Hidden in a Whisper

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.

I like this character in the first book and am glad she wrote the sequel about her. The history of the Harvey Houses is incredible! This is a well written story with romance and intrigue, just the way I like it!

I finished this book in only a few hours because it was so good. Ms. Peterson is able to draw you into her characters' lives from the beginning. In this book, Rachel (from a "Shelter of Hope") is faced with the trial of working with the man she was engaged to six years ago. With the added frustration of missing inventory, a scheming girl, and an overbearing landlady, Rachel has her hands full. However, by learning to trust again and not giving in when things look their worst, Rachel is able to move forward with her life. Simone & Jeffrey O'Donnell, the main characters in "Shelter of Hope" play only minor roles in this novel, but the reader is given a look into their life--allowing for the first story to come to its full conclusion.

Hidden in a Whisper is a great book. I read the entire thing in one day. Never a dull moment. Along with the main plot, there is a mystery too, which makes it even more enjoyable!

Rachel is secure in her job as manager of the new Casa Grande Resort and Harvey House, yet she is empty and unfulfilled. She always wanted to be married, have kids and be a devoted wife. But, 6 yrs. ago she gave up that dream after her one and only love, Braedon, was seen in a compromising spot. She never forgot him and never loved again. How is she supposed to react when she learns she will work closely with HIM again? Old feelings come to the surface - doubts remain intact. Unable to believe, not daring to trust, she almost misses what God has planned for her benefit. As often occurs, there is one person who seems to be at the center of every catastrophe, every scene, and this employee is bent on winning Braedon's heart. It looks for a time that the world will crush down on Rachel before she learns to trust God and Braedon. Will their love withstand tragedy, heartbreak and treachery? This book is a continuation of the same characters in the first book, with emphasis away from Simone and Jeffery and featuring Rachel.