Forward

Eventing #5

by Natalie Keller Reinert

Jules the riding instructor. It's not exactly what she expected out of her career, but things are going fine, and it's better than living in a horse trailer, right?Most of the time, sure.But the cracks begin to show as the eventing season winds up and summer sets in across Florida. Pete's new horse has an overbearing owner who is pressuring him into pushing the horse too fast. Dynamo suddenly seems to be showing his age on the cross-country course. And how on earth is Jules supposed to manage a barn, a dozen kids, and her own competition schedule? She'll need some help from old friends - and maybe some old enemies, too - but Jules is going to keep moving forward, no matter what. From the pine plantations of north Florida to the skyscraper shadows of the Central Park Horse Show, Forward is all about chasing dreams, wherever they may lead.

Genres: Horses, Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2019

About the author

Natalie Keller Reinert is the award-winning author of more than twenty books, including the Eventing series and Briar Hill Farm series. Drawing on her professional experience in three-day eventing, working with Thoroughbred racehorses and mounted patrol horses, therapeutic riding, and many other equine pursuits, Natalie brings her love of equestrian life into each of her titles. She also cohosts the award-winning equestrian humor podcast Adulting With Horses.

Natalie lives in north Florida with her family, horses, and cat.

Reviews

[Mary Pagones · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I love about Reinert's series is its realism in portraying the ups and downs of the lives of two very competitive people who happen to be in love and in business with one another. The jealousies, rivalries, and fighting never feels contrived, but is a product of the horse world and the types of personalities it attracts.

Anyone who rides will find herself nodding in recognition of the types of equine and human individuals who parade through the world of Forward.

I'm not as fond of Pete as is Jules, but that doesn't really interfere with my enjoyment of the series. As is true of most horse books, I'm more emotionally invested in the rider's relationship with horses. I don't care if the romance works out or not, so long as the horses remain front and center of Jules' concern.

[Dana Probert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a preview copy through Patreon. I always enjoy books in this series.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

The growth that Jules has shown has made Forward my favorite of the Eventing Series books. The characters and plot never get stale, there is constant evolution thru the series. The peek that the author provides into the world of eventing and life of a professional rider/trainer is absolutely captivating and always leaves me wanting more! Can't wait for book 6 to catch up with Jules and Pete to see where they are,

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always love a book where it’s obvious that the writer knows their subject matter and Natalie knows horses, eventing and Florida. I love this entire series and got so caught up in reading and posting about it on TikTok that I forgot to do reviews on my favorite Goodreads.
As I am waiting for the last two books in the series to be rereleased I will do a general recap.

Jules.., she’s thorny and has a chip on her shoulder the size of a cross country log. She loves her horses and her dog and her little ten acre training barn and even her old trailer with the saggy floor and the even saggier couch. Anyone who had worked as hard as she has can feel that and forgive her the prickly way she treats people. The working for it vs the ones it’s handed to.
Becky.., oh we love to hate her.., dang I wanted her to have any other name but my own.
Lacey.., we cheer her on cause we love how scrappy and tough she is
Sweet Pete.., oh that eyebrow and that lazy smile.., in breeches and boots. ❤️

All the books in this series are wonderful.., don’t miss any of them.

[Dale Leatherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy Reinert's books and look forward to the next one, regardless of discipline. She does manage to add to each series on a regular basis, which keeps the characters alive. I enjoyed her early racing books and may have to drop back and reread them while waiting for the next new one. Reinert knows her sports and has a knack for believable human and horse characters (with all their flaws) and compelling plots.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again I'm totally in love with another Natalie story. Jules is growing up, yet hasn't lost her "julesness"! I was not sure what to expect with her running a stable full of kids but it's working and it's totally entertaining to read about. The only downside of the story is I'm no longer in love with Pete, that's for sure.

I'm crazy excited about the new horse's potential for greatness and his potential for presenting Jules with some real training challenges. Bring on Book 6!

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again with Pete… girl, let’s move on!
I love the school and training setting that Jules is in now. I think it’s so fun to see the kid’s personalities and how she interacts with them! I am very interested to see how her competitions continue, and if Pete can turn himself around!

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is a good time, letting me relive my saddleclub days but with a book for adults. My ongoing criticism is that there’s no description of actual rounds in the ring as soon as any real riding happens it fades to black. Takes away from the experience a bit every time.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forward, book 5 of The Eventing Series as another fantastic ride along with Jules, Pete, and her barn crew. Natalie Keller Reinert took us for an emotional journey along with our Eventing Series favorites. It has been really fun to read along Jules' journey as she really comes into her own. This book really had me emotional for the personal trials that Jules and Pete were going through.

I adore Pete Morrison, but I was so frustrated with him for so many things. I love when an author can deliver those feelings through the page. I was overjoyed for the return of an old favorite character, and I truly enjoyed getting to see the Alachua Eventing Co-Op kids really start to blossom under Jules' mentorship.

I'm excited to "jump" into Prospect, Book 6 of The Eventing Series. Bravo to Natalie Keller Reinert on another expertly executed representation of life with horses.

Thank you to NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and Natalie Keller Reinert for the eARC of Forward, Book 5 of The Eventing Series.

[Elizabeth Woolsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this an an audiobook.
I am horse vet with 37 years’ experience with show horses. This author talks the talk, and her characters walk the walk. I am blown away with her descriptions and assessments of "stable life." She knows horses and she knows young riders. I am excited to have found this as an audiobook, not just for me, but for my clients who love the show world and especially eventing. Oh, and a bit of romantic drama didn't hurt the overall plot either...
The narrator was the perfect fit for the production. Her cool voice, with the air of authority, was great. I have already looked her up and found other books she has narrated and I will be looking at those, as well as more books from the author.
Thanks for a great way to spend time riding, driving and mowing my paddocks. If you love horses and the dramas of the show world look at her other books.

[Janeway · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good read! As the 5th book in the series, I've really felt that I've watched the protagonist, Jules, grow up as a person. I admit I did not really like her that much in the first 2 books (despite loving the overall stories) and felt like she often needed a proverbial slap upside the head ;)

However, in "Forward" she is so much more grounded and in tune with the world. I have really enjoyed her character arc throughout the series - made it all very realistic. I highly recommend this series to anyone, horsey or not!

[Carmel Ann Sperti]

Jules Goes Adulting

Book 5 continues
the saga of Jules and her Eventing aspirations
with the added complications of more and deeper human relationships and the responsibility of running a coop barn.
Natalie Keller Reinert
scores again with a well-written novel with well-developed characters- including the horses who, of course, must always been at the center of our lives. Very enjoyable!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost stopped reading this series because the Jules character was so childish, mulish, and self-destructive in her dealings with others. If you don't like the main character it's hard to enjoy the book. But she's now a lot better and there is even more horsey stuff in the books and I really liked it.

[Cathy Delamotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful

This series has it all . I have never been this up close and personal in the world of eventing/dressage. I ride for pleasure, but the world of elite horses has long held my interest. I long for Pete and Jules to get married.

[Seadaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last book of the series - I hope there is another one, so we know what happens with Jules and Pete - we got left in limbo at the end.

Good to see Jules getting some good luck, hope Dynamo is going to be ok going forward and hasn’t stopped his eventing career.

[Cheryl Chudleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this whole series

Awesome book and love the author all the books in this series are fantastic and really want more of them!!
Would really recommend this series to any horse lover
😻😍😀😃😄☺

[Anna Flyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooooh this series gets better and better!! Jules' growth as a person, and now as a riding instructor, is so fantastic to watch plan out. Pete is struggling with some demons in this one, and that's also refreshing to see depicted. I can't wait to keep going!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forward, book 5 of The Eventing Series as another fantastic ride along with Jules, Pete, and her barn crew. Natalie Keller Reinert took us for an emotional journey along with our Eventing Series favorites. It has been really fun to read along Jules' journey as she really comes into her own. This book really had me emotional for the personal trials that Jules and Pete were going through.

I adore Pete Morrison, but I was so frustrated with him for so many things. I love when an author can deliver those feelings through the page. I was overjoyed for the return of an old favorite character, and I truly enjoyed getting to see the Alachua Eventing Co-Op kids really start to blossom under Jules' mentorship.

I'm excited to "jump" into Prospect, Book 6 of The Eventing Series. Bravo to Natalie Keller Reinert on another expertly executed representation of life with horses.

Thank you to NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and Natalie Keller Reinert for the eARC of Forward, Book 5 of The Eventing Series.

[Jeris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as the first few because I love when they’re more focused on the horses and events. But still good and will continue on with the rest of the series!

[Intellectual Magpie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an equestrian, this series is one of my favorites

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Dawn Lawrence Read_with_Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Really enjoyed this book, can’t wait to read the next instalment in the series. Such a great series just the right amount of drama and horses.

[The Mad Mad Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one meandered more than I would have liked but I really enjoy this series so….on to the next one!

[emsfantasyshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

obsessed with this series is an understatement 🙏🏻🖤

[Sarah J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needs more horse competitions and riding time but another good read in this series.

[Fay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reliably good equestrian series.

[Louise Sloman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great and all but I'm not forgiving Pete any time soon

[Lacy Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that Jules has taken on a barn of lesson kids. Honestly my favorite horsey series.

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked

I did not intend to love your books, just to learn a bit about Eventing.I like your character development and manage to learn some horse tip or two from each book. Thank you for writing such engaging stories.