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I’m a “Geordie lass” from Newcastle upon Tyne, in the north east of England, not far from the castles and beaches of the stunning Northumberland coastline. The city is famous for Newcastle United - our Premier League football team has major aspirations but zero results! It’s a university city and a well-known weekend destination if you’re wanting to party or “shop until you drop”. I’ve always written, usually when I’m meant to be doing something else. I’m that woman talking to herself on the bus, scribbling ideas with a purple pen.
Whispered Wishes was inspired by a real-life event - the scene on the train where Olivia meets Lucas again. The guy was a surf-dude, the girl looked prim, like a lawyer. They bickered for three hours but by the end, they were all over each other and clearly heading for a hotel. I was intrigued and tempted to follow them. But I reined in my stalker tendencies and wrote a novel instead.
Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite
In Whispered Wishes by Sue Lilley, when Olivia moves into Willow Cottage after her relationship ends, she finds her new neighbor, single father Nathan, is far from happy to see her. Both Olivia and Nathan are determined that the barriers they have built up from their pasts will remain. Nathan's only focus is on raising his daughter, Katie. But when Olivia meets his old adversary, a self-assured reality TV star, Lucas Jax, Nathan is enraged with jealousy. As Olivia learns the painful truth behind Nathan's distant behavior, she realizes how much she cares for him. Nathan slowly opens his heart to Olivia and allows himself to trust again. Now Olivia finds herself caught between two sworn enemies and when Katie disappears, Nathan believes only one man is responsible. But in order to find his precious daughter, he must face his enemy and make a drastic decision.
Unlike many romance novels, the characters in this book are riveting and have many layers to their personalities. I thought Nathan and Olivia were both charismatic and very likable. Their behavior and dialogue perfectly portray individuals who have faced heartbreak. Sue Lilley captures Nathan's pain so subtly but powerfully. The development of the relationship between Olivia and Nathan is gradual and, again, very realistic. Donna was also a very strong character and a friend everyone deserves. There are moments of heartbreak, suspense, and surprising revelations. Whispered Wishes by Sue Lilley is a very good example of how people change their behavior when they have been hurt or abandoned emotionally. Sometimes you can put up barriers so high that you forget how to trust and love. A beautiful, engaging story that will be hard to forget once you turn the final page.
