Read the novel that took Amazon lists by storm!
#1 in New Releases in Natural Disasters (Paperback & Kindle)
#1 in New Releases in History of Southwest U.S. (Kindle)
#13 in Bestsellers in Natural Disasters (Kindle)
#20 in Bestsellers in Natural Disasters (Paperback)
#23 in Bestsellers in History of Southwest U.S. (Kindle)
#26 in Bestsellers in American Historical Romance (Paperback)
#31 in Bestsellers in American Historical Romance (Kindle)
"The quaint island love story that accompanies the intense drama of the Weather Bureau is a breath of fresh summer air."
- August S., Goodreads
"The characters come to life as the city swelters through another hot, humid summer...the moving story line makes the book hard to put down. It's so hard when a good book ends. Absolutely loved this read!"
- Chris., Amazon
"I highly recommend this book...It is well researched, well-written."
- PM., Amazon
"Beautifully written"
- Elisabeth., Amazon
The Amazon bestselling novel
of Galveston Island's most historic moment
Meet the Author
Hello, there! I'm Whitney Vandiver, author of Oleanders in June (2019) and Red River (coming in 2021).
I grew up in small-town Oklahoma, where I garnered a love of stories and spent most of my childhood with a book in my hand. I studied English at the University of Central Oklahoma where I fell head over heels for late-Victorian literature and dipped my toes into contemporary fiction. After graduation, I went on to study Linguistics and earn a Ph.D. from Purdue University and taught English and writing courses for a short time, eventually transitioning into the corporate world where I fill my commute with a blend of Sarah McLachlan playlists, writing podcasts, and the occasional audiobook.
After a trip to Scottsdale in 2017, during which I spent every morning writing on the patio of a café, I began pursuing my writing seriously. I have since bought a second typewriter and claimed a spare room as my writing space. I live in Pearland, Texas, with my spouse and our cat.
My debut novel, Oleanders in June, will be published in June 2019.
New Release
Galveston Island, 1900.
A year of training in the Signal Corp did nothing to prepare Alfred Ridgeway for his new post with the U.S. Weather Bureau on the edge of the Texas gulf. Raised on a farm in Indian Territory, Alfred finds the wealth and grandeur of Galveston Island overwhelming and lacking a place for a man of his status.
Despite his expectations, Alfred finds himself thrust into the strained relationship of renowned climatologist, Isaac Cline, and his assisting brother, Joseph. With rising tensions in the office, Alfred searches beyond the bureau for a new identity.
An intriguing newspaper ad connects Alfred with Hilary Carson, an eccentric naturalist with a love for birds, leading Alfred to find a niche on the island. When a chance encounter ignites the interest of a young woman, the budding romance with the extraordinary Florence Keller soothes his spirit and furthers his sense of belonging.
But as the summer heats up, the bureau cuts ties with a valuable source of information, leaving the Galveston Weather Office blind during the peak of hurricane season. When a telegram warns of a storm in the gulf, Alfred must choose between following protocol or trusting his instincts—and learning how far he will go for the woman he loves.
Teeming with imagery and thickened with historical relevance, Oleanders in June is the compelling tale of an island’s most pivotal moment and an emotionally captivating debut.
Available in paperback and e-book.
In The Press
Events
December 6, 2019
6:00-8:30 PM
Book Signing at The Naked Mermaid
Hosted by A Holiday Stroll on Postoffice
The Naked Mermaid,
Galveston, TX
Free
November 23, 2019
2:00-4:00 PM
August 24, 2019
3:00-5:00 PM
Book Signing at the Galveston Bookshop
Free
Book Signing at Galveston Bookshop
Free
Galveston Bookshop,
Galveston, TX
Galveston Bookshop,
Galveston, TX