If Wishes Were Horses

by Robert Barclay

In this unforgettable novel of love, hope & 2nd chances, a grieving man's personal plan for redemption is suddenly & unexpectedly turned upside down. Devastated by the senseless deaths of his wife & son at the hands of a drunk driver, Wyatt Blaine remains unable to forgive or to love again. Searching for a sense of peace, he decides to revive his late wife's equine therapy program for troubled teens at the Blaine family ranch.
But then Wyatt's pastor asks for the impossible—for Wyatt to meet with Gabby Powers, the widow of the man responsible for the accident, & accept her troubled son, Trevor, into the program. Wyatt reluctantly agrees. To his surprise, Wyatt finds himself drawn to Gabby. But to heal completely, Wyatt & Gabby must first overcome the common tragedy that separates them & learn the true nature of forgiveness. Only by conquering these seeming impossibilities may their hearts become free to love one another.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Horses, Contemporary, Animals, Adult, Drama

484 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2010

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.

Reviews

[CoffeeTimeRomance andMore · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was difficult for me to fully enjoy. Once Trevor stepped foot on the horse ranch it was like he was magically transformed into a thoughtful, exuberant teen in practically the blink of an eye. There is plenty of conflict and excitement, but much of it stretched my capacity to suspend disbelief to the limit. There are moments of tenderness and moments of laughter, and honestly, the story-telling flowed smoothly, but, for me, the whole believability factor was just lacking. Conflicts, anger, and hatred seem often to be resolved with a few choice sentences. Toward the end, I felt the book was finally coming to a satisfactory conclusion, but then a final twist and tease occurred that, frankly, made me grit my teeth in frustration. I especially would have liked to have learned more about the beautiful horses. The book maintained my interest while I was reading it, and, for the most part, I enjoyed it, but at the end I was disappointed that I never felt the connection to the characters that I hoped to feel.

Laurie
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More


Full Review: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Book...

[Lydia Laceby · Rating 1 out of 5]

Originally Reviewed at Novel Escapes

I don't want to do this, but I'm afraid I have no choice. The premise of If Wishes Were Horses intrigued me and it could have been great, but it fell flatter than a pancake for me.

This was a cheesy chick flick type novel that felt over the top with cariacture characters, forced plot and dialogue. On the cover it is compared to Nicholas Sparks, who I've never read before, so can't comment, but I hope they mean the story of love and redemption. I've seen The Notebook and I've no doubt the intention is for this novel is to be made into a movie - that's exactly how it reads - but If Wishes Were Horses lacked depth and emotion for me. Hopefully the right acting and directing can pick up where this story lacks.

The love story between Wyatt and Gabby seemed off right from the beginning. It didn't feel natural at all and their initial meeting to suddenly having weird feelings to wondering what those feelings were to falling madly in love just didn't jive. Something about the progression seemed odd. I also couldn't figure out why Wyatt would hold the accident against Gabby and Trevor. They weren't driving the car. I undersood why he might not want the reminder of them there day after day, but the initial anger didn't seem justified and then the sudden thawing was odd too. Trevor's angst at Wyatt though seemed slightly more realistic as he was a child at the time of the accident, but I still had a hard time with it all. I also couldn't grasping Ram's huge secret and yes, it was sad, but the reaction of his sons seemed well over the top for me.

The dialogue felt forced and don't get me started on the dialogue tags 'he whispered stealthily' or the amount of exclamation points peppered through the dialogue! I couldn't even get a feel for the setting much of the time or the description which went much like this: "Celia took another sip of Gabby's coffee. It was hot and good", and my favourite "At forty five, Celia remained an attractive woman." Really? This sentence did nothing to help me picture the woman, all it did was offend me instead.

I was disappointed not to see more of the actual equine therapy in this novel. It was glossed over to focus on Wyatt and Gabby which was unfortunate as it would have added another layer to the story.

There a few moments that I did wonder what was going to happen and the last scene before the epilogue was a bit of a surprise, but it didn't compensate for the rest of the novel for me. I anticipate seeing this on the big or small screen soon where I hope it will redeem itself as a better screenplay than novel.

[Terri · Rating 1 out of 5]

Knew most of the plot from reading the first chapter. Really predictable. Author likes to throw in 'big' words now and then and it doesn't fit in with most of the writing. Had to read the "maybe I love too ardently.." bit a couple times. The story line is actually enjoyable, but I feel it's written to pull emotions from the reader, the emotions don't just come with the story. Sure can't figure out Ram's alzeheimer symptoms...seems like they appear when needed in the narrative. Otherwise, he's needle sharp.

[Tonya Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a phenomenal book about overcoming tragedy, letting those into your life who destroyed it, and forgiveness. This is one powerful book. If Wishes Were Horses I highly recommend it to everyone.

[Paula Dembeck · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is not one I would usually read. It for the most part a romance, not a literary genre I enjoy, but I was intrigued by the other component of the book, equine therapy, a treatment modality for troubled teenagers with behavior problems. Although the novel delivers both, the romantic clichés trumped the sections on the therapy and interfered with my enjoyment of Barclay’s debut novel.

The story takes place in Boca Raton Florida where Ramsey (Ram) Blaine and his two sons Wyatt and Morgan own a law firm and live in a large mansion on a huge sprawling horse ranch. Wyatt Blaine has decided to take a leave from his law practice and restart his wife Krista’s horse therapy program New Beginnings. She and their son Danny were killed in a drunk driving accident five years ago and Wyatt is still mourning the loss of his family, living in the past rather than embracing the future. He has reluctantly decided to take this one step towards dealing with his pain, knowing it will be difficult but also knowing his wife Krista would approve.

The Blaine’s huge sprawling ranch is called the “Flying B” and is surrounded by horses, barns and acers of property. Both sons are lawyers and partners in their thriving law practice, but Wyatt is more interested in the ranch and his brother Morgan is more interested in the law.

Gabby Powers was married to Jason, the drunk driver that caused the car accident and also died in the crash. The couple had separated due to Jason’s abusive behavior and just before their divorce was to become final, he died in the accident. Their son Trevor now fourteen, adored his father and believes Wyatt’s wife Krista was responsible for the crash that killed his dad. He had been an obedient child, but since becoming a teenager his behavior has become a problem and he is clearly headed for trouble. He handles his inner anger by dressing like James Dean and modeling his look and behavior on that of the famous actor. He has few friends; his grades are slipping and he has been in several fights at school. The principal has warned him that if there is one more incident, he will be expelled.

Reverend James Jacobson is the kindly minister of Saint Andrews Church which both Gabby and Wyatt attend. He surreptitiously organized a meeting with Gabby and Wyatt to have Wyatt consider having Trevor admitted to the New Beginnings program. Wyatt is angry at his minister’s manipulative behavior but Gabby is pleased when Wyatt agrees to accept her son in the program. She is a single parent and could never afford private counselling.

Although initially unhappy about taking the program, Trevor enjoys the ranch and taking care of the horses, all part of the therapy. He becomes friendly with Ram, the no nonsense patriarch of the ranch, a man who lost his wife Phoebe to cancer early in their marriage and who at the age of seventy-seven has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He has both his good and bad days although the medications help. Ram rules the ranch with an iron fist and his own set of rules. As he gets to know Trevor, he comes to enjoy the boy, understanding his losses and quietly taking the boy under his wing.

As can be expected with this type of book, when Gabby and Wyatt get to know each other, they develop a deeper relationship. It does not go smoothly since there is so much they must overcome because of the accident and the losses they have both suffered as a result. Their relationship takes its predictable path, but they work through the bumps in the road and get past them. Trevor makes good progress in the program, becomes a competent rider and gradually comes to deal with the loss of his father through his relationship with Ram and through the therapy program.

Ram is a fascinating character, a man of few words with a gruff kind of charm who is the undisputed and respected head of the Blaine family. He is a curmudgeonly old man and set in his ways, has suffered hardship in the past, but always rallied to overcome his losses. He is a loving, wise and caring father and it is clear despite his wealth, his family is the most important part of his life. Mercy is another character who makes a strong impression, a tough young woman with a difficult past who has worked hard to make a life for herself. She is not a formally trained veterinarian but knows a lot about caring for horses, having lived and worked at the ranch since she was eighteen. She came to the Flying B through the Florida foster care system and is now a permanent resident at the ranch. Mercy has a chip on her shoulder and a mercurial temper but she is a strong horsewoman and a wily poker player who enjoys having a drink with the guys. These two colorful characters, Ram and Mercy, create more of an impression on the reader than the two romantic leads in the narrative and almost walk away with the book.

The rehabilitation program called equine therapy is described but in little detail. It serves more as the background to the evolving relationship between Gabby and Wyatt who were rightly the focus of the narrative. I wanted to know more about how the program helped these teenagers move on in their lives, but it is simply put forward as a program based on the theory that if children are given an animal to care for and bond with, their psychotherapy takes on added meaning. To me, there was a big leap in that theory and I wanted to understand more of it through Trevor’s progress. But of course, Barclay’s attention is more on the developing relationship between Gabby and Wyatt than on the therapy program. I think the book could have been so much more than a romance if Barclay had chosen to go deeper into Trevor’s therapy experience so the reader could understand his journey more fully.

My problem with this novel was not just that it was a romance, but that Gabby and Wyatt’s relationship was so predictable. Like other similar stories, two individuals meet, are not initially attracted to one another but over time begin to make a halting but fragile connection. Not long after, the relationships runs into difficulty and fractures but the problems are overcome and the relationship ends in a happy place. The kitschy romantic language and knowing the characters will eventually overcome their difficulties and end up together, proved too much for me.

Some have compared Barclay’s novel to the work of Nicholas Sparks and I would agree. It is that kind of book.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

If Wishes Were Horses is a story about love, redemption, forgiveness, family, and peace.

It has been five years since Jason Powers drove drunk and forever changed the lives of two families. Not only did he kill himself, but he killed the wife and daughter of business man, Wyatt Blaine.

It has been five years and Wyatt is ready to re-open the equine therapy program for troubled teens that was his late wife's pride and joy. When his Minister asks him a favor, let the teen son of Jason Power's into the program, well it is a favor that is really hard for Wyatt to say yes to, but he does. Will letting Trevor Powers and his beautiful mom, Gabby, into his life be a huge mistake? Or will it save him from the grief that has been eating him alive for the last five years?

If Wishes Were Horses was a bit predictable, in the way that most Nicholas Sparks or Jodi Picoult novels are predictable. The writing was decent, but the predictability was just too much for me. That is just my opinion. I could be wrong.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great idea by a writer who isn't quite there yet. For me this book was a bit long and it felt like it didn't have to be. I really liked the concept and I love horses so it held my interest, but the love story aspect of it needed work. Some of the writing felt a bit juvenile to me; there was lots of dialogue, but it felt like the author was running out of ways to express that someone was talking. There was a lot of, "(so-and-so) answered," and, "(so-and-so) answered back," and that made the book hard to read. I know this was his first book, but I hope if he publishes more his writing improves.

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, but I don't think I did. It tells the story of Wyatt, a widowed man whose wife and son were killed by a drunk driver. He runs a horse ranch, as well as a horse therapy program for troubled teens. Joining the program are the ex-wife and son of the drunk driver. The three of them show animosity at first but predictably all get along really well. I didn't think this was well-written; it definitely read like a first novel. There were unnecessary descriptions. The entire story seemed too predictable overall. Reading it was fine but I wouldn't say I really enjoyed it.

[S. Spelbring · Rating 2 out of 5]

Apart from the mistake about where Deadwood is, it's not a bad book, but it isn't great either. The plot was anti-climatic, due to the face the author resolved the main conflict and yet the story continued for a few more chapters. Not that it wasn't interesting, but I kept wondering why he would continue the story after that.

I dunno, I guess I'm glad I didn't pay full price for this book.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story here was good. That's it, just good. A drunk man hits a mother and son in a fatal car accident for all. Five yrs later surviving widower is still not coping well with the death of his wife and son. He decides to restart a program his wife had begun in helping troubles teens with horse therapy. It so happens that one of those troubled teens happens to be the son of the man that killed his family. I thought the story had great potential but was a little lacking. I would also put this under a Romance as the widow and widower fall in love and I felt like the story was more about them...and the great detail of what they were wearing every day than it was about the troubled teen and the horse therapy. I also could have been ok if it ended at about 2 or 3 times that it felt like was an ending set up. I guess there was more to wrap up. Good but not a wow book!

[June Guymon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Wishes Were Horses reminded me a lot of Nicholas Sparks' novels. It is a deeply moving story of love, hope, and forgiveness, as two damaged souls torn apart by a common tragedy slowly find a way to heal. Barclay's story is rich in emotion that will touch the heart of every reader who fervently believes in second chances at love.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow was this book lame! The plot was predictable, the emotional conflicts were a bit overly dramatic and the writing was simplistic without much sophistication. Yet what drove me really nuts was the fact that Barclay chose to set this book on a horse ranch an obviously had no clue about anything to do with horses.

[Chanin]

Grieving the loss of his wife & child, Wyatt pours himself into an equine therapy program on his ranch. When an unlikely family seeks his help, their paths entwine in a way they never imagined--but will the path they travel together ultimately lead to healing or more heartache? Tale of love, hope, & 2nd chances.

Ideas for book club meeting:
--Adjust furniture & lighting. Set up circular seating to encourage group discussion. Make sure adequate lighting as people may wish to read from the book or refer to their notes.
--Clear surfaces. Stow stuff like newspapers & remotes from coffee table & end table.
--Disconnect distractions. Turn off phones & answering machines so won't be interrupted.
--Occupy kids. Make sure they have a project or someone to keep an eye on them if needed.

Discussion:
1. When Gabby fell from her horse, she became incensed at Wyatt for persuading her to go against her better judgement. Though she had a right to be upset, was she too harsh in her anger? How would you have reacted? Would you have accepted his apology?

2. Before reading this book, were you familiar with equine therapy? How much did you know about it? If it was new to you, how much did you learn? Why do you think this kind of therapy works, especially with people like Trevor, where other methods might fail?

3. Did you see Wyatt's equine therapy program as being safe enough for your child? Would you recommend this kind of program to someone having problems? Would you enroll your own child?

4. Do you agree that Gabby seems to understand her feelings for Wyatt before he realizes he, too, is in love? Do you think that this is usually the case in romantic relationships?

5. Though she knows how she feels, does Gabby wait too long to tell Wyatt that she loves him? What might have been different if she had?

6. When Trevor is forced to shoot Sadie, he decides to leave his windbreaker & belt behind. Why? What did this gesture signify for the boy?

7. At the end of the book, Wyatt & Gabby read Ram's heartfelt letter. Have you ever written--or received--such a letter? How would they have reacted if they'd read his words earlier? How did time & distance affect their emotions?

8. What lessons did you take away from reading this book?

www.allyou.com/BookClub for more features & tips & discussion questions

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book, it was an enjoyable read. I really liked the characters. The only thing is why does very book have to be so obvious when there are a single man and woman as main characters that meet and you know they are going to end up together. This story is about Wyatt Blaine who is a lawyer but his family also owns and runs a horse ranch, so when his wife and only son are killed in a car crash Wyatt leaves his job as a lawyer to go work and work on the ranch. He restarts a program for horse therapy for troubled kids his wife started in her honor. One of the kids is a boy named Trevor Powers who lost his father is a car crash too. Trevor is getting in all kinds of trouble in school so when his mom Gabby hears of the program Gabby goes to Reverend Jacobson for help to get her son in the program. This the kind of book that takes you in from start to finish.

[April Fratzke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh, this was a very cheesy, formulaic story that was almost painful to read. I started out with just being mildly annoyed I fallen for purchasing such a cheesy, sappy, uninventive love story but by the end I was literally yelling at the book "who says that!?" The only reason this gets 2 stars instead of 1 is because none of the characters are hateful or mean or awful (even if they do fit neatly into stereotypical categories) so I didn't hate anybody in the book. But this story of one dimensional drama is best for YA fiction.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my students lent me her copy of this book. This is something I never in a million years would have picked up myself, but after reading it I feel as though I know this student a lot better. This book feels like reading a Hallmark movie-- and I'm not saying that in a bad way. It is pure escapism and delightfully cheesy. You will predict the ending within the first couple of chapters, but that is ok. What keeps this book from being pure fluff are the very real discussions of grief, loss, and mental illness.

[Linda Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just for say that I am a horse person and have been all of my life. This by far is the best book I have ever read in my whole life. It is a very moving and loving story and touched my heart in ways I just cannot explain. If I could rate this book a 10 out of 10 I would. If you love horses it had horses in your life you must read this book. to the author, you did a wonderful wonderful job with this book and I will never ever forget it. I congratulate you on many levels. I highly recommend this book

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sad opening. Death has affected 2 families and even though 5 years have passed the healing process continues.
This book is about faith and when times are challenging and we need our faith most we lose our faith. A teacher, a child in pain, a lawyer turned rancher, an old man, Alzheimer’s, horses lots of horses and New Beginnings.

[Merit Floerke · Rating 3 out of 5]

It reminded me a lot of "The Ultimate Gift". Very intentional and temporal. I didn't love his descriptions of women as if it were shocking that they could be pretty past 40. His relationships were sweet and thoughtful and the horse descriptions were beautiful.

[Linda Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

The perfect Hallmark movie!

Formulaic romcom. Likeable characters, but setting and lifestyle unrealistic. I was drawn to it by the title and a new author, but not something I can read regularly.

[Sheila Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and inspirational story of tragedy, forgiveness, and love. Robert Barclay created some great characters and a dramatic plot.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely GREAT book.

[Gretchen Stein · Rating 4 out of 5]

story of redemption, loss, forgiveness.

Wyatt loses his wife and young son to a drunk driver who also dies. Five years later he must deal with the loss and the drunk mans family

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pro-smoking, anti-French, a psychologist that rolls her eyes at the only Black character, a man who orders for his date, and a horse named after a slur for the Romani people. Ugh.

[Lana Sieracki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't finish...didn't enjoy it!

[Judy Piasecki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very predictable story but a good read no matter I knew where it was going within the first 5 chapters!

[Diane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh, how I wanted to like this book! The premise of the book was intriguing. However, the writing could not engage me. I finished the book because I bought it.

[Kristen Wrisley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really liked this one! 💗

[Chic · Rating 3 out of 5]

not bad, not all that good. Just a quick easy read.

[Heather Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story line.