To Win Her Favor

by Tamera Alexander Narrated by Melba Sibrel

Overview

“If you read one historical novel this year, make it To Win Her Favor. It will linger with you long after the last page.” -Colleen Coble, USA TODAY bestselling author of The House at Saltwater Point

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 could help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing forever.

An Irishman 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 begin farming, 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 inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever 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: that Maggie must marry a man she's never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.

Set against the post-Civil War history of Nashville's historic Belle Meade Plantation, the most influential thoroughbred stud farm in America's history, To Win Her Favor is a passionate, stirring, and highly acclaimed novel readers won't soon forget.

“To Win Her Favor is a beautiful love story, not to mention a story of faith that shines through in the darkest circumstances. From the very beginning, I lost my heart to Cullen and Maggie and yearned for the moment when they would lose their hearts to each other.” -Robin Lee Hatcher, bestselling author of Who I Am with You

“Tamera Alexander is one of my favorite authors, so I expect a lot from her novels. To Win Her Favor is captivating beyond expectation! This novel has everything readers are looking for-rich characterization, page-turning intrigue, a heartwarming romance charged with tension, and more!” -Cindy Woodsmall, New York Times and CBA bestselling author

“Tamera Alexander has done it again. Her imagination and skillful pen intertwined with history takes the reader on a beautiful journey. To Win Her Favor is sure to stir the heart and open the mind.” -Jenny Lamb, Director of Interpretation & Education, Belle Meade Mansion

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

03/09/2015
Gifted horsewoman Maggie Linden precludes the financial ruin of her family’s estate in the difficult postbellum epoch by agreeing to her ailing father’s plea and marrying the stranger who can rescue their inheritance. Cullen McGrath may have cash and charm, but he has a past—plus, he’s Irish, something the Nashville elites find unacceptable. And Maggie’s determination to race her favorite thoroughbred mare clashes with Cullen’s desire to avoid racing at all costs. What is behind his reluctance, and can Maggie trust him with her heart? The unlikely couple must find a way to overcome their own prejudices and unite, heart and mind, as hateful outside forces threaten their home and happiness. Alexander (To Whisper Her Name) continues her ode to the magnificent Belle Meade Plantation, using it to illustrate questions of race, faith, and loyalty that continue to haunt today. Richly drawn secondary characters add depth, humor, and a sobering perspective on how Reconstruction affected racial relations, social status, and economic fortunes. Fans will appreciate, and applaud the smooth merging of social commentary and a sweet love story. Agent: Natasha Kern, Natasha Kern Literary Agency. (May)

RT Book Reviews

No insta-love here! Readers get to experience the growing attraction between the headstrong and determined Maggie and the swoon-worthy Cullen. The deeply drawn characters move the story along at a steady pace – even Bucket, the dog, and Bourbon Belle, the mare, will win readers over.” – 4 star review

Library Journal

★ 04/01/2015
Shortly after the end of the Civil War, Cullen McGrath, who had been successful in England until a racing scandal almost ruined him, emigrated to Tennessee. Prejudice against the Irish keeps him from purchasing land until he meets Gilbert Linden. Linden is willing to sell his farm for the cost of back taxes on one condition—McGrath must marry his daughter, Maggie. As men are in short supply after the war, Maggie agrees to the transaction, but she is unsure that she could ever love someone she did not choose for herself. Her dream is to ride her thoroughbred mare in the biggest race in the area. Secrets and violence threaten both the marriage and Maggie's dreams. VERDICT Alexander brings in characters from earlier series titles (To Whisper Her Name), yet this book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. Strong characters, a sense of the times, and the themes of love, friendship, and the importance of loyalty and determination make this a triumph. It will be popular not only with Alexander's many fans but also with readers of Judith Miller and Tracie Peterson.—Margaret Bentley, Shiawassee Dist. Lib., Owosso, MI

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171750244
Publisher:	Zondervan
Publication date:	05/12/2015
Series:	Belle Meade Plantation Series , #2
Edition description:	Unabridged

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