Christmas at Whispering Creek

by Barbara M. Britton

All Samantha Williams wants to do is to use her teaching degree to instruct a classroom of second graders. But, after a breast cancer diagnosis at the age of twenty-three, and failed reconstruction surgery, Sam finds herself without a job and temporarily living with her parents. This isn’ t the life Sam expected. When a family friend dies and leaves Sam a house and land in Whispering Creek, Tennessee, Sam must decide if leaving Wisconsin for Southern living is in her lesson plans.



Nashville native, Cole Donoven, left his family’ s electrical business to write country music. When Cole’ s song-writing partner and girlfriend dumps him for a country music star, Cole abandons Nashville to hole up in Whispering Creek and compose one more song. The last thing Cole expects to find in the sleepy small town is a deceased friend, estate squabbles, and a Northern beauty. Will the chaos in Whispering Creek help create a bestselling song for Cole and possibly help him find a life-long collaborator?

Genres: Christmas, Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Fiction, Christian Romance, Christian

264 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2022

About the author

Barbara M. Britton lives in Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She writes romantic adventures for teens and adults. Barb has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Romance Writers of America, and American Christian Fiction Writers. You can visit Barb online at www. barbarambritton.com or follow her on Facebook and twitter.

Reviews

[Christine Indorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam is finally cancer free from suffering from breast cancer, but in this journey she has lost so much. Her work, her boyfriend and now her adopted Grandfather Ted. Ted gave Sam the house and the funds to take care of it but what will Sam decide to do? Cole just lost his girlfriend and his singing partner. To get away and to write that final song he goes to Ted's house for some peace. There he meets Sam and helps her with the unwanted brother of Ted. During Cole and Sam meeting a tornado hits and Cole is stuck with Sam and the cleanup of the property. During all the cleanup will Sam and Cole discover friendship and love at Whispering Creek?

What a wonderful Christmas story full of love and hope. Both of the main characters has faced the hard in life but both discovers love and acceptance and the healing power of God. I especially love Sam journey of breast cancer and how she can finally learn to get on with her life with the support from friends and family and now the love of Cole. A wonderful story for the Christmas season.

I want to thank Barbara Britton for giving me a early copy of Christmas at Whispering Creek!!

[Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story to start our December! I absolutely enjoyed it. It is a great story full of hope, love and second chances. The main characters Sam and Cole were perfect for each other. The author definitely writes characters that are relatable. I felt for Sam. I wanted to wrap my hands around her and give her a big ole hug. But man she was a spunky little thing and did not back away from anything despite her circumstances. Yes, she had her moments of doubt but don't we all? Her growth throughout the story was a good one.

Cole definitely needed Sam in his life and I am so glad. He also had great growth throughout the story that I enjoyed. I really enjoyed how he appreciated Sam in a way that no other man had. He didn't see the cancer but just her.

Overall I thought it was a good story. The romance moved a little fast but I didn't mind. This was my first book by this author but I hope there are more stories coming from Whispering Creek as I would love to know more about Sam's friend. I think she also has a story that needs to be told!

If you are looking for a Christmas story to start out your season then make sure you grab this one!

I received a copy of this book through Just Read. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha Williams aka "Sam" only wants to be a teacher, but a fight with breast cancer has left her defeated. Cole Donoven left his dad's construction business where he lead the electrical end for his love of country music, but a connection with a country music writer only left him angry at himself for choices he made and ready for change. When Sam inherits the country cabin of her parents' good friend, she heads for Tennessee. Cole heads for Tennessee to see his good friend only to find that Ted has died and Sam is now living in the home left to her. Will their chance meeting lead both of them back to their faith as well as a romance?

Britton's writing is always wonderful with a strong faith thread throughout. I especially enjoyed this book because of the main female character trying to learn to live life again after breast cancer and failed reconstruction surgery. She had lost her self confidence as had Cole both because of happenings and choices in their lives. A very uplifting Christmas read that emphasizes there is always hope when you depend on your faith.

[Nay Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received a copy from the author for review.

Going with a wonderful 4.5 star rating. This was absolutely refreshing!! I loved the raw emotions and realness in prayer that both Cole and Samantha had. They tried their best not to hide their feelings and emotions from God. I loved it!

The romance was cute! I thought they were absolutely adorable. The family dynamics were interesting and the issues discussed were real.

As usual, Barbara M. Britton crafts a story that you can connect to on more than one level. You could feel the faith of the characters seeping through the pages. You could feel the emotions each turn of the page.

I can't wait to see what else is in store for Barbara M. Britton. I am forever a fan of her writing!!!

[Amanda Geaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This morning I finished reading Barbara M. Britton's latest release—Christmas at Whispering Creek.

If you or someone on your gift list loves small-town romances sprinkled with humor, you need to add this book to your Amazon shopping cart PRONTO!

❄️ Also available in Kindle Unlimited.

Favorite Quotes:
"Her ex didn’t know his way around a screwdriver unless it contained orange juice."

"She had to stop thinking about her loss and her lost relationship. Being alive was better than being pine-boxed in a cancer grave. God had given her new days to celebrate."

"God didn’t sit up in the heavens watching the world spin. God was involved in the details of her life, actively involved."

Ernie scratched his chin. “You showed your ex a song you wrote about Sam? That’s like fishing for stupid with two worms.”

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoing an achy country song, Britton’s latest contemporary inspirational holiday romance is a sweet twang of a hurting-and-healing stoked ballad set in rural Tennessee. When a down-and-out too-young cancer survivor is crushed by the loss of her beloved teaching job, and gets two more jolts in one day with the creepingly suspicious loss of her boyfriend and news of the death of Ted, a beloved influential friend, Samantha heads out for an adventure to learn the details of her inheritance. To her surprise, it comes with a house, cranky neighbors, and another handsome, hurting stray friend of Ted’s, the ultra-handsome and helpful songwriter Cole. Cole happens to be recovering from an unceremonious dumping of his glamorous partner, and appears at Ted’s country home to finish a contractual obligation for one last song. It’s chaos when he happens upon a furious contender for Ted’s estate, a beautiful damsel, and a tornado, all of which work to remind him that he’s never been the one in charge of his fate—God is, and he’d better re-learn that trust and faith practice.

Filled with lots of natural angst, a steady measure of faith, and delicious sweet romance, fans of Britton and clean romance will enjoy this loving holiday story.

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! Is it possible to review Christmas at Whispering Creek without gushing? This story is such a blessing, with beautiful writing, incredible characters, and a faith-filled, heartwarming, soul-edifying message! Samantha and Cole are extraordinary characters. I love their backstories and how they keep going forward to heal their hearts. And their sweet (and sometimes humorous) prayers are stirring. Gush!

Sam is overcoming a breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, and complications. And to top it off, an ugly breakup. But it is evident early on that she is stronger than she thinks and has the confidence and faith to see her through anything.

And then there’s Cole. Oh my. I adore him. He makes my heart swell. He is a wounded and lonely man, feeling overlooked and betrayed. But his heart…his big heart is soooo good. I just knew his faith would be restored and his heart would be filled. Gush!

There are also several of their small-town neighbors that grew on me—some sweet as pie (Gretta, Daniel, and Lucinda), some a little sour but still lovable (Ernie.) Then there’s a grown brat in the story that makes my blood boil and deserves a good shaking!

This story deals with so many important matters—health issues, heartbreaks, acceptance, faith, betrayal, strength, love, and trust. And learning about the author’s own cancer survival (in the back of the book) makes the story even more touching.

I’ve adored everything I’ve read by this author, but this inspiring story is my favorite. These characters and their growth have touched me so deeply, and I hope to revisit them and the other unforgettable Whispering Creek townsfolk. Gush!

First Line: Samantha Williams parked her mid-size SUV and hopped out into a forty-six-degree December day.
Series: Christmas Holiday Extravaganza
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance
Author: Barbara Britton
Page Count: 256
Content: Wholesome

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this book it will definitely be a re read at Christmas time yearly it was sooooo good!!!

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s amazing when a death can bring new life, especially when it comes to two very deserving souls.

Cole and Samantha are both coming out of heartbreaking situations, with both of their significant others leaving them in the dust, going on to greener pastures, leaving them both heartsick and lost. The death of a very close friend brings these strangers together, making them fast friends, and quickly something more.

Samantha is in remission from breast cancer, a journey that mirrored the author’s own journey, a tale that you get to read at the end of the novel, making this part of the story all the sweeter. Sam’s faith is strong, even if she is a little disoriented as far as the path of her future, but it’s this faith that helps strengthen Cole’s waning faith, something I always love to see in a story. The faith isn’t pushed, but more of a whisper, being fleshed out in the lives of the characters, something else that I always love.

The banter between Cole and Samantha is the cutest, reminding me a lot of how my husband and myself are, not taking ourselves too seriously, finding humor in everything. Their acquaintances with the supporting cast was even more endearing and refreshing. The support they receive, for the most part, is admirable, with the few exceptions that create just the right amount of drama, giving balance to this sweet read.

Seeing relationships restored, and new dreams realized, as well as all the Christmas trimmings sprinkled throughout made this such a delightful novel to read, especially during the holidays.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.

[Lori Hooten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life can sure throw some curve balls but what we do with them is what matters. Bitter or better is a phrase that often comes to mind and this book is all about "better." How do you handle the rough parts and how do you come out of it?

Samantha was destined to be a teacher but a breast cancer diagnosis changed that. At 23, all her plans were derailed. She heads to the property that Ted, an old family friend, left her after his passing. She is determined to deal what she has to and get her life back on track. But God through Ted had other plans.

Cole is struggling to get himself back to wherever it is he is supposed to be after his song-writing partner and girlfriend left him for a rising country music star. His family's electrical business is still there but does he really want to burden himself with all that past? Can he let go of the anger and uselessness that is holding on? Visiting Ted, not knowing he had passed away, brings Cole right into the midst of God's plans for him.

From the get-go, this book drags you right in and doesn't let you go. The story is one that so many of us can relate to, even if we haven't experienced these exact situations the characters go through. We recognize ourselves in them and that really makes this story come alive. I read it in under a day because the storyline just wouldn't let go. I felt it. I felt the emotion, the stirring, the angst, the worry, the heartache, the wonder. It is all there. You won't regret the time spent with Christmas at Whispering Creek.

[Kimmie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a recent move took me to Tennessee, I was ecstatic to see that Barbara M. Britton's new book, Christmas At Whispering Creek, took place there! I had the pleasure of having Barbara M. Britton as a guest earlier this year with her book Defending David!

As one of my first, and probably only, Christmas reads this year. It was jam packed with the whimsical wonder of the Joy of Christmas.

I so enjoyed how Barbara M. Britton made her characters realistic. They had real relatable struggles and life decisions that many of us have had to make. The thoughts going through Sam's mind were some of which that have crossed my own mind. The way Barbara M. Britton developed the characters even through their struggles was great. They were well laid out and still had a joy about them and a readiness to overcome rather than buckle under. And their faith shines through in a spectacular way!

Overall this story was just what I craved to get into the Christmas spirit. It was faith filled, joyful, and the romance was beautiful. I had a wonderful time reading this one and getting to relaxed into the small town of whispering creek.

4 Stars.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara Britton gives readers characters to root for in Christmas in Whispering Pines. Both Sam and Cole are two people who have been run over by life and are seeking refuge.

When Sam inherits a cabin in Tennessee, she has no idea what’s in store for her. A curmudgeon of a neighbor, a new friend in town, a little boy she connects with instantly, and a man who captures her attention and truly sees her. And then there’s the gorgeous cabin with beautiful views surrounding it.

I did question how quickly Sam and Cole connected, especially since they’re both coming out of big life changes. But then again, the leaps of faith that have the most distance between where we are and where we go are the ones that are the most rewarding.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

[Izzy James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another excellent read by Barbara Britton. Mrs. Britton is adept at tackling hard issues with hope and grace.

[Valerie Biel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming, inspirational love story perfect to read at any time of the year. We’re immediately drawn into the trials of Samantha’s life and are rooting for a happy outcome after her illness has taken nearly everything from her. The charming setting is so perfectly described that we feel like we’re right there as Samantha meets Cole, and we see the potential for their love. The dialogue between these two includes witty banter that will make you laugh out loud. Britton is a master at going above and beyond with her layers of subplots and tension-filled moments that make this a suspenseful read as much as a love story. This is a delightful, happy, hopeful read with page-turning scenes that will appeal to all romance readers.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming

Excellent book. Full of warmth, real life situations and especially Gods guidance in your daily life. A very enjoyable and uplifting book

[Kathy Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha “Sam” Williams has enough on her plate without a breakup. The Wisconsin teacher-turned-florist longs to get back into her old profession. Her body has healed from a mastectomy, but her self-image is still in shards. When her boyfriend breaks up with her just before Christmas, she knows it’s because of her physical changes. She says flatly, “You want someone whole,” while the soon-to-be-ex falls on the well-worn phrase, “We’re in different places.” They will soon BE in different places, as she comes up on him packing boxes for a move.
Sam bemoans his shallowness, while wondering if there’s a man alive who can love her when she’s less than perfect physically. She asks God, “Why are you taking everything from me?” But He’s about to bestow a gift from an unexpected place, her late friend and mentor, Ted Beckman.
Cole Donoven, a country singer and songwriter, has also been jilted by a capricious companion. With one last song on his contract, he heads for Whispering Creek, a tiny Tennessee town where he’s found inspiration before, at the cabin of a retired schoolteacher. From the book: “He prayed that Whispering Creek still knew how to whisper a song.” But Ted, his teacher friend, has passed on to glory, and passed on his house to an attractive stranger from the Midwest.
Cole and Sam don’t have a “meet cute,” they have a “meet messy” as a winter storm knocks out power and half of the house Samantha has inherited. Cole, who grew up in his father’s electrical contracting business, lends a hand because he’s a nice guy, but he keeps lending it after he realizes Sam is both beautiful and fun. They both love the Lord, though Cole’s relationship with the country star took him off the path for a while. Through repairing the house, makeshift meals and memories of their friend Ted, they have each other’s backs in a short time. Cole muses, “Something, perhaps fleeing a killer whirlwind with her in his arms, had him hoping he could get to know her better.”
The first time they pray together cements this for Sam. From the book: “A bond of connection bore down on her and in that moment she was free-falling off that imaginary suspension bridge and didn’t care what lay below.”
But both are damaged. Sam wonders if a man can ever love her again, while Cole struggles with being the second son of a successful and demanding man. Sam bemoans the fact that what she has left is “a damaged inheritance and a misshapen body.” Cole is sucked back into Donoven and Son when his brother suffers an accident, and he’s charged with delivering an important presentation. His old feelings of inadequacy surface in working with his family again. And when a chance encounter with a small boy reveals Sam’s secret, she’s convinced that Cole can never be more than a friend.
Can Sam and Cole find their way to being all that God wants them to be? Can they do it together, and in time for their Savior’s birth?

There’s a lot to like here. Britton does a good job with her young protagonists. They are characters one roots for. Her small Tennessee town is charming and character-filled.
Britton knows breast cancer intimately and writes about it with a survivor’s knowledge. The reader is with Samantha as she deals with her prosthetic, in ways only a survivor can know. From the book: “She clutched her possessions to her side and tried not to shift her plastic breast into her armpit.” In an epilogue, Britton shares her own journey and how God helped her through it.
This is a Christian novel and Britton weaves faith into every interaction. She uses the book of Philippians like a golden thread throughout the text, bringing each of her young protagonists back to the Word through Paul’s letter. From rejoicing always to not being anxious to the peace that passes all understanding, first Sam and then Cole incorporate these ancient truths. The faith element is strong.
This is a strong outing from an established writer. It’s good for anyone who likes a Christmas novel, but also for breast-cancer survivors and the people who love them.

[Lila Diller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! I related to the hero and heroine from page one. I was transported to Whispering Creek, Tennessee, in a delightful holiday whirlwind of life happenings that bring Cole and Samatha (Sam) together. I will probably re-read this every Christmas, the litmus test of how good it is. ;) Besides the relatable insecurities of both hero & heroine, and the believableness of the heroine's breast cancer journey (because the author has gone through it herself), I especially loved the strong faith thread!

Favorite quotes:
“Her cell phone buzzed in its holder. Surely, it wasn't Karlton. 'He'd text,' she mocked.” (p. 5)

“Two surgeries. Radiation, Infection. Her health problems had family friends on their knees for weeks. No, months. They should be called the knee pad brigade.” (p. 9)

“'Hey, we've been praying for God to give you direction. Don't shut down this opportunity too fast. Just sayin'.'” (p. 18)

“She had to stop thinking about her loss and her lost relationship. Being alive was better than being pine-boxed in a cancer grave. God had given her new days to celebrate. Stay focused on the present.” (p. 49)

“Rugged, good-hearted men were a temptation in the moonlight.... Why were her thoughts starting to sound like song lyrics?” (p. 58)

“Was Cole a guardian angel? She … cast a glance at the opened chocolate bar. No angel left chili-infused chocolate for a stressed female to find.” (p. 89) lol

“God was full of surprises. All Cole had planned was to have a quiet weekend at Ted's unofficial Bed and Breakfast. The weekend had come and gone, and it had been anything but quiet.” (p. 142)

“'Here's a notepad.' Sam was ready with paper and a pen. Her purse rivaled a department store.” (p. 177)

“Perhaps when she [had] petitioned God for a classroom in Wisconsin, He had smiled and thought, wait for it. God knew the plans He had for her. Maybe her classroom was hundreds of miles south in Tennessee.” (p. 201)

“He bent down and gave her a cinnamon red-hot kiss. A kiss filled with a whole lot of confidence and a whole lot of zing.” (p. 228)

(I received a copy for free from the author. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own, as was the decision to write this review.)

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The day I received my copy of Christmas at Whispering Creek I was in the midst of a difficult time regarding my own health. Although my issue was not breast cancer, I did find this book a source of encouragement. Each day I looked forward to my time set aside to read Christmas at Whispering Creek. It offered me hope, and a chance to escape into a different life. This story is uplifting, and yet honest. Sam’s journey to healing gave me a window into the life of someone living with a breast cancer diagnoses, as well as the healing process. The first chapter drew me in to Sam’s story. She is a year out from her diagnoses of breast cancer. Her boyfriend is moving on to another woman, who he may view as being more whole than Sam. She receives heartbreaking news that forces her to be brave and travel on her own to another state. Sam ventures forth trusting in God. Along the way she meets a young man, who has stumbled in the midst of his faith. There are ups and downs in Sam’s life due to unforeseen circumstances, as well as from circumstances related to her breast cancer. Throughout the story I was rooting for Sam to have her dreams come true. The beauty of the story is in Sam knowing that her all powerful God is the one who decides which dreams should come true for His glory, and for her best. We wonder with Sam if her dreams will align with God’s best. After completing this beautiful book I read Barbara Briton’s personal breast cancer story. There is no wonder that Barbara’s reliance on the Lord has been her source of strength. She is a gifted writer. You will not be disappointed in reading Christmas at Whispering Creek.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. The review is my honest opinion.

[Laura DeNooyer-Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life throws a curve ball at Samantha when she is diagnosed with breast cancer at such a young age. But the curve balls keep coming. After a dear family friend dies, Wisconsin girl finds herself in Tennessee with an inherited house and a cranky next door neighbor.

Meanwhile, Cole is dodging curve balls of his own. Trying to, anyhow. Part of his maneuvers involve attempting to prove himself to his critical father and brother to secure his place in the family.

Both Sam and Cole are reeling from painful breakups. It’s all the more complicated for Sam who now wears a prosthetic breast. Can any worthwhile guy overlook a missing body part to see, appreciate, and embrace the real Sam? Experience has taught her no.

This story gives glimpses into the life of a cancer survivor, and what that entails in everyday living. Things I’d never thought of before. My heart went out to Sam and her struggles, but also to Cole. I attribute that to the author’s skill in creating three-dimensional, multi-faceted characters that live and breathe on the page. Cole and Sam are likable and relatable. You can’t help but root for them. I particularly enjoyed their bantering.

One caveat. I wanted to see more tension with Cole wrestling through his thoughts regarding Sam’s condition once he discovered it. Regardless, this sweet story is just right for a Christmastime romance. If you like stories with a strong faith element (and lots of prayers), you’ll find it here.

The story is enhanced by the author’s personal experience with cancer. Be sure to read her notes afterward.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. This in no way affects my review. All thoughts are my own.

[Erin Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Britton’s Christmas at Whispering Creek is the story of Samantha Williams, a young woman from Wisconsin who is trying to rebuild her life after a devastating breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and a reconstructive surgery gone awry. Now on top of all that, she loses someone near and dear to her, and sets out for Tennessee to claim an unexpected and unknown inheritance.

Upon arriving in Tennessee, she meets Cole Donoven, a Nashville songwriter who has lost his way on multiple fronts in his personal, professional, and spiritual life. A family crisis brings him to a place he never expected to be and combined with the pull between him and the northern beauty, God’s plan for him begins to unfold. Britton handles the growing romantic relationship between him and Sam in a sweet and God-honoring way.

Sam’s strong faith shines throughout the book and waters the seeds of faith that were planted in Cole’s childhood to allow them to blossom. It reminds me of the promise in Scripture, train up a child in the way he should go….

The story has a sweet and satisfying ending—complete with mistletoe, because after all, it’s Christmas! However, the real cherry on top is Britton’s recounting of her own breast cancer journey, the inspiration for Samantha’s story. Filled with the admonitions I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength, and be anxious for nothing, along with deep spirituality and hope, Christmas at Whispering Creek is sure to touch every reader’s heart.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There aren't too many things I enjoy more than Christmas- the music, decorations, cookies - and stories! Especially the stories, and this one is now at the top of my list: A true-to-life, funny-yet-poignant Christmas novel focusing on a breast cancer survivor. Barbara Britton has surpassed herself with Christmas at Whispering Creek. Her readers will recognize her picturesque imagery and excellent story-telling. This book has more than that. Anyone who has ever experienced or cared about someone with breast cancer will immediately be drawn to Samantha as she continues to live her life as a survivor, navigating all the twists and turns that come her way. Both Sam and Cole are likable, real characters whose chemistry makes the story lots of fun to read. The plot will draw you in and keep you reading. And the bonus is Barb's personal story at the end. Make sure to have kleenex on hand, but also prepare to give glory to God. This is a great book and I highly recommend it. Merry Christmas - in October, Breast Cancer month, or any time!
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Karen Malley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Britton is best known for her Biblical fiction, but Christmas at Whispering Creek is sweet contemporary romance, and she nails it. Sam is a breast cancer survivor and struggles with her post-surgery body image. As a survivor myself, I was glad to see the topic addressed in this book. So many women have experienced breast cancer, and this book is sure to speak to survivors, but you don’t have to have experienced cancer to enjoy and appreciate this book. Sam, despite her trials, holds fast to God and is a positive and inspirational person. When she meets Cole, we can’t help but hope for a happy ending. Sure, there are some corny lines, but who doesn’t say corny things when they’re first falling in love? Take a trip to Whispering Creek and have a merry Christmas along with Sam and Cole.

[Penelope Marzec · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy of this book from the author and I’m glad I did because this sweet romance warmed my heart. Songwriter Cole was dumped by his singer girlfriend but he needed to write one more song under his contract so he goes to Ted’s house. After surviving breast cancer and being dumped by her boyfriend, Sam discovers she’s inherited Ted’s house in Tennessee after his death. The two meet as a tornado roars into town leaving Sam’s newly inherited house in need of repairs. The engaging banter between the two is delightful, but their reliance on prayer grows stronger as their relationship is tested. Sam, Cole, and the other characters in the story are all well-defined with honest motivations. I enjoyed every moment of this book including the personal account of Barbara Britton’s own bout with breast cancer.

[Zoe McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Britton’s Christmas at Whispering Creek is a fun romance with a message. I thoroughly enjoyed the moments Samantha and Cole spent together. Both jilted, they have reserves, desires for a chance at a relationship, and fears of falling short. The Tennessee setting at Christmas wraps the story in a southern bow. What I found particularly informative was how Sam handles her failed reconstruction surgery after breast cancer. Britton shows what this really looks like while keeping the story light. Then, following Christmas at Whispering Creek, Britton relates her own tough journey in battling breast cancer. I recommend Christmas at Whispering Creek for readers who enjoy a clean, fun romance that addresses the issues of breast cancer. I received an ARC. The opinions are my own.

[Kristin Bayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming, lovely story with real depth. The heroine, Sam, is a breast cancer survivor. The author drew on her own breast cancer journey, which she talks about at the back of the book. For Sam, it’s a physical and an emotional journey, as well as a spiritual one. And it doesn’t help that her long-time boyfriend can’t handle it and breaks up with her. But then an inheritance falls into her lap, a cozy log cabin in the woods in rural Tennessee, which comes with plenty of challenges, including a freak storm, a curmudgeonly neighbor, and Cole, a handsome and unexpected house guest, who is recovering from issues of his own. I loved everything about this story. Sam and Cole are great together. And I love the way their faith helps them grow as individuals and in their love for each other. I received an advanced copy of this book, but my review is my honest opinion.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This weekend, I read Barbara Britton's "Christmas at Whispering Creek"--a sweet, Christmas-themed contemporary romance between a young woman who is a breast cancer survivor (Sam(antha) Williams) and an electrician/songwriter (Cole Donoven).

Barbara did a great job of helping the reader experience Samantha's feelings regarding her loss and showing how God helped her. Barbara provided vivid imagery through description and sensory details. I liked how she included the repetition of Scripture throughout. The spiritual arc was well-developed and flowed organically.

Also, I was touched by reading about Barbara's personal story at the end.

I would recommend this story to anyone, but especially to those whose families have been touched by cancer.

This Christmas Extravaganza title is available through Amazon, the Pelican Book Group Website, and through other major retailers. I look forward to reading other Christmas Extravaganza titles.

[Regina Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Christmas at Whispering Creek” is an emotional reading experience that will pull you in and tug at your heart. Author Barbara Britton has created an unforgettable hero and heroine in this captivating and inspirational romance. The hero, Cole, is trying to move on from a failed romance, and the heroine, Sam, is struggling to get her health back on track - also after a failed romance. When disaster strikes in the form of a tornado, the two are stranded together in a house in rural Whispering Creek…but is it really a disaster? As they get to know each other, Sam’s strong faith becomes apparent to Cole, and they find that instead of being defined by the past, God is helping them shape their future together. This redemptive holiday romance will whisper to your heart with its wonderful, hopeful message. A satisfying read any time of year!

[Susie Sellner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at Whispering Creek was a delightful read during the holidays, but it can be enjoyed any time of the year. Samantha, a young teacher, inherits a house and some funds from a family friend and arrives to find Cole, another friend of the deceased, coming to visit him at the same time "Sam" arrives. Numerous startling things occur right away, but Sam and Cole work through them together. As a breast cancer survivor, Sam faces many unknowns. One such unknown is whether she should move to Tennessee, where this house is located. Should she look for a teaching job in Whispering Creek? Will her relationship with Cole become significant? I love the chemistry between Sam and Cole and the open discussion of breast cancer issues.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a novel that keeps me awake turning pages. Christmas at Whispering Creek was that novel. When you take failed romance, a fresh start in a new state, and a budding relationship, then throw cancer into the mix, the result is an emotional read. Sam (Samantha) and Cole are brought to life through skilled character development. I felt like I knew them personally. We all know the physical trials that patients suffer, but sometimes miss the emotional roller coaster. The author writes this story with first hand experience. Don’t miss the Afterword where she shares her own battle with cancer. Both are skillfully written and well worth your time.

[Carol James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of finding wholeness through brokenness.

I’m a big fan of Barbara Britton’s biblical fiction. And I enjoyed this contemporary romance just as much. Her characters are beautifully flawed. And I fell in love with them as she masterly wove a theme of God’s redemptive love throughout the storyline. Her heroine is dealing with the aftermath of breast cancer. And the hero is fighting his own battles, trying to overcome failure and gain the respect of his brother. Christmas at Whispering Creek is a beautiful story of overcoming brokenness to find wholeness. It’s the perfect inspiration for the holiday season.