What do you think?
Rate this book
Aspen Valley #5
Chasing the Wind: The spell-binding grand finale to the Aspen Valley series
Champions are made by the adversities they overcome.
When tragedy strikes Aspen Valley Stables, racehorse trainer Jack Carmichael is in danger of losing everything – his wife, his reputation, his sanity… then in walks Lucy Kendrick, a young reporter, all set to shadow him.
Every journalist has an agenda and Lucy is no different. Can she uphold her cover when charismatic jockey Finn O’Donaghue makes her want to be no one but herself?
The Grand National beckons once more, but when the yard’s runners start to foul fall of the authorities, the future of Aspen Valley Stables is threatened. Is the wreckage that is his personal life compromising Jack’s ability to train or is there something more sinister going on?
***
PRAISE FOR HANNAH HOOTON
‘The literary love child of Dick Francis and Jilly Cooper.’ ***** Christina Jones, bestselling author
‘Evocative imagery and crisp writing sets this story apart from the competition.’ ***** Natalie Keller Reinert, bestselling author
‘The female Dick Francis.’ ***** The Filly Forum
When tragedy strikes Aspen Valley Stables, racehorse trainer Jack Carmichael is in danger of losing everything – his wife, his reputation, his sanity… then in walks Lucy Kendrick, a young reporter, all set to shadow him.
Every journalist has an agenda and Lucy is no different. Can she uphold her cover when charismatic jockey Finn O’Donaghue makes her want to be no one but herself?
The Grand National beckons once more, but when the yard’s runners start to foul fall of the authorities, the future of Aspen Valley Stables is threatened. Is the wreckage that is his personal life compromising Jack’s ability to train or is there something more sinister going on?
***
PRAISE FOR HANNAH HOOTON
‘The literary love child of Dick Francis and Jilly Cooper.’ ***** Christina Jones, bestselling author
‘Evocative imagery and crisp writing sets this story apart from the competition.’ ***** Natalie Keller Reinert, bestselling author
‘The female Dick Francis.’ ***** The Filly Forum
513 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2016
11 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Hooton
23 books23 followersHannah Hooton burst onto the contemporary romance scene with the release of her debut novel, At Long Odds, in January 2012. This was followed by the multi-award winning, bestselling Aspen Valley series, so far consisting of the first three instalments, Keeping the Peace, Giving Chase, and Share and Share Alike.
The inspiration for these novels came while combining her wanderlust with her love of horse racing when travelling around Australia working from one racing stable to the next as a strapper (not to be confused with stripper).
She has now settled in East Anglia, UK, having recently completed a BA Honours degree in Writing and Film Studies.
Hannah's passion and mild obsession with horses has forced her to plan her own life around the racing calendar. Her family are well aware not to expect an appearance from her at functions during the likes of Royal Ascot and Cheltenham Festival weeks. Writing racing romances allows her to further research her passion and she is privileged to have made some firm friends in so doing.
Hannah is currently working on her fifth novel and the fourth in the Aspen Valley series.
The inspiration for these novels came while combining her wanderlust with her love of horse racing when travelling around Australia working from one racing stable to the next as a strapper (not to be confused with stripper).
She has now settled in East Anglia, UK, having recently completed a BA Honours degree in Writing and Film Studies.
Hannah's passion and mild obsession with horses has forced her to plan her own life around the racing calendar. Her family are well aware not to expect an appearance from her at functions during the likes of Royal Ascot and Cheltenham Festival weeks. Writing racing romances allows her to further research her passion and she is privileged to have made some firm friends in so doing.
Hannah is currently working on her fifth novel and the fourth in the Aspen Valley series.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 5, 2016
Rated this book 4 stars because I truly really liked it.
One of the most balanced books I've read where the amount of tragedy and sadness is equal to the lighthearted and happy moments. While a few readers would have liked a trigger warning at the beginning of the book I think Hannah Hooton has done a magnificent job at pouring all the emotions into this book. While the MCs were dealing with business and personal troubles, there were characters who were having fun as well and then of course the aspect of horse racing. I liked all the characters in the book, specially Finn the Irishman! The "language" was very true to the Irish and his character very well depicted.
I have to confess I am not a fan of horse racing so I skipped over the bits where the action was happening. My own fault- I just have this dislike to racing even though I did learn to see it from a different angle thanks to the book. This is no shape or form took away from the reading experience as you can see from the rating and the praise in this review.
One of the most balanced books I've read where the amount of tragedy and sadness is equal to the lighthearted and happy moments. While a few readers would have liked a trigger warning at the beginning of the book I think Hannah Hooton has done a magnificent job at pouring all the emotions into this book. While the MCs were dealing with business and personal troubles, there were characters who were having fun as well and then of course the aspect of horse racing. I liked all the characters in the book, specially Finn the Irishman! The "language" was very true to the Irish and his character very well depicted.
I have to confess I am not a fan of horse racing so I skipped over the bits where the action was happening. My own fault- I just have this dislike to racing even though I did learn to see it from a different angle thanks to the book. This is no shape or form took away from the reading experience as you can see from the rating and the praise in this review.
February 11, 2016
Honestly I am beginning to believe that I am my own worst enemy!
I mean what sort of doughnut actually willingly starts with the last book in the series and doesn’t for one second consider that she will be tearing her hair out by the time she gets half way into the story – really ..Duh!
But once I was into the story I shrugged my shoulders at my mistake and resigned myself to read the book for none other than what I had in front of me and for the purpose of this review I am reviewing it almost as a standalone novel.
The book was very well written, it was precise and clean, there were no mistakes and the dialogue flowed seamlessly.
As the last book in the series, it appears to have done exactly what I would have expected, it hit the ground running or perhaps I should say trotting in this case and it refused to give up.
The events at the start of the book are more heart-breaking than I could have ever imagined, Jack’s soul was completely destroyed by his loss and his life seems to be beginning to spiral out of control. He is at the mercy of the forces around him as he continues to try to come to terms with his loss, but what else is slipping through his fingers?
Can he hold his life together, can he be the man his wife needs to help her handle her grief or will they drown in each other’s devastation and take the yard down with them?
The mystery surrounding the subterfuge that is taking place at the yard was played to absolute perfection, it had me second guessing who and what were everyone’s motives.
I was wary of Lucy, then again I usually am when there is an undercover reporter in the story but I as reluctant as I was to take her at face value, and I couldn’t help but be entranced by the situation that was brewing between her and Finn.
Her decisions were ones that would cause ripples, could she ride them out?
Would she have her guy at the end if she did?
I loved that the whole equine backdrop was one that you don’t come across every day and I was charmed by the edge that, that scenario brought to the story. The author certainly packed the story full of both knowledge and intent!
Now that I have read the end I can safely say that I will head back and pick up the others, I am sure that there is depth that I have missed by starting at the back so to speak but when books are written this well, reading them again is never a hardship – I think I may need and Aspen Valley marathon to get me past the finishing post!
I mean what sort of doughnut actually willingly starts with the last book in the series and doesn’t for one second consider that she will be tearing her hair out by the time she gets half way into the story – really ..Duh!
But once I was into the story I shrugged my shoulders at my mistake and resigned myself to read the book for none other than what I had in front of me and for the purpose of this review I am reviewing it almost as a standalone novel.
The book was very well written, it was precise and clean, there were no mistakes and the dialogue flowed seamlessly.
As the last book in the series, it appears to have done exactly what I would have expected, it hit the ground running or perhaps I should say trotting in this case and it refused to give up.
The events at the start of the book are more heart-breaking than I could have ever imagined, Jack’s soul was completely destroyed by his loss and his life seems to be beginning to spiral out of control. He is at the mercy of the forces around him as he continues to try to come to terms with his loss, but what else is slipping through his fingers?
Can he hold his life together, can he be the man his wife needs to help her handle her grief or will they drown in each other’s devastation and take the yard down with them?
The mystery surrounding the subterfuge that is taking place at the yard was played to absolute perfection, it had me second guessing who and what were everyone’s motives.
I was wary of Lucy, then again I usually am when there is an undercover reporter in the story but I as reluctant as I was to take her at face value, and I couldn’t help but be entranced by the situation that was brewing between her and Finn.
Her decisions were ones that would cause ripples, could she ride them out?
Would she have her guy at the end if she did?
I loved that the whole equine backdrop was one that you don’t come across every day and I was charmed by the edge that, that scenario brought to the story. The author certainly packed the story full of both knowledge and intent!
Now that I have read the end I can safely say that I will head back and pick up the others, I am sure that there is depth that I have missed by starting at the back so to speak but when books are written this well, reading them again is never a hardship – I think I may need and Aspen Valley marathon to get me past the finishing post!
February 25, 2016
I gave Chasing The Wind 5 Huge Boundless Stars, but I'd rate it a 10 if I could. It had me on page one and it was by far the best book yet in this series. Once I picked this book up it was so very hard to put down. I was originally only approached to just read this book, however I didn’t want to do that, I didn’t want to start at book 5. Thankfully Hanna Hooton graciously provided all 5 books. I am so glad I read them all because it made book 5 Chasing The Wind just that much better for me not to mention a whole lot more emotional.
When tragedy hits it’s never easy. Jack finds this out the hard way. He loses someone close to him and soon things begin going wrong. From his marriage to his work life his pain is so great that everything is failing. Soon a stranger comes into his sights and changes his world. He fights so hard to get his life back in order. It’s hard not to feel his pain and hope for the future.
This book was just WOW! It was so heartbreaking and had me in tears in the first chapter. It was the best, in my opinion, in the series, but it was hard to read. It was very emotional throughout, but that made it 10 times better. The ending was amazing! Best book I have read in a long while....Stormi
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
When tragedy hits it’s never easy. Jack finds this out the hard way. He loses someone close to him and soon things begin going wrong. From his marriage to his work life his pain is so great that everything is failing. Soon a stranger comes into his sights and changes his world. He fights so hard to get his life back in order. It’s hard not to feel his pain and hope for the future.
This book was just WOW! It was so heartbreaking and had me in tears in the first chapter. It was the best, in my opinion, in the series, but it was hard to read. It was very emotional throughout, but that made it 10 times better. The ending was amazing! Best book I have read in a long while....Stormi
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
January 18, 2025
🔥🔥
4.5⭐️
4.5⭐️
April 8, 2016
I received this book in an exchange for an honest review
This book is highly aimed at Aspen Valley where horses are trained to be entered in competition's and races. There are two main vocal points in this book, Jack and Lucy. Jack is a high profile race horse trainer in the UK, whereas Lucy is a student who just graduated from Cambridge University.
Lucy is a typical young adult who wants adventure, has no idea what she wants to do after just graduating . I like how Lucy was very relatable to pretty much anyone, she is a trustworthy, loveable, reliable character. What sets her apart from other characters in the book is why she initially went to Aspen Valley and why did she lie she is a journalist? What are her motives? You don't have to wait too long to find that out in the book and thank god for that, I was seriously thinking I would get old by the time it would be revealed. Lucy is very brave, I liked how she stayed true to her relationship with Callum even though he is overseas. That is a very hard thing to do considering he is so far away doing his Masters for a whole year, I can't say the same about Callum though and oh god! What she does to him in the cafe is so COOL! I was in stitches laughing, he so deserved that!
Jack on the other hand is a busy bee with his horses, personal and family responsibilities. And one incident costs him big time and everything around him in ashes. It was one problem after the other. What happens to Gabby is truly heartbreaking, I was devastated. Poor baby! Jack is emotionally reserved, he finds it hard to talk about his feelings and keeps it bottled up. He doesn't realise that is his problem until he is forced to see it.
Two secondary characters were the best part of this story; Pippa and Finn. I don't think this story would have been that good otherwise. Pippa is a exuberant, happy, charismatic and optimistic person. She likes to see the best in everything, hope, and believe better things will happen. Finn is charming, fun, funny and a total hottie. But I liked his 'aye' and 'lassie' more, what a HOT Irish dude! He brings lightness to this story whereas Pippa brings emotions and drama.
The only thing I did not like about this book was the pace a little bit and how long the pages were. I did think there were a few bits in the story where it was dragged out a bit and made me want to put down the book. I feel like the story was compelling and epic in terms of how it is structured and set out, however, the tale was stretched out in some places than most. What I wished most was the cut down info on the horse racing, like the commentary I get that it is significant in some places, however for some one like me who has no interest or knowledge in that sport it was a bit of a downfall.
Trust is broken, hearts are broken and revelations come to surface. Don't miss this epic story of Jack, Pipa, Lucy and Finn.
This book is highly aimed at Aspen Valley where horses are trained to be entered in competition's and races. There are two main vocal points in this book, Jack and Lucy. Jack is a high profile race horse trainer in the UK, whereas Lucy is a student who just graduated from Cambridge University.
Lucy is a typical young adult who wants adventure, has no idea what she wants to do after just graduating . I like how Lucy was very relatable to pretty much anyone, she is a trustworthy, loveable, reliable character. What sets her apart from other characters in the book is why she initially went to Aspen Valley and why did she lie she is a journalist? What are her motives? You don't have to wait too long to find that out in the book and thank god for that, I was seriously thinking I would get old by the time it would be revealed. Lucy is very brave, I liked how she stayed true to her relationship with Callum even though he is overseas. That is a very hard thing to do considering he is so far away doing his Masters for a whole year, I can't say the same about Callum though and oh god! What she does to him in the cafe is so COOL! I was in stitches laughing, he so deserved that!
Jack on the other hand is a busy bee with his horses, personal and family responsibilities. And one incident costs him big time and everything around him in ashes. It was one problem after the other. What happens to Gabby is truly heartbreaking, I was devastated. Poor baby! Jack is emotionally reserved, he finds it hard to talk about his feelings and keeps it bottled up. He doesn't realise that is his problem until he is forced to see it.
Two secondary characters were the best part of this story; Pippa and Finn. I don't think this story would have been that good otherwise. Pippa is a exuberant, happy, charismatic and optimistic person. She likes to see the best in everything, hope, and believe better things will happen. Finn is charming, fun, funny and a total hottie. But I liked his 'aye' and 'lassie' more, what a HOT Irish dude! He brings lightness to this story whereas Pippa brings emotions and drama.
The only thing I did not like about this book was the pace a little bit and how long the pages were. I did think there were a few bits in the story where it was dragged out a bit and made me want to put down the book. I feel like the story was compelling and epic in terms of how it is structured and set out, however, the tale was stretched out in some places than most. What I wished most was the cut down info on the horse racing, like the commentary I get that it is significant in some places, however for some one like me who has no interest or knowledge in that sport it was a bit of a downfall.
Trust is broken, hearts are broken and revelations come to surface. Don't miss this epic story of Jack, Pipa, Lucy and Finn.
June 5, 2016
Chasing the Wind by Hannah Hooton is such a wonderful book that I have been dying to read since I started this book series. These book is about the horse racing but also about two couples, Jack/Pippa and Lucy/Finn, that are trying to find their way back to each other and about starting a relationship. The way back to each other falls with Jack and Pippa whereas starting a relationship is with Lucy and Finn.
Jack and Pippa have been through a lot in this book and through every terrible turn that they went through, I just wanted to jump into the book to help them through it. Thankfully that didn’t have to happen as it ended up being good for the two of them after a lot of time. I felt bad for these two throughout the whole book since they went through losing someone to a strained relationship to almost ending their relationship but thankfully none of that ended up happening. Much like the other relationships in the Aspen Valley series they have a happy ending once again.
Well most relationships, Finn and Tash didn’t really get their happy ending, but that’s okay as Finn and Lucy ended up having one. Well one that they tried to avoid at first since Lucy had a boyfriend and that relationship didn’t last very long at all. Finn and Lucy’s relationship has been a very interesting one in the whole series but I ended up loving the two of them together. Lucy is a great addition to the series even if she came into it in the last book.
Chasing the Wind by Hannah Hooton is such a great book that I am giving it a five butterflies rating. This story has made the characters even more real as they deal with the life issues that are thrown at them. I truly felt like I was a part of this wonderful world. I loved this story and I am glad that I had this opportunity to read this series.
Overall I would recommend reading Chasing the Wind by Hannah Hooton to everyone (at least adults to read it, it is a little much for the young adults).
Anyways until the next time enjoy this book review brought to you by
Baroness’ Book Trove.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE AUTHOR ASKED ME TO READ AND GIVE AN HONEST REVIEW FOR THIS BOOK!
To read other reviews like this one please go to my blog site: baronessbooktrove.com
Jack and Pippa have been through a lot in this book and through every terrible turn that they went through, I just wanted to jump into the book to help them through it. Thankfully that didn’t have to happen as it ended up being good for the two of them after a lot of time. I felt bad for these two throughout the whole book since they went through losing someone to a strained relationship to almost ending their relationship but thankfully none of that ended up happening. Much like the other relationships in the Aspen Valley series they have a happy ending once again.
Well most relationships, Finn and Tash didn’t really get their happy ending, but that’s okay as Finn and Lucy ended up having one. Well one that they tried to avoid at first since Lucy had a boyfriend and that relationship didn’t last very long at all. Finn and Lucy’s relationship has been a very interesting one in the whole series but I ended up loving the two of them together. Lucy is a great addition to the series even if she came into it in the last book.
Chasing the Wind by Hannah Hooton is such a great book that I am giving it a five butterflies rating. This story has made the characters even more real as they deal with the life issues that are thrown at them. I truly felt like I was a part of this wonderful world. I loved this story and I am glad that I had this opportunity to read this series.
Overall I would recommend reading Chasing the Wind by Hannah Hooton to everyone (at least adults to read it, it is a little much for the young adults).
Anyways until the next time enjoy this book review brought to you by
Baroness’ Book Trove.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE AUTHOR ASKED ME TO READ AND GIVE AN HONEST REVIEW FOR THIS BOOK!
To read other reviews like this one please go to my blog site: baronessbooktrove.com
August 15, 2016
There are stories that touch the core of your heart. The words reflect a pain that can make you wish you could scream as well. Hannah, I loved the story.
The plot revolves around a couple who are bound yet on the verge of separation by a single word "Loss". Now what the loss is all is something you need to read about else it would truly spoil the beautiful story. Notwithstanding, sometimes, it is this same emotion that finally brings in a ray of hope. Yes, loss tests you, pushes you to the corner and makes you wish you never existed. Yet, this very emotion shows you a little window through which a ray of hope percolates down to your very soul. The story line is beautifully depicted against the backdrop of horses, and all horse lovers will agree, these majestic beasts symbolize life and living it well.
Hannah, kudos to your writing. I don't care what other critics have to say, but you made me live as a part of your story. I felt I was one of the unseen characters before whose very eyes the story unfolds. And non-believers, believe you me, its not an easy task writing about pain and loss. The language is simple, yet it has the power to tug your heart strings. There are actually no imageries cropping up because this story will make you feel it is really happening around you. Simply loved the narrative.
The characters are the best part in this story. It is as if life has been infused into them. They have their flaws yet are lovable. They have their own sets of insecurities yet make the story line seem real. They have their own emotions yet it will make you empathize. Every individual in this story has justified his or her presence. Each one is chasing the wind and chasing it really well.
To sum up, this is a story I will return to when I wish to vent out my pent up emotions. It made me cry, it made me smile, above all, it made me re-appreciate that life was truly worthwhile. All is well that ends well with hope as the guiding light. A true worthy addition to your library.
P.S - Hannah, I loved chasing life's wind as I read your story and finally found my ray of hope in the end as well :-).
The plot revolves around a couple who are bound yet on the verge of separation by a single word "Loss". Now what the loss is all is something you need to read about else it would truly spoil the beautiful story. Notwithstanding, sometimes, it is this same emotion that finally brings in a ray of hope. Yes, loss tests you, pushes you to the corner and makes you wish you never existed. Yet, this very emotion shows you a little window through which a ray of hope percolates down to your very soul. The story line is beautifully depicted against the backdrop of horses, and all horse lovers will agree, these majestic beasts symbolize life and living it well.
Hannah, kudos to your writing. I don't care what other critics have to say, but you made me live as a part of your story. I felt I was one of the unseen characters before whose very eyes the story unfolds. And non-believers, believe you me, its not an easy task writing about pain and loss. The language is simple, yet it has the power to tug your heart strings. There are actually no imageries cropping up because this story will make you feel it is really happening around you. Simply loved the narrative.
The characters are the best part in this story. It is as if life has been infused into them. They have their flaws yet are lovable. They have their own sets of insecurities yet make the story line seem real. They have their own emotions yet it will make you empathize. Every individual in this story has justified his or her presence. Each one is chasing the wind and chasing it really well.
To sum up, this is a story I will return to when I wish to vent out my pent up emotions. It made me cry, it made me smile, above all, it made me re-appreciate that life was truly worthwhile. All is well that ends well with hope as the guiding light. A true worthy addition to your library.
P.S - Hannah, I loved chasing life's wind as I read your story and finally found my ray of hope in the end as well :-).
March 7, 2016
When I was approached to review this book, I was interested because it is a world I have never read about. Jack's life is revolved around race horsing. A career at times haunt him. Especially when all bets are against him. Personal and professional.
Chasing The Wind had one of the most memorable beginnings. The circumstance that occurs(trying my best not to write) is catastrophic to say the least. Life unfolds for Jack afterwards. All while everything is going south, Lucy shows up.
Lucy is enjoyable and has a heart of gold. Made me laugh a little. Naïve to life in general, she is looking for something new. In many ways. As do with any good book, the plot thickens and there is more to Lucy then what everyone knows.
This is a very long book. Sometimes a story can nit pick at little details and then seems to ramble on with the unnecessary, however this is Not the case with Chasing the Wind. Every detail is needed to give the reader the full horizon of all who are part of story. There are many characters that you may have read before if you up to date on the series. You may have thoughts about those characters before. I did not have a chance to read the ones before. If I could go back, I would read them to all.
At first I thought Jack was aloof to all but his work. The further into the story, things change along with the characters in it. I was happy with the ending. I wish Lucy and Finn's relationship progressed more. But I can't complain about any of the book.
I rate the book a 4.4. This a book that captures your interest from the beginning to end.
Chasing The Wind had one of the most memorable beginnings. The circumstance that occurs(trying my best not to write) is catastrophic to say the least. Life unfolds for Jack afterwards. All while everything is going south, Lucy shows up.
Lucy is enjoyable and has a heart of gold. Made me laugh a little. Naïve to life in general, she is looking for something new. In many ways. As do with any good book, the plot thickens and there is more to Lucy then what everyone knows.
This is a very long book. Sometimes a story can nit pick at little details and then seems to ramble on with the unnecessary, however this is Not the case with Chasing the Wind. Every detail is needed to give the reader the full horizon of all who are part of story. There are many characters that you may have read before if you up to date on the series. You may have thoughts about those characters before. I did not have a chance to read the ones before. If I could go back, I would read them to all.
At first I thought Jack was aloof to all but his work. The further into the story, things change along with the characters in it. I was happy with the ending. I wish Lucy and Finn's relationship progressed more. But I can't complain about any of the book.
I rate the book a 4.4. This a book that captures your interest from the beginning to end.
April 9, 2016
I was approached by the author to read Chasing the Wind. It is the final part of a series (which I haven’t read) but I liked the subject matter so jumped in.
Based around a horse racing yard .. the life events of Jack the trainer, the complexities involved to get a horse to race standard. This is a long book over 450 pages but it flows beautifully and keeps the reader interested.
I feel I should point out there is a ‘trigger’ in the first chapter which some readers might find upsetting and from that event the story takes shape. With everything set against them can Jack and his wife Pippa move forward either with each other or indeed at all after the humongous tragedy. The ability to reach rock bottom then claw back to happiness is explored in detail and as such provides a riveting tale.
I loved all the interactions between the characters, especially Lucy and Finn, the horses themselves but I confess I’m not a fan of horse racing itself for personal reasons but the whole scenario is very well developed and it’s obvious the author has a passion.
I don’t think I missed out by not reading the others in the series, maybe there are references which would tie up if so but it’s quite a commitment to read four books prior to a review book. It certainly hasn’t spoiled my enjoyment and even though my heart was in my mouth at times overall with the lighter aspects included I can safely say this is a fabulous story. Many thanks to Hannah for gifting me this book in exchange for an honest opinion
Based around a horse racing yard .. the life events of Jack the trainer, the complexities involved to get a horse to race standard. This is a long book over 450 pages but it flows beautifully and keeps the reader interested.
I feel I should point out there is a ‘trigger’ in the first chapter which some readers might find upsetting and from that event the story takes shape. With everything set against them can Jack and his wife Pippa move forward either with each other or indeed at all after the humongous tragedy. The ability to reach rock bottom then claw back to happiness is explored in detail and as such provides a riveting tale.
I loved all the interactions between the characters, especially Lucy and Finn, the horses themselves but I confess I’m not a fan of horse racing itself for personal reasons but the whole scenario is very well developed and it’s obvious the author has a passion.
I don’t think I missed out by not reading the others in the series, maybe there are references which would tie up if so but it’s quite a commitment to read four books prior to a review book. It certainly hasn’t spoiled my enjoyment and even though my heart was in my mouth at times overall with the lighter aspects included I can safely say this is a fabulous story. Many thanks to Hannah for gifting me this book in exchange for an honest opinion
May 31, 2017
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
The fifth novel in the series, and clearly the best. Not only is it the most balanced, but I feel that it brought everything together. While there was nothing wrong with the previous installments of the series in terms of writing style, I felt that this novel was a step up, as if the writing had grown over the series.
If I thought the fourth novel was dramatic and emotional, boy did book five blow it out of the water. I feel that the depth and complexity of the storyline truly set this novel apart from the rest of the series. I also found the newly introduced characters likeable, more so than the previous protagonists. Not to mention, I love when series included characters from previous installments. It’s is like seeing old friends again.
Overall, the fifth novel is a powerful story filled with dynamic characters. It takes the series to a whole new level.
❧ Arec
Rainy Thursdays
The fifth novel in the series, and clearly the best. Not only is it the most balanced, but I feel that it brought everything together. While there was nothing wrong with the previous installments of the series in terms of writing style, I felt that this novel was a step up, as if the writing had grown over the series.
If I thought the fourth novel was dramatic and emotional, boy did book five blow it out of the water. I feel that the depth and complexity of the storyline truly set this novel apart from the rest of the series. I also found the newly introduced characters likeable, more so than the previous protagonists. Not to mention, I love when series included characters from previous installments. It’s is like seeing old friends again.
Overall, the fifth novel is a powerful story filled with dynamic characters. It takes the series to a whole new level.
❧ Arec
Rainy Thursdays
Read
June 13, 2016DNF unfortunately.
Was very excited for this book, but something happens in the beginning that I would like to have had a trigger warning for. The child of Jack and Pippa dies in a tragic accident. It quite upset me and I am not sure I want to finish the book.
Was very excited for this book, but something happens in the beginning that I would like to have had a trigger warning for. The child of Jack and Pippa dies in a tragic accident. It quite upset me and I am not sure I want to finish the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews