Whispers of the Bayou by Mindy Starns Clark + A Linkup

What mysteries lie hidden beside the dark water of the Bayou?

Swept away from Louisiana Bayou country as a child, Miranda Miller is a woman without a past. She has a husband and a child of her own and a fulfilling job in a Manhattan museum, but she also has questions—about the tragedy that cut her off from family and caused her to be sent away, and about those first five years that were erased from her memory entirely.

Summoned to the bedside of Willy Pedreaux, the old caretaker of her grandparents’ antebellum estate, Miranda goes back for the first time, hoping to learn the truths of her past and receive her rightful inheritance. But Willy’s premature death plunges Miranda into a nightmare of buried secrets, priceless treasure, and unknown enemies.

Follow one woman’s search through the hidden rooms of a bayou mansion, the enigmatic snares of an ancient myth, and the all-consuming quest for a heart open enough for love—and for God.

Whispers of the Bayou is one of Mindy Starns Clark’s stand-alone novels, and is actually only the second book I’ve ever read by her. But, I absolutely loved the other book—Under the Cajun Moon—so I was super excited to dive into this one! I really enjoy a good mystery, and this story was chock full of twists and turns and mysterious situations, which definitely kept me guessing throughout the entirety of the novel. I really enjoyed finding out all about Miranda’s past, especially since I never saw it playing out the way it did, and I think Mindy did a great job of weaving together this mystery.

Miranda Miller was a character I had a little bit of trouble connecting with at the beginning, but whom I quickly grew to love as the story picked up. The way that she held herself closed off from everyone really bothered me in the first few chapters, but once I learned why she was the way she was, I was less inclined to judge and more likely to love her despite her somewhat unconventional approach to relationships. Plus, the deeper I got into her story, I felt more and more compassion for her based on all of the things she was exposed to at such a young age! No wonder she couldn’t remember a thing; her past would be traumatic for anyone!

All in all, I really loved this book, especially the unexpected yet beautiful ending! It was such a fantastic mystery with such wonderful themes of mystery and love threaded through it, and I can’t imagine giving it anything other than all five bookshelves. I really enjoyed reading this novel and hope Mindy will come out with more mysteries in the future, even though I know her other books are probably just as good!

Happy reading!

And now on to the linkup!

FEATURES

First, I’m featuring Olivia from Probably Reading and her post about her favorite books and the ones she’s currently reading.

Second, I’m featuring Tif from Bright on a Budget and her post about one of my favorite things: backpack purses.

RULES

-Link back to Spreading His Grace, Bows and Clothes, or both

-Subscribe to both blogs and follow each of us on at least one social media

Mackenzie: Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

Sarah: Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin'

-This linkup has no theme so we encourage you to link any of your recent posts. Also note that we have the right to delete your link if it isn't appropriate. However, we are super excited to read about your passions and are so glad that you've decided to join us!

An InLinkz Link-up

To see where I’m linking up, check out my Where I Party page.

All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Mindy Starns Clark and Harvest House Publishers.