One of the things I love most about Tamera Alexander’s books is the rich Nashville history she weaves into them. In the final installment of the Belle Meade Plantation series, she delves even deeper.

At its core, this book is about courage. About letting go of fears and giving God the opportunity to bless and amaze lives. Alexandra Jamison takes her first step of faith, one at a great cost and sacrifice, when she applies to teach at Fisk University. A school started for post-Civil War freedmen. She again faces a fear when she’s given the opportunity to travel with the Jubilee Singers as the person to arrange their travel and lodging as well as handle press releases.

Through her deal with Sylas Rutledge, a railroad owner set on negotiating and nagging a bid for extending the line to the famed Belle Meade plantation, Alexandra must also gain the courage to forgive. As she and Sylas grow from lessons to friendship to the possibility of more, Alexandra (and Sylas) must come to terms with the fact that Sylas’s stepfather was implicated as the cause of the train wreck that caused the death of Alexandra’s fiancé.

Through heartrending scenes, Tamera Alexander gives readers just a glimpse into life of the freedmen after the Civil War. The trials and prejudices they faced not only in the south but also in places of the Union. To Wager Her Heart also includes some history of hymn-writer Phillip Bliss and two train tragedies.

Both captivating and beautiful, this book with its faithful heroine and a hero who isn’t afraid to go after what he wants, is a fitting conclusion to the Belle Meade Plantation series. Step into the past and stay a while with To Wager Her Heart.

**Note, this book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I love to read fiction books based on historical facts and Tamera Alexander never disappoints in this area. I had never heard of the Jubilee singers before this book and I loved learning all about them and the hardships they endured.
Of course there is romance! It wouldn't be a Tamera Alexander book without one. Loved it! I love that she is able to capture the passion without going to far. It still feels realistic and is my favorite part of the book.

I love all the Belle Meade books and this one was no exception. Reading her books convinced me to go to Nashville to see the actual mansions she writes about. It is well worth the trip if you ever have the opportunity to do so.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book for my honest opinion.

I loved every bit of this book . Tamera Alexander has been a favorite of mine since her very first book. Her historical research is absolutely impeccable and so intriguing that I find myself doing more research on my own to find out more about her times! She also weaves rich historical detail in and around her books and the characters, making everything seem even more real. She creates such a wonderful story and characters that they are hard to forget once the last page is turned. Highly recommended.

This book. It's poignant. It's relatable. It's beautiful. And it's immensely satisfying.

The historical events are very well researched and enrich the setting of the story. The pace is perfect. The characters are endearing. The journey is gut wrenching and humbling.

Alexandra Jamison has grown up in a respectable and wealthy family. However, she wants to do and be more than just a pampered heiress. She's not afraid of embracing the changes overcoming society and putting her head to work to give her outmost best when needed.

However, her strong personality doesn't mean she doesn't falter when challenges appear. No, she will question, fear, and doubt. Good thing, though, that the author has surrounded Alexandra with wonderful characters who encourage, challenge and uplift her. And Who will unexpectedly fight for her and warm her heart the most will be the "wild and untamed sort of man" Sylas Ruthledge.

Many times when reading a historical novel, what makes my heart hurt the most is the simple fact that, while most characters might not be real, the events surrounding their lives and evoking their feelings are true. But, among this dark time, with traits that unfortunately can still be seen today, the light shown in people who search for truth and freedom shines so strongly, with such an unwavering hope, that once you finish this story, you can't help but still believe in possibilities, in goodness. If we would just persevere and turn to the One who never disappoints.

Tamera Alexander gently and compassionately showed that we are all the same and capable of accomplishing the same conquests. We all fall short from holiness, but we are all worthy of forgiveness. There is no excuse of treating one unfairly and without gracefulness. But oh the blessings that come from a cause that's not much about us and our profit, a cause that can first seam like walking on nothingness,but, in truth, you'll soon find out its filled with purpose and you are standing on a firm Rock.

It was great to read about that era and learn more of the trials that the people had to endure.

My mistake, I am not interested in reading a Christian title.