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Whispers in the Forest
An ancient secret. A heartbroken girl. One unforgettable journey.
Fifteen-year-old Adeline Bigsby is living her best life in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. She’s the top athlete at her high school and her fun-loving personality is impossible to ignore.
But when tragedy strikes, it turns her life upside down.
In an instant, Adeline loses everything and is forced to start over in a new place that she refuses to call home. Crushed by heartbreak, Adeline no longer has any hope that things will get better and nothing about her new life is reassuring.
Until she stumbles upon an ancient mystery hidden in the forest.
With the help of new friends, Adeline embarks on a journey that challenges her to discover who she truly is and what she is capable of. Through impossible trials and experiencing the miraculous firsthand, she discovers there is much more to life than what she can see and understand.
Fifteen-year-old Adeline Bigsby is living her best life in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. She’s the top athlete at her high school and her fun-loving personality is impossible to ignore.
But when tragedy strikes, it turns her life upside down.
In an instant, Adeline loses everything and is forced to start over in a new place that she refuses to call home. Crushed by heartbreak, Adeline no longer has any hope that things will get better and nothing about her new life is reassuring.
Until she stumbles upon an ancient mystery hidden in the forest.
With the help of new friends, Adeline embarks on a journey that challenges her to discover who she truly is and what she is capable of. Through impossible trials and experiencing the miraculous firsthand, she discovers there is much more to life than what she can see and understand.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2024
36 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Mowery
2 books10 followersElizabeth Mowery is an avid writer who has a passion for creating exciting stories that capture the imagination of her readers. She lives in the foothills of North Carolina, where she loves spending time with her family and friends. When she isn’t writing, she can be found enjoying the simple pleasures in life—a hot cup of coffee, the fresh air of the outdoors, and a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 26, 2024
A magical escape
This was a great, little, wholesome escape from reality, and I was able to polish it all off on a lazy Sunday. I love the troubled, young lead and all of her adventures to a magical world, not so far away. The setting was wonderfully described, and the characters are well-developed. I can’t wait to read more books in this series.
This was a great, little, wholesome escape from reality, and I was able to polish it all off on a lazy Sunday. I love the troubled, young lead and all of her adventures to a magical world, not so far away. The setting was wonderfully described, and the characters are well-developed. I can’t wait to read more books in this series.
July 5, 2024
The writing is descriptive and engaging with very good details. I enjoyed reading this book.
July 28, 2025
The Unforgettable Tales of Adeline Bigsby is a YA Fantasy novel by Elizabeth Mowery. The book tells the story of Adeline Bigsby, a teenager who’s life tragically impacted by an unpredictable event that leads her family to move to Black Mountain, North Carolina.
The story begins with setting the characters’ relationship, peaceful and comfortable setting at Sunset Beach, NC. Tragedy occurs disrupting Adeline’s life that drastically changes her personality, relationships, and settings. I won’t be giving too many details on which relationships or details to give away from the story in this review. However, I will point out that I wasn’t expecting the incident and was fully mind-blown with what a small but impactful thing can do to a person’s life. Mowery displayed this with ease and realistic character traits which moved me into finding out what happens next for Adeline.
Six months later, Adeline and family are moving to Black Mountain, North Carolina. Quickly told the impact of the previous tragedy affecting Adeline’s personality, relationships with relatives, and her hope to live. The tragedy took from Adeline far more than leaving her in questioning her reason for living. I want to compliment Mowery again for this realistic behavior because it was portrayed perfectly in how I’d feel someone would react in this traumatic situation.
Upon Adeline’s arrival at her new home, things quickly escalated leading Adeline to separate herself temporarily to reset. While exploring the new home and outdoors, Adeline comes across a portal to a different realm. This realm is where a new adventure begins taking over the theme of the story. An enchanting and exhilarating adventure when Adeline meets new friends.
Each visit to this realm leaves us with questions and curiosity. Adeline quickly bonds with three new acquaintances and immediately feels something that she hadn’t felt in months. Mowery clearly has an eye for outdoor adventures and was fully displayed during these parts. Every description of this realm was magical in its own right and intrigued me to read more.
With this being said and to not giving too many details, I want to also compliment that this storyline truly was mind-blowing to read. My fingertips were on the edge of each page, ready to flip, excited and curious to read what happens next. The morale of the story and seeing Adeline’s character develop strongly was displayed greatly.
Overall, I do recommend this for pre-teens and teenagers to read if interested in adventures. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book once released. I do feel that readers will enjoy the characters, storyline, and overall feeling as if in the magical realm.
Now to mention the bad, Mowery did an excellent job in describing details to the point some areas were following alongside Adeline. My biggest issue with some of the relationships displayed was the lack of scenes to fully get the effect of Adeline and that person’s interaction. It was told and not shown which pulled me away from the character trait portrayed. The other issue was seeing the reason of some “adventures” that were described. The realm was perfectly described as far as setting, lacking its reason for existence. This made it hard for me to grasp the adventures as I was only told. Other than those couple of things, I really did enjoy the novel and didn’t want to put it down.
If you enjoy reading outdoor magical realms then this may be the story for you. The different plot twists and adventures kept the page turning novel exciting. I do look forward to book two and can’t wait to read the next adventure of Adeline Bigsby.
You can check out The Unforgettable Tales of Adeline Bigsby by Elizabeth Mowery at: https://a.co/d/fDe5SDB
The story begins with setting the characters’ relationship, peaceful and comfortable setting at Sunset Beach, NC. Tragedy occurs disrupting Adeline’s life that drastically changes her personality, relationships, and settings. I won’t be giving too many details on which relationships or details to give away from the story in this review. However, I will point out that I wasn’t expecting the incident and was fully mind-blown with what a small but impactful thing can do to a person’s life. Mowery displayed this with ease and realistic character traits which moved me into finding out what happens next for Adeline.
Six months later, Adeline and family are moving to Black Mountain, North Carolina. Quickly told the impact of the previous tragedy affecting Adeline’s personality, relationships with relatives, and her hope to live. The tragedy took from Adeline far more than leaving her in questioning her reason for living. I want to compliment Mowery again for this realistic behavior because it was portrayed perfectly in how I’d feel someone would react in this traumatic situation.
Upon Adeline’s arrival at her new home, things quickly escalated leading Adeline to separate herself temporarily to reset. While exploring the new home and outdoors, Adeline comes across a portal to a different realm. This realm is where a new adventure begins taking over the theme of the story. An enchanting and exhilarating adventure when Adeline meets new friends.
Each visit to this realm leaves us with questions and curiosity. Adeline quickly bonds with three new acquaintances and immediately feels something that she hadn’t felt in months. Mowery clearly has an eye for outdoor adventures and was fully displayed during these parts. Every description of this realm was magical in its own right and intrigued me to read more.
With this being said and to not giving too many details, I want to also compliment that this storyline truly was mind-blowing to read. My fingertips were on the edge of each page, ready to flip, excited and curious to read what happens next. The morale of the story and seeing Adeline’s character develop strongly was displayed greatly.
Overall, I do recommend this for pre-teens and teenagers to read if interested in adventures. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book once released. I do feel that readers will enjoy the characters, storyline, and overall feeling as if in the magical realm.
Now to mention the bad, Mowery did an excellent job in describing details to the point some areas were following alongside Adeline. My biggest issue with some of the relationships displayed was the lack of scenes to fully get the effect of Adeline and that person’s interaction. It was told and not shown which pulled me away from the character trait portrayed. The other issue was seeing the reason of some “adventures” that were described. The realm was perfectly described as far as setting, lacking its reason for existence. This made it hard for me to grasp the adventures as I was only told. Other than those couple of things, I really did enjoy the novel and didn’t want to put it down.
If you enjoy reading outdoor magical realms then this may be the story for you. The different plot twists and adventures kept the page turning novel exciting. I do look forward to book two and can’t wait to read the next adventure of Adeline Bigsby.
You can check out The Unforgettable Tales of Adeline Bigsby by Elizabeth Mowery at: https://a.co/d/fDe5SDB
August 8, 2025
The Unforgettable Tales of Adeline Bigsby: Whispers of in the Forest is the first book of a Young Adult series by Elizabeth Mowery. Adeline moves from the beach to Black Mountain, a small town in Western North Carolina. Filled with guilt over possibly causing her father’s death, the move to her new home is contentious and emotionally difficult. Expecting to hate her new home and still reeling over her father’s death, Addie is forced to create a new life for herself in an unfamiliar and strange place. Addie is naturally a curious girl. She becomes fascinated with a huge forest that is located behind her new home. A fence with a padlocked gate piques her curiosity when she gets a chance to explore the back of her house. She enters a magical, timeless world where befriends people that may or may not actually live in the woods. With the help of her new acquaintances that share a cabin in the middle of the forest, Adeline learns more about her strengths and gains confidence while facing adverse situations. Her resolve and self-worth are tested no thanks to a dark, evil villain named Raylock who wants to destroy her. This book was enjoyable. I am looking forward to more from Mowery.
May 3, 2024
"The Unforgettable Tales of Adeline Bigsby" is an absolute page-turner, weaving together elements of suspense and the supernatural with masterful storytelling. From the very first page, I found myself completely engrossed in Adeline Bigsby's world, unable to tear myself away. The author's skillful blend of suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating each twist and turn.
What truly set this book apart for me was its ability to make the storyline relatable. Despite the fantastical elements, I found myself connecting with some of the characters and their experiences on a personal level. This added depth and resonance to the narrative, making it all the more immersive.
As I eagerly await the release of Book 2, I can't help but reflect on the impact "The Unforgettable Tales of Adeline Bigsby" has had on me. It's rare to come across a book that combines thrilling storytelling with such relatable characters, and I have no doubt that the next installment will be just as captivating.
What truly set this book apart for me was its ability to make the storyline relatable. Despite the fantastical elements, I found myself connecting with some of the characters and their experiences on a personal level. This added depth and resonance to the narrative, making it all the more immersive.
As I eagerly await the release of Book 2, I can't help but reflect on the impact "The Unforgettable Tales of Adeline Bigsby" has had on me. It's rare to come across a book that combines thrilling storytelling with such relatable characters, and I have no doubt that the next installment will be just as captivating.
January 5, 2025
A Magical Path to Courage and Self Discovery
This enchanting tale of Adeline Bigsby enlists a fantasy world of imagination combined with emotional depth. The adventure of Adeline, from a tragedy to an adventure, is both sentimental and relatable. It is in the forest's hidden mystery that the personal growth of a young lady would reveal strength, courage, and forgiveness. From loyal friends to challenging foes, each character brings life to this tale of meaning at every turn.
I loved especially how magical was intertwined with the real-life struggle, and in such a manner created a blend between fantasy and discovery of one's self. The pace keeps you engrossed until the end, which leaves so many questions unanswered that automatically make you curious about what continues in the series. Wonderful read for all ages.
This enchanting tale of Adeline Bigsby enlists a fantasy world of imagination combined with emotional depth. The adventure of Adeline, from a tragedy to an adventure, is both sentimental and relatable. It is in the forest's hidden mystery that the personal growth of a young lady would reveal strength, courage, and forgiveness. From loyal friends to challenging foes, each character brings life to this tale of meaning at every turn.
I loved especially how magical was intertwined with the real-life struggle, and in such a manner created a blend between fantasy and discovery of one's self. The pace keeps you engrossed until the end, which leaves so many questions unanswered that automatically make you curious about what continues in the series. Wonderful read for all ages.
January 22, 2025
Immersive story. (Second time read)
Adeline captivated me from start to finish. The storyline was engaging and highly imaginative, and Adeline's journey kept me glued to the pages. I was fully immersed in the narrative. This is truly a fantastic read for all.
Adeline captivated me from the very first page, drawing me into a world rich with vivid imagery and intricate details. The storyline unfolded with an engaging flow, brimming with imagination and creativity that sparked my curiosity at every turn. Adeline’s journey was a rollercoaster of emotions, taking me on a thrilling ride filled with unexpected twists and heartfelt moments that kept me glued to the pages. I found myself fully immersed in the narrative as if I were experiencing her adventures alongside her. This captivating tale is truly a great read that promises to enchant anyone who picks it up.
Adeline captivated me from start to finish. The storyline was engaging and highly imaginative, and Adeline's journey kept me glued to the pages. I was fully immersed in the narrative. This is truly a fantastic read for all.
Adeline captivated me from the very first page, drawing me into a world rich with vivid imagery and intricate details. The storyline unfolded with an engaging flow, brimming with imagination and creativity that sparked my curiosity at every turn. Adeline’s journey was a rollercoaster of emotions, taking me on a thrilling ride filled with unexpected twists and heartfelt moments that kept me glued to the pages. I found myself fully immersed in the narrative as if I were experiencing her adventures alongside her. This captivating tale is truly a great read that promises to enchant anyone who picks it up.
July 10, 2024
Touching journey to self-forgiveness
This magical tale of young Adeline Bigsby, who blames herself for her father’s death, is a touching journey to self-forgiveness. Finding herself in a new home with a magical gateway to a whole other world in her backyard, Adeline finds friendship, challenges, the gift of courage, a horse to call her own, a nemesis, Ralock, determined to make her life difficult and much more, all while trying to juggle the challenges of a new school.
For me, this story was a delightful blend of Harry Potter and the Magic Faraway Tree, two of my all-time favourites, and I found it absolutely enchanting.
Beautifully written and edited, adults and children alike will enjoy Adeline’s journey, and I hope the writer produces more magical adventures in the future.
This magical tale of young Adeline Bigsby, who blames herself for her father’s death, is a touching journey to self-forgiveness. Finding herself in a new home with a magical gateway to a whole other world in her backyard, Adeline finds friendship, challenges, the gift of courage, a horse to call her own, a nemesis, Ralock, determined to make her life difficult and much more, all while trying to juggle the challenges of a new school.
For me, this story was a delightful blend of Harry Potter and the Magic Faraway Tree, two of my all-time favourites, and I found it absolutely enchanting.
Beautifully written and edited, adults and children alike will enjoy Adeline’s journey, and I hope the writer produces more magical adventures in the future.
April 23, 2024
I truly loved this book! My favorite books have always been the ones that use fables and fantasy in order to teach wisdom. Even though they are "fiction" they are so relatable to what many of us battle in our day to day lives. I know I can confirm this in my own personal life. Similar to "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. There are so many quotes by the characters and instances within the novel that sent chills up and down my spine. That's when you know divine truth is setting in. It's impossible not to visualize all that is going on and I can absolutely see this on the big screen one day. I look forward to seeing what the next part of this series has in store!
August 27, 2024
Hoy me encuentro leyendo este fascinante libro que contiene piesas que se adaptan a muchas áreas de mi vida, y que estoy segura, también se adaptarán a la vida de cualquier lector. Este libro no solo me entretuvo pero también fue un poderoso instrumento que Dios usó para ayudarme a sobre pasar muchas cosas en mi vida personal. Estoy muy agradecida con Dios por el gran honor que me ha dado de conocer a Elizabeth y a su familia personalmente. Son un tremendo instrumento espiritual que Dios usa para tocar los corazones a sus alrededores.
Te desafío a leér este libro, buscar dentro de ti mismo y dejar que tú mente y tú vida sea renovada por medio de la historia de Adeline.
Te desafío a leér este libro, buscar dentro de ti mismo y dejar que tú mente y tú vida sea renovada por medio de la historia de Adeline.
July 9, 2025
🎬✨ Book Rec Alert! ✨📚
If you love heartfelt fantasy with a strong female lead, The Unforgettable Tales of Adeline Bigsby by Elizabeth Mowery needs to be on your radar!
Adeline is dealing with major grief and guilt when she stumbles on a magical portal hidden in the forest 🌲💫—and what follows is a powerful journey of healing, bravery, and self-discovery.
Think Narnia meets Bridge to Terabithia with a dash of emotional depth and just enough magic to keep you hooked. I couldn’t put it down!
Perfect for teens or anyone who loves a good fantasy adventure with real heart. 💔➡️❤️
#YAFantasy #BookTok #AdelineBigsby #GriefToGrowth #MagicForestReads #TikTokReads #EmotionalReads
If you love heartfelt fantasy with a strong female lead, The Unforgettable Tales of Adeline Bigsby by Elizabeth Mowery needs to be on your radar!
Adeline is dealing with major grief and guilt when she stumbles on a magical portal hidden in the forest 🌲💫—and what follows is a powerful journey of healing, bravery, and self-discovery.
Think Narnia meets Bridge to Terabithia with a dash of emotional depth and just enough magic to keep you hooked. I couldn’t put it down!
Perfect for teens or anyone who loves a good fantasy adventure with real heart. 💔➡️❤️
#YAFantasy #BookTok #AdelineBigsby #GriefToGrowth #MagicForestReads #TikTokReads #EmotionalReads
November 16, 2024
Fascinating Tale
With well defined and nuanced characters, and a riveting and believable plot, this magical tale of young Adeline Bigsby is a journey to self-forgiveness for a girl who blames herself for the death of a parent.
There's some magical elements, but they kind of work. I usually stop reading when such "magic" crops up in a book. The writing here was compelling enough to keep me reading.
Clearly there will be a part two, and I will read it.
Good jazz that hits just right.
With well defined and nuanced characters, and a riveting and believable plot, this magical tale of young Adeline Bigsby is a journey to self-forgiveness for a girl who blames herself for the death of a parent.
There's some magical elements, but they kind of work. I usually stop reading when such "magic" crops up in a book. The writing here was compelling enough to keep me reading.
Clearly there will be a part two, and I will read it.
Good jazz that hits just right.
January 8, 2026
I wanted to love this book more. The writing is beautiful, and I loved the fun characters in her magical getaway. I love that she learned to forgive herself and find courage to put herself in uncomfortable situations (driving). I appreciate she no longer blamed herself
But I wanted more, and maybe that comes with the rest of the series. I wanted more about the forest's, and it's inhabitant's histories. I wanted her to have more courage to fight against Ralock and complete the trials on her own. There was more hand holding than I wanted.
It wasn't for me. 2.5/5
But I wanted more, and maybe that comes with the rest of the series. I wanted more about the forest's, and it's inhabitant's histories. I wanted her to have more courage to fight against Ralock and complete the trials on her own. There was more hand holding than I wanted.
It wasn't for me. 2.5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2024
very thrilling and adventurous!!!
Adeline is such a fantastic character! She's a warrior princess who goes on exciting adventures. I loved following her story, especially in Chapter 34. In that chapter, she has a dramatic fight with a new weapon that has jewels on the handle, and she gets hurt. Jesse, her loyal friend, stays by her side. The ending is great and leaves me curious about what will happen in the next book. Overall, it's a story full of imagination and adventure.
Adeline is such a fantastic character! She's a warrior princess who goes on exciting adventures. I loved following her story, especially in Chapter 34. In that chapter, she has a dramatic fight with a new weapon that has jewels on the handle, and she gets hurt. Jesse, her loyal friend, stays by her side. The ending is great and leaves me curious about what will happen in the next book. Overall, it's a story full of imagination and adventure.
September 20, 2024
This is a very creative book about Adeline Bigsby, the main character. At the beginning of the book, she was driving and got into a car accident, which killed her father, who was in the passenger seat. She endured the guilt and burden of it. There are many life lessons, and the adventures she went on made the book a pleasure to read. It is well-written and the reader is easily pulled into her world to go on various adventures with her.
September 23, 2024
Elizabeth Mowery did a beautiful job writing about a young girl who discovers things about herself and a fantastical world just beyond her backyard! The main characters are well-thought-out and are ones anyone would love to encounter. Some parts of the story had me on the edge of my seat.
I'm looking forward to the second installment to see what happens to Addie next.
Thanks for the magical trip!
I'm looking forward to the second installment to see what happens to Addie next.
Thanks for the magical trip!
September 30, 2024
Great and fantastical coming-of-age story about a girl who struggling to adjust and stumbles upon a mysterious portal in the woods that takes her on an incredible journey of self-discovery. Hits all the notes of what made Harry Potter so good - heartwarming lessons of courage and forgiveness, adventure, friendship, and interesting adversaries. Great read. Can't wait for the next book in the series!
April 3, 2024
I am an avid reader and love stories that draw me in and are not predictable from the start. Elizabeth Mowery has the ability to give you just enough detail to let your imagination take flight as you read. I can not wait for the next book and to go on another adventure with the characters! I will be recommending this to my friends and their teenagers!
June 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this book that manages to be somehow both cozy and action-packed. The first 2/3rds were about the MC slowly discovering her new surroundings, with some hints of trouble afoot. And then she gets plunged into the midst of adventure and has to learn to be brave — with the help of her new friends, of course. Very well-written and a fun read. :-)
July 3, 2024
The path to self-forgiveness is courage
I can’t even imagine Adeline’s pain. Not just because of her loss, but also because of the amount of personal responsibility she assumed upon herself. so does it matter that her new “friends” are part mythical so long as they help in finally bringing her not only closure but courage?
I can’t even imagine Adeline’s pain. Not just because of her loss, but also because of the amount of personal responsibility she assumed upon herself. so does it matter that her new “friends” are part mythical so long as they help in finally bringing her not only closure but courage?
February 21, 2025
As one who was moved as a teen to a place I really didn't want to be, I can relate to a teen's drifting into a fantasy world in her back yard, a place where one can create great food at will, etc. It turns out to have world-class bad guys in it too but fortunately she finds the resources to deal with it. It's good for a teen fantasy book.
July 24, 2025
I loved Whispers in the Forest (The Unforgettable Tales of Adeline Bigsby Book 1)!Adeline's journey through tough times and finding herself really touched my heart. The mix of fun, adventure, and emotion kept me turning pages. I felt like I was right there with her in the magical world. This is a great read for anyone who enjoys a warm and friendly story.
April 1, 2024
Great book for all ages! I honestly couldn't put it down, and I'm not even a huge fiction person. If you're looking for something imaginative and creative, this is the book for you. Can't wait for the 2nd book.
April 9, 2024
This is the most intriguing book I have read in a long time! I absolutely could not put it down! Adeline and Jesse are my favorite characters, adventurous and wonderful characters! I can’t wait on the next book in this series.
April 25, 2024
What a good book! An easy read that kept my attention throughout. It was a great page turner and hard to put down! I thought the characters were well developed and fun to watch grow and change and learn. Definitely can’t wait for the next one! This is a book that adult or teen will love!
May 12, 2024
awesome read!
Avid reader of fantasy books and this was written wonderfully. Adeline comes out strong against all odds and with an epic climax. Great strong characters and am Looking forward to the next in the series.
Avid reader of fantasy books and this was written wonderfully. Adeline comes out strong against all odds and with an epic climax. Great strong characters and am Looking forward to the next in the series.
July 22, 2024
Wonderful Story
“Whispers in the Forest” Is Oak one of the series. This story has so much adventure and fun. The characters are well developed and interesting. I was drawn into the story and couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to the next book of the series. Great job!
“Whispers in the Forest” Is Oak one of the series. This story has so much adventure and fun. The characters are well developed and interesting. I was drawn into the story and couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to the next book of the series. Great job!
August 6, 2024
The main character in this book is only a teen, but I found myself relating to her all the same. Something tragic happens to her early in the book and the story launches from there.
The writing is elegant and easy to follow.
It has some magical intrigue as well. Good read, will definitely recommend it to others!!
The writing is elegant and easy to follow.
It has some magical intrigue as well. Good read, will definitely recommend it to others!!
August 15, 2024
Looking forward to Book 2!
A thoroughly enjoyable YA adult story. I really enjoyed the way in which the world was constructed. The characters are a hoot and the story moves a long at quick a lick. Perfect for the audience and I will be looking out for the second one!
A thoroughly enjoyable YA adult story. I really enjoyed the way in which the world was constructed. The characters are a hoot and the story moves a long at quick a lick. Perfect for the audience and I will be looking out for the second one!
September 8, 2024
cannot wait for book two!
cannot wait for book two
I adore short and concise chapters
There’s depth to the main character and pleasant dialogue and a whirlwind of a story that snaps along at a great pace
cannot wait for book two
I adore short and concise chapters
There’s depth to the main character and pleasant dialogue and a whirlwind of a story that snaps along at a great pace
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews