The best book of Alexander's I have read and I have followed her career from the beginning. Intense research as well as the clash of a woman late of Vienna attempting to find the same passion for music and culture in Nashville are gently explored.

But this story is the hero's. Nathaniel Whitcomb's deep sensitivity toward music and is proficiency as a conductor is only underscored by the nearing tragedy that could silence him forever. His pivotal composition is what gives this well-written treatise on music and art in a shifting American world the tenderness and heart of the piece.


The romance between the hero and heroine, to me, was not the central love story: rather music in a new world, sifting over the deep descriptions of Nashville (and Belmont, Alexander's oft-mused, fashioned on Biltmore )


I would be remiss not to mention the feminist line of a woman in a man's world and it is handled delicately.


Well-deserving of its recent INSPYs nod.

With thanks to the publisher for the review copy.

A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander is the third novel in the “Belmont Mansion” series, published by Bethany House. I haven’t read the other books in this series, but this one was fine as a stand-alone; I wouldn’t have even known it was in a series if I hadn’t been as familiar with this author.

This was a sweet story about Rebekah Carrington, a master violinist trying to make it in a music world filled with men and their prejudices. When the book begins, she is returning from Vienna, where she studied music for several years thanks to her grandmother’s contributions to her education. Now that her grandmother had passed, Rebekah had to return to Nashville where she tries to fit into the overwhelmingly male orchestra industry. Returning to her mother and step-father is a fate she doesn’t want to fathom, so she knows she is now on her own. Luckily, Rebekah becomes a governess for a daughter of a lady who has great sway in the local opera hall. Now she just has to get on her employer’s good side, which is not an easy feat.

Conductor Nathaniel Tate Whitcomb has been hired to compose a symphony for the opening of the new opera hall, but due to an accident shortly before the grand opening, his hearing is diminishing. When he hears the talent of a Ms. Carrington, he knows he needs her help, but can’t get over the fact that she’s a woman, and his belief that she shouldn’t be in the music industry. Can the two of them team up to fulfill each others’ dreams?

This was a rather long book that was a little hard to get into, but overall, it was a sweet story of people trying their best and overcoming social prejudices against them. The characters draw you in and make you hope for their happy endings right along with them. I loved the historical setting of it and will be passing the book along to my music-loving friends!

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and were not required to be positive.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Be prepared to be swept away and soar on the wings of the master's that came before us. You can almost hear the resounding notes echoing across the halls of time as we follow these amazing characters in all of their strengths and frailties. A beautiful story- great characters and a wonderful plot. I think you will love this story as much as I did. Received this book from the publisher for my honest review.

Tamara Alexander's A Note Yet Unsung is a heart-warming, hopeful story set in Nashville in the late 1800's. Rebekah Carrington, the novel's heroine, is living a conventional life. As a woman during this time in America, she faced restrictions from society on accomplishing her dream. She has spent her life until this point perfecting her skills on the violin, trained in Vienna. She now hopes to join the Nashville Philharmonic. The conductor is only one of the obstacles she faces.

As is often the case in "real life," Rebekah also must face her past, to prepare her for her future. This is another obstacle. Her determination and faith must fight to prevail. As historical fiction, the setting of this novel reveals some painful truths about that time in our country, and the courage it required to stand up against the majority.

Rebekah and Nathaniel (the conductor) become an unlikely team to finish composing the symphony he started for his dying father. Their story demonstrates that love never fails, and even conquers enemies. This novel shows us that when we set aside ourselves, and serve another, amazing things can happen.

The musical aspect of this book is fascinating, and Alexander uses her thorough research to give us an accurate backdrop for the story she pens. The descriptions of the music, the issues master violinists face, the differences between the genders during this time, all keep the reader fixed on the story, while imparting accurate understanding of exactly what it would have been like to live during this time.

Even if historical fiction is not your favorite genre, give this one a try. Alexander's writing style is clean and flowing. You will finish the book way before you are ready to leave these characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the entire Belmont Mansion series but I think this one was my favorite. The focus on the symphony in the 1800s was fascinating. I liked the continuing overriding theme of strong women making their way in a man's world. This is a pretty thick book but the writing makes it fly by. Looking forward to Tamera Alexander's next series.

There's a unique quality to Tamera Alexander's storytelling that stays with me after I finish her books. The narrative is not fast-paced, but the descriptions steadily develop the setting and characters until I feel immersed. The world of music and composing in the 1800's was fascinating and I loved the historical details that brought the story to life. Rebekah and Nate have an interesting dynamic, although I didn't quite feel the chemistry between them. They are both strong personalities that don't back down, so they had to find a good working balance as they collaborated on Nate's symphony. The secondary cast was quite varied, from Rebekah's estranged family, to her extraordinarily wealthy employer, to Nate's warm and loving mountain family. There is a real sense of Rebekah's frustration as she seeks to fulfill her dreams only to be held back by society's restrictions against her gender. It makes me more appreciative of the freedoms we enjoy today because of the determination of women who worked for change.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

I have become a fan of this author's work. The more of it I read, the more I love it. However, this book maybe her most captivating book yet. I don't know if it was because I grew up with music being taught, and I'm musical myself. What I can tell you is I connected deeply with the story told in it's pages. I love the ties to Belmont Mansion. When someone now says to list a favorite series, this series will be one of them, and A Note Yet Unsung is my favorite of the series. This book will resinate in my spirit for sometime to come.

My copy came from Net Galley and Bethany house. My thought and opinions in this review are my own. I leave my review of my own free choosing.

A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

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Tamera Alexander's final story in the Belmont Mansion Series brings the world of classical music and composing to readers to share the beauty and pain that often goes into creating a true "Masterpiece".

Tamera Alexander is an author that often brings stories of the Victorian era into delightful light that both entertains and challenges her readers. Not content with simply sharing a "good" or "wonderful" story, Ms. Alexander invites her readers to examine the situations and problems that face her characters and, as in my own case, challenge oft-held assumptions or beliefs. The Belmont series is one that I had come across last year and enjoyed the first in the series but had not be able to continue with until being offered this book for review. I have loved Ms. Alexander's style of writing and depth of characters in other stories she has written and was intrigued to see how she would navigate the world of classical music. Like a number of children growing up, I took piano lessons and although playing never became a passion for me, I do love to listen to those who have true talent with this and other instruments. As is often said "Music brings people together in a way that ignores all lines of race, gender, belief or creed", and Ms. Alexander will show this truth most clearly in her excellent story. Her main female character, Rebekah Carrington is a woman that everyone can relate to in some way. She is possessed of great skill in playing not only the piano, but the violin and oboe as well - a skill that is not valued as it should be for the simple fact that she is a woman. Long held societal beliefs when it comes to the acceptable roles that proper women can hold has kept her passion and talent from being heard by the world and she is determined to break that mold, for herself and those who will come after her. But to do that she will have to convince Maestro Whitcomb that she should be allowed to join the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra. But the Maestro is dependent on the opinions of his supporters for his livelihood and is unwilling to allow Rebekah to join the orchestra, in spite of being most impressed with her talent. When the opportunity presents itself for Rebekah to work as Maestro Whitcomb's assistant to help him complete his symphony, she will take the job -albeit reluctantly - hoping to prove to him she has what it takes to be acknowledged in "men only" world of classical music. Maestro Nathaniel "Tate" Whitcomb possesses great talent for a man so young - he is not yet 35. He has spent many months composing his own symphony but upon being plagued by crippling headaches and ringing ears he has become blocked in finishing the work that he believes God made him to do. Tate is afraid of what these headaches will mean for his future in music but is determined to complete his symphony - even if he has to beg Rebekah to work with him. Together Tate and Rebekah will create a piece of music unlike any that has been heard in the world of classical music - a symphony that will appeal to everyone, no matter their standing in society. Ms. Alexander will use Tate and Rebekah to break societal norms in several ways that I applaud, from showing that a person's background does NOT define their talent or future, to showing that a person's gender should not decide their inclusion or exclusion in an opportunity when they show incredible talent and passion for the task. And it will be the the fleshing out of these breaks that make Ms. Alexander's book one of my all-time favorites. The grace and acceptance that she has Rebekah maintain throughout the story, while still feeling anger and disappointment, made me think back and question my reactions to disappointments I've experienced. And Rebekan's steadfast faith that God would bring beauty from the ashes of her relationship with her mother and stepfather was thought provoking to say the least. I questioned whether I would have had the humility to accept what God gives or allows and use it to fuel the passions and gifts He also gave me. Tate, likewise found his faith challenged when he received the news of his impending deafness - why would God give him such talents if he will soon be unable to use them? And how will he be able to honor his family heritage of music if he is unable to finish the symphony he is writing to applaud his father's legacy. Humility and grace were the two main themes I saw woven throughout this incredible story and know that I have learned much through what Ms. Alexander has written. And to be reminded again that a person's acceptance by others should not be determined by where they are from or their level of education was an excellent way for Ms. Alexander to bring all of the characters in her story together at the end. She chose a wonderful topic to close her series and I will most certainly be adding a copy of this story to my own shelves. I will also pass it along to my friends and family highly recommended, and look forward to her next works with anticipation.

I received this e-book free of charge from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review.

"But the fact remains, you are a woman." (38)

A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander is the last of the Belmont Mansion series, and truly this story of Rebekah and Tate, societal constraints, freedom to be who you are and trusting in God's plan for you caps this series beautifully. The melody of all three novels, from art, to nature and finally to music captured the essence of the series and Adelicia Acklen's three loves. With A Note Yet Unsung, music is at its core and it weaves through the storyline like everything was part of its composition.

The romance almost takes a back burner to the strong imagery of social injustice and gender inequality in the music scene, but it still stands strong and heats the pages whenever we see Rebekah and Tate's interactions.

"Tate took her in his arms and kissed her . . . 'If this is how we argue. . . then I'll let you win every time.'" (284)

I'll have to let you enjoy that moment yourself. It's good. Besides romance, the strong notes of true friendship and loyalty rounds up what we can visually read and emotionally feel. May I be as bold to say A Note Yet Unsung played an enchanting score of drama, solemnity, poignancy and sensitivity filled with light and eagerness that captivates you. I played the song list from A Note Yet Unsung as I'm writing this review, and I felt every high note, and every twist and every beat of the story. I hope you'll enjoy this story as much as I did. If you're interested in the playlist, Tamera Alexander had posted it on her website.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

This book was hard to get into. I thought that the South seemed over romanticized. Thus, I didn't like her portrayal of antebellum South. I also didn't like the romance between the main two characters because they were unlikable. I didn't understand how two people strongly dislike each other in the beginning suddenly started falling for the other. It didn't seem very realistic. The only aspects that I like in the book was the music aspect. I also liked the message of fighting to pursue your dreams. Thus, this was not the best book by Tamara Alexander, but she left a profound message in the book.

What a beautiful setting and lovely ambiance underscored by ageless music becomes "A Note Yet Unsung" by Tamera Alexander. It is not until the climax that you understand and actually see the words that give the book it's name; but every word underscores it.


You are captured from the beginning by Rebekah Carrington's dire circumstances but impressed with her resiliency and perseverance, holding your breath that the Maestro Nathaniel Whitcomb will give her the position in his orchestra that she so obviously deserves.


But, Tate, turns her down because women aren't strong enough or capable enough to play the music that the audience expects to hear. Rebekah, desperately needs a job in order to live on her own and not return to the home where she is no longer safe. Over the course of the book, you gets bits and pieces of her past until the sordid events are revealed.


However, Tate has his own secrets and those become the bigger surprises. In order not to destroy the read for you with spoilers, I would only like to say that Ms. Alexander does a superb job of contrasting the elite society of Nashville with the homespun culture of Appalachia even to the voice tones sharing the strengths and weaknesses of both.


Finally, the descriptions of the music especially in the climax are awe inspiring. Music speaks to the soul. It can be soothing, uplifting, poignant, inspiring and worshipful. You can feel and almost hear the music in this masterpiece which makes you grieve the more with Tate at his potential loss of hearing.



I found myself laughing and crying and when I thought I couldn't be surprised or moved any more, Ms Alexander bent her tale another twist. It is a grand story and the beautiful cover adds justice to a must have for your keeper shelf.


I received this novel both through Netgalley and Bethany House for my honest opinion.

I’ve enjoyed several of this author’s books, so I took a break from housework to read a chapter of A Note Yet Unsung. Within the first pages, I decided the housework could wait. One chapter turned into another. The housework never got done, but the compelling story, vibrant characters, and deep spirit of this book stayed with me for days.

This is the third book of the Belmont Mansion novels set in the decade after the Civil War. The series is tied together through an actual person, Adelicia Acklen, who lived at Belmont Mansion and who, in this story, provides the heroine with both financial and emotional support. Adelicia had three defining loves - art, nature, and music. Music is the focus of A Note Yet Unsung. I had not read the first two books in the series, but I plan to do so now, on the strength of this one.

Ten years earlier, Rebekah Carrington’s grandmother sent her off to Vienna in order to escape her stepfather’s unwanted advances and to spread her musical wings. There, Rebekah became a virtuoso performer on both violin and oboe. When her grandmother’s death forces her return to Nashville, Rebekah finds things at home are unchanged. Her stepfather still poses a threat, and her mother lives firmly under his thumb, but if, she decides, she can earn a living, she will be able to remove herself from such an untenable situation. Being employed as a member of the newly formed Nashville orchestra would be a good starting point, but two problems loom. A woman playing the violin in public is forbidden, and while joining an orchestra is acceptable in the North, that is not the case in Nashville. Nonetheless, confident of her ability, Rebekah seizes a chance to audition with the new conductor in town.

Nathaniel Tate Whitcomb has accepted the challenge to create Nashville’s orchestra. The demanding conductor’s position supports his family financially and focuses all his musical talent and energy. Tate first believes the young woman at his door seeks a post as an assistant, but the interview quickly transforms into an audition. Her performance on the oboe is perfection, both technically and emotionally and renders him speechless, but given Nashville’s social climate, adding her to the ensemble would ruin them both. With great sorrow, he turns her down.

The decision angers Rebekah, but she has a second plan. If she can find the money, she will travel to New York and audition for the orchestra there. In the meantime, she moves to the Belmont Estate and tutors the daughter of the orchestra’s major benefactor, one Adelicia Cheatham. Through Adelicia’s subtle manipulation, Tate hires Rebekah as his musical assistant to copy orchestral parts and to support his dream - to complete his own symphonic composition.

The romance is on rocky ground from the beginning. Rebekah considers Tate arrogant and blunt; Tate is attracted, but he can’t risk becoming involved. To protect his career, he has hidden not only his lower class background but also a troubling physical condition that is affecting his work. Despite her growing attraction to him, Rebekah resolves to follow her dream by auditioning in New York, but until then, for her reputation’s sake, her talent as a violinist must remain a secret. Focusing on their own dreams makes both Tate and Rebekah self-absorbed at times, but it’s a joy to watch as their deepening love opens them up to each other and the possibilities life offers.

The author’s use of music for storytelling is brilliant. Music connects all the characters from the classical players and city dwellers to the estate slaves and Tennessee mountain people. The descriptions of the soaring and soul-deep emotions experienced when creating music ring true and mirror my own musical experiences.

Much of the story is told using society as an antagonist and a mirror. Both principals make difficult decisions based on the limitations and mores of their respective homes, and even their romance must find a way through society’s expectations. The culture and lifestyle of the ‘highlanders’ are set beside that of the city dwellers – people from different worlds who nonetheless hold many of the same values. With open minds and hearts, Rebekah and Tate show how misunderstanding and prejudice between rural and urban worlds can grow to tolerance and then to appreciation. It’s a timeless lesson as relevant for us as it is for them.

The story never misses a beat. Gentle surprises along the way keep the story interesting while moving toward the satisfying conclusion. Core values are woven deftly through the characters’ lives – the power of love and family, integrity and commitment, and the truth that if we stay alert, messages from the divine come from the most unexpected places.

A Note Yet Unsung is a compelling, tender romance told with sensitivity and deep emotion that will touch your mind, your heart, and your soul, and I’m happy to recommend it without reservation.

~ LaVerne St. George

This is book three in the Belmont Mansion series, however it is a stand alone novel. There are characters in the first two books that we see in this one, yet they are not in the forefront of this novel.

Rebekah Carrington has a mind of her own and talent most men would be envious of, yet because she is a woman will she ever be able to preform on stage? Rebekah is determined and strong willed, when she continually buts head with Nathaniel Tate Whitcomb, will there be more accomplished together or apart?

Nathaniel Tate Whitcomb is trying to make a mark on the world through his music. Will Rebekah be a blessing or a curse?

Tate and Rebekah both have a past they want to remain private, yet sometimes your past must be confronted before the present can truly be lived. Their love of music and the sparks that fly between them is great.

Tamera Alexander always does such a great job at keeping your interest, writing her dialogue, developing her characters and throwing in just enough laughter and romance.

I enjoyed reading this period book very much. I loved the musical references, just enough to know the author knew her stuff but not so much that the story was lost in all the technical terms. The characters were lovable and easy to get to know. Thank you!

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.

Oh my. What a lovely book! A Note Yet Unsung is a beautiful blend of faith, love, and musical history. The rich storytelling and extraordinary characters not only entertained me, but taught me so much about women and music during the 1800s.

Why was she so anxious? She’d auditioned for a symphony a thousand times—in her dreams. ~Excerpt

I love the mix of fictional and historical characters, and the imagery throughout this story is magnificent. I have nothing negative to say about a single aspect of this story. Even the length, over 400 pages, which I’m not usually fond of, is the perfect span to tell this tale. As I neared the last page, as I often do with a spectacular book, I read slower, in an attempt to make the story last as long as possible.

I went through a myriad of emotions as I read. I was frustrated, soothed, surprised, saddened, angered, and inspired. What a gift Ms. Alexander has. I can’t wait to read the other books in the Belmont Mansion series.

She was here, home, with her mother likely only a room away, and all she could think about was leaving again. ~Excerpt

I was enamored by Tate Whitcomb, inspired by Rebekah Carrington, and touched by Demetrius, Delphia, Adelicia, and many others. (I won’t even mention the ones that made me angry or appalled. Grr…) I’ve entered a fresh world, the orchestral world of the 1800s, and I don’t want to leave it any time soon.

I can’t end this review without mentioning a lovely poem in this book, titled The Last Load. In the Author’s note at the end of the story, Ms. Alexander reveals her late father-in-law, Fred Alexander, wrote the poem. I love this man’s spirit, and the heart of Ms. Alexander for using it in her work. Lovely.

5 Stars


Cover: Love
Title: Love
Pages: 432
Series: A Belmont Mansion Novel Book 3
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0764206245
First Line (Chapter 1): Rebekah Carrington stood shivering across the street from her childhood home, satchel heavy in hand, cloak dusted with snow.
I received a complimentary copy via the publisher and Netgalley.

After living in Austria for several years, Rebekah Carrington returns home to Nashville. Desperate to find somewhere other than her family home, she auditions for the Nashville Philharmonic symphony only to be turned down because she is a woman. So Rebekah takes the best job she can find—tutoring the daughter of the owner of the Belmont Mansion, a notorious lover of music. Will she ever be able to achieve her dreams?

A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander continues the line of questioning brought up in the other books in the series: If a woman has the skill to perform at a high level, shouldn’t she be allowed to do so? But the post-Civil War era is one that only begins to reluctantly open these opportunities to women. In addition to the social critique, the other main focus in this novel is the romance between Rebekah and the symphony conductor, Nathaniel Whitcomb. They start off with a rocky relationship that quickly shows them to be the perfect match. They have many hurdles to overcome, but it was lovely to watch them grow together. I wish there were a few more details about their relationship at the end of the book, but the romance was charming overall. The book contained a little danger and mystery which were solved satisfactorily. While this book was not my all-time favorite, I enjoyed it very much and have very few negative comments for it.

I recommend A Note Yet Unsung to readers of inspirational romance and historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Bethany House Publisher’s Blogger Reviewer Program. All opinions are expressly my own.

What a statement - yes - a romantic statement - I am not going to tell you what it is - although it is blatant - just read the description and I think you could figure it out - but if not you have to read the book and by doing that you will pick up on it - I was like - you go girl - This book is creative and courageous, it can be ignorant and yet intelligent, the story can be pleasing and yet repulsive. This book is a book of dichotomies. I love it so much. You have the main character who wants to play in the philharmonic and yet the one she has to go through to be on says nay because well - that is what I was talking about at the beginning of this paragraph. Long story short they start hanging - and could they get together? GOD has HIS plans - who cares what man has....lol. This book is awesome and is perfect because you can read it once you want to read it again - and each time you do you find something new. AWESOME....

Rebekah Carrington has returned home to Nashville after spending several years studying music in Vienna, but she soon decides it would be impossible for her to live with her mother and stepfather and begins a desperate search for employment. Her greatest hope is to be accepted into the newly formed Nashville Philharmonic so she manages to audition for Maestro Tate Whitcomb. Although the violin is her instrument, she auditions for an oboe part because she knows that a woman playing the violin in public is still considered socially inappropriate and scandalous. Rebekah had seen an article written by Whitcomb that had been positive about women musicians being included in orchestras, but unfortunately for her, he knows that the donors holding the purse strings of the fledgling Nashville Philharmonic would never approve.

Tate's initial irritation at Rebekah's boldness in forcing the audition fades when he realizes how talented she is, but he dares not accept her into the orchestra for fear of the wealthy patrons withdrawing their support. He is struggling to finish his symphony in time for the opening of the opera hall, while trying to get his musicians prepared, and while spending weekends visiting his ailing father whenever possible. In addition, he is facing his own health concerns - but surely he is just overtired and anxious, and once the symphony is complete he'll feel better. He knows he needs help, and Rebekah's musical talent and ambition are the perfect complement to help him complete his composition and transcribe all the music. After disappointing her so bitterly at her audition, it takes some time - and some pressure from Rebekah's new employer, Adelicia Cheatham - for Rebekah to accept the situation. She and Tate form a partnership as they work on the music, and a friendship as well. And it could be so much more than a friendship, except it seems their careers may take them in separate directions after the symphony is complete.

Both characters face complex situations that test their loyalties and integrity, and both must decide what they can sacrifice and what chances they can take in order to pursue their dreams while still honoring God first with their musical gifts. I loved this story that gives a glimpse of what it was like for women to earn their place as respected musicians and performers while also telling a compelling story of love and family loyalty.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to give a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own.*