AMONG THE FAIR MAGNOLIAS: BOOK TOUR + GIVEAWAY! 28.7.15

Welcome to Today's Book Tour {with Giveaway!}
featuring the New Release AMONG THE FAIR MAGNOLIAS Four Southern Love Stories by four accomplished authors ~ Tamera Alexander
Shelley Gray
Dorothy Love
Elizabeth Musser

Published July 14.15 by Thomas Nelson Four Southern women stand at a turning point in history and in their own hearts. . .
* Don't miss this unique story collection ~ Highly anticipated,
I loved each author's story telling creativity!

To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander

Savannah Darby would do almost anything to revisit her family home.

When the new owner, Aidan Bedford, seeks to redecorate the house for his fiancée, an unexpected twist offers Savannah her opportunity. But can she find the treasure her father described hiding there during the war?  Before her assignment runs out?  Before she sees yet another battle lost on the home front---this time, a battle of the heart...
After loving Tamera's, TO WIN HER FAVOR, I appreciated being party to Savannah's own story, her siblings care, and the opportunity for both a life and a love of her own.  Definitely a wee bit of love for her worthy hero!  Delightful conclusion to the mystery search as well.

An Outlaw's Heart by Shelley Gray

Seven years ago, a young Russell Champion was betrayed by the two most important women in his life. Russell returns home a changed man, but can he prove it to those he loves most?  With time running out, Russell must come to terms with both his future and his past. 

Is it too late to make amends with his mother and find closure with his true love?  Wonderful story from a male point of view told with spare masculine dialogue I found authentic and refreshing.  The twists were reading pleasure!  And his willingness to act made me a cheerleader.

A Heart So True by Dorothy Love

Abigail Clayton hopes to reconcile with Dr. Wade Bennett and become his wife. But her father insists she marry her distant cousin Charles Kittridge so the plantations of the two families will be joined. With her wedding looming, Abby must choose between duty to her family and the yearnings of her own heart.  Such emotional responses to this story I was shocked at her father's actions and more than relieved with the final satisfying reveal... 

Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser

Emily Derracott values her childhood friend Thomas McGinnis, but she cannot marry a man who doesn't share her strong convictions about the freedmen. Besides, she harbours a secret love for another. But the prospect of becoming his wife is not only improbable---it is completely impossible.  The war may be over, but Emily faces her own battle in following her heart.  Definitely a satisfying conclusion to this insightful story.  And a delight to read a story by an expat living in Lyon France for our #ParisinJuly theme for this month!  Elizabeth's Lemon Filled Coconut Cake is a sure winner for any patisserie lover [recipe included] Merci Elizabeth!

~*~ I'm drooling over the fabulous Southern recipes from each of the stories. How about a luscious Lemon Filled Coconut Cake ? Southern Peach Cobbler? No, I didn't think it was just me ! Here are the lovely authors offering these temptations... * Left: Tamera Alexander- best-selling author of A Lasting Impression and The Inheritance including many others. Two-time Christy Award winner, two-time RITA winner, and a recipient of the prestigious Library Journal Award. A native of west Tennessee, Tamera is found at her website, Twitter, Facebook  Right: Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero and Chicago World's Fair mystery series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), The Protector, recently made the New York Times best seller list. Connect with Shelley at her website, Twitter, Facebook ~

~ Left: 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. Find more at Dorothy's website, Twitter, Facebook  

Right: Elizabeth Musser, So pleased to find this Georgia expat now living in Lyon France, during our #ParisinJuly theme. Elizabeth 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.  Join more of Elizabeth's adventures at her website, Twitter, Facebook

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Free Delivery when you Order your paperback copy via
  Book Depository  or cd audio via Book Depository 
~*~

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.
Hoping to see you on the 13th!

~ Thank you to Thomas Nelson  and Litfuse for providing a copy for reading and review without cost or obligation.

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* 200th Thursday Favorite Things *

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TO WIN HER FAVOR by Tamera Alexander 12.5.15

TO WIN HER FAVOR  by Tamera Alexander  Release Day Congratulations Tamera! ~ Excited to introduce this amazing story for all historical fiction fans + GIVEAWAY! * Today's feature for 1st Chapter 1st Paragraph Tuesday Intros at Bibliophile by the Sea and  Tuesday Teasers.at A Daily Rhythm Here's the opening of
TO WIN HER FAVOR ~*~ Chapter One Nashville, Tennessee May 4. 1869 " Steady girl," Maggie whispered, peering down from the bluff, leather reins held taut.  The thrum of spectators on the field below rose on the cool morning breeze, and she leaned forward to stroke the thoroughbred's neck.  "Wait," she gently coaxed, anticipation sparking the air.  "It's coming..."
But even as she said it, her own pulse edged up a notch. Bourbon Belle pawed the dirt, and Maggie sensed the mare's restraint growing thinner by the ___ The gunshot sounded.  The horses on the racetrack below bolted from their marks, as did Bourbon Belle, and exhilaration fired through Maggie's veins.  Belle surged to life and Maggie gave the horse her head, allowing the mare to surrender to every instinct the animal's sleek-muscled body commanded.  To run..." ~*~ and a Teaser ? "The breeze on the back of his neck felt like a whisper from eternity, and it slwly fingered its way down his spine.  Hoping he was doing the right thing, Cullen swiftly dismounted, took the porch steps in twos, and offered his hand again.  "My answer is aye, Mr. Linden.  I'll marry your daughter.  If she's willin'." ~*~ Synopsis

"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."

Read an excerpt HERE ~

source ~*~ My thoughts?
I put this story down for a very late bedtime then continued straight through the next morning. Such a good read! Tamera's research is thorough, offering unique insights into the world of thoroughbred racing during the nineteenth century. An era not particularly comfortable to today's sensibilities, racial prejudices exacerbated by abuse and violence are not overlooked neither played down.
Nashville founding gentry disdain northern carpetbaggers, Irish foreigners along with
coloured freedmen alike.   Ms Alexander paints the background clearly. Sons and fathers lost to war and the ensuing dire situations of landowners losing longheld farmland drive decisions previously unconsidered. Personable characters become real in the reading as do villains - all too clear.  Lifelong relationships of friendship and love bear weight to the breaking point.  Pacing is steady.  Tension well played. * I have nothing but praise for this exceptional story and masterful storyteller. The romance is developed so beautifully, I missed spending time with Cullen and Maggie once I'd closed the cover on the final pages. Also reviewed on goodreads HERE * As I tweeted earlier - " Exceptional reading. Talented author. Characters who cont'd to capture long after story ends.." ~*~ Highly recommended, I encourage you to pick up your own copy of this 2nd Belle Meade Plantation novel. ~*~ Books available:
* Book Depository  and audio on Brilliance *
* Barnes Noble * Christian Book Distributors * Books-a-Million *
* LifeWay * Amazon * Indiebound * ~

and be watching for Tamera's shortstory release this July

~*~ You're Invited

 Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Book Signing at Belle Meade Plantation
in the Gift Shop
Nashville, TN
3:00PM - 5:00PM 

~*~ About the author

Tamera Alexander is the USA Today bestselling author of numerous books, including A Lasting Impression, A Beauty So Rare, To Whisper Her Name, and From a Distance. Her richly drawn characters and thought-provoking plots have earned her devoted readers worldwide, as well as multiple industry awards.

These awards include two Christy Awards for Excellence in Christian fiction, two RITA awards for Best Inspirational Romance, three Gayle Wilson Awards of Excellence, two Bookseller’s Best Awards, and being listed among Library Journal’s Top Christian Fiction, among others.  Includes a lovely feature on Tamera in Southern Lady September issue.

After living in Colorado for seventeen years, Tamera has returned to her Southern roots. She and her husband now make their home in Nashville where they enjoy life with their two adult children who live nearby.

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TO WIN HER FAVOR  is the second standalone novel in the Belle Meade Plantation series published by Zondervan/Harper Collins, set in Nashville, TN, and based on the real history of the famous Belle Meade Plantation founded in 1807.  At the heart of each of my books is a female and male protagonist at crucial turning points in their lives. As each story has unfolded in my writing, I've taken the couple's journey with them and hope you'll enjoy taking each of these journeys too. 

[My earlier review of A Beauty So Rare HERE]

~*~ Find Tamera online:   follow @tameraalexander  on twitter ~ like Tamera on facebook   website TameraAlexander ~ follow Tamera's creative pinterest boards ~*~

Entry details HERE With the final race in this year’s Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, taking place on June 6, we’re in a horse-racing mindset. Lucky for us, Tamera Alexander’s To Win Her Favor is available now, and she’s celebrating with a giveaway!  open Canada / US


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*With appreciation to Zondervan/HarperCollins for providing an ecopy for reading and review without cost or obligation.


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BOOK REVIEW: A BEAUTY SO RARE by Tamera Alexander

Sweeping Southern Romance from Tamera Alexander

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.
Pages: 471 pages
Series: Belmont Mansion #2 Setting: 1868 Nashville Tennessee Published: April 24th 2014 Publisher: Bethany House

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My thoughts?                                                                                        "She turned then and headed straight for him. He summoned an air of practiced nonchalance... The woman didn't so much as blink in his direction as she passed. Feeling aptly put in his place - and not overly fond of the feeling, Marcus watched her exit the post office.  He wasn't accustomed to being ignored."
* Reminiscent of Jane Austen's beloved Elizabeth and Darcy, the stage is set for the iron sharpening iron between Eleanor and Marcus. The more I read, the deeper my love grew for these two,  and for their possibilities of a relational future.
Intelligent, witty, compassionate ~ Eleanor has me cheering for her from page one.  At the bedside of a dying soldier, I see her caring heart, the rule of life that motivates her, that compels my  desire to see, to know more.   471 pages later I'm still desiring more.
{tweetable} * Accomplished author, Tamera Alexander, introduces us to such a grounded and solid young woman it is a pleasure to meet and follow her journey.  Financial downturns as her father's dementia prevents the provision to which they're accustomed are capably handled by Eleanor and a new life direction embraced.  Not content to burden another, albeit a relative, she arrives on her wealthy aunt Adelicia's doorstep with plans for provision in hand.  Will her aunt support her in her dreams?  She hopes... * The turns in situations, relational influences, dependencies and independencies, as Eleanor makes her way to freedom through each new circumstance, is reading that inspired me.  No hysterics or drama. She knows what she's about.  A pleasure to follow her on her journey. When the gorgeous Marcus makes his debut in her life, the sparring has just begun! * He's determined to establish his own name despite the life he's born and entitled to.  Again, a character of strength and determination.  They are a match whether or not they can see it or desire it. And the reader has the joy of the ride through their discoveries. * Well drawn scenarios of the era, destitute single moms and children flooding the city after the war losses, extreme wealth versus poverty without a directed social network, marriages arranged for financial gain, political shenanigans, and the perseverance of our main characters  in the face of resistance at each level, provides a novel of depth. * Highly recommended for reading enjoyment that lasts. 5*s from me.  A Beauty so Rare ~ indeed! *

Author Bio: USA Today bestselling author Tamera Alexander is a novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose have earned her devoted readers worldwide as well as multiple industry awards. Tamera enjoys a devoted international following with her books being translated into German, Dutch, and Polish. She recently returned from a book tour in The Netherlands for the release of A Lasting Impression,the first of three Belmont Mansion novels, showcasing the larger-than-life history of Adelicia Acklen, the richest woman in America at the time, and the Belmont Mansion in the years following the Civil War.  A Beauty So Rare is book 2 of this series.
Tamera is the recipient of two RITA awards for
Best Inspirational Romance.
Tamera and her husband have returned to their native South and reside in Nashville, Tennessee, where they enjoy spending time with their two grown children who live nearby, as well as a ten-pound silky terrier named Jack. 


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Watch the trailer!

Join the Pinterest Scavenger Hunt! 

Learn more about Tamera and her books at TameraAlexander.com. 

Friend Tamera on Goodreads

 Connect with Tamera on Facebook 

 tweet and greet @TameraAlexander on twitter

Tamera on Pinterest

Tamera's Historical Group Blog

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* *My appreciation to the publisher for a copy to read and review without compensation or obligation.

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WEDNESDAY: BOOK READING WWWs 23.4.14

Playing along for Wednesdays' W...W...W... with MizB at shouldbereading blog

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

For Me ? Currently reading:  Has just been moved to recently finished ! Recently finished:

Another Historical Suspense from Laurie Alice Eakes JUST Released Tuesday April 22.14
 Couldn't put it down !
Laurie is a master storyteller
with plot surprises that catch me every time - {tweetable}
Love the intrigue and creativity!

Debut fiction from Canadian author
Emily T Wierenga. #17 of the Quilts of Love series A moving memoir of a woman's life from coming of age through to her current autumn years.
A journey to France for service in WWII, her return and the special quilt that impacts the lives of  so many in the world she inhabits.

My introduction to an accomplished historical author, Tamera Alexander.
An April NEW RELEASE ~
Book 2 of Belmont Mansion series, I connected so deeply with the main characters I was at a loss for them when the novel ended!  {tweetable}
Beautiful writing, humour that consistently increased my attachment to MCs and plot worthy of my investment of time spent in their company. A new fav author! * What will I get to next ?  

A couple samples - Definitely Not short on selections!  

Will have to do a 'Mailbox' post soon =)

Thanks for stopping and sharing your WWWs !

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TEASER TUESDAYS: A BEAUTY SO RARE 22.4.14

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
Anyone can play along!  Just do the following:• Grab your current read• Open to a random page• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away -
You don’t want to ruin the book for others!• Share title & author so that others can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser ?

"She turned then and headed straight for him. He summoned an air of practiced nonchalance... The woman didn't so much as blink in his direction as she passed. Feeling aptly put in his place - and not overly fond of the feeling, Marcus watched her exit the post office.  He wasn't accustomed to being ignored."
From A BEAUTY SO RARE by Tamera Alexander

 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... * I have grown attached to these two characters in the reading of this excellent novel.
Every reading opportunity reveals further brilliant plot and relationship developments. Tamera has a wonderful way of creating deep
reader-character connections
along with humourous situations that keep me pursuing more. 5*s and highly recommended !
*
Here's a three chapter excerpt to whet your appetite !

CLICK HERE to Read



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