Sunday, June 23, 2013

Rim-Fyre and the Stones of Time





Rim-Fyre and the Stones of Time
by Mitzy Tait-Zeller
Soft cover, 2013
ISBN: 978-1484852-163
Available on Amazon, in bookstores or
autographed from www.mitzytaitzeller.com  

Reviewed by Carol M. Upton

“Had it only been a week since she’d come here? Never in her wildest dreams did she think that her spit-fire errant stallion would be ridden bareback and bridle-less and yet here she was doing just that.  Allowing him total freedom – they weren’t even in an enclosure of any sort.  It was just a woman, her horse and the wide open prairie – no fences, no holds barred.” ~ Mitzy Tait-Zeller

Author Mitzy Tait-Zeller draws from prairie history, ancient aboriginal traditions, and her innate understanding of horses – particularly the Canadian - to craft this inspired debut novel, which is a definite treasure in the world of horse-related family fiction. Through Tait-Zeller’s lively storytelling, the reader is enticed into a realm that is at once both terrifying and magnificent.

A leisurely afternoon’s ride across the Canadian prairie turns into an unpredictable physical and spiritual adventure for Serena and her Canadian stallion Rim-Fyre. What bewildering land is this? Who are these people? Which path leads back home? Could it all be just a dream – and what is the purpose? 

Serena asks herself these questions as she and Rim-Fyre navigate a strange and challenging world on a quest to find their way back to the life they once knew.

Serena encounters considerable hardship and frustration at every turn; along the way she learns to see Rim-Fyre and his breed through new eyes, take some difficult risks, and believe in herself.  Their path is slowly revealed through Serena’s persistence and willingness to learn combined with Rim-Fyre’s healing energy. Progress can only be made if Serena suspends her judgement and trusts her healing guides, both human and animal. Every mysterious step takes longer than expected and is backlit by the author’s rich descriptions - the moon’s full glow, the colours of the fall prairie, the buffalo, eagle, cougar and horse energy - all that will help Serena and Rim-Fyre on their journey.

Whether hand-picked for the summer beach bag or chosen for a chilly winter night, the whole family will savor Rim-Fyre and the Stones of Time. The author hints at a sequel. Can we wish for anything more?

About the Author
Mitzy Tait-Zeller, recipient of the 2013 Equine Welfare Communications Award and Author of Hoofprints on My Heart, is an experienced equine enthusiast.  Mitzy devotes her time to her family, horses and raising awareness through her passion for writing on Equine Welfare and promoting the Canadian, Canada’s National Horse. Visit Mitzy and her Canadians at: www.mitzytaitzeller.com

 

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Bullwhacked - a Comic Crime Novel





Bullwhacked by Kathy Klopp Cohen introduces character Cooper Lydell, a retired bull rider. He and his son, Tommy, follow the rodeo circuit and Coop's son is a rising star. And that causes him to be sweet-talked/kidnapped by some scam artists.

As Coop tries to rescue his son, Murphy's Law follows him causing many problems. And Coop has some unusual ways to solve them!

The author gives the reader a wonderful sense of  rodeo life, interesting characters and a fun story to read.

Learn more at her site: https://sites.google.com/site/kathykcohen/

Thursday, June 13, 2013

A "Sweet" Equine Mystery






Un-Neigh-Borly Behavior by Cheryl Rhodes should come with a warning: Reader may crave chocolate when reading! The main character, DeeDee, seems to be obsessed with any desert and at a fundraiser, stocks up on homemade delights. Made my mouth water and think about baking some brownies!

DeeDee and her husband, Grant, run a growing Standardbred stable in an equine community. While he is pondering a downsize of their operation, she is drawn into the neighbors' happenings. Namely, the handsome new barn manager next door who ends up dead on a trail and DeeDee is a suspect.

Unlike the author's other two novels I've reviewed, this one is more mystery than romance - but a nice touch is the romantic scenes between DeeDee and Grant.

If you love to read equine novels, Cheryl Rhodes is one author you must have in your library!