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The Words We Whisper
As a hospice nurse, Zara Mitchell has already seen more death than most people will experience in a lifetime. So when her older sister asks her to help care for their ailing grandmother, Zara agrees—despite strained family relationships.
Though pale and tired, Nonna has lost none of her sharp mind. She’s fixated on finding something long forgotten, and she immediately puts Zara to work cleaning out the attic. Unexpectedly, amid the tedium of sifting through knickknacks and heirlooms, Zara also reconnects with a man she’s attracted to but whose complicated past makes romance seem impossible.
But then Zara finds what Nonna was looking for: a wooden chest, an emerald broach, a leather-bound journal. As she immerses herself in stories of heroism and loss set against the backdrop of war-torn Italy in 1943, Zara finds answers to questions she didn’t know she had. And they change everything she thinks she knows about love, regret, and seizing the day.
Though pale and tired, Nonna has lost none of her sharp mind. She’s fixated on finding something long forgotten, and she immediately puts Zara to work cleaning out the attic. Unexpectedly, amid the tedium of sifting through knickknacks and heirlooms, Zara also reconnects with a man she’s attracted to but whose complicated past makes romance seem impossible.
But then Zara finds what Nonna was looking for: a wooden chest, an emerald broach, a leather-bound journal. As she immerses herself in stories of heroism and loss set against the backdrop of war-torn Italy in 1943, Zara finds answers to questions she didn’t know she had. And they change everything she thinks she knows about love, regret, and seizing the day.
351 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2021
3930 people are currently reading
10787 people want to read
About the author
Mary Ellen Taylor
16 books1,818 followersA southerner by birth, Mary Ellen Taylor’s love of her home state of Virginia and its past is evident in her contemporary women's fiction novels, from her first THE UNION STREET BAKERY to her latest, THE WORDS WE WHISPER, which debuts July 20, 2021. Her novels explore issues of family, home and belonging and entwine the past and present.
Richmond born, Mary Ellen has lived there most of her life. Alongside writing, cooking and baking are important creative outlets for Mary Ellen, who's been known to name recipes in honor of her characters. Just a few years ago, she earned her Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate at the University of Richmond's Culinary Arts Program. "In some ways, I liken baking to my efforts as a writer. You need to learn the basic tools of the trade before you can push the limits and create a distinctive sweet dessert or savory novel.”
Mary Ellen is also known nationally as New York Times and USA Today bestselling suspense novelist Mary Burton. Together, they have published forty-five novels, with Mary Burton’s latest, NEAR YOU, debuting April 13, 2021.
When not traveling or holed up writing, she and her husband spend time alternately enjoying their empty nest and spoiling their miniature dachshunds, Buddy, Bella and Tiki.
Richmond born, Mary Ellen has lived there most of her life. Alongside writing, cooking and baking are important creative outlets for Mary Ellen, who's been known to name recipes in honor of her characters. Just a few years ago, she earned her Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate at the University of Richmond's Culinary Arts Program. "In some ways, I liken baking to my efforts as a writer. You need to learn the basic tools of the trade before you can push the limits and create a distinctive sweet dessert or savory novel.”
Mary Ellen is also known nationally as New York Times and USA Today bestselling suspense novelist Mary Burton. Together, they have published forty-five novels, with Mary Burton’s latest, NEAR YOU, debuting April 13, 2021.
When not traveling or holed up writing, she and her husband spend time alternately enjoying their empty nest and spoiling their miniature dachshunds, Buddy, Bella and Tiki.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 813 reviews
April 15, 2022
The Words We Whisper by Mary Ellen Taylor is a 2021 Montlake publication.
Zara Mitchell, a hospice nurse, is called home to help care for her grandmother, Nonna. Upon arrival, Nonna gives Zara a mission to accomplish before she passes away. She must clean out the attic, and Nonna will give approval- or not- to save or throw away the contents. Obviously, Nonna wants Zara to find something for her, but what?
Meanwhile, Zara reconnects with a form client’s husband, and is given more bad news, as Nonna slowly reveals the secrets of her past.
This story uses a familiar dual-time life format- taking the reader back in time to Rome, Italy in the early 1940s, as we witness the bravery of a young woman named Isabelle, who helps the Jewish community, after suffering through a tragic personal loss.
The two timelines eventually converge in a most surprising way. Zara’s quest changes over the course of the novel. Though she as suffered much, her mission is a noble one, and if anyone deserved a happily ever after- it was Zara.
I did like this book. There was so much depth to the historical aspects, and it was very absorbing, tense and edgy back in 1943! Thank goodness for such courageous people who took such risks with their very lives to save those in peril!!
That said, the contemporary elements contained an overwhelming amount of sickness and death, which was understandable on the historical side the story, but was excessive in the present-day thread. It was just too much, and it had an effect on my mood, leaving me feeling depressed even though the ending was very touching.
Because the romantic elements were rushed through, I remained unconvinced of the sincerity or readiness of Zara’s love interest, but Zara at least was finally able and willing to reach for happiness- and there is the promise of better days ahead.
Overall, this is a good story, though a little too heavy at times. I liked the characters and the surprise turn of events Nonna’s revelations exposed. Fans of historical fiction, especially set during the second world war will want to read this one.
3.5 stars
Zara Mitchell, a hospice nurse, is called home to help care for her grandmother, Nonna. Upon arrival, Nonna gives Zara a mission to accomplish before she passes away. She must clean out the attic, and Nonna will give approval- or not- to save or throw away the contents. Obviously, Nonna wants Zara to find something for her, but what?
Meanwhile, Zara reconnects with a form client’s husband, and is given more bad news, as Nonna slowly reveals the secrets of her past.
This story uses a familiar dual-time life format- taking the reader back in time to Rome, Italy in the early 1940s, as we witness the bravery of a young woman named Isabelle, who helps the Jewish community, after suffering through a tragic personal loss.
The two timelines eventually converge in a most surprising way. Zara’s quest changes over the course of the novel. Though she as suffered much, her mission is a noble one, and if anyone deserved a happily ever after- it was Zara.
I did like this book. There was so much depth to the historical aspects, and it was very absorbing, tense and edgy back in 1943! Thank goodness for such courageous people who took such risks with their very lives to save those in peril!!
That said, the contemporary elements contained an overwhelming amount of sickness and death, which was understandable on the historical side the story, but was excessive in the present-day thread. It was just too much, and it had an effect on my mood, leaving me feeling depressed even though the ending was very touching.
Because the romantic elements were rushed through, I remained unconvinced of the sincerity or readiness of Zara’s love interest, but Zara at least was finally able and willing to reach for happiness- and there is the promise of better days ahead.
Overall, this is a good story, though a little too heavy at times. I liked the characters and the surprise turn of events Nonna’s revelations exposed. Fans of historical fiction, especially set during the second world war will want to read this one.
3.5 stars
October 31, 2023
Excellent historical fiction that will warm your soul. Many of the WWII stories are so depressing, but this is a story about what became of the people that helped the Jews. Although the story is told in two timelines, I enjoyed the 1940's more than the present day.
Beginning with Isabelle helping the Jews in Rome, Italy, she sacrifices her own safety to ensure others are safe. Mia is one of her best friends and makes silly decisions throughout, but a very touching bond between the two girls. When sacrifices are made, they protect one another. The love story involved with the soldiers is the center of this time period. A tragic beginning becomes a poignant ending.
In the present day, it takes place in Richmond, Virginia. Zara, a Hospice nurse, is staying with her grandmother Nonna for her final months of life. Her sister Gina is usually the one who looks after her. The two girls must put their differences aside and come together. Nonna wants her attic cleaned out and each item retrieved must be inspected by her before it is thrown out. She is looking for a specific box of items that have a hidden identity. A diary has been packed away with secrets to the past. Reading this diary carried so much more weight and revealed a different side of their grandmother than they ever knew. Devastating news is delivered that not only losing their grandmother, but they are dealt a hand that can't win.
"Choosing death is easy. Choosing life is far more dangerous." The ending to this was somewhat expected, but did not take away from this beautiful story in one of the hardest time periods.
An excellent job by this writer Mary Ellen Taylor.
Beginning with Isabelle helping the Jews in Rome, Italy, she sacrifices her own safety to ensure others are safe. Mia is one of her best friends and makes silly decisions throughout, but a very touching bond between the two girls. When sacrifices are made, they protect one another. The love story involved with the soldiers is the center of this time period. A tragic beginning becomes a poignant ending.
In the present day, it takes place in Richmond, Virginia. Zara, a Hospice nurse, is staying with her grandmother Nonna for her final months of life. Her sister Gina is usually the one who looks after her. The two girls must put their differences aside and come together. Nonna wants her attic cleaned out and each item retrieved must be inspected by her before it is thrown out. She is looking for a specific box of items that have a hidden identity. A diary has been packed away with secrets to the past. Reading this diary carried so much more weight and revealed a different side of their grandmother than they ever knew. Devastating news is delivered that not only losing their grandmother, but they are dealt a hand that can't win.
"Choosing death is easy. Choosing life is far more dangerous." The ending to this was somewhat expected, but did not take away from this beautiful story in one of the hardest time periods.
An excellent job by this writer Mary Ellen Taylor.
November 11, 2022
In this novel, Mary Ellen Taylor skillfully weaves together a story with well drawn characters and a vivid sense of place. It drew me in, and was hard to put down.
The story of two women living in Italy during World War II and its aftermath is told alternately with the story of a present day family living in Richmond, Virginia.
Zara Mitchell is a young hospice care nurse who returns to her childhood home to care for her grandmother who is nearing the end of her life. Zara’s grandmother is focused on finding a wooden box stored in the attic of her home. She is determined to share its contents with her two granddaughters, Zara and Gina, and hopes that Zara will be able to find the box.
This is a story of bravery, resilience, sacrifice, loss, love, and secrets that is well worth the read.
The story of two women living in Italy during World War II and its aftermath is told alternately with the story of a present day family living in Richmond, Virginia.
Zara Mitchell is a young hospice care nurse who returns to her childhood home to care for her grandmother who is nearing the end of her life. Zara’s grandmother is focused on finding a wooden box stored in the attic of her home. She is determined to share its contents with her two granddaughters, Zara and Gina, and hopes that Zara will be able to find the box.
This is a story of bravery, resilience, sacrifice, loss, love, and secrets that is well worth the read.
April 8, 2022
This is my first book that I read from this author and it won't be my last! It is told in dual timelines, Rome, Italy 1943-1944 and the present day. This is a story of survival, hope, and families. It was beautifully written and I admit that I shed a few tears.
June 20, 2021
“Nothing ever ends as we would expect.”
The above quote summarizes the central theme running through this dual timeline historical fiction novel set in Rome 1943 and Richmond, Virginia present day.
I must admit, when I started to read and discovered that the story centered around granddaughters finding a notebook in the attic, I almost put it down. I’ve read so very many books about the war where relatives go on an attic archaeology dig! However, I kept reading and I’m glad I did. This is more than a book about a grandmother’s secret life during the war. It’s about how two estranged sisters pull together to help care for their 97-year-old nonna and in the process end up supporting each other. If you love dogs, there’s a terrier lab mix named Gus, a chihuahua named Little Sister and a mut named Billy who have several appearances in the present-day plot.
The 1943 timeline features Isabella Mancuso and her role in helping the Jewish community after Mussolini’s disenfranchisement of these Italians. If you love Italian couture, the main character in the 1943 plot is the most talented atelier in Rome and works from a couture shop on Via Veneto by the Spanish Steps!
This wonderful book was a treasured read yesterday post-vaccination (fully vaxxed!) while I sat in the sunshine and tried to keep my mind off my sore arm! This will go down as one of my favourite reads from 2021. I thought it was a poignant read, as the present-day timeline features a theme we’re all facing as pandemic restrictions are lifted; the need to seize the day. The journal provides answers for the girls and reminds them to chose love, pass on regret and seize the day.
Things I learned:
- Couture houses panicked and hurried to collect outstanding fees from Jewish clients in case they ‘disappeared’
- the Jewish community had to pay a ransom to the SS to spare future persecution
- People were often engaged and married on the same day because the war had just ended and after too many years of hardship, people were ready to get on with their lives
Quotes I loved:
“People are rarely as simple as they appear.”
“Choosing death is easy. Choosing life is far more dangerous.”
“Don’t underestimate the ordinary.”
“Everyone thought they had all the time in the world, but, she realized, they were all passing through.”
Mary Burton, (Mary Ellen Taylor, pen name) has a storytelling gift. I don’t know how I hadn’t heard of her - especially since this is her 50th book! Her strength is penning tales about loss and secrets and she seamlessly pulls together the timelines with a couple of twists you won’t see coming!
This historical fiction highlighting the impact of the past on the present, along with complex family relationships, and a sense of belonging needs to be on your radar come July 20, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Mary Ellen Taylor, Montlake Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
The above quote summarizes the central theme running through this dual timeline historical fiction novel set in Rome 1943 and Richmond, Virginia present day.
I must admit, when I started to read and discovered that the story centered around granddaughters finding a notebook in the attic, I almost put it down. I’ve read so very many books about the war where relatives go on an attic archaeology dig! However, I kept reading and I’m glad I did. This is more than a book about a grandmother’s secret life during the war. It’s about how two estranged sisters pull together to help care for their 97-year-old nonna and in the process end up supporting each other. If you love dogs, there’s a terrier lab mix named Gus, a chihuahua named Little Sister and a mut named Billy who have several appearances in the present-day plot.
The 1943 timeline features Isabella Mancuso and her role in helping the Jewish community after Mussolini’s disenfranchisement of these Italians. If you love Italian couture, the main character in the 1943 plot is the most talented atelier in Rome and works from a couture shop on Via Veneto by the Spanish Steps!
This wonderful book was a treasured read yesterday post-vaccination (fully vaxxed!) while I sat in the sunshine and tried to keep my mind off my sore arm! This will go down as one of my favourite reads from 2021. I thought it was a poignant read, as the present-day timeline features a theme we’re all facing as pandemic restrictions are lifted; the need to seize the day. The journal provides answers for the girls and reminds them to chose love, pass on regret and seize the day.
Things I learned:
- Couture houses panicked and hurried to collect outstanding fees from Jewish clients in case they ‘disappeared’
- the Jewish community had to pay a ransom to the SS to spare future persecution
- People were often engaged and married on the same day because the war had just ended and after too many years of hardship, people were ready to get on with their lives
Quotes I loved:
“People are rarely as simple as they appear.”
“Choosing death is easy. Choosing life is far more dangerous.”
“Don’t underestimate the ordinary.”
“Everyone thought they had all the time in the world, but, she realized, they were all passing through.”
Mary Burton, (Mary Ellen Taylor, pen name) has a storytelling gift. I don’t know how I hadn’t heard of her - especially since this is her 50th book! Her strength is penning tales about loss and secrets and she seamlessly pulls together the timelines with a couple of twists you won’t see coming!
This historical fiction highlighting the impact of the past on the present, along with complex family relationships, and a sense of belonging needs to be on your radar come July 20, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Mary Ellen Taylor, Montlake Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
December 22, 2021
Don’t underestimate the ordinary.
The Words We Whisper isn't the genre I usually read but I absolutely LOVED it!! It's the first book I've read by Mary Ellen Taylor and I'm already figuring out which one I want to read next.
Generally, I don't like books with dual timelines because I always like one timeline more than the other. Not true this time! Both timelines were fascinating!! And did I mention there were dogs in one of the timelines? LOVED the dogs!
The Words We Whisper is definitely one of the top 10 books I've read in 2021.
The Words We Whisper isn't the genre I usually read but I absolutely LOVED it!! It's the first book I've read by Mary Ellen Taylor and I'm already figuring out which one I want to read next.
Generally, I don't like books with dual timelines because I always like one timeline more than the other. Not true this time! Both timelines were fascinating!! And did I mention there were dogs in one of the timelines? LOVED the dogs!
The Words We Whisper is definitely one of the top 10 books I've read in 2021.
April 12, 2021
This is the first novel I have read by Mary Ellen Taylor and I have to say, I am super impressed. The story is told in two timelines - one is 1943, Italy, and the other is the current day USA. The older story is told by Isabella, a seamstress, and the newer story is told by Zara, her granddaughter and a hospice nurse.
The two stories are told alternatingly and come together so beautifully, you cannot help falling in love with them. Zara finds the meaning of life along the way. The stories made me root for Zara in her coming-of-age journey.
Beautiful book beautifully written,
5 stars.
The two stories are told alternatingly and come together so beautifully, you cannot help falling in love with them. Zara finds the meaning of life along the way. The stories made me root for Zara in her coming-of-age journey.
Beautiful book beautifully written,
5 stars.
July 8, 2024
A wonderful historical fiction that drew me in right from the first page.
Read
December 11, 2022Sadly, this book didn't work for me. I alternated between listening and reading and couldn't get into it either way.
July 23, 2021
3.5 stars
September 5, 2021
3 1/2 Stars: An okay telling of an interesting glimpse into Roman life during WWII. What I liked: the Italian story and the way it unfolded; the idea that Jewish gems, stolen by the Germans, could one day be returned to their rightful owner. What I didn’t like: the clunky writing whenever it was about the modern story; the not surprising revelation of who Noona was; the obvious tugging on the heart strings. I thought the WWII story was excellent. I thought the modern story very labored and obvious. I hated the cliched switching from war times to modern times. There are many novels when this works, but this wasn’t one. An okay book.
December 12, 2021
Whatever has happened to good literature?!
Chapter one of this book opens in the setting of Rome, Italy, 1943. A young Italian woman is attending to the difficult birth of her co-worker's illegitimate child. The chapter ends in somber tragedy.
Chapter two opens in present day Richmond, Virginia with a young woman describing her dogs... in detail. I thought, "Wait a minute. A baby just died and I'm supposed to care about what these dogs are all about?" It had no relevancy and I couldn't believe the author wanted us to switch from the tragic death of a baby to a detailed interest in these dogs. It made no sense and seemed shallow.
I have also grown to dislike books that have chapters that alternate between characters. In my personal opinion it shows a lack of adept storytelling. I should not have to be taken by the hand and have each chapter announced to me by the character's name. "Isabella, Rome, Italy, Sunday June 4th, 1943 2:00pm". "Zara, Richmond, Virginia September 2nd 10:00am", back and forth. When did this become a "thing"? A story should grow and build and ebb and flow. We should desire to follow the characters and go where they lead, not be tossed back and forth between the two. (Or three as in this case.) I also became annoyed by these characters as they became more and more contrived.
Finally, please, there must be a better way to write that a man has desire for a woman other than saying he was hard. How am I to believe the depth of these characters' feelings, feelings like loss from death, cancer, and war, when Nicolas is suddenly hard at the thought of Zara. No. Just no. It was at this point when I realized this book is like a million others, trite.
I apologize for this harsh review. I have been disappointed too often nowadays by books with high ratings. I have finally caught on that ratings mean nothing or that I am expecting too much, or both.
Chapter one of this book opens in the setting of Rome, Italy, 1943. A young Italian woman is attending to the difficult birth of her co-worker's illegitimate child. The chapter ends in somber tragedy.
Chapter two opens in present day Richmond, Virginia with a young woman describing her dogs... in detail. I thought, "Wait a minute. A baby just died and I'm supposed to care about what these dogs are all about?" It had no relevancy and I couldn't believe the author wanted us to switch from the tragic death of a baby to a detailed interest in these dogs. It made no sense and seemed shallow.
I have also grown to dislike books that have chapters that alternate between characters. In my personal opinion it shows a lack of adept storytelling. I should not have to be taken by the hand and have each chapter announced to me by the character's name. "Isabella, Rome, Italy, Sunday June 4th, 1943 2:00pm". "Zara, Richmond, Virginia September 2nd 10:00am", back and forth. When did this become a "thing"? A story should grow and build and ebb and flow. We should desire to follow the characters and go where they lead, not be tossed back and forth between the two. (Or three as in this case.) I also became annoyed by these characters as they became more and more contrived.
Finally, please, there must be a better way to write that a man has desire for a woman other than saying he was hard. How am I to believe the depth of these characters' feelings, feelings like loss from death, cancer, and war, when Nicolas is suddenly hard at the thought of Zara. No. Just no. It was at this point when I realized this book is like a million others, trite.
I apologize for this harsh review. I have been disappointed too often nowadays by books with high ratings. I have finally caught on that ratings mean nothing or that I am expecting too much, or both.
July 30, 2021
This is the first Mary Ellen Taylor book I've read. It was excellent. Such a intriguing lovely story. I look forward to reading more of her writing.
5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(If I could give it more stars I definitely world!)
5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(If I could give it more stars I definitely world!)
June 12, 2023
I adore this book!! The dual perspective was done well. The story had lots of moving parts that all came together nicely. It maintained my interest. Top tier historical fiction.
The themes of grief and death were tasteful and inspiring. I loved it.
The themes of grief and death were tasteful and inspiring. I loved it.
March 30, 2022
Yet another story within a story - one during WWII and one contemporary where the grandchildren find out their grandparents were "badasses" in their day. But it was actually pretty good - the WWII part better than the modern day part. The author frequently has long sections of dialog without identifying the speakers and I sometimes had to backtrack to figure out who said what. Also, since the WWII parts are first-person and the modern parts are third-person, there were at least a couple of mistakes (it said "she" when it should have said "I"). And the surprise at the ending was fairly obvious. Still, I enjoyed it. 3.5 stars
July 20, 2021
The Words We Whisper is an amazing story. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to snuggle up under the blanket with a cup of tea and read. I really enjoyed it. The characters were vivid and enchanting. When the book brought you into the past into Italy, I almost felt like I was right there with them. The story is wonderful, warm and courageous.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
March 11, 2023
Wow. Just wow. This is a book I’d read over and over. And I don’t reread books. 💛
February 25, 2022
I can't even put together the words for this book. The characters were so real they jumped off the page and straight into my heart.
Grief is heavy, death is hard but "I appreciate life more when death is close."
This story with grab your heart squeeze it, hurt it but you'll feel all the more lighter about life reading about it.
Grief is heavy, death is hard but "I appreciate life more when death is close."
This story with grab your heart squeeze it, hurt it but you'll feel all the more lighter about life reading about it.
March 17, 2022
~~~ I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~~~
Autor Love: I really enjoy Mary Ellen Taylor’s writing. This is the third book by her that I’ve read and I look forward to many more. MET is a southern born woman which is reflected in her stories’ themes. She also writes as suspense author Mary Burton, with 50 titles altogether under both names.
Sum-it-Up: Zara, a traveling hospice nurse lives in her van with her pack of 3 dogs. She is called home to Virginia by her sister, Gina once their Nonna becomes ill. However, once home she realizes she was called under misleading pretenses. Zara, Gina, and Nonna explore their family’s past and history dating back to Italy in WWII. The book tells the family’s history through a diary Nonna has kept locked away in the attic.
An added bonus, Zara and someone from her past reconnect and are able to help each other heal after their losses.
Themes: The Words We Whisper includes come heavy topics including secrets, death, illness, WWII, loss, and grief… but on the flip side, it also includes family, healing, and romance.
Bookish Target: Readers enjoying historical Fiction, specifically WWII historical fiction will enjoy the dual time stories in The Words We Whisper. It will also be appealing to readers looking for a well written family drama.
Autor Love: I really enjoy Mary Ellen Taylor’s writing. This is the third book by her that I’ve read and I look forward to many more. MET is a southern born woman which is reflected in her stories’ themes. She also writes as suspense author Mary Burton, with 50 titles altogether under both names.
Sum-it-Up: Zara, a traveling hospice nurse lives in her van with her pack of 3 dogs. She is called home to Virginia by her sister, Gina once their Nonna becomes ill. However, once home she realizes she was called under misleading pretenses. Zara, Gina, and Nonna explore their family’s past and history dating back to Italy in WWII. The book tells the family’s history through a diary Nonna has kept locked away in the attic.
An added bonus, Zara and someone from her past reconnect and are able to help each other heal after their losses.
Themes: The Words We Whisper includes come heavy topics including secrets, death, illness, WWII, loss, and grief… but on the flip side, it also includes family, healing, and romance.
Bookish Target: Readers enjoying historical Fiction, specifically WWII historical fiction will enjoy the dual time stories in The Words We Whisper. It will also be appealing to readers looking for a well written family drama.
August 13, 2021
3.5 stars.
Mary Ellen Taylor is a very engaging storyteller. I was interested in both the past and current timelines. I also liked both MCs in each which is a rare thing for me. The dual perspectives were nice and the few chapters told from supporting characters added some depth to the overall story. This was a heartwarming tale of family coming together when it really mattered.
So why not more stars? I'm sorry to say that I saw the big reveal coming. It was still enjoyable but not quite as much if you'd already guessed the truth. Plus, the romance in both story lines was underwhelming. I know that romance isn't the focus of this book, but I'd prefer for it to be straight up fiction, or historical fiction, than include romance that isn't very convincing. But that's a minor quibble. I still enjoyed this and read it all in one sitting. I'm looking forward to whatever this author gifts us with next.
Mary Ellen Taylor is a very engaging storyteller. I was interested in both the past and current timelines. I also liked both MCs in each which is a rare thing for me. The dual perspectives were nice and the few chapters told from supporting characters added some depth to the overall story. This was a heartwarming tale of family coming together when it really mattered.
So why not more stars? I'm sorry to say that I saw the big reveal coming. It was still enjoyable but not quite as much if you'd already guessed the truth. Plus, the romance in both story lines was underwhelming. I know that romance isn't the focus of this book, but I'd prefer for it to be straight up fiction, or historical fiction, than include romance that isn't very convincing. But that's a minor quibble. I still enjoyed this and read it all in one sitting. I'm looking forward to whatever this author gifts us with next.
September 15, 2021
I’ve read some of the more negative reviews and I do somewhat agree with some of the things stated. I felt like there was too much time spent with the build up, and the ending felt rushed. I absolutely LOVED Isabella’s story. Also Nicolas’ involvement in the story felt sort of out of place for me, I don’t think the story needed it. I also think sometimes we’re just glazed over, like the fact that their grandmother was a murderer or the fact that their grandmother wasn’t their grandmother. I was honestly surprised by all the twists, and I’m pretty good at predicting books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2021
The Words We Whisper was my first ME Taylor experience and it is an exquisite book. It artfully moves between past and present to reveal the history of families, love and heroics.
This novel will take you through two time periods. In the past, we have Isabella's journal of Italy in the war; in the present, we have Zara, her sister Gina and their grandmother Nonna.
Two different stories that intertwine with no gaps in sequences and most importantly it flows.
[I’m not sure this last sentence is clear--could we please rephrase to something like, ‘Two different stories intertwining create a beautiful narrative flow.’]
This book is more than just a love story because it is a book that teaches the horrors of war and the triumph of love and compassion.
I knew this book had had an impact on me when I started googling past historical facts and events. You may do the same when you start reading #thewordswewhisper
A beautiful book that's worth your time - Highly recommend.
Zubs
This novel will take you through two time periods. In the past, we have Isabella's journal of Italy in the war; in the present, we have Zara, her sister Gina and their grandmother Nonna.
Two different stories that intertwine with no gaps in sequences and most importantly it flows.
[I’m not sure this last sentence is clear--could we please rephrase to something like, ‘Two different stories intertwining create a beautiful narrative flow.’]
This book is more than just a love story because it is a book that teaches the horrors of war and the triumph of love and compassion.
I knew this book had had an impact on me when I started googling past historical facts and events. You may do the same when you start reading #thewordswewhisper
A beautiful book that's worth your time - Highly recommend.
Zubs
February 24, 2022
Read this for book club in about 3 days because I had to get it read quickly! I loved this one! WWII historical fiction with a dual timeline. Normally, with dual timelines I prefer one of the stories more than the other and don't look forward to the chapters with the least desirable character. With this one, I loved both storylines! Bonus that part of this story takes place Richmond, VA and with a Richmond author!
July 21, 2021
It was like watching a movie with the descriptions of the scenes, characters and the emotions conveyed so beautifully by the author. An intense, emotional read about family, love, secrets, sacrifice and forgiveness. Totally captivating. Another outstanding book by Mary Ellen Taylor.
March 7, 2024
3⭐️
This was a cute story but it didn’t draw me in as I expected. I may have had higher expectations but it seemed drawn out at times but also rushed at the end.
This was a cute story but it didn’t draw me in as I expected. I may have had higher expectations but it seemed drawn out at times but also rushed at the end.
August 27, 2021
My very first book by Mary Ellen Taylor, and I'm delighted especially the way she wrote The Words We Whisper, is a novel that spans between past and presents the story of a grandmother and two granddaughters that are taking care of her.
Gina is taking care of her grandmother but something is not right with her also, she is in need of help, and what better help than her sister Zara who has all the experience taking care of people.
Zara a hospice nurse, is single trying to move on with her life when she gets the call from her sister she doesn't hesitate to come for help without knowing she will learn and gain much more than she ever thought about.
The story of these three wonderful ladies starts, Nona, having many secrets that are ready to be unviable but also that are hard to share with them. she is not proud of the things she did during WWll at least in her own eyes but later time will tell. a heartwrenching life hiding and helping others but at the same time sacrificing many to help finally this war to end.
The words we whisper are a novel that has everything in place to be great and pleasant, the love, the faith, the drama, and the wrenching moments Nona leave during her early years were more than enough to keep me rooted and eager to continue reading this book, so many secrets that will shock you but will make so much more sense once they are out.
The secondary characters were also great Nicolas was a huge key to this puzzle, a widower searching for more meaning for something that will make him feel with apropos even if that purpose means to accept you're in love all over again.
The narrations by Shannon McManus, Carlotta Brentan, and Tim Campbell were great I really enjoy how much weight and dept they brought to the characters and the story making it even more enjoyable.
Great story, great book, I love that it has many aspects that make this story wonderful
Gina is taking care of her grandmother but something is not right with her also, she is in need of help, and what better help than her sister Zara who has all the experience taking care of people.
Zara a hospice nurse, is single trying to move on with her life when she gets the call from her sister she doesn't hesitate to come for help without knowing she will learn and gain much more than she ever thought about.
The story of these three wonderful ladies starts, Nona, having many secrets that are ready to be unviable but also that are hard to share with them. she is not proud of the things she did during WWll at least in her own eyes but later time will tell. a heartwrenching life hiding and helping others but at the same time sacrificing many to help finally this war to end.
The words we whisper are a novel that has everything in place to be great and pleasant, the love, the faith, the drama, and the wrenching moments Nona leave during her early years were more than enough to keep me rooted and eager to continue reading this book, so many secrets that will shock you but will make so much more sense once they are out.
The secondary characters were also great Nicolas was a huge key to this puzzle, a widower searching for more meaning for something that will make him feel with apropos even if that purpose means to accept you're in love all over again.
The narrations by Shannon McManus, Carlotta Brentan, and Tim Campbell were great I really enjoy how much weight and dept they brought to the characters and the story making it even more enjoyable.
Great story, great book, I love that it has many aspects that make this story wonderful
August 17, 2021
The Words We Whisper is by Mary Ellen Taylor. This novel is set in Rome in 1943 and in the United States in
In 1943, Isabella and Mia live with Signora Fortana and both work at Sebastian’s, a dress shop that caters to the well-to-do Italians and later to the Nazi wives and mistresses. Each dress is handmade especially for the person buying it and they are all one-of-a-kind, no copies. Isabella runs the sewing and design section and Mia is one of the seamstresses. Each evening after work, Isabella stops at the local church to go to confession. She works for Padre Pietro by helping repair clothing for those in need. She also helps him hid Jews and others from the Nazis. She and Signora Fortana work together to keep those they hide well and fed them as much as the can.
Mia, in the meantime, has taken a Nazi as a lover. Isabella tries to talk some sense into her; but is unable to do so. Karl Brenner is in charge of the prison in town and is really a despicable man; but they don’t know that now.
In the present, Zara has come home to help her half-sister Gina take care of their dying Nonna. Zara is a hospice nurse and stays with the elderly who are dying. Nonna asks her to help her clean out the attic while she is there. Nonna is looking for a particular wooden box with special mementoes in. Only when they find the box and read the journal will Nonna tell them her story.
The story circles around and has several different plots going on at the same time. It makes for a wonderful reading experience. I highly recommend this book.
In 1943, Isabella and Mia live with Signora Fortana and both work at Sebastian’s, a dress shop that caters to the well-to-do Italians and later to the Nazi wives and mistresses. Each dress is handmade especially for the person buying it and they are all one-of-a-kind, no copies. Isabella runs the sewing and design section and Mia is one of the seamstresses. Each evening after work, Isabella stops at the local church to go to confession. She works for Padre Pietro by helping repair clothing for those in need. She also helps him hid Jews and others from the Nazis. She and Signora Fortana work together to keep those they hide well and fed them as much as the can.
Mia, in the meantime, has taken a Nazi as a lover. Isabella tries to talk some sense into her; but is unable to do so. Karl Brenner is in charge of the prison in town and is really a despicable man; but they don’t know that now.
In the present, Zara has come home to help her half-sister Gina take care of their dying Nonna. Zara is a hospice nurse and stays with the elderly who are dying. Nonna asks her to help her clean out the attic while she is there. Nonna is looking for a particular wooden box with special mementoes in. Only when they find the box and read the journal will Nonna tell them her story.
The story circles around and has several different plots going on at the same time. It makes for a wonderful reading experience. I highly recommend this book.
June 30, 2021
This was an epic tale of love, sacrifice, forgiveness, loss and new beginnings. The story’s main narrator was Zara Mitchell, a hospice nurse who loves dogs and who deals compassionately with those entering the last stage of life. When she returns home to Richmond, Virginia, because her grandmother Nonna is dying, Zara does not know what to expect. She is used to dealing with death, but not that of the family member who raised her. When Nonna insists that Zara clean out the attic and look for a particular treasure there, Zara pitches in quickly to the task, wanting to complete it before her Nonna dies. In the attic is a journal that tells the story of a young woman in Rome named Isabella, a courageous young woman who faced down the Nazis and did all she could to help the Resistance and those in danger to escape. The secrets of the attic drew me back to the book again and again. Yes, there was a love story involved, several of them, in fact. The time is from the past during WWII and to the present, with Zara having to cope with her own losses and inevitable changes that come with them. I cannot say enough good things about this book! It helped me to see the hardships of war more clearly and the sacrifices that the people in the land occupied by the Nazis had to make in order to continue to survive. The characters became real to me, like watching a movie on television and having the actors step out of the screen and talk to me as they related their life’s story. This is a book that I will long remember as more than a love story because it is a book that teaches the horrors of war and the triumph of love and compassion.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
January 21, 2022
Secrets hidden in the history of the past well played into the current time including a clever twist on the bucket list.
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