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The Redmond Family Saga #1
Words Heard in Silence
Culpeper, Virginia in the fall of 1864 was at a dark time in this once bustling town. Feisty Rebecca Gaines widowed by the conflict that had torn the nation apart, struggles to single handedly manage the family farm. Life is hard in the beleaguered South, so when a troop of Union soldiers rides in to winter over on her property, Rebecca is grudgingly glad of the extra income.
Their dashing commanding officer, Colonel Charlie Redmond, is courteous and gentle in his dealings with her, and she is drawn to this intriguing professional soldier. But he is still the enemy, and Rebecca finds it difficult to come to terms with her feelings. For his part, Charlie is alarmed to realize he is romantically involved with the lovely Southerner, for he hides a secret that, if discovered, would mean social disgrace and the end of a distinguished military career. For Charlie is a woman.
In this meticulously researched novel, T.Novan and Taylor Rickard, have captured the agony and the devastation of the War in its impact on the soldiers and civilians alike. With its moving love story, powerful scenes of battle and memorable characters, Words Heard in Silence lay the foundation for the Redmond family saga.
Their dashing commanding officer, Colonel Charlie Redmond, is courteous and gentle in his dealings with her, and she is drawn to this intriguing professional soldier. But he is still the enemy, and Rebecca finds it difficult to come to terms with her feelings. For his part, Charlie is alarmed to realize he is romantically involved with the lovely Southerner, for he hides a secret that, if discovered, would mean social disgrace and the end of a distinguished military career. For Charlie is a woman.
In this meticulously researched novel, T.Novan and Taylor Rickard, have captured the agony and the devastation of the War in its impact on the soldiers and civilians alike. With its moving love story, powerful scenes of battle and memorable characters, Words Heard in Silence lay the foundation for the Redmond family saga.
764 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2004
34 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
About the author
T. Novan
17 books40 followersAuthor T. Novan, has been writing essentially his entire life. His love of the craft and his desire to master the art started young when he won a community creative writing contest at the age of 8 with a short story about how mankind would settle future disputes over a chessboard.
40 years later, he realized that after spending some time as an auto mechanic, police officer and even most recently a chimpanzee keeper it was time to return to the one thing that he simply cannot escape his love of and the need to write.
He is married, with one daughter and three grandchildren and he currently lives about 20 minutes outside Richmond, Virginia where he splits his time between writing and being a 'Gentleman Farmer' on his small family homestead.
After being in semi-retirement for the last few years, TN has reemerged with classic titles like Madam President, First Lady and Words Heard in Silence (Book 1 of the Redmond Family Saga) rereleased for the first time in nearly 15 years. Now he and his writing partner and wife Taylor Rickard, have released Paths of Peace and Enemies in the Gates (Books 2 and 3 in the Redmond Family Saga). They are working on the fourth book in the Redmond series, Honor Thy Father.
40 years later, he realized that after spending some time as an auto mechanic, police officer and even most recently a chimpanzee keeper it was time to return to the one thing that he simply cannot escape his love of and the need to write.
He is married, with one daughter and three grandchildren and he currently lives about 20 minutes outside Richmond, Virginia where he splits his time between writing and being a 'Gentleman Farmer' on his small family homestead.
After being in semi-retirement for the last few years, TN has reemerged with classic titles like Madam President, First Lady and Words Heard in Silence (Book 1 of the Redmond Family Saga) rereleased for the first time in nearly 15 years. Now he and his writing partner and wife Taylor Rickard, have released Paths of Peace and Enemies in the Gates (Books 2 and 3 in the Redmond Family Saga). They are working on the fourth book in the Redmond series, Honor Thy Father.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 8, 2024
12/2021 update - I have just started on the 4th book. I would say at this point that the books are all excellent and I have a greater appreciation of all the research that has gone into the history taking place around our characters. It elevates the story and brought things to my attention that I didn't know about the post civil war time frame. One of my complaints about the fade-to-black scenes, lessens as they have become more descriptive but still not "explicit" and I think that works perfectly for these book. I also want to remark on my comment about not feeling "compelled" to read the next book. I stand by that BUT, I will say the book sticks with you and it wasn't too long before I was really looking forward to continuing the story of these two remarkable people, their family and friends.
5 ⭐ - very enjoyable and strangely angst free civil war romance
I liked this one much better than the other civil war romance I read recently. The reason this one worked for me a bit better is the "soldier" character, Charlie, is a colonel so we get a much higher level what's going on and, frankly, a lot less mud and general day to day suffering. Also, since the story starts when the Colonel and his troops set up winter camp on the other MC's land, our romantic pair have a long time to get to be together and form a friendship then relationship. With that relationship building you also get all those lovely courtly manners and speech patterns. So swoony. Also, there is a surprising lack of angst and yet I was never bored, and the book is loooooong folks. Its like, the first 25% is the story then there is 70% of epilogue...lol. We get a bit of war drama/angst at the very end that had me tearing up. I found the all the characters to be very well fleshed out and generally interesting and likeable so by the end I was very invested. How could I not be feeling for them during the suffering of battle at the end? Of course, our perfect couple is going to come thru at the end and the book ends on a very satisfying finish and HEA. I do want to read the next but I do not feel COMPELLED to jump to the next book immediately. I would definitely recommend to anyone that enjoys historical romances and would like to read one were you don't need to worried or feeling dread about what is going to happen next thru most of the book.
A few nitpicks.
-the leads really are a bit too perfect
-all the sex scenes are fade-to-black, which for me, robs the story intimacy/passion between our couple
-the child, Em, 2 yo, speaks in the third-person the ENTIRE TIME and it made me a bit nuts. maybe a bit of it would be cute but I was over it pretty fast.
5 ⭐ - very enjoyable and strangely angst free civil war romance
I liked this one much better than the other civil war romance I read recently. The reason this one worked for me a bit better is the "soldier" character, Charlie, is a colonel so we get a much higher level what's going on and, frankly, a lot less mud and general day to day suffering. Also, since the story starts when the Colonel and his troops set up winter camp on the other MC's land, our romantic pair have a long time to get to be together and form a friendship then relationship. With that relationship building you also get all those lovely courtly manners and speech patterns. So swoony. Also, there is a surprising lack of angst and yet I was never bored, and the book is loooooong folks. Its like, the first 25% is the story then there is 70% of epilogue...lol. We get a bit of war drama/angst at the very end that had me tearing up. I found the all the characters to be very well fleshed out and generally interesting and likeable so by the end I was very invested. How could I not be feeling for them during the suffering of battle at the end? Of course, our perfect couple is going to come thru at the end and the book ends on a very satisfying finish and HEA. I do want to read the next but I do not feel COMPELLED to jump to the next book immediately. I would definitely recommend to anyone that enjoys historical romances and would like to read one were you don't need to worried or feeling dread about what is going to happen next thru most of the book.
A few nitpicks.
-the leads really are a bit too perfect
-all the sex scenes are fade-to-black, which for me, robs the story intimacy/passion between our couple
-the child, Em, 2 yo, speaks in the third-person the ENTIRE TIME and it made me a bit nuts. maybe a bit of it would be cute but I was over it pretty fast.
August 6, 2022
Words fail me!
This book is one of the most interesting and passionate books I have ever read. I've read many including many off the classics. But this book I feel was written from the heart. The American civil war, like all wars are damaging beyond recognition. But amongst the brutality and devastation relationships are formed and nurtured. Both love and friendship blossomed between the excellent characters. This book evoked many different emotions, not least happiness and sadness at the same time. The historical accuracy is excellent. I look forward to book 2. Enjoy!, I did.
This book is one of the most interesting and passionate books I have ever read. I've read many including many off the classics. But this book I feel was written from the heart. The American civil war, like all wars are damaging beyond recognition. But amongst the brutality and devastation relationships are formed and nurtured. Both love and friendship blossomed between the excellent characters. This book evoked many different emotions, not least happiness and sadness at the same time. The historical accuracy is excellent. I look forward to book 2. Enjoy!, I did.
August 21, 2023
I enjoyed this historical fiction book with the very dashing Charlie Redmond and stubborn and feisty Rebecca Gaines. I liked the horses and the very cute little Emily. Thanks to Netgyrl for the recommendation:)
August 16, 2021
5 stars
I really liked it and I'm generally not fond of historical fiction, especially the American civil war era.
On that topic, this was strangely angs-free (mostly) considering it takes place during the end of the war, kinda sweet and had well fleshed-out characters.
I really liked it and I'm generally not fond of historical fiction, especially the American civil war era.
On that topic, this was strangely angs-free (mostly) considering it takes place during the end of the war, kinda sweet and had well fleshed-out characters.
March 22, 2014
I read the original fanfic version of this a long time ago. It's one of my favorite historical FF. Someone should publish this in ebook format!
May 6, 2016
The kindle version of this book is free on Amazon from 07 May 2016 to 11 May 2016.
https://www.amazon.com/Words-Heard-Si...
https://www.amazon.com/Words-Heard-Si...
December 29, 2014
Words Heard in Silence – 3 and ½ stars . I read the on line version. It started out well, with interesting characters and plot. Words Heard in Silence is well written but needed editing for the repetitive details and plot point reminders, and some side plots could have been removed, probably due to the fact it was most likely posted a chapter at a time. I think it would have been good as 2 novels, with more time spent with the characters after the war. Overall, a fun read, a little melodramatic, and you will probably find yourself skipping through pages of it.
Very random thoughts about the book
Very random thoughts about the book
January 29, 2021
I absolutely love the Redmond Civil War Romance series. I highly recommend to anyone, especial those who love historical Drama/Romances. It’s one of my favorites and I’ve read it several times.
In book one Words Heard in Silence, we see the beginnings of a beautiful relationship, in the time of a war that pitted friends and neighbors against each other. I love Charlie and Rebecca together. They both have faced cruelties in their life, but still hold a sweet innocence in the way of love. I can’t get enough of the family the make not of blood but of love. The children they cherish and the friends who love and support them. When Charlie is injured and almost died I cried. He can’t die Rebecca, the children, and their friends need this special man in their life. My heart was full to bursting with love and happiness at the end of the book.
In book one Words Heard in Silence, we see the beginnings of a beautiful relationship, in the time of a war that pitted friends and neighbors against each other. I love Charlie and Rebecca together. They both have faced cruelties in their life, but still hold a sweet innocence in the way of love. I can’t get enough of the family the make not of blood but of love. The children they cherish and the friends who love and support them. When Charlie is injured and almost died I cried. He can’t die Rebecca, the children, and their friends need this special man in their life. My heart was full to bursting with love and happiness at the end of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2024
Intense and enjoyable
This book follows along with what actually happened during the civil war. I thought that might take something away from the story. But, I think it was actually the opposite. I wanted to learn more about the characters in this book that I cared about. I know the big things like who won the war, but I wanted to know the details of these people. I read this book in about a day. I was drawn into the story. I’ve already got the second book of the series and can’t wait to get into it.
This book follows along with what actually happened during the civil war. I thought that might take something away from the story. But, I think it was actually the opposite. I wanted to learn more about the characters in this book that I cared about. I know the big things like who won the war, but I wanted to know the details of these people. I read this book in about a day. I was drawn into the story. I’ve already got the second book of the series and can’t wait to get into it.
Read
July 25, 20163.5 stars. It has likable characters, lovely dialogues and storylines. A lot of things i find them irrelevant but some people may like all the details. It takes some patience to go through the entire story though.
April 30, 2018
This is a very long book with a lot of detail. It's great if you want to spend a lot of time with great characters just living their lifes, but too slow if youre coming from standard format romances. I'd actually compare it to Slice of Life animes.
One thing that irked me was that, even though there are a few black characters and the book plays during a war fought over slavery, it was never a topic.
One thing that irked me was that, even though there are a few black characters and the book plays during a war fought over slavery, it was never a topic.
May 6, 2014
Okee...
Diawali dengan bagus, pacing oke...
Tapi kenapa 3/4 akhir Charlie-nya jadi nyebelin banget??
Dua bintang untukmu, karena karakternya nggak terlalu loveable.
Nggak konstan, tepatnya.
Diawali dengan bagus, pacing oke...
Tapi kenapa 3/4 akhir Charlie-nya jadi nyebelin banget??
Dua bintang untukmu, karena karakternya nggak terlalu loveable.
Nggak konstan, tepatnya.
January 15, 2015
I liked the story, glad I read it.
This is not one I will read again quickly.
This is not one I will read again quickly.
January 25, 2011
Wonderful novel about the American Civil War!
September 27, 2024
This book was featured on Cocktail Hour episode 11. http://www.cocktailhour.c-spot.net/ar...
November 15, 2015
4.5 Stars
December 29, 2022
All that and more
I picked this up expecting a lesbian romance set during the Civil War. A light enjoyable read.
This was more than light and much more than I expected. The accuracy of the War as well as the life lived during that time was impressive. The story wasn’t all sunshine, not just because of battles fought but because of the consequences for those battles. The many characters were all well fleshed out and necessary. I particularly enjoyed little Emily. I have reread this book so many times the book is damaged and I’ve taken to reading the kindle version so it’s not ruined. I want more and was very surprised when many years after this book came out several sequels were released. I am reading them all!
Top 5 period romance I’ve read, and top 5 lesbian romance I’ve read and I’m particularly fond of both categories so that’s saying a lot .
I picked this up expecting a lesbian romance set during the Civil War. A light enjoyable read.
This was more than light and much more than I expected. The accuracy of the War as well as the life lived during that time was impressive. The story wasn’t all sunshine, not just because of battles fought but because of the consequences for those battles. The many characters were all well fleshed out and necessary. I particularly enjoyed little Emily. I have reread this book so many times the book is damaged and I’ve taken to reading the kindle version so it’s not ruined. I want more and was very surprised when many years after this book came out several sequels were released. I am reading them all!
Top 5 period romance I’ve read, and top 5 lesbian romance I’ve read and I’m particularly fond of both categories so that’s saying a lot .
October 3, 2017
Disappointing.
A friend convinced me that I simply HAD to read this book. Obviously this friend doesn't know me as well as I believed. Rather dull. Long on unnecessary details and people. The ideal of the story was fine but taken to extremes by the writers. So very many unnecessary descriptions of just about everything and everyone. Ridiculously unbelievable. The finest character in the book, Elizabeth, should have been the main character. Her role, her background, intelligence, and personality made her the best of the book. As for Charlie? Seriously? That was taking things way too far. This book reminded me of the romantic Civil War books of the eighties but those, while unbelievable, were much more so than this one.
A friend convinced me that I simply HAD to read this book. Obviously this friend doesn't know me as well as I believed. Rather dull. Long on unnecessary details and people. The ideal of the story was fine but taken to extremes by the writers. So very many unnecessary descriptions of just about everything and everyone. Ridiculously unbelievable. The finest character in the book, Elizabeth, should have been the main character. Her role, her background, intelligence, and personality made her the best of the book. As for Charlie? Seriously? That was taking things way too far. This book reminded me of the romantic Civil War books of the eighties but those, while unbelievable, were much more so than this one.
June 25, 2025
Full disclosure would have been appreciated. All was mentioned in the description was that Union soldier had a secret. The categories of the book did not mention lesbian romance. We all have preferences and I feel cheated out of $9.99. No return allowed. Why hide the sexual orientation in description?
June 26, 2022
A lovely beginning... Amazing!
May 6, 2023
Such excellent writing!! I was hooked from page 1! If you like historical type books, this book is for you!!
May 28, 2017
Heartwarming Historical Romance, 4.5 Stars
This is a very well written, heartwarming historical romance set during the end of the civil war. The authors did a great job of integrating fictional characters with well known real characters and events, offering a unique perspective to this well known era in history. It is highly engaging, with richly detailed main and secondary characters. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.
This is a very well written, heartwarming historical romance set during the end of the civil war. The authors did a great job of integrating fictional characters with well known real characters and events, offering a unique perspective to this well known era in history. It is highly engaging, with richly detailed main and secondary characters. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.
June 27, 2016
I enjoy a good love story, but Words Heard In Silence is just too happy. I tried, I really tried to enjoy this book. It seemed a great premis, but I made it 40% through and I can't keep going. I found myself flipping pages, reading a couple sentences, flipping a few more pages, and reading a couple more sentences.
Charlie is the (too) perfect human specimen and Rebecca is a smitten kitten; they love each other deeply, but they are both skittish. Charlie has been hiding his secret for many years, under some of the most intense situationso in human history, but Rebecca, a souther woman, discovers the truth in a matter of hours of their meeting...highly unlikely. Charlie would protect his secret at all costs; if he was conscious he wouldn't let a stranger that close.
Charlie is the (too) perfect human specimen and Rebecca is a smitten kitten; they love each other deeply, but they are both skittish. Charlie has been hiding his secret for many years, under some of the most intense situationso in human history, but Rebecca, a souther woman, discovers the truth in a matter of hours of their meeting...highly unlikely. Charlie would protect his secret at all costs; if he was conscious he wouldn't let a stranger that close.
June 27, 2020
Wow. I hardly know where to begin! Charlotte/Charlie Redmond and Rebecca Gaines are spectacular characters. The book is enormous, richly detailed, and extremely well researched. I didn't know if I would like a book set in the Civil War, but I'm so glad I gave this book a chance! I'm starting Book 2 tomorrow!
August 2, 2016
Enjoyed the characters very much. Normally I don't listen to books, but I was able to with this one and I actually believe that helped me enjoy the story more. Don't ask me to explain how I came to that conclusion, but it makes sense to me. I wanted to crawl in the book and smack Charlie, thank you Elizabeth, for kicking him in the ass.
September 16, 2016
Historical Romance does not do it justice.
Excellent story, excellent characters. A little bit pat in places, but overall a wonderful read. Having read this book prior to publication, I had been looking for a copy for many years. Thanks to ebooks, I was able to revisit this story. I have also learned there are sequels that I am eager to read as well.
Excellent story, excellent characters. A little bit pat in places, but overall a wonderful read. Having read this book prior to publication, I had been looking for a copy for many years. Thanks to ebooks, I was able to revisit this story. I have also learned there are sequels that I am eager to read as well.
November 20, 2015
Loved this book.
I loved this book. I could not put it down. It reminds me of 'Bittersweet' by Nevada Barr. Dealing w/ the subject of women disguised as men in order to live with another woman. Please continue this story.
I loved this book. I could not put it down. It reminds me of 'Bittersweet' by Nevada Barr. Dealing w/ the subject of women disguised as men in order to live with another woman. Please continue this story.
February 28, 2016
Words heard in silence
Great epic and love story of the civil war period with a wonderful twist. This story will fill your heart with love and faith along the way. Do not be afraid to read it completely.
Great epic and love story of the civil war period with a wonderful twist. This story will fill your heart with love and faith along the way. Do not be afraid to read it completely.
July 16, 2016
A really good book that I would have easily given four stars to except for the overdone romance. Am on the second book now and it doesn't seem to have the same fault. I guess the author just wanted to make sure we knew our two main characters, Rebecca and Charlie, were truly in love.
February 14, 2008
I read this when it was just a short novella by TN. Good historical read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews