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21 February 2017

Giveaway - A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander

A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander
A Note Yet Unsung
Book #3 in The Belmont Mansion Series
 by Tamera Alexander
Five Stars *****
Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

I am an unabashed Tamera Alexander fan. So much so, that in my recent interview with the Daily Press, for Valentine's Day, I recommended her novels as an excellent example of Christian historical romance! I find it very hard to wait for each new treasure to release. I blame this fixation on my old critique partner, Kim Taylor, who introduced me to Tamera's lovely books.

Blurb:
A master violinist trained in Vienna, Rebekah Carrington manages to wheedle her way into an audition with the new maestro at the Nashville Philharmonic. But women are "far too fragile and frail" for the rigors of an orchestra, and Rebekah's hopes are swiftly dashed when the conductor—determined to leave his mark on the world of classical music—bows to public opinion. To make matters worse, Adelicia Cheatham, mistress of Belmont Mansion and Rebekah's new employer, agrees with him.
Nationally acclaimed conductor Nathaniel Tate Whitcomb is Nashville's youngest orchestra leader. And despite a reluctant muse and a strange buzzing and recurring pain in his head, he must finish composing his symphony before the grand opening of the city's new symphony hall. Even more pressing, he must finish it for the one who first inspired his love of music—his dying father. As Tate's ailment worsens, he knows Rebekah can help him finish his symphony. But how can he win back her trust when he's robbed her of her dream?
As music moves us to tears yet makes our hearts soar, A Note Yet Unsung captures the splendor of classical music at a time when women's hard-won strides in cultural issues changed not only world history—but the hearts of men.

Warning: There are some spoilers in this review.
Here's my review:
A Richly Textured Masterpiece
Rebekah returns from Europe after her grandmother dies. With memories of a bad situation with her lecherous stepfather, and feeling as though her mother has abandoned her, Rebekah still must return to claim the inheritance that her grandmother promised her.  But her life is about to be turned upside down. With quintessential Tamera Alexander charm, the novel is populated by a host of really lovable characters who she develops to the point that they will become real to the reader. I loved the street urchin, the kitchen workers, and so many more! And she's so great at creating characters that you'll love to hate!

Nathaniel is an amazingly gifted conductor but is impatient and demanding with his musicians. As a reader, and a former psychologist, I kept thinking. . . Oh no. . .  He has a secret he's hiding, but which will soon be apparent. I loved his family and how Tamera Alexander beautifully incorporated them into the story. They are so different from the tony Nashville crowd that he is expected to thrill with his orchestra's performances. As Nathaniel's symptoms of hearing loss progress, I was pretty shocked how this was addressed in the story. Beautifully handled. There isn't always a quick fix or even any kind of fix. 

Although a large part of this story is about the inequity of Rebekah, a master violinist, being unable to perform in Nashville society, there are multiple layers of story. 



Bibliotherapy: Excellent choice for people struggling with hearing loss or with any kind of significant sensory loss. There is hope in this story. There is no pat answer. There's no minimizing. I love that the hero doesn't drift into self-pity for long nor does the heroine treat Nathaniel with pity. Pity doesn't help. 

Audiobook: This novel is available in audiobook, also. I purchased the audiobook and began listening to it, but the narrator is someone whose voice I consistently do not enjoy listening to, which was unfortunate. IF you must read by audio, however, I would still recommend the audiobook listen because although you'll have to tune out the narrator's voice somewhat, Ms. Alexander's words and story still shine through. I'd already read the ebook, however, so I wasn't motivated to keep overlooking the narrator's voice. 

I downloaded an electronic copy of A Note Yet Unsung from NetGalley. I am under no compulsion to post a positive review.

This novel is available in multiple locations and formats, CBD hardcover, Barnes & Noble paperback, Amazon ebook, and audiobook through Audible.com, and in large print hardcover.

GIVEAWAY: We're giving away a copy of A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander  in paperback or ebook or as an audible.com download. Answer this question: Which of Tamera's books is your favorite and why? 

64 comments:

  1. My favourite Tamera Alexander books are her Rekindled/Remembered/Revealed series probably because those were the first books I read of hers.

    Arletta

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    1. ARLETTA, Rekindled/Remembered/Revealed series by Tamera Alexander WERE so good, weren't they?!

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  2. My favorite Tamera book was A Beauty so Rare. I loved the idea of the hero being Austrian and really sympathized with the heroines horror of getting a pink dress!

    lotsofbooks1 (at) live (dot) com

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    1. A Beauty so Rare is one I LOVED, too, and give me a pink dress any day!!!

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  3. Oh my gosh... it's almost impossible to pick just one...Let me think.
    To win her favor. I love Cullen. I love how Margaret were taught a very valuable lesson and of course, it's a marriage of 'convenience'.

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    1. LUCY I agree with you that "it's almost impossible to pick just one" of Tamera's books as fave!!!

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    2. Hey, that's MY favorite! Irish and horses--how can you go wrong? ;)

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  4. I've never read any of Tamera's books, but I'm really excited about the plot of A Note Yet Unsung! The cover art is gorgeous too!
    mylittlebirdie (at) yahoo (dot) com
    mylittlebirdie

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    1. KAREN, oh my you are MISSING out!!! Get a Tamera Alexander book ASAP!!!

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  5. I've not read any but have several on my TBR pile. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. I truly can't believe you've never read ANY of Tamera's fab books, ANNE! That must be remedied!

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  6. I haven't read any of Tamera's books yet. I really liked the review of "A Note Yet Unsung" and would enjoy reading the book.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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  7. I haven't read any of Tamera's books yet. I really liked the review of "A Note Yet Unsung" and would enjoy reading the book.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. DIANNE, I would recommend that you buy this entire series! I can't believe you've not read any of Tamera's books yet, they are so amazing!

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  8. My favorite (so far) is To Whisper Her Name, the first book in the Belle Meade series. I've liked all of them, though.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. PAM, I loved "To Whisper Her Name, the first book in the Belle Meade series." too!!!

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  9. Since I have visited the Belle Meade Plantation, I love it, I love the whole series and can't wait to read this newest book. The cover and title of this book are both spectacular! Thank you for this giveaway opportunity .

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. MELANIE, I, too, got to visit Belle Meade Plantation this past summer, in Nashville. I'm going to say it didn't add to my enjoyment of the stories like I thought it would, though :( but that's okay because the books are stellar!

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  10. I have not read any of Tamera's books yet,but will in the near future. They sound like great reads.Thanks for the giveaway.
    JoanEC128[at]AOL[dot]com

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  11. Tamera's books sound like great stories. Thank you for the interview and the giveaway.
    MarionMPC[at]AOL[dot]com

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  12. Ms. Alexander is a talented writer. Her books are fantastic and righ up my alley. Thank you for the opportunity to win one of her books.
    MarilynDKC[at]AOL[dot]com

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  13. I have read all of Tamera's books.....loved them all and cannot pick a fave! I am so anxious to read this one. Thanks for your giveaway.
    jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

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    1. I feel like you said, JACKIE "I have read all of Tamera's books.....loved them all and cannot pick a fave! "

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  14. It's hard to pick a favorite so I will go with the first of Tamera's books I read, From a Distance in 2012. The female photographer, trying to work in a man's world, and the mountains are what drew me to the story. I remember the suspense and danger too. It was a good introduction to an author that I've continued to read.
    I would love the chance to win "A Note Yet Unsung" I have the first two in the series in kindle format so that would work great for me. andreastephens at yahoo dot com.

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    1. From a Distance WAS a great book, ANDREA! I guess I wasn't very fair asking for folks to choose a fave!~

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  15. Love all of Tamera's books - I don't think I could pick a favorite! I would love to win 'A Note Yet Unsung' in paperback as I already have the first two in that format. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  16. I have read all of her books, some as re-reads, and I think it is difficult to pick a favorite. Perhaps, due to my interest in the old West, I especially enjoyed the Fountain Creek Chronicles series. Thank you for your review! dixiedobie at yahoo dot com

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    1. The Fountain Creek Chronicles series were a great read CATHY! Thanks for coming by!

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  17. I agree with Arleta. I have a special place for the Rekindled series because those were my first reads by Tamara. Thanks for the review and the giveaway!

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  18. To Whisper Her Name is my favorite book from Tamera Alexander. It's just such a rich historical! I like the time period, and how deliciously thick the book was! ^_^

    Thanks and blessings!

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    1. Hi SHANTELLE MARY, I don't know how thick the book was, since I read it in ebook format! I hope to see a paperback copy of it at the stores soon!

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  19. Great review Carrie! I can't wait to read A Note Yet Unsung, (already ordered the book!).

    Oh my, I love Tamera's books, it hard to pick *one* favorite. Belle Meade Plantation series & Belmont Mansion series top my list of favorites.

    Blessings, Tina

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    1. Thanks TINA! All of Tamera's stories are SO good!!! Hard to pick one!

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  20. I have YET to read a book by Tamera (gasp, I know!), but I've heard all kinds of wonderful things about her books & writing! I didn't read the review because of the spoiler alert, thanks for the warning. And for the giveaway chance :-)

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. TRIXI, go and get Tamera's books and devour them!!! You won't regret it!

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    2. Now you have NO excuse for not having read a Tamera Alexander book because you just WON a copy TRIXI!!! Congrats!!!

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    3. I'd say a GREAT excuse to read one of Tamera's books....yay!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!

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  21. I am reading To Whisper Her Name right now, but I think her first series was my favorite.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. That first series by Tamera Alexander was fabulous, PATTY!

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  22. It's difficult to choose,but A Beauty So Rare is my choice today!

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  23. All of her books are my favorites but I guess I will say The Belle Meade Plantation would be my very favorite.

    grandmama_brenda(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. I think there is a series set at Belle Meade but that's not a title, Brenda!

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  24. Oh the reason is: I love books about the civil war. Before , during or after.

    grandmama_brenda(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  25. I love all her books and its hard to pick one ..but I will say I did love AMONG THE FAIR MAGNOLIAS. Liked the Southern charm .

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    1. Hi ELMA! AMONG THE FAIR MAGNOLIAS was rather different. Very nice novella!

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  26. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  27. forgot to leave email address: ms(dot)tweety56(at)gmail(dot)com

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  28. Beautiful review, Carrie. I've not yet had the pleasure of reading Tamara's books.

    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

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    1. CARYL I just don't see how you haven't read any of Tamera's books yet! You have to remedy that! Blessings!

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  29. I've not read Tamera's books yet, but I'd like to. I am a fan of good historical fiction.

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  30. Sounds like something I need to hear read lol.

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  31. I have heard such great things about Tamera's books. I even have a couple, but have not yet read one.

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    1. MELMANRO, get those books out and read them ASAP and you'll never regret it!

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  32. I have read all of Tamera's books and have loved them ALL! Almost impossible to pick a fave but I'll say A Lasting Impression since it was the first Belmont book and I love the cover with her daughter on it!

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  33. I think I've read nearly all of Tameras books. I really liked To Win Her Favor.

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  34. To Whisper Her Name is one Tamera Alexander book that I've read and given a review. Her covers are always breathtaking, and her writing stands up to the covers!

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  35. This book is my favorite. I have enjoyed every book of hers, but this one stands out to me. First of all, I am a trained musician, so I loved all the musical terminology throughout the book. I understood the feelings expressed by the characters as they played or conducted music. It was as if I were coming home, in a way. I agree with you on how Nathaniel's hearing loss was handled. I also liked that they kind of had a relationship, of sorts, for a big chunk of the book. In other words, they didn't just say I love you at the main end and kiss, and that was all of the romance. I loved it all! mandydawn@email.com

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  36. First I read of hers was To Whisper her name and I loved it, but To Win Her Favor is my new fave! Irish and horses, a sure win in my book. ;) My book club is reading this one for March so put me in the draw! Thank you!

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  37. I love all of her books, but my favorite is probably A Lasting Impression--when the heroine felt God ask her if she'd still paint if He was the only one who saw her work... wow! Amazing insight and it has stuck with me ever since. Thanks for the giveaway! Danandlyndaedwards (at) MSN (dot) com.

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  38. I haven't read any of Tamera's books yet, but they are definitely on my TBR list! A Note Yet Unsung grabbed my attention immediately with the beautiful cover and the musical theme. Both of my parents graduated with music majors in college and music was a large part of my life growing up. I am so intrigued with this story. Your review painted such a vivid word picture that it whet my desire to read it even more! Thanks for an awesome review, Carrie, and for the opportunity of this giveaway! ~Alison

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