Deadly Heritage: equestrian romantic suspense

by Toni Leland

Excellent Book

Genres: Horses

280 pages, Paperback

First published October 13, 2009

About the author

Toni Leland has been writing for more than 30 years. She is the author of eight equestrian novels and mysteries, a paranormal romance, a paranormal teen novel, and two juvenile chapter books. Her short stories have appeared in Arabella Romance Magazine, True Story, Bylines Writer’s Calendar, From the Heart anthologies, and Horse Tales for the Soul.

Toni has written articles for international gardening site, Dave’s Garden (http://www.davesgarden.com); she writes feature articles for Grit magazine (grit.com), OHIO magazine/Over the Back Fence regional magazines (OHIOmagazine.com), Country Living, and Norwich magazine She also writes a monthly column on gardening for Norwich Magazine and blogs at Toni Leland's Garden Gate, http://tonilelandgardengate.blogspot.com.

Visit Toni at http://tonileland.blogspot.com
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Reviews

[Red Haircrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked most about “Deadly Heritage” was that from the opening paragraph the author achieved a strong narrative which was both knowledgeable and straightforward without being mundane or ordinary even though the introductory topic was what might be a common occurence with horse owners and lovers. There was a no-nonsense, direct tone which I found very refreshing. I felt the author’s belief in their story, characters and direction. There was no ambiguity about what was going on and the likely direction the story was headed. It did take me a number of pages to get used to the style of the writer, which for me was a little abrupt, as I found the descriptions somewhat unusual yet they were outstanding.

The main character was strong yet willing to admit having made mistakes in life. To me, this made her very believable and empathetic. I wanted to know what would happen to her. Her problems became my problems, and I wanted her to succeed in her fight against those intending harm for her and those for which she cared. As a rider myself, I enjoyed the descriptions of the horses, their definite personalities and the love with which they were presented. But even more so, though I personally found the heroine’s actions exasperating at times, the romantic factor was as poignant as anything I’ve ever felt when still caring for a former lover after choosing someone else.

I found that yet again, and I was not surprised, although a self-published title, there was nothing of “second rate” or “unacceptable” (as if to a publishing house) about it. “Deadly Heritage” matched or exceeded the basic standards I’ve observed in the thousands of books I’ve read.

Full review, purchase information and author bio can be viewed at my website Flying With Red Haircrow, which specializes in self-published and unique titles and themes.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have three of Toni Leland's novels on my bookshelf and I decided to read Deadly Heritage first. It’s considered equestrian fiction and I love horse movies so I was excited to try out a novel. This book is a mystery with a very strong, determined female protagonist which I loved. Kellie will do anything to protect her land and her horse business but what can you do when your livelihood and possibly your life are being threatened? Deadly Heritage has more twists and turns than you might think; it definitely keeps you on wondering what will happen next. I'm looking forward to reading the other two Leland novels I have!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written horse related book with romance, mystry and a thriller!

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very fast paced mystery and good storyline that will keep you guessing until the end of the book. I'm a little disappointed that the ending leaves you hanging just a little bit.