Britney is a young, extremely malnourished child, who comes from a poor family with an abusive father. Her mother does everything she can to protect her daughter from her husband, receiving the brunt of the aggressive beatings herself. The girl barely speaks, afraid of being overheard by the wrong person, and the only words she knows are the few repeated words her mother uses to calm her after a fight. A total of three words in all, namely – Whisper, Britney, and Ma.There is a very private, sheltered spot in the nearby forest which Britney uses as a place to hide away if ever her mother has to spend the day walking into the nearest town to purchase supplies or to trade goods. They have discreet, non-verbal signals which they use to keep the area hidden and make sure that Britney is secure (far away from Pa’s prying eyes).On one such day, Britney hears unusual sounds and is terrified that her father has found out about their system, but the surprise turns out to be just a lonesome little puppy. The girl quickly becomes friends with the stray, instantly joining forces in their solitude, only ever meeting in the secret place where they share such a deeply silent, unspoken bond.This continues until Ma helps her only child run away for good, tearfully leaving Britney to fend for herself in the best way she knows how. The adoring puppy (promptly being referred to as Whisper) unexpectedly follows the girl, and together they set off on a journey that will forever change their lives…
Alison has been writing short stories to share with friends and family for many years and always enjoys exploring her creativity when putting pen to paper. She is excited to have the opportunity to share her love of writing with others.
She loves spending time with her own dog, a Labrador cross Huntaway called Smoky, teaching her tricks and taking her for walks. She lives in a small town in New Zealand with many beautiful parks and beaches.
Alison has been playing trombone for twelve years, and has recently begun teaching music part-time. She also enjoys a bit of photography when she gets the chance, especially if it involves taking pictures of sunsets.
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Reviews
4 reviews
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Doreen Chombu: Readers’ Favorite, 2025
Whisper is a poignant story that follows Britney, a young girl raised in an abusive home. Every day, Britney lives in fear of what her alcoholic father might do to her and her mother… One day, in a moment of protection, Britney's mother takes her away from this toxic environment… However, adjusting to her new situation proves challenging for Britney; she realizes that healing from trauma requires patience and support. Just as she begins to feel a sense of belonging, her past resurfaces in unexpected ways, forcing her to confront her fears and understand the value of second chances. Whisper is a touching tale that explores themes of domestic violence, survival, and the search for safety and belonging. What makes this book memorable is its realistic portrayal of the healing processes for both the victim and the abuser. This makes the story relatable to anyone who has experienced or witnessed the effects of abuse, as well as those looking to correct their mistakes and change their lives for the better. Alison Bellringer handles sensitive topics such as domestic abuse, alcoholism, and emotional and physical trauma with respect and empathy. The story is engaging and features a captivating plot full of unexpected twists. The characters are well-developed, complete with insecurities, weaknesses, and fears, making them easy to connect with. Readers will walk away with important lessons on resilience, reconciliation, and the significance of seeking help and embracing change. Overall, Whisper is a compelling read, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a story that delves into the complexities of trauma and healing.
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The Children’s Book Review, 2025
In Whisper, readers will be inspired by the bravery of a little girl, whose courageous adventures set the stage for a story that will connect three families over three generations. Britney leads a life of pain and fear with an abusive father whose drunken moods and constant violence toward her mother have led her to spend most of her life in hiding… Her one comfort is an unexpected friend—a black and tan puppy who shares Britney’s secret hiding place. The two become fast friends, and when Britney’s mother finally decides she must send her daughter away for safety, Whisper the Puppy and Britney find they have only each other to rely on… Britney is a vulnerable character, but as readers watch her grow in trust and strength, they will come to understand that even the worst situations can be escaped and healed from. Whisper, steadfast and loyal, shows readers the profound importance of the love of an animal in surviving hard times. The story shows there is a great deal of cruelty in the world, but hope and kindness can prevail. Whisper is the first installment in a trilogy exploring family, friendship, resilience, and healing from trauma—it offers a poignant and inspiring narrative that will surely resonate with readers.
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Charlotte: City Book Review
Whisper is one of the best books I’ve ever read! The story is exciting, sad, and sometimes even scary, but it also has moments that make you feel hopeful. The beginning of the book grabbed my attention right away… The writing is really good because it makes you see and feel everything so clearly… the descriptions pull you right into the story. It’s not just a sad book, though—there’s adventure, friendship, and moments of happiness that make it really special… I would recommend Whisper to anyone who loves stories about courage, animals, and finding hope in tough situations. It’s an unforgettable book, and I think a lot of kids my age would love it…
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Holly Smith: Reader Views
Whisper is the first of a trilogy and is a tale of heartache, danger, and ultimately transformation… Adding an animal companion is always a great choice in books for children and Britney and Whisper are easy to root for...
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