Whispers of Goodbye by Karen White

Yes!by Anonymous

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March 30, 2004: Catherine 'Cat' deClaire Reed had recently lost her son, due to drowning, and her husband, due to suicide. Even though the war was over, the Yankees made sure she had little left. Her only living relative was her sister, Elizabeth, who married John McMahon seven years before and left. Cat had not seen her since. So when out of the blue, Cat received a letter from Elizabeth begging her to come quickly, Cat did! ................... Upon reaching Whispering Oaks in Louisiana, Cat learned that Elizabeth had disappeared. She also learned that she was an aunt! Rebecca was about five years old and full of secrets about the voices that whisper to her at night. Rebecca also enjoyed spying on people and learning more secrets. She was open, loving, and Catherine grew to love her as her own. ............... When Elizabeth was found dead, rumors blamed the husband, John. But Cat knew well enough by then that Elizabeth had changed and NOT for the better. Cat no longer recognized the woman people described to her. She knew too that John would never have murdered his wife. ..................... Someone, or possibly more than one person, were now out to harm Cat, the new mistress of Whispering Oaks, and little Rebecca. Everyone had dark secrets, nothing was as it seemed, and the swamps could be deadly! ............... ***** Oh, how I adore Gothic Romances! This one is pure bliss to those, like myself, who enjoy indulging in gothics. Beautiful woman, dark and dreary background, and a man that is mysterious, dangerous, and in love with the heroine. Perfect! .................. I stayed up late to finish this one. I found myself unable to sleep until the last page had been turned. Author Karen White has created the perfect 'old time' gothic with the 'modern' happily-ever-after ending that readers of today crave. Highly recommended reading! I can hardly wait for this author's next gothic release! *****

200 Proof Gothicby harstan

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October 05, 2001: Her son died and her husband accuses her of their child?s death. He refuses to share his grief with her or allow her to mourn. Robert adds to Catherine Reed?s distress when the former Confederate soldier kills himself. Stunned by her husband?s actions and still mourning her losses, Cat endures strike three when she receives an urgent message from her older sister Elizabeth McMahon to come immediately. Since the two siblings have not communicated during the recent Civil War years, the note is not only a shocker, but Elizabeth is unaware of Cat?s losses. Still Cat runs home to the family plantation.

At Whispering Oaks, Cat learns her sister is missing and her brother-in-law John seems unconcerned. When Elizabeth?s corpse is found, a non-mourning John simply asks Cat to marry him for the sake of her niece Rebecca who he insists needs a caring adult female in her life. Reluctantly, Cat agrees, but when she returns from her honeymoon, she begins to hear the whispers of doubt about her new spouse.

WHISPERS GOODBYE is a perfect novel for those readers who enjoy an old fashioned Gothic romance. The story line is 200 proof Gothic with a foreboding tone and whisperings in and around mansion, a dark mysterious hero, and a doubting damsel in distress. Though often over melodramatic, the plot grabs the reader with its twists and turns that Karen White cleverly ties together in a stirring but stunning climax. Sub-genre fans will really like this tale.

Harriet Klausner