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Fiction. Historical Fiction. HTML: "If you read one historical novel this year, make it To Win Her Favor. It will linger with you long after the last page." �??Colleen Coble, USA TODAY bestselling author of The House at Saltwater Point A gifted rider in a world where ladies never race, Maggie Linden is determined that her horse will become a champion. But the one man who could help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing forever. An Irishman far from home, Cullen McGrath left a once prosperous life in England because of a horse racing scandal that nearly ruined him. He's come to Nashville for a fresh start, hoping to buy land and begin farming, all while determined to stay as far away from thoroughbred racing as possible. But starting over proves harder than he'd wagered, especially when Maggie Linden's father makes him an offer he shouldn't accept yet cannot possibly refuse. Maggie is certain that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever run in America. Maggie only needs the chance to prove it. To give her that chance, and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder, Maggie's father�??aging, yet wily as ever�??makes a barter. His agreement includes one tiny, troublesome detail: that Maggie must marry a man she's never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself. Set against the post-Civil War history of Nashville's historic Belle Meade Plantation, the most influential thoroughbred stud farm in America's history, To Win Her Favor is a passionate, stirring, and highly acclaimed novel readers won't soon forget. "To Win Her Favor is a beautiful love story, not to mention a story of faith that shines through in the darkest circumstances. From the very beginning, I lost my heart to Cullen and Maggie and yearned for the moment when they would lose their hearts to each other." �??Robin Lee Hatcher, bestselling author of Who I Am with You "Tamera Alexander is one of my favorite authors, so I expect a lot from her novels. To Win Her Favor is captivating beyond expectation! This novel has everything readers are looking for�??rich characterization, page-turning intrigue, a heartwarming romance charged with tension, and more!" �??Cindy Woodsmall, New York Times and CBA bestselling author "Tamera Alexander has done it again. Her imagination and skillful pen intertwined with history takes the reader on a beautiful journey. To Win Her Favor is sure to stir the heart and open the mind." �??Jenny Lamb, Director of Interpretation & Education, Bel… (more)
User reviews
Cullen McGrath is looking for land; he wants to fulfill his deceased wives wish. Everywhere he turns he hits prejudice, former slaves and Irishmen are lumped together as being unreliable and lazy. No one wants to sell anything to him, and he is told to leave town.
Now he is offered a picturesque piece of property, and all that goes with it, and all he has to do is marry Mr. Linden’s daughter. Maggie knows she has to marry this man she has never met in order to save Linden Downs.
Will Maggie go through with marrying this man, and an Irishman at that? Will she be able to race her beloved horse, or will the new owner take away her dreams? It all lies in her hands, which way her decision goes.
Come along with for a different look at the post Civil War era, and how so many lives were affected. I didn’t want the book to end, and there are some unanswered questions here, and I am happy that there is another book coming. Yeah!
I received this book through the Litfuse Book Bloggers book tour, and was not required to give a positive review.
The two main characters in this book are Maggie and Cullen. They enter into a marriage of convenience. She wanted to save her family home, he wanted to own land in an area where the Irish need not apply.
I enjoyed that Tamera wrote about the progression of their relationship from strangers to a loving couple. They don't immediately fall in love, get along, or have meaningful conversations. Their love and trust was earned.
I have read a few reviews where others were bothered by the violence and the innuendo in the book. I did not find either to be inappropriate or offensive to me. The language, attitudes, and violence against the black people were disturbing, but they were historically accurate. Words that we find offensive today were common during the time period.
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written. I loved the characters. Many were good and honest people trying to make their way in the world and I appreciated their different struggles and experiences.
I felt that the story focused on repentance and forgiveness. There are so many wonderful things that this book has in it's pages.
Because of some of the content, I would classify this as an adult book.
Meet, Maggie Linden, a gifted rider and Cullen McGrath, an Irishman from England and a horse named,
Their story captures the tragedy and drama of life during the post-Civil War era. All the drama, tragedy, a marriage of convenience, an attraction between two head strong characters, faith, healing, scandal, racial discrimination, horses, romance, and the power of love.
A tale that is a heartwarming romance charged with tension and passion and so much more. Readers will not be able to put "To Win Her Favor" down. This story was a WOW moment for me! I love Ms. Alexander's epic Romance, and this was no exception. It was hard to put down. A mesmerizing tale of love, forgiveness, overcoming obstacles, horse racing and the power of faith and love. The writing was fantastic, with well developed, engaging and enduring characters. The storyline was well thought out, mesmerizing, and an absolute delight to read. Another hit for this author! A definite must read for anyone and all fans of Inspirational Historical Romance, horse racing, Post- Civil War era, and just an awesome Romance. Another WOW, moment!!
*Received for an honest review from the author*
Rating: 5
Heat rating: Sweet
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Long Awaited, To Win Her Favor, this second book of the Belle Meade Plantation series, will forever be a standout in my mind.Tamera Alexander, whose writing is beyond excellent, recounts the era immediately following the Civil
Maggie Linden is a young lady who dreams of racing her horse,Bourbon Belle, in the Peyton Stakes, in an effort to save the family farm. Her ailing father, however,has different plans to save the land. He arranges for her to marry an Irishman, Cullen McGrath, whom they barely know. Tensions abound as the KKK rears its ugly head, prejudice against the Irish causes many setbacks for the struggling McGraths, and the McGraths' marriage teeters.
I loved how Ms. Alexander writes with such precision. She gives life even to the emotions, ambiance, and inanimate objects. A few examples are: "the tense silence a third partner in the room...' and "nails...now pulled away in rebellion." How can one not smile when reading such masterful, vibrant, writing brushstrokes?
When the backstories of Kizzy's family are explained, the reader's emotions are pulled to the surface, and erupt as tears. One wants to go out and fight injustice, as it is presented in all its horrors. Yet, as one reads the book and the discussion questions, one begins to see that this book is meant to challenge modern day prejudices and injustices. Fighting softly, breaking open our hearts.
Will Maggie journey from seeing her earthly father as her strong tower to viewing her husband as her strong tower to ultimately allowing the God of the universe to be her hiding place, her source of strength and strong tower?
So many quotables. I will include just one here. "There will come a time when a man will have to boldly stand for what he believes or everything he holds dear will be taken from him. And those he loves."
In conclusion, what a book! Don't miss it! I originally bought the ebook, but I gratefully received the paperback book from Goodreads FirstReads, Litfuse, and the author in exchange for an honest review.