A Fresh Start on the Bridle Path

The Glenbriar #12

by Margaret Amatt

A missed path. A lost love. And a second chance to get it right.

James Charlton may be second-in-command at his father’s lucrative business, but, according to his parents, he’s just not ‘posh’ enough for the kind of woman they expect him to marry. When they decide he would be perfect for the horse-mad daughter of a local earl, James needs to up his game. First step, learn to ride… But James has never even sat on a horse before.

Dagmar Ingenfeld’s life revolves around horses. She barely has room to breathe, running the stables on a country estate while desperately trying to help her mother save her café from foreclosure. When a rich and handsome man from her past arrives back in her life, she wants him straight back out again. James Charlton is nothing but bad news. Until he offers her a chance to save the café.

Only one catch. Dagmar must teach him how to ride – and fast.

As the lessons begin, Dagmar sees a different side to James, and an old flame is rekindled. But how can their budding romance go anywhere when she’s a stable girl, and he’s expected to ride into the sunset with the earl’s daughter?

James must decide whether to follow the money or take a chance on Dagmar, and perhaps, against all odds, discover the true path to happiness.

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2025

About the author

Margaret is a Scottish author and chocolate lover who has been writing stories for over twenty years (possibly more if you count her primary school efforts). Her early works will never see the light of day and are locked in dusty vaults on some old floppy disks. But after all those years of practise, Margaret released her first novel A Winter Haven in 2021. This is the first of a ten-book series set on the gorgeous Scottish Isle of Mull.
The stories are unashamedly romantic but with lots of drama and an eclectic mix of characters. Each book can be read as a standalone but followers of the series will enjoy catching up with previous characters.
A new spin-off series based in the Scottish Highlands is coming out in 2023. Look out for the Glenbriar Series throughout the year.

Reviews

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I'm yet to catch up with the rest of the books in The Glenbriar series, those I have I've thoroughly enjoyed, and have a new found love for Scotland.

A Fresh Start is the twelfth in the series and does easily read as a standalone. I love being able to reconnect with previous characters that pop up as well as meeting new friends along the way.

Enemies to lovers and second chance romance are two of my favourite bookish tropes, so James and Dagmar's story was a sure fire win for me.

The characters are absolutely charming, the story delightful and I loved every minute.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dagmar has always had a crush on James and now he shows up at the stables for riding lessons.
I wasn’t aware this book was part of a series as it seems to stand alone. It’s an easy to read book that may have been a bit drawn out. It would make a good beach read

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fresh Start on the Bridle Path by Margaret Amatt

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

A missed path. A lost love. And a second chance to get it right.

James Charlton may be second-in-command at his father’s lucrative business, but, according to his parents, he’s just not ‘posh’ enough for the kind of woman they expect him to marry. When they decide he would be perfect for the horse-mad daughter of a local earl, James needs to up his game. First step, learn to ride… But James has never even sat on a horse before.

Dagmar Ingenfeld’s life revolves around horses. She barely has room to breathe, running the stables on a country estate while desperately trying to help her mother save her café from foreclosure. When a rich and handsome man from her past arrives back in her life, she wants him straight back out again. James Charlton is nothing but bad news. Until he offers her a chance to save the café.

Only one catch. Dagmar must teach him how to ride – and fast.

As the lessons begin, Dagmar sees a different side to James, and an old flame is rekindled. But how can their budding romance go anywhere when she’s a stable girl, and he’s expected to ride into the sunset with the earl’s daughter?

My Opinion

A Fresh Start on the Bridle Path is the twelfth book in The Glenbriar Series and whilst it can be read as a standalone, this is a series that I would highly recommend reading from the beginning for maximum enjoyment. This was such a delightful story and it was nice to catch up with some familiar characters. A heart-warming tale. Margaret Amatt has once again written a great novel.

Rating 4/5

[Pam Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts

We continue to add to the Glenbriar series and to expand the characters that you meet there, as well as some familiar faces. Dagmar and James have known each other since school and Dagmar's experience of bullying then has stayed with her all her life. Resisting any attempts to make friends, she has protected her feelings by concentrating on her passion for horse riding and become a very talented horsewomen, There has been no space in her life for relationships.

James seems to have had a protected, cosseted life with his rich parents but has always put trying to please them ahead of what he actually wants for himself. His parents seem to have changed over the years and mow value position and prestige above all as the way to improve their business. It seems that both James and Dagmar are at a crossroads at the age of thirty and looking for more in their lives. Both show a great loyalty to their parents and Dagmar finds that her mother needs her help to keep her cafe going. They really are both at opposite ends of the social scale.

This is as enjoyable as the earlier books in the series and it is interesting to catch up with familiar faces. The descriptions of working at the stables are lovely and you find that you make assumptions about characters based on how they relate to the animals and the workers. Some show consideration whilst others take on a high- handed attitude. This is a story about finding out what you want in a partner and having the courage to act on your feelings.

In short: new beginnings
Thanks to the publisher

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, this is a delightful story that gives a second chance to a couple of characters we met in earlier books. We have heard plenty about Duchan Fayre and the range of products that have brought so much success to James Charlton and his parents. This is the first time that James has been more than a pawn in his family’s game plan of bringing a notable name to the business. He’s been groomed to marry well and has been prepared to do whatever it takes to meet their exacting standards, until now.
Having failed to speak up and protect her at school, James is determined to be a friend to Dagmar Ingenfield and get to know her better. That will maybe prove easier, as he needs to learn to ride as soon as possible if he’s to stand a chance with the earl’s daughter.
I’ve previously felt a little sorry for James. He’s been a willing suitor but never a successful match, and he’s proved to be unlucky in love. Perhaps that’s because he saw love as a business transaction and not as a matter of the heart. On this occasion, he has only his heart to invest as there is no financial benefit for Duchan Fayre if he commits to a mere ‘stable girl’ and ignores the potential of a good match.
Of course, Dagmar can benefit as James is determined to help save her mother’s business. All she needs to do is help him to learn to ride in the shortest time possible, a huge challenge as he’s not used to being around horses. I loved Dagmar’s feisty independence and her determination to avoid being seen as a charity case.
I do enjoy a second-chance story, and this one delivers on every level. It even embraces the concept of opposites attracting, as there was a country mile between James and Dagmar. I found the story to be filled with warmth and totally relatable, as I grew up dreaming of being a successful rider. It’s just a shame that I was rubbish at it!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaret Amatt has done it again with another fabulous book in the Glenbriar series. We’ve previously met Dagmar and James but in this book they are the main focus. After being so badly bullied at school Dagmar finds it hard to trust anyone and doesn’t believe that she is worthy of having friendships. James remembers her from school and has always wished he had done more against the bullies for her. He then turns up at the riding stables where she is the yard manager and…….. This has an engaging storyline that looks at so many different topics from romance, self worth, family dynamics and standing up for what you want, among others. I absolutely love the characters that Margaret creates and become so totally engrossed in her books!

[Inspiredbypmdd Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another perfectly written romance by the lovely Margaret Amatt.
She has that wonderful way of creating relatable characters and breathing full life into them. Dagmar is a horse loving 30 something whose avoided love all of her life. James is trying to please his father and marry for the business and not love. He’s so invested in his promise that he even learns how to ride with the help Dagmar. Both have crossed paths and he’s certainly not welcomed with open arms. It’s also great to be reunited with other characters from the Glenbriar Series. I loved it from start to finish. 5 Stars.

[Becca McCulloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well-written enemies-to-lovers romance. The story weaved together so well. Dagmar is a heroine you can root for and James makes a believable journey of redemption. I want to believe in these two thanks to strong storytelling by a very capable writer.

[Julie Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book the main characters Dagmar and James knew each other at school. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series .

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous book in The Glenbriar Series featuring James and Dagmar who were at school together, while James was one of the cool kids Dagmar was not. Their paths cross again when James needs to learn to ride and Dagmar is his riding instructor. Lovely to see familiar characters from earlier books popping up. A pacy, romantic read that had me racing through it.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This is part of the Glenbriar series, set in Scotland. When Dagmar encounters James, whom she remembers from school, she's haunted by memories of her schoolgirl crush. James tells her he may be able to help save her mum's struggling café from closing down, and Dagmar agrees to give him horse-riding lessons.

Reading this, I found that both characters made me smile from the beginning. Dagmar had a lovely personality, and seemed like the type of person that I'd want to be friends with. James seemed like the kind of person that I would feel drawn to, and so I identified with Dagmar a little bit, in that kind of way. Kristi was another character that I enjoyed.

This book brought a little smile to my face, and it was quite heartwarming to read. I have read some of the previous books in the series, and I noticed some overlap with the characters, and references to characters from previous books. If you haven't read any of the other books in the series, this will work as a standalone, since each book focuses on different characters.

Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Hywela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is part of the Glenbriar series, it is a perfect 'stand alone' but having enjoyed this one, I am now keen to read the other books in the series. As a lifetime horse lover and owner, I was excited to read this book, and enjoyed it as much as I thought I would. I'm not sure if the author is a horse person' herself, but if not, she has certainly done her research. You don't need to be a horse lover, however, or have any knowledge of horses, to enjoy this story, as there is more going on than just Dagmar teaching James to ride. The interaction between them, and the gradual strengthening of their relationship is an integral part of the plot, but there is a problem. She isn't the 'class' of woman his rather snobby parents want him to be involved with long-term. Dagmar also has another problem, her mother is about to lose her beloved cafe and there doesn't seem to be any way to save it.

Will they be able to resolve their respective delemas? You'll have to read the book to find out, but if you enjoy a romance with a bit of spice, in a rural setting, I'm sure you'll enjoy 'A fresh Start on the Bridle Path' as much as I did.

[Deborah J Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fresh Start on the Bridle Path is a heart-warming story about an accomplished horsewoman and stable manager, who vastly under values herself, discovering there is more to life than horses.

I thought the writing style flowed well and I quickly became engrossed in this novel. I found Dagmar to be a sympathetic character; one I championed throughout the story to find love but more importantly to recognise her own self-worth. James is also a strong and very likeable character who reconnects with Dagmar whilst being pushed by his parents into presenting himself as a suitable husband for Victoria, the daughter of an earl, for the sake of their business.

This is a lovely stand-alone story that I very much enjoyed and I think it will appeal to readers, particularly those who enjoy contemporary romances.

[Evie Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fresh Start on the Bridle Path is another brilliant book from Margaret Amatt, showcasing her skills as a master author, able to make her readers laugh, cry and swoon!

Dagmar is a prickly character, for very good reasons and my heart went out to her. How Amatt handled her development, in particular the fact that she was a virgin was perfection, and James was the best male romantic lead with his own journey to go on.

What I also love about reading the Glenbriar series is how we get to see characters from previous stories and are teased for ones featuring in future books. All these cameos are natural and organic, and add to the story, not detract from it.

I loved every page of this book and know you will too!

[Ade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by the author and I was not disappointed. It is a delightful, second chance romance.

The book follows the story of James, whose parents want him to marry to improve their social status, and Dagmar, the trainer, who is helping him.

This was so much fun to read and even though this is the 12th book in the series, I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything. The author’s storytelling was impressive.

I love all the characters, even James’ stuffy parents. Everyone did brilliantly and just what was expected of them. I love Dagmar’s dedication to her craft/trade and her love for her mum.

If you love books about horses and set in a rural Scotland then you will enjoy this.

[Lyndsey Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love falling into Margaret Amatt's worlds! Dagmar and James were another fabulous couple. I was rooting for them both from the very beginning. I love seeing the previous books characters popping up–it's like bumping into old friends. This is another amazing edition to the series. Read it! You won't regret it.

[Jo Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fresh Start on the Bridle Path by Margaret Amatt is the 12th book in the Glenbriar series. It focuses on two characters, Dagmar and James, who have been seen as minor characters in previous books. That being said, this book works as a standalone, so do not let that put you off from reading this delightful novel.

I love Dagmar as a character, she is so unassuming and reticent with people as a result of a childhood of being bullied. She is unable to believe that anyone might see her, let alone appreciate who she is as a person. She had such a poor opinion of James from their childhood, in part because of a misunderstanding when they were 8 years old, and her belief that he was one of her bullies as a teenager. That did not stop her having a crush on him as a teen, and those feelings have never gone away.

James was a character I’d previously thought was a bit stuffy so it was lovely to see a very different side to him in this novel. He was personable and relaxed around Dagmar and I adored the way he instinctively knew how to interact with the horses at the stables. Although initially learning to ride for the wrong reasons, it was clear that he enjoyed not only spending time with Dagmar, but also spending time with the horses.

This was definitely a slow burn of a romance, as James was mindful of his parents wishes and Dagmar was incredibly inexperienced. It was just so heartwarming to see their friendship slowly turn into something more.

There were some recurring characters within this story, as with the entire series. The characters in this series feel like old friends at this stage, and I do recommend that you consider reading the other books in the series, if this is the first book that you do read. You won’t regret reading the others!

The location, as always, in the Scottish Highlands is idyllic and without fail reading these books by Margaret Amatt always makes me want to at the very least head there for a holiday.

A Fresh Start on the Bridle Path by Margaret Amatt is a story of second chances and new beginnings, with romance and a love of horses at its core.