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It Started With A Whisper
Five simple words: That's all it takes to change the course of 18-year-old Josie Graham's life in the summer of 1989.
Josie is a musical prodigy: She can sing, play guitar and is a natural on the piano. Instead of spending her last summer before college traveling the country with her rock star father, she's made a last minute decision to spend it working at her Aunt Bernie's inn, in Ambler's Fork, North Carolina. But what could have turned her life-long passion for music into a hatred for an industry she's worked so hard to get into?
Her aunt's inn seems like the perfect place to escape, to clear her head and figure things out, but on her first day there, she almost drowns before Chic Hobbs saves her.
Chic wants nothing more in life than to leave Ambler's Fork and his sordid past behind—at least not until that day Josie Graham swims into his life. The problem is, Chic's got a secret. It's a secret he's keeping from Josie, and he's worried if it gets out, it'll ruin everything, and she'll judge him for his past mistakes the way everyone else in town has.
Josie is carrying a burden of her own. One that made her run to Ambler's Fork - away from her family and everything she's ever known.
Chic saved Josie once. Can he save her again? Or will Josie rescue him this time?
Josie is a musical prodigy: She can sing, play guitar and is a natural on the piano. Instead of spending her last summer before college traveling the country with her rock star father, she's made a last minute decision to spend it working at her Aunt Bernie's inn, in Ambler's Fork, North Carolina. But what could have turned her life-long passion for music into a hatred for an industry she's worked so hard to get into?
Her aunt's inn seems like the perfect place to escape, to clear her head and figure things out, but on her first day there, she almost drowns before Chic Hobbs saves her.
Chic wants nothing more in life than to leave Ambler's Fork and his sordid past behind—at least not until that day Josie Graham swims into his life. The problem is, Chic's got a secret. It's a secret he's keeping from Josie, and he's worried if it gets out, it'll ruin everything, and she'll judge him for his past mistakes the way everyone else in town has.
Josie is carrying a burden of her own. One that made her run to Ambler's Fork - away from her family and everything she's ever known.
Chic saved Josie once. Can he save her again? Or will Josie rescue him this time?
- GenresNew AdultContemporary
Paperback
Published June 1, 2016
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372 people want to read
About the author
Shannon McCrimmon
12 books151 followersShannon McCrimmon is the author of several novels, including The Summer I Learned To Dive and Kiss Me Hard Before You Go. She currently lives in Greenville, South Carolina with her husband and toy poodle. She'd love to hear from you. Connect with her at shannonmccrimmon.com
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 17, 2016
From the old school type cover , as you open the pages we are transported back to the Summer of 1989 where we meet Josie who is 18 years old and at a crossroads in her life (literally). She is supposed to be spending the summer with her famous musician father and opening for his concert, however after seeing her favourite things become sucked in by the fame and fortune and not of the pure love of music. Josie has decided to quit the music business and turn her back on it , for Josie this is a difficult choice as she is a music prodigy. Instead she chooses a much quieter route to her Great-Aunt Bernie's Inn out in Ambler's Fork, North Carolina. Once she arrives , she starts to feel once again at home and an accident will have her falling in love as on her first day she nearly drowns and is saved by the handsome Chic Hobbs. Chic and his family work for Bernie doing odd jobs around the Inn and water activities. We learn that in a way Chic is like Josie, both hiding and trying to run away from their pasts and both wanting to start fresh and anew and have a second chance at life. Though this story is mainly about the relationship and friendship between Josie and Chic. I have to admit I had a strong soft spot for Dunny who is Chic's older brother as I too have a couple of siblings on the Autism spectrum and reading what Chic goes through with Dunny made me smile and remember what it's like at points with my siblings and when Dunny was picked on, or the event at the Comic-Con as Chic's blood ran wild - so did mine I could feel the same emotions that Chic had , the same with Chic wanting to protect his family from his father as again I am in the similar boat. Even though Shannon decided to set this book back in 1989, a lot of the events are able to be easily transported to whatever year you live in - except of course the good ol' VHS's which makes you remember that yes, you are reading a book set in the 80's.
It Started with a Whisper was an amazing and touching story, that in places you will have your emotional state tested.
It Started with a Whisper was an amazing and touching story, that in places you will have your emotional state tested.
August 1, 2016
Received in exchange for a honest review.
Shannon McCrimmon’s writing is so alluring and real. She brings you back in time to when the book is taking place and allows you to reminisce in that era and get to know the characters. Her writing is crisp and sharp. We are placed in a time and with likeable characters that you feel their pain, happiness, love, heartache, joy and story. And It started with a whisper does this in spades.
We have two characters feeling lost. Chic because of his love for his brother he makes a mistake to protect him and is now paying the price. Josie is disillusioned with his dad and is giving up on a love because she can’t separate the two. They meet at her aunt’s bed and breakfast. A place Josie ends up at because it is where she has felt safe and comfortable at in the past. She was supposed to be joining her dad but can’t do it with her anger towards him. The two meet and you can feel the connection between lost souls. Chic helps Josie find herself and love for music again. Josie helps Chic believe in himself again and a future. The save each other from anger, despair and learn to support, love and encourage each other. Chic is her rock. He helps her see reason and helps her aunt with her bed and breakfast. Josie is Chic’s hope. She gives him a reason to overcome everything around him and go for his dreams. The two are a perfect pair. They don’t come together right away but we get to see the buildup of a relationship from friendship on. They believe in each other and are loyal to one another.
this is a beautiful and unique story. We don’t get any moments of angst. We get a delightful tale of two young people who meet and help each other out of the lost feelings they have. They help each other let go of anger and forgive others and themselves. They find love and support with one another and show us hope and faith. Faith in others and themselves. Chic is a great guy and his love for his family and how he protects them is wonderful. I love at the end how Chic gets a new look at his father and lets him in again. How he lets go of his frustration with him and sees him differently. I love his brothers as well and how they are everything to him. Josie I love how she stands up to her dad but also sees that he loves her and that sometimes you can love them and not respect them. How at the end it was her love that changed her dad and turned their relationship around. A book on finding yourself, faith in yourself, second chances and love set in a wonderful place where anything can happen.
Shannon McCrimmon’s writing is so alluring and real. She brings you back in time to when the book is taking place and allows you to reminisce in that era and get to know the characters. Her writing is crisp and sharp. We are placed in a time and with likeable characters that you feel their pain, happiness, love, heartache, joy and story. And It started with a whisper does this in spades.
We have two characters feeling lost. Chic because of his love for his brother he makes a mistake to protect him and is now paying the price. Josie is disillusioned with his dad and is giving up on a love because she can’t separate the two. They meet at her aunt’s bed and breakfast. A place Josie ends up at because it is where she has felt safe and comfortable at in the past. She was supposed to be joining her dad but can’t do it with her anger towards him. The two meet and you can feel the connection between lost souls. Chic helps Josie find herself and love for music again. Josie helps Chic believe in himself again and a future. The save each other from anger, despair and learn to support, love and encourage each other. Chic is her rock. He helps her see reason and helps her aunt with her bed and breakfast. Josie is Chic’s hope. She gives him a reason to overcome everything around him and go for his dreams. The two are a perfect pair. They don’t come together right away but we get to see the buildup of a relationship from friendship on. They believe in each other and are loyal to one another.
this is a beautiful and unique story. We don’t get any moments of angst. We get a delightful tale of two young people who meet and help each other out of the lost feelings they have. They help each other let go of anger and forgive others and themselves. They find love and support with one another and show us hope and faith. Faith in others and themselves. Chic is a great guy and his love for his family and how he protects them is wonderful. I love at the end how Chic gets a new look at his father and lets him in again. How he lets go of his frustration with him and sees him differently. I love his brothers as well and how they are everything to him. Josie I love how she stands up to her dad but also sees that he loves her and that sometimes you can love them and not respect them. How at the end it was her love that changed her dad and turned their relationship around. A book on finding yourself, faith in yourself, second chances and love set in a wonderful place where anything can happen.
June 15, 2016
When you’re in the moment, all you can think about is that moment; then when it all sinks in, you start panicking. But there’s no turning back now. I’m here for a reason. At least that’s what I’m telling myself. I can rationalize anything. People look for a sign when they want one. In this case, the VHS tape sitting comfortably on my passenger seat is my sign.
**
If ever there was a book that was absolutely perfect for summer, this is the book. This is the one.
Taking place at the start of summer 1989, Josie has to make a decision: go on tour with her famous rock star dad, or make a quick and spontaneous choice of going to stay with her great aunt at her Bed and Breakfast. After choosing her aunt over her dad, Josie embarks on a journey she never even realized she needed. She has a lot to work through before the summer is over and with a little help from some new friends, she does just that.
But this is also Chic's story. He has a past that he wants to keep from Josie just a little bit longer. Since she doesn't know his history she doesn't treat him like the rest of the town does. And it is a feeling he wants to hold on to. Because once she finds out it is sure to scare her away forever.
As with all of McCrimmon's reads, you become so absorbed into this book. You get so close to her characters, that once it is all over you don't want to tell them good bye. You want to make sure they stick around in the back of your mind, so if the author happens to *cough* write another book *cough* they are right where they are supposed to be for easy memory.
The storyline was absolutely perfect. As someone that grew up in the 80’s and 90’s I could appreciate all that the author had added to the story. It definitely had me reminiscing about some good times growing up during that time. McCrimmon really did a great job piecing this story together with some awesome moments from the past.
This book was sweet and absolutely amazing. And in the end it will leave you with some fond memories and a smile on your face. I hope to find some more time in future to re-read it again. Yes, I loved it that much!! 5 Start Your Summer Off Right Stars!
**
If ever there was a book that was absolutely perfect for summer, this is the book. This is the one.
Taking place at the start of summer 1989, Josie has to make a decision: go on tour with her famous rock star dad, or make a quick and spontaneous choice of going to stay with her great aunt at her Bed and Breakfast. After choosing her aunt over her dad, Josie embarks on a journey she never even realized she needed. She has a lot to work through before the summer is over and with a little help from some new friends, she does just that.
But this is also Chic's story. He has a past that he wants to keep from Josie just a little bit longer. Since she doesn't know his history she doesn't treat him like the rest of the town does. And it is a feeling he wants to hold on to. Because once she finds out it is sure to scare her away forever.
As with all of McCrimmon's reads, you become so absorbed into this book. You get so close to her characters, that once it is all over you don't want to tell them good bye. You want to make sure they stick around in the back of your mind, so if the author happens to *cough* write another book *cough* they are right where they are supposed to be for easy memory.
The storyline was absolutely perfect. As someone that grew up in the 80’s and 90’s I could appreciate all that the author had added to the story. It definitely had me reminiscing about some good times growing up during that time. McCrimmon really did a great job piecing this story together with some awesome moments from the past.
This book was sweet and absolutely amazing. And in the end it will leave you with some fond memories and a smile on your face. I hope to find some more time in future to re-read it again. Yes, I loved it that much!! 5 Start Your Summer Off Right Stars!
May 17, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have come to the conclusion that Shannon McCrimmon can do no wrong! I have read everything she has written, yes everything, and every single book is amazing! It Started With A Whisper is no different. This book hooked me in from page one and kept me reading wanting to find out how this story finishes.
So the basic premise of the book is that Josie is a musical prodigy, but something happens in her life that makes her question music. Now she is spending the summer at her Aunt Bernie's Inn in a small town in North Carolina. On her first day staying at the inn Josie drowns. Yup, she drowns on HER FIRST DAY. Well Chic, oh Chic, saves her. He whispers something in her ear and Josie believes that everything will be different in her life now. Chic, who is working at the inn in order to help out his family, has a secret past that Josie doesn't know about, but the whole town knows about.
Two completely different people, but yet they both have something very similar in common, form a bond that will hopefully save them both. The reader will be hooked from page one with Josie and Chic's story. I want to move to Ambler's Fork now (California girl here who wants a small town life)! I loved every minute of this book and I can't wait till the next Shannon McCrimmon book!
I have come to the conclusion that Shannon McCrimmon can do no wrong! I have read everything she has written, yes everything, and every single book is amazing! It Started With A Whisper is no different. This book hooked me in from page one and kept me reading wanting to find out how this story finishes.
So the basic premise of the book is that Josie is a musical prodigy, but something happens in her life that makes her question music. Now she is spending the summer at her Aunt Bernie's Inn in a small town in North Carolina. On her first day staying at the inn Josie drowns. Yup, she drowns on HER FIRST DAY. Well Chic, oh Chic, saves her. He whispers something in her ear and Josie believes that everything will be different in her life now. Chic, who is working at the inn in order to help out his family, has a secret past that Josie doesn't know about, but the whole town knows about.
Two completely different people, but yet they both have something very similar in common, form a bond that will hopefully save them both. The reader will be hooked from page one with Josie and Chic's story. I want to move to Ambler's Fork now (California girl here who wants a small town life)! I loved every minute of this book and I can't wait till the next Shannon McCrimmon book!
May 20, 2016
I want to believe that when we can't find our way in life, something bigger then us steps in and gives us what we need to find our way back to our path. This book is the story of someone's journey back to her path in life.
In It Started With A Whisper, a young girl has lost her way and is torn as to what she wants from life. After a shocking blow, Josie makes a change of plans and ends up finding new friends and herself and what she stands for. This beautiful story shows how she discovers what she values and finds true friendship with Chic, Harper, and Tara.
Set in 1989, I just adored all the little things take Shannon throws in to remind you of the good old days...from the movies that were playing, the music, to the simple life that some of the locals of Ambler's Fork, North Carolina have. When the main character leaves behind everything she knows, her and her new friends work together to help one of her family members out and of course it can never be easy. Life just doesn't go that way. And in a small town everyone is connected so helping one can change other lives for the better. Add in that the hot new friend has a hidden past that makes you read just a little faster to see what happened makes this story fly by. Prefect summer read!
In It Started With A Whisper, a young girl has lost her way and is torn as to what she wants from life. After a shocking blow, Josie makes a change of plans and ends up finding new friends and herself and what she stands for. This beautiful story shows how she discovers what she values and finds true friendship with Chic, Harper, and Tara.
Set in 1989, I just adored all the little things take Shannon throws in to remind you of the good old days...from the movies that were playing, the music, to the simple life that some of the locals of Ambler's Fork, North Carolina have. When the main character leaves behind everything she knows, her and her new friends work together to help one of her family members out and of course it can never be easy. Life just doesn't go that way. And in a small town everyone is connected so helping one can change other lives for the better. Add in that the hot new friend has a hidden past that makes you read just a little faster to see what happened makes this story fly by. Prefect summer read!
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June 2, 2016Stepping back into the 1980s, living vicariously through Chic and Josie's musical abilities, and writing from a guy's perspective made this so much fun to write. This is a story about two people feeling lost but finding their way through each other. I hope you enjoy it!
July 12, 2016
Shannon McCrimmon's 7th novel, It Started with a Whisper, takes place at a North Carolina lake resort during the summer of 1989. Josie, hiding a secret, decides to work at her Aunt Bernie's inn instead of going on tour with her rock star father. Chic is the boy who literally saves Josie's life (and steals her heart) on her first day there. Chic is fighting his own demons as he works for Bernie and also helps his father at the family canoe livery. Together the two embark on their blossoming relationship and tackle saving Bernie's floundering inn and in return Chic's father's canoe business.
It Started with a Whisper is a wonderfully written tale of love, redemption, and forgiveness. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Josie and Chic unfold. What started as two people not looking for love grew into a story of Josie and Chic helping the each other deal with their unresolved issues. McCrimmon did a wonderful job with character development. Each character, even minor ones,were fully developed. I also enjoyed watching the mystery of Chic's father unfold. Throughout the whole novel Chic's father was hard and unforgiving. He openly judged Chic and the choices he had made. However, when his father's backstory was revealed he became more human.
My favorite relationship in the novel was between Chic and his brother Dunny. Dunny was Chic's older brother yet mentally he was like a 3rd grader. Dunny loves Star Wars, comic books and music. Chic was Dunny's protector, friend, and brother. Their relationship was endearing and wonderful to read about.
Shannon McCrimmon's It Started with a Whisper is a wonderfully heartwarming read. It's full of highly likable characters, a realistic plot, and a perfect ending! Here's hoping for a sequel!!!!!
It Started with a Whisper is a wonderfully written tale of love, redemption, and forgiveness. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Josie and Chic unfold. What started as two people not looking for love grew into a story of Josie and Chic helping the each other deal with their unresolved issues. McCrimmon did a wonderful job with character development. Each character, even minor ones,were fully developed. I also enjoyed watching the mystery of Chic's father unfold. Throughout the whole novel Chic's father was hard and unforgiving. He openly judged Chic and the choices he had made. However, when his father's backstory was revealed he became more human.
My favorite relationship in the novel was between Chic and his brother Dunny. Dunny was Chic's older brother yet mentally he was like a 3rd grader. Dunny loves Star Wars, comic books and music. Chic was Dunny's protector, friend, and brother. Their relationship was endearing and wonderful to read about.
Shannon McCrimmon's It Started with a Whisper is a wonderfully heartwarming read. It's full of highly likable characters, a realistic plot, and a perfect ending! Here's hoping for a sequel!!!!!
June 6, 2016
Summer Romance
It Started With A Whisper is exactly how this sweet summer romance begins for Josie and Chic, they meet he wishers something to her and she falls head over heels for him!Josie is a sweet, funny and super talented musician who decides to spend her summer at her Grandmothers Inn by the lake. Chic (short for Chicory) is a local boy who lives and works for Josie's Grandmother. These two teens quickly learn they have a lot in common--- they are both musically talented and are each hiding secrets. They have the whole summer to develop a relationship and maybe share secrets while watching sunrises, swimming, and going on picnics by the lake. This is a super cute fun book that is perfect for summer reading, it is very sweet and you will fall in love with Chic and Josie and all their family and friends. This book took me back to the 80's a fun time when the movies and music were the best!
For more indie book reviews: Myindieauthorfix.com
It Started With A Whisper is exactly how this sweet summer romance begins for Josie and Chic, they meet he wishers something to her and she falls head over heels for him!Josie is a sweet, funny and super talented musician who decides to spend her summer at her Grandmothers Inn by the lake. Chic (short for Chicory) is a local boy who lives and works for Josie's Grandmother. These two teens quickly learn they have a lot in common--- they are both musically talented and are each hiding secrets. They have the whole summer to develop a relationship and maybe share secrets while watching sunrises, swimming, and going on picnics by the lake. This is a super cute fun book that is perfect for summer reading, it is very sweet and you will fall in love with Chic and Josie and all their family and friends. This book took me back to the 80's a fun time when the movies and music were the best!
For more indie book reviews: Myindieauthorfix.com
June 13, 2016
Josie is on her way to Nashville to spend the summer with her father. Torn about wanting to go she decides to take the exit to her Aunt's Inn and spend the summer there. It starts out with what would have been a tragedy if it wasn't for Chic who saves her. They get to know each other through the summer and learn to take a harder look at themselves and what they really want for their future.
In An Oyster Shell - This was a heartwarming read that is a must-read for summer.
The Pearls - From the beginning of the book it has a very nice tone to it. From the character voice to the setting depicted by great descriptions it was a book you could comfortably get lost in. The title of the book was appropriate and set a great precedent for the book.
Full Review: Writing Pearls
In An Oyster Shell - This was a heartwarming read that is a must-read for summer.
The Pearls - From the beginning of the book it has a very nice tone to it. From the character voice to the setting depicted by great descriptions it was a book you could comfortably get lost in. The title of the book was appropriate and set a great precedent for the book.
Full Review: Writing Pearls
May 6, 2016
Once again McCrimmon has got the YA genre right! The perfect amount of angst, love and finding yourself! It doesn't hurt that she transports you right into Ambler's Fork. (You read to get away from it all, right? Who wouldn't want to get away in small town North Carolina?)
June 3, 2016
Great read. I think this might be my favorite of hers.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews