Chasing Whispers by Jennifer Youngblood
Series: The Honeysuckle Island Series Book 1
Publisher: Arbor House Books; April 28, 2021
REVIEW BY GWEN M. PLANO
Jennifer Youngblood’s Chasing Whispers combines suspense with romance in this Christian-themed novel. Situated on the fictional Honeysuckle Island, readers are quickly drawn into a baffling mystery involving those associated with the Oliver Hotel.
Effie, a young interior designer and the protagonist in the story arrives with skills and optimism. Both are challenged by dark circumstances. The wife of the hotel’s manager, Lina Chasing, has disappeared and is feared dead. The principal suspect is her husband, Talon Chasing, and he is the person with whom Effie must work closely. Questions abound because nothing is as it seems. When Talon develops a friendship with Effie, rumors proliferate and suspicions mount.
Though I found this story to be slow-moving, the pace picked up midway and kept me focused. The two main characters, Effie and Talon, are well-developed, likable, and relatable. Their professional relationship predictably evolves into a romantic interest, and with this development, the story comes alive.
“I realized that regardless of how alone I felt that God knew who I was. He was aware of me and sent someone to help. Since then, I’ve been clearing away the weeds the best I can so that the seeds will have room to grow.” JENNIFER YOUNGBLOOD, CHASING WHISPERS
This is the first book of an 8-book series. Though it could be considered a standalone, the ending leaves one wondering. Readers must dive into Book 2 to find the answers to their questions. This can be a little unsettling for those who expect a real conclusion to the story. On another note, the Christian element is light, but the values are everywhere present, and they become more evident toward the end of the book.
Chasing Whispers was a solid four-fish read to me. I liked the characters, and the setting was an intriguing one. On the downside, I found the pace to be slow, until the latter half of the book. If you are a patient reader, you’ll be rewarded and perhaps decide to read the next book in the series.
I purchased the Kindle version of Chasing Whispers through Amazon.
The Well Read Fish 
Interesting and thoughtful review, Gwen. You’ve got me wondering what happened to Lina Chasing! I’m fine with slow-paced chapters in a book as long as they’re still suspenseful or give me something to contemplate.
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There’s plenty to like in this book, Priscilla. Youngblood’s story is intriguing, and her writing is appealing. If you read it, let me know what you think. 😊
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Thanks, Gwen! I enjoyed looking at this series and discovered insightful reviews on Amazon. For example, I saw in the reviews, as you noted, writers should weigh the negative impact of readers’ desire closure.
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Thank you, Grant. I suspect if one intends to read the whole series, then the ending would not impact the enjoyment of the story. 😊
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Gwen. I’ve enjoyed several of Jennifer’s books.
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Thank you for mentioning this, Jill. She’s a good writer and deserves recognition. 😊
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This one has me on the fence. I don’t mind a slow burn if the characters are rich, but if the pace is noticeably slow, that tells me the characters might not engage me enough to weather that storm.
Regardless, excellent breakdown of the pros and cons. Thanks, Gwen.
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Thank you, Staci. I am like you. The pace of a story affects my engagement. Others may not be troubled by this. The story is solid, and Youngblood is a good writer. Maybe it’s a matter of taste. 😊
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Great review! Sounds like an interesting read. 😀
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Thank you, Nicole. She has a huge following, so most find her stories intriguing. 😊
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Thanks for the review, Gwen. I appreciate your balanced thoughts about what worked and what didn’t. 🙂 I’m curious if you’ll continue with the series?
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Thank you, Diana. Youngblood is a good writer, but I doubt I’ll continue the series.
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🙂 🙂
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Interesting, with a perplexing conumdrum, for this romance to thrive, the wife has to be dead or suitably re-established. How will that happen in a Christian themed book?
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Well . . . I don’t think I can answer that question because it would reveal too much. 😉 I’ll just say that Youngblood resolves the conundrum.
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A very balanced review, Gwen, pointing out the high and low points. I don’t think the slow pace wouldn’t bother me so much as the unresolved ending, and the need to purchase a second book. I enjoy series books, but I like each tale to have a complete wrap, thus permitting me the decision whether or not I want to continue with other characters and plots.
I was also puzzled about the ensuing romance and missing wife, but I’m sure the author handles that part well. And that cover is lovely!
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Thank you, Mae. You’ve articulated the considerations well. The “puzzle” is likely resolved in the next book in the series. I agree with you about the cover – it is alluring for sure. 😊
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Great review, Gwen. I always prefer when questions are answered in a book but leaving room for more to be answered. But it does sound like a good read 🙂
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Thank you, Denise. Leaving room for more makes sense to me as well. It introduces mystery. 😊
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The cover drew me and then I read the protagonist’s name was Effie (my grandmother’s name) and I was hooked! I’m going to check this out Gwen, thanks.
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The cover and the title drew me in as well, Jacquie. Youngblood is a good writer, so I think you’ll enjoy this book. 😊
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I haven’t read too many mysteries. Not sure why because I love watching them especially the British variety. Thanks for highlighting this book today!
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I was drawn to this one, Kelly, because of its cover and Youngblood’s strong following among readers. It’s a good mystery that keeps one guessing.
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As ever, a thoughtful and useful review. Pacing is a key issue in a mystery – but it sounds as if the author might have got away with it…
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Thanks so much. I’m glad you found the review helpful. 😊
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I love the island hotel setting. I’m with Staci – sometimes I can overlook pacing issues if I like the characters. Nice review, Gwen!
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It’s a perfect setting for a mystery, Teri, and I think you’d like the characters. Thank you for stopping by and adding to the conversation. 😊
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The story is intriguing, with the hint about her skills, but I’m bothered by the missing wife, already forgotten enough that husband and employee feel they can have an affair. When I read the Amazon blurb, it sounds like wife has been gone a while–long time. All very intriguing!
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It does make one wonder, Jacqui, and the second book in the series probably answers a few of those questions. Thank you for stopping by for a visit. 😊
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I like books set on islands, but I am not sure the pace and the fact that there are eight books in the series would suit me at the moment. Thanks, Gwen!
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I’m not ready for the whole series either, Olga. That’s a huge chunk of time. But, Youngblood is a very good writer, so maybe someday. . . 😊
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I like a good mystery that is clean and has good morals and values evident. I am curious about what has happened to Lina. I am not a big fan of cliff hangers or unfinished endings though. Nice review Gwen.
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Thank you, Carla. Youngblood is a good writer, but I prefer true endings. 😊
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