This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Makeda Cummings for Readers' Favorite
Elizabeth Mowery's Whispers in the Forest revolves around Adeline Bigsby, a fifteen-year-old girl struggling with loss and guilt, who is unexpectedly thrust into an epic journey of self-discovery. Her life in Sunset Beach, NC, does a 180-degree turn in the blink of an eye. Adeline transforms from a cheerful teen into a grieving daughter when her father dies in a car accident in which she was the driver. Her mother relocates their small family, including Adeline and her younger sister, Rebecca, to a little town outside Asheville for a fresh start. Adeline struggles to find hope and is displeased with the move, the new home, and her new school. While walking into the forested area near her home one day, she meets a friendly elderly man who introduces her to a portal that leads to a new realm—a unique place Adeline can visit to let her adventurous spirit fly freely.
Whispers in the Forest is a poignant and compelling YA fantasy that will resonate with teens and adults alike. It is an engaging coming-of-age novel, similar to books like Harry Potter and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Elizabeth Mowery skillfully portrays heartening lessons of forgiveness and courage while exploring profound tropes like parental loss, found family, a strong female protagonist, and thrilling adventures. The author has a way of captivating her audience with descriptive and evocative prose. The lush forest setting is vividly described. Even the more emotive scenes, where Adeline struggles with her emotions of guilt and grief and the new move, are beautifully and realistically portrayed. The overall storyline has an alluring and flowing narrative packed with relatable (and even likable) characters. If you're in the mood for an epic YA fantasy tale that blends elements of suspense with the supernatural and masterful storytelling, Whispers in the Forest is a sure bet!