To Whisper Her Name (Belle Meade Plantation, #1)

by Tamera Alexander

From bestselling author Tamera Alexander comes an exquisite historical novel set against the real history of Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville, Tennessee, that explores the struggles of real people of the post-war South and the journeys of a man and a woman scarred by betrayal.

Olivia Aberdeen, destitute widow of a man shot as a traitor to the South, is shunned by proper society and gratefully accepts an invitation from Elizabeth Harding, mistress of Belle Meade Plantation. Expecting to be the Hardings’ head housekeeper, Olivia is disillusioned when she learns the real reason Elizabeth’s husband, Confederate General William Giles Harding, agreed to her coming. Not finding the safe haven she expects, Olivia is caught off guard by her feelings for Ridley Adam Cooper, a man who seems anything but a Southern gentleman.

Branded a traitor by some, Ridley Cooper, a Southern son who chose to fight for the Union, is a man desperate to end the war still raging inside him. Determined to learn “the gift” that Belle Meade's head horse trainer and former slave, Bob Green, possesses, Ridley harbors secrets that threaten both their lives.

As Ridley seeks to make peace within himself for fighting against the South he loved, Olivia is determined to never be betrayed again.

Praise for Tamera Alexander:

“To Whisper Her Name has everything a fine historical novel needs: characters we truly care about, struggles that really matter, splashes of humor to engage us, and period details that bring the past to vibrant life. Ridley and Olivia both arrive with heartaches and disappointments tucked in their traveling bags. Watching them unpack those memories and make room for the Lord’s cleansing touch is pure reading pleasure.” —Liz Curtis Higgs, New York Times bestselling author

“Rich in history, romance, and human drama, To Whisper Her Name is a book to be savored, like a sumptuous Southern banquet. Tamera Alexander’s skills as a master storyteller have never been more evident.” —Robin Lee Hatcher, bestselling author of Cross My Heart and Who I Am with You

“To Whisper Her Name will grab you and not let go. It’s a beautiful, powerful story with unforgettable characters who face the unthinkable with honor while a captivating romance blooms where seeds should never have been scattered.” —Cindy Woodsmall, New York Times and CBA bestselling author

• This inspirational historical romance can be read as a stand-alone novel or enjoyed as the first book in Tamera Alexander’s Belle Meade series
• Book length: approximately 125K words
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs, a recipe, and a note from the author

• ISBN10: 0310291062
• ISBN13: 9780310291060
• Publish Date: 23 October 2012
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc
• Imprint: Zondervan
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 480
• Language: English

Reviews

[cherryblossommj]

Little did I know that when I started reading the first book published by a woman from my home area outside of Atlanta and even attended the same school years later that this same woman would be one of "the greats" in Christian Historical Fiction, right up there with Tracie Peterson and Francine Rivers. Tamera Alexander is an incredible author that absolutely leaves you begging for more after almost 500 pages! The same is the case after finishing To Whisper Her Name and I'm delighted to know it is the first of a trilogy from Zondervan, but even more fun is the slight cross over with another series from Tammy through Bethany House. I love historical fiction, but it is those that are set on telling the story of real history that give me chills.

While I've never been an equestrian myself reading about the Belle Meade Plantation thoroughbreds was just enough to interest and not bore me. But this was about so much more than horses. Through these pages a story was told that was lovely. It was romantic and heart breaking. Both realistic and thrilling filling my read hours with curiosity and apprehension as well as sighs of contentment. Touching and delving through the difficult after-war politics when everyone is trying to find their true place and sharing the harsh realities of the time without dwelling. Tammy knows how to tell a story!

More please, I cannot wait!

*Thanks to PR by the Book for providing a copy for review.*

posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2012/12/31/to-whisper-her-name-belle-meade-plantation-by-tamera-alexander/