To Whisper Her Name (The Belle Meade Plantation Book 1)

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."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 authorThis inspirational historical romance is a standalone novel, though it can be enjoyed as the first book in Tamera Alexander's Belle Meade seriesBook length: approximately 125K wordsIncludes discussion questions for book clubs, a recipe, and a note from the authorReviewUSA Today Bestseller    "Pure reading pleasure."~ Liz Curtis Higgs, NYT best-selling author of Mine Is the Night "Deeply satisfying, both to my heart and my soul."~ Christy Jordan, Southern Plate"Beautiful. Powerful. Stirring. Written on my heart for all time." ~ Cindy Woodsmall, NYT best-selling author of Sisters of the Quilt series "Alexander writes a beautiful story of love, friendship and finding purpose. The passion the characters have for one another and their dreams will keep readers engaged to the very last word."~Romantic Times MagazineFrom the AuthorThe setting of this novel, the Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville, TN, is a real antebellum estate that still welcomes visitors today. The Harding family, characters in To Whisper Her Name, lived at Belle Meade in the 1800s and many of the events included in this novel were taken from their personal history and then fleshed out in my imagination.In addition to the Harding family, many of the former slaves who served at Belle Meade inspired characters of this story--Robert Green, Susanna Carter, and many others. In nearly every instance, I used the real names of the former slaves and the positions they held at Belle Meade. However, the characters' personalities and actions are of my creation and should be constru