I think I'm a bit partial to this series because I grew up in Middle Tennessee and frequented Nashville. Having known a little history about horses and the Belle Meade area, I was very excited to read this book. Not only that, but I have an Irish heritage so this book drew my interest from just those two aspects.

Maggie is a strong woman who isn't afraid of being a little different. Having had older brothers, she learned to shoot and ride horses with the best of them. She would do anything to help her dad and comfort him as he is aging and not well. Linden Farms is in trouble and is set to go to auction. When a man approaches her dad about his land, her dad brings up a stipulation in order for him to sell the land to this new man. It's a sweet deal for the man, if Maggie can agree to marry someone she hasn't met.

Cullen knows loss and has experienced two painful losses in his life. He's starting fresh in a new area, but didn't expect all of the hostility he received as an Irishman. He had heard about southern charm, but apparently that meant only certain people were met with southern hospitality.

Set in the 1860's, many issues are touched in this story. It was heartbreaking to read how much people discriminated against people from other countries and races. The fact that people came for a new life and ended up not being able to buy land was sad. I really enjoyed all of the history that Tamera Alexander put into this book about thoroughbred racing, and the history of women at this time.

This series is definitely one of my top favorites because it's close to my heart and hometown! I liked how she dealt with some tough issues during this time period and also showed how love can grow despite a marriage starting off in an arranged marriage.

________________

I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Tamera Alexander is a long-time favorite author of mine because she is able to craft the most wonderful characters and create a truly fantastic depth to their personalities, struggles, and joys. I am able to get to know them and understand them on such a complex level. This novel is no exception! The romance in this particular story is unique as the characters are in a different situation than some of her other books, but this only added a richer dimension to the plot. I loved reading how the characters grew and changed throughout the book. In addition, there is lots of great Nashville history, a few cameo appearances from her other books, and a fantastic plot to round out this delightful book. A highly recommended novel!

I received a copy of this book from Zondervan Publishers and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Like in the author's other southern novels, To Win Her Favor is saturated in historical detail: of post-war Nashville, of horse racing, and of the era-ending changes to the lifestyle of the American South. It was fun to catch cameos of the main characters from her other related novels, brief though they are. I love how the presence of Maggie's father is carried throughout the story, how his love of the Lord is gradually also realized in his daughter and son-in-law.

It's hard to take a character of decided prejudices and make her an appealing and sympathetic heroine, but the author manages it with Maggie. She is of Nashville's old, landed gentry, and her attitude reflects that status, even if her circumstances are much reduced. But those prejudices are not insurmountable - Maggie's heart does soften, even if it takes time. The author does a good job of gradually shifting her opinions in a believable manner.

I really liked Cullen, the hero. He isn't afraid to stand up for what is right, even if it means embarrassing Maggie in order to defend her. Given the cold shoulder he receives from her, he is remarkably patient and loving, even when she doesn't necessarily deserve it. I like how their relationship progresses - their marriage is definitely one of convenience, not a love match, and they have to work their way to an understanding. And it takes work, as all marriages do. And just because they reach the point of caring for each other doesn't mean they will not continue to have disagreements, as all marriages do.

Alexander weaves a beautiful story of despair and the fulfillment of dreams, loss and triumph, and prejudice and brotherly love. 5 out of 5 stars!

Thank you Zondervan and NetGalley for providing an e-copy to review; I was not required to make it positive, and all opinions are my own.

First, the beautiful cover grabbed my attention. Then the title, the author, the back blurb. I anticipated a great story and To Win Her Favor did not disappoint. It just kept getting better and better with each passing chapter. As I fell into step with the characters, I quickly fell in love with them too. Throw in horse racing and a marriage of convenience in the post-Civil War, southern setting and I was hooked.

I've read multiples stories involving a marriage of convenience before. Some I've liked and some I haven't, honestly. This one was believable, unique, and full of heart, without the cliches. I loved following these two through the ups and downs of marriage. It gave a beautiful depiction of two people growing to love and learning how to live a life as one. The intimacies between husband and wife are there, but written with care and handled beautifully. Their relationship was honest and real and that endeared me to them even more.

I also loved many of the side characters. Their roles were minor, but pivotal to the overall story and added great emotion to the plot. The chapter hooks were great. Each scene seemed to breathe into the next, pulling me to the next page with it. The various obstacles along the way added great twists. The cameo appearances of previous characters from other books added to the fun too. And the ending? Talk about suspenseful and exciting! I could see - really see - the scenes unfolding. I was captivated right to the end.

This author knows what she's doing. ;) This story will sweep you away. There were so many touching moments that brought tears - many of them happy ones - to my eyes. Beautiful writing has a way of doing that to me.

Thank you to Zondervan, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, and the author for providing a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Christian historical romance set in 1869 Nashville, Tennessee. An excellent read! Great for a summer read or any time you want to soak into a good book. There are so many good points to mention about this book!

Taking place after the Civil War is over, Maggie and her father have been trying to hang onto their farm. Little by little as their wealth decreases so does their social standing. They're right at the point of having the farm and everything on it put up for auction, when Irishman Cullen comes to town looking to purchase some land.

I knew that the Irish were not exactly popular when they came to America, and often competed with African Americans for jobs, but I didn't realize that Southerners persecuted the Irish and they were run out of town just as African Americans were.

This is also based on the real Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville and the thoroughbred horses that came from there and the neighboring Plantation. Maggie has raised Bourbon Belle and hopes to race her, win the purse and save their farm. But they're about to lose the farm before the race takes place. Maggie's father meets Cullen who is riding on the grounds and gets to know him. He sells the farm to Cullen with the agreement that he will also marry and take care of Maggie.

This story is made of endearing strong characters and biblical wisdom, life after the Civil War and struggle of social and racial class. Nothing comes easy to any of these characters, and you find yourself wanting to fight their battles right along with them. This is one of those books that you don't want to put down, and you don't want to end! It's the second book in the series, but works as a stand alone.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan Fiction and the Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.