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Wild Horses
Christy Peacock is devastated when an unfounded scandal throws her life as a drama teacher at a prestigious Sydney school off track. With her dream career in shreds, she spontaneously answers an ad to work at Currawong Creek, a horse therapy camp for troubled children nestled among the picturesque Bunya Mountains.
Celebrity chef Tyler Ward hopes that Currawong Creek might hold the answer to reconnecting with his surly son, Leo. In a last-ditch attempt to bring the teenager out of his shell, Christy introduces Leo to Lofty, a wild ex-racehorse who trusts nobody.
Their lives now intertwined, Christy and Tyler can’t help falling for each other. But old secrets and unsolved mysteries refuse to remain buried, and their fledgling romance might be over before it truly begins…
Wild Horses is a moving tale of second chances and finding love in unexpected places, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Darling Downs countryside.
Celebrity chef Tyler Ward hopes that Currawong Creek might hold the answer to reconnecting with his surly son, Leo. In a last-ditch attempt to bring the teenager out of his shell, Christy introduces Leo to Lofty, a wild ex-racehorse who trusts nobody.
Their lives now intertwined, Christy and Tyler can’t help falling for each other. But old secrets and unsolved mysteries refuse to remain buried, and their fledgling romance might be over before it truly begins…
Wild Horses is a moving tale of second chances and finding love in unexpected places, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Darling Downs countryside.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2025
4 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Scoullar
24 books135 followersJennifer Scoullar Bio
Jennifer has always harboured a deep appreciation and respect for the natural world. Her house is on a hill-top, overlooking valleys of messmate and mountain ash. A pair of old eagles live there too. Black-shouldered wallabies graze by the creek. Eastern Spinebills hover among the callistemon. Jennifer lives with her family on a beautiful property in the mountains, that was left to her by her father. Horses have always been her passion. She grew up on the books of Elyne Mitchell, and all her life she’s ridden and bred horses, in particular Australian Stock Horses. She has nine published novels. Brumby’s Run (Penguin 2012), Currawong Creek (Penguin 2013), Billabong Bend (Penguin 2014), Turtle Reef (Penguin 2015), Journey's End (Penguin 2016), Fortune's Son (Penguin 2017), The Lost Valley (Pilyara Press 2018), The Memory Tree (Pilyara Press 2019) and Wasp Season (Pilyara Press 2020)
Jennifer has always harboured a deep appreciation and respect for the natural world. Her house is on a hill-top, overlooking valleys of messmate and mountain ash. A pair of old eagles live there too. Black-shouldered wallabies graze by the creek. Eastern Spinebills hover among the callistemon. Jennifer lives with her family on a beautiful property in the mountains, that was left to her by her father. Horses have always been her passion. She grew up on the books of Elyne Mitchell, and all her life she’s ridden and bred horses, in particular Australian Stock Horses. She has nine published novels. Brumby’s Run (Penguin 2012), Currawong Creek (Penguin 2013), Billabong Bend (Penguin 2014), Turtle Reef (Penguin 2015), Journey's End (Penguin 2016), Fortune's Son (Penguin 2017), The Lost Valley (Pilyara Press 2018), The Memory Tree (Pilyara Press 2019) and Wasp Season (Pilyara Press 2020)
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 30, 2025
When Christy Peacock arrived at Currawong Creek, she was sure from the start that the therapy horses would help her heal, as well as the youngsters who were troubled, that she was to help care for. She'd picked up a couple of passengers when almost at her destination - Tyler and his son Leo - Tyler's car had broken down out bush, so it was lucky for them that she came along. Plus all going to the same place. Leo had reluctantly agreed to come to Currawong Creek; preferable to juvie, but he knew he wouldn't enjoy it. Until Leo met Lofty, a wild ex racehorse who trusted no one. And Leo and Lofty clicked; it was a delight to see.
Tyler stayed on as camp chef, while Christy worked the therapy with the teenagers and horses, marvelling at how it worked. With her drama experience, Christy talked with the staff and worked out a way to include that in the curriculum, along with the usual subjects. As Christy began to heal after what had happened in Sydney, Tyler and Christy grew close. But Tyler held secrets close to his chest as well. And suddenly danger surrounded them...
Wild Horses is another spectacular novel by Aussie author Jennifer Scoullar which I thoroughly enjoyed. The suspense and mystery added to my enjoyment, especially as I didn't expect it! Excellent characters, along with a picturesque Queensland landscape kept me turning the pages. Highly recommended.
Tyler stayed on as camp chef, while Christy worked the therapy with the teenagers and horses, marvelling at how it worked. With her drama experience, Christy talked with the staff and worked out a way to include that in the curriculum, along with the usual subjects. As Christy began to heal after what had happened in Sydney, Tyler and Christy grew close. But Tyler held secrets close to his chest as well. And suddenly danger surrounded them...
Wild Horses is another spectacular novel by Aussie author Jennifer Scoullar which I thoroughly enjoyed. The suspense and mystery added to my enjoyment, especially as I didn't expect it! Excellent characters, along with a picturesque Queensland landscape kept me turning the pages. Highly recommended.
July 23, 2025
Wild Horses was so good that I both borrowed and bought it 😄
Set in the fictional Darling Downs town of Merriang, we meet three lost souls all in need of healing.
Christy Peacock is a drama teacher at a prestigious Sydney school. However, when she gets caught up in an unfounded scandal, her career is ruined.
Returning home to Brisbane, an ad for a teaching position catches her eye. Horse therapy camp, Currawong Creek is exactly what she needs whilst the dust settles. The owners are friendly, the troubled teens need a guiding hand and as for the horses... that's just a bonus.
On her way, she encounters celebrity chef Tyler Ward and his son, Leo. They're also heading for Currawong Creek, but for a different reason. Leo has been acting out and unfortunately has been caught up with the law. Tyler is at a loss for what to do with his son and this is the final straw. There's no relationship between father and son, not since Tyler's wife, Grace, died years ago.
There's hope for all three, though. In a different environment, they have a chance to let go and thrive. Yet, problems of the past have a way of creeping in, threatening to ruin all their hard work... and the chance of a happily ever after for Christy and Tyler.
Anything horses is a big draw card for me, especially if they're used for equine therapy. Lofty and Honey shine with their calmness and stability.
Food plays a big part as well. My mouth was salivating at Tyler's foodie creations, leaving me hangry.
As always, books set in my local area are a joy as I get to play my own little game of Spotto!
4.75 🌟
Set in the fictional Darling Downs town of Merriang, we meet three lost souls all in need of healing.
Christy Peacock is a drama teacher at a prestigious Sydney school. However, when she gets caught up in an unfounded scandal, her career is ruined.
Returning home to Brisbane, an ad for a teaching position catches her eye. Horse therapy camp, Currawong Creek is exactly what she needs whilst the dust settles. The owners are friendly, the troubled teens need a guiding hand and as for the horses... that's just a bonus.
On her way, she encounters celebrity chef Tyler Ward and his son, Leo. They're also heading for Currawong Creek, but for a different reason. Leo has been acting out and unfortunately has been caught up with the law. Tyler is at a loss for what to do with his son and this is the final straw. There's no relationship between father and son, not since Tyler's wife, Grace, died years ago.
There's hope for all three, though. In a different environment, they have a chance to let go and thrive. Yet, problems of the past have a way of creeping in, threatening to ruin all their hard work... and the chance of a happily ever after for Christy and Tyler.
Anything horses is a big draw card for me, especially if they're used for equine therapy. Lofty and Honey shine with their calmness and stability.
Food plays a big part as well. My mouth was salivating at Tyler's foodie creations, leaving me hangry.
As always, books set in my local area are a joy as I get to play my own little game of Spotto!
4.75 🌟
May 19, 2025
Big thanks to Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
The right opportunity and a second chance can often work well in life and in love.
A rural scene, a celebrity chef and mix of crime and accusations make up the spine of this delectable read.
Christy is passionate about her school teaching role and going above and beyond for her students a given.
An over reaction and an accusation cripple her emotionally and blindside her.
A new opportunity in the country helping wayward teens rehabilitate with the use of horses, lack of judgement and fresh air offers a fresh start and to hide from the allegations.
Tyler and his son Leo know a change is needed in their lives and dynamic.
A court verdict offers a visionary solution for the punishment and a path that might head Leo in right direction.
Investment in care and rehabilitation, rumours, a criminal undercurrent and some drama are all at play.
The role an animal plays in changing perspective and motivation is central and is quite moving .
Jump in for some wild times and enjoy the interactions of the cast and the horses.
The right opportunity and a second chance can often work well in life and in love.
A rural scene, a celebrity chef and mix of crime and accusations make up the spine of this delectable read.
Christy is passionate about her school teaching role and going above and beyond for her students a given.
An over reaction and an accusation cripple her emotionally and blindside her.
A new opportunity in the country helping wayward teens rehabilitate with the use of horses, lack of judgement and fresh air offers a fresh start and to hide from the allegations.
Tyler and his son Leo know a change is needed in their lives and dynamic.
A court verdict offers a visionary solution for the punishment and a path that might head Leo in right direction.
Investment in care and rehabilitation, rumours, a criminal undercurrent and some drama are all at play.
The role an animal plays in changing perspective and motivation is central and is quite moving .
Jump in for some wild times and enjoy the interactions of the cast and the horses.
May 22, 2025
Loved this book
December 22, 2025
Wild Horses follows Christy Peacock and Tyler Ward as they each get a second chance to pursue their dreams. Christy Peacock thought her dream had come true when she was offered the drama teacher position at a private boys' school. However, after a scandal with no foundation, she could only find work at the Currawong Creek horse therapy camp for troubled children. Celebrity Chef Tyler Ward became involved with the camp when he came to drop his troubled son off and realised they needed a cook. Will Tyler's and Christy's past destroy any hope of a future for them? Readers of Wild Horses will continue to follow Tyler Ward and Christy Peacock to discover what happens next.
I have an attendance to forget about Jennifer Scoullar, which I need to change because I always love her books, and Wild Horses kept up the tradition. I engaged with the book from the first page, and it held my attention to the end. I enjoy the way Jennifer Scoullar highlighted the importance of horses in therapy. Reading this book also made me realise that you should always pay attention to your feelings. If you think something feels too good to be true, it always is.
I love Jennifer Scollar's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Wild Horses is well written and researched by Jennifer Scollar. I like Jennifer Scollar's description of the Wild Horses' setting, which helped me imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
I have an attendance to forget about Jennifer Scoullar, which I need to change because I always love her books, and Wild Horses kept up the tradition. I engaged with the book from the first page, and it held my attention to the end. I enjoy the way Jennifer Scoullar highlighted the importance of horses in therapy. Reading this book also made me realise that you should always pay attention to your feelings. If you think something feels too good to be true, it always is.
I love Jennifer Scollar's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Wild Horses is well written and researched by Jennifer Scollar. I like Jennifer Scollar's description of the Wild Horses' setting, which helped me imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
September 11, 2025
4.5♩
Review to follow.
Review to follow.
May 18, 2025
Set around the (fictional) town of Merriang, at the foot of the Bunya Mountains in the Darling Downs region of country Queensland, this novel focuses on Christy Peacock, a high school drama teacher and Tyler Ward, celebrated Brisbane chef with a sixteen year old son, Leo. Christy, originally from Sydney, loses her highly paid position after accusations of improper behaviour while Tyler has to deal with his son’s delinquent behaviour. All three end up at Currajong Creek, an equine therapy farm. Here all three, with help from the owners, the local townspeople and horses begin to heal and overcome their issues, fears and the repercussions of past events. A filled gentle rural Australian story filled with innovative and delicious food, the benefits of horse therapy, the beautiful Australian landscape and opening up one’s heart to future possibilities.
June 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, it hooked me straight away and kept it that way. I especially liked the father son side of the story and Leo’s connecting with Lofty. Christy was a lovely heroine and teacher. I want to go back and see what else is set in Currawong Creek. Clare’s story anyway I will be looking for. 4.5 stars.
September 21, 2025
Once again thank you Jennifer Scoullar as you have produced another great read... loved the story about the problems relating to being a teacher and how life can deal you a bad set of cards when least expected and not true.
well done on bringing the Australian country into the story.
can recommend for an enjoyable read with a few twists involved...
well done on bringing the Australian country into the story.
can recommend for an enjoyable read with a few twists involved...
June 19, 2025
An easy read. Overall an enjoyable story but I was frustrated with Tyler immediately assuming the worst about Christy - I hate people like that lol. Loved the relationship between Leo and Lofty - horses are the best!
August 17, 2025
A sweet and touching story that demonstrates that often, when bad things happen, there is still a possibility of a happy outcome. The book also touches on the place I this world for rescue horses and the amazing therapy animals they can be.
July 20, 2025
A great read and a great storyline. Love it from beginning to end.
January 9, 2026
painful
June 2, 2025
This is a book about healing, love , forgiveness, accusations, assumptions and second chances. I loved the fact that this book was about animal therapy and how effective it can be. Ive seen it happen it definately works. Throw in a romance, a crime and food and you have a recipe for a 5 star read. What I also loved was how it was set in the Darling Downs, this is where alot of my family live so I could picture it. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews