Hidden in a Whisper

Westward Chronicles #2

by Tracie Peterson

Westward Chronicles Book 2 Rachel has secured herself a rare position at the newest Harvey House in New Mexico. She looks forward to a new life there, far from the memories and longings of her heart only to find that the very man her heart refuses to forget will be working right alongside her!

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian, Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Fiction

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2005

About the author

Tracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.

pen name: Janelle Jamison

Reviews

[Hanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was in a very good mood reading this book. Having read enough Tracie Peterson that I despised, I had no unrealistic expectations. Therefore, I was able to laugh at every historical Christian romance cliché that popped up at least every chapter. And I was less irritated by the constant self-awareness of the main characters, though rest assured it was still present.

Setting: Aside from the 1885 Chicago prologue, the book was set at the Casa Grande Resort in Morita, New Mexico Territory, in 1891. The historical facts of Fred Harvey and his girls are well included, and the culture of finding a rich man to marry is also a part of the story. There were likely a few historical inaccuracies, as well, most notably the Chicago businessman, who's only in New Mexico in an administrative position. owning a pair of jeans that he throws on for the comfort.

Characters: Generally your classic extremely self-aware characters who understand their feelings perfectly, and yet have clichéd "inexplicable" reactions to their lover. Braedon was almost a sickeningly clichéd hero, from his irritating teasing the heroine to his explosive violent behavior to another man because of jealousy. His name certainly didn't endear me to him.

Rachel had some good parts to her; I did like that she made up her mind rather quickly, and that fed the progress of the plot in a good way. Of course the book needed a pregnant Simone, a Simone who had become the wisest woman of all time, with all the answers regarding a romance. It wasn't portrayed really that badly, but it was so trite in its ever-presence in romantic fiction.

Ivy was a fairly well-written antagonist, until she got kind of sappy--too much sympathy-eliciting--at the end. The other main antagonist was also fairly well-written. The insanity spiral at the end was a nice touch.

Plot: Wasn't so bad, and there were a few clever twists and rapid movement that kept it interesting. There was one scene that could obviously have been deleted without hurting the book in any way, and there were probably other more subtle scenes that should have been lost, but for the most part the story moved along.

Faith Content: The characters were great Christians without actually having a clear, developed faith background or historically contextual religious beliefs. Again, nothing that deviated from the classic Christian romance.

[Andrea Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I didn’t take great notes when I read it during a busy season, so I don’t recall many details just now (more than a year after reading it). The one thing I remember is that there were a few lines that made Rachel’s character completely different than she was in book one.

I did jot down a couple of favorite lines:
“It shouldn’t be that hard for an Englishman to overcome a dim-witted American. After all, we’ve been at the game far longer than they have.”

“… after questioning God and wondering why in the world He would allow bad things to happen to good people, I came to realize that it isn’t important that I have the answers—it’s only important that I trust Him.”

“I give you my trust, my hope, my faith, and my love. I know that you are able to take all of this madness and turn it into calm and peace. I will rest in you.”

Content: gambling, alcohol, drunkenness, lewd conduct, tobacco

[Tamara Tilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE WESTWARD CHRONICLES is a delightful three-book series set around The Harvey House, an establishment offering fine dining along the stops of frontier rail travel. Each book highlights a Harvey Girl and the circumstances and situations that brought them to serve at the Harvey House. Originally published in 1999-2000, THE WESTWARD CHRONICLES were re-packaged in 2005. A sucker for the Old West, I enjoyed the simple charm of these books and the loveable characters created by Tracie Peterson.

[Sandy Duke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish that the author had provided more historical information about the setting of the hotel in author notes. Unfortuately, I noticed several errors in the ebook version that I read and there were times when information was repeated almost word for word. Therefore, I rated this as only average. However, the story was engaging, and the characters were well drawn.

There were a few particularly unlikable characters. In fact at times I felt I was drawn into a fun melodrama -- hissing at the bad guys and cheering for the good guys. I sometimes enjoy that but others might find it a bit naive.

[Edwina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story! I gave it 3 stars as there were parts that didn't make sense. Like Jeffrey is bleeding from the head and Rachel & Braden are taking their time in an intimate moment?
And while the Casa Grande is burning Rachel & Braden take their time getting out of the power house. Or, maybe it was the narrator. Oh well, I still enjoyed the story.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like all of her books but this is the best so far,

I recommend this to all her readers who have followed her through each series of books, I. Hope to read them all,

[Jodi Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

As always. Tracie has kept us in suspence and surrounded us by love. As always, let's us know God's love is ever there.

[JAMES F JACKSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am never disappointed with Traces books. I can't put them down.

I would recommend Traces books to any of my friends. She is my favorite writer. I always look for her new books.

[Denise Calkins-weldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like a 3.5.
The plot was interesting, but one of the characters got on my nerves.

[Beth]

A

[Geo Hendrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

It kept my attention and I couldn't stop listening to it. Had to stay up late to find out what would happen. Can't wait to start the next one.

[Heather Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one! I found myself shouting at people in the book! Very good read!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a sequel to "A shelter of Hope", & it's a really good mystery type book. I had no idea who dun it til the end.

The Prologue takes place in Chicago, in Febuary of 1885. Rachel Taylor's mother had said it was inevitable. She didn't have a high opinion of her looks, but Braeden Parker had pledged her his love. She was waiting for him at the Gazebo on Lake Michigan. A year ago her father had been killed in a freight car accident. Her mother had opened a boardinghouse & always seemed to know what was going on, so Rachel didn't doubt her. Rachel heard Braeden's voice but couldn't look at him because he would see that she had been crying. He sensed that something was wrong & began questioning her. Although they weren't formally engaged, he had thought that their hearts were in agreement. She accused him of wanting to take another woman as a mistress! He couldn't believe that she would believe the gossips instead of him. She couldn't believe that her mother would lie to her. She had to get away from him before she changed her mind. Finally he left her go, telling her to listen to the lies that wouldn't warm her on a winter night. The next day she left for Topeka, Kansas to be trained for the Harvey Company restaurants long the Santa Fe Railroad.

The story starts in August, 1891 in Morita, new Mexico territory. Rachel had obtained the position of house manager at the Harvey House restaurant at Casa Grande Resort. She introduced herself to the girls that were to get ready for the Grand opening in three weeks. Most of them were trained in Topeka and had been Harvey girls for at least 6 months. One of the girls, Ivy Brooks, wanted to know who the head waitress would be. Ivy had her position because her aunt had sold Fred Harvey & the Santa Fe Railroad the land to build the resort. When the girls were together, Rachel explained how Mr Harvey wanted the girls to act. They were to be at their stations at 5AM, properly attired, and with NO makeup. Their assignments would be based on how many people occupied the hotel. There were several different responsibilities, but the young women would mostly take care of the needs of the resort visitors. Rachel was the first woman allowed to manage the restaurant of a resort hotel, so this was going to be challenging. The hardest part would be her isolation, but she was sure the dining room would run smoothly. Reginald Worthington, the chef, was arranging his kitchen, but took a break to be introduced to the girls. He was to instruct the girls on the preparation & serving of the food. When she got back to her office, she thought about Braeden, but decided that his memory should remain in the past.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miss Rachel Taylor decides to follow Simone and Jeffery O'Donnell to New Mexico and the new hotel/restraunt of Mr. Harvey Casa Grande and become the house manager. She doesn't realize that this new start will be bringing along with it someone from her past... Braeden Parker. They were engaged in Chicago 6 years earlier until Rachel's mom accepted rumor as truth and told rachel that Braedon was seen being unfaithful. She broke of the engagement and then went into service as a Harvey Girl. Now Braedon is the new hotel manager and with her running the resteraunt they will be expected to work closely together. She tries to bury her feelings for him, but in truth she never got over him. He feels the same, but other obsticles are in the way. Ivy, the niece to the matriach of the town, a selfish, manipulator, and also one of the harvey girl has her eye on Braedon as a wealthy husband to take her away from this boring town. She skeems along with the cook Reginald Worthington to put doubt and mistrust between the reunited couple. There is also the issue of the missing items on the inventory for both the resteraunt and the hotel, but no answers. As the plot thickens, Rachels find that she is being kept against her will and there is a fire spreading across the town. Braedon's reputation is put into question by Ivy's manipulating plans to get him to marry her.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apparently I don't really enjoy mysteries as much as other genres, because the antagonist purposefully trying to damage the future for others, and not yet discovered bugs me! Then again, maybe it's more the the way she carries out the vendetta she has that offends me. Since I have already read this book and was merely re-reading it, I keep finding myself putting it aside for another less disturbing title regularly!

UPDATE: Okay, I finished it again after all, and had forgotten that the last 1/3 of the book moves fast and exciting, so I enjoyed it again. Really though, I do get frustrated by unfounded, untrusting jealousy and stupidity, and this book had a lot of that. Thank goodness the ending picked up and finished right!

[Ogz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book!! I couldn't drop it when I started reading. I enjoyed every bit of it! What desperation can lead to, young Ivy could have been accused for much worse. The love of money is the root of all evil. This book tells so much about true love, desperation, love of money, forgiveness and hurt. Yet in all God sees and knows and brings his children through it all.

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me the latter part of this book was really really good! Couldn't wait to see what happened.

[Danica is Booked · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book. I love Tracie Peterson's style. I found this an interesting addition to the first novel. I liked this book and am glad I read it.

[Heather Willson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could have used scripture better and left opportunities open when she could have testified.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great second book to one of my favorite series' by this author! Highly recommend.

[Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The main character, Rachel, drove me crazy making it hard to read this book.

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contains mystery and suspense. Good, Christian principles included throughout but not preachy.

[Donna Azure]

284 pages library

[Stacey Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful love story

Rachel and Braeden's love story was beautiful. I had hoped Ivy's plan would had not happened, but I'm glad it didn't work!

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not nearly as captivating as the first in the series, it was interesting to watch Rachel's story come to life. They mystery and climax of the story held me to the end.

[Kristin Smale-forrester · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as exciting as the first book in the series. The first half of this book was kind of slow for my taste but picked up towards the end. I do love the characters!

[Barbara Harman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Description was Historical Novel. Historical setting minimal, religion very prominent

[Kathie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

wordy but good

[Karen]

2 out of 5 - the second book in the Westward Chronicles. For the first two thirds of the book I felt like it should be a book for a teenager - Ivy acted like a spoiled child. It got old reading about her conniving and her hatred of Rachel and how to get Braeden from her. But as all the pieces of the story came together with the fire at Casa Grande and finding out about the inventory discrepancies and who was behind all that, it was interesting to see how it all washed out in the end.