To Win Her Favor

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 could help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing forever.

An Irishman 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 begin farming, 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 inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever 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.

My thoughts: Whether you read the first Belle Meade Plantation novel or not, you will enjoy this book! There are just a few references to the previous story, To Whisper Her Name, but they don't really give away a lot of the details of the first story unless you know what they are talking about by having read the first book. So, if you enjoy this story, go back and read the first book.;)
Anyway, I thought this was a fascinating story about the neighbors of Belle Meade, who have found themselves fallen on hard times after the War between the States. When an Irishman comes to ask about buying the property, Mr. Linden finds a way to keep the property in the family and see his daughter settled.
I thought that it is interesting that this series has explored so many different sides of the Civil war and the 5 years after the last battle. I think that the author does a fine job of portraying the history, giving it new life with her wonderful characters. Two thumbs up!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.