Another winner from Tamera Alexander!
I do like strong female characters who are prepared to think for themselves, even when it means
their having to earn a living & forgo the wealth they have been brought up with.
What happened to the Freedmen is an important area of history which we need to be learning
about - & from.
To Wager Her Heart is one of those books which one doesn't want to come to the end of ;
indeed the only disappointment was that the ending was a bit rushed, with several chapters-worth
being condensed into the final one.
I am certainly looking forward to catching up with the rest of the series!

It has actually been a very long time since I've read a Christian historical with the railroad as a backdrop. Remember the Ribbons of Steel series by Judith Pella and Tracie Peterson from literally 20 years ago? I'd forgotten about those stories until I read To Wager Her Heart and was reminded how much I like the stories of the iron horses of yesteryear.

To Wager Her Heart has an authentic feel to it. Even though it is set years after the end of the Civil War, its affects were still felt and are tangible in the story. From stifling humidity to a run-down army barracks turned college, to the town mercantile, Tamera Alexander presents a raw setting in old Nashville. Alexander also creates believable and characters who are easy to relate to. A great setting and well-rounded characters can be difficult to find in one book, but thankfully this author's experience with the pen allows her to gift we readers with both!

To Wager Her Heart is part of a series, one of the previous books I've read and one I have not. Even if you haven't read the other books, following along with this historical romance shouldn't be a problem. The ending leaves a little bit to be desired in that it seemed very rushed and forced, especially as to the dilemma that Sy faced with his railroad and his investor. Even with that, the resolution to Alexandra's story is sweet and hints at a HEA or at least a HFN.

Note: Some of the language used in the book is offensive, but unfortunately authentic to the time.

Alexandra Jamison belongs to the upper echelon of society in Nashville, Tennessee after the American Civil War. She has recently lost her fiance to a horrific train crash, and her father, a prominent attorney, wants her to marry a repulsive older man. She refuses, and decides to teach at Fisk University, a school for freed slaves. Enter Sylas Rutledge, a wealthy railway owner, who is captured by Alexandra's beauty and intelligence. Can Alexandra open her heart to love again, or will her fears keep her from moving forward?
Tamera Alexander is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I love how she weaves music into her writing and how she portrays historical events. She brings characters and their circumstances to life so well that I found myself becoming emotional and getting involuntary chills at certain points throughout the story. The characters learn to overcome their fears, trust in God, change their thinking regarding racial matters, and stick to their convictions. These are all great lessons that we still need to learn today. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves clean, God-honoring historical fiction.
I received a review copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

There are a few authors whose books I will read without reading the blurbs because I know that the writing will be excellent and the plot will be intriguing. Tamera Alexander is one such author, and her newest novel is no exception. To Wager Her Heart follows Belle Meade Mansion and the history of the railroad through Tennessee. Tamera has woven historical fact in with the elements of her novel.

Alexandra Jamison wants nothing more than to teach, especially the freed slaves in the post war South. She applies to teach at the Fisk University and even without a teaching credential, she is hired to teach the beginning classes.

Sylas Rutledge is trying to clear his father's name in the train crash on Dutchman's Curve a year earlier. It wasn't enough that his father died, but he had to be charged with causing the crash.

These two have to fight prejudices of friends and family to accomplish what they set out to do. I must say that I did not anticipate the ending of this book (and no, I didn't cheat and read the ending first), but it was thoroughly satisfying.

I give this Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and some stock in a railroad.

My thanks to Zondervan for allowing me to read and review this book.

The thing that keeps drawing me back to Tamera Alexander’s novels is the way they effortlessly transport me to a different time and place. With some books, you’re on the edge of your seat or somehow compelled to read faster than you really want to (because you’re just enjoying it so much, but if you don’t slow down it’s going to be over too soon), but when I pick up one of Tamera Alexander’s novels, I feel like I have the luxury of settling in and enjoying a leisurely journey. Does that make sense to anyone else, or have I just made a complete and utter fool of myself by babbling a load of nonsense?!

Anyway, this final book in the Belle Meade Plantation series was no different, although in this case, the story centred much more around the railroad and Fisk University than it did horses and Belle Meade Plantation. There is quite a gradual development in the friendship between Alexandra and Sy—partly because Alexandra learns of Sy’s connection to the Dutchman’s Curve accident early on, and this sets her against him, and partly because Alexandra’s job at Fisk University plays a very prominent role in the story, and there is groundwork to be laid in the early stages of the story. I didn’t feel as though the story dragged, but I was conscious that Sy and Alexandra weren’t interacting a great deal in the earlier stages of the story. Although there are some great scenes when they do! And it is still a very satisfying romance. :-)

One of my favourite aspects of the story was the part played by the Jubilee Singers—the choir at Fisk University. As a music lover myself, I shared Alexandra’s appreciation of their music, even though it was only experienced through the medium of words. The choir plays a prominent role in the latter half of the novel, and I marvelled again—and not in a good way—at the incomprehensibility of treating someone differently simply because of the colour of their skin.

Sy and Alexandra each have their own personal struggles to work through, as well. For Sy, it’s the determination to prove his father wasn’t responsible for the Dutchman’s Curve accident, and for Alexandra it’s following her dream to teach in spite of her parents’ extreme opposition. I loved the way Sy and Alexandra both grew through this struggle, and appreciated that the resolution they received wasn’t the proverbial neat little box tied with a bow.

Lovers of historical romance will enjoy the blend of history and fiction (and romance!) as they’re swept away to 1870s Nashville.

What a splendid read this novel was! Ms Alexander certainly knows how to weave historical events and romance together. The leading characters along with the secondary characters were great. The leads were both were kind, brave and tender-hearted. The romance was very sweet although I wish we got more of a love declaration from this. I did love how Sylas was super supportive of Alex and wanted to make her happy & comfortable. I loved how Alex lessened her nerves around him the more they spent time together. They were a great couple.

Upon first reading this book, this is the very first time I ever heard of Fisk University and the Jubilee Singers.The prejudice they went through was heartbreaking but I loved how their faith never wavered. I'm glad Ms. Alexander incorporated them into the story. Another part of black history that is mostly unknown. I'm also glad she didn't undermine the importance of why slavery was evil and how it affected the freedmen.

Anyway I recommend this book to all fans of historical fiction!

Ms. Alexander is definitely a gifted author.

I have read many exciting Tamera Alexander books and this one is also very well done. She weaves so much history into the story and I learned a lot. This is the third book in the Belle Meade Plantation series, but it reads just fine as a stand alone novel.

The story centers around Alexandra, a young woman turned out by her parents for teaching freedmen and women. She discovers new ideas about herself, new possibilities for the future, and new friends. She falls for a young railroad owner, Sylas Rutledge. Their story is sweet and kind, not sappy or unbelievable.

If you are a fan of Historical Fiction, then you will enjoy reading, To Wager Her Heart.

I love a book that is well written and descriptive in details of the time period it is set in. Tamera Alexander's third book in the Belle Meade Plantation series can be read as a stand alone novel, but I recommend reading the rest of the books in the series. The story is rich in detail and made me feel like I was right there, when the story was taking place. The emotions in this book were incredible! What a great book!I love a book that is well written and descriptive in details of the time period it is set in. Tamera Alexander's third book in the Belle Meade Plantation series can be read as a stand alone novel, but I recommend reading the rest of the books in the series. The story is rich in detail and made me feel like I was right there, when the story was taking place. The emotions in this book were incredible! What a great book!

This is a wonderful historical novel, very educational, with enough romance to satisfy your heart. Many of us have no idea of what the freed slaves suffered. Contrary to history, many were no more welcome in the north than in the south. Pulling themselves up from the boots of slavery to a better life through education was, for some, just a dream.


I really enjoyed the descriptions of the struggles of those at Fisk University. I know from growing up in the south that there are those of us who believe in treating a person as Jesus would have no matter the color of their skin and I know those who do mistreat others for the color of their skin.


As for the romance, the story of Alexandra Jamison and her sacrifices to become a better person and of Sy Rutledge, a man of integrity, striving to clear his father's name and treat his memory with honor--tugs at the heart strings and is very believable as the relationship takes time to build. It is a page turner with an ending worth waiting for.


I received this novel from netgalley for an honest review. Like most of Ms. Alexander's novels I highly recommend this for your keeper shelf.

I enjoyed this latest installment of the Belle Meade Plantation series and it was fun to catch up with reoccurring characters. This story was beautifully written and a must read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

I’ve been a faithful fan of Tamera Alexander’s Belle Meade Plantation series since I read the first installment in early 2013. The first two novels, To Whisper Her Name and To Win Her Favor, were very enjoyable and captivating reads for me. I remember loving the romances in both of them, and the storylines were suspenseful and conjured up empathy in me for the prejudices and racial tensions of post-Civil War America.

To Wager Her Heart, the third and, I’m assuming, final novel in the Belle Meade Plantation series was a disappointing read for me. My expectations were high after thoroughly enjoying and appreciating the first two novels. In To Wager Her Heart, I felt that the emotion Tamera Alexander’s writing normally invokes was watered down and not as intense as I remember it being in To Whisper Her Name and To Win Her Favor.

The beginning of this novel pulled me in right away. There is a fair amount of tension and uncertainty with regards to our two main characters’ journeys, but by the middle of the novel the story starts to lag. One thing in particular that threw me off about the middle act of the novel is that the conflict our hero, Sy Rutledge, faces is glossed over and practically wrapped up entirely too quickly.

The novel’s ending was somewhat satisfying, with a realistic amount of loose ends remaining, but overall the book lacks a crucial amount of suspense. I didn’t feel particularly connected to Sy or our heroine, Alexandra, and I even felt that their romance, which began as a promising conflict in the story, blossomed unrealistically too quick and therefore didn’t feel as deep or anchored as the romances in the earlier novels.

I must say that a major reason why I admire Tamera Alexander as an author is because of the amount of research she does. Apart from this series, I haven’t read any of her other books, but Belle Meade and many of characters we meet in these books are real. At the end of each book she gives a brief history of the plantation, the family and workers who lived on it, and the surrounding town. As an aspiring historical fiction writer myself, I appreciate how she crafts her own story around real people and real events.

Read This Book If…

…you’ve read and enjoyed To Whisper Her Name of To Win Her Favor (although these books can be read as standalones, some minor characters are present throughout the entire series).
…you are a fan of historical fiction.
…you love Christian fiction novels.
…you are looking for an inspirational romance.

Story Line: 3.5 Stars
Depth: 4 Stars
Faith: 3 Stars
Love Story: 3 Stars

These two chicks have been eagerly anticipating this third installment of the Belle Meade Plantation Series! However, although the first two books were worthy of a place on our Golden List, this final read didn't shine nearly as bright. Although the first 75% of the book was written incredibly well - great character development, interesting plots and deep themes of racism in the post Civil War era in the South - the last part of the book fell flat for us.

Alexandra is a gentle, kind soul and learns to lean on the Lord for courage as she steps out of society's expectations for her and decides to teach at the first freedmen's University in the United States. We admired her love for all people, no matter the color of their skin, and her willingness to give up comfort to do this! Sylas is determined to clear his father's name from a tarnished reputation, and we loved the lengths he went to in his quest.

Like the first two books in this series, Tamera expertly weaves historical details and settings into this fictional story, and it reads along at an even pace. But unfortunately, the end of the book took a bad turn for us. The story became choppy and rushed, and some of the plot lines left us unsatisfied and unresolved. Although we loved the settings and the characters, and even most of the story itself, we kept waiting for a climax but never felt like we got one.

Having to give this book (and one of our favorite authors!) only 3 stars is a disappointment, but we look forward to her future books.

Note: We were given this book in exchange for our honest review.

I struggled in the beginning to get into this book. It was very slow reading. In fact, I was not sure if I could last until the end or even a third of the way into the story. Actually, I did jump ahead some into the story. However, I did not feel like I missed anything by doing this and by doing this for me, I got to the part of the story where it seemed to pick up.

From the beginning, I did like Alexandra. She did not want to just settle for being a housewife. She wanted to go out into the world and make something of herself. She showed this by standing up for herself and showing independence; even if it was a struggle at times.

Than there is Sy. He had a kind heart. Just like Alexandra, he was just trying to find his way in the world as well and separate himself from his father and the terrible accident that took Alexandra's fiancé. I like that Sy did not push too fast with Alexandra. The romance was a slow build but it felt real this way. I did enjoy this book and the location that the author built for this story.

Great book! Loved the characters. They were unique and well developed.
I also loved the historical part of the book--how real events were featured and explored.
Fantastic book!
I recommend it to any fans of historical fiction with a little romance.

Alexandra Jamison wants to do something meaningful with her life to honor her late fiance who was killed in a tragic train wreck on Dutchman's Curve, David was a teacher, so Alexandra has decided to pursue teaching. But her father has other plans and wants to arrange for her to marry to off of his influential friends. When she comes across the choir from Fisk University, it inspires her to get a job there, when her father finds out he kicks her out of the house.

Sylas Rutledge comes upon Alexandra walking by the road and gives her ride despite her insistence that she can make it on her own. Sylas is the owner of a railroad line, he will be bidding on the chance to building the railroad to Belle Meade. He asks Alexandra to coach him in the Southern social graces, to which she is reluctant, especially after learning the identity of his step-father. As Sylas get's to know Alexandra he finds himself willing to do anything to win her love even if it means wagering her heart.

This is a well researched book full of lush and gritty history, it is based on some true events and follows the struggles of the Jubilee Singers and the barriers they face, especially to find the funds. I really liked Ella, who is a teacher at the university, Alexandra's roommate, and one the singers in the choir, and she proves to be a good friend.

I like the way the relationship between Sylas and Alexandra develops as he comes to Fisk for his lessons, he often comes bearing small tokens of affection. Sylas has always admired his step-father as a man of deep faith and integrity, and he is proud to be called his son despite the terrible accident at Dutchman's Curve. Hearing the Jubilee Choir Sylas feels a longing in his heart and realizes how far he's gone from his faith.

Alexandra is courageous and doesn't feel bad for herself, but focuses on her future and teaching her students. She comes to appreciate Sylas' friendship, and comes to admire the man that he is.

A great story with many characters and many intersecting stories, I loved returning to Belle Meade and was glad to see Uncle Bob still there training the horses. Definitely a must read for fans of Tamera Alexander!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."

"At twenty-Five, she'd expected to be beyond all this. But life hadn't turned out at all as she'd expected." (2)

As I dive into Tamera Alexander's latest release, To Wager Her Heart, I am once again reminded by the beauty of Tamera's writing, the visualization of her words of the setting, and a story with a message that leaves a mark.

"None of us knows what we're fully capable of doing until God leads us to a place where we realize our strength is nothing compared to His.." (293)
It is a story of dreams, of our plans versus God's plans for us, the timing of it all and just giving it to our Lord Jesus. How perfect and how it applies a century ago as it does today, To Wager Her Heart is historical in genre, but the message of love and God's plans are timeless.

". . . that dream of yours will end up contributing to other people's dreams . . . which, frankly is the only kind worth pursuing." (99)

"Is the Lord leading me to do this? Because if the answer to that question is yes, then you and I have no choice but to do His will. We are the clay, after all. And he is the potter." (252)

Yes, the message is worth remembering, but I also enjoyed learning something new. I was quite enamored with the historical background of Fisk University and the Jubilee Singers and how the author tied it into the story of Alexandra's dreams. Diversity is still a topic that creates tension at times, and one can imagine what it was like in the 1800s. Then we have the backdrop of the railroad set in the beautiful town of Nashville, and fans of historical fiction are in for a treat. Not only, wonderful characters line To Wager Her Heart from page to page, adding in humor as well as a good dose of wisdom and reality.

"I'm married . . . but I've still got the eyes the good Lord gave me." (165)
"Dogs love you even more than they love themselves . . . without their saying a word, you can read everything they're feeling just by looking in their eyes." (138)

Finally, lets talk about Sylas - Sy. "Tall, dark . . . and a little dangerous." (63) He is the perfect hero. Flawed and loaded with a bit of life and wit. His romance with Alexandra was slow burning, and I just love it. Sometimes, the romance needs time to develop, even for us readers that love a good love story. Then there are those we want a good fight, knowing that nothing else matters.

"He determined in that moment. . . he would find a way to win Alexandra's heart. Even if he had to wager everything to do it." (230)

Either way, if you're like me that enjoys a story that not only give you romance, but a certain hope that warms your heart, and well-rounded, yet not necessarily perfect, To Wager Her Heart is it. Like any good story, To Wager Her Heart is profound in its depth of life and message, rich in its details, both historical and in plot, and beautiful in its deliverance. And I hope you'll take the chance to wager your reading time on it.


This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

Please note, all quotes are taken from ARC (essentially an uncorrected proof). Please do not share quote or if do, please make note that it is taken from an ARC.

This was a great ending to Tamera Alexander's Belle Meade series. I loved this book - the characters, the storyline, the resolution. I read it and gained insight into some of the opposition former slaves faced after the Civil War. The characters Alexandra and Sylas were likeable and relateable as they each worked through their own struggles.

This was a clean historical romance. It is a standalone work from the other Belle Meade books.

This author's writing style is rich with history and a meandering pace that ensures that readers don't miss a thing. I haven't read many books set during Reconstruction so I appreciated the new perspective of the freedmen and those in the South seeking to help them. Much of the story revolves around the work and issues at Fisk University where Alexandra secures a job teaching men, women, and children. It is at the same time encouraging and daunting, with the endeavor receiving both support and opposition. There is an emphasis on the importance of education and the freedom that knowledge brings- for both Alexandra and her students. On the other end of the spectrum is the development of the railroad lines in the area and the politics and Southern etiquette that influences the business that Sy is pursuing. Although they have little in common, seemingly chance meetings give them the opportunity to help each other and an unlikely friendship develops between Alexandra and Sy. I loved how they interacted- Alexandra's propriety not able to mask her strength and spirit, while Sy is unable to keep from admiring her and bringing light and cheer to her life in small and big ways. The romantic moments they share are so heartfelt and wonderfully written. While the highs and lows of the plot didn't feel particularly compelling or pull strong emotions from me (like the previous book in the series, To Win Her Favor), I was glad that I read this book and would recommend it to fans of historical fiction.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Always enjoy Tamera Alexander's books and this one was no different. This was a wonderful read but it was sad reading it as I know this series was over. There are so many things about this book I liked.. Getting together with old friends, the music and of course the love story that played out between Alexander and Sylas were just a few things that I enjoyed. With all of her books I feel as if I am right there with the characters going through their everyday life. I do believe that Tamera has been put here for such a time as this.