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Whispers Through Time
The only man Sierra Masters has ever loved appears with a proposition that could alter her future. She turns him down, but then after experiencing a foretelling dream, decides to take a risk in order to uncover the truth. Hunter Davenport realizes the evidence he's shared with Sierra could indeed destroy her--but it could free her as well. The decision is yanked from her hands when the past and present collide through a historical portal on sacred Native American land. Will she take the gift that is offered? And will Hunter do what he didn't do twelve years earlier--stand by her? Only time will give them their answers.
386 pages, Paperback
Published August 16, 2021
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6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 16, 2025
“Whispers Through Time” by Rosetta Diane Hoessli is a captivating novel that intertwines romance, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. It tells the story of Sierra Masters, who finds herself at a crossroads when Hunter Davenport, the only man she has ever loved, reappears in her life with a proposal that could change everything. Initially, Sierra refuses Hunter's proposition, but after a prophetic dream, and a little bit of nudging from her best friend Skye, she decides to embrace the uncertainty and pursue the truth. The narrative takes an intriguing turn as past and present collide through a historical portal - a thin veil that separates the real world from the spirit world - on sacred Native American land, forcing Sierra to confront her fears and make a choice that could redefine her future.
The characters in the novel are richly developed and feel incredibly real. Sierra and Hunter are not just well-written but also deeply relatable, complete with their own flaws and complexities. Their dynamic character arcs are a testament to Rosetta Hoessli’s skillful writing, showcasing significant development and growth over the course of the story. The emotional depth is palpable, with each character's feelings and motivations explored in detail, adding layers to the narrative that are both touching and profound. The backstory between Sierra and Hunter is intriguing, as it was gradually unveiled through the plot and enhanced the suspense and engagement of the story. I really enjoyed the engaging dialogue and the palpable tension between characters. Conflicts arise that create drama and suspense, keeping me on edge.
The atmospheric setting is vividly brought to life through Rosetta Hoessli’s descriptive language, painting clear and striking images that ground the story in realism. The chilling atmosphere, particularly during Sierra’s visions, adds an eerie or unsettling mood that heightens the mystery and intrigue of the novel. The descriptions are breathtaking, making it easy to imagine the sacred Native American land where the story unfolds. The historical elements are seamlessly woven into the narrative, providing a backdrop that is both exciting and, at times, heartbreaking. This blend of history and fiction enriches the reading experience, drawing me deeper into Sierra's world as she navigates the thin line between reality and the side.
Rosetta Hoessli’s ability to create such a vivid and immersive setting is complemented by her talent for crafting an engaging and suspenseful plot. The storyline flows smoothly, with each chapter building upon the last, driving the tension and keeping me eagerly turning the pages. Even when the pace slows, it serves to deepen the mystery and enhance the emotional impact of the story. This book is not only a feast for the imagination but also a thought-provoking exploration of love, destiny, and the power of choice. "Whispers Through Time" is a novel that resonates on many levels, offering a bit of everything for readers to enjoy—whether you're drawn to the romance, the mystery, or the historical connections. It's a story that stays with you, long after you've turned the last page, inviting reflection on the whispers of the past and how they shape our present.
The characters in the novel are richly developed and feel incredibly real. Sierra and Hunter are not just well-written but also deeply relatable, complete with their own flaws and complexities. Their dynamic character arcs are a testament to Rosetta Hoessli’s skillful writing, showcasing significant development and growth over the course of the story. The emotional depth is palpable, with each character's feelings and motivations explored in detail, adding layers to the narrative that are both touching and profound. The backstory between Sierra and Hunter is intriguing, as it was gradually unveiled through the plot and enhanced the suspense and engagement of the story. I really enjoyed the engaging dialogue and the palpable tension between characters. Conflicts arise that create drama and suspense, keeping me on edge.
The atmospheric setting is vividly brought to life through Rosetta Hoessli’s descriptive language, painting clear and striking images that ground the story in realism. The chilling atmosphere, particularly during Sierra’s visions, adds an eerie or unsettling mood that heightens the mystery and intrigue of the novel. The descriptions are breathtaking, making it easy to imagine the sacred Native American land where the story unfolds. The historical elements are seamlessly woven into the narrative, providing a backdrop that is both exciting and, at times, heartbreaking. This blend of history and fiction enriches the reading experience, drawing me deeper into Sierra's world as she navigates the thin line between reality and the side.
Rosetta Hoessli’s ability to create such a vivid and immersive setting is complemented by her talent for crafting an engaging and suspenseful plot. The storyline flows smoothly, with each chapter building upon the last, driving the tension and keeping me eagerly turning the pages. Even when the pace slows, it serves to deepen the mystery and enhance the emotional impact of the story. This book is not only a feast for the imagination but also a thought-provoking exploration of love, destiny, and the power of choice. "Whispers Through Time" is a novel that resonates on many levels, offering a bit of everything for readers to enjoy—whether you're drawn to the romance, the mystery, or the historical connections. It's a story that stays with you, long after you've turned the last page, inviting reflection on the whispers of the past and how they shape our present.
July 10, 2025
Whispers Through Time follows Sierra Masters, a successful historical fiction writer whose life is upended when a former lover, Hunter Davenport, reappears with a stack of photographs and a secret about her origins. What begins as a deeply personal reunion quickly spins into a tale of political resistance, cultural identity, and a decades-old mystery involving the American Indian Movement, the 1973 Occupation of Wounded Knee, and Sierra’s true parentage. As Sierra navigates her family’s past and her own shattered sense of self, the novel shifts seamlessly between romance, mystery, and historical fiction, creating a rich and emotionally charged story.
What struck me most was the emotional honesty in Hoessli’s writing. Her prose is straightforward and often stark, but that works in her favor. There’s just raw, heartfelt truth. Sierra’s breakdowns, her self-doubt, her fury, and her quiet moments of awe are painted vividly. I felt like I was sitting in that dusty adobe house in Big Bend, Texas. The pacing can feel slow at times, especially when the backstory expands into historical context, but the emotional payoff is worth every beat. The dream sequences and flashes of past trauma are especially affecting.
Sometimes characters drop into exposition mode and sound more like history teachers than people talking. But even then, the ideas they’re exploring, identity, betrayal, legacy, are weighty enough to hold my attention. The relationships, especially between Sierra and her mother, are what really gave the book its weight. Also, Hunter. He’s a classic storm-you-can’t-look-away-from kind of guy. I didn’t always like him, but I couldn’t stop watching him.
Whispers Through Time is a powerful blend of historical fiction, romantic suspense, and contemporary drama. A story about finding the truth, even when it hurts. It’s perfect for readers who crave novels full of long-buried family secrets, emotionally raw relationships, and a deep dive into forgotten corners of American history.
What struck me most was the emotional honesty in Hoessli’s writing. Her prose is straightforward and often stark, but that works in her favor. There’s just raw, heartfelt truth. Sierra’s breakdowns, her self-doubt, her fury, and her quiet moments of awe are painted vividly. I felt like I was sitting in that dusty adobe house in Big Bend, Texas. The pacing can feel slow at times, especially when the backstory expands into historical context, but the emotional payoff is worth every beat. The dream sequences and flashes of past trauma are especially affecting.
Sometimes characters drop into exposition mode and sound more like history teachers than people talking. But even then, the ideas they’re exploring, identity, betrayal, legacy, are weighty enough to hold my attention. The relationships, especially between Sierra and her mother, are what really gave the book its weight. Also, Hunter. He’s a classic storm-you-can’t-look-away-from kind of guy. I didn’t always like him, but I couldn’t stop watching him.
Whispers Through Time is a powerful blend of historical fiction, romantic suspense, and contemporary drama. A story about finding the truth, even when it hurts. It’s perfect for readers who crave novels full of long-buried family secrets, emotionally raw relationships, and a deep dive into forgotten corners of American history.
March 17, 2025
A bad case of writers’ block was the least of author Sierra Masters’ problems when a man from her past suddenly showed up with shocking information. After Hunter Davenport—once the love of her life—revealed a Masters family secret, Sierra then questioned every aspect of her life and how to go forward knowing the truth of her past.
Whispers Through Time, the remarkable debut novel of author Rosetta Diane Hoessli, is nothing short of an epic masterpiece. The author has woven a heart-wrenching tale of good versus evil that unflinchingly bares open the despicable treatment of Native Americans by white people. The author’s descriptions paint a vivid picture so detailed that readers can hear the cries of the dying, smell the acrid odor of death, and feel the ground tremble as a herd of bison roams the sacred land.
The story moves at a heart-pounding pace with a whiplash of a rollercoaster ride of emotions through an intricate plot. The cast of flawed, but believable characters drive a complicated story that grabs readers by the throat and never lets go. Readers find themselves rooting for the protagonists from the beginning to the end of the tale. Hoessli creates enough conflict with a backstory to keep readers turning the pages to see how it turns out.
Hoessli has written a cleverly plotted tale that deftly weaves ribbons of fantasy into a taut plot driven by betrayal, love, loss, trust, family ties, and the inner strength one must summon to face adversity created by both human fallibility and fate and meet one’s challenges head-on rather than looking away. Part romance, part historical thriller, part mystery, part paranormal fantasy, part redemption with a second chance at life and love, Whispers Through Time will capture the imagination of readers who enjoy a love story fueled by a mix of fantasy and reality and believe that things are not always what they appear to be.
Whispers Through Time has more than earned the five stars this reviewer has awarded it.
Whispers Through Time, the remarkable debut novel of author Rosetta Diane Hoessli, is nothing short of an epic masterpiece. The author has woven a heart-wrenching tale of good versus evil that unflinchingly bares open the despicable treatment of Native Americans by white people. The author’s descriptions paint a vivid picture so detailed that readers can hear the cries of the dying, smell the acrid odor of death, and feel the ground tremble as a herd of bison roams the sacred land.
The story moves at a heart-pounding pace with a whiplash of a rollercoaster ride of emotions through an intricate plot. The cast of flawed, but believable characters drive a complicated story that grabs readers by the throat and never lets go. Readers find themselves rooting for the protagonists from the beginning to the end of the tale. Hoessli creates enough conflict with a backstory to keep readers turning the pages to see how it turns out.
Hoessli has written a cleverly plotted tale that deftly weaves ribbons of fantasy into a taut plot driven by betrayal, love, loss, trust, family ties, and the inner strength one must summon to face adversity created by both human fallibility and fate and meet one’s challenges head-on rather than looking away. Part romance, part historical thriller, part mystery, part paranormal fantasy, part redemption with a second chance at life and love, Whispers Through Time will capture the imagination of readers who enjoy a love story fueled by a mix of fantasy and reality and believe that things are not always what they appear to be.
Whispers Through Time has more than earned the five stars this reviewer has awarded it.
December 7, 2025
Sierra Masters' head started pounding harder the longer she stared at the blank page. The blank page she had been staring at for weeks. She had yet to write one word of her new three-book contract. She had been so excited, but now the words just wouldn't come.
She was happy for the break when her cousin told her there was a man at the door asking for her. Until she saw who was standing outside. A man she didn't think she would see again. Hunter Davenport. The investigative journalist whom she walked away from to ensure he could follow his dream.
Despite her misgivings and personal feelings, she let him come in when he said it was business-related. But when he withdrew a manila folder and handed her the photos he had come across in his latest investigative research, her world fell apart.
Although the last thing she wanted to do was spend time with the man who still held her heart, she needed answers more. So she packed up her RV and followed him to South Dakota.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable.
This book is action-packed, full of danger, mystery, suspense and sizzling chemistry. This story is full of secrets—secrets kept by her parents, secrets she has kept from Hunter and secrets from the past.
This book was more than a great romantic suspense as it was also full of history. History centering around Crazy Horse, Wounded Knee and the injustices still facing the American Indian. I loved how the author blended everything past and present to uncover a fictional crime in the story, but also shed light on crimes that are unfortunately part of US history.
I totally enjoyed this story and can't wait to read more from this author.
She was happy for the break when her cousin told her there was a man at the door asking for her. Until she saw who was standing outside. A man she didn't think she would see again. Hunter Davenport. The investigative journalist whom she walked away from to ensure he could follow his dream.
Despite her misgivings and personal feelings, she let him come in when he said it was business-related. But when he withdrew a manila folder and handed her the photos he had come across in his latest investigative research, her world fell apart.
Although the last thing she wanted to do was spend time with the man who still held her heart, she needed answers more. So she packed up her RV and followed him to South Dakota.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable.
This book is action-packed, full of danger, mystery, suspense and sizzling chemistry. This story is full of secrets—secrets kept by her parents, secrets she has kept from Hunter and secrets from the past.
This book was more than a great romantic suspense as it was also full of history. History centering around Crazy Horse, Wounded Knee and the injustices still facing the American Indian. I loved how the author blended everything past and present to uncover a fictional crime in the story, but also shed light on crimes that are unfortunately part of US history.
I totally enjoyed this story and can't wait to read more from this author.
July 23, 2025
This is a clever, well-constructed story that is part current time, part glimpses into the past. A past that is both true and tragic. Based in part on actual events that occurred in South Dakota in the 1880s and the 1970s, the story centers around the Pine Ridge Lakota tribe. As the daughter of a history buff, I grew up knowing about Wounded Knee and the events that transpired there.
In this book, Sierra Masters’ old flame, Hunter, shows up at her home one day with photos that shock her and change everything she ever knew. Hunter is a film documentarian. She discovers that she was adopted and that her parents were part of the fight between the Native Americans and corrupted government. The descriptions of the Badlands are beautifully done, putting you right there in that stark landscape. But what really draws you in are the descriptions of the massacres that took place and the awful treatment at the hands of the white men. The terror and devastation are real. And Sierra “sees” it all as it happened.
Meeting her “real” family for the first time has a profound affect on Sierra. In addition, she finds herself falling again for Hunter as he stands with her through all the action. The two of them uncover a crooked ring of black-market relic sellers and help restore some sacred relics to the tribe. Sierra finds her birth family while still staying close to her adoptive family and she and Hunter find each other again.
An evocative story with deeper meaning than just a good read – though it is definitely that. I also loved the reading list at the end so the reader can find out more information on this period of history.
Recommended.
In this book, Sierra Masters’ old flame, Hunter, shows up at her home one day with photos that shock her and change everything she ever knew. Hunter is a film documentarian. She discovers that she was adopted and that her parents were part of the fight between the Native Americans and corrupted government. The descriptions of the Badlands are beautifully done, putting you right there in that stark landscape. But what really draws you in are the descriptions of the massacres that took place and the awful treatment at the hands of the white men. The terror and devastation are real. And Sierra “sees” it all as it happened.
Meeting her “real” family for the first time has a profound affect on Sierra. In addition, she finds herself falling again for Hunter as he stands with her through all the action. The two of them uncover a crooked ring of black-market relic sellers and help restore some sacred relics to the tribe. Sierra finds her birth family while still staying close to her adoptive family and she and Hunter find each other again.
An evocative story with deeper meaning than just a good read – though it is definitely that. I also loved the reading list at the end so the reader can find out more information on this period of history.
Recommended.
July 15, 2025
Whispers Through Time is an excellent read. I truly couldn’t put it down. The writing is rich with detail, making me want to slow down and savor every word. The vivid descriptions brought the story to life, and the setting felt like a character in its own right, especially the breathtaking landscapes and sacred Native American land.
Sierra, the main character, is compelling and relatable. I loved her strength and vulnerability and felt genuinely connected to her journey. Hunter was also wonderfully written. In fact, every character felt real and fully developed, adding depth to the story.
The mystery woven throughout kept me completely hooked. I was immersed from start to finish, eager to see how it would all unfold. I also found the story educational in a very natural way. The inclusion of Native American culture and history felt authentic and well-researched, woven into the story with care rather than commentary. It left me wanting to visit some of the places mentioned, which for me is always a sign of a truly great book.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the afterword and learning how the story came about. It added an extra layer of depth and connection to the book as a whole.
This is a fabulous, immersive read filled with emotion, suspense, and just a touch of the mystical. I highly recommend Whispers Through Time to anyone who enjoys beautifully written, character-driven stories with a dash of romance, mystery, and meaning.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Lana
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
Sierra, the main character, is compelling and relatable. I loved her strength and vulnerability and felt genuinely connected to her journey. Hunter was also wonderfully written. In fact, every character felt real and fully developed, adding depth to the story.
The mystery woven throughout kept me completely hooked. I was immersed from start to finish, eager to see how it would all unfold. I also found the story educational in a very natural way. The inclusion of Native American culture and history felt authentic and well-researched, woven into the story with care rather than commentary. It left me wanting to visit some of the places mentioned, which for me is always a sign of a truly great book.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the afterword and learning how the story came about. It added an extra layer of depth and connection to the book as a whole.
This is a fabulous, immersive read filled with emotion, suspense, and just a touch of the mystical. I highly recommend Whispers Through Time to anyone who enjoys beautifully written, character-driven stories with a dash of romance, mystery, and meaning.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Lana
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
February 21, 2026
Discovering who you truly are
When ex-lover, Hunter Davenport, shows up at author, Sierra Masters', secluded retreat bearing pictures of her ultra-conservative parents with Indians in the Badlands of Dakota, her entire world is rocked. Sierra learns her parents stood with the Lakota Sioux at Wounded Knee in the 70's and that they adopted her from a teenage Indian girl pregnant by a wealthy white man. Hunter is going to the Badlands to do a documentary and invites Sierra to come along to find her birth family. With the blessings of her parents, she makes the trip and discovers much more than she ever thought possible. The descriptions are so vivid you are standing with Sierra seeing through her eyes. Some of the time, it was difficult to read through my tears. There is some sexual heat between the ex-lovers, but the main focus is on Wounded Knee and the Lakotas and how Sierra fits into the picture. The book was especially poignant since I had visited that area. It is an exquisitely written story not to be missed. Highly recommended.
When ex-lover, Hunter Davenport, shows up at author, Sierra Masters', secluded retreat bearing pictures of her ultra-conservative parents with Indians in the Badlands of Dakota, her entire world is rocked. Sierra learns her parents stood with the Lakota Sioux at Wounded Knee in the 70's and that they adopted her from a teenage Indian girl pregnant by a wealthy white man. Hunter is going to the Badlands to do a documentary and invites Sierra to come along to find her birth family. With the blessings of her parents, she makes the trip and discovers much more than she ever thought possible. The descriptions are so vivid you are standing with Sierra seeing through her eyes. Some of the time, it was difficult to read through my tears. There is some sexual heat between the ex-lovers, but the main focus is on Wounded Knee and the Lakotas and how Sierra fits into the picture. The book was especially poignant since I had visited that area. It is an exquisitely written story not to be missed. Highly recommended.
July 31, 2023
Our Review: Whispers Through Time takes the reader on a whirlwind adventure, traveling from present day, to the late 1800’s and the massacre at Wounded Knee, then to the mid-1970’s and the infamous standoff at the Oglala Sioux reservation. It is powerful, thought provoking, and unfailingly realistic. As an added treat, the author’s talent for description whether it be the location[s], foods, people, or speech patterns feels effortless. The characters—and the South Dakota badlands must be considered a character—literally jump off the pages. Well done!
Based on a scale of 1-5, Whispers Through Time earns a 7.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
Based on a scale of 1-5, Whispers Through Time earns a 7.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
August 21, 2023
Rosetta Diane Hoessli has penned a wonderful, powerful tale of the Indigenous people of America. She has managed to encapsulate not only the beauty, mystery, and legends of these wonderful nations, but the awful, shameful truths of their treatment. Dancing with Wolves captured my heart. Whispers Through Time takes on its own unique stance with a romance, blending the impossible to possible. Whispers Through Time is poignant, heart-warming, and brutally honest. A highly recommended read.
June 5, 2025
I’m a big fan of great American historical fiction, and this book delivered what I’m always longing for in a novel. This story of Sierra Masters’ journey of discovery will surprise and inspire you. Weaving Native American culture and history into a mystery with a speculative element is no small feat, but in this novel, the author has done it. You’ll find all of that plus a second-chance love story that will touch you. Highly recommended.
August 9, 2024
I gave this four stars because it raised my awareness about the troubles experienced by the Indian tribes in the USA. The story was creatively developed and mostly unpredictable. My book club had a spirited discussion about the book and expressed kudos to the author for her debut novel.
May 22, 2023
Riveting read. A unique blend of history, romance and a bit of tge supernatural. Can’t wait for the sequel!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews