To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander, ©2012

To Whisper Her Name releases October 23, 2012. Written by Tamera Alexander, first-hand background information for this novel comes to life. As new residents of Nashville, Tennessee, which came first for Tamera and her husband? The visit to Belle Meade, or the move?

Historical Fiction is my very favorite. I appreciate the research an author does to place their characters within the events/happenings of the time period. To Whisper Her Name is set in 1835 and is the story of a young widow, as she comes to Belle Meade with high hopes.

Belle Meade Plantation

Belle Meade Plantation has seen devastating times, healing from a war, and the division of those scarred by its wake. Southern "gentleman" Ridley Cooper joined on the side of the Union and comes to find solace within Belle Meade as he recovers who he is and yearns to be. Sturdy Bob Green has been the stalwart anchor in the thoroughbred stable as he keeps things afloat during these turbulent times. Much to be learned from him besides what is seen.

TAMERA ALEXANDER is the bestselling author of numerous books, including A Lasting Impression and The Inheritance. Her richly drawn characters and thought-provoking plots have earned her devoted readers worldwide. Tamera is a two-time Christy Award winner, two-time RITA winner, and a recipient of the prestigious Library Journal Award. Tamera and her husband recently returned to her Southern roots and now make their home in Nashville.

Bestselling author Tamera Alexander shares the history and beauty of the Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville, TN, the setting for her novel To Whisper Her Name

Set at Nashville's historic Belle Meade Plantation, the most influential thoroughbred stud farm in America's history, To Whisper Her Name weaves the struggles of real people of the post-war South with the journeys of a man and a woman scarred by betrayal.

    Olivia Aberdeen, destitute widow of a man who'd been shot as a traitor to the South, is shunned by proper society and gratefully accepts an invitation from “Aunt” Elizabeth Harding, mistress of Belle Meade Plantation. Expecting to be the Harding's 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 Southern 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, Bob Green, possesses, Ridley harbors secrets that threaten his life.

    As Ridley seeks to make peace within himself for “betraying” the South he loves, Olivia is determined to never be betrayed again.

Bonnie Scotland and Bob Green

My Review
Reading To Whisper Her Name, I liked the steadfastness and consistency of the characters as they grew in trust and understanding of each other, building beyond what they could have been by themselves. Each lent strength to the other, as they came to find their deepest need. Reliability, faith, continuance amid daily struggles to arrive at peace amid changing times. Stepping out and doing what you know is right, places you on the right path.

Thank you to Zondervan Linked to Lit for sending me a copy of Tamera Alexander's novel, To Whisper Her Name, in exchange for this review in my own words.

You may visit Belle Meade Plantation today!
http://bellemeadeplantation.com/video/

Enjoy the first three chapters here:
http://media.zondervan.com/media/samples/pdf/9780310291060_samptxt.pdf