Blessings And Burdens

To Wager Her Heart by Tamera Alexander is a perfectly wonderful Christian historical romance. It is the third book in the Belle Meade Plantation series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Tamera Alexander brings history to life as fact and fiction collide within the novel. Set in 1871 just a few years after the ending of the American Civil War, the novel focuses on the plight of the freedmen being educated at Fisk University. Prejudice and persecution due to ignorance still festered within society. White men and women realising that education was the key to freedom, set about providing classes for the former slaves – from very young to very old there was a passion to learn. They met with resistance at times but persevered, knowing we are all created in God’s image.

The emerging railroads feature highly within the novel.

There is a search for the truth. A truth that some would prefer stayed buried.

Trust and faith in God are strong themes within the novel. Our fears must never be bigger than our faith. We may not know what the future holds but we know who holds the future. “No matter where you’re going, God is already there.”

There is the theme of dreams. “Plans he had inspired her to dream in the first place.” We all need to dream big and hold on to our dreams. Sometimes they change but we all need dreams.

In life we all face choices. We have the opportunity to choose to do the right or wrong thing. It is never too late to choose the right path.

The leading characters were both delightful, with a generosity of spirit. They were forward thinkers with huge hearts for others.

The novel had a particularly poignant and moving moment for me. It involved the former slave chains and to see what I mean, you need to read the novel.

Tamera Alexander’s writings are warm, wonderful and they seek to inform as history comes alive. I have loved To Wager Her Heart and cannot wait for the next offering from Tamera Alexander.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON