Whispering Pines (Celia's Gifts Book 1)

This book was very relevant to me since I lost my job after 23 years at the same company. I too was shocked and looking for a way to reinvent myself. Like Renee I can no longer trust that corporate America is where I want to be. I wish I had an Aunt Celia and a family like Renee's but I have found over 50 Job Seekers groups as well as others to connect with. This book is more than a story about Renee's journey to reinvent herself it is also a mystery that keeps you wanting to read through the night. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery and needs some inspiration.

“Whispering Pines” contains all the elements of a great contemporary novel: a strong heroine, suspense, mystery and a touch of romance. Renee, is a widow, who for the last ten years has managed to raise two children on her own. The loss of her job and a timely inheritance send Renee on a journey to find out what she really wants out of life. Her journey contains obstacles, but with the help of her family and a handsome sheriff, Renee learns that you can create the life you want. What I find appealing about “Whispering Pines” are the strong family ties and how Renee takes a chance both at love and at life.

So Renee gets laid off from work, 2 kids, single Mom, she does not read her severance info immediately, and she decides Fiji is a good idea for the New Year week.

Besides the fact that she is not too bright when it comes to life apparently, she does have a great family support system. She also meets a guy and inherits a resort of sorts. Life always works out this way right?

Book is an easy read. Fairly good plot, likable characters.

This is Kimberly Diede's First Debut Novel. I must say this is the best book of this genre that I have read in a long time. I am so pleased to have been given the opportunity to review and rate this book. The way this author writes is outstanding. Her storyline flows well. Her dialogue is some of the best I have read. Her characters are real to life. This book is really heartfelt. I think this author has a brilliant future ahead of her. I am so glad to see there will be a Book 2.

I read this book on Kindle. It was a bit of a slow start to set up the story line. I was probably close to 25% through the book before I was really intrigued with what happens next. That being said once the book picked up pace I was indeed intrigued and couldn't put the book down for the next few days. I loved that the characters didn't necessarily make the 'perfect' choices. That kept the book and characters relatable. However, the continued lack of communication between characters after a known threat was frustrating.

The book started off kind of boring at first. But before long I was identifying with the main character. Life has kicked me a couple of good blows.. Enjoyed reading how she was able to face her problems. Added was some mystery and a villain. She was lucky to have so much help from her family. Glad there are more books dealing with Celia's gifts.

I wanted to read something that was not shallow...something that wasn't rotating around sex, money and power ....or a who done it..or murders.. Crime drama....It seems some writers fall into a pit ...were it is doom an gloom or cheap and sleezy..I wanted something above the cut of normal yet was up lifting.....rewarding to read..whispering pines didn't drag the issues of life around through out the story..It was dealt with and helps the reader to find solutions to there own issues or messy life..A good read

I truly enjoyed this book. It was uplifting and inspiring. As a few others have stated it was a little wordy and at times I really wanted to slap Renee and Julie for ignoring what was a very dangerous situation. All in all though, I enjoyed it and I am looking forward to more books in this series.

My first time writing a review. I liked the story of a woman being able to start over after such trauma and then not give up and grow with it.
However, I didn’t find the writing wonderful. I found it repetitive (how many cups of coffee can you drink in one book), Also, very slow moving and predictive. If this was the author’s first book, i’d say kudos to her for trying. But never a five star book. Maybe I am just in the wrong genre, but a novel is a novel.

The message that women need to focus on their own well being is one which can be shared multiple times and be valuable. Unfortunately, the writing in this book is clumsy and wordy, causing disinterest. I almost didn't finish but hoped for a surprise. I was disappointed.

Reading this book caught my attention right from the start and kept it to the end - it was hard to put down. I wanted to learn more about what was going to happen next in Renee's life and enjoyed that there was suspense, drama, romance, and self reflection all wrapped up in this one extremely well written book. I'm already looking forward to the next book from this author!

Reading Whispering Pines was an inspirational journey. From chapters that felt as though they were a snapshot of my life, to ones that kept me in suspense, reading well into the night. This is a story that I found myself relating to and encouraged me to have a better perspective towards the roadblocks in life, realizing that they may in fact be a gift in disguise.

I almost did not select this book. No particular reason, but was very tired of my killing novels. We hear enough about that in our daily lives. I began to read and began to fall in love with Renee's family. Having had similar issues of work, I related. This book has some intrigue as well. Bravo Kimberly. Please find time for this book.

I loved this book. While I recover from surgery I put this book on my read list. There is so much about life and living in every page. Lot of familiar feelings about growing into your own self and helping others. I couldn't put this down.

I only got half way thru the book and lost interest. Granted everyone goes through life changes, losing a job, being a single parent, finding one's self. Sorry I couldn't get into this book. It just wasn't for me.

Please take the time to grab this book ,,sit back, relax, and enjoy the story Kimberly has shared with us. Love her characters and how she presented them and their own stories. Was hard to put down. Love, romance, mystery, lessons learned. Had it all.

Renee’s situation exactly parallels my own experience of abruptly losing a 26-year corporate job I thought I was going to retire doing. I was left feeling ashamed, like I had done something wrong. When I look back now, I realize it was meant to be, as I am no longer burdened with a stressful career. I also got through my situation because of the support of family, four life-long friends, and an opportunity that fell in my lap at just the right time. Reading your book was a reminder of how precious life is and that change is not your enemy. Whispering Pines was a “feel good” read and I look forward to your next book.

Even though I am an avid reader, I have never written taken the time to write a book review before; however, upon finishing this book and discovering it was a first time author I had to write to say how well written a novel it was, the characters are well crafted, the story was intriguing, and it kept me interested to the end! I was disappointed when I found that the next book in this series was not yet available and will watch for it to come out!

I truly enjoyed reading this author and will look forward to reading more. The book tells of hardships and how they can be a benefit as one door closes and another one will open and maybe be a real benefit.

I got this book a few weeks ahead of vacation, with my intent to read it while vacationing. I picked up the book, though, just to glance at the first few pages. The characters drew me in immediately and it was tough to 'save' it for vacation! It is a very well-written book, with characters that come to life. A nice blend of real life, mystery, suspense and romance.

Enjoyable characters who became family throughout the chapters. Enough fo

Enjoyable characters who became family throughout the chapters. Enough dips and plot twists to keep it interesting. I became part of Celia's family in this first novel for the author. Great job!

As an avid reader myself, I could completely submerge myself at "Whispering Pines". I felt a kinship with Renee and her family. The way that Kimberly describes the battles each character is going through, it makes it feel like you're right there with them. I can't wait for book 2!

I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were skillfully brought to life. I found myself thinking about them throughout the day and looked forward to finding out what would happen next. I would definitely encourage everyone to check it out!

I had very high hopes for this book, and I was absolutely impressed by it. This author is local and we also happen to work for the same company. This book draws you in from the beginning and holds your attention throughout. I highly reccommend this book to anyone!

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the story. It centers on a 45 year old single mother who gets layed off after 20 years at her job. A bequest from her Aunt Celia makes her reevaluate what she wants to do with her life. It was a lovely story exploring the postives of life. There is a some romance, mystery, and most especially self discovery.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It pulls you in and you can’t put it down. Very relatable with corporate america layoffs and the impact to a family. There is mystery, romance and life lessons in this book. Family support and discovery of ones’ self makes you pull for the main character to make it work. I can’t wait for the next book!!

I really enjoyed this book. It was one that kept you thinking and was hard to put down. I'm EXTREMELY excited to hear that Kim Diede's second book is out on eBook and soon for paperback. I've been waiting for this one. Can't wait to hear what's next!!!

This was a very entertaining and well written book. It made me think of the blessings in my life and not being afraid to change course. If I wasn't reading the book, I was thinking about it and wondering what was going to happen next. I am looking forward to more books in this series!