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Fiction. Romance. Christian Fiction. Historical Fiction. HTML: 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." â??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." â??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." â??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 aut… (more)
User reviews
With the exception of the first few pages the story takes place just after the Civil War. Olivia Aberdeen's husband has just been hung for being a traitor to the see but she sheds no tears over the loss of a husband who was extremely cruel to her. Riley Cooper comes to Belle Meade intending to only stay a short time to learn everything he can from Bob Green, Mr. Harding head horse trainer. Bob Green is former slave at Belle Meade and well respected by William Giles Harding for his knowledge of horses. Riley has plans on relocating to Colorado. He did not intend to stay a long time at Belle Meade but falling in love with Olivia was not in his plans. He is also harboring a secret from Olivia and the Hardings that he indeed did fight in the Civil War but he fought on the opposite side. Olivia has her own secrets and that she is deathly afraid of horses.
I do not want to give too much of the story away. What little I have told is revealed in the first chapter. You will have to read this story for yourself to see how Olivia and Riley overcome their problems.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a e-book of this book to review.
Published by: Zondervan
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Book Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 4
Review:
"To Whisper Her Name" by Tamera Alexander was a wonderful historical christian romantic long read that has it all. This setting was from 'Belle Meade Plantation' in
This story deals with Elizabeth and Ridley a couple of years after the war with secrets that will 'make or break them.' If you are a reader of Ms. Alexander's novels you will note that this novel is one of her best ones. "To Whisper Her Name" was a excellent novel with an long and detailed engaging story that really shines through with what all going on. Yes, this novel somewhat predictable at times but still a good read. The characters are well developed, 'marvelous and meticulously crafted' ...keeping you turning the pages will all of the drama that comes along from the read.. A few characters like Uncle Bob, General Harding and Rachel could have stories of their own being so complexed and all! To get a real fill for this read you must pick up the good read to find out which way this author is taking the reader. Be prepared for a long read.
If you are looking for a novel of faith, love, forgiveness..."To Whisper Her Name" will take you there and would I recommend this as a good read? YES!
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!
I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions. Your experience may vary. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.
The main characters, Olivia Aberdeen and Ridley Cooper, are both outcasts in Southern
Belle Meade is owned by former Confederate General William Giles Harding. He has no idea that Ridley fought for the North, and assumes he fought with the Confederate forces. Ridley forms a bond with former slave (and resident horse whisperer), Bob Green and rises to the position of foreman. General Harding is impressed with Ridley and trusts him to manage the stud farm.
At General Harding's request, Olivia is put in a position to work closely with Ridley. She is shocked to find that she is developing deep feelings for the man. Ridley is also falling in love with Olivia, even though he has no intention of remaining at Belle Meade for very long. All the while, General Harding is playing matchmaker and would like to see Olivia married to one of his associates. Olivia and Ridley deal with many personal issues which keep them from admitting their love for one another. The story is captivating and very well written.
The Harding family and their servants actually did reside at Belle Meade Plantation. Many of the characters really did exist. This adds to the interest of the book. You can visit Tamera Alexander's blog and find photos of the Hardings and their estate. Ms. Alexander took painstaking care in her historical research. As a reader, you feel like you are living in the post-Civil War South as you read this novel. It is deeply moving, historically enlightening, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this period of history. Such a tragic and sad time. In the end, faith gets everyone through and God's hand is leading each character through very difficult times. At 473 pages, this is a very hefty read, but worth every minute of your time!
I fell in love with Ridley's and Olivia's romance, pun intended. I felt they supported each and filled in each other where they were lacking. Olivia gave Ridley something to savor on his journey to horse knowledge and the Colorado Territory; I believe loving her showed him that life was meant to be savored and enjoyed along with striving for goals. And Ridley showed Olivia that not all men were brutes nor was life all about being proper. I think he gave her the push to start teaching and standing up for herself and what she wanted in life. They complimented each other nicely.
I also enjoyed how the author was able to really show this was a romance. There was very evident romantic/sexual tension between these two and some very nice kissing scenes. No hanky-panky was shown but it was clear that these two were passionate about each other and very much in love. I've read Christian fiction novels before that struggled with this, with the two main leads really only coming to a strong friendship and that's it. Not Ms. Alexander! She knows how to tug at her reader's heartstrings with her love stories and heroes/heroines. Nicely done.
There was a nice balance between North and South in this story of healing and moving on. The author was able to show that there was honor on both sides of the war, and that not all Southern men were brutes and horrible slave owners of the Simon Legree caliber. I really liked how the author stressed that time can bring healing, both from the scars of war as well as to the pain of past transgressions and brutal relationships.
I enjoyed this Christian historical romance to the hilt. It was a beautiful introduction to the author and a lovely romance. I really felt the emotions from our two leads and was kept enthralled by their tale of healing and love. Definitely recommended if you're in the market for a Christian romance.