Monday, August 24, 2015

The Troubles by C. J. Hambley


In The Troubles by Connie Johnson Hambley, Jessica Wyeth arrives in Ireland to hide out and discover more about her mother, Bridget, who she knew to be her aunt but who raised her after her parent's death. She trains horses to prepare them for competition, but is practically a captive by a housekeeper named Nan, per the orders of her boyfriend, Michael. He has ties to the IRA and finds he must decide between his allegiance to his heritage or his American girlfriend.

This suspense novel has interesting horse scenes and unusual characters. It is well written although it was sometimes hard to follow because of flashback scenes.


Monday, August 17, 2015

New Beginnings by Christine Meunier



New Beginnings by Christine Meunier is another hit for this Australian equine author. This one is an educational and fun read, more for Middle Grade horse lovers.

Ten-year-old Jacqui just moved with her family to a 100 acre farm in Victoria due to her father's transfer. Her mom plans to set it up as a boarding stable (agistment in down under language) so horse loving Jacqui is thrilled and willingly helps to clean up and repair the property.

At her new school she meets a few other horse crazy girls in her class, but Jacqui doesn't have their riding experience. Fortunately, she meets a neighbor who attends high school with her brother and has a quiet horse for Jacqui to learn on. Soon she is trotting and cantering and even jumping low fences.

The ending is abrupt, with the reader wondering what happens on the horse camp vacation with Jacqui and her friends. Maybe that's in the next book?


Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Dick Francis Damage



Definitely a mystery like Dick Francis would write, but written by son, Felix.

Jeff, an investigator for the British Horseracing Authority, must learn the identity of a blackmailer who is ruining races and the reputation of the BHA. Doping, murder and mayhem abound. I love how Jeff's personal life entwined with the plot.

If you are a Dick Francis fan, you'll love the writing of Felix Francis!