Turning For Home

Alex and Alexander #4

by Natalie Keller Reinert

Every racehorse must one day retire from the track, and for Tiger, that day has arrived.

Alex isn't ready for Tiger's racing days to end, but planning his next career is quickly becoming the least of her problems. An animal rights group is accusing her of involvement in a horse-abuse scandal, and with death threats arriving daily, Alexander fears for her safety. Suddenly Tiger's not the only one heading back to the farm -- Alex is stuck at home, too, with strict orders to stay away from the racetrack.

Both horse and rider would rather be racing than hacking around the farm. A Thoroughbred makeover event seems like the perfect distraction, but as the activists ramp up their protests, Alex realizes she's competing for more than just a blue ribbon. She's fighting for her own reputation. This horse show could make -- or break -- her future in horse racing.

Genres: Horses

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 3, 2015

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

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased book one in this series on Cyber Monday. It wasn't my favorite but it interested me enough that I bought the rest of the series for Christmas. I loved them. When Natalie Keller Reinert gets into the meat of the horse business, that is where she shines.

When I was young there was nothing I adored more then a series called
'Thoroughbred' by Joanna Campbell. I feel like 'Alex and Alexander' is the 'Thoroughbred' for adults. Not just romanticizing the horse business but showcasing the triumphs and the stress with a very truthful air.

I sincerely hope this series is not over. I'm dying to know if the stallion barn fills, if Tiger becomes a jumper, if P.B. becomes the star they desperately hope he does. Ms. Reinert has be invested now and I've been left hanging!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, an excellent equine story by Natalie Keller Reinert. It is especially pertinent to the times, with the Santa Anita deaths and the countless 'rescues' who abandon their horses at auction. Awareness of the good eggs in racing is especially important, as the vast majority love and care for their horses. I loved the inclusion of the Thoroughbred Makeover; those events highlight the versatility and willingness of TBs and are important to finding great aftercare homes.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good horse book! I enjoy following these characters and the author's writing has steadily improved from the first book. The horses come across as very real and the main conflict is real, too. Well handled! Looking forward to the next book.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this entire book series. Turning for Home, specifically, is a wonderful adventure with great equestrian details and reads so well. I was engrossed and fully entertained. This is definitely a relaxing, interesting read. Great writing, Natalie Keller Reinert!

[Renée Dahlia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is obvious that the author is a horse lover who has a strong understanding of both the racing industry and show horse world. This is a fab read - although not technically a romance - and one that really gets to the heart of the issues around racehorse retirement.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite equestrian authors

[Haylee VanCuran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isn't it funny how things always seem to come around full circle? If you don't believe me just read Alex's final story in the Alex & Alexander series.

[David Goldstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so enjoyed reading the stories of Alex and Alexander. Ms. Reinert really knows her craft, and makes reading a true pleasure, and educational as well. More, please...

[The Mad Mad Madeline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a little better than the others but ultimately still lacking. I don't know why I keep reading this series- probably still just desperately seeking horse books (as usual)!

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a horse lover without a horse or have a stable full of the four-legged beasts in your back yard, "Turning for Home" will have you sigh with love for the horses in this book as well as the humans who champion them.

Natalie Keller Reinert has crafted a story so real, I could feel the horse grit on my hands as I turned the pages.

Racehorses fill Alex's stable and heart. She loves each horse in her care as a trainer, and is passionate about the well-being of all horses at the track. As an outspoken activist for the ethical treatment of thoroughbred athletes, she becomes a lightning rod in a scandal for the very type of abuse she strives to stop. All she has to do is stay out of the public eye and away from the track until the controversy sorts itself out. But trouble isn't something Alex backs away from.

Horses may fill Alex's life, but one horse fills her heart. Tiger Prince is a loser at the track, but something about Tiger tugs at her. He's keen witted and a gorgeous mover and Alex determines to create a new life for Tiger. Maybe he'll become a show jumper, maybe an eventer. All Alex knows for sure is that if Tiger can forge a new life, she can prove that thoroughbreds can have a long career even after their racing lives are over.

"Turning for Home" is a must read for the horse loving reader. This book also received special honors as a finalist for the Dr. Tony Ryan award that recognizes books highlighting the Thoroughbred breed.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Turning For Home like a person obsessed, completely drawn in to Natalie’s description of Ocala horse country. Within it is Alex, a farm co-owner and racehorse trainer who just doesn’t know what to do with Tiger, a rambunctious Thoroughbred gelding on the cusp of leaving racing for something new. Add to that a virulent smear campaign waged by “antis,” individuals vehemently against racing, who have found within Alex a perfect scapegoat. At a loss for what to do, and only a distraction around the barn for which she trains, Alex finds that Tiger will see that second career sooner rather than later.

Turning For Home is a novel about second chances and curves in your well-planned road. Tiger hands Alex a curve ball, and I loved watching them try to figure it out. Here’s an interview I recently had with Natalie about all things horsey: https://maradabrishus.wordpress.com/2015/06/08/interview-natalie-keller-reinert/

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex faces many challenges as a young woman in the horse racing business trying to build a name for herself as a trainer. Never has she been more challenged than in book 4. False allegations fabricate a story of her as a hypocrite and she literally tries everything to prove them wrong. More of a mystery than books 1-3, Turning for Home is full of suspense and tension. Who has been spreading these lies about Alex? Who moved in next door and began galloping horses within sight of their training track? How does Alex defend herself without seeming defensive, make it right without seeming guilty, and prove she truly does believe in rehabilitating racehorses to sport horse second careers? While the journey isn't very pleasant, I appreciated the progress Alex makes in this book, both as a horsewoman and a person. She learns a lot about human motivations, including her own, while battling these accusations.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great!! My favorite of the series! I hope this isn't the last one...