To Wager Her Heart by Tamera Alexander

First a window, then a door. . .

Another in the series based on the real Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville and real-world events after the Civil War. As the story unfolds it is obvious that the two main characters, Alexandra and Sy are of separate worlds on separate paths. But Tamera gently weaves the story and we see an illustration of how God takes us through our lives – first opening a window, then a door, until time goes by and we can see the path clearly. It has character styles that I am drawn to – a strong, independent, intelligent woman and a rugged, compassionate, intelligent man.

Alexandra was on the train that crashed and her fiance was killed. Sylas' father was the engineer who was driving the train. Sy now owns the railroad and is trying to find out what happened and clear his name. His business depends on influencing General Harding of Belle Meade, but he is not accustomed to prosperity or the Southern way of doing things. Alexandra is accustomed to both and in a position to help Sy, but she is about to lose her connection with her family.

This is one of the best truly Christian stories where Jesus is mentioned often. Beautifully written full dimensional characters you are glad to get to know.

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”.

From the Publisher:
Can a railroad man and a Southern Belle turned teacher find a way to work together to achieve their dreams in the new reality of the post-Civil War South?
Sylas Rutledge, former gambler and new owner of the East Line Railway, invests everything he has into this venture, partly to see if he can do it—but mostly to avenge his father. One man holds the key to the railway’s success—General William Giles Harding of Nashville’s Belle Meade Plantation. But Harding is champagne and thoroughbreds, and Sylas Rutledge is beer and bullocks. Sy needs someone to help him maneuver in high society, and when he meets Alexandra Donelson, he quickly decides he’s found his tutor.
Spurning her family’s wishes that she marry, Alexandra Donelson is pursuing her passion for teaching at Fisk University, the first freedmen’s university in the United States. But her family does not approve, and ultimately, her father expels her from the family home and cuts her off completely.
Through her friendship with Mary Harding, Alexandra is thrown together with both General Harding and Sylas Rutledge. And she soon finds herself falling in love with a man whose roguish qualities and adventuresome spirit smack more of recklessness than responsibility.
Sylas Rutledge will risk everything to win the hand of the woman he loves. What he doesn’t count on is having to wager her heart to do it.
Set at Nashville’s historic Belle Meade Plantation, To Wager Her Heart is a sweeping Southern love story about a nation mending after war, the struggle to move a country forward, and the courage of a man and woman to see themselves for who they truly are—and can be—with each other.


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Book Fun

The Creole Princess by Beth White

Fast paced Christian Historical Romance starting in 1776 on the Gulf Coast, with the American Revolution and the struggle between the British, Spanish and Americans for the area. From the book's review: '...along the eastern seaboard the American struggle for independence rages. But in the British-held southern port of Mobile, Alabama, the conflict brewing is much quieter--though no less deadly.'

This book had me in the opening chapter, with 16 year old Lyse dancing on bare feet along the wharf with a crab bucket, face lifted, imagining herself in a ball gown and walking into a castle in high heeled slippers, orchestra playing, dancing with a duke. When a real-time creep breaks the dream, she pulls her knife from her bodice, drops the bucket and goes after him. And then proceeds to remove all the silver buttons from Rafa's waistcoat when he tries to assist. Their interaction throughout the book is such a pleasure to read, and you have to love them both.

There are secrets to Lyse's heritage which are revealed, and reactions to it from people in the society which she had been brought into. And Rafa is not who he seems. Also revealed is the personal struggle each character has with their family, friends, community and  upbringing, and the new thought of the Revolution, that all men are created equal under God.

This is very well written and is sure to become a favorite. I know that I hated to see the book end, and would like to see what becomes of everyone as time goes on! I really didn't want to let go. And I didn't realize that it was book two in the series until after I'd read it - so it's not necessary to read book one in order to get this one. Great cover, beautifully done. Quotes from book: : "...brave and persistent and very clever. Those things she was determined to be, God willing." "She'd always prayed in time of crisis. And her life had been one crisis after the another.Surely there were calluses on her knees."

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Baker Publishing Group, Revell 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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