Review; The Heart Whisperer by Ella Griffin

• Publisher: Orion (31 Jan 2013)
• Hardback ISBN-13: 978-1409122418
• Also on Kindle 

The blurb

Claire Dillon still lives in the shadow of the past. On her thirty-third birthday, she gives herself a present. One year to change her future.

Claire Dillon's mother had everything to live for. A husband, two children, a successful medical practice. Then, at thirty-three, she died in a tragic accident. And it was Claire's fault.

Now Claire is the same age. A floundering actress with a broken heart, a collection of draft snakes, and a talent for self-sabotage. She is frittering her life away with the help of her oldest friend, the gorgeous ex-rock star, Ray Devine.

On her 33rd birthday she gives herself one last year to be more like her mother. But you should be careful what you wish for . . .

Claire Dillon has a sadness about her.  She lost her mother at a tender age and was brought up almost by her older brother as their father struggled to come to terms with their loss.
Claire is not lucky in the romance stakes and struggles with close relationships.

Nick, her brother is a relationship counsellor and reluctant TV star, but is he a fraud as his own marriage to Kelly falls apart.

Ray, long term friend and neighbour to Claire has a past that is about to catch up with him and turn his world upside down.  He turns to his friend Claire for guidance.

An accident brings the estranged Claire and Nick back to the family home and opens up memories and secrets from the past.

This story begins by gently introducing the characters to the reader so they can empathise with their tragic pasts and how they are coping with the sometimes sudden and life changing events. Then the emotion and tension builds up as the memories and secrets unravel leaving the reader feeling very emotional and reaching for the tissues.

 After reading Postcards from the Heart by this author I was really looking forward to The Heart Whisperer.  I have to say this one is by far my favourite and Ella Griffin's writing just gets better and better.

5 out of 5 for me!  Added to my Top Reads 2013 list

Thank you to Orion for a review copy. This did not influence my review in any way.