Recently I was contacted by Gerri about reading a collection of interconnected stories to review – horse related, of course! This is Gerri’s first novel that she has released and I love her focus: racehorses. Bluegrass Dreams Aren’t for Free is a really unique take on the lives of racehorses.

Firstly, this book looks at the lives of different racehorses, but from their point of view. It typically covers those that race on the dirt in the US. But it also explores racing on the turf and one thoroughbred heading over to the United Kingdom to race against English thoroughbreds.

Secondly, this story introduces the concept of hybrid horses. They are able to talk, don’t want a human on their backs and are capable of managing their own racing careers and when they retire to stud. What a unique concept!

Another interesting twist I found in this story, was the idea of these horses ‘buying’ their freedom. As expensive racehorses, they needed to make enough winnings to cover the cost of their stud fee and buy their freedom. As long as they are in the money consistently when racing, they are able to do this as a two-year-old if really successful, or by the time they are a three-year-old racehorse.

Bluegrass Dreams Aren’t for Free

I love the idea of this story.

It shows the struggle that horses can have – if racing isn’t suited to their personality, or they just aren’t fast enough to make a career of it. It touches well on the ‘after racing’ life – breeding if successful – or other uses for an off the track thoroughbred. I also loved reading about the parts that focused on the value of horses for therapy.

This story did throw in a lot of emotions that to me are more human – and I did find it amusing to consider horses video chatting! – but the concept in itself was really unique, the horse racing aspects spot on and the story overall really enjoyable. Highly recommended.

Why not check out Gerri’s first novel with thoroughbreds as the focus point? If you are keen to secure a copy of this just released novel, I encourage you to head along to the publisher’s site and make use of the code NR2025 for a print or digital copy. Just note that it expires on May 15th! This will enable you to get 15% off the currently already discounted book 🙂

Author: Gerri Leen
Fiction – suitable for middle grade or above
In my library? As an electronic copy it is.

I was loaned The Horseman by Charlotte Nash to read recently. As I started this novel, it was nice to read about some places I am familiar with. They are based here where I live in Victoria, Australia!

The reader is first introduced to Dr Peta Woodward as she is out hiking in the Australian high country. Although keen to be left alone, it is not to be. A runaway horse soon has Peta teaming up with 2 others to secure the horse and provide first aid to the young man who lost the horse.

Desperate to be left alone, things take a turn for the worse as bad weather and a fall trap Peta out in the elements, injured and all alone.

The Horseman by Charlotte Nash

Craig Monroe is searching for a neighbour’s missing cattle when he spies a backpack and seeks out the owner. A rescue mission turns into a clash of personalities as Craig and Peta do not hit it off.

In a small high country town – Yarraman Falls – Peta soon learns all about the strong willed people who work so hard to make a living and survive tough times. As she recovers from her fall, she finds herself drawn back into the world of horses – a world she hurriedly left after a family tragedy.

The Horseman is an interesting mystery that focuses on stock work, endurance riding, training horses and surviving out in the high country. Throw in a dash of romance and you have a very entertaining horse focused read. Highly recommended.

Author – Charlotte Nash
Fiction – adult
In my library – this was a loaned book, so no.

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If you’d like to check out other horse fiction and non fiction that I’ve reviewed, visit Horse Book Reviews.

I had aimed to finish reading Sofia and Sundance and post a review here in January. It is nice to be able to action this one – even if somewhat later than originally planned! Back in 2018 I was introduced to the horse, Sundance in another of Laura’s books. Now it was nice to get to learn about his owner, Sofia.

Sofia is getting into the swing of a new routine with her gelding, Sundance. She reluctantly shares her beautiful palomino with a brother and sister pair – Ryan and Olivia. As the twins eagerly take up time with Sofia’s beautiful palomino, she finds herself questioning how to change the situation so that she can get time on her horse.

An accident with the twins finds Sofia is soon at odds with her friends and questioning her own horse handling and riding capabilities. This novel does a wonderful job of exploring horse riding and training, taking baby steps and always ending on a good note with horses.

Sofia and Sundance (Book 3) by Laura Holt-Haslam

As Sofia makes progress with Sundance, it seems this is happening more easily than restoring her broken friendships. A new friendship at school challenges Sofia to stand up for her friends as group dynamics cause issues. This third book in the series does a good job of exploring complicated relationships with friends as well as within a family unit.

Sofia and Sundance was a very horse focused read and highlighted some lovely characters within Sofia’s social circle. It would be a good read for young horse fans.

Author – Laura Holt-Haslam
Fiction – children
In my library – that it is, as an electronic copy.

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If you’d like to check out other horse fiction and non fiction that I’ve reviewed, visit Horse Book Reviews.

Recently my daughter brought home another book from school – Meet Grace. The cover with the face of a young girl, a cantering horse, some trinkets for a necklace as well as a horseshoe caught my eye.

Reading over the blurb, I was curious about a young girl, who is starving and with only an uncle to guide her. It is always nice to have another quick, easy read to review!

Meet Grace by Sofie Laguna

The highlight of Grace’s day is getting to see the horses on Fleet Street in London. The reader is introduced to her fascination with horses at the end of chapter one. Grace is drawn to a carriage horse that is skin and bone and not treated well by his owner. She desperately wants to feed the horse – and herself! – and run away with it and find a better life.

But a decision to steal food for the horse soon has her on the run from the authorities and her life changes forever.

Meet Grace is an interesting read and well put together for middle grade readers. It provides great insight into the lives of ‘mudlarks’ back in the 1800s in London. It also explores a young girl’s fascination with the equine species, which was a lovely additional touch.

The story ends with much possibility for the future and also explores the changes that were thrust upon ‘convicts’ from England that were shipped off to Australia for a new life. An interesting and educational read with a light focus on horses.

Author: Sofie Laguna
Fiction – middle grade
In my library? This one was borrowed from my daughter’s school library.