Showing posts with label Tamera Alexander. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tamera Alexander. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Top Ten Tuesday: Books by Authors I Love That I Still Need to Read

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

The list of books I need to read is endless so I kept this list to ones that I actually own by authors I really really love. Can't believe I still haven't read these! Hopefully soon!

#1. The Colonel's Lady & The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz

#2. A Most Inconvenient Marriage & For the Record by Regina Jennings

#3. Life After by Katie Ganshert

#4. The Sweethaven Series by Courtney Walsh

#5. With Every Breath & Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden

#6. The Illusionist's Apprentice & The Lost Castle by Kristy Cambron

#7. The Wedding Shop & The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck

#8. A Beauty So Rare & A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander

#9. The Road to Paradise by Karen Barnett

#10. Love Finds You in Annapolis Maryland by Roseanna M. White

Tuesday, February 06, 2018

Top Ten Books That Have Been on My TBR the Longest

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

#1. The Colonel's Lady and The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz
I've read every other one of Laura's books but I just haven't managed to get to these two.

#2. The Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen
This is the only one of this author's early books I haven't read (though I've missed her last several releases too).

#3. Proof by Jordyn Redwood
This book has been on my radar since it's release and I was lucky enough to win a copy but it has sat unread on my shelf for too long.

#4. A Twist of Faith by Pepper Basham
I've had this one on kindle for forever and I also recently purchased the paperback. This will be the year I finally read it!

#5. A Most Inconvenient Marriage by Regina Jennings
I love Regina's books but when I didn't get this one for review it slipped through the cracks. I eventually got it as a birthday gift but I still haven't read it.

#6. The Secert Diary of Lizzie Bennet by Kate Rorick & Bernie Su
Loved this YouTube mini-series and was so excited to get the book but life and other books have kept me from it.

#7. Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay
I loved this author's debut but yet I haven't read anymore of her books.

#8. Fair Play by Deeanne Gist
Love this author and the first book of fair books was fun but sadly I still need to read this one.

#9. Stuck Together by Mary Connealy
I'm a little ashamed I still have not read this one. I read all her other books and even the others in this series but it took me a little while to get my hands on this one and I just keep forgetting I haven't read it.


#10. A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander
Loved book one in this Belmont series and yet book two (and now three) still have not been read.

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander

About the Book
Olivia Aberdeen, destitute widow of a man shot as a traitor to the South, is shunned by proper society and gratefully accepts an invitation from "Aunt" Elizabeth Harding, mistress of Belle Meade Plantation. Expecting to be the Harding's head housekeeper, Olivia is disillusioned when she learns the real reason Elizabeth's husband, Confederate General William Giles Harding, agreed to her coming. Not finding the safe haven she expects, Olivia is caught off guard by her feelings for Ridley Adam Cooper, a Southern man who seems anything but a Southern gentleman.
Branded a traitor by some, Ridley Cooper, a Southern son who chose to fight for the Union, is a man desperate to end the war still raging inside him. Determined to learn "the gift" that Belle Meade's head horse trainer and former slave, Bob Green, possesses, Ridley harbors secrets that threaten both their lives.
As Ridley seeks to make peace within himself for "betraying" the South he loved, Olivia is determined to never be betrayed again.

My Thoughts
It is sad how long it took me to read this book! I loved the first book of the Belmont Mansion series and could not wait for this book to release. But then it took me a bit to get a copy and review books kept getting in the way but I finally found the opportunity to read it when my copy of the second book in the series arrived. Thankfully I'm able to report that this book was worth the wait and I loved it! I absolutely love all of the research that this author does and it really shines through in her books. Every chapter is filled with rich historical detail but it never overtakes the story, just enhances it.
I loved Ridley and Olivia's characters and I really enjoyed all of the banter between the two of them. It was so much fun to watch their relationship play out.
The other characters were great too especially Bob Green!
I also really liked getting to visit Belle Meade through this book and it made me want to visit the actual plantation someday.
I'm sorry this is a short review but since I read the book a few months ago it's hard to remember all the details! I do know that I loved it and definitely recommend it to all fans of this era!

About the Author
Tamera 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

Wednesday, September 09, 2015

Top Ten Series I Have Yet to Finish

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

I wasn't sure if I could come up with 10 series but I managed it! This list is made up of only series that I'm pretty sure are done!

#1. Operation Zulu Redemption by Ronie Kendig
#2. Stuck Together by Mary Connealy
#3. Brides of Simpson Creek by Laurie Kingery
#4. Heist Society by Ally Carter
#5. Magnificent Devices by Shelley Adina
#6. Belmont Mansion by Tamera Alexander
#7. Life at Kingston High by Melody Carlson
#8. It Happened at the Fair by Deeanne Gist
#9. The Blue Willow Brides by Maggie Brendan
#10. The Daughters of Bainbridge House by Laurie Alice Eakes


Thursday, August 13, 2015

Among the Fair Magnolias Novella Collection

About the Book
In the most turbulent decade of our nation's history, four Southern women--destinies forged by birth, hearts steeled by war--face near impossible choices on their journeys in life . . . and in love.
To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander
Savannah Darby would do almost anything to revisit her family home. So when new owner, Aidan Bedford, a Boston attorney and former Union soldier, seeks to redecorate the house for his fiancée, Savannah jumps at the opportunity. But the clock is ticking. Can she find the box her father supposedly hid there during the war before her assignment is completed? And before she sees yet another battle lost on the home front. This time, one of the heart.
An Outlaw's Heart by Shelley Gray
When Russell Stark returns to Fort Worth, he's determined to begin a new life. But when he arrives at his mother's homestead, he discovers she's very ill, and the woman he loved is still as beautiful and sweet as he remembered. With time running out, Russell must come to terms with both his future and his past.
A Heart So True by Dorothy Love
Abigail knows all too well what is expected of her: to marry her distant cousin Charles and take her place in society. But her heart belongs to another. A terrible incident forces Abby to choose between love and duty.
Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser
Emily has a secret: She's in love with one of the freedmen on her family's plantation. Meanwhile, another man declares his love for her. Emily realizes some things are not as they seem and secrets must be kept in order to keep those she loves safe.

My Thoughts
To Mend a Dream-This was by far my favorite and quite honestly the reason I picked up this collection in the first place. It was beautifully written and while I would have enjoyed seeing more of the romance rather than it just being alluded to I still enjoyed Savannah and Aidan's love story. My favorite parts of the story though were when Aidan was recalling the day met a confederate soldier he called "Nashville"!
An Outlaw's Heart-This was a cute story! It was a little redundant at the beginning but after that I found myself enjoying it! I did like how Russell and Nora had previously had a relationship so the faster pace of the novella wasn't unbelievable. I liked both of their characters and it was fun to watch everything play out!
A Heart So True-As I started this novella the similarities to the beginning of Gone With the Wind had me smiling since I recently enjoyed that movie with friends. But that aside it was a good story in it's own right. I liked the characters and and even though it would have been fun to see more of their romance I did like that they already had an established relationship. The ending was a bit rushed but otherwise this was an enjoyable story.
Love Beyond Limits-Sadly I didn't enjoy this novella at all. It was a bit disjointed, there were way too many unnecessary facts, I didn't really like the heroine, and the "love story" didn't really make sense to me. I really hate to write negative reviews but it really was a struggle for me to get through.

Meet the Authors

Tamera Alexander is the best-selling author of numerous books including A Lasting Impression and The Inheritance. Tamera is a two-time Christy Award winner, two-time RITA winner, and a recipient of the prestigious Library Journal Award. A native of west Tennessee. website, Twitter, Facebook

Dorothy Love makes her home in the Texas hill country with her husband and their golden retriever. An award-winning author of numerous young adult novels, Dorothy made her adult debut with the Hickory Ridge novels. website, Twitter, Facebook

Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), The Protector, recently made the New York Times best seller list. website, Twitter, Facebook


Elizabeth Musser, a native of Atlanta, Georgia now living in France, is a novelist who writes what she calls 'entertainment with a soul.' For over 25 years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in mission work with International Teams. website, Twitter, Facebook


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.

Four best-selling novelists bring tales of four Southern women who face near impossible choices on their journeys in life and in love during the most turbulent decade of our nation’s history in Among the Fair MagnoliasDon't miss this collection of stories from Tamera Alexander, Shelley Gray, Dorothy Love, and Elizabeth Musser.

Join the authors in celebrating the release of Among the Fair Magnolias by entering to win their Southern Hearts Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVPing to their August 13th author chat party!

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One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HD 6
  • One copy of Among the Fair Magnolias
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/13. The winner will be announced at the Among the Fair Magnolias Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tamera, Dorothy, Shelley, and Elizabeth, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

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RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 13th!

Thursday, May 07, 2015

To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander

About the Book
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 Author
Tamera 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!

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One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HD 6
  • A copy of To Win Her Favor
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 10th. Winner will be announced May 11th on Tamera's blog. Plus stay tuned for more opportunities to win after May 11 with a special Pinterest contest—more details coming soon!

to win her favor - enterbanner
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

Wednesday, May 06, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday #160: To Win Her Favor

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander
Zondervan-May 12, 2015

About the Book
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.

Why I Want It
I've enjoyed a few of Tamera's books especially her Belmont and Belle Meade novels so I am excited for this story! Also I love marriage of convenience stories!
*I've actually already started an ARC of this and it's amazing!

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Top Ten Books on My Spring TBR

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

I really hope I can get to all of these this spring! There are some review books, some I hope to get, and some that having been sitting on my shelf too long and I am desperate to read them! These aren't in any particular order!

After a Fashion by Jen Turano

Always on My Mind by Susan May Warren

A Bride in Store by Melissa Jagears

 An Uncertain Choice by Jody Hedlund

Hawk by Ronie Kendig

Remnants: Season of Fire

To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander

Stuck Together by Mary Connealy

Together With You by Victoria Bylin

A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday #95: A Beauty So Rare

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander
Bethany House-April 1, 2014

About the Book
ink was not what Eleanor Braddock ordered, but maybe it would soften the tempered steel of a woman who came through a war--and still had one to fight. 
Eleanor Braddock--plain, practical, no stunning Southern beauty--knows she will never marry. But with a dying soldier's last whisper, she believes her life can still have meaning and determines to find his widow. Impoverished and struggling to care for her ailing father, Eleanor arrives at Belmont Mansion, home of her aunt, Adelicia Acklen, the richest woman in America--and possibly the most demanding, as well. Adelicia insists on finding her niece a husband, but a simple act of kindness leads Eleanor down a far different path--building a home for destitute widows and fatherless children from the Civil War. While Eleanor knows her own heart, she also knows her aunt will never approve of this endeavor. 

Archduke Marcus Gottfried has come to Nashville from Austria in search of a life he determines, instead of one determined for him. Hiding his royal heritage, Marcus longs to combine his passion for nature with his expertise in architecture, but his plans to incorporate natural beauty into the design of the widows' and children's home run contrary to Eleanor's wishes. As work on the home draws them closer together, Marcus and Eleanor find common ground--and a love neither of them expects. But Marcus is not the man Adelicia has chosen for Eleanor, and even if he were, someone who knows his secrets is about to reveal them all.

Why I Want It
I have enjoyed all of the Tamera Alexander books I've read especially the first Belmont Mansion novel so I'm really looking forward to reading this one!

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday #92: A Beauty So Rare

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander
Bethany House-April 1, 2014

About the Book
Pink was not what Eleanor Braddock ordered, but maybe it would soften the tempered steel of a woman who came through a war--and still had one to fight. 
Eleanor Braddock--plain, practical, no stunning Southern beauty--knows she will never marry. But with a dying soldier's last whisper, she believes her life can still have meaning and determines to find his widow. Impoverished and struggling to care for her ailing father, Eleanor arrives at Belmont Mansion, home of her aunt, Adelicia Acklen, the richest woman in America--and possibly the most demanding, as well. Adelicia insists on finding her niece a husband, but a simple act of kindness leads Eleanor down a far different path--building a home for destitute widows and fatherless children from the Civil War. While Eleanor knows her own heart, she also knows her aunt will never approve of this endeavor.

Archduke Marcus Gottfried has come to Nashville from Austria in search of a life he determines, instead of one determined for him. Hiding his royal heritage, Marcus longs to combine his passion for nature with his expertise in architecture, but his plans to incorporate natural beauty into the design of the widows' and children's home run contrary to Eleanor's wishes. As work on the home draws them closer together, Marcus and Eleanor find common ground--and a love neither of them expects. But Marcus is not the man Adelicia has chosen for Eleanor, and even if he were, someone who knows his secrets is about to reveal them all.

Why I Want It
I have enjoyed some of this author's previous books including the first in this series and this one sounds really good!

Tuesday, November 05, 2013

Top Ten Sequels I Can't Wait to Read

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg

It Had to Be You by Susan May Warren

Luminary by Krista McGee

Fatal Exchange by Lisa Harris

Love's Awakening by Laura Frantz

The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson

Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck

Fair Play by Deeanne Gist

The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah Ladd

A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander