The first book in the Aspen Valley series by Hannah Hooton introduces readers to London waitress Pippa Taylor. Pippa has no interest in horses, nor any knowledge of them, yet surprisingly she finds herself inheriting two racehorses from her uncle.

In spite of the horses not having impressive performance records, they do have an impressive trainer in the form of renowned hunts trainer, Jack Carmichael. Pippa’s first meeting with the fiery trainer, finds her determined to prove him wrong about their lack of skill. It isn’t until she finds some cryptic notes left by her uncle, that she realises he has plans of a National Hunt win for one of them.

When Peace Offering isn’t bid on at a horse sale, Pippa is relieved to find she still owns a racehorse that should have been sold. And so starts her journey of convincing Jack that he can run in – and win – the Grand National.

Jack isn’t the only one to think the 26 year old fanciful and crazy. Pippa moves out of her boyfriend’s house and moves hours away to do up a cottage that her uncle also left her. Struggling to fund the renovations and pay for a racehorse in training, Pippa talks her way into working for Jack – as his secretary.

Although her waitressing skills don’t prepare her for secretarial work – or Jack’s incredible temper – Pippa’s personality helps her to take on the role and bring a bit more order to Aspen Valley stables. As Pippa finds herself drawn to the world of horse racing, she tries to ignore the pull she feels towards her attractive but angry boss. This would be easier if it didn’t seem like he was gaining an interest in his secretary – in spite of his high profile girlfriend.

Keeping the Peace is a great mixture of horse racing, mystery and romance.  Pippa’s character is delightful, Jack amusing and Finn loveable. Tone down the language and it would be close to perfect.

Author: Hannah Hooton
http://hannahhootonbooks.blogspot.com.au/
Fiction – Adult racing
In My Library? Downloaded as an ebook 🙂
Want it? Get it now at Amazon.

“Horses change lives. They give our young people confidence and self-esteem. They provide peace and tranquillity to troubled souls – they give us hope!” – Toni Robinson

I was recently sent a copy of this book to read and review and really enjoyed it!  Headed for the Win focuses around 17 year old Nadia Wells.

Nadia is obviously horse obsessed – the opening lines detail how many routes there are that she can take locally, to bypass horses!  With some help from her mother, Nadia secures a working student position at a local prestigious stable.

Although most of her knowledge is book based, Nadia takes to the role immediately and her instructor is surprised to find that the teen has a natural talent.  So natural in fact, she is insistent that Nadia purchases a horse and starts competing.

This is out of the question – horses cost too much – but an elderly benefactor is found and Nadia finds herself suddenly the owner of a dream horse.  As she works hard to develop as a rider, Nadia finds herself drawn also to the young man who carries out odd jobs around the farm.

Mike is cute, sweet and likes horses – what more could a girl want?  Unfortunately for Nadia, another girl named Gretchen seems to have her eye on him.  Gretchen is rich, gorgeous and a talented rider.  Nadia questions how she can compete with this, even as she and Mike grow closer.

A chance story with a man named Chuck and a freak occurrence suddenly turn everything around and Nadia wonders if the world will ever be right again.  Headed for the Win is an interesting, amusing and delightful read.  Recommended.

Author: Rachael Eliker
http://www.rachaeleliker.com/
Fiction – teen or adult
In My Library? Gifted as an ebook, so yes!
Want it? Get it now at Amazon.

“Horses give us the wings we lack.” – Author unknown

July Carter appears older than her teenage years. Although she is finished with high school and due to be excited about starting college, she is instead putting off further study and insisting on staying working with the horses that her dad trains for racing.

Along with her older sister Martina, July is being raised solely by her father. Their mother left them four years prior, pursuing her dream to become a top jockey.

July is obsessed with the return of their mother and with following her racing career. She questions when she’ll have an opportunity to see her mother again – when her work will bring her back towards her two daughters and estranged husband.

Her mother and her future study plans aren’t the only uncertainties in July’s life. The wealthy family who employ her father to train their well bred horses has a big secret that could affect their racing future. The air feels uneasy and July is sure that changes are bound to occur – changes she won’t like.

Throw into the mix the smug, attractive son of the family that the Carter’s work for, and a hot tempered young thoroughbred that may be their only hope, and Stay the Distance is an enjoyable and realistic read. The author obviously knows her horses. Entertaining and realistic – a great read.

Author: Mara Dabrishus
http://www.maradabrishus.com/
Fiction – teen or adult
In My Library? As an ebook copy, that it is!
Want it? Get it now at Amazon.

“Machinery may make for efficiency and a standardisation of life, but horse love is a bond of freemasonry which unites the entire race…” – William Fawcett