Bright, Broken Things by Linda Shantz

I was pleased to have time recently, to read the ‘A Good Things Come Prequel’. Bright, Broken Things by Linda Shantz is book zero in this series and it sets the scene really well.

The first introduction to Nate Miller shows him fleeing a scene, desperate to get out of town. As the book unfolds, his broken heart and the reason behind it are further explored. Either way, Nate is in a new town and needing to take on something to ensure he doesn’t develop self destructive habits. Could a horse job with general farm work be just what he needs?

Liv Lachance finds her only reprieve in life – being on the back of a racehorse – doesn’t happen often enough. Whenever she’s not up on a horse, things are expected of her: to interact politely, to study, to gain good grades, to continue on the expected path of becoming a veterinarian. Liv just wants to ride, but can only take pleasure in the moments when she has the time to do so – which is not as often as she would like!

Knowing that the university year will be upon her all too quickly, Liv accepts the responsibility of advertising for a person who can start their yearlings. Although, she can admit she desperately wants to do it herself. The breeding property also needs a new farm hand… and if she can acquire the two positions in one eager worker, that would be even better, right?

Bright Broken Things is a wonderfully horse focused novel, that sets things up for what looks like an appealing series! The horse aspects are beautifully descriptive, teaching about the industry and providing wonderful insights into Canadian racing and starting young thoroughbreds.

Bright, Broken Things by Linda Shantz

The characters are unique and delightful. It was wonderful to read about the horse sales, starting yearlings under saddle, the dark and light aspects of an equine veterinary career and a little bit of riding racehorses.

The interactions between the characters is realistic and interesting, and builds nicely between the main characters. I’m curious to see where this goes. Highly recommended.

Author: Linda Shantz
Fiction: Young Adult
In My Library? As an eBook it is