Member Reviews
I loved Ellyn Oaksmith's previous novel Long Walk Home, and so when I was sent a review request for Find me at Whisper Falls, I accepted.
I enjoyed the sound of the synopsis.
Freya and Trent are recent vet school graduates and there's just one job opening available. The test? they have to work and live together for a whole two months. They used to be an item.
Can they survive this ultimate challenge?
Will Whisper Falls provide the ideal backdrop to helping them reconcile the past, or is what they once had gone forever?
I found the book hard to get into and the characters difficult to relate to.
Unfortunately in the end this wasn't the book for me. I would love to try another title.
Thanks to Ellyn Oaksmith and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
3.5 stars.
Freya Johanssen is more than pleased to be starting over. Heartbreak may have set her back a few paces, but as she is about to take on her first job as a veterinarian, she feels that things are definitely looking up. From the outset, however, Freya learns that she is not the only one reaching out for the job, a job that promises a two-year contract. However, it seems that Trent Crossley is also after the job. What is more is that he is determined to take it, not really caring what happens to Freya.
Freya and Trent are not strangers to one another. In fact, they went to vet school together and all Freya can think about is the way Trent once betrayed her. Oil and water, Freya and Trent could not be more different, but one thing that they do have in common is the fact that they both want the job. Considering the contract is for one vet, it appears that only one of them will get it.
The pair develop a temporary plan to work together and one thing becomes apparent - they are developing feelings for one another and this is something neither one of them ever expected. Can they both jumpstart their careers without allowing emotion to derail their impending futures?
In this sweet story by Ellyn Oaksmith it was a pleasure watching Freya and Trent find their way to love and a happy future together. Ellyn Oaksmith has cleverly written a warm and exceptional enemies to lovers story that was filled with wonderful primary and secondary characters.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
The Synopsis suggests that this book is unputdownable, and the dark circles under my eyes confirm that. I just couldn’t go to sleep until I knew what was going to happen. I can confirm that I have zero regrets and it was worth every yawn today.
The story opens as Freya and Trent graduate veterinary school. Freya is weighed down by her student debt, whilst Trent has no such concerns as his parents have bankrolled his education. Separately, they have both applied for a two-year position at a vet’s surgery in Whisper Falls. Unfortunately, there is only one vacancy, and that’s where the conflict starts.
The first thing that I loved about this book, was the frequent references to All Creatures Great and Small. I was also obsessed with the books and then the TV series, when I was younger. Not interested in the remake. Christopher Timothy is my James Herriot.
The descriptions of the area of Whisper Falls are enchanting, I was able to picture them and see the lush fields, rolling hills and sheep for as far as the eye can see. Lambing season sounds intense, and whilst I love animals, there are a few places where my hands don’t belong.
As the story gains pace, we are introduced to several additional characters, they are all well-constructed, but for me, Violet steals the position for best support. I could just imagine this Goth antithesis of a princess, snarling around and not doing any housework. Dig deeper and her true character is revealed.
Of course, there are lots of animals, of all types and I challenge you not to find a favourite. Of course, this crazy cat lady has picked the kitten.
What you get with this book, is a wonderful, opposites attract, love story. The beautiful way that Freya and Trent find their common ground is loaded with sadness, but it introduces a romance that smoulders until it burns fiercely, demanding attention.
Such a feel good story. Big lessons in being open to changing your opinions, feelings about people. Finding happiness, finding a new reason to be happy. Small town environment, you can just see the beautiful scenery in your mind and smell the fresh air. Loved it from page 1 until the end.
A beautiful romantic story with interesting and fun dialogue. A light easy classic romance for a sunny day beach read.
Freya and Trent were competitors in vet school and now, horror of horrors, they're competing for the same job in Whisper Falls, a cute small town. Seems both of them were offered an opportunity for two year contract by different council members who didn't coordinate so now they have 8 weeks to compete once again to be the vet best suited to the town. The town is more than a town, it's also a part of a farming community, so there's a wide range of animals to treat. The animals (more than their human companions) made for great characters. This isn't really enemies to lovers but it does have a bit of that vibe. A tad unrealistic in spots but still fun. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.
Review for Potatoes and Paperbacks 4 ⭐️.
Thank you Ellyn Oaksmith and Bookouture for an ARC of this new release!
Freya Johansson and Trent Crossly went from competing for the top spot in class at veterinary school, to competing for the same job. Whisper Falls, a small town, is in need of a new vet and the town counsel offered a big sign on bonus. Freya and Trent both have their own reasons for needing the money, and due to some miscommunication on the town council they end up sharing the job for a trial, after which one vet will be voted in by the townspeople. Freya and Trent once again find themselves competing, but things get especially tricky once romance gets involved.. who will stay in Whisper Falls?
💭 Thoughts 💭
This was a fun and light rom com! I enjoyed the descriptions of beautiful Whisper Falls and the passion that Freya and Trent had for helping animals. It was fun to watch their relationship progress. Their competitive banter could be a bit stereotypical at times, but it definitely helped to progress the story. The ending wrapped up a bit quickly, but overall I really enjoyed this story and the people of Whisper Falls.
⏳ Favorite Moment ⌛️
When they took over the old vet’s practice in Whisper Falls, Freya and Trent also inherited his pack of four dogs and gothic housekeeper Violet. The cast of characters was comical, but also wise and helped teach Freya and Trent many lessons.
Two fresh out of college graduates are competing for the same Vet job in a small town called Whisper Falls. This book reminded me so much of the tv show Virgin River. Small town, new doctor. I enjoyed this book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this book; I'd describe it as slightly like virgin river, but with a main character slightly like Sheldon out of big bang theory, and a rivals story also. I read this in one sitting, which is a telltale sign of how much I enjoyed it, though I'm hoping it's the first book in a series as I felt let down by the ending, as it left me with more questions than answers, so I'm hoping it'll be a bit like the virgin river series whereby each book focuses on new people, but with the old characters making appearances so you can see how their story progresses as I'd have preferred a longer ending, and to know more about how Violets story goes
This ARC was provided to me via Kindle by Bookouture and #NetGalley for my honest opinion.
Light, lovely story with a touch of romance.
Two vets compete for the same job.
Freya and Trent studied together but could not be more different from one another. They did not get along well and, after graduation, they didn't expect to ever meet again.
Destiny had other plans. They found themselves interviewing for the very same job at the small town of Whisper Falls.
Find Me at Whisper Falls is a nerdy girl/ popular guy rom-com with a lovely All Things Great and Small twist.
Both serious Freya and outgoing Trent had a lot to learn from each other and were bonded by their love for animals.
I loved all the animals, the farm scenery, the side characters, and the love-hate relationship. The romance was full of bantering and palpable chemistry.
Very romantic and satisfying read!
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley for an honest review.
*This review will be posted on https://lureviewsbooks.com on 10/01/2021*
Two vets, fresh out of grad school, compete for the same job in a small town. Adjustments are tough as they navigate all hour calls, a menagerie of animals, and a harridan for an accountant. The best part of the story were the animals. I loved the dogs that came with the veterinary clinic. I also liked the small town setting. I hope the big corporation never moves into Whisper Falls. If you’re looking for a cute romance about two stubborn vets that have to manage a hurricane Of both animal and human clients, this is the book for you..
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the main character a lot and the plot was interesting!
Two new graduates, only one job…this scenario sets the stage for a highly competitive storyline and a highly entertaining novel.
Whisper Falls, Washington, a rural community of small and large farms, is in desperate need of a veterinarian. As Freya Johanssen arrives for her interview, she is shocked to discover that a classmate, Trent Crossley, is also being considered for the position. It seems that two different members of the town council took it upon themselves to recruit for the position. The solution? They will share the position for 8 weeks and let the town council determine who is the most qualified and the best “fit” for the town. Added to the pressure of competing for the job both covet, these two are polar opposites in their demeanor and have a history of conflict from their academic years. The storyline unfolds in chapters alternating between their individual perspectives and experiences.
This is my first exposure to this author and I was captivated by the emotional depth she was able to bring to the protagonist. Freya is reserved to the point she seems insensitive to the human owners of her clients; she excels in giving excellent care and deeply cares about the animals. It is fascinating to observe her growth and healing as she becomes increasingly committed to the town and its residents. Trent is less engaging in that his character’s development doesn’t shift as dramatically. The dynamic between them keeps the story moving along at a good pace. The supporting characters, some of whom are delightfully quirky, add welcome dimension and depth.
Overall this is an interesting and entertaining read. My only criticism is that the ending felt rushed and left several plotlines “dangling” without resolution. Perhaps these might lend themselves to a sequel that I definitely would enjoy reading.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
This is the first book I have read by Ellyn Oaksmith and she will now be on my list of favorite authors! I loved everything about this book.
The story is about Freya Johanssen and Trent Crossley, two newly-graduated veterinarians that have been mistakenly hired for the same veterinarian job in Whisper Falls. Freya has had a bad experience with Trent, and she is not happy to see him in her clinic. Since the mistake has been made, they both decide that the best way for the town council to decide who ultimately should get the position would be to share the job; working and living together for two months.... and may the best veterinarian win!!
I won’t say much more because I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I will share that I loved the storyline and the book is a clean, fun, heartwarming, feel-good romance. Oaksmith is a great storyteller and had my loyalty alternating between Freya and Trent throughout the book. Some great secondary characters add to the charm of Whisper Falls.
I love small-town stories and I could easily see this as a series on Netflix! We need to get to know more about the people of Whisper Falls.
This story is about recent 2 Vet graduates who live together and compete for the same job. I loved the interactions between them and how when working they compliment each other. This book also has several other great supporting characters in it. If you love animals with a clean romance thrown in you will like this book.
Find Me at Whisper Falls by Ellyn Oaksmith is a sweet small-town romance.
Freya Johannsen was a veterinarian who just graduated from college. She needed a job asap so she could pay for her loan debts and to start her new life. When her best friend told her about an ad about Whisper Falls seeking a veterinarian for a two-year contract she immediately applied. Trent Crossley was also a veterinarian who studied along with Freya and worked together at the campus. After graduation, he was supposed to go back home and work for his father's ranch. He wanted to prove himself and accidentally applied for the same job as Freya. The moment they met at Whisper Falls a contest begun between them for who was going to get the position. For two months they were going to share the practice and then the council would get to choose who stayed. Even though Trent was from a small town and he knew this life, she wasn't afraid of the challenge and tried to outdo him every chance she got. The problem was that not only she loved living there but she managed to fall in love with her competitor. Could those two find a common ground and continue with
their new beginning?
Every book I read by Ellyn Oaksmith always leaves me with a warm feeling. This one is a cute enemies to lovers romance. The plot is an addictive one and very interesting. The writing has a good flow with nice scenery descriptions. I finished it in one sitting and I was surprised that I reached the end so soon. I never read a story like this one before, it accurately describes the struggle of living and working in a small town that their livelihoods are connected with animals. I could feel the emotions the main characters felt because it was easy to connect with them. Both of them were so different but they connected at times over their love for those
innocent creatures. My favorite character was Freya, she was a city girl that adapted easily to the new lifestyle. The ending was one of the best parts of this story.
This book will always be in my heart. I enjoyed reading it so much and I will rate it with 5 bright stars.
The story
Freya is graduating as a veterinarian when she sees an advert for a position in a small town that includes an attractive sign on bonus. The position comes with accommodation in an old house adjoining the practice. When she is interviewed, it seems like she has the job until Trent arrives. He has been interviewed by one of the other town council members. The two propose sharing the position for two months to see who is more suitable. Sharing the same home and reviving the practice, delivering newborns in the surrounding farms and generally becoming part of the town ensues.
My thoughts
The raw emotions in this story are what makes it. Both Freya and Trent are vulnerable and have their own reasons why they need and want the position to work out. The supporting characters in the book add to its charm. I especially enjoyed the Goth-looking Violet who came with the house and gets to be friends and a fierce supporter of both Freya and Trent. Such a gorgeous story, I really wanted to see how things end while not wanting them to end at all ❤️🐶🐈⬛🐑🐴
This was a really enjoyable feel good romance with really well written characters and a great storyline.. My allegiance switching between Freya and Trent as the book went along. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read a great novel. Totally recommend.
What a lovely story....Freya Johanssen needs a fresh start. A recently heartbroken and newly-graduated veterinarian, she will take any job that gets her away from Seattle—for now. Her plan is to spend two years in the small town of Whisper Falls, and then head back to the city and civilisation. But does Whisper Falls have different plans for her?
Stepping off the bus in the prettiest town she’s ever seen, she drags her enormous suitcase down the rough lane towards her new home and sees the land fall away into rolling gold and purple hills that stretch for empty miles to the horizon. And despite everything she starts to feel optimistic for the first time in months.
And then Trent Crossley arrives: the last person she expected—or wanted—ever to see again. This is the guy who thinks he’s God’s gift to women; who breezed through vet school without studying and who betrayed her in a way she’ll never forgive. Now he’s in her clinic, and the fluttering in her stomach must mean she’s still mad at him.
It seems they have both been hired for the same job—and now neither is backing down. What follows is delightful story. The writing was so playful, also enjoyable to read. Both these characters were so relatable.
If you're looking for something to kick a reading slump or if you just want a fun, romantic book to sweep you off your feet this summer: look no further. This was such a good book. To be read by the beach or in the garden. Let this story take you away for a few hours of reading bliss.
The story flowed effortlessly from chapter to chapter with a wonderfully descriptive vocabulary, bringing the reader into each character’s personality and surrounding imagery in such a colourful way. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️