This second instalment in the Secret Book & Scone Society series finds the four ladies coming to the rescue of a mysterious young woman, frightened and unwell, on the run and hiding in the bookshop. They suspect there is much more to this girl's story than they are being told - is she a victim of abuse and mistreatment, or is she guilty of a crime? Naturally, they investigate and become embroiled in a mystery surrounding the girl, the murder of a local woman, and suspicions swirling around a new antique buying business in Miracle Springs.

I enjoyed this second novel in the series, even more so than the original. I appreciated that there was more depth to the characters in this book, as we learned more about their backstories and saw more of their character traits coming through. The romance between Nora and Jed kicks up a notch as well, as they spend more time together and learn about each other. This novel has a less playful and more serious tone, exploring themes of violence towards women, captivity and abuse, in addition to the previous themes of loss, grief and regret explored in the first one. I love the way the author ends The Whispered Word with hope and empowerment. I would definitely continue with the series!