Bluegrass Dreams Aren’t for Free by Gerri Leen

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.