To Win Her Favor: Belle Meade Plantation Series Book 2 By Tamara Alexander

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:   

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 Peyton 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.


My Thoughts:  

To Win Her Favor is the second book in  Tamara Alexander's Belle Meade Plantation series and it is a great one.  As a huge fan of Christian Historical Fiction and a huge fan of the south during and after the Civil War , this book and series really grabbed my attention. Cullen McGrath has come to Nashville hoping to buy land,have a farm, and start a new life away from horse racing. Horse racing is the reason Cullen left a good life in England.  Now Cullen is finding himself back in the horse racing with an offer he just can't refuse from Maggie Linden's father.  Maggie knows she can win the top prize at the annual Drayton Stakes, the richest race run in America. Maggie is trying to get her chance and save Linden Downs from being sold off. In order for her to do this her father makes her a deal.....she must get married to someone she has never met and someone she would NEVER choose herself.  Maggie and Cullen need each other to make their dreams happen but circumstances are making it more and more difficult. 

To Win Her Favor is a great Christian Historical Fiction book. It is the second book in Tamara Alexander's Belle Meade Plantation Series. I had the privilege of reading the first book in this series, To Whisper Her Name and it is another great book. I am a huge fan of Tamara Alexander's books, she is one of my MUST read authors. Tamara Alexander writes with authority about Nashville, Tennessee in 1869, our country during this Post Civil War time period, horses, horse racing, slavery, the South and of course Belle Meade Plantation.   As I read this book, I felt like I was there in Nashville taking part in the activities throughout this book, seeing and experiencing the joy and sadness. I loved reading this book and learning more about one of my favorite times in our history. I enjoyed the characters in this book and really enjoyed Maggie and Cullen, being part of their journey from start to end. I found myself laughing in places and crying in others. Tamara Alexander depicts this time of history with perfect accuracy.  I found myself taken in from the first chapter until the final page. Hard book to put down and can definitely be classified as a stand alone, so no fear if you haven't read the first book!  I recommend this book, series, and definitely this author to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will not be disappointed! I cannot wait to read the rest of this series! I give this book 4 STARS.