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. AMAZON LINK
I liked this story although it did deal with some pretty painful subjects. The injustices and hate were very well betrayed and really drew you in. For those who wanted to read it because of the romance, and now might be reconsidering. They might even be wondering, if there was one. Don't worry, there is. There is a HEA but it isn't easy. Its a long and up and down journey for Cullen and Maggie to say the least. Maggie flat out hated Cullen, hated feeling forced into this marriage and even worse being married to an Irishman. Her prejudice was stinging. I hated that about her but she also had so many strengths too. Like it was explained, she had a big wide heart, opened to those she loved. Maggie's father was just such a special person that she loved wide open. She was loyal to those she loved; you just had to win her over (win her favor in other words). She also gave the word "stubborn" new meaning. I can't even begin to imagine how awful it was for Cullen, being so hated in his new country. Although the author did an excellent job of showing us how bad it was. Continually being rejected when they heard his brogue. I really liked the perseverance and kindness that Cullen showed throughout the book. Even when he was being stubborn; he showed himself to be a man of honor. And he also had gone through a boatload of painful things that had nothing to do with his accent. I also really liked Maggie's friend Savannah, and was glad to hear that there will be a book about her coming. It's called, "To Mend a Dream" and is part of a novella collection entitled, "Among the Fair Magnolias". And Kizzy? Oh my, Kizzy; what a great little girl. Also her parents Ennis and Odessia; what a great story there. There were just so many great secondary characters in this book. Even Bourbon Belle, the thoroughbred horse could be considered a secondary character because she was so much a part of this story as well. Well, at least I think so.
Two other things I would like to say. There is scripture and speaking about God as part of this story. For those who may not care for that, please don't pass up this book because of that. There is so much story in this book that I think you will like.
The other thing is that I loved is what Maggie did. Her brother called it, soaring. You'll have to read the book to discover why.
I received a copy of this book from Zondervan Fiction via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this story although it did deal with some pretty painful subjects. The injustices and hate were very well betrayed and really drew you in. For those who wanted to read it because of the romance, and now might be reconsidering. They might even be wondering, if there was one. Don't worry, there is. There is a HEA but it isn't easy. Its a long and up and down journey for Cullen and Maggie to say the least. Maggie flat out hated Cullen, hated feeling forced into this marriage and even worse being married to an Irishman. Her prejudice was stinging. I hated that about her but she also had so many strengths too. Like it was explained, she had a big wide heart, opened to those she loved. Maggie's father was just such a special person that she loved wide open. She was loyal to those she loved; you just had to win her over (win her favor in other words). She also gave the word "stubborn" new meaning. I can't even begin to imagine how awful it was for Cullen, being so hated in his new country. Although the author did an excellent job of showing us how bad it was. Continually being rejected when they heard his brogue. I really liked the perseverance and kindness that Cullen showed throughout the book. Even when he was being stubborn; he showed himself to be a man of honor. And he also had gone through a boatload of painful things that had nothing to do with his accent. I also really liked Maggie's friend Savannah, and was glad to hear that there will be a book about her coming. It's called, "To Mend a Dream" and is part of a novella collection entitled, "Among the Fair Magnolias". And Kizzy? Oh my, Kizzy; what a great little girl. Also her parents Ennis and Odessia; what a great story there. There were just so many great secondary characters in this book. Even Bourbon Belle, the thoroughbred horse could be considered a secondary character because she was so much a part of this story as well. Well, at least I think so.
Two other things I would like to say. There is scripture and speaking about God as part of this story. For those who may not care for that, please don't pass up this book because of that. There is so much story in this book that I think you will like.
The other thing is that I loved is what Maggie did. Her brother called it, soaring. You'll have to read the book to discover why.
I received a copy of this book from Zondervan Fiction via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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