Synopsis
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 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 and former slave, Bob Green, possesses, Ridley harbors secrets that threaten both their lives.
As Ridley seeks to make peace within himself for "betraying" the South he loved, Olivia is determined to never be betrayed again.
My Review
I was sucked right into the story and the lives of Ridley and Olivia as they struggle and thrive in the post-Civil War South. I can't imagine Olivia's feelings of helplessness after not only an abusive marriage, but also the shunning from all society after his misdeeds came to light. Even with the compassion shown her by her mother's friend, her options are still limited, being expected to make a match with one of the general's friends. I admired her grace and the way she seeks to help those around her in small but significant ways. Ridley is taking a big risk by working at Belle Meade with the general's strong anti-North sentiments, but the priceless lessons he learns from Uncle Bob are worth it, as well as his deepening feelings for Olivia. I loved the way the setting and era was brought to life with the complex dynamics of the time.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
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