To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander

Title: To Win Her Favor (Belle Meade Plantation Novel, book#2)
Author: Tamera Alexander
Publisher: Bethany House
Publishing Date: May 12, 2015

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through www.Netgalley.com

Type of Book: Inspirational Historical Fiction, U.S. South post-Civil War (1869)

Message / idea: We see the main character, Maggie, break through the "I'm not good enough" lie through a wonderful, beautiful journey.

Favorite Characters, quotes / lines: It seems most of my favorite lines involve Kizzy:

"The child was a newborn kitten grasping the reins of a locomotive."

"seeing Kizzy stretch her arms out wide" (I know it's not a "sales" line, you'd have to read it to understand the moment, but this scene brought tears to my eyes.)

When I finished this book I felt: *sigh* Tamera has such a way of making you feel the story. Lines like: "The dagger in his conscience twisted a half turn even as self-preservation swiftly clotted the wound." And, "His body exhausted, his mind raced. He turned onto his side away from her to face the wall, and at least an hour passed before sleep finally claimed him. But sometime later, when darkness had robbed even the faintest light from the room, he awakened to feel a gentle shudder beside him. Her silent sobs. He lay awake for the rest of the night." What a way to not only tell the story but to make you feel for, and with, the characters. Lines like this make me love the characters even more.

Overall: 5 solid stars. I loved the first impressions juxtapose each other; one of my favorite parts! I adore Tamera's storytelling ability. She draws you in to a historical culture not your own and allows you a breath of a moment to live in their shoes. Magnificent. I also can't wait for the story to continue for Belle Meade. (note, this is an adult-historical read since the content involves a loving married couple you are exposed to the romance of a marriage. Which I appreciate!) ;-)

Other books to read by this author: I suggest Ms. Alexander's Belle Meade series and her Belmont Mansion series. To Whisper Her Name (Belle Meade Plantation book 1), is one of my all time favorite historical fiction reads.