If you’re familiar with the author Lauren Brooke, it may be for her Heartland series that went on to become a television series. Following the Heartland series she created Chestnut Hill. This follows the lives of a group of teenage girls in a boarding school. The school has an equestrian team and it seems that most of the girls in the group are on it. Making Strides is told from the point of view of Malory. She made it into Chestnut Hill through a scholarship and her lack of money is often an issue.

Still, Malory has riding talent and an obvious empathy for horses. It’s what scored her the scholarship. In Making Strides, Malory finds herself connecting with a troubled young horse by the name of Tybalt. Convinced he has something other than good looks, Malory is instantly drawn to the gelding that reminds her so much of her own horse.

He may be similar in looks, but he is very different in personality.  Malory finds proving his worth to be a challenge. She is convinced she has a connection with the horse unlike uptight rich girl, Lynsey. So when she finds herself having as much trouble riding him, she is dismayed and cannot work out where to go next.

A little help from Heartland star Amy Fleming, and Malory questions if she may be able to acquire a second chance for Tybalt after all. Making Strides shows Malory’s growth as a teen and a rider in amongst a clique of rich girls.

It touches on a potential romance and also explores the concepts of join-up with horses and T touch. The second book in the Chestnut Hill series, it is sure to entertain and enlighten horse fans.

Author: Lauren Brooke
Fiction – teen
In My Library? That it is.
Want it? Get it now on Amazon.

If Wishes were Horses has a great plot idea. Twenty five year old Brianna Lane is a graphic designer in Melbourne, living a comfortable life. Her mother hails from an Irish background and these roots lead to an unusual conversation for the young adult. Brianna is amazed to learn that her uncle who she never met has left half of his estate to her. And this estate is a sizeable, profitable thoroughbred stud.

Brianna is floored and cannot believe what this will mean for her future. The other owner is keen to buy her out and the figure is astronomical. Still, the Australian woman decides she wants to see the property for herself – and learn about her uncle. What she finds over in Ireland surprises and pleases her greatly.

The country is beautiful; the farm is incredible. And the co-heir is far from what she expected. His passion for horses is obvious and his young age and good looks are a pleasant surprise. As Brianna gets to spend time with him and learn about the running of the farm, her attraction to Declan doesn’t appear to be one way at all.

If Wishes were Horses

If Wishes were Horses is a short read that contains a lot of horse content. The story has a lovely ending and could be even better if the crude sexual content was removed. For two people who have known each other such a short time, it amazes me that authors can throw them together in such a physically intimate act. And then write about it so crassly. The romance idea for the story is a great one but I felt it could have been so much better if the language was toned down and the couple were actually given time to explore a growing attraction rather than jump into bed as soon as they were alone.

Author: Caitlyn Lynch
Fiction – adult
In My Library? As an eBook it is.
Want it? Get it now on Amazon.