Critical Praise

"Laurel Means offers further evidence that she is one of those rarest of historical novelists ---one who has absolute mastery over the facts and realities of an era without ever allowing those details to burden or hinder the rich tapestry of a story woven by her fully realized characters. Here we find out what became of Henry and Agnes Morton (Long Journey Home) through the story of Agnes’ eldest sister, Lucy. We meet people with the grit and tenderness demanded by an often relentless poverty imposed by the brutal yet beautiful land from which they work to create their home. In listening to her heart as well as the voices of the fierce women whose legacies preceded her, Lucy not only survives heartbreak and betrayals but transcends them to realize the best gift of all --- a fully realized life."

—Susan Thurston, Author, Reviewer for the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

"An exceptionally well-told and absorbing story, from the first moment placing the reader inside the skin of the central character, within a strongly realized setting of scenes, objects, and daily tasks. Seasons and crises move this heroine on to unexpected discoveries and descisions, bringing her from the darkness of the opening scene to the threshold of a future full equally of challenge and promise."

—Jay Macpherson, Toronto Researcher, Author

"In Whispers Through the House Laurel Means vividly and convincingly captures the trials and triumphs of the early settlers in an intricately woven story. Her intimate knowledge of the area, her meticulous research, and her skillful writing, all contribute to the success of this thoroughly engrossing novel."

—Dr. Kathy Garay, Arts and Science Program, McMaster University, Canada