To Whisper Her Name

To Whisper Her Name
Tamera Alexander
Zondervan Publisher
Historical, Fiction, Romance 
Publication Date: 10/23/12

Olivia Aberdeen, destitute widow of a murdered carpetbagger, gratefully accepts an invitation from "Aunt" Elizabeth Harding, mistress of Belle Meade Plantation and the dearest friend of Olivia's late mother. Expecting to be the Harding's housekeeper, Olivia is disillusioned once again when she learns the real reason why Elizabeth's husband, Confederate General William Giles Harding, agreed to her coming. Caring for an ill Aunt Elizabeth, Olivia is caught off guard by her feelings for Ridley Adam Cooper, a southern-born son who-unbeknownst to her and everyone else-fought for the Union.
Determined to learn "the gift" that Belle Meade's head horse trainer, Bob Green, possesses, Ridley is a man desperate to end the war still raging inside him while harboring secrets that threaten his life. As Ridley seeks to make peace within himself for "betraying" the South he loved, Olivia is determined to never be betrayed again...
Set within the remarkable history of Nashville's historic Belle Meade Plantation, comes a story about enslavement and freedom, arrogance and humility, and the power of love to heal even the deepest of wounds. 

Tamera Alexander is one of my favorite authors and this book does not disappoint. Alexander writes with depth and wit. Her characters are real people with real issues and they are always a pleasure to get to know. She managed to bring the somewhat austere south down to earth while incorporating the very real issues of the day. Olivia grows throughout the book and becomes a dear character. Ridley is fun from the beginning and only growths in his depth. The horse aspect of the book is fascinating. I also thoroughly enjoyed the time period this was set in and getting a glimpse of the south post-war.

Props to Alexander for another great read that I didn't want to put down. Go buy it and prepare to be transported!

My thanks to Zondervan Publishing for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Belonging by Robin Lee Hatcher

Belonging

Robin Lee Hatcher

Zondervan Publishing

Pub Date: August 2011

Genre: Fiction, Romance, Historical

In the high desert town of Frenchman's Bluff, Idaho, Felicia Kristoffersen has set out to create a future for herself that is better than her painful past. Alone in the world with only her faith to sustain her, she must prove herself as this tiny community's new school teacher. She cannot, must not, fail. But, there are those who never wanted her there to begin with. 

Five years after the death of his wife, local merchant Colin Murphy cares about just one thing: raising his daughter, Charity. Colin wants to give her the educational advantages he never had. The new schoolmarm's inexperience doesn't sit well with him, and if this teacher up and marries like the last one did, Charity's heart will be broken once again. 

A woman who hasn't known love. A man who lost the love he had. 

In the midst of the wide, sage-covered plains, each is about to discover that life's bitterest circumstances truly can work together for good.

Robin Lee Hatcher is a seasoned author. Belonging is no less than you would expect from someone of Hatcher's caliber. However, it also leaves very little to the imagination. Felicia is a likeable character and as a reader you'll find yourself resonating with some of the issues she faces. Colin is a troubled widower slowly being won over by the schoolmarm. Nothing new under the sun in this book. However, this is an easy read that will transport you to another time and place. The characters and developed well which makes for a very enjoyable read. 


Thank you to Netgalley and Zondervan Publishing for providing me a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.