To Whisper Her Name

By: Tamera Alexander

Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert

Length: 17 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

From best-selling 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 best-selling 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, best-selling 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 best-selling author)

This inspirational historical romance can be listened to as a stand-alone novel or enjoyed as the first audiobook in Tamera Alexander’s Belle Meade series.

Audiobook length: approximately 125K words. Includes discussion questions for book clubs and a note from the author.

©2012 Tamera Alexander (P)2012 Zondervan

Wonderful Book

This book is such a wonderful story. It takes place just after the Civil war and touches on the struggles and victories during that time. It kept my interest throughout and was very touching at times. If you like a good sweet wholesome story this is for you. I loved it!!

Tavia Gilbert really captured the essence of each character. Her voice is perfect for this book. 🌺

Found the Romance Lacking

This is the first novel I've read by Tamera Alexander, and I'm starting to think that she won't make my top list of Historical Romance authors. There are MANY things going for this novel: the depth and beauty of the setting, the side characters are well fleshed out and endearing, and the parallel Alexander makes between Ridley's work with a mare and his pursuit of Olivia is brilliant.
And yet---I found myself eagerly reading for the romantic scenes I was hoping for: a deep and revealing conversation about Olivia's past marriage (didn't happen), a rescue during a dangerous situation (no rescue, and actually, any "dangerous" situation in the book is quickly dealt with little consequence)....just MORE. I wanted MORE out of their conversations. It felt like the romance piece was being ushered along to speed up Olivia's obligatory mourning period for her first husband. Therefore, weeks go by without her seeing Ridley, and when they finally interact, it isn't very exciting!
All in all, days later I am still thinking about the Belle Meade plantation and the characters. I just wish the romance had been more satisfying.
Those who don't like any sex scenes in a romantic book then this one is for you

Excellent Historical fiction

What did you love best about To Whisper Her Name?

I liked the development of the characters and really felt like I knew them and loved them.

What does Tavia Gilbert bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Excellent reader, voice change excellent

Any additional comments?

This was classified as unabridged, however, I found it difficult to understand the story at first because the prologue had not been recorded. The prologue was essential for the foundation of the entire story and so its absence was keenly missed. Fortunately, I also own the book on Kindle, so when the story seemed to be missing something, I checked out my kindle book and that was how I found that the prologue had not been recorded.

Great book

This book exceeded my expectations.

It really got me thinking. I fell in love with all the characters and the story drew me in.

The historical context for me was quite fascinating and Tamera wove the story quite skillfully.

It's also a clean romance. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical inspirational romances.

Descriptions defy pictures!

What made the experience of listening to To Whisper Her Name the most enjoyable?

Just waiting for Olivia's next experience as she grew into the beautiful young woman we all knew she could be. And the boundless details of those experiences. I was right there with her cheering her along.

What was one of the most memorable moments of To Whisper Her Name?

The first kiss Olivia and Ridley experienced. It made me think back to my sweet husband's kiss when we were just sweethearts in high school. And then the hours of those wonderful kisses when we were reunited after 44 years of absense married to someone else, now deceased.

Have you listened to any of Tavia Gilbert’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't heard any of Tavia's performances before, but I'll be looking for them!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It certainly was!

Any additional comments?

Keep up the good work!

A Full Lush Story

I listened to this over a period of about ten days. This is a long book, longer than some of Tamera's other books. Her fans will love this book which is part of the new Belmont series. A great listen. Lovely romance.

Excellent!

This book was excellent!! I truly loved the story and was excited and it was nice to be able to go online and see pictures of the real place. It was wonderful.

Absoluetly Fantasic Clean Romance

I loved this book! Finally a romance novel that has character development, depth, passion, growth, believability, no foul language, and no gratuitous sex scenes. In fact no sex scenes at all, very PG, which really works for me. There was actual romance, love, passion, morals, and honor. It wasn't just two people lusting after each other and calling it love. The narrator was amazing with all the voices; she was truly excellent. The depth of the characters was fantastic as well and so refreshing. This was a book I stayed up late listening to unable to put it down. I would highly recommend the book.

Very well written book

Would you listen to To Whisper Her Name again? Why?

Yes. Tamera Alexander is a very good author and the reader did a supurb job.

What did you like best about this story?

The suspense of secrets being kept from others.

What about Tavia Gilbert’s performance did you like?

Tavia Gilbert does very well at different characters voices.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No extreme reactions but the book was very enjoyable and captivating.

serious story of love and betrayal

twists and turns of the south meets the North freedom for the woman in the murder of her husband and unlikely friendships and kin ships during the reformation of the south i enjoyed this story and the price for this is great rite now i was not bored and though a little pridictable not easily so