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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
Mijn absolute favoriete boek van 2018! WAUW! Dit is een prachtig verhaal, zeer goed en vlot geschreven, mooi concept en vol emoties. Je huilt, lacht en gooit het boek van frustratie door de hele kamer. Zo goed neemt het boek je mee. LEES DIT NU!
{{TO Those under the age of 15, I recommend you do not read this review or read the actual book as it is filled with marriage thoughts and actions through an arranged marriage. (read: not clean) TO everyone else interested in this book, I don’t recommend this book at all because of all the sexual content, which there is a lot of, this book has bedroom scenes and does not promote Philippians 4:8.}}
About this book:
“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 can help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing for good.
An Irish-born son 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 start a farm, 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 annual Drayton Stakes at Nashville’s racetrack––the richest race 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––Maggie must marry a man she’s never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.
Cullen and Maggie need each other in order to achieve their dreams. But their stubborn, wounded hearts––and the escalating violence from a "secret society" responsible for lynchings and midnight raids––may prove too much for even two determined souls.”
Series: Book #2 in the “Belle Meade Plantation” series. {I have read & reviewed Book #1, “To Whisper Her Name”, but it looks like I never posted it! I can tell y’all that I give it 4 Stars for My Personal Rating.}
Spiritual Content- Psalm 61:3 at the beginning; Prayers; Mentions of Heaven; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God; Scriptures are mentioned & Bible reading; Mentions of those in the Bible; Cullen isn’t a big fan of God and thinks God is cruel.
*Note: a ‘devilish’.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘bloody’ and a ‘dumb’; Curses are cut off (like “you sorry piece of—“); Hateful names are said but not written (though “n*gg*r” is said quite a few times along with “white n*gg*r”); Fist fighting (borderline semi-detailed to detailed); Violence to African American people, hanging them, burning their houses and just plain cruelty to them (semi-detailed); Blood (semi-detailed); Many mentions of slaves, freemen & the Civil War; Mentions of gambling & drinking; Mentions of tobacco; mentions of thrashings & whippings; Dead cows (semi-detailed); a sick horse (semi-detailed).
Sexual Content- Touches & Smelling (semi-detailed and goes to detailed); Noticing, staring, Imagining & checking someone out (semi-detailed up to detailed); Wanting to kiss & touch (semi-detailed to detailed); ; Hand kisses, forehead kisses & tingles; Remembering kisses (semi-detailed); five semi-detailed kisses; a Very-detailed kiss; two very-very-very detailed kisses that lead to unbuttoning clothing and a total of five hinted s*x scenes (lots of unbuttoning (semi-detailed), imagining body parts and making-out; the actual intercourse is not written); a form of ‘wanton’; Mentions of women’s curves; Men’s bare chest; Cullen says he hasn’t been with (read: in bed with) another woman since his wife’s death but there is a mentions of women who would lean over & offer “him a generous view of what was cinched beneath tightly-fitted bodices”; Many, many mentions of consummating a marriage, becoming one, sharing love not wearing clothing & being intimate with someone (Like: “Two of those union—interminable as they were—she could live with under the circumstances. But that of the body? She gulped. She could no more be intimate with this man beside her than she could any stranger on the street. And he’d been married before, which means he knew all about...Well everything. And she knew next to nothing. Then again, his being an Irishmen, he’d likely already known about all of that long before marriage.”); A memory of Maggie learning from her brother about the birds & the bees (“She and Savannah had “accidentally” been snooping in one of her brothers’ bedrooms when they found a stack of pencil drawings. Drawings of scantily-clad women. Why her brothers would ever want such things made no sense. But what stood out in Maggie’s memory most was the frank conversation Oak had with her afterward. ‘Knowing Ma, she’s not likely to ever say any of this to you, and it’s time you knew at least a little.’ Growing up on a farm, Maggie was familiar with how the animals often played with each other. But not until that enlightening conversation with her eldest brother had she begun to understand the full meaning of the word play.”); three mentions of wifely duties; four mentions of a wedding night; nine mentions of sharing a bed (up to semi-detailed); Maggie wearing just a nightgown goes to the kitchen and Cullen walks in on her and comments quite a few times on how she should walk around and twirl for him; Mentions of ladies’ chests (Like: “Why was it men preferred women with larger busts? In the drawings she’d found in her brother’s room, every one of those women had a bosom ample enough to suffocate a small child. Women with waists so tiny and middles corseted so tight everything spilled over the top like bread left too long to rise. Well, if that’s what Cullen Michael McGrath liked in women, then he could just—“) A mention of girls who blossomed and when younger Maggie tried to get boys’ attention by pulling “her long hair forward over her chest, arranging the curls just so, hoping to give the appearance of substance where there was none. But as her brother Abe had told her in that teasing voice, “You can’t hide what you haven’t got, Little Mag.””; a mention of a man who had his female slaves come “visit” him in a home (barely-above-not-detailed); Love, an arranged marriage, falling in love & the emotion (lots and lots and lots!)
*Note: Four mentions of a filly being sired by a stallion.
-Maggie Linden
-Cullen McGrath
P.O.V. switches between Maggie & Cullen
Set in 1869 (Epilogue 1870)
352 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star
Older High School Teens- One Star
My personal Rating- One Star
*sigh* I have never been so disappointed in a book before. Ever. I’ve considered Tamera Alexander one of my favorite authors ever since reading three of her books, all which I really enjoyed. “A Beauty So Rare” being her last release (published by Bethany House) which got five stars from me. Her newest book (this one) is getting one star, as that’s as low as I can go. I am so disappointed. While reading it, I kept looking back at the cover to see if it really was her and not, say, Francine Rivers. Interesting side note: F.R. and T.A. have been going to a lot of writing conferences together, both ladies say they’re very good friends. I was a bit worried when I saw that...as I was not a fan of “Bridge to Haven” by Francine Rivers (Very, very, very sexual) and was hoping that Miss Tamera would influence her; looks like it was the other way around, sadly. Had I known this would be an arranged marriage book, I would have not picked it up. Arranged marriage books always have sexual content that is not needed. What happens in a married couples’ bedroom should stay in that bedroom; meaning being PRIVATE. Why authors think it’s okay to put this intimate stuff in, is beyond me. *sigh* The Civil War era is the hardest historical time for me to read about. I just can’t understand it, the prejudice is awful. And there was a lot of it in this book had me on the verge of tears and throwing up. I’m so disappointed about this book, I now will be cautious with this author’s books.
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspot.com/2015/04/to-win-her-favor-by-tamera-alexander.html
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Zondervan) for this review.
About this book:
“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 can help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing for good.
An Irish-born son 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 start a farm, 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 annual Drayton Stakes at Nashville’s racetrack––the richest race 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––Maggie must marry a man she’s never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.
Cullen and Maggie need each other in order to achieve their dreams. But their stubborn, wounded hearts––and the escalating violence from a "secret society" responsible for lynchings and midnight raids––may prove too much for even two determined souls.”
Series: Book #2 in the “Belle Meade Plantation” series. {I have read & reviewed Book #1, “To Whisper Her Name”, but it looks like I never posted it! I can tell y’all that I give it 4 Stars for My Personal Rating.}
Spiritual Content- Psalm 61:3 at the beginning; Prayers; Mentions of Heaven; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God; Scriptures are mentioned & Bible reading; Mentions of those in the Bible; Cullen isn’t a big fan of God and thinks God is cruel.
*Note: a ‘devilish’.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘bloody’ and a ‘dumb’; Curses are cut off (like “you sorry piece of—“); Hateful names are said but not written (though “n*gg*r” is said quite a few times along with “white n*gg*r”); Fist fighting (borderline semi-detailed to detailed); Violence to African American people, hanging them, burning their houses and just plain cruelty to them (semi-detailed); Blood (semi-detailed); Many mentions of slaves, freemen & the Civil War; Mentions of gambling & drinking; Mentions of tobacco; mentions of thrashings & whippings; Dead cows (semi-detailed); a sick horse (semi-detailed).
Sexual Content- Touches & Smelling (semi-detailed and goes to detailed); Noticing, staring, Imagining & checking someone out (semi-detailed up to detailed); Wanting to kiss & touch (semi-detailed to detailed); ; Hand kisses, forehead kisses & tingles; Remembering kisses (semi-detailed); five semi-detailed kisses; a Very-detailed kiss; two very-very-very detailed kisses that lead to unbuttoning clothing and a total of five hinted s*x scenes (lots of unbuttoning (semi-detailed), imagining body parts and making-out; the actual intercourse is not written); a form of ‘wanton’; Mentions of women’s curves; Men’s bare chest; Cullen says he hasn’t been with (read: in bed with) another woman since his wife’s death but there is a mentions of women who would lean over & offer “him a generous view of what was cinched beneath tightly-fitted bodices”; Many, many mentions of consummating a marriage, becoming one, sharing love not wearing clothing & being intimate with someone (Like: “Two of those union—interminable as they were—she could live with under the circumstances. But that of the body? She gulped. She could no more be intimate with this man beside her than she could any stranger on the street. And he’d been married before, which means he knew all about...Well everything. And she knew next to nothing. Then again, his being an Irishmen, he’d likely already known about all of that long before marriage.”); A memory of Maggie learning from her brother about the birds & the bees (“She and Savannah had “accidentally” been snooping in one of her brothers’ bedrooms when they found a stack of pencil drawings. Drawings of scantily-clad women. Why her brothers would ever want such things made no sense. But what stood out in Maggie’s memory most was the frank conversation Oak had with her afterward. ‘Knowing Ma, she’s not likely to ever say any of this to you, and it’s time you knew at least a little.’ Growing up on a farm, Maggie was familiar with how the animals often played with each other. But not until that enlightening conversation with her eldest brother had she begun to understand the full meaning of the word play.”); three mentions of wifely duties; four mentions of a wedding night; nine mentions of sharing a bed (up to semi-detailed); Maggie wearing just a nightgown goes to the kitchen and Cullen walks in on her and comments quite a few times on how she should walk around and twirl for him; Mentions of ladies’ chests (Like: “Why was it men preferred women with larger busts? In the drawings she’d found in her brother’s room, every one of those women had a bosom ample enough to suffocate a small child. Women with waists so tiny and middles corseted so tight everything spilled over the top like bread left too long to rise. Well, if that’s what Cullen Michael McGrath liked in women, then he could just—“) A mention of girls who blossomed and when younger Maggie tried to get boys’ attention by pulling “her long hair forward over her chest, arranging the curls just so, hoping to give the appearance of substance where there was none. But as her brother Abe had told her in that teasing voice, “You can’t hide what you haven’t got, Little Mag.””; a mention of a man who had his female slaves come “visit” him in a home (barely-above-not-detailed); Love, an arranged marriage, falling in love & the emotion (lots and lots and lots!)
*Note: Four mentions of a filly being sired by a stallion.
-Maggie Linden
-Cullen McGrath
P.O.V. switches between Maggie & Cullen
Set in 1869 (Epilogue 1870)
352 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star
Older High School Teens- One Star
My personal Rating- One Star
*sigh* I have never been so disappointed in a book before. Ever. I’ve considered Tamera Alexander one of my favorite authors ever since reading three of her books, all which I really enjoyed. “A Beauty So Rare” being her last release (published by Bethany House) which got five stars from me. Her newest book (this one) is getting one star, as that’s as low as I can go. I am so disappointed. While reading it, I kept looking back at the cover to see if it really was her and not, say, Francine Rivers. Interesting side note: F.R. and T.A. have been going to a lot of writing conferences together, both ladies say they’re very good friends. I was a bit worried when I saw that...as I was not a fan of “Bridge to Haven” by Francine Rivers (Very, very, very sexual) and was hoping that Miss Tamera would influence her; looks like it was the other way around, sadly. Had I known this would be an arranged marriage book, I would have not picked it up. Arranged marriage books always have sexual content that is not needed. What happens in a married couples’ bedroom should stay in that bedroom; meaning being PRIVATE. Why authors think it’s okay to put this intimate stuff in, is beyond me. *sigh* The Civil War era is the hardest historical time for me to read about. I just can’t understand it, the prejudice is awful. And there was a lot of it in this book had me on the verge of tears and throwing up. I’m so disappointed about this book, I now will be cautious with this author’s books.
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspot.com/2015/04/to-win-her-favor-by-tamera-alexander.html
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Zondervan) for this review.
Mijn absolute favoriete boek van 2018! WAUW! Dit is een prachtig verhaal, zeer goed en vlot geschreven, mooi concept en vol emoties. Je huilt, lacht en gooit het boek van frustratie door de hele kamer. Zo goed neemt het boek je mee. LEES DIT NU!
This one probably would have been a 3 for the story and characters. But there was one story line thread that just didn't seem to fit throughout. And it was much more sensual than the previous book of hers I read. So I'll go with 2.
I liked the historical setting and the portrayal of the extreme prejudice in the South after the war was sobering. Writing okay but not outstanding. The arranged marriage aspect was interesting but I wasn't so crazy about the portrayal of sexuality...there's a way to handle it well but for me personally this pushed my limits.
Enjoyable take on marriage of convenience. 3.5 stars
This is the second book in Tamera Alexander’s Belle Meade series and I have to confess, I’m quite unsure what to rate it. I’ve only read a few of Tamera’s books and it has been a while, so I didn’t really have much in the way of expectations for this one. I love marriage of convenience stories, so I had high hopes for that side of it, and I can happily say that it definitely met those. Though this is the second book, it does quite well as a standalone. There are a couple tie-ins, but I honestly only noticed them because I had read the first book and skimmed it again before picking up this one.
I think my favorite thing about this book is Tamera’s writing. It isn’t overly lyrical, but still has a few quote-worthy moments. Honestly, I’m not sure I can explain it other than to say that I was drawn in from the very first page. I would attempt to put the book down and would have to focus to pull myself out of the story and back to present day. That alone makes this a great book to me. There are few authors who can so fully absorb my attention.
The characters are another of this book’s strong points. Margaret and Cullen are very well drawn characters and very realistic. I could almost feel their pain, see the stubbornness reflected in their expressions, hear Cullen’s Irish brogue. I loved it! I quickly fell in love with them and really enjoyed following them through this difficult time period, when everything they thought they knew would have to be turned upside down and rearranged. I really enjoyed seeing Margaret learn to look beyond social status, skin color, and nationality to the real person.
Much of this story focuses on prejudice and the issues surrounding the end of the Civil War. It was definitely eye-opening for me. I knew about some of it, of course, but Tamera really brings it to life. She definitely made me stop and think. It broke my heart more than once, thinking about the hate they endured back then, and that some people still must deal with.
Part of the reason I’m struggling so much to choose a rating is because there was something I especially didn’t care for: the romantic or “intimate” side of it. Yes, they are married from practically the beginning, and yes, I did expect some closed door references, but there is a little too much detail for me to be comfortable recommending this to younger readers (under 17). What really surprised me though, when I read over parts of it again, is that there actually isn’t that much detail, but it’s more the wording and the way she wrote it. It feels more intimate, like we’re intruding on something extremely personal and shouldn’t be reading it, if that makes sense.
Ignoring that for a moment, I actually did enjoy the romance aspect. It was pretty believable and I liked the progression throughout the story. They didn’t just wake up one day and decide they were in love. They had to get to know each other and learn to trust one another, first. They also had several obstacles to work through and I appreciated that they had to work toward love, instead of it being portrayed as some ambiguous feeling that shifted like the wind.
Also, I was a bit disappointed in the spiritual side of the story. I found it to be very minor and almost added as an after thought. I would have enjoyed more of a discussion or maybe just answers to the questions the characters raised. As it is, I could definitely suggest this book to a unbeliever and not worry about them becoming offended. The characters pray a couple times and there are references to them reading the Bible. That’s it. More stock seems to be put in Mr. Linden’s opinion than God’s. That bothered me a bit, though Cullen does mention to someone that he’s trying to understand the faith that Mr. Linden so fully embraced.
Negative points aside, I do have to say that I really enjoyed this book. I loved being pulled into a story that challenges the norm and made me think. While I still wouldn’t suggest it for younger teens, if you go into it aware of the more intimate parts, I believe it would be okay. I think a lot of my problem is that I was blindsided by it. It’s definitely not what I had expected, but it doesn’t detract from the overall story that much.
Please note, my opinions are based on an advanced copy and may not be entirely relevant to the final published edition.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
This is the second book in Tamera Alexander’s Belle Meade series and I have to confess, I’m quite unsure what to rate it. I’ve only read a few of Tamera’s books and it has been a while, so I didn’t really have much in the way of expectations for this one. I love marriage of convenience stories, so I had high hopes for that side of it, and I can happily say that it definitely met those. Though this is the second book, it does quite well as a standalone. There are a couple tie-ins, but I honestly only noticed them because I had read the first book and skimmed it again before picking up this one.
I think my favorite thing about this book is Tamera’s writing. It isn’t overly lyrical, but still has a few quote-worthy moments. Honestly, I’m not sure I can explain it other than to say that I was drawn in from the very first page. I would attempt to put the book down and would have to focus to pull myself out of the story and back to present day. That alone makes this a great book to me. There are few authors who can so fully absorb my attention.
The characters are another of this book’s strong points. Margaret and Cullen are very well drawn characters and very realistic. I could almost feel their pain, see the stubbornness reflected in their expressions, hear Cullen’s Irish brogue. I loved it! I quickly fell in love with them and really enjoyed following them through this difficult time period, when everything they thought they knew would have to be turned upside down and rearranged. I really enjoyed seeing Margaret learn to look beyond social status, skin color, and nationality to the real person.
Much of this story focuses on prejudice and the issues surrounding the end of the Civil War. It was definitely eye-opening for me. I knew about some of it, of course, but Tamera really brings it to life. She definitely made me stop and think. It broke my heart more than once, thinking about the hate they endured back then, and that some people still must deal with.
Part of the reason I’m struggling so much to choose a rating is because there was something I especially didn’t care for: the romantic or “intimate” side of it. Yes, they are married from practically the beginning, and yes, I did expect some closed door references, but there is a little too much detail for me to be comfortable recommending this to younger readers (under 17). What really surprised me though, when I read over parts of it again, is that there actually isn’t that much detail, but it’s more the wording and the way she wrote it. It feels more intimate, like we’re intruding on something extremely personal and shouldn’t be reading it, if that makes sense.
Ignoring that for a moment, I actually did enjoy the romance aspect. It was pretty believable and I liked the progression throughout the story. They didn’t just wake up one day and decide they were in love. They had to get to know each other and learn to trust one another, first. They also had several obstacles to work through and I appreciated that they had to work toward love, instead of it being portrayed as some ambiguous feeling that shifted like the wind.
Also, I was a bit disappointed in the spiritual side of the story. I found it to be very minor and almost added as an after thought. I would have enjoyed more of a discussion or maybe just answers to the questions the characters raised. As it is, I could definitely suggest this book to a unbeliever and not worry about them becoming offended. The characters pray a couple times and there are references to them reading the Bible. That’s it. More stock seems to be put in Mr. Linden’s opinion than God’s. That bothered me a bit, though Cullen does mention to someone that he’s trying to understand the faith that Mr. Linden so fully embraced.
Negative points aside, I do have to say that I really enjoyed this book. I loved being pulled into a story that challenges the norm and made me think. While I still wouldn’t suggest it for younger teens, if you go into it aware of the more intimate parts, I believe it would be okay. I think a lot of my problem is that I was blindsided by it. It’s definitely not what I had expected, but it doesn’t detract from the overall story that much.
Please note, my opinions are based on an advanced copy and may not be entirely relevant to the final published edition.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
1st time reading a book by this author and I loved it!!
To Win Her Favor (2015) by Tamera Alexander is the second novel in the Belle Meade Plantation series. This novel comes in all forms including eBook, and is 352 pages in length. With a full-time job and a fantastic five-year old at home, this novel took me three days to read. I give this novel 5 STARS. This story is a Christian Historical Romance.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! As is the case with all Alexander novels, the writing is superb and the historical details are well researched. This story is a fast-paced, action-filled page turner. And, the characters are so well-crafted. This novel also includes character cameos from the Belmont Mansion series, which I thought was really cool.
Maggie's father, Gilbert Linden, owns Linden Downs, but only until it is sold at auction. With the Civil War having taken its toll on the South, and carpetbaggers sweeping in from the North taking advantage of the misfortunes of others, Linden Downs is among the many homes, plantations, and farms financially suffering. Maggie owns Bourbon Belle, a gorgeous thoroughbred. She is convinced that if she enters Belle in the upcoming race she will win the purse and Linden Downs will be saved. Things do not go according to Maggie's plans, and Linden Downs is still set to be auctioned off. Enter Cullen McGrath. Cullen is an Irishman determined to purchase land and farm for the rest of his life. He especially hopes he never has to partake in anything having to deal with thoroughbreds ever again. He goes to Gilbert Linden to see if a sale can be made prior to Linden Downs going to auction. They strike a deal, and Cullen is now not only the owner of Linden Downs, but he finds himself married to Maggie. Not exactly what he had planned, but Cullen is determined to make Linden Downs great again and be a good husband to Maggie.
God has thoroughly blessed me. I married my husband after a two-year courtship. He asked me to marry him and I said, "Yes!" It was my choice. I didn't have to marry for financial reasons or out of necessity. I got to marry because I fell in love. I can't even imagine marrying a man out of necessity. But, as Ms. Alexander explains in her "A Note from the Author" chapter, marriages of convenience were regular occurrences in the 1800s especially after the Civil War. I immediately felt for Maggie and Cullen. Neither one of them necessarily wanted to marry the other, but necessity drew them together. And, the relationship progresses so realistically. As a married woman, there are days where I feel my husband and I are two steps forward, and then I turn around and we are four steps back. This is how it goes when humans are in a committed relationship. Maggie is at first distrustful of Cullen, and Cullen is at first super cautious with his new bride. Over the course of the story, they seem to make small strides to making their marriage real, but then setbacks occur and they are right back to square one. The passion, respect, and love that does grow between the couple is so realistic, and I truly appreciate that about this novel. Never at any point in their story does the relationship between Maggie and Cullen feel fake or saccharine.
One aspect that I truly appreciated in this novel is the attention to the social issues of the late 1800s in the American South. I've taken many history classes in my lifetime, so I know that time period was exceptionally rough for African Americans, foreigners, people from the North, women, etc. But reading about this time from a boring textbook never quite allowed me to understand the emotional, physical, and mental upheaval of the time. Ms. Alexander does an amazing job in this novel of making the reader feel what it would feel like to be hated simply because of the color or your skin, your accent, or your geographical birth place. The hate that pours off of the villain and some of the townsfolk is truly astounding. There are moments in this novel that made me angry. How anyone can claim to love Jesus and sit in church on Sunday, yet be perfectly willing and able to string a man up in a tree and watch him hang to death is flabbergasting to me. I appreciate that Ms. Alexander refused to sugarcoat history in her book. Yes, it adds to the tension of the plot, but it also allows me to reevaluate myself. It's very easy for me to get angry at people from the past, but am I being self-righteous? Am I loving people no matter what...even that guy who cut me off on the freeway? Am I being like Jesus, or like the villain from this novel? Am I claiming to love, but actually hating? I absolutely LOVE when a novel gets me reevaluating my walk with Christ. This novel did this for me in spades!
This story is fantastic. I was definitely sad to reach the last page. BUT, book three in the series is due out soon: August 8th!!! I have the great fortune of being part of Ms. Alexander's book launch team for To Wager Her Heart, so as soon as I get my copy of the book I will devour it and post my thoughts. If you have not yet read To Win Her Favor, I highly recommend that you do. You will not regret the decision to read this book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! As is the case with all Alexander novels, the writing is superb and the historical details are well researched. This story is a fast-paced, action-filled page turner. And, the characters are so well-crafted. This novel also includes character cameos from the Belmont Mansion series, which I thought was really cool.
Maggie's father, Gilbert Linden, owns Linden Downs, but only until it is sold at auction. With the Civil War having taken its toll on the South, and carpetbaggers sweeping in from the North taking advantage of the misfortunes of others, Linden Downs is among the many homes, plantations, and farms financially suffering. Maggie owns Bourbon Belle, a gorgeous thoroughbred. She is convinced that if she enters Belle in the upcoming race she will win the purse and Linden Downs will be saved. Things do not go according to Maggie's plans, and Linden Downs is still set to be auctioned off. Enter Cullen McGrath. Cullen is an Irishman determined to purchase land and farm for the rest of his life. He especially hopes he never has to partake in anything having to deal with thoroughbreds ever again. He goes to Gilbert Linden to see if a sale can be made prior to Linden Downs going to auction. They strike a deal, and Cullen is now not only the owner of Linden Downs, but he finds himself married to Maggie. Not exactly what he had planned, but Cullen is determined to make Linden Downs great again and be a good husband to Maggie.
God has thoroughly blessed me. I married my husband after a two-year courtship. He asked me to marry him and I said, "Yes!" It was my choice. I didn't have to marry for financial reasons or out of necessity. I got to marry because I fell in love. I can't even imagine marrying a man out of necessity. But, as Ms. Alexander explains in her "A Note from the Author" chapter, marriages of convenience were regular occurrences in the 1800s especially after the Civil War. I immediately felt for Maggie and Cullen. Neither one of them necessarily wanted to marry the other, but necessity drew them together. And, the relationship progresses so realistically. As a married woman, there are days where I feel my husband and I are two steps forward, and then I turn around and we are four steps back. This is how it goes when humans are in a committed relationship. Maggie is at first distrustful of Cullen, and Cullen is at first super cautious with his new bride. Over the course of the story, they seem to make small strides to making their marriage real, but then setbacks occur and they are right back to square one. The passion, respect, and love that does grow between the couple is so realistic, and I truly appreciate that about this novel. Never at any point in their story does the relationship between Maggie and Cullen feel fake or saccharine.
One aspect that I truly appreciated in this novel is the attention to the social issues of the late 1800s in the American South. I've taken many history classes in my lifetime, so I know that time period was exceptionally rough for African Americans, foreigners, people from the North, women, etc. But reading about this time from a boring textbook never quite allowed me to understand the emotional, physical, and mental upheaval of the time. Ms. Alexander does an amazing job in this novel of making the reader feel what it would feel like to be hated simply because of the color or your skin, your accent, or your geographical birth place. The hate that pours off of the villain and some of the townsfolk is truly astounding. There are moments in this novel that made me angry. How anyone can claim to love Jesus and sit in church on Sunday, yet be perfectly willing and able to string a man up in a tree and watch him hang to death is flabbergasting to me. I appreciate that Ms. Alexander refused to sugarcoat history in her book. Yes, it adds to the tension of the plot, but it also allows me to reevaluate myself. It's very easy for me to get angry at people from the past, but am I being self-righteous? Am I loving people no matter what...even that guy who cut me off on the freeway? Am I being like Jesus, or like the villain from this novel? Am I claiming to love, but actually hating? I absolutely LOVE when a novel gets me reevaluating my walk with Christ. This novel did this for me in spades!
This story is fantastic. I was definitely sad to reach the last page. BUT, book three in the series is due out soon: August 8th!!! I have the great fortune of being part of Ms. Alexander's book launch team for To Wager Her Heart, so as soon as I get my copy of the book I will devour it and post my thoughts. If you have not yet read To Win Her Favor, I highly recommend that you do. You will not regret the decision to read this book!
I first fell in love with Tamera Alexander’s writing when I read A Beauty So Rare, and to this day, it is one of my absolute favorite books. However, I found To Win Her Favor to be lacking in my expectations for this author.
As much as I love romance, I’m surprised that this book caused me to be bored, but I think the blame for that can be on the fact that it’s predictable. In A Beauty So Rare, the romance is surrounded by mysteries, action, and twists that you absolutely never saw coming, but To Win Her favor had “twists” that are predictable to anyone who has read a lot of arranged marriage romances as well as those who read horse racing/redemption stories; both of which I read A LOT of in middle school and high school.
The character’s bonding was nice to read and I did think Cullen and Maggie had a good story. And don’t get me wrong, Tamera Alexander’s writing is simply stunning, that’s why I continue to read her books after all! I just wasn’t as taken with Maggie’s story as I thought I’d be.
Perhaps I just wore myself out of these types of stories because I read so much of them when I was younger. So overall, I’d give it 3 out of 5 stars personally, but I’d still recommend it to fans of Christian romance and horse stories because others may really enjoy it.
There is some mild cursing, action and sexual content (no sex scenes however). The sexual content consists of detailed kissing and making out; the scenes always cut out before our characters get “intimate”.
I received this book from the author for the purpose of this review via Netgalley. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.
This is a LiteratureApproved.com Review.
As much as I love romance, I’m surprised that this book caused me to be bored, but I think the blame for that can be on the fact that it’s predictable. In A Beauty So Rare, the romance is surrounded by mysteries, action, and twists that you absolutely never saw coming, but To Win Her favor had “twists” that are predictable to anyone who has read a lot of arranged marriage romances as well as those who read horse racing/redemption stories; both of which I read A LOT of in middle school and high school.
The character’s bonding was nice to read and I did think Cullen and Maggie had a good story. And don’t get me wrong, Tamera Alexander’s writing is simply stunning, that’s why I continue to read her books after all! I just wasn’t as taken with Maggie’s story as I thought I’d be.
Perhaps I just wore myself out of these types of stories because I read so much of them when I was younger. So overall, I’d give it 3 out of 5 stars personally, but I’d still recommend it to fans of Christian romance and horse stories because others may really enjoy it.
There is some mild cursing, action and sexual content (no sex scenes however). The sexual content consists of detailed kissing and making out; the scenes always cut out before our characters get “intimate”.
I received this book from the author for the purpose of this review via Netgalley. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.
This is a LiteratureApproved.com Review.
To Win Her Favor
This book is a historical romance and takes the reader back to the 1800’s and boy! What a journey it was! A tale of love, faith and perseverance.
It takes us to the time of old world charm, farming and horse racing. Maggie Linden and Cullen McGrath are two souls who are thrown together and find love eventually. The initial hesitation, anger and tension are build up and I was eagerly waiting for their friendship to blossom. Maggi reluctantly realizes that her father chose the right man. Cullen too is surprised by the love her feels for Maggi and Linden farms and the pull he feels for keeping all his promises. I found the struggles and conflict between so realistic. Those were tough times indeed but the characters faced them with such honesty and faith.
The story touches on the tough times of slavery and how life had little value. It serves as a reminder for the hardships faced and what could have been. The novel does get a bit serious in between as times are tough and everyone is suffering.
Maggie is certain that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the annual Drayton Stakes at Nashville’s racetrack––the richest race run in America. Her problem is that women cannot participate so she needs the help of her husband, who even though wants to do the right by her but is afraid to step on to a race track again.
Like all stories this one too has its highs and lows but the story moves at a steady pace making for a delightful read, more so if you enjoy historical romances with the grandeur and larger than life imagery! Those times were difficult but beautiful
It is a love story of a family. The author has shared the bond between father & daughter, husband and wife, friends and even the house help. All just come together to bring a beautiful tear jerker of a story.
The lives of the slaves, their dedication & integrity is narrated with such simplicity that I realized that ‘a better life’ is what all of us want. My heart went out to the little jockeys.
A book that had me engrossed in the world of horses, farming and those long forgotten ‘genteel times’. To Win Her Favor showcases the strength of love, faith and perseverance. I enjoyed the book immensely.
This book is a historical romance and takes the reader back to the 1800’s and boy! What a journey it was! A tale of love, faith and perseverance.
It takes us to the time of old world charm, farming and horse racing. Maggie Linden and Cullen McGrath are two souls who are thrown together and find love eventually. The initial hesitation, anger and tension are build up and I was eagerly waiting for their friendship to blossom. Maggi reluctantly realizes that her father chose the right man. Cullen too is surprised by the love her feels for Maggi and Linden farms and the pull he feels for keeping all his promises. I found the struggles and conflict between so realistic. Those were tough times indeed but the characters faced them with such honesty and faith.
The story touches on the tough times of slavery and how life had little value. It serves as a reminder for the hardships faced and what could have been. The novel does get a bit serious in between as times are tough and everyone is suffering.
Maggie is certain that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the annual Drayton Stakes at Nashville’s racetrack––the richest race run in America. Her problem is that women cannot participate so she needs the help of her husband, who even though wants to do the right by her but is afraid to step on to a race track again.
Like all stories this one too has its highs and lows but the story moves at a steady pace making for a delightful read, more so if you enjoy historical romances with the grandeur and larger than life imagery! Those times were difficult but beautiful
It is a love story of a family. The author has shared the bond between father & daughter, husband and wife, friends and even the house help. All just come together to bring a beautiful tear jerker of a story.
The lives of the slaves, their dedication & integrity is narrated with such simplicity that I realized that ‘a better life’ is what all of us want. My heart went out to the little jockeys.
A book that had me engrossed in the world of horses, farming and those long forgotten ‘genteel times’. To Win Her Favor showcases the strength of love, faith and perseverance. I enjoyed the book immensely.