For a Christian historical fiction novel, I found it unusually racy. I appreciated the darkness Tamera Alexander weaves into To Win Her Favor because it gave me a greater sympathy to the xenophobia and racism that’s sickeningly prevalent in our world today.Īnother shocking aspect about this book is the romance. In my opinion, however, these depictions mirror real life events, even things that happen today, and it is pretty eye-opening to the hatred minorities are attacked with every day. It’s not the only attack in the book, so if you’re the type of reader who is easily upset by this type of violence, you may not enjoy this book. Within the first couple of chapters a hate crime (a murder, actually) is committed and it was really heart-wrenching and scary. To Win Her Favor takes place in post-Civil War Tennessee, where racial tensions and prejudices towards outsiders are high. I was actually a little shocked at how intense it was. To Win Her Favor (Belle Meade Plantation #2) by Tamera Alexanderįormat: e-book from Netgalley for review 352 pagesĪlso By This Author: To Whisper Her Name (Belle Meade Plantation #1), To Wager Her Heart (Belle Meade Plantation #3), The Inheritance 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. A man she never would have chosen for herself.Ĭullen and Maggie need each other in order to achieve their dreams. His agreement includes one tiny, troublesome detail––Maggie must marry a man she’s never met.

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. Maggie only needs the chance to prove it. 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. 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.

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 the one man who can help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing for good.Īn 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. A gifted rider in a world where ladies never race, Maggie Linden is determined that her horse will become a champion.

To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander