A tortured soul meets a damaged family… are agony to my healing heart, but I cherish the sound of them, for that’s the only time I ever hear my beautiful daughter speak. Since her father died two years ago, she’s grown quiet and withdrawn. Cat’s Valley was to be our new beginning, a place where my family and I can heal, but what we find there is so much more.
Scars mar his body. Pain has left him in pieces…
Four years ago, I lost the two things I cherished most in the world. They were ripped from my arms in the most painful and cruel way. Since then, I’ve kept to myself, preferring to stay away from the pitying looks and murmured rumors. Everything changed when she and her children barged into my life. It was an accident, and I don’t deserve them, but now that they’re here, I’m not sure I can let them go.
DISCLAIMER: Intended for readers 18 years or older due to sexual content and harsh language. May contain triggers for burn victims or motor vehicle accident victims.
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Whispered Prayers of a Girl by Alex Grayson
Whispered Prayers of a Girl
by Alex Grayson (Goodreads Author)
11816773
Tracey *Vampy and Racey*’s review Jul 03, 2017 · edit
it was amazing
bookshelves: five-star-reads, romance, 2017, review-copy, need-to-do-blog-post
Five stars from me.
Alexander and Gwens journey is a beautiful and tragic story, as they have both lost so much in the past.
I adored Alexander, he has more than physical scars he is broken on the inside too, then a glimmer of light appears in the form of Gwen and her kids.
Do you like tears while reading, if so I’d be surprised if you could read this book without getting a little moist around the eyes.
This story is more than a romance, there are children involved too, the author takes us through a budding friendship between Alexander and the kids, it really shows the characthers true nature how he handles the children.
You know it’s not gonna be an easy romance when both characthers have been widowed, they have to deal with each other’s grief of lost partners as its different to an ex that you’ve fallen out of love with. I did find Gwen’s timing a little off on one occasion, a moment that should have been Alexanders and hers – she chose to ask about his wife! It may just have been her caring nature and knowing he felt a little looser that moment, but I wanted that to be their moment.
This is a beautifully written story, it’s full of emotion and the story moves at a pleasant pace and did I mention it’s set in a small town – I love small town setting, so this added to the perfectness of this book.
I would have demolished this book in one go if I had the chance but finished it in my second sitting.
This is my second book from this author, the other was very good too but very different so will be looking to read more.
This was a great book. I was a little worried because both the one review I saw as well as the start of the book mentioned tears and tissues, and while I can respect a well-written emotional punch, it’s not something I normally want in my books.
But I liked the blurb and I read the first chapter or so (whatever’s available on the Kobo preview), and it sounded good, so I got it anyway, and I’m really glad I did. I did not cry at all, and I think that’s because the book was written *better* than it would have been had I been made to be all weepy. Personally, I see it as someone who didn’t go over-the-top, trying to be too dramatic, to force emotions on the reader, or anything obnoxious like that; it simply felt very *real*. I adored all the characters, I felt for them and their pain and I wished for it to be eased, it was touching and wonderful and *not* excessive! I highly recommend this and will be happy to look into more Alex Grayson titles in the future.
Tissues are a must when reading this book! This story hooked me from the first chapter. Two people with such heartbreaking stories come together by fate it seems. People who are so different, but so similar at the same time. Alexander displays a hard exterior due to his loss while Gwendolyn stays strong for the sake of her children and her own sanity. Normally books don’t make me cry as easily as movies due because I can distance myself a little from the emotions. But there was a point in this book, you’ll probably know when you read it, where I couldn’t hold back my emotions. The descriptions were so vivid it was as though i were in the moment myself. I could feel the fear, the terror, and the utter heart ache. This was a beautifully written story. I want to say more about my favorite scenes, etc, but I don’t want to give anything away. I will say I love little Daniel and his energy helps to keep a light feel in the story
Holy Cow!
I don’t even know where to begin.. The blurb is amazing and is only the tip of the iceberg.. I could not stop reading this ..
The tragedies Gwen, Kelsey, Daniel and Alexander all faced and the different ways they each dealt with are told in this heartwrenching story.. You will need tissues! That should be in the disclaimer LOL
My heart was tugged in so many directions reading how each person is differently effected by what life has thrown at them and the various ways they are each dealing with..
Kelsey won me over! Love that girl
I’v read some of the most emotionally charged stories by Alex Grayson and Whispered Prayers has got to be one of my favorite so far . I felt a strong connection to all the characters I’v felt everything that they were going through and this author does such a great job of translating that for the readers . Gwen her children and Alexander have suffered greatly the pain they go through is so unimaginable my heart was all over the place to see what they were going through and fighting to just breath . Gwen is a very beautiful heroine inside and out , amazing , strong mother , and sweet . Alexander was just wow I shed a few tears on certain parts when is came his POV the thing he does for the heroine and her children is truly wonderful / uplifting / inspirational . They made the perfect pair with such a strong connection that Gwen and Alexander couldn’t resist for long and brought back into each others lives . The heroines kids are adorable Kelsey and Daniel are so sweet and Alexanders dog just makes me want to cuddle with my puppies . I can’t wait to see whats to come for this author she just does a brilliant job at drawing her readers in .
copy provided for honest review
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hero = 10 heroine = 10 secondary characters = 10
Chemistry = 10 steam = 6 romance = 7 humor = 4
darkness level = 6 enjoyment =10 angst = 3
action = 3 story line = 10 mystery = 3
character development = 10 pacing = 10 Plot = 10
cover = 10 stars = 5 author = 10
would I recommend this book = yes
would I re read this book = yes
would I read future books by this author = yes
Alex Grayson’s books keep getting better and better. I was totally blown away with this story. It really pulled at the heartstrings…
Alexander has suffered a devastating loss. Blaming himself, he’s closed himself off from everyone. The guilt has eaten away at him…
Gwen has moved her family to Cat Valley for a new start. As they too have suffered a devastating loss…
When these characters meet by chance, they start their own journey together. Learning to deal with grief, pain, heartache and so many other emotions…
Can they all come together and help each other? Or will the past get in the way?…
You’ll have to read to find out! I don’t want to give anymore away hehe
* Warning* Will need lots of tissues
If I could give this book more stars I would, it was beautifully written. I felt every emotion while reading and was hooked from beginning to end.
Oh my days! This book!! This book literally smashed my heart seven ways Sunday whilst reading it…..my heart was truly sore….but I had faith all would work it’s self out.
Gwen and her two young children have experienced so much heartache and move to Colorado to try and start again……with a new job, new school and some new friends things look to be going in the right direction.
Alexander relives his pain and loss every single day, he has spent the last three years shutting himself away from the world……feeling that he doesn’t deserve to be happy…..
A chance meeting between the two gives them both something…..and someone to think about……..and then the snow hits…..Gwen and her two children end up as unexpected guests at Alexander’s cabin……que my heart being completely smashed…..and I won’t say anything more because I don’t want to spoil the book but my days!
This is so much more than a second chance at love……and I literally cried my way through the last couple of chapters! I felt everything…..I am not talking about my eyes filling up…..but overflowing and rolling down my cheeks.
Ms Grayson has done it again. This author rocks!! Please add this to your TBR.
Survivors guilt can cripple you. It can make you feel that you are not worthy. Not worthy of living, not worthy of love and not worthy of moving on.
Alexander will rip at your heart with both his physical and emotional scars that he cannot escape.
Gwendolyn will make your heart break for the love she lost.
Daniel will melt your heart with his love of life despite his fractured family.
Kelsey will break you with her whispered prayers.
One night can change everything.
Can one night answer the whispered prayers of a little girl in the form of a broken man?
Beautiful story of personal redemption, fate and second chances.
5 BEAUTIFUL STARS
This story is a bit different from what I have read before from Alex but it is just as fantastic.
The story was beautifully written. Alex has made me feel for these characters so much I felt like I was right beside them going through what they were.
The story follows Gwen and her two children after losing her husband and trying to make a fresh start for her and the kids. Gwen is an amazing mother having to keep everything together even when she is struggling with her grief of losing her husband.
Then she meets Alexander who has been dealing with his own loss. He is a tortured soul and you cannot help but fall in love with him…
One night there is a snowstorm. That Is when things change for all four of them? For the better you will have to read to find out.
These characters you will love each for different reasons they will suck you in and you will not want to let them go. These characters will touch your heart so much and Kelsey OMG she stole my heart so much.
This book pulled at my emotions so much.
If you love Alex’s books, you must try this one. This is a standalone.
You know that time you read the blurb and said…hmm, that’s gonna make me cry. But being a masochist, you decide to read it.
So when you start crying 4% in, you nod your head and think yup totally crying. Then at 15% when you start blubbering, you think it’s to be expected. Each time the tears fall, the characters steal a bigger piece of your heart. I would say that the author is amazing, but I’m too busy being snippy that she laughed at me- repeatedly. (Let me take a moment to say that though I don’t know Alex Grayson, I took it upon myself to message her/call her out on Facebook for making me cry. She laughed- in case you didn’t catch that. It might have had something to do with the request for eyeball wipers…to catch tears as they fall to keep from clouding my vision. Not sure exactly…)
I will also say that the warning in the book is bull- you need two washcloths instead of tissues. They are more absorbent. One for tears and the second as back up for snot. It’s not attractive or classy but believe me way better than a used box of tissues at your feet. Plus it’s easier to hide the evidence of a late night sobfest. (If say your significant other kicked you out of bed for sniffling too much and you continued to read out of desperate need to know what happens.)
Don’t let me whining dissuade you, it’s a beautiful story. You just have to learn to let go. Learn to feel it or be totally overwhelmed by the emotions. (That sounded good right!?!)
What you need to take away from this review:
1. Alex Grayson laughs at your tears…well at mine
2. Washcloths are more absorbent and make late night crying jags easier to hide.
3. This beautiful story has a warning- tissues are not to be overlooked. It’s either tissues or washcloths- just saying.
4. Scars tell the story of our lives. Sometimes that story isn’t pretty but the life is.
5. Alex Grayson is still laughing at your tears…propbably.
6. It’s hard not to fall in love with characters like these.
P.S. You will cry, unless you are a heartless individual in which case you are probably related to the laughing author.
P.P.S. I absolutely loved this book!
Reviewed for Naughty Book Blog
“Don’t apologize for your pain. Never be sorry for something like that.”
What an amazing book! I don’t believe that anything I write could justify the awesomeness that is this story about love and loss, or guilt and grief. Alex Grayson held my broken heart in her hands as I read this story of two families, each missing an essential person, or people, in their lives.
In an effort to put off the heartbreak of the past, Gwendolyn has moved with her young children, Daniel and Kelsey, to the small town of Cat’s Valley. She’s hoping that they can heal and rediscover some kind of happiness from the event that stole her husband, along with her daughter’s voice, two years ago. Out with her children, visiting a friend’s Grandmother, she’s caught in a snowstorm in the middle of no-where with no reception and no way to call for help. Luckily for her, the surly stranger who’d helped her out the day before, grudgingly rescues them and takes them into his home until the storm passes and the roads are cleared.
Since losing his family in an accident that left scars not only skin deep, but burned into his soul, Alexander finds his house again filled with baking smells and laughter. He knows it’s not his reality, and even though it warms his frozen heart, he doesn’t believe he deserves to love again.
But as Alex and Gwen deal awkwardly with each other, it is Daniel’s eagerness who starts to break down his walls, and ultimately, it is Kelsey’s quiet and private admission to only him, about missing her Daddy, that slays him.
Unfortunately for them, it is when Alexander believes they need someone who is whole and unscarred, inside and out, that he breaks all of their hearts.
This is a beautiful book about heartfelt loss that cuts so deep, a piece of the essential person is lost, and the type of healing that can only come from someone who understands and has suffered similar circumstances. I can’t recommend it highly enough to people who love the angst-y type of book where the characters have to find that thread of inner strength to save themselves and those they love. Well done Alex Grayson, you are a talented author! 5 Stars.
One of the best books I read in 2017! Heart wrenchingly beautiful.
I read the synopsis of Whispered Prayers of a Girl and thought, “I’ve gotta read it, it sounds gut wrenching and good”. But once I finished reading, I realized the synopsis was barely a tip of the intensity of this book. Author Alex Grayson wrote and described the characters in such a personal way that I felt like I was inside of Gwen when she feels her heart break or the love and protectiveness of her children. I felt like I was right there with Alexander when he relives what fuels his heartache and anger. I was in the room with Kelsey as she silently worked her crossword puzzles and with Daniel as his enthusiasm for the puppies or the wood carvings bursts forth.
This book is gut wrenching, heart breaking and tissue worthy. It’s a story of two half souls. But, it’s also sweet, tender, loving and breath taking. Some may not want to read it because it may cause tears to flow, but the compassion, caring, sharing and love is so very worth it. This is a book that will stay with you and have you thinking back to it, out of the blue.
I applaud Author Grayson for bringing awareness to Kelsey’s affliction.
*I reached out and volunteered to read and write an honest review, if I could be blessed with an advanced reader copy of Whispered Prayers of a Girl, which I was”. I’m forever thankful.
Grief, guilt, pain, neither have a time limit or an expiration date. Four people dealing with unimaginable losses, some fighting everyday to move past the pain and move on with life, others rooted so deeply in the guilt and loss that they can’t see their way out. Four lives brought together by fate. Four people that need each other to move forward. I fell so deeply in love with Alexander, Gwen, Kelsey, and Daniel. Their story was one of heartbreak, survival, love, and moving forward. I don’t think there was an emotion I didn’t experience throughout this read. I didn’t know I needed a book like this in my life but I’m so thankful I took the plunge and read it! I was both smiling and crying at the end when Alexander and Gwen found their HEA. Another amazing read by Mrs. Grayson! (
Gwen is a widow with 2 young children, Kelsey and Daniel, living in a small town in Colorado where she moved her little family in the hopes of giving them a chance to move on from their ever-present grief.
Alexander is a damaged soul, one who has isolated himself to deal with his own loss and the physical and emotional scars that don’t allow him to move on.
When a storm brings Gwen and her children to his doorstep and he’s forced to spend time with them, the bonds that form will give all of them a glimpse at what they thought permanently lost.
This is a heart gripping story about people dealing with massive losses in their lives, how guilt can cripple some of us and, in some cases, prevent us from moving forward.
Alexander and Gwen have an immediate connection and gravitate towards each other, but the amount of mixed signals he gives her had my head spinning. IMO, it’s the empathy between Alexander and Kelsey that steals the story. The way they connect through their grief and guilt feels so deep it seems to come out from the pages of the book.
In all, this is a good story, nicely written and with an easy flow that prevents it from being boring, but it’s not my usual genre and I felt the ending was a little flat after such an emotional ride.
3.5 stars
This is a new author for me but one I will be looking to read more of this author’s books. This a 5 star story.
Gwen is trying to start over with her 2 kids somewhere new. After loosing her husband suddenly she needs some changes. Her daughter is a traumatized child after the events of her fathers death. A chance meeting brings Gwen to Alexander, a man who doesn’t get close to anyone. Having suffered from the loss of his family, he is left in grief.
This was such an amazing story that I was hooked from the very first page read to the last one. It’s not just a love story, it’s about grief and healing. Together they will all help each other get better and accept that their loved ones are not coming back. Forgiving themselves and opening up again to new love. I love stories about real human issues and that are flawed. Raw emotions made me shed quite a few tears. Bottomline is this is a must read.
Standalone told in a dual POV with an amazing HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
Wow. Just wow. Can I leave that as my review? lol I saw quite a lot of hype about needing tissues but it’s rare for me to cry so I ignored the tissues. I should have grabbed a box of them as this book put me through the ringer.
I sobbed during this book. Tears ran down my face while reading this book. This book broke my heart. I literally could not read this fast enough yet at the same time there were moments I just didn’t want to continue.
My review isn’t going to tell you anything about the storyline. I’ve got to say the characters are amazing. Vague review as I recommend you 1-click, grab tissues (and strong coffee or alcohol) and put the time aside to devour this story cos once you start you won’t want to stop.
I rarely re read books but this is going to be a re read for me. Amazing read.
This is my second book I’ve had the pleasure of reading by Alex Grayson and I can say that after this book she has found herself a life long fan. This book had my heart in its clutches and it never let go. This will be a book that will forever find a place in your heart and memory. I love a good romance and this had it in there but the journey that Kelsey and Alexander go on is what won me over.
This book is about overcoming loss, heartbreak, overcoming the loss, growing from it all, learning to cope, and so much more. This book was so heartfelt and the characters were amazing I absolutely loved the journey that Alexander, Gwen, Kelsey and Daniel go on. There were times that I wanted to smack the ever lovin’ crap out of Alexander because of the push and pull but I understood what was going through his mind.
I absolutely highly recommend this book. This is one I won’t forget anytime soon.
WHISPERED PRAYERS OF A GIRL is the very first book I have had the pleasure of reading by Alex Grayson. It was a very emotional and angst filled read. A slow-burn romance between two very lost and lonely people, and add two children: one a carefree boy and a very broken little girl.
Gwendolyn Crews is a young widow who lost her husband to an unknown heart condition at the young age of 28. Her two young children left without a father. The boy Daniel really too young to even remember the man, but the girl Kelsey remembers only too well. It was she who discovered her daddy dead in her room after going to retrieve the young girl’s beloved teddy bear. Due to the traumatic experience the girl has selective mutism. Gwen feels it is time for a change and the family moves to Cat’s Valley, Colorado. This is where she has taken a teaching assignment and rented a home. Hoping for a new beginning.
Alexander David Christenson is a very broken man with scars on the outside and inside as well. He hides away on his horse farm with his faithful dog Gigi. Only going to town for supplies when he absolutely has to. It is at the grocery store that he first meets Gwen. She has forgotten her wallet and he impatiently pays her bill so he may leave the store. Fate has brought them together and she is not done with them yet.
If it’s meant to happen, then it’ll happen whether you try to prevent it or not. People come into your life for a reason, and some will stay and some will not. A young girl’s prayers may be answered in a much different way then asked, but they shall be answered.
Let me just start with…This is a MUST READ!!
Whispered Prayers of a Girl took me on a journey like no other and totally stole my heart. This is a heart breaking journey of how loss can torture you and break you with all the what ifs in life that we all face sometimes in our lives. This book had me feeling every emotion possible from beginning to end. It’s not only heartbreaking, but heartwarming. Yes, I guarantee that it will rip your heart out, but I also guarantee that it will slowly put it all back together.
I have to admit that I usually try to stay away from the reads that hint to me that it may be one that will make me cry, but I could not resist a book by Alex Grayson.
Alex Grayson always blows me away with her writing, but Whispered Prayers of a Girl blew me away like no other. Make sure you take a chance on this one, I promise you that you will not regret that you did.
Happy Reading Everyone!!!