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Palomino Sky
Part Two of The Midnight Sky Series
A golden promise for the future in a lonely palomino mare, but life deals a cruel hand for James and Laura.
James is still running from the past after the loss of his wife, and a devastating accident forces him to face his final demons, but at what cost? Laura is forced deeper into his rural world - a life she once despised - but discovers empathy and hope in the palomino mare she calls Song.
Repercussions abound for Maggie too, when the full extent of her daughter's dangerous liaison comes to light, leaving the entire family in turmoil. Will James and Laura ever find a golden future, or has life dealt too vicious a blow?
A golden promise for the future in a lonely palomino mare, but life deals a cruel hand for James and Laura.
James is still running from the past after the loss of his wife, and a devastating accident forces him to face his final demons, but at what cost? Laura is forced deeper into his rural world - a life she once despised - but discovers empathy and hope in the palomino mare she calls Song.
Repercussions abound for Maggie too, when the full extent of her daughter's dangerous liaison comes to light, leaving the entire family in turmoil. Will James and Laura ever find a golden future, or has life dealt too vicious a blow?
Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2016
3 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Jan Ruth
19 books126 followersJan Ruth lives in Snowdonia, a mountainous area of North Wales, UK. Jan writes contemporary fiction about the darker side of the family dynamic, often blending life in rural Wales with a touch of city business. Her style is best described as fast-paced and realistic, with a sprinkling of dry humour.
The real story began at school, with prizes for short stories and poetry. She failed all things mathematical and scientific, and to this day struggles to make sense of anything numerical.
Her first novel – written in 1986 – attracted the attention of editor Anne Dewe, Andrew Mann Literary Agency, London. Dewe’s own company, Love Stories Ltd, was a project aiming to champion those books of substance which contained a romantic element but were perhaps directed towards the more mature reader and consistently fell through the net in traditional publishing. Summer in October was contracted immediately but sadly, the project failed to get the right financial backing and the company dissolved.
Many years later Jan’s second novel, Wild Water, was taken on by Jane C Judd Literary Agency, London. Despite Judd’s enthusiasm, the book failed to find the right niche with a publisher – one brave enough to expand on those established, traditional genre stereotypes. And then Amazon changed the face of the industry with the advent of self-publishing and Jan went on to successfully publish several works of fiction under her own imprint, Celtic Connections. After a brief partnership with Accent Press in 2015, Jan chose to return to the freedom of independent publishing.
Wild Water won the Cornerstones competition for the most popular self-published book in 2011, and Midnight Sky won the Romantic Review Magazine Award (2013). Silver Rain (2015) and Wild Water (2016) were both finalists in the Wishing Shelf Awards.
Jan’s books are available globally via Amazon as ebooks or paperbacks.
The real story began at school, with prizes for short stories and poetry. She failed all things mathematical and scientific, and to this day struggles to make sense of anything numerical.
Her first novel – written in 1986 – attracted the attention of editor Anne Dewe, Andrew Mann Literary Agency, London. Dewe’s own company, Love Stories Ltd, was a project aiming to champion those books of substance which contained a romantic element but were perhaps directed towards the more mature reader and consistently fell through the net in traditional publishing. Summer in October was contracted immediately but sadly, the project failed to get the right financial backing and the company dissolved.
Many years later Jan’s second novel, Wild Water, was taken on by Jane C Judd Literary Agency, London. Despite Judd’s enthusiasm, the book failed to find the right niche with a publisher – one brave enough to expand on those established, traditional genre stereotypes. And then Amazon changed the face of the industry with the advent of self-publishing and Jan went on to successfully publish several works of fiction under her own imprint, Celtic Connections. After a brief partnership with Accent Press in 2015, Jan chose to return to the freedom of independent publishing.
Wild Water won the Cornerstones competition for the most popular self-published book in 2011, and Midnight Sky won the Romantic Review Magazine Award (2013). Silver Rain (2015) and Wild Water (2016) were both finalists in the Wishing Shelf Awards.
Jan’s books are available globally via Amazon as ebooks or paperbacks.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 13, 2016
Ah! Another Jan Ruth, contemporary novel! I’ve enjoyed all I’ve read from Ms Ruth so far and I felt nervous as to whether this book, ‘Palomino Sky’ the sequel to Midnight Sky, would live up to expectations.
These books, set in wild and rugged north Wales, are essentially about the lives of James and Laura, with a colourful, handful of other characters’ thrown in. I say colourful, because Ms Ruth never fails to create full-blown three D characters, complete with a full set of failings and idiosyncrasies both likeable and not so. The titles of this book, like the original, are named after horses and are set on the farm where James, (a healer of horses) runs an equestrian business.
Palomino Sky follows on from Midnight Sky – Laura and James are set to be married when dramatic and catastrophic events threaten to overtake their lives. Throughout the first book and continuing in this one, both lead characters have ghosts which in their minds refuse to lie down. Unless this happens then neither can move on.
I won’t say any more about the story as other readers have already done that. Instead I’ll talk about the plot, storyline and overall writing.
As I’ve said, Ms Ruth can paint a very vivid picture of her characters and repeats it here. Her descriptions of the place, the majestic National park (Snowdonia), the run-down and decrepit riding school, and Laura’s family with their erratic life and often out of control lives make for compelling reading.
The plot is good – I had a very brief ten minutes when I wondered if the first few chapters were slow, but on reflection I believe it was the characters themselves who were dithering. I wanted to force them to stop messing around and get on with the wedding! Leading on to the storyline – well, it is the perfect sequel. There is very little break in story between the two, the action continues at a good spanking pace, and the events are perfectly feasible and exciting in themselves. At times, the story is heart breaking, annoying, realistic, evocative and troubling – as real life so often proves.
Running throughout the main story, is a whole plethora of other characters’ tales, including the horses. They too are often damaged and need to escape a cruel and painful past. Their stories are often an echo to the humans’ plight.
Great writing, loved the book, and can honestly say this is one of the better books, no, best books I’ve read in 2016.
Well done and I look forward to reading more of Jan Ruth’s work. Highly recommended.
I was given a copy of Palomino Sky in exchange for a fair and honest review of Jan Ruth’s Palomino Sky.
These books, set in wild and rugged north Wales, are essentially about the lives of James and Laura, with a colourful, handful of other characters’ thrown in. I say colourful, because Ms Ruth never fails to create full-blown three D characters, complete with a full set of failings and idiosyncrasies both likeable and not so. The titles of this book, like the original, are named after horses and are set on the farm where James, (a healer of horses) runs an equestrian business.
Palomino Sky follows on from Midnight Sky – Laura and James are set to be married when dramatic and catastrophic events threaten to overtake their lives. Throughout the first book and continuing in this one, both lead characters have ghosts which in their minds refuse to lie down. Unless this happens then neither can move on.
I won’t say any more about the story as other readers have already done that. Instead I’ll talk about the plot, storyline and overall writing.
As I’ve said, Ms Ruth can paint a very vivid picture of her characters and repeats it here. Her descriptions of the place, the majestic National park (Snowdonia), the run-down and decrepit riding school, and Laura’s family with their erratic life and often out of control lives make for compelling reading.
The plot is good – I had a very brief ten minutes when I wondered if the first few chapters were slow, but on reflection I believe it was the characters themselves who were dithering. I wanted to force them to stop messing around and get on with the wedding! Leading on to the storyline – well, it is the perfect sequel. There is very little break in story between the two, the action continues at a good spanking pace, and the events are perfectly feasible and exciting in themselves. At times, the story is heart breaking, annoying, realistic, evocative and troubling – as real life so often proves.
Running throughout the main story, is a whole plethora of other characters’ tales, including the horses. They too are often damaged and need to escape a cruel and painful past. Their stories are often an echo to the humans’ plight.
Great writing, loved the book, and can honestly say this is one of the better books, no, best books I’ve read in 2016.
Well done and I look forward to reading more of Jan Ruth’s work. Highly recommended.
I was given a copy of Palomino Sky in exchange for a fair and honest review of Jan Ruth’s Palomino Sky.
October 28, 2018
Don't miss this one
Love love love..,all the elements I require in a romance that also involves horses. Very much looking forward to more books by this author. 💗🏇💗🐴
Love love love..,all the elements I require in a romance that also involves horses. Very much looking forward to more books by this author. 💗🏇💗🐴
February 15, 2016
Palomino Sky is the sequel to the wonderful Midnight Sky, where we first meet Laura and James and their siblings, and are drawn into their complicated family lives. James and Laura, both recovering from momentous and traumatic life events, are finding solace in each other, although they are not helped by Laura’s wilful and temperamental teenage niece causing no end of trouble.
This story opens with Laura and James engaged and about to be married. James is in the process of the selling the farmhouse, cottages and land as well as dissolving his equestrian business. He is hoping a move to somewhere new, without memories, will finally lay the ghost of his late wife to rest, allowing him to fully move on with his life and finally let go of Carys. For all his issues and his dark moodiness, James is just as appealing and irresistible as in the previous book.
Maggie, Laura’s sister, who now runs a B&B with her husband is trying to get used to having her eldest daughter, Jess, back home under less than encouraging circumstances. After Jess’s unhealthy crush on James had caused numerous difficulties, Laura helped her find a house share in Chester for which she stood guarantor. Not only is Jess close-mouthed about her reasons for returning home, she is affecting her parents’ business with her challenging behaviour and attitude. Jess is in a deeply troubling situation which eventually impacts on everyone, devastatingly so on James and by default, Laura.
This is a brilliant, if heart breaking, sequel. The characterisation, writing and dramatic descriptions of Snowdonia are excellent and evocative. There are several well paced threads running through which present unexpected twists and for some, a terrible tragedy to get to grips with and attempt to overcome.
As with all Jan Ruth’s books, the ones I’ve read anyway, the narrative is full of emotion and very moving. The characters, their relationships, the ups and downs and different aspects are finely drawn and realistic, the dialogue easy and believable. The protagonists, both male and female, are attractive and charismatic with underlying personal difficulties so that nothing is straightforward, which makes for a strong and compelling read.
This story opens with Laura and James engaged and about to be married. James is in the process of the selling the farmhouse, cottages and land as well as dissolving his equestrian business. He is hoping a move to somewhere new, without memories, will finally lay the ghost of his late wife to rest, allowing him to fully move on with his life and finally let go of Carys. For all his issues and his dark moodiness, James is just as appealing and irresistible as in the previous book.
Maggie, Laura’s sister, who now runs a B&B with her husband is trying to get used to having her eldest daughter, Jess, back home under less than encouraging circumstances. After Jess’s unhealthy crush on James had caused numerous difficulties, Laura helped her find a house share in Chester for which she stood guarantor. Not only is Jess close-mouthed about her reasons for returning home, she is affecting her parents’ business with her challenging behaviour and attitude. Jess is in a deeply troubling situation which eventually impacts on everyone, devastatingly so on James and by default, Laura.
This is a brilliant, if heart breaking, sequel. The characterisation, writing and dramatic descriptions of Snowdonia are excellent and evocative. There are several well paced threads running through which present unexpected twists and for some, a terrible tragedy to get to grips with and attempt to overcome.
As with all Jan Ruth’s books, the ones I’ve read anyway, the narrative is full of emotion and very moving. The characters, their relationships, the ups and downs and different aspects are finely drawn and realistic, the dialogue easy and believable. The protagonists, both male and female, are attractive and charismatic with underlying personal difficulties so that nothing is straightforward, which makes for a strong and compelling read.
March 22, 2016
This story picked up right where the first one left off, which was great. Again, the characters were wonderfully developed, and there were plenty of plot twists I didn't see coming. The second half of the book definitely has some dark tones to it, and for a while I found myself wondering where the story was going. But the author delivers once again with a fast-paced, satisfying ending. I'll be reading more of her books for sure!
January 26, 2017
I really enjoyed the follow up to Midnight Sky by Jan Ruth. She weaves a beautiful tale of love, struggle and overcoming the odds with a good dose of the beauty found in human-horse bonds. I felt the joy and the pain of her characters. I even laughed along with them. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this series! It looks like the 3rd book, Strawberry Sky, will be released this summer. Highly recommend this author!
February 18, 2016
Palomino Sky is the sequel to Midnight Sky, both novels are named after horses on the farm where James lives and carries out his equestrian business.
Palomino Sky is named after another new horse. Liz (James’ bossy and independent sister) calls a ‘showy palomino’. I know very little about horses, and one of the joys of reading these two novels is learning more about them, like discovering that palomino is a coat color in horses, consisting of a gold coat and white mane and tail. Rhian, one of the staff says ‘Jamie reckons she’s a natural at hooking up, a joiner.’ James, the horse whisperer, needs horses like that to help recover the horses he heals from trauma and injury. Palomino is also a metaphor for Laura’s role in the novel. She will have to heal, or ‘join’ James in the second part of the novel.
Palomino Sky moves the story started in Midnight Sky in a much darker way, because there are various dramatic and violent events, which will seriously change the course of all their lives, especially in the case of Laura and James.
In book one, James helped Laura during some traumatic events in her life, including her break up with Simon, but in book two, it’s Laura who will have to heal James from real physical injury and trauma. I can say no more without including a spoiler.
Maggie and Pete have set up a bed and breakfast to supplement their meagre income at Hafod House, the running of which brings some humorous relief to the dramatic action. I liked the way Maggie’s role as older and wiser sister is heightened, and she actually takes some very important and risky steps to help Laura with her personal issues with the men in her life.
On the other hand, Jess’s role as troublesome teenager, develops into a dangerous troublemaker. A violent boyfriend, and a new crush on James’s twenty-year-old American son, will lead to many unfortunate incidents throughout the novel, including an almost tragic event, which will rock their lives.
There are some beautiful descriptive passages, such as: ‘The sun was dying across Snowdonia, bleeding slowly through a palomino sky,’ which add to the beauty of the novel and enhance the reading experience.
Although the ending is satisfactory, at least for James and Laura, there is still a long road to happiness, and there are plenty of loose ends to tie up in book three, which I’m impatiently looking forward to reading.
Palomino Sky is named after another new horse. Liz (James’ bossy and independent sister) calls a ‘showy palomino’. I know very little about horses, and one of the joys of reading these two novels is learning more about them, like discovering that palomino is a coat color in horses, consisting of a gold coat and white mane and tail. Rhian, one of the staff says ‘Jamie reckons she’s a natural at hooking up, a joiner.’ James, the horse whisperer, needs horses like that to help recover the horses he heals from trauma and injury. Palomino is also a metaphor for Laura’s role in the novel. She will have to heal, or ‘join’ James in the second part of the novel.
Palomino Sky moves the story started in Midnight Sky in a much darker way, because there are various dramatic and violent events, which will seriously change the course of all their lives, especially in the case of Laura and James.
In book one, James helped Laura during some traumatic events in her life, including her break up with Simon, but in book two, it’s Laura who will have to heal James from real physical injury and trauma. I can say no more without including a spoiler.
Maggie and Pete have set up a bed and breakfast to supplement their meagre income at Hafod House, the running of which brings some humorous relief to the dramatic action. I liked the way Maggie’s role as older and wiser sister is heightened, and she actually takes some very important and risky steps to help Laura with her personal issues with the men in her life.
On the other hand, Jess’s role as troublesome teenager, develops into a dangerous troublemaker. A violent boyfriend, and a new crush on James’s twenty-year-old American son, will lead to many unfortunate incidents throughout the novel, including an almost tragic event, which will rock their lives.
There are some beautiful descriptive passages, such as: ‘The sun was dying across Snowdonia, bleeding slowly through a palomino sky,’ which add to the beauty of the novel and enhance the reading experience.
Although the ending is satisfactory, at least for James and Laura, there is still a long road to happiness, and there are plenty of loose ends to tie up in book three, which I’m impatiently looking forward to reading.
March 10, 2016
Palomino Sky continues the story of Laura and James who met in Midnight Sky. Now they are looking forward to a happy life together as Laura plans their wedding and tries to set up a new home design company. James wishes to start anew by selling the farm and the equestrian business and looking for another home, but Laura has reservations.
In this book, Laura’s sister, Maggie, gains strength as a character and in practical ways. She is faced with increased problems form her wayward daughter, Jess, but she takes constructive action to help Laura and James as their lives take a tragic turn. Towards the end of the book we lose touch with Laura, but this is because she needs to step back from events, feeling lost herself.
The bleak winter landscape of Snowdonia is beautifully described by the author and the awe inspiring sight of the gathering ponies is starkly contrasted by subsequent events.
“A miraculous sight came out of the mist; a long ribbon of ponies on the skyline cantering, leaping and whinnying to each other across the heather…….They were the colours of bracken and stone, rainclouds and earth.”
As the horses are sold or returned to their owners, the healing hope of the mare, Palomino Sky, whom Laura calls Song and the dependable sturdiness of O’Malley, show a light at the end of the tunnel which might bring James and Laura back onto the path to happiness and give solutions to those affected by the closure of the stables.
This is an emotional story which grips the reader from page one. I really cared about the characters and read late into the night to discover their fate.
In this book, Laura’s sister, Maggie, gains strength as a character and in practical ways. She is faced with increased problems form her wayward daughter, Jess, but she takes constructive action to help Laura and James as their lives take a tragic turn. Towards the end of the book we lose touch with Laura, but this is because she needs to step back from events, feeling lost herself.
The bleak winter landscape of Snowdonia is beautifully described by the author and the awe inspiring sight of the gathering ponies is starkly contrasted by subsequent events.
“A miraculous sight came out of the mist; a long ribbon of ponies on the skyline cantering, leaping and whinnying to each other across the heather…….They were the colours of bracken and stone, rainclouds and earth.”
As the horses are sold or returned to their owners, the healing hope of the mare, Palomino Sky, whom Laura calls Song and the dependable sturdiness of O’Malley, show a light at the end of the tunnel which might bring James and Laura back onto the path to happiness and give solutions to those affected by the closure of the stables.
This is an emotional story which grips the reader from page one. I really cared about the characters and read late into the night to discover their fate.
March 29, 2016
Palomino Sky is the sequel to Midnight Sky. Having enjoyed that immensely, I was really looking forward to catching up with James and Laura…and their families and exes and…woes.
There’s always a smidgen of apprehension with a sequel, be it of a book or film. Will it be as good? Will it spoil the memory of the first book/film?
Well, I can tell you that if it’s got Jan Ruth’s name on it, you need not worry. Palomino Sky is every bit as good as its predecessor.
James and Laura’s relationship continues to be dogged by problems. The memory of James’ deceased wife still continues to haunt him, and therefore their future. Laura’s ex’s (Simon) wife is still hampering the closure of Laura and Simon's past relationship. Laura is still having difficult adapting to a rural lifestyle. Laura’s sister still has a difficult teenager. Only now, ‘difficult’ has a serious impact on the future of James and Laura’s happiness.
As always, Ruth draws you into the embrace of her characters: they’re tangible, credible. You feel their vulnerability, their anguish, frustration. You can laugh with them and cry with them. You’re there with them. You almost believe that if you were to reach out, you’d be able to touch them.
A well-rounded story and an absorbing read. If you enjoyed Midnight Sky, you won’t be disappointed.
There’s always a smidgen of apprehension with a sequel, be it of a book or film. Will it be as good? Will it spoil the memory of the first book/film?
Well, I can tell you that if it’s got Jan Ruth’s name on it, you need not worry. Palomino Sky is every bit as good as its predecessor.
James and Laura’s relationship continues to be dogged by problems. The memory of James’ deceased wife still continues to haunt him, and therefore their future. Laura’s ex’s (Simon) wife is still hampering the closure of Laura and Simon's past relationship. Laura is still having difficult adapting to a rural lifestyle. Laura’s sister still has a difficult teenager. Only now, ‘difficult’ has a serious impact on the future of James and Laura’s happiness.
As always, Ruth draws you into the embrace of her characters: they’re tangible, credible. You feel their vulnerability, their anguish, frustration. You can laugh with them and cry with them. You’re there with them. You almost believe that if you were to reach out, you’d be able to touch them.
A well-rounded story and an absorbing read. If you enjoyed Midnight Sky, you won’t be disappointed.
Read
March 10, 2016Palomino Sky is the second book in The Midnight Sky series, following the lives of James and Laura. Whilst the book is a sequel, I have read it as a standalone, and found myself immediately immersed in the couple's wedding plans.
Will it go smoothly? I think we all know the answer to that.
Laura's fun and loving, she just wants to be held and to live the life she sees before them. She wants to be married and be happy. But James is still running from his dead wife, He wants to sell his farmhouse and accompanying stables, a place that seems so perfect for him and Laura, but holds too many daily reminders of his previous life and love. And then a devastating accident throws him back into depression.
Maggie's more down to earth and matter-of-fact. Deep down she desires to feel needed after her husband is made redundant and promptly turns their family home into a B&B. And with too much time on her hands she's prone to meddling. But when her daughter's liaison with an undesirable man comes to light, everything is thrown into chaos.
Jan Ruth writes with the honesty and reflection that gives a very real representation of life and the way we live. Her characters are more than 3D, they live and breathe, they are people you and I know in our own lives. They are our neighbours and our friends, and depict a life filled with the same dramas we face day to day.
Will it go smoothly? I think we all know the answer to that.
Laura's fun and loving, she just wants to be held and to live the life she sees before them. She wants to be married and be happy. But James is still running from his dead wife, He wants to sell his farmhouse and accompanying stables, a place that seems so perfect for him and Laura, but holds too many daily reminders of his previous life and love. And then a devastating accident throws him back into depression.
Maggie's more down to earth and matter-of-fact. Deep down she desires to feel needed after her husband is made redundant and promptly turns their family home into a B&B. And with too much time on her hands she's prone to meddling. But when her daughter's liaison with an undesirable man comes to light, everything is thrown into chaos.
Jan Ruth writes with the honesty and reflection that gives a very real representation of life and the way we live. Her characters are more than 3D, they live and breathe, they are people you and I know in our own lives. They are our neighbours and our friends, and depict a life filled with the same dramas we face day to day.
August 14, 2016
Jan Ruth has done it again! I've read and loved all her books and this her latest, is no exception. Centred around Laura and James Morgan-Jones, the horse whisperer, with great cameo insights from other characters too, including Laura's long suffering sister, Maggie, this is a look at life, real life that is and real people. In fact, the characters felt so real I found myself worrying about them during the day whilst away from the book! There is angst galore, of course there is, but there's also such a lot of humour too, with intense moments (and there are some very intense moments, especially towards the end of the book) interspersed with light, creating the perfect literary balance. To be honest, I'm not into anything equestrian, but those working at the Morgan-Jones yard make me almost wish I was! And then there's the Snowdonia background, it's as much a character as anyone, the author's love for it really shines through. Another hit from Jan Ruth, and something I've found rare in a lot of books lately, it's intelligent too.
March 13, 2016
Laura and James are back again. You'd think that everything would be plain sailing now that they've finally got it together, but nothing is ever that simple, is it? Jess is back home again, there are new horses to deal with and Laura is trying to arrange a wedding, while still competing with the ghost of James' first wife. And then everything starts to unravel....
I really feel for these people. They're real, I'm sure. How Laura copes with everything is beyond me. And James must be the most stubborn, irritating bloke ever, and yet you can't help but be on his side too. I think that's maybe what works with these books - there *is* no right and wrong, no guilty party, no black and white. Just real people muddling through real problems and trying to find happiness.
I really feel for these people. They're real, I'm sure. How Laura copes with everything is beyond me. And James must be the most stubborn, irritating bloke ever, and yet you can't help but be on his side too. I think that's maybe what works with these books - there *is* no right and wrong, no guilty party, no black and white. Just real people muddling through real problems and trying to find happiness.
March 13, 2016
It's as if the characters were there waiting for me to come back to them, when in actual fact it was me that had been waiting for them!
Characters I knew well that I can see and imagine. You feel their pain and frustrations. My poor husband listens to me get cross with them, and sometimes with the author, even with real life people that the characters remind me of! (We live in the area that the book is set so it's too easy to do!)
Great read, worth the wait :)
Characters I knew well that I can see and imagine. You feel their pain and frustrations. My poor husband listens to me get cross with them, and sometimes with the author, even with real life people that the characters remind me of! (We live in the area that the book is set so it's too easy to do!)
Great read, worth the wait :)
July 14, 2016
Palomino Sky is the brilliant sequel to Midnight Sky. Beautifully written with well drawn characters, it takes the reader on a rollercoaster of emotions. Laura, James, Maggie, Pete and Jess are real people with all their flaws and insecurities and Jan Ruth manages to bring them right into the reader's heart.
February 7, 2021
A thoroughly good read
I don't usually read trilogies but this author writes so compellingly that one really cares what happens to the characters.
I'm about to start on the third book which is sufficient evidence that I'm a true Jan Ruth fan
I don't usually read trilogies but this author writes so compellingly that one really cares what happens to the characters.
I'm about to start on the third book which is sufficient evidence that I'm a true Jan Ruth fan
April 16, 2016
In Palomino Sky, we take up the story where we left off in Midnight Sky. Laura and James are now living together and planning a wedding and yet, whilst they are enjoying being together, there are also troubles looming, and there are huge decisions to be made before they can hope to find happiness and a semblance of peace.
As always, this author’s writing, draws you in and with wit and warmth takes you completely into a different world. I love the mayhem of the riding stables, the horses are a wonderful addition to the story and the understanding between both the equine and the human world is done so thoughtfully that it is obvious that the author is writing about a subject she understands completely. Those characters we met in Midnight Sky, particularly Maggie and Jess, continue to form a backdrop and provide a different view of life and a fascinating insight into their world. As always, the characters get right into the heart and soul of the novel, and yes, they make you laugh, but I'm afraid this time around, they also make you cry.
On reflection, I think that Palomino Sky is an altogether darker read than Midnight Sky, as there are some tough issues unfolding for both Laura and James, and there's a real sensitive pull to the story which made me quite sad in places. However, ultimately, what shines throughout is the author’s commitment to storytelling, her fine attention to detail and her affinity with both landscape and character which infuses the story with an incredible authenticity.
As always, this author’s writing, draws you in and with wit and warmth takes you completely into a different world. I love the mayhem of the riding stables, the horses are a wonderful addition to the story and the understanding between both the equine and the human world is done so thoughtfully that it is obvious that the author is writing about a subject she understands completely. Those characters we met in Midnight Sky, particularly Maggie and Jess, continue to form a backdrop and provide a different view of life and a fascinating insight into their world. As always, the characters get right into the heart and soul of the novel, and yes, they make you laugh, but I'm afraid this time around, they also make you cry.
On reflection, I think that Palomino Sky is an altogether darker read than Midnight Sky, as there are some tough issues unfolding for both Laura and James, and there's a real sensitive pull to the story which made me quite sad in places. However, ultimately, what shines throughout is the author’s commitment to storytelling, her fine attention to detail and her affinity with both landscape and character which infuses the story with an incredible authenticity.
April 8, 2016
I have loved all Jan Ruth’s books, so I wasn’t surprised to love this one too. The usual perfect prose, perfect dialogue, utterly realistic and complex characters caught up in believable scenarios, and a perfect balance of humour, anguish and tension. Jan Ruth exhibits a great knowledge and understanding of everything from horse psychology to driving penalties. If she resembles any one of her characters, I think it might be O’Malley – sublimely confident, sure-footed, perfectly paced and capable of carrying the reader through calm and crisis without a single slip.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews