To Wager Her Heart by Tamera Alexander

ABOUT THE BOOK

With fates bound by a shared tragedy, a reformed gambler from the Colorado Territory and a Southern Belle bent on breaking free from society's expectations must work together to achieve their dreams—provided that the truth doesn't tear them apart first. 

Sylas Rutledge, the new owner of the Northeast Line Railroad, invests everything he has into this venture, partly for the sake of the challenge. But mostly to clear his father's name. One man holds the key to Sy's success—General William Giles Harding of Nashville's Belle Meade Plantation. But Harding is champagne and thoroughbreds, and Sy Rutledge is beer and bullocks. Sy needs someone to help him maneuver his way through Nashville's society, and when he meets Alexandra Jamison, he quickly decides he's found his tutor. Only, he soon discovers that the very train accident his father is blamed for causing is what killed Alexandra Jamison's fiancee—and what has broken her heart. 

Spurning an arranged marriage by her father, Alexandra instead pursues her passion for teaching at Fisk University, the first freedmen's university in the United States. But family—and Nashville society—do not approve, and she soon finds herself cast out from both. Through connections with the Harding family, Alexandra and Sy become unlikely allies. And despite her first impressions, Alexandra gradually finds herself coming to respect, and even care for this man. But how can she, when her heart is still spoken for? And when Sy's roguish qualities and adventuresome spirit smack more of recklessness than responsibility and honor? 

Sylas Rutledge will risk everything to win over the woman he loves. What he doesn't count on is having to wager her heart to do it. 

Set against the real history of Nashville's Belle Meade Plantation and the original Fisk University Jubilee Singers ensemble, To Wager Her Heart is a stirring love story about seeking justice and restoring honor at a time in history when both were tenuous and hard-won.

LORI'S TRAVEL'S 

Tamera may I say that you've really made my heart sing with this one!! I have learned a lot through reading about Alexandra and Sy's story. There is one quote that really stands out. It's when Mr. White is leaving Alexandra some advice that I really took to heart. He says" It's your decision to make but remember that there are dire consequences and Alexandra soon found out what they were!!! Oh my what a brave lady!! I admired her for following her heart and stepping in the right direction!! God was working on her then and even more so through out this beautiful story! 
When the Jubilee singers were singing their songs I imagined myself for being there and actually hearing them and it made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck!!! I love a good concert don't you? Especially gospel? I even closed my eyes and swayed with the singers. I think I could hear God talking to me through them!!! 
I learned a few more things like I never knew about Fisk University. It's truly amazing where anyone can just say hey I"m going to make this a school no matter what it used to be and be determined to do it. 

The Lord is good is He not?
President Spence has such a negative impact. In a way I guess I can understand but at least if it didn't work out they had the guts to try. It's the Lord's will.
I enjoyed this story so much!! It's usually the last book in the series that is the best one.  I also enjoyed the noted that Tamera had in the end of the story and how she mixed fact with fiction. 
I think this is the real reason I love historical fiction. 

I truly feel blessed when I'm allowed to read and review the author's stories! I love to help them promote their books. 



ABOUT THE AUTHOR




Tamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling author and one of today's most popular writers in the inspirational historical fiction genre. She and her husband live in Nashville, Tennessee, not far from the Southern mansions that serve as the backdrop for six of her award-winning novels.