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| To Win Her Favor |
Zondervan (May 12, 2015)
Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****
Irishman Cullen McGrath departed England for a new
beginning in Nashville. His aim was to buy land to farm and to stay as far as
possible away from thoroughbred racing and the terrible scandal he left behind
in England. If this trouble catches up with him, it could be life-shattering.
However, with the Irish disparagingly looked upon as 'white Negroes' in post-civil
war times, Cullen is finding it near impossible to purchase anything, let alone
land. So when the aging Gilbert Linden makes him an enticing offer pertaining
to his land and daughter, Cullen accepts the proposition, promising to always
protect Gilbert's beloved daughter, Maggie.
Maggie would never have chosen Cullen as a husband. But
left without a choice, she grudgingly goes along with this scheme. Maggie finds
herself battling her own prejudices even as she is shocked by the severe
bigotry from others. Feeling disheartened at being stuck in a loveless marriage
with this foreigner, Maggie takes solace in racing her beloved horse Bourbon
Belle and looks forward to entering her in the inaugural Peyton Stakes. But
when Cullen finds out and puts an unyielding halt to her plans, she has to face
giving up her dream. Where there seems to be no hope, and tragedy becomes all too
frequent, will the lovely Maggie ever smile or dream again?
In this sizzling masterpiece of passion and heartache,
author Tamera Alexander sets a fast and steady pace that engages the reader right
to the exhilarating finale. Throughout, the plight of the Negroes and their
sufferings were written with credibility and compassion, touching me deeply. Similarly,
the appalling treatment of the Irish in these times was also thoughtfully reflected
upon. Not all grave, ‘To Win Her Favor’ is lavishly tempered with charm, atmosphere, and a romance
that will have you flipping open your southern fan! Highly recommended!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
You can purchase this book at these places: Amazon; CBD; Barnes & Noble; and others!
GIVEAWAY: We're giving away TWO copies of To Win Her Favor this week!! Winner's choice of format. International winners - ebook unless available to you through Book Depository! Leave a comment to enter and your email if we don't know you!
You can purchase this book at these places: Amazon; CBD; Barnes & Noble; and others!
GIVEAWAY: We're giving away TWO copies of To Win Her Favor this week!! Winner's choice of format. International winners - ebook unless available to you through Book Depository! Leave a comment to enter and your email if we don't know you!
A chance to win a copy of "To Win Her Favor", yes please! This is one book I would love to have, thanks for the review, it just makes me want to read it even more!
ReplyDeleteteamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
Awesome, Trixi! :) I hope you get to read it real soon too, it is such a treat!!
DeleteOh my! I love her books! I didn't know she had one coming out. I would love to win this!
ReplyDeleteBattles2001@hotmail.com
What a nice surprise then, Melissa!! :) Enjoy devouring it when you get that chance!
DeleteThank you Noela for the fantastic review! I've not yet read any of Tamera's book. After reading your review, I am excited to do so. :)
ReplyDeleteOhh you so have to experience Tamera's books, Caryl!! This would be a perfect start, so all the best! :) Thanks also for your kind words!
DeleteI loved To Whisper Her Name - it was so wonderfully long and rich. I can't wait to get my hands on To Win Her Favor! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you there, Rachael, I absolutely loved To Whisper Her Name too!! Here's hoping you get to wrap your hands around To Win Her Favor, sooner than later! :)
DeleteWhat was that post about yesterday? Oh, yes, not comparing ourselves to others. ;) How can I read such a brilliant review as this and not compare it to mine? Lol Thank you for sharing, NOELA -- this book sounds fabulous! My TBR stack is a mile long - thanks to your amazing reviews! :)
ReplyDeleteDiana you are too kind, too sweet, and too funny!! :) I just always think, I could do sooo much better! You do need to add this one to your TBR stack though... Trust me when I say, you will LOVE this one of Tamera's!!
DeleteTamera is a great author and her books are great! Thanks for the giveaway! karenskrayons@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Karen!! :) Hope you get to enjoy this one soon as well! Blessings!
DeleteWhat a great review -- you captured the essence of the book perfectly. No need to enter me in the draw, 'cause I have the book, just wanted to stop by and say 'hey'.
ReplyDeleteHey yourself Kav! :) Thanks for coming by to read my review, and for your kind and encouraging words! I need to read your review now!!
DeleteNoela, THANK YOU for that amazing review. There's always such a mixture of relief and exhilaration when someone else connects with one of my books and the characters in them. Thank you for inviting Cullen, Maggie, Ennis, Kizzy, Mr. Gilbert and the rest into your heart, Noela, and bless you for those kind words! And um...no need to enter me in the drawing either. I already have the book!
ReplyDeleteWell if you're sure, Tamera.. ;) Thanks so much for your comment Tamera, and thank you for writing such an impacting story that not only opens our eyes to oft overlooked parts of a rich and deep American history, but a tale that touches our heart and spirit as well. God bless!
DeleteGreat review, Noela! Loved this book. I always await, with anticipation, the next of Tamera's books!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carrie! There are certain authors I could be happy with if there were no one else to read... Tamera is one of them... Always thoroughly enjoy her books and always get excited to read them!!
DeleteThanks for the chance to win! Can't wait to read this book!
ReplyDeletecandicervaldez at gmail dot com
I sure can understand that! :) Here's hoping you get to read it soon!!
DeleteTamera Alexander is such an amazing author!! Great review!!
ReplyDeleteswampbrat@gmail.com
She certainly is, Tori!! Thank for coming by, I wish you all the best with your entry!!
DeleteA friend loaned me some of her books and I really enjoyed them. I'd love to read this one!
ReplyDeleteHearty.countess@gmail.com
What a great friend! It'd be great for you to have your own Tamera Alexander book though, wouldn't it?! Here's hoping!! ;)
DeleteI have wanted to read this book ever since I read the first review on it.
ReplyDeletegrace_soo_amazing at yahoo dot com
I can understand that Tonya, I was the same!! :) All the best, and God bless!
DeleteI would love to win this book. Fabulous review, Noela - now I want to read it even more....lol
ReplyDeletebettimace at gmail dot com
You're so sweet Betti!! I would love for you to win this book, too!! Blessings!
DeleteI just loved your review, Noela, you have such a beautiful way of putting things into perspective. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteTamera is such a gifted writer and her books are always such a treat for the reader. I've read numerous wonderful comments re: "To Win Her Favor", and can't wait to read it - such a wonderful storyline!! Although some readers may be hesitant to read Christian Fiction books with controversial topics such as prejudice, those topics realistically portray the world of today. When written by an author led by God, I welcome them as an opportunity to better understand the problems of others and help in my reaching out to them. Kudos to you, Tamera!!
Bonnie you are so right... Unfortunately, the topics of prejudice and racism are still just as prevalent today even if sometimes it is veiled. And many times, it's not. This is a book I wish everyone could read! Thanks for your kind words, Bonnie!
Delete}Would love this book! Thanks, Kristie tklovenest (at) [aol] . {com}
ReplyDeleteYou're in the draw Kristie for this wonderful book, so all the best!
DeleteGreat review. Books sounds fantastic. Would really love a copy. Thank you. rebunting(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThank you Robin! It's a truly amazing and very memorable story. I hope you get to read it soon!! All the best!
DeleteLoved the review. Adding this one to my list! Holly
ReplyDeleteAwesome, Holly, and thanks!! All the best with your entry! :)
DeleteI loved the review, Noela. It really makes me want to win this book. I love the plot and the history and the struggle involved. I sure am hoping! flowersmarylou85(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary Lou, I'm hoping for a win for you too! You'd love this I know!!
DeleteI really enjoyed your review Noela! This really sounds like a page turner & I love the cover! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleterw620ATaolDOTcom
The cover is gorgeous isn't it, Robin!! And yes, it is definitely a page-turner and a wonderful story of heartache and hope. Thanks for your kind words, it's my pleasure to share with such lovely people like yourself! :)
DeleteI love the cover of this! It's so gorgeous! And it sounds like such a great read!
ReplyDeleteamyputney89 [at] gmail [dot] com
It's an amazing read, Amy! I agree about the cover... Just beautiful! And it has a horse.. :) Blessings!
DeleteA lovely review and cover. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary! All the best with your entry, you'll love this one!!
DeleteThis looks like a wonderful book. I have read a few of Tamera Alexander's books and loved them. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this one.
ReplyDeleteThey're great aren't they, Susan?! I have all of Tamera's on my bookshelves as well some on my Kindle... I tend to do that with the really good ones. :) All the best!!
DeleteWonderful review Noela.
ReplyDeleteI love Tamera Alexander's books!
I was able to read To Win Her Favor through NetGalley and loved it. Even with story lines that deal with controversial topics, as in this book, Tamera does it in such a tender way that opens the readers eyes and speaks to our hearts.
Blessings,Tina
Thank you so much Tina! I totally agree with you... Tamera deals with this topic, and others, with great finesse and heart! God bless you!!
DeleteI enjoy Tamera Alexander's books and would love to win a copy (e-book as I'm International). Thank you for the chance.
ReplyDeletelientjiehuman@yahoo.com.au
So glad you came by'Lientjie'... All the best with your entry!!
DeleteI have been looking forward to this book release. Thank you so much for this opportunity. Kaw5931(at)aol(dot)com.
ReplyDeleteLet me tell you Kat, it's well worth the wait too! :) Bless you!
DeleteWould value a book dep delivery of this one! Luv Tamera's writing - thx for the opp!
ReplyDelete