Snowfall

Tales from Hawk's Folly Farm #3

by J. Kathleen Cheney

Lourdes Medina has left everything she knows. Following a vision in a dream, she's gone north to Saratoga Springs to buy back the mare her brother sold out from under her. But the horse's new owner, Finn, makes her an interesting offer in return for the horse. Against her better judgment, Lourdes becomes entangled in his family's problems…and it seems she's unwittingly gained an enemy, a woman who will go to any length to get the husband she wants.

But Finn is a mystery. He seems to have abilities that she's never seen before, including the ability to overhear her speaking to horses. It's Lourdes' one small magic--she can speak directly to a horse, mind to mind, and they obey her word. When she learns the truth about Finn, that's when things truly become complicated. What exactly is a puca?
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Genres: Historical, Fantasy

153 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 22, 2012

About the author

J. Kathleen Cheney is nothing if not versatile in her story telling. But, weaving through her work is a common thread, that of the improbable heroine. From worlds set in humanity’s distant post-apocalyptic future to alternate worlds of today or of the near past, Kathleen’s heroines include a siren who with help from a gentleman of the city must stop a regicidal plot, the neglected daughter of an absent king coming to terms with her shapeshifting ancestors, a blind teenager who dreams of others’ deaths and who uses her gift of touch to find their killers, and the widow of a trainer who with a most unusual horse must save her farm and way of life. All use their unusual gifts and talents to overcome obstacles and find their place in the world.

In 2005 Kathleen decided to pursue writing as a full-time endeavor and has since enjoyed seeing her stories published in Shimmer, The Sword Review, and Baen’s Universe. Her novella “Iron Shoes” was a 2011 Nebula nominee. Kathleen twice attended the summer Writer’s Workshop at the Center for the Study of Science Fiction under the tutelage of James Gunn. She lists C. J. Cherryh, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Georgette Heyer among the writers who influenced her most–as well as Ansen Dibell, whose ghostly fingerprints can be seen all over her work.

Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Kathleen’s parents actually were rocket scientists (they worked at White Sands Missile Range), which made for interesting dinner-time conversations. After graduating with degrees in English and Marketing she worked as a menswear buyer for retail department store chains before changing careers to become a teacher, where she taught mathematics ranging from 7th Grade Arithmetic up to Calculus. Kathleen also served a brief stint as a Gifted and Talented Specialist. She coached the Academic Team and the Robotics Team and was the Chess Club sponsor.

When not writing, Kathleen likes to don a mask and get sweaty fencing, both foil and saber. Quieter hobbies include putting on her Wellingtons and getting her hands dirty in the garden. She also enjoys traveling and taking care of her dogs. Two large, hairy, dogs.

Her first novel, "The Golden City" came out from Ace Books, November 2013.

Reviews

[Gay]

Magical! What would you give up to save someone you loved? Lourdes comes from Texas and has barely heard of Fae. She finds herself entangled with them. This is a nice, clean, well written book. It has an interesting story. This is the third book by this author and I have not been disappointed yet.

[Jo Notary]

153p Lourdes Medina has left everything she knows. Following a vision in a dream, she's gone north to Saratoga Springs to buy back the mare her brother sold out from under her. But the horse's new owner, Finn, makes her an interesting offer in return for the horse. Against her better judgment, Lourdes becomes entangled in his family's problems 26and it seems she's unwittingly gained an enemy, a woman who will go to any length to get the husband she wants.

But Finn is a mystery. He seems to have abilities that she's never seen before, including the ability to overhear her speaking to horses. It's Lourdes' one small magic--she can speak directly to a horse, mind to mind, and they obey her word. When she learns the truth about Finn, that's when things truly become complicated. What exactly is a puca?

[Diane Dean]

I so enjoyed this series! I hope it continues! Love it! Thank You Kathleen Cheney for introducing me to a new genre! Please...More!