Review: Whispers In Autumn by M. Jean Pike

Whispers In Autumn by M. Jean Pike
Paperback: 156 pages
Publisher: Black Lyon Publishing
Available: March 15, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1934912249
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Book received from: Author

To hear love whispering,
they had to listen with their hearts.

Paranormal Studies expert Dove Denning came to Shadow Lake to attend her friend Emma’s wedding. After helping the police with a brutal murder investigation, the solitude and tranquility of the lake are just what Dove needs to ease her spirit—but the spirits that whisper to her aren’t so at ease.

Struggling over the death of his daughter, Dusty is a man who has come from dark places in search of peace. As his heart turns toward Dove, the ghosts from his past turn out to be more than just figures of speech. Together, Dusty and Dove find the power of redemption, of safety from a growing danger … of love on the lake.

Dove Denning has attracted the attention of a stalker after helping investigators in a high profile murder investigation.  She is a Paranormal Studies expert and can communicate with spirits that linger after death.  Needing to get away for some peace and quiet she retreats to Shadow Lake to attend the wedding of a friend.  The problem is there are spirits everywhere who seek to communicate with the living and she may not get the peace she seeks.

On her way to the wedding she meets Dusty who lives at the lake. He offers to show her the way and they become friends.  Dusty’s daughter died tragically at the lake several years ago and at times he senses her presence.  When he finds out that Dove can communicate with spirits he hopes to make contact with his daughter, and make peace with her so she can move on. What he didn’t count on was finding love.

I was drawn into this story right away intrigued by the idea of Dove coming to the lake, seeking solitude because she has a stalker. However, that part of the plot was left somewhat unexplored.  Instead the story focused more on the romantic relationship and Dusty finding peace and reconciliation in his daughters tragic death.  The idea that the stalker would come into play was hinted at throughout the story but it never came full circle. While I really enjoyed the emotional and romantic aspect of the story, I admit I was a little disappointed that the stalker angle was not fully developed.

Whispers In Autumn is a wonderfully romantic tale.  Dove and Dusty’s romantic chemistry was nice and I enjoyed their comfortable dialog.  Their romance was sweet and I liked the gradual build up to the romantic relationship rather than a fast and furious rush to love.  Ms. Pike does a very nice job in creating characters that are genuine in heart and very likeable.

Purchase a copy of Whispers In Autumn

Other books in the series:

Shadow Lake Book 1

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