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.

*

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


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


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* Literacy Musing Mondays *  Book Nook * Teaser Tuesdays *

WRAPUP: CLEAN SWEEP ARC CHALLENGE: MAY 2015 1.5.15

Time for ... ~

*
Wrap Up:  My second year participating, I anticipated 6 ARC reads.
The month ended with  8  9 ARC completions
[along with a Lot of other reading, being Short Story Month, as well].
Very pleased with that - and surprised.  It proves to me, once again, the motivational impact of
taking up challenges that make my choices intentional.  With some pretty great outcomes!
~ Thanks for hosting, Kimberly ~

~*~

Anticipating a clean sweep of my ARC copies since I discovered Kimberly's signup in March. It's about to begin and I intend to be ready. My goal is at least {least!} 6 ARCs. Some reads waiting to be enjoyed and introduced ? ~

I've been following a radio broadcast discussion  of Sonja Corbitt's meditational read, UNLEASHED, increasing interest as I've been anticipating my arc copy. Review will follow and Ave Maria Press will be happy for that [or at least satisfied] :)  June 2nd I had the opp to participate in a live webinar with author, Sonja Corbitt, hosted by Ave Maria Press.
* *My Thoughts? Excellent first hand insights gained by live discussion of book content with author and educator, Sonja Corbitt, describing her own journey in the understanding of living 'Unleashed' by and with Holy Spirit.  Understandable concepts and language enable incorporation into readers/listeners lives.  Living abiding in the Vine allowing the 'sap' of Holy Spirit to energize faith life.  To expose root issues that produce habits that need to be dealt with for  healthy living and ministering.  Rich resource.

~*~

Two audiobook arcs by the amazing Susan Meissner for review,
I 've decided to hold off til June for Audiobook month..

~

I did love the print library copy of

SECRETS OF A CHARMED LIFE.  WWII story, London setting, tells the story of two sisters during the evacuation just prior to the blitz.  Now to review the audiobook arc as to narrator and recording quality...  as well as for A FALL OF MARIGOLDS, a dual storyline of past and present losses.  Cover love for both these beauties!
~

*

 THE SECOND SISTER  [see below for review link]
has been biding its time for this ARC Challenge despite being paraded out in anticipation.  It's kept my interest piqued in the interim!
~




LIKE THE FIRST MORNING is one I anticipate incorporating into my daily rhythm.  Definitely looking forward to hearing what author, Michael Ortiz offers readers... May 12-15 * My Thoughts? Found this one to be directed to those of RC tradition.  Theology was specific and pointed in comparing and denouncing other faith perspectives. Not the welcoming daily rhythm inspiration I'd hoped for. 


~*~ Just a few top of the stack ARCs for me and my goal of 6... Here are the Rules for the Challenge:

• ARC’s must be read between May 1st and May 31st, 2014
• Challenge starts and ends at midnight in your local time zone
• All ARCS/finished copies that were provided by publisher/author are eligible.
  They can be in any format (eBook, physical, audio)
• Post start-up post with goals (can be posted during event)
• Tweet using hashtag #CleanSweepARC
• You do not have to post review on blog during the month of May. Just provide a link to Goodreads showing read May 1 to 31st with a two sentence review.
• Twitter Party Wednesday May 13th 7pm (EST) #CleanSweepARC
• Participate in at least one challenge.
• The Participant Giveaway will include entries for books read (1 book entry a day allowed on giveaway), posting about challenge, start up/results post (can be combined), having button on your sidebar, participation in Twitter party, entering challenges and for following hosts.
• Grand Prize- One winner will receive a new release of their choice (can be audible credit, novel or gift card) valued at up to 20.00 US dollars. Open internationally.
• Challenge Schedule and entry form will post on May 1st and
  participant giveaway will close on June 3 at 11:59 (CST)

* Are you participating?  or are your ARCs under control? I'll look forward to hearing more from my reading friends following this ARC clean sweep! ~*~ ~ Clean Sweep ARC Updates ~ ~

May 3rd - *ESCAPE TO MULBERRY COTTAGE   by Victoria Connelly [audiobook 1 hr 43 min] ~~~ Delighted to listen to Victoria's eventful journey from urban London to rural Suffolk with many twists along the route. Concise chapters, short stories in themselves, kept me intrigued. Emotive insights into British life in both settings had me laughing along with her at the misadventures. Victoria's acquisition of a growing menagerie, dealings with real estate agents, new country neighbours and side trips with her artist hubby, Ron, all provide charming anecdotes. 

Jan Cramer's expressive narration follows the story with excellent voice inflection, providing characterization and colour. The authentic British accent is tops - one I'd highly recommend for audio listening. The quality of recording is clear and free of distraction, adding to listening enjoyment. Sharing these tales is like accepting Victoria's personal invitation to further the acquaintance begun by reading her novels. A definite pleasure. 

Put the kettle on for a cuppa while you listen to this highly recommended memoir. ~*~

May 4-5th Completed ARC of  TO WIN HER FAVOR by Tamera Alexander #2 Belle Meade Plantation series  

352 pages

Expected publication: May 19th 2015 by Zondervan

I'd happily give this historical novel
5+ many more *s It is that good.  

Full ARC Review HERE at FHC blog
and
*goodreads 

~*~

May 7-8th  THE SECOND SISTER
by Marie Bostwick

352 pages 

Published March 31st 2015 by Kensington

~

Emotionally rich, inspiring new novel about family, second chances--and the connections that bring women together in hope and healing. . .

Years of long workdays and little sleep as a political campaigner are about to pay off now that Lucy Toomey's boss is entering the White House. But when her estranged older sister, Alice, unexpectedly dies, Lucy is drawn back to Nilson's Bay, her small, close-knit, Wisconsin hometown she'd left as a teen. - publisher

~
*My Thoughts of ARC?

New to me author, Marie Bostwick, offers a homecoming journey to roots, discovery of healing, and a new beginning for several characters plus our protagonist. 
Well drawn contrast between politically driven environment and characters surrounding Lucy vies with the multi-layered stories of hometown neighbours growing in friendship and support as women who begin quilting together. Fulfillment of the deceased sister's hopes for her pragmatic, politically involved and ever absent younger sister.  As does reconnection with a former school crush.
A  surprise twist in the history of these two sisters leads to a welcome though unexpected 
and very satisfying conclusion.

~*~

~ May 17 THE HATMAKER'S HEART by Carla Stewart 300 pages - Published June 2014 by Hachette ~ Couture fashion in the Jazz Age 1922 New York and London England...
*My thoughts? Reading and luving this enchanting story of British born Nell and her creative millinery designing for NY and London's elite in the 1920's...

A favourite of the customers,
her nasty boss, Oscar, is another story. Ms Stewart describes a vibrant jazz era and draws well defined characters, easily denoting my likes from dislikes! Though Nell is surrounded by supportive friends, 
Oscar is a nasty piece of work. I kept watching for strength in Nell to stand up against his bullying and cheered inwardly at every step she took in that direction. Yet it appeared there was no denigration of her to which he would not go. Oh, and those promised work recognition perks? right!
Only when it served to ingratiate him in the eyes of the public...
Romance seems at once closing in on Nell, then with the turn of the tide she's facing life standing on her own.
Excellent writing kept me guessing.
Plot twists shocked then provided for a satisfying yet surprise ending.  
Another novel endearing Carla Stewart's writing to this reader -
~*~

May 28.15 Hope in My Heart  by Alexis A. Goring 148 pgs by CrossBooks Publishing Sept 2013
Hope in My Heart is a collection of short, heartwarming stories  with characters in need of hope.
*Ecopy received for reading and review without obligation or compensation. *Review posted HERE




~*~ May 30 - 31st Squeezing another ARC in before #CleanSweep ends- IRISH MEADOWS Ready to begin this next ARC with anticipation for both #CleanSweepARC and my  last month of the annual #CanBookChallenge -
Canadian Book Challenge #8 - ending July 1st each year when the next, #9, also begins.
You're invited to participate in reading Canadian authors, settings, publishers, characters
- all broaden our reading and experience of our wonderful Canadian writing heritage. So my newest ARC addition to read by end of June 3rd for #CleanSweepARC is by Canadian author Susan Anne Mason, a new to me author. Baker Books Publishing to release early July 2015 ~ *My Thoughts?  A well researched historical novel set in 1911 NY, descriptive of the struggles of Irish immigrants of the era. Struggles that inform the attitudes and expectations of patriarch James O'Leary toward his daughters and family.  Not an easy home relationally, a lifetime of experiences lie ahead for this family's maturing and the saving of their thoroughbred farm, Irish Meadows.

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