Diana Reviews 'On The Wings Of A Whisper' By Lynnette Bonner

On The Wings Of A Whisper (Sonnets of the Spice Isle Book 1) - A Serialized Christian Historical Romance By Lynnette Bonner
Serene Lake Publishing, Mar. 2016

Reviewed By Diana Flowers
~5 stars~
(No Spoilers!)

Exotic Adventure!

From the beautiful white-sanded beaches of the island of Zanzibar, the gentle sound of aquamarine ocean waves lapping outside of plantation walls, and the fragrant scent of indigo and gardenias—to the darkness of the malodorous, sewer-thickened stench of the docks and surrounding sea—comes an exhilarating tale from the pen of author Lynnette Bonner, set in exotic Africa in the 1800s.

RyAnne Hunter lives with her parents and two siblings on a beautiful indigo plantation on the other side of the island of Zanzibar. Her beloved papa's health is at risk and RyAnne must stop him from traveling to the continent of Africa to start a mission station—at any cost. She attends the Harcourts' Annual Ball as it will be her last chance to talk her papa out of this ridiculous venture, and meets up with the insufferable Captain Trent Dawson. Trent, captain of The Wasp, has agreed to guide Dr. Hunter on his expedition, but only to help put an end to the slave smuggling trade. The handsome and charming Harcourt heir, Brayden, once again proposes to RyAnne at the ball and this time she might consider it...if the daring plan she concocts to keep her father home succeeds and if the exasperating Trent would simply stay out of her hair!

I have never read a serialized book before, and I was delightfully surprised at how much the author squeezed into the first installment! And just when my heart started racing and I flipped the page to see what was going to happen next...it ended! (gasp!) Thankfully the next installment came out in a few days! Due to the fact that Ms. Bonner was born and raised in Malawi, Africa, lends much authenticity to this colorful, dramatic adventure. I was hooked from the very first page with her use of descriptive imagery and the beauteous setting of Africa—with exquisite indigo plantations, the scent of fragrant foliage and the song of cicadas filling the night air, fascinating characters, and of course, the promise of a breathtaking romance! All isn't frivolity and lightheartedness, however, as the heartbreaking issue of slave trading is proficiently and compassionately intertwined throughout the storyline. Be sure to order your copies of Episode 1 and Episode 2 of Sonnets of the Spice Isle today!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

What a pleasant surprise! On the Wings of a Whisper is one of those rare books that kept me up late at night. It has everything I love in a story: a dashing hero, romance, intrigue, high-seas adventure, not to mention excellent characters and a riveting plot. Rarely have I been so caught up in a story. I can't wait for the next installment!

 ~MaryLu Tyndall, best-selling author of The Legacy of the King's Pirates series~ *Used With Permission*

NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON -- EPISODE TWO!!!

AND NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON -- EPISODE 3!!!

This series may be purchased through Amazon, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. 

GIVEAWAY: Lynnette Bonner has generously offered an ebook copy of On The Wings Of A Whisper to one blessed commenter in winner's choice of format (mobi for Kindle, Epub for Nook, iPads, or pdf!) International entrants welcome! To be eligible, please leave your email address for contact purposes written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.



Marian's Favorite Novels for 2012

My favorite novels for 2012 in no particular order.

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The Wings of Morning
by Murray Pura

One of the biggest surprises of 2012 was to discover author Murray Pura's books. After reading The Face of Heaven I was sold and have also read his other 2012 releases: The Wings of Morning, A Bride's Flight from Virginia City, and all the volumes of The Rose of Lancaster series. All these titles are on my favorites list for 2012. 
The Wings of Morning has also released in Dutch.

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Love in Three-Quarter Time
by Dina Sleiman

The first book I read by Dina Sleiman was marvelous. I can't find the words to describe how much I enjoyed this book! I'm certainly going to read any other books Dina writes.

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The Tutor's Daughter
by Julie Klassen

Julie Klassen's books are always something I look forward to reading. With her latest book she wrote her best book yet—in my opinion. And what a gorgeous cover!
This book will release in Dutch in 2013.

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Words Spoken True
by Ann H. Gabhart

Ann H. Gabhart has given me some pleasant reading hours with Words Spoken True.

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Central Park Rendezvous
by Ronie Kendig, Dineen Miller,
Kim Vogel Sawyer & MaryLu Tyndall

I'm a big fan of Ronie Kendig's writings. When I saw she wrote in this novella collection I had to get it. It was also great to get to know the other author's works as well. The novellas were very nicely woven together. A really original read!

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Gone to Ground
by Brandilyn Collins

I usually don't read books twice and certainly not twice in the same year. I have read Gone to Ground twice in 6 months time! This really is a page-turner and a must-read for suspense lovers. 
This book will release in Dutch in 2013.

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High Desert Haven
by Lynnette Bonner

Lynnette Bonner's books are amazing. 

High Desert Haven is the second book in The Shepherd's Heart Series which released in June 2012. Books 3 and 4 have also released this year, but I didn't have the chance to read them yet.

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Love's Reckoning
by Laura Frantz

Laura's books are always a feast to read and definitely worth the wait—but oh! why does a year take so long!

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Trauma Plan
by Candace Calvert

What a pleasant surprise it was to find Candace Calvert's book! Candace has found a new fan in the Netherlands. Trauma Plan is also releasing in Dutch next year. 

I surely hope our Dutch readers will enjoy the book as much as I did.

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Firethorn
by Ronie Kendig

With Firethorn Ronie Kendig ended an awesome series. How I miss those guys! 

I'm definitely going to read this series again! Anything Ronie writes is worth the read.

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The River
by Michael Neale

The River was an amazing and emotional ride!

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Injustice for All
by Robin Caroll

Robin Caroll has been on my favorite authors list for a couple of years now. She writes original and fast-paced suspense novels. I really enjoyed this first book in her latest series. The second book in this series also released this year and was an awesome book as well.

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Glamorous Illusions
by Lisa T. Bergren

Lisa T. Bergren started a new Young Adult series with Glamorous Illusions. 

I loved reading every page of this book. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next books in this series.

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A Change of Fortune
by Jen Turano

Jen Turano had me laughing out loud with her entertaining novel A Change of Fortune. This certainly is a fun read!

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Veil of Pearls
by MaryLu Tyndall

This book was so good! Definitely my favorite MaryLu Tyndall book so far. The story had me crying and smiling—so beautiful it was! 

Diana's Review Of High Desert Haven by Lynnette Bonner

High Desert Haven

High Desert Haven 
by Lynnette Bonner

5 stars~*****
Review by Diana L. Flowers

Riveting Historical Read!

In High Desert Haven, Book Two in The Shepherd's Heart series, Lynnette Bonner sweeps us away to Shiloh, Oregon; a rancher's paradise with it's beautiful, evergreen filled countryside, wild stallions, and verdant meadows--an untamed land full of promise.

Our beautiful heroine, Nicki, has left her family in Mexico and entered into a marriage of convenience to John Trent, owner of a vast ranch nestled in a lovely valley in Oregon. Even though Nicki doesn't love John, she is heartbroken when he is killed in an accident, and she is left all alone to care for their little son, Sawyer. Her neighbor and John's friend, William, proposes to her to help save her ranch, but Nicki refuses to wed for convenience sake ever again.

Jason, a handsome trail boss, answers an ad Nicki places for help, and an instant attraction occurs between the two. But can Nicki learn to trust this man she barely knows?...and is it possible that she might grow to love William as time goes on? What evil is lurking in the vast beautiful valley, and who is trying to scare people off their ranches and why?...including Nicki. Can Jason find a way for her to pay off her ranch, before it's too late? And was Nicki's husband's death really an accident?

This is my first book by Lynnette Bonner and wow!--can this woman write! Her characters are well rounded and realistic, and Nicki is not afraid to show her femininity by shedding a few tears occasionally. The storyline itself was extremely credible as Ms. Bonner depicts the harsh realities that new settlers often faced. With a smattering of humor, alot of suspense, romance, a strong spiritual thread throughout, and a conclusion that made me cry, this is an absolute must read!

GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of Lynnette's books, choice of format*. Void where prohibited by law. *International winners will only receive the book in ebook format not as a paperback.

Marian Baay Reviews Lynette Bonner's Rocky Mountain Oasis

Rocky Mountain Oasis

Rocky Mountain Oasis 

by Lynnette Bonner

Reviewed by Marian Baay

5 stars*****

Brooke has been sent away as mail-order bride by her uncle. She has no choice and leaves the abusive life she knows, expecting a life of abuse with another man.

Sky's cousin Jason, has bought Brooke as mail-order bride. When Sky learns about this he wants to prevent the woman from a sorrowful life with Jason. Jason is a drinker and takes no responsibility for whatsoever. Sky comes up with a plan to buy Jason's intented. Sight unseen, he marries Brooke as soon as she gets into town.

Sky soon learns that Brooke has had a rough life and therefore distrusts men. He must learn to win her trust. Sky prays that she will get to know the Lord and will find healing of the wounds of her past.

Besides a nicely written love story, there's also a murder mystery in this book. Lynnette weaves the two stories nicely together. The characters are well developed and easily loved. The healing process of Brooke is very well done. I admired Sky's patience with Brooke and how he trusted the Lord for deliverance. Lynnette also puts Scripture to practice in this wonderful novel.

I have read this book some time ago and reread it recently to review. Normally I don't read books twice, but this book was a pleasure to read again. I highly recommend it!

Lynnette's books can be purchased at Amazon and CBD.

GIVEAWAY: We're giving away a copy of one of Lynnette's books. Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week's contest. Drawing will be late Saturday. International winners ebook option only.

Marian Baay reviews High Desert Haven by Lynnette Bonner

High Desert Haven

High Desert Haven by Lynnette Bonner

Reviewed by Marian Baay

5 Stars *****

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4.

This is book 2 in The Shepherd’s Heart Series. I love the name of this series, because Psalm 23 is one of my favorite Psalms. In High Desert Haven Lynnette Bonner beautifully shares the Lord Jesus’ Shepherd’s Heart again.

I enjoy books with characters that love the Lord, so this book was a feast! In Rocky Mountain Oasis we already met Jason Jordan. Jason turned back to God and stopped drinking. Now it’s his turn to get settled.

Nicki Trent gave up everything to save her family. Now she’s widowed and left with her young son. They’re living on a ranch and Nicki needs a ranch manager to help her out. Therefore she hires Jason. They both feel attracted to each other from the start, but her neighbour William doesn’t like Jason and is trying to push Nicki to marry him. Why is William in such a hurry to marry her so soon after her husband died?

Someone is trying to scare Nicki and her neighbours away from their lands. There must be a connection to the flying bullets, fires and killings. It seems like Jason has to do with it. Nicki thought he could be trusted. Was she wrong?

This book has everything that I like to see in a story—love, suspense, and a fine Christian message. I enjoyed this book immensely!


I love Lynnette’s writing style and the stories she’s sharing. I feel so at home with her characters—I loved them from the start. In High Desert Haven she already had me smiling and crying early on in the story. I hope she won’t keep us waiting too long for the next book in this series!

Lynnette Bonner's books are available through Amazon and CBD.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week's contest. Drawing will be late Saturday. Your choice of Lynnette's books, choice of format*. Void where prohibited by law. *International winners only receive the book in ebook format, not as a paperback.

Interview With Lynnette Bonner by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Lynnette Bonner

Lynnette Bonner is the author of High Desert Haven, book 2, and of Rocky Mountain Oasis, book 1 in The Shepherd’s Heart series.

I met Lynnette through our mutual friend Marian Baay who does guest reviews for us. Marian loved Lynnette’s stories and suggested she contact me for a spot on Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help.

Lynnette, welcome to Overcoming Through Time.  Would you share either the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help, or the most tragic situation or circumstance one of your character’s has had to get past?

One difficult thing in my life early on, was heading off to boarding school at the age of 8. My parents were missionaries and there weren’t a lot of educational options on the field. The first couple of years were pretty tough, but in the long run, I think my relationship with the Lord was strengthened because of it – I had nowhere to turn but to Him. And later I learned to love boarding school. I still have strong bonds with many of my friends from those years.

In my adult years, I could name several things that have been difficult; being a pastor’s wife…, raising children…, persevering until I finally got published…. But through all of those circumstances, I’ve learned that the best place to turn when the going gets tough is to the Lord. Prayer really does make a difference, if only in my perspective.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

This is a question to ponder, isn’t it? How does one pick just one jewel from a treasure trove full of them? Still, one of my favorite verses comes from Jeremiah, chapter 29, verse 11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Disability friendliness:

Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio? 

Currently none of my books are available as recorded audio books, but all of my stories are available for Kindle and are text to speech enabled.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?

I think, as I’m winding down writing my fourth full novel within the next week or so, the one main message I would love for my readers to hear is this: Life is hard. We are all faced with painful circumstances as a result of sin in this world. But with the Lord’s help, we can forge ahead and press on, and even make a difference in this world for the better. A relationship with Jesus is the key to true happiness on this earth.

As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?

For book 3 in The Shepherd’s Heart series, Fair Valley Refuge, I did quite a bit of research on the orphan trains. Many of the stories tugged at my heart strings. Families too poor to be able to properly care for their children often took them to the orphanage steps and left them there during the night. Others truly were orphans, but were separated from siblings in order to secure them homes. Many never saw each other again. Some went to good homes. Some to homes where people only wanted the free labor.

But the piece of research I’ve done that has probably most touched my heart is for a series I haven’t even started yet that will be set on the island of Zanzibar and in East Africa during the late 1800’s. Many people don’t realize that slavery from the east coast of Africa continued long after most of the slavery from the west coast had been abolished. And some of the things those poor people had to endure are enough to bring tears to your eyes. Women who weren’t strong enough to carry both their child and the load of ivory the slavers wanted them to pack to the coast from the interior, had their children killed before their eyes. Young boys, sought after as eunuchs for Indian, Arab, and Chinese royalty, were castrated by the thousands. Only 1 in 10 survived the unsterile procedure. One in ten!

I could go on. But just those glimpses of my research will give you a taste of the heartbreak.

High Desert Haven by Lynnette Bonner

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?

In High Desert Haven my heroine Nicki has just lost her husband. It was a forced marriage and she didn’t really love him, but she still grieves his loss. And then has to come to terms with how she is going to forge ahead and overcome the new situation she finds herself in. So a particularly applicable topic would be grief.


Click here to order Lynnette's books from Amazon.

Thank you, Lynnette, for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!


GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week's contest. Drawing will be late Saturday. Your choice of Lynnette's books, choice of format*. Void where prohibited by law. *International winners only receive the book in ebook format, not as a paperback.