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Among the Fair Magnolias
To Mend a Dream: A Southern Love Story
In order to rebuild her life, Savannah must help the people taking over her home.
The Civil War cost Savannah Darby everything—her family and her home. When Aidan Bedford, an attorney from Boston, buys the Darby estate, he hires Savannah to redecorate. Can she find a mysterious treasure before her job is finished?
The Civil War cost Savannah Darby everything—her family and her home. When Aidan Bedford, an attorney from Boston, buys the Darby estate, he hires Savannah to redecorate. Can she find a mysterious treasure before her job is finished?
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2015
120 people are currently reading
958 people want to read
About the author
Tamera Alexander
36 books3,219 followersTamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling novelist and one of today's most beloved authors of inspirational historical romance and women’s contemporary fiction. While being Gram Tam is her current favorite role, she’ll never turn down a stroll through an old cemetery or browsing through antique shops.
Her books have been awarded numerous industry-leading honors—among them the Christy Award, the RITA Award, the Carol Award, Library Journal's top honors—and have earned the distinction of Publisher's Weekly Starred Reviews. In 2020 she was inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame which recognizes authors for their legacy and contribution to Christian fiction. Her deeply drawn characters and thought-provoking plots have earned her devoted readers worldwide.
Tamera and her husband love living in Nashville, Tennessee, and treasure the time spent with their grown children and grandchildren. They live a short distance from the Southern mansions that serve as the backdrop for many of her critically-acclaimed novels. Tamera views her writing as a way to grow closer to the Lord Jesus Christ—and her deepest desire is that those who read her novels will take steps closer to Him as well.
Her books have been awarded numerous industry-leading honors—among them the Christy Award, the RITA Award, the Carol Award, Library Journal's top honors—and have earned the distinction of Publisher's Weekly Starred Reviews. In 2020 she was inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame which recognizes authors for their legacy and contribution to Christian fiction. Her deeply drawn characters and thought-provoking plots have earned her devoted readers worldwide.
Tamera and her husband love living in Nashville, Tennessee, and treasure the time spent with their grown children and grandchildren. They live a short distance from the Southern mansions that serve as the backdrop for many of her critically-acclaimed novels. Tamera views her writing as a way to grow closer to the Lord Jesus Christ—and her deepest desire is that those who read her novels will take steps closer to Him as well.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
September 12, 2021
My only complaint is that I wish this was longer! … But it is a novella. 😊
It was so nice to read Savannah’s story and see her get a ‘happily ever after’ knowing she had so many trials in her life. She was a secondary character in To Win Her Favor where she was first introduced. Super sweet, quick story but I never tire of Tamera’s creative, romantic tales.
It was so nice to read Savannah’s story and see her get a ‘happily ever after’ knowing she had so many trials in her life. She was a secondary character in To Win Her Favor where she was first introduced. Super sweet, quick story but I never tire of Tamera’s creative, romantic tales.
August 20, 2015
I didn't even think about the title and how clever that was, until just now. I mostly read Among the Fair Magnolias as the title, but I believe that is the series name. I only read this novella so far in the collection. Tamara Alexander's books have always pleased me and I had to read it all last night. My poor husband let me keep the little light on by the bedside as I completed my read on my Kindle!
You just want to FIGHT for Savannah to have her home restored to her! And for her little family to be blessed by the "Yankee" Bostonian attorney who has purchased her family's estate and is settling in. While his fiancee is not someone most of us would choose as a friend, her behavior is somewhat understandable. How will Savannah's life be restored? Can it happen through a man promised to another or in some other way God has planned? You won't regret reading and finding out!
You just want to FIGHT for Savannah to have her home restored to her! And for her little family to be blessed by the "Yankee" Bostonian attorney who has purchased her family's estate and is settling in. While his fiancee is not someone most of us would choose as a friend, her behavior is somewhat understandable. How will Savannah's life be restored? Can it happen through a man promised to another or in some other way God has planned? You won't regret reading and finding out!
March 26, 2019
I did enjoy the premise of the book, the idea is great if it was a much longer book, everything was so rushed because it is a Novella but I'm so glad the Savannah found her happy ending I liked that .. on to the last book in the series
June 10, 2020
I loved this! This is my first time reading anything by Tamera Alexander and it definitely did not disappoint.
I didn’t realize this was a novella that is part of a series until the author’s note but it didn’t cause me to enjoy it less or cause any confusion.
I loved the setting, the characters, and just the southernness of it. Sweet love story + southern= perfect book for me. :)
Overall? It was sweet, wholesome, and had a great message! I’m very excited to pick up more of her books! :)
Also the narrator for the audiobook did a great job!!
I didn’t realize this was a novella that is part of a series until the author’s note but it didn’t cause me to enjoy it less or cause any confusion.
I loved the setting, the characters, and just the southernness of it. Sweet love story + southern= perfect book for me. :)
Overall? It was sweet, wholesome, and had a great message! I’m very excited to pick up more of her books! :)
Also the narrator for the audiobook did a great job!!
June 24, 2016
So glad we got to learn more of Savannah's story. Savannah Darby was a minor character in To Win Her Favor.
October 11, 2017
This short novella wraps up the story of Savannah Darby, who was a minor character in book 2 of the author's Belle Meade Plantation series, though this novella also has ties to book 2 of the Belmont Mansion series as well since Savannah ends up living in the Widows and Children Home connected with that book.
The two main characters of this book are so sweet and adorable. Honestly, my only complaint was that this was such a short novella. I really wanted to see more interaction between the two characters to really see their romance bloom more than it did. They did get married rather quickly but considering the times and that Savannah's best friend married a guy a day after meeting him, it actually is rather long comparatively.
The narrator of the audiobook does a really good job with this one!
The two main characters of this book are so sweet and adorable. Honestly, my only complaint was that this was such a short novella. I really wanted to see more interaction between the two characters to really see their romance bloom more than it did. They did get married rather quickly but considering the times and that Savannah's best friend married a guy a day after meeting him, it actually is rather long comparatively.
The narrator of the audiobook does a really good job with this one!
March 1, 2022
This was a sweet historical romance novella that closed out the Belle Meade plantation series (though Belle Meade wasn't a part of this story). Having enjoyed Savannah's character in "To Win Her Favor", I was glad to see her get her own story and her own happy ending, in more ways than one! While it is not essential to read that book first (or any of the Belle Meade books) in order to enjoy this story, I did enjoy having a bit more of her backstory from that book. This book follows Savannah Darby whose father and older brothers died in the war and her mother died not long after. Savannah and her younger siblings lose their house due to debts and taxes and this story begins when Savannah is assigned to help re-design her former house for the new owners. This story had a bit of mystery, of course some romance and a good dose of character development. My only complaint is that in a novella, the romance always moves way too fast, but that is the nature of the beast, I suppose. I've really enjoyed catching up on this series and look forward to more by this author.
March 3, 2021
"Don't allow the world to teach you theology, Savanah. It'll not teach you right." She could hear her father's voice and see his smile even now, his large hand resting atop the family Bible. "Take it directly from the Source instead." ~ To Mend a Dream
August 1, 2023
A quick but satisfying listen. The romance was tender, laced with some sneaking suspense, and the overall storyline was enjoyable. The author created a pretty setting with characters that immediately drew me in. I think I'd even read it again when I read the novella collection it belongs in, which I'd forgotten I own. 😆
August 14, 2017
A nice continuation of the series, this novella made good use of the momentum built by the two previous stories. This wasn't as angsty as I'd feared and there was no cheating. I do wish that this was bit longer, but the author did a good job at developing character and plot in very few pages.
I'm always trying to trust God more and this was a beautiful reminder that He can use all things, including the bad, for the good of those who love Him. The key is to stop sabotaging ourselves and trust Him to love us enough. A lovely novella.
I'm always trying to trust God more and this was a beautiful reminder that He can use all things, including the bad, for the good of those who love Him. The key is to stop sabotaging ourselves and trust Him to love us enough. A lovely novella.
April 18, 2016
This was a good story about a side character from the Belle Meade Plantation series. Tamera Alexander is so gifted. Great books. Interesting history. Sweet romance. Great reading!
February 24, 2023
Just a novella from the Belle Meade Plantation series, so a quick read, but it does tie up a story that was flirted with in To Win Her Favor, which was a fun direction to go. This is historical Christian fiction, so due to its length, be prepared for it to dive right into the Christian messages Ms Alexander wants to convey with this story.
What I liked about To Mend a Dream:
The characters - I really found Savannah and Aidan to be likable and endearing. They were predictable in some ways, which is to be expected when you have only roughly a third of the pages to flesh them out. (Granted, we had more time with Savannah, given her appearance in the previous book, but even that was brief).
I liked the premise of how Aidan came to be at Darby Farm - Of all the ways he could have come to acquire this property, I found this one to feel sincere and moving. Probably a little too perfect, but sometimes a little too perfect is just the kind of easy read I need in the moment.
What I didn't care for:
That it was a novella - I know that Ms Alexander writes in trilogies and even this novella was more than she typically gives us, and I wouldn't have wanted her to not tell one of the other stories in exchange for this one, but I also felt like this one could have developed into a full length novel very easily, which would have fixed some of the overly rapid plot development. Mostly, I am just greedy and wanted the full experience.
All in all, I was glad for the resolution to Savannah's story, short and sweet though it was. It was a sweet final farewell to this trilogy (and a bonus!). Worth noting that I read this one out of order, but unlike the other installments of her trilogies, this one didn't have any connection that I could recall with the final book To Wager Her Heart so no danger of spoilers or being confused. I'll be ready to move on to the next series Tamera has going, which actually has me very close to current on all her works.
What I liked about To Mend a Dream:
The characters - I really found Savannah and Aidan to be likable and endearing. They were predictable in some ways, which is to be expected when you have only roughly a third of the pages to flesh them out. (Granted, we had more time with Savannah, given her appearance in the previous book, but even that was brief).
I liked the premise of how Aidan came to be at Darby Farm - Of all the ways he could have come to acquire this property, I found this one to feel sincere and moving. Probably a little too perfect, but sometimes a little too perfect is just the kind of easy read I need in the moment.
What I didn't care for:
That it was a novella - I know that Ms Alexander writes in trilogies and even this novella was more than she typically gives us, and I wouldn't have wanted her to not tell one of the other stories in exchange for this one, but I also felt like this one could have developed into a full length novel very easily, which would have fixed some of the overly rapid plot development. Mostly, I am just greedy and wanted the full experience.
All in all, I was glad for the resolution to Savannah's story, short and sweet though it was. It was a sweet final farewell to this trilogy (and a bonus!). Worth noting that I read this one out of order, but unlike the other installments of her trilogies, this one didn't have any connection that I could recall with the final book To Wager Her Heart so no danger of spoilers or being confused. I'll be ready to move on to the next series Tamera has going, which actually has me very close to current on all her works.
February 22, 2017
*3.75*
A little to insta-lovey, and I understand, it's barely a hundred page book so of course it's going to be a little insta-lovey; but I've read other novella's that have handled both being short and still needing the main characters to realistically fall in love better than this one. Otherwise I really enjoyed this one. The writing and the over all story were very good. And the characters were very relatable. If you're looking for a fast in one sitting read this one is perfect.
A little to insta-lovey, and I understand, it's barely a hundred page book so of course it's going to be a little insta-lovey; but I've read other novella's that have handled both being short and still needing the main characters to realistically fall in love better than this one. Otherwise I really enjoyed this one. The writing and the over all story were very good. And the characters were very relatable. If you're looking for a fast in one sitting read this one is perfect.
August 1, 2024
Beautiful! So well-written and a beautiful story. I really liked everything about this novella. The cover, setting, story, characters, and message were all wonderful. Highly recommend!
Listened to the audio book, and it was narrated so well.
Listened to the audio book, and it was narrated so well.
September 20, 2020
I'm really enjoying this series!
October 28, 2025
Mooie novelle.
November 9, 2023
3.5 🌟 This was a charming novella with a very likable hero & heroine. I’m really glad TA wrote a little happily ever after for Savannah. I only wish this was more of a fully developed story. I think the constraints of a novella length didn’t do the story justice- the romance was too quick with little development seen by the reader. Still lovely & worth a listen/ read.
January 19, 2024
Savannah Darby's family estate, horse farm and everything in it had to be sold to pay the debt after her parents and brother died during the war, leaving her to provide for a young brother and sister.
Savannah was Maggie Linden's best friend in To Win Her Favor. Her father's journal described something of value hidden in the house, but Savannah had no way to retrieve it now that the house was sold "to some Yankee". (Savannah and Maggie's attempt to enter the secured house was also in To Win Her Favor.
Aidan Bedford, an attorney from Boston desiring to set up practice in Nashville, purchased the Darby farm. One evening a year before, as both sides shared stories with the soldiers on the other side at the Battle of Nashville, a Southern soldier described the idyllic scene of his home and family before he was killed, a soldier he only knew as Nashville.
Savannah and Aidan's meeting and strained relationship was fun to read. However I dropped a star for the way the relationship went from avoidance throughout the book to kissing and talk of marriage in mere moments... but it is a novella, so I guess things had to hurry to keep it short.
Savannah was Maggie Linden's best friend in To Win Her Favor. Her father's journal described something of value hidden in the house, but Savannah had no way to retrieve it now that the house was sold "to some Yankee". (Savannah and Maggie's attempt to enter the secured house was also in To Win Her Favor.
Aidan Bedford, an attorney from Boston desiring to set up practice in Nashville, purchased the Darby farm. One evening a year before, as both sides shared stories with the soldiers on the other side at the Battle of Nashville, a Southern soldier described the idyllic scene of his home and family before he was killed, a soldier he only knew as Nashville.
Savannah and Aidan's meeting and strained relationship was fun to read. However I dropped a star for the way the relationship went from avoidance throughout the book to kissing and talk of marriage in mere moments... but it is a novella, so I guess things had to hurry to keep it short.
July 14, 2015
A delightful conclusion to read Savannah Darby's story. After first encountering her in Ms Alexander's latest historical novel, To Win Her Favor, I was pleased for Savannah to have her day.
A completely satisfying resolution to the Darby family's history with a few unique twists thrown in. The charming romance with a worthy suitor deepens the emotional connection for Savannah's fans.
A completely satisfying resolution to the Darby family's history with a few unique twists thrown in. The charming romance with a worthy suitor deepens the emotional connection for Savannah's fans.
August 26, 2015
A delightful short story. This is the first I have read of this author and it was great. I will be reading more of her books. It was well written and now I want to read the book where Savannah was introduced.
July 15, 2015
A wonderful book! Tamera Alexander has done it again!! I love Aidan and Savannah! There is a little bit of mystery which I liked. A very cute read!
February 26, 2019
Worum geht's?
Nachdem die Farm ihrer Familie zwangsversteigert wurde, ist Savannah nicht mehr in ihrem Elternhaus gewesen. Nun arbeitet sie in einem Bekleidungs- und Vorhanggeschäft und lebt mit ihren beiden jüngeren Geschwistern in einem Waisenhaus in der Stadt.
Als ausgerechnet sie für eine Kollegin einspringen und die Neuausstattung der Darby-Farm übernehmen soll, in die ein junger Anwalt mit seiner Verlobten eingezogen ist, bietet sich ihr endlich die Chance: Sie wird zurückkehren können, um Abschied zu nehmen - und um nach der Schatulle zu suchen, die ihr Vater auf der Farm versteckt hat. Was mag sich darin verbergen? Und wie soll sie es anstellen, nicht von ihrem Auftraggeber beim Suchen erwischt zu werden?
Was mich neugierig gemacht hat:
Bisher hatte ich noch nichts von Tamera Alexander gelesen und wollte mit dem Kurzroman gern mal in ihre Art, Geschichten zu erzählen, hineinschnuppern.
Zugleich war es auch mein erstes Buch aus der Reihe der Kleine-Auszeit-Romane, die ich vom Konzept her sehr schön finde: Man kann die Geschichte in wenigen kleinen Portionen oder sogar an einem Stück durchlesen.
Inhaltlich hat mich der Konflikt angesprochen, dass Savannah in ein Zuhause zurückkehrt, das nicht mehr ihr Zuhause sein kann, und das Geheimnis um die verborgene Schatulle.
Wie es mir gefallen hat:
Vor diesem Kurzroman habe ich, wie oben schon erwähnt, noch kein Buch von Tamera Alexander gelesen. Vorwissen ist jedoch hier zum Verständnis nicht nötig, und man findet schnell in das Geschehen hinein.
Überrascht und erfreut habe ich festgestellt, dass die Geschichte aus zwei Perspektiven erzählt wird. Neben den Szenen aus Savannahs Sicht gibt es auch Passagen, in denen man etwas über Aidans Gefühls- und Gedankenwelt erfährt. Informationen, die man in den Szenen mit Savannah bekommt, werden von Aidan wieder aufgegriffen, sodass die Erzählstränge geschickt miteiander verzahnt sind.
Positiv überraschen konnte mich außerdem Priscillas Charakter.
Die Grundkonflikte haben mir sehr gut gefallen. In der Umsetzung hätte jedoch einiges etwas weniger offensichtlich gestaltet werden können.
Die Spannung enstand für mich insbesondere aus der Frage, wo und wann Savannah die Schatulle ihres Vaters finden und was diese beinhalten würde - und wie ans Licht kommen würde, dass sie einst auf der Farm gelebt hat.
Die Liebesgeschichte hingegen verlief für meinen Geschmack etwas zu glatt, zu schnell und auch ein wenig konstruiert.
Das Ende hätte ich mir etwas offener gewünscht oder alternativ mit einem kleinen Rückblick nach einem etwas größeren Zeitsprung.
Von diesen Punkten abgesehen habe ich das Lesen jedoch genossen und empfehle das kleine Buch gern weiter.
Nach ein paar Schlussbemerkungen der Autorin gibt es als kleines Extra noch zwei zur Geschichte passende Rezepte.
(Für wen) Lohnt es sich?
Fans der Autorin treffen hier auf eine Nebenfigur aus ihrem Roman „Wer um Liebe ringt", aber auch für alle, die noch keines ihrer Bücher kennen (so wie ich) lohnt sich dieser Kurzroman für eine unterhaltsame Entspannungspause.
In einem Satz:
„Savannah" ist eine leichte, schnell und gut lesbare Geschichte mit einer schönen Botschaft, auch wenn durch den geringen Umfang einige Entwicklungen etwas zu schnell vonstatten gehen und absehbar sind.
Nachdem die Farm ihrer Familie zwangsversteigert wurde, ist Savannah nicht mehr in ihrem Elternhaus gewesen. Nun arbeitet sie in einem Bekleidungs- und Vorhanggeschäft und lebt mit ihren beiden jüngeren Geschwistern in einem Waisenhaus in der Stadt.
Als ausgerechnet sie für eine Kollegin einspringen und die Neuausstattung der Darby-Farm übernehmen soll, in die ein junger Anwalt mit seiner Verlobten eingezogen ist, bietet sich ihr endlich die Chance: Sie wird zurückkehren können, um Abschied zu nehmen - und um nach der Schatulle zu suchen, die ihr Vater auf der Farm versteckt hat. Was mag sich darin verbergen? Und wie soll sie es anstellen, nicht von ihrem Auftraggeber beim Suchen erwischt zu werden?
Was mich neugierig gemacht hat:
Bisher hatte ich noch nichts von Tamera Alexander gelesen und wollte mit dem Kurzroman gern mal in ihre Art, Geschichten zu erzählen, hineinschnuppern.
Zugleich war es auch mein erstes Buch aus der Reihe der Kleine-Auszeit-Romane, die ich vom Konzept her sehr schön finde: Man kann die Geschichte in wenigen kleinen Portionen oder sogar an einem Stück durchlesen.
Inhaltlich hat mich der Konflikt angesprochen, dass Savannah in ein Zuhause zurückkehrt, das nicht mehr ihr Zuhause sein kann, und das Geheimnis um die verborgene Schatulle.
Wie es mir gefallen hat:
Vor diesem Kurzroman habe ich, wie oben schon erwähnt, noch kein Buch von Tamera Alexander gelesen. Vorwissen ist jedoch hier zum Verständnis nicht nötig, und man findet schnell in das Geschehen hinein.
Überrascht und erfreut habe ich festgestellt, dass die Geschichte aus zwei Perspektiven erzählt wird. Neben den Szenen aus Savannahs Sicht gibt es auch Passagen, in denen man etwas über Aidans Gefühls- und Gedankenwelt erfährt. Informationen, die man in den Szenen mit Savannah bekommt, werden von Aidan wieder aufgegriffen, sodass die Erzählstränge geschickt miteiander verzahnt sind.
Positiv überraschen konnte mich außerdem Priscillas Charakter.
Die Grundkonflikte haben mir sehr gut gefallen. In der Umsetzung hätte jedoch einiges etwas weniger offensichtlich gestaltet werden können.
Die Spannung enstand für mich insbesondere aus der Frage, wo und wann Savannah die Schatulle ihres Vaters finden und was diese beinhalten würde - und wie ans Licht kommen würde, dass sie einst auf der Farm gelebt hat.
Die Liebesgeschichte hingegen verlief für meinen Geschmack etwas zu glatt, zu schnell und auch ein wenig konstruiert.
Das Ende hätte ich mir etwas offener gewünscht oder alternativ mit einem kleinen Rückblick nach einem etwas größeren Zeitsprung.
Von diesen Punkten abgesehen habe ich das Lesen jedoch genossen und empfehle das kleine Buch gern weiter.
Nach ein paar Schlussbemerkungen der Autorin gibt es als kleines Extra noch zwei zur Geschichte passende Rezepte.
(Für wen) Lohnt es sich?
Fans der Autorin treffen hier auf eine Nebenfigur aus ihrem Roman „Wer um Liebe ringt", aber auch für alle, die noch keines ihrer Bücher kennen (so wie ich) lohnt sich dieser Kurzroman für eine unterhaltsame Entspannungspause.
In einem Satz:
„Savannah" ist eine leichte, schnell und gut lesbare Geschichte mit einer schönen Botschaft, auch wenn durch den geringen Umfang einige Entwicklungen etwas zu schnell vonstatten gehen und absehbar sind.
June 12, 2017
I have officially fallen head over heals in love with this series! This novella was inspired from a scene between Savannah and Maggie in the second book, To Win Her Honor. Savannah's home and farm, and almost all of their personal possesssions had been taken by the bank (after the death of her parents) to pay back taxes. Savannah's older brothers also died during the war and she had no way to pay the money due. Some time later, she found an unopened letter written to her mother from her father immediately before their deaths. The letter mentioned a box hidden in the old house that would safeguard their property. Maggie and Savannah go to the old house in hopes of finding an unlocked window or door so they could search for the box. Upon arrival, they quickly found they had no access to the home. Not knowing exactly where to look, Savannah makes the heartbreaking decision to accept her fate and get on with caring for her younger brother and sister instead of chasing dreams.
This story takes place about a year later and Savannah has struggled to care for her small family while working as a seamstress for a local business. When a contract suddenly provides her with an opportunity to work at her former home designing and sewing draperies and other designs, for the new owner, she jumps at the second chance to look for the mysterious box.
Tamera Alexander's writing is fabulous and To Mend A Dream is a sweet sampling of her work. Savannah is a wonderful leading lady with a good heart and a patient disposition. I couldn't say the same for Aiden's betrothed, but I do like the way the author handles that situation. For a short story, there is a lot of character growth and self-reflection. I also enjoyed getting a glimpse of Cullen McGrath from the last book. He's definitely my favorite hero of the series so far, although Aiden isn't a bad catch at all!
I highly recommend this series for all historical romance fans. The stories are colorful, inspirational, and very engaging. You'll enjoy the pace and Tamera's writing will draw you into the beautiful scenery of Tennessee. I'm looking forward to the release of book three in August.
This story takes place about a year later and Savannah has struggled to care for her small family while working as a seamstress for a local business. When a contract suddenly provides her with an opportunity to work at her former home designing and sewing draperies and other designs, for the new owner, she jumps at the second chance to look for the mysterious box.
Tamera Alexander's writing is fabulous and To Mend A Dream is a sweet sampling of her work. Savannah is a wonderful leading lady with a good heart and a patient disposition. I couldn't say the same for Aiden's betrothed, but I do like the way the author handles that situation. For a short story, there is a lot of character growth and self-reflection. I also enjoyed getting a glimpse of Cullen McGrath from the last book. He's definitely my favorite hero of the series so far, although Aiden isn't a bad catch at all!
I highly recommend this series for all historical romance fans. The stories are colorful, inspirational, and very engaging. You'll enjoy the pace and Tamera's writing will draw you into the beautiful scenery of Tennessee. I'm looking forward to the release of book three in August.
August 10, 2022
4.5 stars.
This was my favorite novella from this four-part novella book and I'm not surprised seeing as I have previously read a book from Tamera Alexander and I love her books.
I really enjoyed reading about Aidan's life and how his life intertwined with Savannah's life even before he moved to Nashville. It was beautiful to read how even when you have chance encounters they're not really random but it can be God orchestrating everything behind the scenes.
I really liked Aidan's character as well as Savannah's. I also really loved the chemistry that they had with each other. Even though this was a novella it didn't feel rushed at all and it really gave us the perfect amount of back story as well as present time.
I don't mind books with a love triangle but I also don't like when it takes center stage in the book or when it drags out so I really liked how in this book the love triangle was not dragged out and also how the third person wasn't an issue in the story.
It had been a long time since I had read a book from this author and she reminded me why I had liked her books in the first place so now I will remember to read more of her books.
This was my favorite novella from this four-part novella book and I'm not surprised seeing as I have previously read a book from Tamera Alexander and I love her books.
I really enjoyed reading about Aidan's life and how his life intertwined with Savannah's life even before he moved to Nashville. It was beautiful to read how even when you have chance encounters they're not really random but it can be God orchestrating everything behind the scenes.
I really liked Aidan's character as well as Savannah's. I also really loved the chemistry that they had with each other. Even though this was a novella it didn't feel rushed at all and it really gave us the perfect amount of back story as well as present time.
I don't mind books with a love triangle but I also don't like when it takes center stage in the book or when it drags out so I really liked how in this book the love triangle was not dragged out and also how the third person wasn't an issue in the story.
It had been a long time since I had read a book from this author and she reminded me why I had liked her books in the first place so now I will remember to read more of her books.
February 9, 2023
Oh my southern goodness! I loved this short 91 page novella. The writing was beautiful and the characters endearing. The ending made tears spring to my eyes. I am not a big fan of novellas or romance and usually the longer stories I love most but this one really spoke to my heart. My first Tamera Alexander and it won’t be my last! Christian romance set in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s about love of family, place, and home with a bit of romance sprinkled in! ❤️
Excerpt: “A breeze rustled the leaves of the oak and poplar trees overhead like a whisper from a ghost and sent a hushed murmur through the magnolias. The sound resembled susurrations from the past, and she reached for confidence beyond herself and prayed that, by some stroke of mercy, God would see fit to saying yes this time to her heart’s desire—to helping her find what her father had hidden—instead of responding with His customary silence.”
Excerpt: “A breeze rustled the leaves of the oak and poplar trees overhead like a whisper from a ghost and sent a hushed murmur through the magnolias. The sound resembled susurrations from the past, and she reached for confidence beyond herself and prayed that, by some stroke of mercy, God would see fit to saying yes this time to her heart’s desire—to helping her find what her father had hidden—instead of responding with His customary silence.”
November 4, 2019
IT'S A PARALLEL ! !
The "ENDING" of this book was scary singular.... 05-01-1959, We met on a blind date... Married one yr. later... We had retired in '95 & started doing old family research. About '97 we went to Sun Prairie Wi, seeking "The BIRD" family of Jackie's .. We learned there were two BIRD brothers, whom build 2- family cabins on this settlement (then called "Bird's Corners"). We also learned my 3rd Great-Grand-Father, lived about one city block east of the BIRD Brothers Cabins..... They were neighbors
Capt. Prescott Burwell ( my relieve) killed in the Civil War, had Jackie's relative, Lt. Albee and was in Burwell's Unit from Madison, Wi. ...COINCIDENCE ? ? ? ? Thomas Herrington
The "ENDING" of this book was scary singular.... 05-01-1959, We met on a blind date... Married one yr. later... We had retired in '95 & started doing old family research. About '97 we went to Sun Prairie Wi, seeking "The BIRD" family of Jackie's .. We learned there were two BIRD brothers, whom build 2- family cabins on this settlement (then called "Bird's Corners"). We also learned my 3rd Great-Grand-Father, lived about one city block east of the BIRD Brothers Cabins..... They were neighbors
Capt. Prescott Burwell ( my relieve) killed in the Civil War, had Jackie's relative, Lt. Albee and was in Burwell's Unit from Madison, Wi. ...COINCIDENCE ? ? ? ? Thomas Herrington
August 11, 2021
*3.5
Once again, I have been let down by a Christian historical fiction short story. I just always feel like these are too short. Like, I understand why the ending happened as quickly as it did, but it took me SO off guard, I just had sit there and recompose for a minute. It was cute and all, but it (just like all the other short stories like it that I’ve read) just felt like it needed to be longer. I really like the title of this one, though. I love when the title of a book (or short story) ties in with the story inside in a plot sort of way, rather than just something that’s said. And I did like the story, I just wish the ending wasn’t as rushed. So, for that, it gets 3.5 stars instead of just 3, like it would normally get.
Once again, I have been let down by a Christian historical fiction short story. I just always feel like these are too short. Like, I understand why the ending happened as quickly as it did, but it took me SO off guard, I just had sit there and recompose for a minute. It was cute and all, but it (just like all the other short stories like it that I’ve read) just felt like it needed to be longer. I really like the title of this one, though. I love when the title of a book (or short story) ties in with the story inside in a plot sort of way, rather than just something that’s said. And I did like the story, I just wish the ending wasn’t as rushed. So, for that, it gets 3.5 stars instead of just 3, like it would normally get.
January 8, 2023
I chose a novella for my first book of the year before jumping into a longer book. I rarely read them because they are just so unsatisfying. However, here are the things that gave me pleasure from this story:
1. A favorite author. She has been off my radar, so I wonder what she's currently up to, but it was a nice little visit.
2. A favorite place. I have read all her Tennessee books, and this one is related to the Belle Meade Plantation series.
3. A clean, inspiring romance in historical setting. All good.
1. A favorite author. She has been off my radar, so I wonder what she's currently up to, but it was a nice little visit.
2. A favorite place. I have read all her Tennessee books, and this one is related to the Belle Meade Plantation series.
3. A clean, inspiring romance in historical setting. All good.
March 15, 2017
Short and Sweet. As far as the story goes it might have been fun to see it more fully developed into novel length instead of a novella. But given that it was a novella everything had to happen quickly therefore love at first sight was pretty much a necessity. After reading To Win Her Favor where Savanna is a secondary character, I was just glad to see the she gets her have her story told as well.
January 18, 2018
I really enjoyed this sweet story of a young woman trying to make her way in the aftermath of the civil war. At a young age she is the guardian of her two siblings and working as a seamstress. When she is hired to make curtains for the new owners of her former home she relishes the opportunity to be "home again" and also to look for a box her Father hid somewhere in the house. I look forward to reading more by this author.
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