Tamera Alexander is an icon of uplifting, emotional historical fiction, and To Wager Her Heart was no exception. I love her unique combination of keen attention to historical detail and complex, empathetic characters.

A superbly weaved tale full of history. This story seemed so real, I felt I was a side character that was able to be apart of every scene. Fantastic story telling. I didn’t want it to end, and when it did I just sat back and let it all sink in. It was a truly fascinating story!

Tamera Alexander has a beautiful way of carrying a reader through a story that seems so real. Her characters and storylines, themes and messages stay in the reader's heart and mind for years to come. Not many authors have this anointing and hone that talent so finely.

This book has amazing characters. The author uses such strong personification that it feels as if the characters are real and you are living in this novel with them. As I read the story line, I felt like Alexandra Jamison could have been a personal friend corresponding with me and telling me her story. The characters and the scenery are so real that you become enmeshed within the story. You find yourself laughing at the good times and crying at the bad times. This is definitely a novel that you must read!

Civil War history, Romance, and a wonderful author, Tamera Alexander wins my heart with To Wager Her Heart. Her stories of the Civil War and events that truly occurred capture my heart. I am sure the characters are real when I read her work. She mesmerizes me with her talent to weave a story with fact and fiction and make it all real. This is by far one of favorite books I have read by Tamera to date and I know I will be enjoying more in the future.

A charming, touching tale set in post Civil War Tennessee. I loved Sylas' character. Alexandra was fine but I didn't love her to pieces. The plot was a tad on the slow side, a bit too slow for me, but it was well written, plotted out and beautiful. It wasn't my style of book so much, but well written and would totally be someone else's!

Alexandra Donelson was a woman who had lost the love of her life and her fiance' a year earlier. Her father now insisted that she marry one of his colleagues who was much older than Alexandra and whom she did not love, or even like. In order to follow her heart, she was disowned by her father and had to leave his home with nothing but what she was wearing. She wanted to be a teacher at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, which was a school to allowed newly freedmen to gain an education to better themselves. This was a time in history where this was not widely accepted and she was ostracized, not only by her family but by most of the community.

Sylas Rutledge was a man who had made his fortune in mining in Denver and then built a railroad. He was in Nashville to bid on a new railroad project; one that would connect Nashville to Belle Meade plantation. He was an outsider, but when he met Alexandra, he was convinced that she would make a wonderful tutor to teach him the ways of a southern gentleman or to be accepted by those who would be considering his bid.

The more time they spent with one another, the more they discovered about themselves and what they were capable of and willing to give up in striving to do what was right, rather than what was easy.

I absolutely love this author and have read other books of hers that were equally as good as this one. This was a story that tugged at the heartstrings and emotions and kept me reading late into the night and early morning in order to finish the book. There were Christian values that were discussed but I didn't feel the book was preachy.

I was given an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is the second book I’ve read by Tamera Alexander and she’s quickly becoming one of my favorite historical romance authors. I had enjoyed Christmas at Carnton previously (yes, I’m reading the books a little out of order here) and knew I would enjoy the author’s writing style and research, but I didn’t expect to be swept away so completely by the story and the characters.

I’m always amazed when real-life events are so seamlessly integrated into fiction that is moving and thought-provoking. I’ve learned a bit about railroad safety history as well as the struggles of the freedmen everywhere even years after the end of the war. The story is well-written with a well-paced plot. Sometimes there are lags in the plot line in historical fiction, but there were none in this book. There are solid themes of forgiveness, dependence only on Jesus, and maturity in faith. It was refreshing to see both of the main characters start out with faith, however small, and grow during the book.

Sylas is a swoon-worthy hero. He’s a self-made railroad owner, loyal, compassionate, resourceful, kind, thoughtful, and unswerving in his beliefs though they may cost him. He falls in love with Alexandra first and does everything possible to woo her, slowly and gently. Alexandra is the daughter of a prominent Nashville family still suffering from a broken heart after her fiancé is tragically killed in a train accident. She is genteel, lovely, intelligent, hard-working, compassionate, and faithful to what she believes is right and true. Even though teaching at a freedmen’s university means being shunned by her family and almost all whom she holds dear, she still forges ahead, knowing that this is her calling. The terrible state of most people’s hearts toward the freedmen was absolutely heart-breaking, yet I realize this kind of awful darkness resides even now. In the midst of a tender and delightful romance, the author addressed the heavier aspects of racism and discrimination in 1870s thoughtfully.

I received a copy of the book from Zondervan via NetGalley. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

"When one door closes, another opens..." (Alexander Graham Bell) That is the phrase that stuck with me while reading this book. Alexandra is living in the past and not moving forward. She lost her fiancee in a terrible train accident, and hasn't been living life to it's potential.

I loved the messages in this book. One is that life goes on and that there is love and joy around the corner. It comes when you least expect it. I also loved reading about the plight of the freed slaves in Nashville. Tamera Alexander does an amazing job at describing the political and social climate after the slaves were freed. I felt empathy for them and was astonished at their treatment. I knew it happened, and still does today, but to read about it and feel the emotion behind the words is a blessing for me.

If you love historical Christian fiction, you should put this book on your list. It is well worth the time and effort to read.

Source: I requested a review copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Alexandra was brave and resilient and a pleasure to read. I loved learning about Fisk University. The romance was sweet and the plot was intriguing, although a little bit slow-paced.

Love the book! I love how the author writes historical novels to include such interesting facts. The Jubilee Singers and Fisk University is an important part of our history and I look forward to learning more. Highly recommended!

To Wager Her Heart is the perfect combination of history and romance. It is a fascinating story depicting the struggles of newly freed slaves and post-Civil war America. `In this newest installment, the characters are unforgettable and truly captured my attention. I am a big fan of historical fiction. And I always enjoy Tamera Alexander’s books because of her attention to detail and significant research. To Wager Her Heart is filled with historical facts about the first freedmen’s University and Belle Meade Plantation.
In To Wager Her Heart, one of the main characters is faced with the decision of following a dream even when it disagrees with popular opinion or beliefs of both family and friends. Alex has to adapt to a much different social status . She also had to come face to face with her own preconceived notions and prejudices. It is fascinating to watch her journey which started with losing everything that was dear to her. She was sent from her home with nothing except the clothes on her back.
To Wager Her Heart is the third of the Belle Meade Plantation series. While each can be read as standalone, so much can be gained by reading all three in the series. Many of the characters are in all three books. I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

As I read the description above, (since I didn’t write it), I found myself wondering at how much it leaves out. This has to be one of my favorite books by this author. I have not been so deeply moved by a novel in quite some time. While this description makes it sound romance centric, it really is not.

Instead, you will find yourself experiencing more of what the Fisk University students experienced, I was riding the train when there was an accident, or so I felt when I finished this novel. I experienced the historical events as they happened, and found myself close to tears several times.

I had heard of Fisk University and the Jubilee Singers on Adventures in Odyssey, but otherwise, have not read much about them. Phillip Bliss is a well known name to me and others that come up in this novel.

This story is not just about two broken people that found healing, it is a story that can help you understand what many faced in that time period, but also find healing yourself through their story.

I obtained this book from BookLookBloggers. The opinions contained herein are my own.

This book is available for purchase through Amazon and other book retailers. I highly recommend you set money aside to purchase it straight away!

“To Wager Her Heart”

You will not be sorry you did, even if you have not read the previous books in the series.

Tamera has done it again with an historical novel that takes readers back in time and witnesses what it may have been like during that time period. I love how she incorporated historical facts into the story that gave it a more realistic feel. Some of the scenes in the story may be a bit graphic for some and some words that were used may be offensive to some. I will say in these scenes it was as close to reality as you can get. Unfortunately the word “negro”was used during that time period and I appreciate how the author depicted the word in a tasteful manner.

Alexandra is a very prim and proper young lady. Her family is known for money and her father is very strict with her. The story takes place during the 1870s were people were trying to survive anyway they could. I loved Alexandra right away when she became a voice for those who deserved an education but were tossed aside . It must have been hard during that time to treat everyone with respect when prejudice was prevelant. Alexandra goes against her father’s wishes and takes a teaching job at Fisk University. Throughout the story the author describes how difficult it was to run the University and how the people come together to try to save it.

Sy was my favorite character. He was kind, honest and willing to help others. I loved learning about the railroad and how it was hard to keep the trains going. It amazes me that even on a train there was prejudice amongst people. What makes this book so emotional is how the author continues to reinforce how God see us. He doesn’t look at the color of our skin, but at the purity of our heart. It was nice to see people helping each other and looking past what others couldn’t.

The story is rich in history and follows not only the people of Fisk University but the railroad . Sy is looking for the truth in a train accident to clear his father’s name. Will he get the answers he wants? Can Alexandra find happiness teaching knowing her father disapproves? Don’t miss this wonderful story that captures a time period that truly emphasizes how important it is to follow God .

I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.

Alexandra Jamison lives in Nashville Tennessee with her parents. An independent woman, her parents try to force her to marry an unappealing older man. One year earlier, her fiancé, David, was killed in a horrific train crash. David had inspired her in the love of education and education for all people. Alexandra makes a decision to teach at Fisk University, which is a school started to teach newly freed African American students. Her parents are not amused and she is kicked out of the house. Alexandra faces a brave new world on her own merits.

Sylas Rutledge is a self-made man who has come to Nashville from Colorado to not only try to make a business deal to build a new railroad to Belle Meade Plantation for General William Harding, but to also solve the mystery of the train crash one year previous. His stepfather was the engineer on the line. Along the way he meets Alexandra and is smitten. She agrees to teach him etiquette that is needed to do business in the South. Will romance bloom between these two? Will Alexandra be able to make a living as a teacher at Fisk? What really caused the train accident?

To Wager her Heart was a wonderful Christian romance. There is great chemistry between Alexandra and Sylas. I really loved the unique setting. I don’t believe I’ve ever read a historical fiction novel set during Reconstruction in Tennessee. I also have not read too many historical fiction or Christian novels that really delve into diversity and what it means like in To Wager Her Heart. It was a very intriguing story on many levels.
I also greatly enjoyed the mystery of the train accident. This novel is the third volume in a series, but I read it as a standalone novel and greatly enjoyed it.

I also really enjoyed learning about the Jubilee singers as Alexandra travels around with them on tour. They were a group of amazing African American singers that toured America to raise funds for Fisk University. The most heart rending for me was one young man who kept searching for his mother that he had separated from when he was a boy and still a slave.

I also love that Tamera Alexander has a lot of background information on her website - http://tameraalexander.com. She also has great book club bonus features including that she will skype with your book club - which would be very fun!

Favorite quotes:

“Every choice comes at a cost, and yours is no exception.”

“How different a man he was from what she’d first imagined at her first impression.”

“Life wasn’t all neat and tidy. Along with joy and happiness, there were bitter disappointments and heart-rending loose ends.”

Overall, To Wager Her Heart was a beautiful novel. I loved the setting, the characters, the unique story, and the romance. I loved how author Tamera Alexander brought Christianity into the story and also how she talked about diversity. I will definitely be checking out more of her books – I see she has a new Christmas book – A Carnton Christmas. I also really wanted to visit the Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville now. I think I have a new favorite author to add to my list!

Book Source: I received a copy of this book to review as a part of the TLC Book Tour.

Tamera Alexander has been one of my go-to authors since I rediscovered my first love of reading. Everything she writes is beautiful, heartfelt, and sincere. Her books are the kind you must keep reading until you’ve savored every last word. To Wager Her Heart is no exception. (While this is the 3rd book in the Belle Meade series, each book can be read as a standalone.)

Alexandra is my kind of heroine – stronger & smarter & braver than she realizes, yet still decidedly feminine. And Sy is book boyfriend material for sure with his black duster, the gun at his hip, the dog by his side, and the tender smile on his face. Not to mention those kisses. Whew! I love the nod back to Alexander’s Colorado Territory books, too, in Sy’s own roots.

But even more than the romance, I love Sy’s spiritual and emotional journey over the course of the novel, as well as the rich history that the author weaves seamlessly into the fabric of the story. The Fisk University students and specifically the singers are inspiring and humbling – their courageous spirit challenging me in my own journey. The scene with the chains… y’all. I was undone. The persecution they endured on a regular basis, not to mention as they set out to gain support for their school, and their drive to learn what had previously been forbidden to them (like how to read) is something I will carry with me for a long time. Additionally, the reminder that life isn’t always tied up with a neat bow gives this novel greater dimension and grounds it even further in reality.

Bottom Line: To Wager Her Heart reminds me yet again why I love Tamera Alexander’s novels. She gets to the heart of the history while maintaining the heart of the gospel. Her characters are vivid, sincere, and diverse without straying into stereotypes or losing dimension. The historical themes are compellingly timely for our current world, and the emphasis on doing the right thing no matter the cost is timeless. Go ahead and plan not to get anything else done while you’re reading To Wager Her Heart, because you won’t be able to tear yourself away once you’ve begun.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

I so enjoy Tamara Alexander’s stories because she really does her research. To Wager Her Heart was a great conclusion to the Belle Meade Plantation series. Post Civil War times were difficult in a nation needing much healing. Fisk University and the Jubilee Singers became very real to me as I was drawn into the struggles of freedmen. I enjoyed watching Sy’s and Alexandra’s relationship grow as their faith deepened and we all sang, “Give me Jesus” for indeed, I sang along. This was a well written, encouraging story.

Alexander has become a favorite author of mine. This book was amazing! I was sad it was the last in the series, but it doesn't disappoint in any area. This book transports you back in time. I think it might be Alexander's best book yet. That's hard to say, because I have enjoyed sever. This one ties in characters from the last two books, while following the story specific to this book. The main themes are from the song "Give Me Jesus". It's a wow, and I just can't do this book review enough justice. It's amazing on every level.

My copy came from Net Galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition. I have also purchased my own copy since reading this one.

A brilliant work of historical fiction coupled with a meant to be romance sure to consume many readers.

In 1871 Nashville, Alexandra Jamison comes from a high society family that requires her to put her family’s best interest above her own. Two of her older brothers left the state and married to get away from their father, while her third brother perished in the war. In an effort to make her own life, she fell in love with a scholar that believed in racial equality only to lose him to a train accident at Dutchmen’s Curve just outside of Nashville. Now with her father intent on marrying her to a wealthy older gentleman, Alexandra makes the decision to leave her family to teach at the freedman’s college Fisk University, but the cost is far greater than she anticipated.

Sylas Rutledge is a young railroad owner from Colorado intent on expanding his rail system by bringing the railroad to General William Harding’s Belle Meade Plantation. But he is going to have to bid against several other railroaders to win. Being in Nashville brings an emotional torment to Sylas as his father was on his final run as an engineer when he perished in the train wreck of Dutchmen’s Curve and was blamed for the incident. Intent on clearing his father’s name, Sylas attempts to track down the truth while trying to win the railroad bid. But Nashville wealth has still not fully accepted racial equality and at what cost will Sylas be willing to make to ensure he wins the railroad bid?

I’m always a little weary when I start third book in a series; however, this is a perfect example of a standalone novel that has no need of a series. I felt immediately drawn into the story and the characters. The conflict that was introduced almost immediately between Alexandra and Sylas keep the story propelling forward quickly making me want to see what the outcome would be. Alexandra has her share of hardships and I can’t begin to imagine what she (and all those who actually encountered) the Dutchmen Curve wreck. And then to have her father turn his back on her for her beliefs, which I know was not uncommon of that time period.

I immensely enjoyed the setting of Belle Meade Plantation and getting to know some of history’s supporting characters such as Uncle Bob. I also enjoyed that the author referenced other major historical events as well. I enjoy getting to research what I read as I read it. My only complaint was that the actual Dutchmen Curve wreck occurred in a different time period, which was acknowledged by the author. However, I understand that the conflict created between the characters of this even made for a terrific plot.

Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

I have so many thoughts regarding this book. I almost cried a time or two, and it definitely left me with many things to ponder. It’s one of those stories that has stuck with me, and weeks later, I’m still noticing the impact on my thoughts and reactions. I love that! I so enjoy reading books that challenge my preconceived notions and cause me to stop and think and this one does exactly that.
I always enjoy and appreciate the depth of historical detail in Ms. Alexander’s books. Her writing pulls me in until it seems I’m right there with them, on the road to Belle Meade Plantation, or in the classroom with Alexandra, or riding the train. The story in set in the years following the Civil War and much of it focuses on the discord in the South regarding the teaching of Freedmen and overcoming biases. It’s a very controversial topic, but I thought the author handled it with grace. I may have picked this book up expecting an entertaining story, but I found so much more than that and turned the last page with a challenge set before me. I also appreciated how the story ended. I don’t want to spoil anything, but it is so realistic and I liked that it wasn’t an unrealistic “everything works out perfectly” ending. It was real, but also hope-filled.
I so enjoyed getting to know Alexandra and Sylas! Alexandra is kind and caring, determined and brave. Desiring to follow her dreams, she stepped into the unknown and maybe stumbled a few times, but got back up and kept fighting for what she believed in. I loved seeing her character grow and change throughout the story as she learned to look past the color of a person’s skin and see them for who they are. Sylas is also a great character and one that suited Alexandra perfectly. He’s a bit rougher around the edges, but with an integrity that runs deep. I appreciated how he stood for what he valued and didn’t back down, regardless of the cost. He also loves to ruffles Alexandra’s oh, so proper feathers and defy society’s expectations. Both of these people became dear friends over the course of their journey and I was cheering for them as I turned the last page.
The only person I truly disliked was actually George White. I’m not sure whether he’s one of the historical figures found in this story or not, but I found myself frustrated with him often. I realize he’s described as abrupt and determined and he truly wanted what was best for the students, but I personally found him to be overbearing and rather rude. His appearances I could’ve done without, though he definitely didn’t ruin the story.

Overall, I very much enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and stories that leave you with a “hangover” for a few days.