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. ReviewI love Tamera Alexander's work! I have been a fan of hers for several years now, and she has never failed to impress and deliver.
What I enjoyed most about this novel was the amount of research included. If you're a history buff, you'll really enjoy To Win Her Favor. All that history gives this novel a substance that is unique. However, I felt there was a huge element of Alexander's usual "magic" missing from this novel. Try as I might, I was never really able to get into the flow of the story. Another issue that dimmed my enthusiasm for To Win Her Favor is the overly intimate tone. I understand that Maggie and Cullen are a married couple, but I felt that some scenes were much too intimate. I think that in Christian Fiction, it's important to be mindful of the threshold of "the door", and to be extremely careful not to open that door. If you love history, horses, and romance, you will enjoy To Win Her Favor. Happy Reading! Elizabeth |
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