Christian historical romance set in 1869 Nashville, Tennessee. An excellent read! Great for a summer read or any time you want to soak into a good book. There are so many good points to mention about this book!
Taking place after the Civil War is over, Maggie and her father have been trying to hang onto their farm. Little by little as their wealth decreases so does their social standing. They're right at the point of having the farm and everything on it put up for auction, when Irishman Cullen comes to town looking to purchase some land.
I knew that the Irish were not exactly popular when they came to America, and often competed with African Americans for jobs, but I didn't realize that Southerners persecuted the Irish and they were run out of town just as African Americans were.
This is also based on the real Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville and the thoroughbred horses that came from there and the neighboring Plantation. Maggie has raised Bourbon Belle and hopes to race her, win the purse and save their farm. But they're about to lose the farm before the race takes place. Maggie's father meets Cullen who is riding on the grounds and gets to know him. He sells the farm to Cullen with the agreement that he will also marry and take care of Maggie.
This story is made of endearing strong characters and biblical wisdom, life after the Civil War and struggle of social and racial class. Nothing comes easy to any of these characters, and you find yourself wanting to fight their battles right along with them. This is one of those books that you don't want to put down, and you don't want to end! It's the second book in the series, but works as a stand alone.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan Fiction and the Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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”.
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