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--Maggie must marry a man she's never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.
My Thoughts
I've only read a few of Tamera's books but I thoroughly enjoyed them so I jumped at the chance to receive this book for review. By the time my copy came and I started reading, I had forgotten the synopsis. So I was slightly surprised and pleased to discover that this was a marriage of convenience story, which if you've been to my blog much at all, you know I absolutely adore! But this book was so much more than just a marriage of convenience. One of the big themes of the story was dealing with prejudice. There was the prejudice and wrong doing to the recently freed slaves, but I often forget about how immigrants, especially the Irish, were also treated like they were less than human. The author drew attention to both and I was impressed by the way she handled everything. It makes me so mad when I read about the way people treated others simply because of their skin tone or accent, and I am saddened to think that there are still those who think like this.
Cullen and Maggie were an amazing hero and heroine. I loved the way Cullen treated the former slaves as the equals they were and how he stood for his beliefs no matter what. I also loved how patient he was with Maggie, determined to win her over even when she loathed him. As for Maggie, she was tenacious about going after the things she wanted in life but she never came across as obnoxious and I admired how she fought for her dreams even if it wasn't always in the best way. It was fun to watch these two strong-willed people learn to live with each other and fall in love. Their sass with each other often brought a smile to my face.
The horse racing aspect was fun and I enjoyed seeing some of the behind the scenes work that goes into training the horses.
In short I loved this book and would highly recommend it! It is technically book two in a series that is loosely connected to another series but each book can be read as a standalone!
About the AuthorTamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Nashville, Tennessee, along with their two adult children who live near by. And don't forget Jack, their precious---and precocious---silky terrier.
For more about her books, please visit www.TameraAlexander.com or join her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TameraAlexander or on Twitter @TameraAlexander
I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Can Maggie prove that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever run in America? Find out in Tamera Alexander's To Win Her Favor. To give her that chance—and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder—Maggie must marry a man she's never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.
Celebrate the release of To Win Her Favor with a Kindle Fire and book giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HD 6
- A copy of To Win Her Favor
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