better place.

Thank you Rachael Bloome and Secret Garden Press for an ARC of this amazing addition to an already amazing series! This is my honest and unbiased review!
#thewhisperinwind #rachaelbloome #poppycreek #arc #secretgardenpress
Profile Image for Patty .
1,352 reviews7 followers
November 29, 2021
This series is wonderful

Another beautiful story from the gang at Poppy Creek.

Lucy has a secret. One that she is scared to find the answer to. But amongst her secret lies her crush on Vick. But the former marine doesn’t know she exists.

Vick doesn’t know what he is running from. Never putting down roots, much less staying in one place for long, that is until he met Lucy. Can he let down his walls and invite her in?

This heartfelt story packs an emotional punch. It is a very moving and realistic story. The characters and their problems are very relatable. Vick is a very troubled man. He deals with a lot of guilt and had a hard time letting anyone in. Lucy on the other hand is a vibrant and beautiful soul. Their journey is not an easy one. But it is definitely a beautiful one.

Overall this book like it’s predecessors is a wonderful and beautiful story that will pull at your heart strings. You will laugh, you’ll cry, and you will smile. In the end you will get your happy ending. I am so addicted to these characters. I can’t wait to read more.
Profile Image for Readsandeats.
1,081 reviews24 followers
June 7, 2022
Lucy has been helping her brother with his new Inn and he asks her to help promote it, the town and all its festivities on her YouTube channel. She readily agrees, as she wants to settle down in one place and Poppy Creek could be the place, especially as it has the added attraction of Vic, a former Marine that she is attracted to.
Vic however, is not for staying in Poppy Creek long, he will do as his boss asks and helps Lucy with the videos she is making. He is not going to do anything about his growing attraction for Lucy, absolutely not.
As they spend time together and get to know more about each other can they each resist the pull of the other? Can Vic really leave Poppy Creek or is he finding other things in the town that would keep him there?
I loved being back in Poppy Creek and finding out what has been happening to the characters I met in previous books and learning more about Lucy and Vic. The plot was good and I loved the narration. I look forward to the next book in this series. I can highly recommend this series.
Profile Image for Anne.
675 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2021
There are just a few authors I read that have the ability to draw me in from the first pages. That ability is a gift and Rachel Bloome is one that possesses that gift. Each book I have read in this series has been my new favorite and I don’t know how she is going to top this one. The main characters were perfectly suited for each other and provided the strengths the other needed when they had a weakness. The storyline artistically wove in characters from previous book in such a way that a new reader could easily follow. I especially loved the relationship between Frank and Vick.
One of my favorite things about this author is her ability to describe a setting. She puts me right in the scene using all of my senses. I can smell the old library, hear the wind in the trees, feel the worn pages of Peter Pan in my hands. This book was well done and I look forward to Sadie and Landon’s story!
Profile Image for Betsy.
490 reviews21 followers
November 2, 2023
Wanting to read something seasonal, I was drawn to this book by its autumnal cover and began reading via audiobook with excellent narration. This book is part of the Poppy Creek series by a new-to-me author. While I was able to fully enjoy it, the wonderful cast of characters mentioned from previous books in the series makes me want to go back and read the rest in order. Poppy Creek is a delightful small town and this book had all the fall vibes with its numerous autumn festivals and events taking place. Vick Johnson and Lucy Gardener were the perfect grumpy/sunshine couple and it was interesting to see how a relationship could develop between two seemingly opposite types. They each had concerns they were dealing with and I loved how their relationship unfurled amidst some serious topics. Despite this, there was much witty banter on display and a very pleasing happily-ever-after. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Gail.
661 reviews26 followers
August 18, 2021
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review. This is book 6 in the Poppy Creek series. It can be read as a stand alone book. However, reading the series in order develops the characters so that you have background information on each person. Friendships, romance, and small town festivals fill The Whisper in the Wind. References to God and bible verses are also part of Rachel’s stories. My favorite is the reference to Eagle’s wings. Lots of family relationships, long lasting friendships, and genuine care about each other make Poppy Creek relatable. I live in a small town with lots of family and lifelong friends. Faith is a part of our lives also. I highly recommend Rachel’s novels. They would be a great addition to church libraries to draw parishioners in! Read The Whisper in the Wind!
Profile Image for Shanna Johnson.
546 reviews23 followers
October 5, 2021
Rachael Bloomes stories are so peaceful, smooth, and calming. Like that first sip of a creamy cappuccino on a cold snowy morning. They are filled with beautiful sweet romances, wholesome fun, and some very deep topics that she touches on very well to keep it light and comforting as whipped cream on a fresh cup of hot chocolate.

Lucy and Vick are both such amazing characters with wonderful stories. The Whisper in Wind is a lovely read for anyone who enjoys inspirational and heartfelt romances. This story showcases relationships that are realistic and have real life issues, but also real life with fairytale level of sweet moments that cause you to dream day and night.

If you haven't read The Whisper in Wind, I highly recommend it. Be sure to check out the rest of the Poppy Creek series, they are all wonderful. They can be read as standalones but you'll enjoy it much more in order.
14 reviews
August 31, 2021
What fun to revisit Poppy Creek a sixth time in The Whisper in Wind and get acquainted with Lucy and Vick, two people trying to figure out what each one wants out of life. We sense their strong connection while seeing the barriers their inaccurate thinking and secrets are creating. We root for fears to be overcome, for hope and love to win.

Author Rachael Bloome once again deals with real life challenges faced by many of us. She also skillfully weaves in the ongoing stories of folks we’ve gotten to know from previous books in the series. I love this warm, welcoming town with its unique festivals!

I highly recommend The Whisper in Wind. It is enjoyable on its own, and even more meaningful when read in the series order. I received an Advance Reader Copy for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Debbi.
852 reviews3 followers
September 9, 2021
This Poppy Creek series just keeps getting better. This is the 6th in the series and I still can’t get enough of this town and the wonderful people in it. This time it’s about Lucy Gardener and Vick Johnson. Neither one was looking for love. They are working together to create some videos about the town to help promote her brother’s new inn. She has sudden reoccurring migraines and he’s dealing with PTSD. Can they overcome these issues and find love? The story had me going through a range of emotions and hated to put it down. It’s filled with friendship, family, love and second chances. I’m completely hooked on this sweet, romantic series. I can’t wait to dive into the next one and escape reality for awhile. Well done!
15 reviews
September 6, 2021
What a great continuation of the series of Poppy Creek. The author makes you feel like you are apart of this town and makes you wish that it was a real place that could be visited. It is a romance based in Poppy Creek that involves Lucy and Vick. They are wonderful characters that are both dealing with their own issues that need to be over come to be able to form a relationship that would be lasting. You will need to read the book to see what happens and how everything goes together. This is a standalone book but I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series to follow the storyline as it grows. Wonderful book, pick it up, you won't regret it!
2 reviews
August 25, 2021
I just love Poppy Creek. This latest installment is perfection! The characters I know and love from previous books in the series make appearances and it's like reuniting with an old friend. I enjoyed getting to know Lucy and Vick and watching their stories unfold. To me, it feels like Poppy Creek is a character as well. I love every quirky detail of the town, the way everyone participates in town events, and the many celebrations. If you are a fan of Star's Hollow then you'll love Poppy Creek too.
4,509 reviews38 followers
August 28, 2021
The Whisper in Wind is an sweet, engaging, heartwarming, small town romance. It is great to catch up on many previous friends from Poppy Creek while getting to read Lucy and Vick's story. (Can be read first, but more fun if your have read the previous books.) Ms. Bloome's well written book makes the reader want to be part of the Poppy Creek community. The characters seem like friends. I am engaged on page one and always set everything aside to read the book without having to stop. I highly recommend t his book and the entire series.
2,679 reviews20 followers
August 30, 2021

I was so excited to return to Poppy Creek. I enjoyed catching up with some of the characters from the previous books. I liked how Lucy and Vick were both trying to find themselves and their passion and how they both had to overcome stumbling blocks in their life. They just needed to hear the whisper in the wind and find love and realize how important family and people were to them both. I liked how this book built up slowly at first and then went out with a bang. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Profile Image for Emily Dill.
93 reviews5 followers
August 20, 2021
Yet another wonderful book from Rachael Bloome, set in her precious town of Poppy Creek. While each book in the series could be read on its own, it will make more sense if you read them in order, plus you can follow the lives of the previous book’s main characters easier that way. This addition took place during my favorite season, autumn. Just reading about the delicious fall treats and drinks has me super excited for the upcoming season! Apple cider, anyone?
Profile Image for blueyed_cntry_girl.
1,583 reviews4 followers
August 24, 2021
I absolutely love Poopy Creek!! I mean can I live there? The community is always their for each other and their activities, festivals and other gatherings are so exciting. I want to be a part of it all!! Lucy and Vick’s story was so realistic and compassionate. The mystery behind a new character was a nice twist. I’m intrigued to see how the next book will be.

I received this as an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Pam Merrill.
309 reviews3 followers
August 24, 2021
She is working for her brother but usually doesn't stay in one place for any length of time. He is working for her brother and never stays in one place long. Both have a secret. Why are they attracted to each other? What will they do about the future? I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Revisit some old friends in this series while you enjoy a new romance.
Profile Image for Leah Dobrinska.
Author 14 books284 followers
September 8, 2021
I've read each installment in the Poppy Creek series, and I love how with every book, the new leading characters get their own moment to shine. The Whisper in Wind was no different, and I adored Vick and Lucy. They are well developed characters who are just better off together! This book had depth, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Rachael Bloome continues to deliver both poignant and uplifting love stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews

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