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The Bridle Path
Librarian's Note: This is an alternate cover edition - ASIN: B007QN7WQY
"What does any thirty something single woman wish for most?"
The Bridle Path is a short sweet fairy tale romance for us grown ups, set in the county of Cornwall:
Two years after being orphaned in a horrific car crash, twelve year old Sebby remains silent and zombie-like. His aunt and guardian Matilda hopes that a new home in the tranquillity of the Cornish countryside will help restore his health.
Sebby is quickly befriended by the precocious Winny, only child of a local farmer, Greg D'Silva. Not exactly a knight in shining armour, but Greg looks good on horseback; and even better in jodphurs. Too bad he's already claimed by pretty, confident Mary-Jo.
As Sebby emerges from a self-imposed prison, Matilda also finds her voice; aware that she too has been drifting through life,
content with "good enough" when she could be magnificent. From
being afraid to say "Boo" to a goose, Matilda finally finds the strength to go after exactly what she wants on her terms.
Told in 31,000 words (novella length).
"What does any thirty something single woman wish for most?"
The Bridle Path is a short sweet fairy tale romance for us grown ups, set in the county of Cornwall:
Two years after being orphaned in a horrific car crash, twelve year old Sebby remains silent and zombie-like. His aunt and guardian Matilda hopes that a new home in the tranquillity of the Cornish countryside will help restore his health.
Sebby is quickly befriended by the precocious Winny, only child of a local farmer, Greg D'Silva. Not exactly a knight in shining armour, but Greg looks good on horseback; and even better in jodphurs. Too bad he's already claimed by pretty, confident Mary-Jo.
As Sebby emerges from a self-imposed prison, Matilda also finds her voice; aware that she too has been drifting through life,
content with "good enough" when she could be magnificent. From
being afraid to say "Boo" to a goose, Matilda finally finds the strength to go after exactly what she wants on her terms.
Told in 31,000 words (novella length).
- GenresShort Stories
82 pages, Kindle Edition
14 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Julia Hughes
19 books117 followersQuick update! The new DI Crombie title is out: "Everybody Lies" can be downloaded exclusively from Amazon, for the special early bird price of 99p. Or download an excerpt right here, from Goodreads - just navigate to the book title.
An additional Christmas bonus!
Crombie's Christmas will be free to download from Amazon from 23 Dec - 27th December.
Author of The Celtic Cousins' Adventures: (A Raucous Time, A Ripple in Time and An Explosive Time), also The Bridle Path, and The Griffin Cryer.
An additional Christmas bonus!
Crombie's Christmas will be free to download from Amazon from 23 Dec - 27th December.
Author of The Celtic Cousins' Adventures: (A Raucous Time, A Ripple in Time and An Explosive Time), also The Bridle Path, and The Griffin Cryer.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 6, 2015
The Bridal Path by Julia Hughes is a 2012 Talon publication.
This is a very unique short story that spotlights a cast of characters all in different phases and stages of life, learning to cope with a new reality, change, relationships and love.
I have to say all the these characters were colorful, some nice, some not, but all interesting in their own way. Matilda is a big of a late bloomer, I think. She was married to a controlling man, when she suddenly becomes the guardian of her pre-teen nephew. This traumatized boy becomes the center of Matilda's life and she brings this delightful, smart and very sensitive boy out of his shell as they start a new life together.
When Matilda moves into a new area, she is told under no uncertain terms how people in the community feel about her after the bridal path was closed, something Matilda was not aware of. This is how she comes to know Greg, a local farmer who is most outspoken on the subject. The two may have gotten off on a wrong foot, but it's not long before they become the best of friends.
While this book is very short and there are many characters to keep up with, the story never becomes too busy or disorganized. It's a really sweet story, if a touch quirky, but that was part of it's charm. There were some lighthearted moments, some suspenseful situations involving the children and their mischief, some plot twist, and a bit of an unconventional love story. Overall this a quick, easy, and enjoyable short story. 3.5 stars
This is a very unique short story that spotlights a cast of characters all in different phases and stages of life, learning to cope with a new reality, change, relationships and love.
I have to say all the these characters were colorful, some nice, some not, but all interesting in their own way. Matilda is a big of a late bloomer, I think. She was married to a controlling man, when she suddenly becomes the guardian of her pre-teen nephew. This traumatized boy becomes the center of Matilda's life and she brings this delightful, smart and very sensitive boy out of his shell as they start a new life together.
When Matilda moves into a new area, she is told under no uncertain terms how people in the community feel about her after the bridal path was closed, something Matilda was not aware of. This is how she comes to know Greg, a local farmer who is most outspoken on the subject. The two may have gotten off on a wrong foot, but it's not long before they become the best of friends.
While this book is very short and there are many characters to keep up with, the story never becomes too busy or disorganized. It's a really sweet story, if a touch quirky, but that was part of it's charm. There were some lighthearted moments, some suspenseful situations involving the children and their mischief, some plot twist, and a bit of an unconventional love story. Overall this a quick, easy, and enjoyable short story. 3.5 stars
October 25, 2015
Ok. This is a "romance" but the romance angle is fairly thin and hidden throughout the book. The heroine admits of a strong attraction to the leading man early in the book but spends most of it, till the very end, fighting/denying the possibility.
There is a key character who is an 11-12 year old orphan boy, the ward of the heroine. Very traumatic how he became an orphan; extended period of time that he was not quite right from the trauma, then miraculously blossoms and opens up. The problem is, his characterization in the book is extremely out of character for a boy that age. He is more like an older brother to the heroine in action and behavior than a 'son' (adopted, or otherwise).
The best friend of the heroine is, how do I say this, hmm, unevenly characterized in the book. I couldn't really get a handle on who she was AT ALL. I didn't really like her either. She wasn't bad, she was just... indecipherable as a person. Toggles between BFF and condescending fake friend.
In the end I was intrigued by the overall plot, not that it was particularly riveting but it grabbed my personal attention hooks. The romance angle was weak in my personal opinion. The characters were varied, interesting, but unevenly or thinly developed - however it is a fairly short novella.
I did *Like* this book. I don't have to stretch at all to give it a solid 3 stars for "I LIKED IT". I could even give it 3.25 stars without a quibble (ha ha, 1/4 stars is quibbling to begin with, I know).
One final point, the heroine starts out being involved with an 'artiste' who has mood swings, yadda yadda yadda. He's a piece of work! She has the sense to give him the heave ho, or at least the storyline gives him exit stage left at the appropriate time. The author has good intentions behind placing the character within this particular plot structure, and there is Kudos deserved to showing a woman breaking free of an abusive, over controlling, domineering, jack-donkey boyfriend and finding her own spirit, voice and backbone. That in itself would be worth 4 stars but - unfortunately - it just didn't quite get to that level in the portrayal.
Mixed review; mixed feelings on the whole book review overall, but a solid I Liked It.
There is a key character who is an 11-12 year old orphan boy, the ward of the heroine. Very traumatic how he became an orphan; extended period of time that he was not quite right from the trauma, then miraculously blossoms and opens up. The problem is, his characterization in the book is extremely out of character for a boy that age. He is more like an older brother to the heroine in action and behavior than a 'son' (adopted, or otherwise).
The best friend of the heroine is, how do I say this, hmm, unevenly characterized in the book. I couldn't really get a handle on who she was AT ALL. I didn't really like her either. She wasn't bad, she was just... indecipherable as a person. Toggles between BFF and condescending fake friend.
In the end I was intrigued by the overall plot, not that it was particularly riveting but it grabbed my personal attention hooks. The romance angle was weak in my personal opinion. The characters were varied, interesting, but unevenly or thinly developed - however it is a fairly short novella.
I did *Like* this book. I don't have to stretch at all to give it a solid 3 stars for "I LIKED IT". I could even give it 3.25 stars without a quibble (ha ha, 1/4 stars is quibbling to begin with, I know).
One final point, the heroine starts out being involved with an 'artiste' who has mood swings, yadda yadda yadda. He's a piece of work! She has the sense to give him the heave ho, or at least the storyline gives him exit stage left at the appropriate time. The author has good intentions behind placing the character within this particular plot structure, and there is Kudos deserved to showing a woman breaking free of an abusive, over controlling, domineering, jack-donkey boyfriend and finding her own spirit, voice and backbone. That in itself would be worth 4 stars but - unfortunately - it just didn't quite get to that level in the portrayal.
Mixed review; mixed feelings on the whole book review overall, but a solid I Liked It.
September 23, 2012
THE BRIDLE PATH is a deeply moving and insightful novella that touches on the themes of love, relationships, boundaries, jealousy and greed. The story takes a reader into the deepest heart of motherhood; the weight of a revelation that Matilda, as mother to Sebby, came to understand. “Her stomach cramped and she realized that for as long as she lived, her happiness was dependent upon his safety.” Most poignant, however, are the subtle revelations of a greater gift in this story: the infusion of resilience that leads a woman towards the affirmation of herself as a person.
The subtleties and nuances of thought and responses when a character is in transition is not an easy one to portray. Although enjoying the author’s usual descriptive flair for taking me along on a new journey, a tingle of heightened expectation began when I read Matilda’s thought near the end of chapter 1, “What is it with men. Do they ever grow up?” Up until that point, ‘Tilly’ was just a 35-year old mostly meek and timid woman seemingly under the control of a brash, demanding husband-to-be named Jude. The subtleties in their relationship relative to both having joint custody of Seddy, a trust-rich, 13 year old traumatized nephew, are poignantly revealed as the story unfolds.
Ms. Hughes skillfully scripts entertaining scenes that occur between Matilda and a zesty supporting cast of characters. Most profound is the author’s well-integrated use of these characters’ dialogues and roles as conduits for revelations of Tilly’s journey towards womanhood.
Vivid, picturesque scenes take place on a bridle path that goes through a section of Matilda’s property and thus, serves as a point of intersection for the characters in the story. THE BRIDLE PATH is a rich, intense novella that is delightful, captivating and psychologically intricate.
The subtleties and nuances of thought and responses when a character is in transition is not an easy one to portray. Although enjoying the author’s usual descriptive flair for taking me along on a new journey, a tingle of heightened expectation began when I read Matilda’s thought near the end of chapter 1, “What is it with men. Do they ever grow up?” Up until that point, ‘Tilly’ was just a 35-year old mostly meek and timid woman seemingly under the control of a brash, demanding husband-to-be named Jude. The subtleties in their relationship relative to both having joint custody of Seddy, a trust-rich, 13 year old traumatized nephew, are poignantly revealed as the story unfolds.
Ms. Hughes skillfully scripts entertaining scenes that occur between Matilda and a zesty supporting cast of characters. Most profound is the author’s well-integrated use of these characters’ dialogues and roles as conduits for revelations of Tilly’s journey towards womanhood.
Vivid, picturesque scenes take place on a bridle path that goes through a section of Matilda’s property and thus, serves as a point of intersection for the characters in the story. THE BRIDLE PATH is a rich, intense novella that is delightful, captivating and psychologically intricate.
January 15, 2016
The Bridle Path has all the ingredients of a fine romance. Matilda is the believable main character who falls in once-in-a-lifetime love. The author has devised imaginative and unusual conflicts and tensions that keep the lovers apart. There's a rich cast of supporting players who help and hinder the resolution to the lovers' problems. And Julia Hughes describes a fascinating and beautiful setting in which the story unfolds. I enjoyed watching the relationships develop particularly between Matilda and her young nephew, Sebby. This is in addition to Matilda's relationships with men. Her boyfriend Jude is already in the running for Most Obnoxious Boyfriend of the Year. And Matilda's first encounter with Greg DeSilva and his "partner" Mary-Jo is far from auspicious no matter how good Greg looks on horse-back. The novel is very prettily set in Cornwall where the countryside is presented as part of an idyllic rural lifestyle. Until the characters get up close and personal with a manure heap and other messy farm jobs. Altogether a very enjoyable, light read for a cold winter's night.
September 11, 2012
Matilda Pendance is hoping that moving from London to Cornwall will be a great help and a new start to a new life for her twelve year old nephew Sebby. After a family tragedy two years ago Matilda is now Sebby’s legal guardian and she wants to do all she can to help him over come the tragedy.
They meet their new neighbours Mary-Jo and Greg on a bridle path that runs through their land. Greg is quite standoffish with Matilda at first, but when he gives Sebby a pony to look after they become friends. Matilda is about to embark on a journey of self-discovery and awakening that will hopefully changed her and Sebby’s lives for the better.
This is a book that can easily be read in one sitting. A touching story all about coming to terms with tragedy and moving forward with life
They meet their new neighbours Mary-Jo and Greg on a bridle path that runs through their land. Greg is quite standoffish with Matilda at first, but when he gives Sebby a pony to look after they become friends. Matilda is about to embark on a journey of self-discovery and awakening that will hopefully changed her and Sebby’s lives for the better.
This is a book that can easily be read in one sitting. A touching story all about coming to terms with tragedy and moving forward with life
February 12, 2014
There is a big difference between "plot twists" and "messy plots". I can see the intention of the writer when writing this story, but it doesn't deliver and the result is a mess that is hardly understandable. As I don't understand the title, since it doesn't make any reference to anything relevant in the story. The characters are quite one-dimensional and flat, and there are lots of plot issues. There are even things and events that don't get explained; they are just forgotten and never developed. I can't explain much or I would have to include spoilers, so I will just say that it is a story about treasons and secrets.
August 20, 2013
Another great book from Julia. This one takes place in Cornwall which is the back ground to new friendships, new discoveries and new beginnings for the characters. Sebby starts talking for the first time in 2 years. His uncle reveals his true colours and Tilly learns to let go and bravely face the future. A gentle romance with a HAE ending.
January 11, 2016
Entertaining
Thank you for including the extra chapters! I think the next book will be even better. I found the main characters lack of a spine to be a difficult read. I am glad she was finding herself by the end and that is why the next book should be better. There is still much to be resolved and I will look for the next book!
Thank you for including the extra chapters! I think the next book will be even better. I found the main characters lack of a spine to be a difficult read. I am glad she was finding herself by the end and that is why the next book should be better. There is still much to be resolved and I will look for the next book!
April 29, 2012
This was a great story right up until the last few pages. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, the whole thing changes and you're left wondering what the heck happened. The end was very rushed and really didn't make any sense at all when you consider the rest of the story. It felt forced and ridiculous.
April 10, 2015
Refreshing and sweet, The Bridle Path is a love story about second chances and self-growth. I immensely enjoyed the plot and how the characters evolve throughout the story. Perfect length for those rainy afternoons when you need a cup of tea and a romantic read.
January 8, 2013
I enjoyed this book. Nice easy read:)
January 16, 2013
Very enjoyable readings. Great characters.
July 11, 2013
I had trouble staying with this book. I enjoyed the storyline but it was so slow moving and the ending is to quick.
July 25, 2015
This is a sort of fairy tale for adults.
April 27, 2017
Wonderful story
Lovely sweet story of love overcoming tragedy. A new author for me but one I Wil look for again. Good characters, good storyline and a sweet HEA ending! Wonderful read!
Lovely sweet story of love overcoming tragedy. A new author for me but one I Wil look for again. Good characters, good storyline and a sweet HEA ending! Wonderful read!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews