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The Hearts in Winter Chronicles #2
When the Words are Spoken
alternate cover edition for ASIN:B00DZC6O96
NOTE TO READERS: THIS IS A STEAMY ROMANCE. CONTAINS EXPLICIT SEX SCENES
Sunshine woman, banishing night
From all around you,
Shine your glorious smile
On this one dark soul.
With those lines, Dr. Michael Burke attempted to express his years' long adoration for his colleague and former student, Sheridan Murphy.
Not content to be worshiped from afar, Sheridan urges her beloved to turn their unrequited passion into a blazing romance.
But will their love be able to survive the secrets each one is keeping from the other, or will their dream of a happily ever after eventually crumble under the weight of their tragic histories?
Because when the words are spoken, there's no going back.
NOTE TO READERS: THIS IS A STEAMY ROMANCE. CONTAINS EXPLICIT SEX SCENES
Sunshine woman, banishing night
From all around you,
Shine your glorious smile
On this one dark soul.
With those lines, Dr. Michael Burke attempted to express his years' long adoration for his colleague and former student, Sheridan Murphy.
Not content to be worshiped from afar, Sheridan urges her beloved to turn their unrequited passion into a blazing romance.
But will their love be able to survive the secrets each one is keeping from the other, or will their dream of a happily ever after eventually crumble under the weight of their tragic histories?
Because when the words are spoken, there's no going back.
Unknown Binding
First published December 2, 2013
About the author
Simone Beaudelaire
86 books75 followersHello, I am Simone Beaudelaire, author of romance, horror and women's fiction.
I have published over 30 works, most with my publisher, Next Chapter.
In real life, I'm a wife, mother, and full-time instructor of College Composition, Literature, and Creative Writing.
I have published over 30 works, most with my publisher, Next Chapter.
In real life, I'm a wife, mother, and full-time instructor of College Composition, Literature, and Creative Writing.
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January 4, 2015
Well, I finally found some quiet time during the holidays to finish reading When the Words are Spoken by Simone Beaudelaire. This particular title is Book 2 in The Hearts in Winter Chronicles and it was certainly a fitting read for this time of the year. While this is the second compilation in what appears to be a four book series – it is still a stand-alone read. Each book in The Hearts in Winter Chronicles seems to focus on two specific people and their subsequent journey: overcoming obstacles from earlier years, growing closer to each other, eventually falling in love and then embarking upon their own version of ‘happily ever after.’
In When the Words are Spoken, Beaudelaire breathes life into two fictional characters: Sheridan Murphy and Dr. Michael Burke. And yet are they really fictional? These two protagonists have experienced some of the same hurtful pasts that many of us in the ‘non-fictional’ world either currently struggle with, or have struggled with in the past. Hmm – there’s some food for thought.
So, let's start with Sheridan. A beauty of a woman (both inside and out), but she's haunted by a violence in her past. Refusing to be defined by the experience, she hides her fears behind a sunny personality. Oh, and by the way, she’s also been in love with Michael (now a colleague of hers) for the past eight years – ever since she first sat down as a student in his Sophomore Writing Class.
Visually (for those familiar with the Harry Potter movies) Michael is somewhat of a cross between Professor Snape and maybe Jerry Lewis (Nutty Professor c. 1963). Good thing that Sheridan can see through his exterior, to the man Michael is on the interior. Of course, Michael himself isn’t without the experiences of a struggle-filled childhood. Because of this, he’s ‘shy’ and boy, is that ever the understatement-of-the-year.
Sheridan eventually realizes that if there is ever to be anything more than just harmless flirting between the two of them, she will need to make the first move. Eight years, coupled with growing impatience, allows Sheridan to push away her past so that she can tell Michael how she really feels about him. Now the only thing she’s stressing about is the possibility of his rejection. Luckily, the latter never materializes and Sheridan and Michael start down the relationship road – making certain to take things very, very, very slowly.
I won't provide any more of the story in my review, but When the Words are Spoken was an endearing read. Were it a TV drama, it would most assuredly be found on the Hallmark channel – a medium where everything always works out and happy endings are the norm.
As far as the writing, Beaudelaire is a good writer with a firm grasp and understanding of what it takes to create a romantic read. When the Words are spoken has everything a romance tale requires to allow it to be enjoyed by the (adult) romance reader. While the religious aspect (woven throughout the book in its entirety) was overmuch for my personal taste – I still enjoyed the tale nonethe¬less.
And finally, having personally experienced some of Sheridan’s struggles, I truly appreciated Beaudelaire’s desire to raise awareness about the abuse and/or mistreatment that many women have faced, and/or do face. For those who battle with the repercussions of mistreatment and/or abuse, it is so very important to maintain the knowledge that there is a better life on the not-too-distant horizon for each of you. While it may be difficult to see the ‘forest’ of this new (and much deserved) life due to the burden of its figurative ‘trees’ – it is exceptionally important to retain the faith within oneself that it is indeed there. Hopefully the sweet love story within When the Words are Spoken can be a reminder of this.
In When the Words are Spoken, Beaudelaire breathes life into two fictional characters: Sheridan Murphy and Dr. Michael Burke. And yet are they really fictional? These two protagonists have experienced some of the same hurtful pasts that many of us in the ‘non-fictional’ world either currently struggle with, or have struggled with in the past. Hmm – there’s some food for thought.
So, let's start with Sheridan. A beauty of a woman (both inside and out), but she's haunted by a violence in her past. Refusing to be defined by the experience, she hides her fears behind a sunny personality. Oh, and by the way, she’s also been in love with Michael (now a colleague of hers) for the past eight years – ever since she first sat down as a student in his Sophomore Writing Class.
Visually (for those familiar with the Harry Potter movies) Michael is somewhat of a cross between Professor Snape and maybe Jerry Lewis (Nutty Professor c. 1963). Good thing that Sheridan can see through his exterior, to the man Michael is on the interior. Of course, Michael himself isn’t without the experiences of a struggle-filled childhood. Because of this, he’s ‘shy’ and boy, is that ever the understatement-of-the-year.
Sheridan eventually realizes that if there is ever to be anything more than just harmless flirting between the two of them, she will need to make the first move. Eight years, coupled with growing impatience, allows Sheridan to push away her past so that she can tell Michael how she really feels about him. Now the only thing she’s stressing about is the possibility of his rejection. Luckily, the latter never materializes and Sheridan and Michael start down the relationship road – making certain to take things very, very, very slowly.
I won't provide any more of the story in my review, but When the Words are Spoken was an endearing read. Were it a TV drama, it would most assuredly be found on the Hallmark channel – a medium where everything always works out and happy endings are the norm.
As far as the writing, Beaudelaire is a good writer with a firm grasp and understanding of what it takes to create a romantic read. When the Words are spoken has everything a romance tale requires to allow it to be enjoyed by the (adult) romance reader. While the religious aspect (woven throughout the book in its entirety) was overmuch for my personal taste – I still enjoyed the tale nonethe¬less.
And finally, having personally experienced some of Sheridan’s struggles, I truly appreciated Beaudelaire’s desire to raise awareness about the abuse and/or mistreatment that many women have faced, and/or do face. For those who battle with the repercussions of mistreatment and/or abuse, it is so very important to maintain the knowledge that there is a better life on the not-too-distant horizon for each of you. While it may be difficult to see the ‘forest’ of this new (and much deserved) life due to the burden of its figurative ‘trees’ – it is exceptionally important to retain the faith within oneself that it is indeed there. Hopefully the sweet love story within When the Words are Spoken can be a reminder of this.
August 3, 2022
A Smart Romance!
This is the second book in the Hearts in Winter series and, just like the first, it is filled with heart-break and hope. It was nice to visit with characters I grew to love in the first book and to meet new characters to love as well. Though this book can certainly be read as a stand alone, I would recommend you read the series and in order. It will only serve to enhance your overall experience and to draw you into the world of the Murphy family!
Being a writer, I enjoyed the literary elements to this tale. It was a smart story and though I sometimes felt emotionally disengaged, it fit and made perfect sense. Simone creates such vivid characters that my own moments of disconnect seemed to parallel the awkwardness of Sheridan and Michael when the faced uncertain moments and seemed disengaged themselves. It was actually quite brilliant and it worked beautifully with the story. I felt more in tune with Sheridan and Michael because of it.
Another aspect I enjoyed was the role-reversals in the main protagonists. It was nice to see an empowered woman, assured of her love for a man she adores, take charge and teach him how beautiful life can be, especially considering the scars that marred them. Equally broken, Sheridan and Michael have their own strengths and weaknesses, but the greatest thing they have is their love. That is a powerful message.
This is the second book in the Hearts in Winter series and, just like the first, it is filled with heart-break and hope. It was nice to visit with characters I grew to love in the first book and to meet new characters to love as well. Though this book can certainly be read as a stand alone, I would recommend you read the series and in order. It will only serve to enhance your overall experience and to draw you into the world of the Murphy family!
Being a writer, I enjoyed the literary elements to this tale. It was a smart story and though I sometimes felt emotionally disengaged, it fit and made perfect sense. Simone creates such vivid characters that my own moments of disconnect seemed to parallel the awkwardness of Sheridan and Michael when the faced uncertain moments and seemed disengaged themselves. It was actually quite brilliant and it worked beautifully with the story. I felt more in tune with Sheridan and Michael because of it.
Another aspect I enjoyed was the role-reversals in the main protagonists. It was nice to see an empowered woman, assured of her love for a man she adores, take charge and teach him how beautiful life can be, especially considering the scars that marred them. Equally broken, Sheridan and Michael have their own strengths and weaknesses, but the greatest thing they have is their love. That is a powerful message.
April 22, 2025
Sheridan and Michael…
This must be at least five years after book 1, since Sean and Erin have four children. Sheridan has her masters degree in English and is teaching at the university she attended. Michael is her love interest and was her professor and mentor.
These two have been pining over each other for years. This is how they finally found the courage to be together. It’s a hard road for both of them due to the trauma each has endured.
Not quite as lovely as the first one, but still beautiful in its own way.
Oh, and at least one review mentioned the religious aspect and as a recovering Catholic, I have to say that being true to your faith, both author and the characters she writes, is pretty authentic. The author voiced a harsh outlook in book 1 when Sean’s mother, Ellen, was so mean and nasty about Erin marrying Sean in a civil ceremony. Ellen’s faith made her extremely dogmatic. That dogmatic attitude is why I’m a recovering Catholic…
This must be at least five years after book 1, since Sean and Erin have four children. Sheridan has her masters degree in English and is teaching at the university she attended. Michael is her love interest and was her professor and mentor.
These two have been pining over each other for years. This is how they finally found the courage to be together. It’s a hard road for both of them due to the trauma each has endured.
Not quite as lovely as the first one, but still beautiful in its own way.
Oh, and at least one review mentioned the religious aspect and as a recovering Catholic, I have to say that being true to your faith, both author and the characters she writes, is pretty authentic. The author voiced a harsh outlook in book 1 when Sean’s mother, Ellen, was so mean and nasty about Erin marrying Sean in a civil ceremony. Ellen’s faith made her extremely dogmatic. That dogmatic attitude is why I’m a recovering Catholic…
May 20, 2017
Wonderful
I loved the second book even more than the first, if that's possible. Great books. I can't wait to read the third book. I have already downloaded it. Thanks for the experience !!!!!
I loved the second book even more than the first, if that's possible. Great books. I can't wait to read the third book. I have already downloaded it. Thanks for the experience !!!!!
March 19, 2018
Perfect
Absolutely a deliciously slow, sensual, passionate, powerful, healing love story. A wonderfully touching story to end what started as a horrific, painful and devastating beginning.
Absolutely a deliciously slow, sensual, passionate, powerful, healing love story. A wonderfully touching story to end what started as a horrific, painful and devastating beginning.
June 6, 2014
Dr. Michael Burke attempted to express his years' long adoration for his colleague and former student, Sheridan Murphy.
Sheridan urges her beloved to turn their unrequited passion into a blazing romance.
I didn’t know if I was going to like the second book as much as the first but I ended up liking it so much more.
Once again, this story was a light and sweet romance. It truly makes for a relaxing read. One thing I enjoyed so much about this book was the pure innocence of both Sheridan and Michael.
They had both had such deep feelings for each other for 8 years but both were too shy to let the other know. When Sheridan finally gathered up the nerve to let Michael know her feelings, he couldn’t believe someone as wonderful as Sheridan could actually care for him.
He was always awkward and aloof. He didn’t know how to carry himself and all of the students and fellow colleagues thought he was just plain weird. Sheridan was the only one who could see the real him.
He had always found her attractive but for the first few years, wasn’t able to act on it because she was his student. And since she kept taking his classes (just to be near him) he was never able to say anything, plus he was so shy and he never imagined she could feel the same. They both had issues in the past that they were still trying to overcome but when they finally tell each other all the uncomfortable issues, then they are truly able to look towards the future. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
I would highly recommend this series!
** NOTE: this is a steamy romance and contains graphic sex scenes.
Sheridan urges her beloved to turn their unrequited passion into a blazing romance.
I didn’t know if I was going to like the second book as much as the first but I ended up liking it so much more.
Once again, this story was a light and sweet romance. It truly makes for a relaxing read. One thing I enjoyed so much about this book was the pure innocence of both Sheridan and Michael.
They had both had such deep feelings for each other for 8 years but both were too shy to let the other know. When Sheridan finally gathered up the nerve to let Michael know her feelings, he couldn’t believe someone as wonderful as Sheridan could actually care for him.
He was always awkward and aloof. He didn’t know how to carry himself and all of the students and fellow colleagues thought he was just plain weird. Sheridan was the only one who could see the real him.
He had always found her attractive but for the first few years, wasn’t able to act on it because she was his student. And since she kept taking his classes (just to be near him) he was never able to say anything, plus he was so shy and he never imagined she could feel the same. They both had issues in the past that they were still trying to overcome but when they finally tell each other all the uncomfortable issues, then they are truly able to look towards the future. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
I would highly recommend this series!
** NOTE: this is a steamy romance and contains graphic sex scenes.
July 17, 2020
2 star
Although I liked the main characters, this book did not work for me personally. It took a turn around halfway through where I kept feeling like the focus was more on lecturing me than showing what the characters were dealing with. I barely managed to persevere to the end because of this. Overall the vibe was odd. Although parts of the book were extremely sexual with unmarried partners, I felt like it was pushing a hard religious lecture against premarital intercourse and against abortion. Additionally some aspects of the writing style felt distancing to me, but even with a modification there, the middle and end would still have outweighed things.
Although I liked the main characters, this book did not work for me personally. It took a turn around halfway through where I kept feeling like the focus was more on lecturing me than showing what the characters were dealing with. I barely managed to persevere to the end because of this. Overall the vibe was odd. Although parts of the book were extremely sexual with unmarried partners, I felt like it was pushing a hard religious lecture against premarital intercourse and against abortion. Additionally some aspects of the writing style felt distancing to me, but even with a modification there, the middle and end would still have outweighed things.
June 14, 2015
It hurts to be hurt and it hurts to heal
This is a story about healing. How difficult the hurt process manifests itself in different people . The process of gentle healing and how much love helps the hurt but doesn't make it go away until you face those monster fears.
This is a story about healing. How difficult the hurt process manifests itself in different people . The process of gentle healing and how much love helps the hurt but doesn't make it go away until you face those monster fears.
January 1, 2015
SEE MY REVIEW ON MY BLOG ON GR
January 1, 2015
SEE MY REVIEW ON MY GR BLOG.
April 10, 2015
Left a review on amazon :)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews