Review of "To Win Her Favor"

Rating: 5 Stars

Review: I love Tamera Alexander's novels for their historical detail and depth.  Her Belle Meade Plantation and Belmont Mansion series have both captured my interest because they are set in one of my favorite places, Nashville, Tennessee.  "To Win Her Favor" is Alexander's latest release in the Belle Meade Plantation series, and one of my favorite recent reads with its expertly layered plot.  For romance fans, there is a heartwarming and sometimes sizzling love story between the two main characters, Maggie and Cullen.  Below the surface of their attraction, is a powerful message of overcoming prejudice.   Love, courage, and forgiveness are common themes which make this novel undeniably meaningful. 

Alexander focuses on the less-than-idyllic side of the South's history, when prejudice ran rampant against not only African-Americans, but also those of different nationalities.  I didn't realize the discrimination faced by the Irish until reading "To Win Her Favor." From more passive actions, like social snubs, to physical violence, like lynchings, Alexander captures the harsh social climate of the post-Civil War south.  Her descriptions of physical violence are not graphic, but convey the cruelty and pain that hatred breeds.  Maggie and Cullen's perspectives provide two social views. Maggie is a native Tennessean, from a once prominent Nashville family, and Cullen is an Irishman with a painful past. Maggie really grows from a sheltered young woman into a compassionate and courageous woman as the story progresses and Cullen opens her eyes to society's injustices.

The supporting characters play integral roles in completing the plot. Among the most memorable are the former slaves and their families who work at Linden Downs. The injustices and cruelties that they suffer represent only a minuscule fraction of what was experienced in real life, but are thought-provoking nonetheless.  Alexander does a excellent job of portraying Maggie's growing love and respect for the Linden Down employees. Cullen helps her to grow into a stronger and more compassionate woman, while Cullen learns to find peace with his past through Maggie.  Their business-relationship marriage shows the blossoming of true love and an ideal partnership when two truly are better than one. 

Prejudice is a dark nemesis throughout the book, and the concluding chapters will leave readers tense, awaiting its defeat. There are moments that will break hearts and moments that will warm hearts. "To Win Her Favor" is the perfect combination of love, pain, and triumph to engage readers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. 

Summary from Zondervan: 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 can help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing for good.

An 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. 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 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 annual Drayton Stakes at Nashville’s racetrack––the richest race 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.  Cullen and Maggie need each other in order to achieve their dreams. 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.

Review of "A Beauty So Rare"

Rating: 4 Stars

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Review:  Since her first novel "Rekindled" was published in 2006, Tamera Alexander has established herself as a talented author who consistently writes novels with engaging plots that are seamlessly woven with historical details and compelling characters.   From the opening pages of her latest novel, "A Beauty So Rare" readers step into the hospital tent of a Civil War battlefield as Eleanor Braddock, a volunteer, attempts to offer a measure of comfort and peace to a dying soldier.   Though brief, their interactions are moving and bittersweet.  Eleanor's promise to the dying soldier is one that lingers in her mind, as well as the minds of the readers, as a few years pass, and she tries to reestablish her life after much loss in post-Civil War Nashville.  

Eleanor's interactions with her ailing father and tender concern for his well-being demonstrate an inner beauty that surpasses her physical appearance, which most of society views as plain and ordinary.  As the niece of Adelicia Acklen, she is invited to stay at Belmont Mansion and is surrounded by opulence and outward beauty.   The details of the home, grounds, and greenhouse are vivid,  and  Eleanor's first encounter with Marcus Gottfried leads to a mistaken identity and a relationship highlighted with teasing banter.  Although Marcus is hiding his royal heritage, he cannot easily conceal the confidence that remains a part of him, even as he faces adversity when trying to pursue his own dreams in architecture and botany.   

While Marcus is outwardly handsome and has been admired based on his looks and social standing, he longs to be valued as an ordinary man.   Eleanor's inner beauty of selflessness and concern for others is valued, but often overlooked by some individuals.   The friendship that develops between Marcus and Eleanor evolves in a natural way and is built on trust and mutual respect, but the secret that they both carry threatens to tear it apart.   Together, they can discover "a beauty so rare," but outside influences and their own choices must be reconciled.  

From the opulent Belmont Estate to an asylum and the poor city streets of Nashville,  "A Beauty So Rare"  introduces readers to many aspects of life after the Civil War.  The supporting characters, which include children, widows, small business owners, add moving sub-plots and allow readers to step into a post-Civil War city.  Like the blooms in the greenhouse,  "A Beauty So Rare" is a finely-cultivated story that blossoms with each turn of the page.    

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Bethany House through Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Summary from Bethany House: Pink is 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.

Plain, practical Eleanor Braddock 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.

Review of "To Whisper Her Name" by Tamera Alexander

Rating: 4.5 Stars

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Summary from Zondervan: Olivia Aberdeen, destitute widow of a murdered carpetbagger, gratefully accepts an invitation from "Aunt" Elizabeth Harding, mistress of Belle Meade Plantation and the dearest friend of Olivia's late mother. Expecting to be the Harding's housekeeper, Olivia is disillusioned once again when she learns the real reason why Elizabeth's husband, Confederate General William Giles Harding, agreed to her coming. Caring for an ill Aunt Elizabeth, Olivia is caught off guard by her feelings for Ridley Adam Cooper, a southern-born son who-unbeknownst to her and everyone else-fought for the Union.

Determined to learn "the gift" that Belle Meade's head horse trainer, Bob Green, possesses, Ridley is a man desperate to end the war still raging inside him while harboring secrets that threaten his life. As Ridley seeks to make peace within himself for "betraying" the South he loved, Olivia is determined to never be betrayed again...

Set within the remarkable history of Nashville's historic Belle Meade Plantation, comes a story about enslavement and freedom, arrogance and humility, and the power of love to heal even the deepest of wounds.

Review: Tamera Alexander takes the reader to postbellum Tennessee in her new release To Whisper Her Name.  Alexander never fails to create well-developed settings and interesting characters. I particularly loved the setting of this novel, Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville. It shines through the pages like a Southern Belle at her debut ball.  I visited Belle Meade several years ago, which gave me a personal connection with the novel.  Alexander's descriptions brought back the beauty of the area and the grandness of the estate, which had faded in my mind.  Her details paint the perfect scene for an equally interesting plot.  

To Whisper Her Name takes place just after the end of the Civil War when physical and emotional wounds are still fresh and former slaves are fighting for fair treatment. The tumultuous time gives the plot depth and excitement.  By introducing characters from all sides of the war, Alexander illustrates the aftermath of the war from various perspectives.  In their fight for their respective causes, both the North and the South had its share of failures and left the people in its path scarred. 

Ridley Cooper has his share of war scars.  As a Southern man dedicated to the Northern cause, he was considered a traitor by his family and spent time in the South's most notorious prison.  Ridley is an admirable hero, and the perfect match for Olivia, a stubborn woman devoted to the South and healing from a difficult marriage.  Their relationship lends some humorous moments to the plot as Ridley attempts to break though Olivia's walls, but it also adds depth.  Ridley and Olivia challenge each other to overcome their fears and grow emotionally and spiritually. Alexander finds the ideal balance between light-hearted romance and serious issues like justice, equality, grief, and betrayal. 

The plight of ex-slaves to gain equal treatment is especially poignant. I admire both Ridley and Olivia for risking their safety to treat former slaves as equals.  Alexander alludes to the violence and hatred that members of a race deemed "inferior" by some faced to find better lives for their families.  When undercurrents of violence flow into Belle Meade, the plot takes on a new level of tension.

Tamera Alexander has crafted another intriguing novel to keep her current readers captivated and draw in new readers. To Whisper Her Name is definitely a worthwhile read.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from NetGalley, courtesy of Zondervan.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Our Top 11 of 2011: Part 2

Our top 5 books of 2011 are novels that we savor and will read multiple times to rediscover their treasures.

Forsaking All Others

Allison Pittman

Lilies in the Moonlight

Allison Pittman

Wonderland Creek

Lynn Austin

The Colonel's Lady

Laura Frantz

A Lasting Impression

Tamera Alexander

Review of A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander

Rating: 5 Stars

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Synopsis from Bethany House: Claire Laurent's greatest aspiration is to paint something that will bring her acclaim. Yet her father insists she work as a copyist. A forger. When she's forced to flee from New Orleans to Nashville only a year after the War Between the States has ended, her path collides with attorney Sutton Monroe. She considers him a godsend for not turning her in to the authorities. But after he later refuses to come to her aid, Claire fears she's sorely misjudged the man. Finding herself among the elite of Nashville's society, Claire believes her dream to create a lasting impression in the world of art is within reach--but only if her fraudulent past remains hidden.

The Federal Army has destroyed Sutton's home and confiscated his land, and threatens to destroy his family's honor. His determination to reclaim what belongs to him and to right a grievous wrong reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined--as well as the woman he loves.

Set at Nashville's historic Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, A Lasting Impression is a sweeping love story about a nation mending after war, the redemption of those wounded, and the courage of a man and woman to see themselves--and each other--for who they really are.

Review: A Lasting Impression is a stunning novel both inside and out.  I was first captured by the rich details on the cover design and Tamera Alexander's writing conveys similar beauty and grace.  The novel's setting from New Orleans to Nashville is captured in fine detail.  Alexander paints an exquisite portrait of the Belmont Mansion and its residents.  I visited the Belmont Mansion several years ago, and truly feel as though I have visited again.  It is beautiful and opulent now as a house museum, but Alexander takes us back to its prime in the pages of her novel.  The result is breathtaking.
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Equally well-crafted is the cast of characters.  Alexander's depiction of Adelicia Acklen is most memorable as the strong, influential, and determined matriarch of Belmont.  I empathized with Claire during her first meetings with Mrs. Acklen, but her loyalty and kindness were revealed as the novel progressed.  Mrs. Acklen is truly an inspiring woman, especially considering the numerous losses that she suffered throughout her life.  Combining the real-life Mrs. Acklen with fictional characters adds another layer of realism to the plot.  
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Claire's struggle to overcome her past as a forger and Sutton's fight to defend his family's land and honor add depth to the plot. Claire's past lingers throughout the novel with a sense of foreboding, leaving me wondering when her secrets will be revealed and what impact they will have on her new life.  Her resulting growth in faith and self-confidence is satisfying as is her growing love for Sutton. Their love story is developed and not rushed, a spot of beauty even amid the uncertainties that they face.  
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As Tamera Alexander states in her Author's Note, we all leave impressions on those around us, each in our own way. She demonstrates that concept in A Lasting Impression; and as with her other novels, Tamera Alexander leaves an impression on the hearts and in the minds of her readers. 
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Read an Excerpt: 

A Lasting Impression

Our Next Great Read...A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander

We just received our review copy of Tamera Alexander's newest novel, A Lasting Impression.  Our first impression is that the cover design is stunning.  The title is written across the front in a metallic blue color that shimmers in the light.  We are also excited that the novel is set in the historic Belmont Mansion in Nashville, Tennessee, which we visited a few years ago.  It is always fun to read a novel set in a home that you have visited.

Here are a few photos from our trip to the antebellum Belmont mansion:

Here are some photos of another mansion in Nashville, Belle Meade Plantation.  Yet another example of antebellum beauty.