FAMILY CHRISTIAN PROVIDED ME WITH A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST AND FIAR REVIEW. ALL OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE MY OWN.
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Maggie Linden loves her home, her father, and her horse but is about to lose them all. With her father’s failing health and the threat of losing their beloved home looming close on the horizon, Maggie’s only hope is for her thoroughbred, Bourbon Bell, to win some races. But when the horrors of the world strike, and her jockey and his family leave, Maggie has little hope.
When Cullen McGrath, an Irishman recently arrived from England, arrives in Nashville, he finds he’s as unwelcome as the recently freed slaves. No one will do business with him, give him a loan, or sell him their property. He visits Linden Downs and Maggie’s father makes him a generous offer—one he is hard pressed to refuse. Pay the back taxes on the property and marry his daughter and the land and everything on it is his.
This is my favorite book by Tamera Alexander yet. There are so many themes running throughout this book—a father’s love for his daughter, prejudice against people who are different, trusting a virtual stranger with your future and your dreams—and each and every one of them is handled well. Both Cullen and Maggie are likable characters despite their flaws (Maggie has been sheltered in her world and blind to the plight of others around, even to the point of prejudice only because of what she’s read and heard from other people. Cullen is bound and determined to leave his past behind, even if it means crushing his new wife’s talent and dreams). The supporting characters are given as much attention to character development as Cullen and Maggie which gives more depth to the story. And, as always, characters from Alexander’s other books make cameos—which I always enjoy.
I’ve been to Belle Meade once, when I first moved to Nashville. After reading To Win Her Favor, which brought the people and land to life, I’m ready for another visit.
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I have a huge stack of books I am looking forward to reading this summer. I think, though, that I am looking forward to reading the Legacy book by Dave Ramsey.
Oh, haven’t heard of that one. I’ll have to look into it. Like you, I have a huge stack to get through :).
It’s hard to choose just one, The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson, Taken by Dee Henderson
Taken was excellent. I felt like she went back to her O’Malley days with her writing style. And I LOVE Melanie Dickerson. I introduced my niece to them last year 🙂
Set Apart Woman by Leslie Ludy
Oh, haven’t heard of that one. I’ll have to look into it 🙂
I want to read The Hardest Peace by Kara Tippetts.
Wow, I had to look it up. Looks great! 🙂
I’m looking forward to reading Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life by Ruth Soukup.
I’m more of a fiction reader but this one sounds helpful 🙂
I don’t have an anticipated summer reading just yet. I’m looking forward to book shopping soon though!
Book shopping is my vice 🙂