What do you think?
Rate this book
Whisper Hollow
Talitha Evangeline Spencer enjoys a happy life with her parents in the tiny mountain hamlet of Whisper Hollow, but the onset of the Civil War brings the simplicity of her girlhood to a sudden end. When rebel soldiers wreak havoc on her family, unraveling her mother's already fragile state of mind, Tally must take charge of the family farm alone. The burdens of providing for the household prompt her to consider a marriage proposal from Ollie, her childhood friend, but Tally determines to hold out for love.
222 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2011
4 people are currently reading
453 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
February 15, 2019
This was a sweet romance set during the civil war. I enjoyed listening to it while I worked. I've only read a couple books by this author but had enjoyed them. When I saw this was available through Deseret Bookshelf Plus I decided to try it. Some reviewer had a hard time getting into this one so I wasn't sure if I would feel the same way or not. I think with it being an audiobook, I was sucked into the story pretty easily.
I didn't care for the bad guys...at all. The love story was my favorite part of the story. Probably because the main heroine had dealt with a lot of struggles and having our hero show up brought an added strength and lightening of those struggles. Some of the characters made me frustrated. But they're supposed to make you feel that way. So the story worked like it was supposed to. Lol!
I couldn't imagine the struggles of a mother and daughter trying to survive and stay safe while the men were off fighting for freedom. The father in this story wasn't off fighting but I won't give any spoilers so you'll have to read or listen to find out why.
Overall I enjoyed my time spent listening to this story. It definitely kept me company while working around the house and driving to and fro for my kiddos.
Content: Clean. There are several moments of peril. An attempted rape but nothing happens and it isn't detailed. A couple very mild innuendos. A couple kisses but nothing further.
I listened through my Deseret Bookshelf subscription.
Happy Reading!!!
I didn't care for the bad guys...at all. The love story was my favorite part of the story. Probably because the main heroine had dealt with a lot of struggles and having our hero show up brought an added strength and lightening of those struggles. Some of the characters made me frustrated. But they're supposed to make you feel that way. So the story worked like it was supposed to. Lol!
I couldn't imagine the struggles of a mother and daughter trying to survive and stay safe while the men were off fighting for freedom. The father in this story wasn't off fighting but I won't give any spoilers so you'll have to read or listen to find out why.
Overall I enjoyed my time spent listening to this story. It definitely kept me company while working around the house and driving to and fro for my kiddos.
Content: Clean. There are several moments of peril. An attempted rape but nothing happens and it isn't detailed. A couple very mild innuendos. A couple kisses but nothing further.
I listened through my Deseret Bookshelf subscription.
Happy Reading!!!
February 1, 2012
I think this is one of my favorites of this author. The first of the book is this really interesting look at this side of the United States that is so unknown to me. It reminded me of the movie Cold Mountain in it's setting and I was fascinated. These people had such a hard life and they were their own law. I can't even imagine what it was like to live there. And our main character was great! I loved her spunk and cheerfulness. The book moved well and their was always something happening. This is an Christian author but there was no preaching, they just believed in God. Their was no one religion pointed out either so this books could be read and loved by all Clean romance lovers. 14 and up.
May 18, 2012
I really like Carol Warburton books. This one fit right in with her other writings. I loved the strength in her characters that fought so hard to get through rough times. There were times in the book I struggled because of feeling tooooo much with the characters. It isn't a light read, but gratefully has a happy ending even with all the struggles. It's life I guess...course often I read a book to escape life. ;)
January 3, 2012
I always enjoy books by Carol Warburton and look forward to each new one. She has a talent for helping you feel with her characters. I can envision the setting. This was an LDS fiction set in the southeast. Sometimes I had to re-read sentences because the dialect was hard to understand the first time through but other than that, it was a great read.
July 29, 2012
Favorite quote from this book: "My father warned me a long time ago that I was bound to meet people who wouldn't like me. He also told me to meet them with a smile and a steady look and no to back down. If I did this, he said things would usually work out."
February 15, 2025
Talitha Spencer lived in a tiny mountain hamlet in Tennessee with her parents during the Civil War. Tally’s Pa, Camp, didn’t believe in killing people so he hid in a nearby cave to avoid going to war. Ma and Tally took care of the house, the garden, the animals, and the chores. All that changed when Southern soldiers came to their hollow to take what they wanted. When Camp heard about the soldiers, he wanted to spend a few nights back at the house protecting the farm and his family. The soldiers did return and killed Pa and attacked Ma while Tally was away. Now Tally had to do everything by herself.
Ollie returns to the mountains after the war but was not the same man who had once been Tally’s best friend. Hatred from the war remained in his heart. Tally and Ollie could no longer be friends. Coleman Blakely also returned from the war but he had been fighting for the Union. He needed to spend time thinking about his future so he moved into his uncle’s cabin nearby. Cole is an answer to Tally’s prayer for help with the farm work and Tally helps Cole to figure out his future. Ollie learns to take the hatred out of his heart and accept Cole as a friend of Tally.
Ollie returns to the mountains after the war but was not the same man who had once been Tally’s best friend. Hatred from the war remained in his heart. Tally and Ollie could no longer be friends. Coleman Blakely also returned from the war but he had been fighting for the Union. He needed to spend time thinking about his future so he moved into his uncle’s cabin nearby. Cole is an answer to Tally’s prayer for help with the farm work and Tally helps Cole to figure out his future. Ollie learns to take the hatred out of his heart and accept Cole as a friend of Tally.
August 4, 2024
I listened to the audio while on a road trip. The story kept me engaged enough. It takes place in the Smokey mountains of Tennessee, which is where I was driving home from, so it was easy to picture the setting. The story starts as the civil war is wrapping up. It tells about a girl who is dealing with loss and grief while trying to keep her homestead going. It is a sweet love story that is clean. It is very predictable, but I appreciated there weren’t any bouts of drama with her love interest that were unnecessary.
November 11, 2020
I really like these types of historical fictions, where you learn about a time period and location, but it has a really intriguing story to go with it. This was civil war and post war time period. It is sad to think of the hatred between North and South. The only thing I didn't like, I think it needed an epilogue, like 5-10 yrs in the future. Great read. Some mystery, romance, history... my kind of book :)
June 19, 2017
This was a fun read set in civil war Tennessee. Tally is a spunky girl who has lived her whole life in whisper hollow, so many things happen in the book that kept me reading and wanting more, I hope there is a sequel?? Cole was a wonderful man for Tally and I'd love to read more about their journey to Virginia and the life they build there.
June 22, 2020
3 1/2 stars - The effect of the Civil War on the lives of those on both sides is an important element in this novel. Whether one fought or not, which ever side one supported, whoever survived or not, male and female alike suffered one way or another because of the war. It took strength of body and mind to survive, and to learn to trust and to love.
April 7, 2021
I love Carol Warburton’s books and this one was no exception set at the end of the Civil War in the Tennessee Smoky mountains... this book has all the feels as Tally & her mother survive in such harsh conditions after losing their father/husband. Loved Cole her knight in shining armor who helps to alleviate her burdens. But Tally is spunky and fierce and in many instances saves herself.
August 13, 2025
Not sure exactly where in America in the south this took place. Or at least was supposed to take place. I had a hard time with a visual. Storyline was good. And I liked that the mom kept correcting her grammar.
I can’t even imagine having to eek out my living on the land and eating the same thing every day.
I can’t even imagine having to eek out my living on the land and eating the same thing every day.
June 26, 2017
Civil War rebels find Whisper Hollow and forever change the lives of Talitha Spencer and her mother. (I like the name Talitha!) They'll find mountain women courage to build a life without their blessed loved ones, but suspicion and tension will remain.
August 6, 2017
I hate reading the back cover of books lately --it gives too much away-- so I had no idea what this book was going to be about. It was definitely different than I expected and I was pleasantly surprised by the character of the protagonist.
May 4, 2024
My favorite part of this book is the love for the glorious Tennessee wilderness that shines in each chapter. This story took me back in time when people worked hard to scrape a living out of the rocky soil and survived with the hell of neighbors and friends.
March 30, 2019
I like this book. It is delightful, charming and enjoyable. A sweet mountain love story.
September 19, 2019
I was going to give this 4 stars until the ending- sappy but sweet, drawn out like Bilbo going to live with the elves at the end of the Lord of the Rings movies. Still a very good read!
April 26, 2020
interesting.
October 21, 2020
I love Carol Warburton. This wasn't my favorite book of hers. There was a lot of sadness in this one, and it just felt heavier than I prefer.
October 28, 2020
It was initially tough to get drawn in, but once I was, I really enjoyed the setting and story line.
December 27, 2020
This book was so good. I don’t know why it has just 4 stores. I would give it more stars if I could.
April 6, 2021
This was a enjoyable book. The characters were engaging and drew me in. I was wrapped into the feel of the smoky mountains. Well done Carol Warburton.
January 13, 2022
I great story. I enjoyed it. A few tense moments. Abrupt ending, it needed a good finish. Where's the rest?
October 3, 2022
Pros:
◇Well written
◇Great Audiobook Narrator 🎧📚
Cons:
◇Heavier then I prefer
⚠️TW:
Pg13
War
Violence
◇Well written
◇Great Audiobook Narrator 🎧📚
Cons:
◇Heavier then I prefer
⚠️TW:
Pg13
War
Violence
December 24, 2022
Ugh. I checked this out twice because it was so blah I didn't remember it. Most of what Covenant publishes drives me nuts with shallow characters and Hallmark movie storylines.
July 27, 2025
Zero stars
September 12, 2025
Very good!!!
April 27, 2023
One of Mom's read-alouds.
January 8, 2012
Awesome book that depicts the struggles and dangers that face women during the civil war. Although, marriage seems to be the logical solution to some hardships for woman, one woman, Tally or Talitha Evangeline Spencer, holds strong to her hearts desire to only marry for love, like her parents.
Tally has had her parents loving example all through her life. Her father a talented furniture maker,captured the heart of her mother, a gentile woman, well off and married her bringing her back to Whisper Hollow. Whisper Hollow is a remote paradise in the mountains, but to Tally's mother is was a hardship she was willing to undertake because she loved her husband. When her husband decides to hide is a cave rather than go against him belief of killing in the war, he leaves his beautiful wife and daughter defenseless against the rebels and bushwhackers. Some come and take their horse, chickens and food, but when some men don't agree with the terms, 2 men decide to come back and get what they want. Tally's father is killed, mother is traumatized, leaving her at age 18 in charge. She steps up to the challenge and even welcomes help from their good friend Ollie (who has come back from the war) and his aunt and uncle. When Tally refuses his marriage proposal he is hurt and stops his assistance.
This is when the former Yankee soldier, Cole Blakely comes back to check on his relations cabin. Tally has an instant connection to Cole and him to her. He helps them on the farm, but the towns people are still at war with the people that fought on different sides. they try to harm Cole and tally comes to his aid. She answers yes to his proposal and is even willing to leave a home she loves to be with him taking her mother with them on the long hall to become a doctor.
Tally has had her parents loving example all through her life. Her father a talented furniture maker,captured the heart of her mother, a gentile woman, well off and married her bringing her back to Whisper Hollow. Whisper Hollow is a remote paradise in the mountains, but to Tally's mother is was a hardship she was willing to undertake because she loved her husband. When her husband decides to hide is a cave rather than go against him belief of killing in the war, he leaves his beautiful wife and daughter defenseless against the rebels and bushwhackers. Some come and take their horse, chickens and food, but when some men don't agree with the terms, 2 men decide to come back and get what they want. Tally's father is killed, mother is traumatized, leaving her at age 18 in charge. She steps up to the challenge and even welcomes help from their good friend Ollie (who has come back from the war) and his aunt and uncle. When Tally refuses his marriage proposal he is hurt and stops his assistance.
This is when the former Yankee soldier, Cole Blakely comes back to check on his relations cabin. Tally has an instant connection to Cole and him to her. He helps them on the farm, but the towns people are still at war with the people that fought on different sides. they try to harm Cole and tally comes to his aid. She answers yes to his proposal and is even willing to leave a home she loves to be with him taking her mother with them on the long hall to become a doctor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2012
I don’t recall ever reading a book that takes place in the Smoky Mountains before Whisper Hollow. The author did a great job with the setting, using descriptions that brought detail to my mind without weighing down the story. Whisper Hollow has character and personality all its own. Combine the beautiful location with interesting and memorable characters during one of the country’s most defining time periods and you get the unexpected pleasure that is Whisper Hollow.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure how I felt about Whisper Hollow at first. The book started a bit slow and didn’t pick up for me until page 80 or so. After that point, however, I was swept into the story and am so glad I stuck with it. I was pulled into a tale of sorrow and triumph, struggle and victory, prejudice and forgiveness, hatred and love. Not only did I enjoy the characters, location, and storyline while I read the book, it persisted with me for several days afterward.
As far as characters, there were many I really liked, a few I was ambivalent toward, and some that I simply couldn’t stand. I enjoyed the growth I witnessed in the main character. I adored her father, never really connected with her mother, and experienced fear and love right along with Tally. There were a few points in the story that I expected to go a certain way and was pleasantly surprised when they didn’t quite turn out like I thought they would. I was satisfied with the end and found myself hoping for a chance to visit Whisper Hollow again.
While I was unsure at first, I now gladly put Whisper Hollow on my bookshelf and look forward to reading it again in the future. Readers who like historical novels with depth and emotion will enjoy Whisper Hollow.
Review originally published on www.ldswbr.com
To be honest, I wasn’t sure how I felt about Whisper Hollow at first. The book started a bit slow and didn’t pick up for me until page 80 or so. After that point, however, I was swept into the story and am so glad I stuck with it. I was pulled into a tale of sorrow and triumph, struggle and victory, prejudice and forgiveness, hatred and love. Not only did I enjoy the characters, location, and storyline while I read the book, it persisted with me for several days afterward.
As far as characters, there were many I really liked, a few I was ambivalent toward, and some that I simply couldn’t stand. I enjoyed the growth I witnessed in the main character. I adored her father, never really connected with her mother, and experienced fear and love right along with Tally. There were a few points in the story that I expected to go a certain way and was pleasantly surprised when they didn’t quite turn out like I thought they would. I was satisfied with the end and found myself hoping for a chance to visit Whisper Hollow again.
While I was unsure at first, I now gladly put Whisper Hollow on my bookshelf and look forward to reading it again in the future. Readers who like historical novels with depth and emotion will enjoy Whisper Hollow.
Review originally published on www.ldswbr.com
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews