Two series at once? Glad you asked...

I've had this question more than once already this week from readers, so thought I'd respond here too.

The question: "Are there going to be any more books in the Belmont Mansion series? I see another series starting up, with Whisper Her Name (Belle Meade Plantation), and I was just wondering."

YES! And thanks for asking! There are TWO more books coming in both the Belmont Mansion series and the Belle Meade Plantation series. A LASTING IMPRESSION is book 1 for Belmont. And TO WHISPER HER NAME (releasing Oct 23) is book 1 for Belle Meade. The two series "intertwine" and show us different perspectives of Nashville during similar time periods.

Adelicia Acklen (the mistress of Belmont) and the Harding family (from Belle Meade) knew one another, though they moved in different social circles. Belmont was the "summer villa" of the richest woman in the U.S. at the time, and Belle Meade Plantation was the most influential thoroughbred stud farm in American history. So you can imagine how different the settings are, as well as their histories. And how interesting! I hope you think so too.

So as you're reading both the Belmont Mansion series and the Belle Meade Plantation series, know that I'm writing them to "intertwine." Meaning… You *might* just catch glimpses of people from the Belmont books in the Belle Meade books (or visa versa), as well as glimpse a character from a past novel of mine.

Here's the trailer for To Whisper Her Name...

What others are saying about To Whisper Her Name…

"Pure reading pleasure!"

~ Liz Curtis Higgs, New York Times bestselling author of Mine Is the Night

"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 Beloved and Betrayal

“Beautiful. Powerful. Stirring. And now written on my heart for all time.”

~ Cindy Woodsmall, New York Times best-selling author of Sisters of the Quilt series

"The thing I love about each of Tamera’s books is that when I’m done, I haven’t just indulged in reading a period romance that I loved, but I’ve acquired a deeper understanding of my relationship with God and have gained nuggets of wisdom that I can apply to my life."

~ Christy Jordan, Southern Plate: Classic Comfort Food That Makes Everyone Feel Like Family

PRE-order at the special price of $4.99 ebook (Kindle, Nook, iBook). 

Bookmarks, autographed bookplate, and recipe from the story available by request.

Writing on backsides and bottoms

I just posted some pictures on my Facebook Page along with a sweet discovery I made this weekend as I was cleaning. I'm so grateful my mom believed in writing on "backsides and bottoms!"

Click to view

A Reader Note...

Received this note today from dear reader friend, Laura McKnight (waving to you, Laura!), and it made me smile big time. I love hearing from y'all after you've read one of my books. Can't tell you what it means to me. And I especially loved Laura's honest comment about not wanting to move on from the Colorado books to the Southern books...

"Hi Tamera, I just wanted to tell you how very much I love your writing! I discovered you back in February of 2008, when I first read REKINDLED. I was hooked, and felt like I personally knew each of your characters, and was always left wanting more. I have read each series, & fallen in love with the Colorado mountains as a result. 

I have to admit, I was hesitant to read A LASTING IMPRESSION, and just left it sitting on my bedside for months. I didn't want to move onto a new series, I didn't want to leave the Colorado people. Imagine my surprise when a little paragraph included [name of character removed for those who haven't read ALI yet!], I about screamed with delight, lol. I love how you include characters from past books! Keep on writing for Him, and we'll keep enjoying the fruits of your creativity! God bless you, Tamera! Can't wait for November & TO WHISPER HER NAME!"

Thanks again, Laura, for your note today! And I want to share that it was actually *my husband's idea* to put a character from another novel (or series) in each one of my subsequent books, starting with the first one, REKINDLED.

So in every book, you see a glimpse (if you're looking closely and have read all my other books) of a character from another book. If you haven't read that specific book (where that character appears), then you'll read right over it (as you should) and not even notice. But if you HAVE read that specific book, then you'll catch a glimpse of a past character...and hopefully, a friend!

These connections with y'all make writing extra rewarding! I'm so grateful to you for reading and that we're sharing this journey.

Now back to reading and researching...

I snapped this picture last night of flowers in our neighborhood as Jack and I were on a walk. So pretty!

Pet Affection

I got a birthday card from Jack, our little silky terrier yesterday (with Joe's help). Bless them both! 

Don't we love our pets? (and husbands too!) : )

Annual Retreat with writing buddies

Every July I meet a group of writers (and soul sisters) up in Idaho to plot and plan our next books, and what fun we have! We laugh, and plot, and brainstorm, and eat, and walk, and laugh some more, all amidst five days of "close to Heaven" fellowship. I'm so grateful to have these extraordinary women in my life!

The whole motley crew

Hard at work, can you tell?

Relaxing on the back deck

Brandilyn Collins listening intently (or about to fall asleep?)

One amongst us LOVES Rolos. Can you tell who?

A lovely gift from a writing buddy

Every year Janet makes the BEST fruit salads!

Delicious!

Friend and writer Robin Lee Hatcher, brainstormer extraordinaire! During the retreat, I share a room with Robin, and ahem…on occasion we've been known to stay up late and talk. I know it's hard to believe...

Me with Janet between brainstorming sessions

Three of us have size 9.5 feet and over... Can you guess who these feet belong to? (Click here and view the comments for the answer)

The traditional picture on the stairs

I'm a little cold natured so enjoy sitting in the sun in the early mornings

Another group shot (Oh, I love these women!)

Brainstorming with Sheila

Gorgeous flowers are in bloom this time of year 

Caught chatting in the upstairs hallway

Funning around with Tricia Goyer

Frani and Brandilyn, master brainstormers (and jokesters)

Me getting tickled at something Frani did

And getting even more tickled!

 

More beauty in nature

And the wildlife...so pretty!

After a walk...

A precious little Yorkie named Bear joined us this year too

And finally, our traditional "Tada!" picture. Another wonderful time of sharing and singing and fellowship behind us. I can hardly wait for July 2013! (L to R: Tricia Goyer, Brandilyn Collins, Karen Ball, Janet Ulbright, Robin Lee Hatcher, Francine Rivers, me, Gayle DeSalles, Sheila Lovell, Sharon Dunn. Sunni Jeffers is normally in our number but couldn't make it this year.)

Don't you love your sister time! And aren't we grateful for the women in our lives...

Book Clubbing with Morgantown Ladies

I had the pleasure of Skyping last night with the ladies of the Wisdom Seekers Book Club at Sabraton Baptist Church in Morgantown, WV who read my book The Inheritance (Women of Faith Fiction). We had a blast! Thank you, gals, for letting me join you! 

 

Kneeling: Jeannine Brand

1st row (L to R): Hazel Oldland, Judy Dalton, Dollie Barker, and Tye Kramer

2nd row (L to R): Jennifer Derrick, Melissa Forinash, Julie Snowdon, Phyllis Craig, Lil Bezjak, and Patty Frankenberry

Ryan Hanson (their wonderful media guy), and Judy Dalton

Judy shares that the saddle in the picture is her daughter's (Jennifer Derrick). The little chair was made by Judy's husband from horseshoes and West Virginia Black Walnut wood for their granddaughter. Both Judy's daughter and granddaughter are into barrel racing. "Jennifer has always enjoyed reading and horses," Judy says. "The Inheritance was the perfect fit for her."

And you gals were a perfect delight, Judy! Many thanks, again, for allowing me to join you!

If your book club is reading one of my books, I'd love to "join" you at your meeting too. Click for more information on Virtual Book Club Meetings!