I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman hoping to strike out on her own and make her own future struggles with a powerful family matriarch and an equally powerful family secret that can either gain her the leverage she needs or divide her family further in author Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler’s “Whispering Through Water”.
The Synopsis
The coming-of-age story follows Gwyn Madison, the summer after her high school graduation, as she grapples with her fast-approaching future. She’ll have to face more than she bargained for with her Aunt Delia, the family matriarch, who holds the purse strings and the final word. In the meantime, Gwyn stumbles upon a tightly held family secret. Could a mysterious letter provide Gwyn the leverage she desires? Will it only bring more family division? Or, maybe, the past was never meant to stay buried after all. Whispering Through Water navigates family dynamics, young love, and female autonomy with a little 1990s nostalgia.
The Review
This was a memorable and engaging coming-of-age story. The author did an incredible job of capturing the powerful themes of family secrets, seeking independence, and family dynamics as a whole. The imagery and atmosphere the author was able to layer into the story really brought the scenes in each chapter to life so vividly, especially the moments between Gwyn and her aunt, as her Aunt Delia became a powerful figure immediately within the context of the story.
The brilliant character development and intimate mystery within this family all helped bring this coming-of-age story to life on the page. The emotional depth of the relationships this family and cast of characters have established in this story was fantastic, and the way Delia’s past began to unravel slowly over time kept me as a reader invested in the narrative.
The Verdict
Breathtaking, entertaining, and memorable, author Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler’s “Whispering Through Water” is a must-read coming-of-age novel. The rich 90’s setting and emotional rollercoaster of a journey the cast of characters find themselves on help elevate this story to new heights, and showcase how time and time again, life proves to be a never-ending journey to educate and learn from our pasts to help preserve other people’s futures. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler was raised in West Point, a small town in the Tidewater region of Virginia. From the moment she submitted her first short story to a young author’s contest in second grade, Rebecca knew she wanted to be a writer. Her love of writing led her to earn a BA in English and an MEd in English education. She spent several years as a high school teacher, during which she also developed a passion for mental health advocacy. Rebecca completed an MA in professional counseling and now works in the school-based mental health field and as a college adjunct psychology instructor. Rebecca also teaches yoga for the young and the young at heart, and she likes to infuse yoga and breathwork in her counseling practice wherever she can.
She believes the most valuable use of her time is teaching youth how to love and care for each other and the world around them. Her stories share her focus on positive relationships and a love of nature. Rebecca now lives in Durham, North Carolina, with her husband, two children, and two spoiled Siamese cats.
Whispering Through Water is her first YA novel and second book. Her picture book When Daddy Shows Me the Sky was released November 2021. You can follow Rebecca on Instagram @rebeccawwheeler_author and www.rebeccawwheeler.com.
Purchase a copy of Whispering Through Water on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org. You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list.
Blog Tour Calendar
January 9th @ The Muffin
Join us as we celebrate the launch of Whispering Through Water by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler. We interview the author and give away a copy of the book to one lucky reader.
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
January 10th @ Mindy McGinnis’ blog
Visit Mindy’s blog to read Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler’s guest post about things she’s learned about the author and editor relationship.
https://www.mindymcginnis.com/blog
January 10th @ Rockin’ Book Reviews
Visit Lu Ann’s blog for her review of Whispering Through Water. You also have the chance to win a copy of the book!
January 11th @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews
Visit Lisa’s blog for an interview with author Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler.
https://lisahaselton.com/blog/
January 12th @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog
Join Anthony as he shares his thoughts about Whispering Through Water.
January 13th @ A Storybook World
Deirdre features Whispering Through Water in a book spotlight.
https://www.astorybookworld.com/
January 14th @ Just Katherine
Katherine treats us to an excerpt of Whispering Through Water.
https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com/
January 15th @ Reading is My Remedy
Join Chelsie for a review of Whispering Through Water.
https://readingismyremedy.wordpress.com/
January 16th @ One Writer’s Journey
Sue shares a guest post by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler about how her graduate program in counseling helped her write fiction.
January 18th @ Word Magic
Fiona spotlights Whispering Through Water by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler.
https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/
January 19th @ Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
Visit Joan’s blog for her insights about Whispering Through Water.
https://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/
January 21st @ Life According to Jamie
Visit Jamie’s blog for her thoughts about Whispering Through Water by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler.
https://lifeaccordingtojamie.com/
January 24th @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog
Join Anthony as he shares a guest post by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler about her different processes when writing young adult versus picture books.
January 26th @ World of My Imagination
Nicole reviews the book Whispering Through Water.
https://worldofmyimagination.com
January 27th @ Storeybook Reviews
Come by Leslie’s blog and read her review of Whispering Through Water.
https://storeybookreviews.com/
January 28th @ Reading is My Remedy
Cheslie shares a guest post from Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler about gardening.
https://readingismyremedy.wordpress.com/
February 1st @ Beverley A. Baird
Join Beverley as she reviews Whispering Through Water.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/
February 2nd @ Celticlady’s Reviews
Check out a book spotlight of Whispering Through Water. A must-read book to add to your collection!
https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/
February 2nd @ Knotty Needle
Visit Judy’s blog and read her review of Whispering Through Water.
http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/
February 3rd @ Beverley A. Baird
Visit Beverley’s blog again for a guest post by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler about growing up in a small town.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/
February 5th @ The Mommies Reviews
Join Glenda as she reviews Whispering Through Water by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler.
https://themommiesreviews.com/
February 6th @ One Writer’s Journey
Sue will be interviewing Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler. Learn more about this prolific writer!
February 7th @ Liberate and Lather
Join Angela as she reviews Whispering Through Water. She also shares a guest post by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler about simple things to do at home to be more eco-friendly.
https://liberateandlather.com/
February 9th @ Chapter Break
Julie interviews author Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler about books, writing, life, and more.
February 10th @ From the TBR Pile
Visit Kari’s blog for a review of Whispering Through Water.
https://fromthetbrpile.blogspot.com/
February 11th @ Boots, Shoes and Fashion
Visit Linda’s blog for an in-depth interview with author Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler and her book Whispering Through Water.
