Nerve Line

by Nancy Mackenzie

For some, the beauty of Juniper Glen Farm comes from the rolling hills on which broodmares and foals graze. For others, the spirit of the ranch is found in the thrum of hooves on the homestretch at the racetrack but only when the horses are winning. Lineage, of course, matters. And Gran understands that there are horses that can make or break Juniper Glen's an Irish thoroughbred colt named Kilfenora, for one. It s just that her daughter, Mary, has a history of sacrificing anything to win. Granddaughter Kathleen may be the only sensible soul who can balance the ranch's odds on and off the track. Or would have, if Myles hadn't galloped right at her heart. When Kathleen paints Myles, he takes on an otherworldly dimension, bringing her art to a fascinating new level. Meanwhile, her ex-fiancé wants both Kathleen and his prized Kilfenora back and will cross the ocean to do so. Kathleen's heart divides between family loyalties and personal integrity; between her mother and her gran; between two capable and vibrant horsemen. Nerve Line pulls taut at these imbalances. A poetic and painterly view of the world of horse racing Alberta-style, Nerve Line includes a touch of true history, a dose of magic, and a palette full of surprises. It will settle you on your porch swing, then take you through the lush Irish countryside and out to the Rocky Mountains and ranchlands for a spell.

245 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Graeme Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not that often I get into a book and can't put it down. But when I hit the cliff hanger chapter, maybe three quarters through, the light stayed on till the very last page. It is thrilling to read and to see how Mackenzie tenderly, yet with a surgeon's precision, builds her characters around thoroughbreds, race tracks, artist canvasses and Irish mythology. The story is daring and set in the amazing foothills of Alberta. We read of a young artist caught up in the world of horse racing and breeding trying to develop her own presence and calling within the struggles of love, family, egos, death and search for wealth. Nerve Line is a page turner as Mackenzie leads the reader through the tensions of family, fame and desire.

[Cheryle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I WAS CHOSEN TO READ THIS SELECTION FOR THE HIGH PLAINS BOOK AWARD NOMINATIONS.