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Chances
Sometimes in life you have to take chances…
City girl Amber Evans is determined to get herself thrown out of her latest foster home in the countryside. Growing up on a tough estate has taught her not to trust anyone or anything and horse mad Amber knows her passion for riding can never be more than a dream.
But rural life is far from quiet especially when you’re living next door to Britain’s hottest international three day event star, Drake Owen. When Amber finds herself catapulted into a world full of glamour and rivalry she’s determined to prove she belongs there too.
No matter how dangerous it may be or who is out to stop her…
City girl Amber Evans is determined to get herself thrown out of her latest foster home in the countryside. Growing up on a tough estate has taught her not to trust anyone or anything and horse mad Amber knows her passion for riding can never be more than a dream.
But rural life is far from quiet especially when you’re living next door to Britain’s hottest international three day event star, Drake Owen. When Amber finds herself catapulted into a world full of glamour and rivalry she’s determined to prove she belongs there too.
No matter how dangerous it may be or who is out to stop her…
181 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2016
30 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Saberton
47 books351 followersRuth Saberton is a bestselling British author with over 25 books written under her own and pen names. Her books feature romance and secrets and are set in beautiful Cornwall.
Her latest book THE LETTER is available now!
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruth-Saberto...
Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Ruth loves to to talk to her readers. Interact with her on her website www.ruthsaberton.com on Twitter @ruthsaberton
www.facebook.com/ruthsabertonauthor
Her latest book THE LETTER is available now!
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruth-Saberto...
Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Ruth loves to to talk to her readers. Interact with her on her website www.ruthsaberton.com on Twitter @ruthsaberton
www.facebook.com/ruthsabertonauthor
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 15, 2016
4.5 Stars
As a woman in her early thirties, I never know what to expect on the rare occasions I decide to read a Young Adult book. Often I find myself thinking I'm the wrong age, or just not the correct target audience, and then once in a while I find a book aimed at the young adult market, that really works for all ages, at least in this case Chances did that for me.
Amber is incredibly reluctantly moved from her home, into foster care, as her mum can no longer look after her, at 15 years old, she feels she could have lived by herself, with help from social services, and isn't too happy about being dragged from Bristol, to the new foster family in Cornwall. However Amber is horse mad, and generally loves animals, and the family live in on farm, and so there are small things Amber does kind of like about the place immediately, although it would pain her to admit it.
She is determined to get chucked out and go home, but Harry, who is Kate's (foster mum), 18 year old son, tries his best to reach out to her, and there are small negotiations of truces. It is when she meets Drake Owen, the three day eventer, in the neighbouring property that things slowly begin to change, however not entirely for the better, as on the same day she makes a rather dangerous enemy too.
As the story developed I loved seeing how Amber's character developed, and I think it does highlight some of the thoughts children in foster care, most probably do have, and how others would react in similar situations. All of her bad behaviour is understandable, and a lot of the time she does have very good reasons for acting out.
I'm gutted that the book has finished so soon, and can only hope that this will be the start of a series, as I am already missing reading about Amber, her foster home and Chances, a wonderful Arab horse. There is a strength and maturity to the writing, and to the characters, especially Amber, but also her foster family, as to what they have dealt with in the past, that makes me feel this book really does work for everyone.
Arguably this could be looked at, as just another horse/pony book, but to me it is so much more than that, although I must say all the horsey-eventing side of things are very enjoyable and there is a fair amount of it. However it's Amber's relationship with Chances that was simply superb, and their stories in places mirror each other.
I loved reading Chances, and found it incredibly hard to put down, the story flowed really well, and I think young and not so young readers will really enjoy and in parts relate to the story. I loved Chances and the book shows just how much Ruth Saberton clearly loves her horses and knows about them.
Thank you so much to Ruth Saberton for my copy this book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
As a woman in her early thirties, I never know what to expect on the rare occasions I decide to read a Young Adult book. Often I find myself thinking I'm the wrong age, or just not the correct target audience, and then once in a while I find a book aimed at the young adult market, that really works for all ages, at least in this case Chances did that for me.
Amber is incredibly reluctantly moved from her home, into foster care, as her mum can no longer look after her, at 15 years old, she feels she could have lived by herself, with help from social services, and isn't too happy about being dragged from Bristol, to the new foster family in Cornwall. However Amber is horse mad, and generally loves animals, and the family live in on farm, and so there are small things Amber does kind of like about the place immediately, although it would pain her to admit it.
She is determined to get chucked out and go home, but Harry, who is Kate's (foster mum), 18 year old son, tries his best to reach out to her, and there are small negotiations of truces. It is when she meets Drake Owen, the three day eventer, in the neighbouring property that things slowly begin to change, however not entirely for the better, as on the same day she makes a rather dangerous enemy too.
As the story developed I loved seeing how Amber's character developed, and I think it does highlight some of the thoughts children in foster care, most probably do have, and how others would react in similar situations. All of her bad behaviour is understandable, and a lot of the time she does have very good reasons for acting out.
I'm gutted that the book has finished so soon, and can only hope that this will be the start of a series, as I am already missing reading about Amber, her foster home and Chances, a wonderful Arab horse. There is a strength and maturity to the writing, and to the characters, especially Amber, but also her foster family, as to what they have dealt with in the past, that makes me feel this book really does work for everyone.
Arguably this could be looked at, as just another horse/pony book, but to me it is so much more than that, although I must say all the horsey-eventing side of things are very enjoyable and there is a fair amount of it. However it's Amber's relationship with Chances that was simply superb, and their stories in places mirror each other.
I loved reading Chances, and found it incredibly hard to put down, the story flowed really well, and I think young and not so young readers will really enjoy and in parts relate to the story. I loved Chances and the book shows just how much Ruth Saberton clearly loves her horses and knows about them.
Thank you so much to Ruth Saberton for my copy this book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
December 19, 2016
What a fantastic book- aimed at the YA market but anyone who loved horses as a young girl will fall in love with this story.
Amber finds herself in foster care on a farm in Cornwall. It sounds idyllic- but she wants to be near her mum. She's a troubled teen- but the charms of the Cornish setting and the neighbouring horses soon have her drawn in against her will.
She's a talented rider and absolutely adores the horse world. She has a crush on the trainer who is schooling a spirited horse who doesn't gel with the girl he was bought for. Amber is desperate to keep the horse nearby.
This book really is lovely- the romance, friendship, warm family embracing a troubled teen and of course the lovely horses.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and loved every page
Amber finds herself in foster care on a farm in Cornwall. It sounds idyllic- but she wants to be near her mum. She's a troubled teen- but the charms of the Cornish setting and the neighbouring horses soon have her drawn in against her will.
She's a talented rider and absolutely adores the horse world. She has a crush on the trainer who is schooling a spirited horse who doesn't gel with the girl he was bought for. Amber is desperate to keep the horse nearby.
This book really is lovely- the romance, friendship, warm family embracing a troubled teen and of course the lovely horses.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and loved every page
June 18, 2020
Chances is the first YA book I have picked up in a number of years. I am a huge fan of Ruth Saberton and even though I am not a horsey person at heart, my best friend growing up was a dead ringer for the heroine of this story.
This book deals with a sadly too familiar situation of a young girl whose dreams and childhood has been eclipsed by the need to grow up far too soon. In and out of foster care placements have left their mark on Amber who struggles with being moved from Bristol to Cornwall due to the lack of placements.
Amber who once dreamt of owning her own horse and competing can't believe her eyes when she discovers that just next door is the UK's hottest young three day eventer Drake Owen.
Amber is torn between her old life in Bristol and the potential of her new life in Cornwall. With the arrival of Chances, a horse who has his own set of troubles she empathises with.
Together they are an unstoppable force, but unfortunately for Amber, Chances is not hers but belongs to her arch-nemesis Emily whose father has more money than time for her only daughter. When Emily is thrown from Chances, the horse's future is suddenly in jeopardy, Amber is determined to save Chances but can she before it's too late?
This book deals with a sadly too familiar situation of a young girl whose dreams and childhood has been eclipsed by the need to grow up far too soon. In and out of foster care placements have left their mark on Amber who struggles with being moved from Bristol to Cornwall due to the lack of placements.
Amber who once dreamt of owning her own horse and competing can't believe her eyes when she discovers that just next door is the UK's hottest young three day eventer Drake Owen.
Amber is torn between her old life in Bristol and the potential of her new life in Cornwall. With the arrival of Chances, a horse who has his own set of troubles she empathises with.
Together they are an unstoppable force, but unfortunately for Amber, Chances is not hers but belongs to her arch-nemesis Emily whose father has more money than time for her only daughter. When Emily is thrown from Chances, the horse's future is suddenly in jeopardy, Amber is determined to save Chances but can she before it's too late?
May 21, 2021
I loved this book!!
I would have to say, though, that I have loved every book of yours I have read!! Interesting characters, real life situations, and love wins in the end.. I read books like yours because there are so many terrible things taking place in the world.. I want to read books that make me think it could all be better.. your books are so well written-not at all sappy..
I would have to say, though, that I have loved every book of yours I have read!! Interesting characters, real life situations, and love wins in the end.. I read books like yours because there are so many terrible things taking place in the world.. I want to read books that make me think it could all be better.. your books are so well written-not at all sappy..
August 14, 2020
Cleverly written
Ruth is a most talented and discerning author. She sees through her character’s eyes and enables her reader to do the same.
Another great read, teenagers and adults alike.
Ruth is a most talented and discerning author. She sees through her character’s eyes and enables her reader to do the same.
Another great read, teenagers and adults alike.
August 22, 2018
I’d read a few chapters before I realized it was a young adult book. I like horses so finished the book anyway.
March 16, 2021
Great book for teenagers who love horses.
February 27, 2022
such a feel good read!
Such a well written book - it would teach a lot of young teachers some life lessons as well as adults
Such a well written book - it would teach a lot of young teachers some life lessons as well as adults
December 18, 2016
Ruth Saberton has wanted to write a book about horses for a long time already, and boy, am I glad that she found time to do just this! "Chances" is the perfect novel for all the horse freaks, and not only, out there, and you can really see that Ruth knows what she writes about - she has brilliantly captured not only the human characters but also all the animal ones. It is a book a little different to what Ruth got me used to, it is more on the serious side and yes, I love her sense of humour and I like the lighter novels that I've read before but I also appreciate the fact that she wanted to try her hand in something more serious.
I caught myself thinking that I am a little like Amber - no, not as rebel as she was, but as sensitive as her, and I could totally relate to her imagining what the animals could feel, to having a big heart and understanding them - I'm exactly the same. She was so conflicted inside, our Amber, and Ruth Saberton has wonderfully put all those feelings into words, and I think being able to do just this deserves a standing ovation! I fell for Amber, immediately. Sure, there were moments that I also wanted to slap her or bang her head on the wall but oh well, she's a teenager, so it was understandable she was behaving this way. But mostly I just kept my fingers crossed for her and I so wanted that she finds her happiness. The relationship between her and Chances was absolutely, heart - breakingly beautiful, and as I had a pleasure to see such friendships personally, it was even more palpable and understandable to me.
All the other characters in the book were incredibly well written and Ruth Saberton gave them this depth that made them so close to life and realistic. They were full of warmth or anger and they were so easy to like or dislike. I adored Amber's foster family in Cornwall, the way they were there for each other, how they loved and supported each other, and I loved how Harry, after initial problems, was there for Amber and what he did for her. I admired how grown up he felt, how clever he was and the way he negotiated with Amber, or just spoke with her, was just the right to get to her. It couldn't be easy to be Amber and mostly people just gave up on her and it was lovely and touching to see how Kate and her children fought for her.
Ruth Saberton's writing is getting stronger and stronger. It felt mature but it also didn't lose the lightness. In the previous books the author concentrated very much on descriptions and as much as I loved them they often kept me away from the main plot. However this time, even though there ARE descriptions, they don't obscure this what really is important in this story, and for me personally it's the next brownie point!
Even though the book is aimed at younger readers, I totally enjoyed it. It was mature and there was a lesson or two in it, but you as a reader didn't feel patronized, not at all. Yes, there were moments that everything went so smoothly and you knew it would be impossible in real life, but there were also moments full of tension and sadness and you didn't know in which direction the story is going to go. There is so much more to it than it only being your another horse/pony book and I liked how very well balanced it was, there was just enough about the horses and eventing themselves and yes, I am also a horse-y person, so the professional talk was just as normal for me, but I think that it's not too much or too overwhelming for those who don't talk like this on everyday basis :), and then there was the other side of the book, about bullying, social services, mental health and trying to help. A lovely, touching story about finding new beginnings, about loyalty, friendship and families, and before I could say Jack Robinson I was on the last page. I would love to see more from all the characters and Chances, this beautiful chestnut Arab from the cover, that was so full of spirit and fire - a horse that you can't break, only work with. Beautiful story tugging at all the right heart - strings, I highly recommend it!
Copy provided by the author in return for an honest review.
December 18, 2016
I was privileged to receive an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. I was a bit dubious to start with as this is aimed at Young Adults and was not sure this would be for me.
However I was soon so wrapped up in Amber's story that I could not put this book down.
The book instantly transported me back to my own youth and reminds you of how difficult life can be as a young adult.
This book may be aimed at Young Adults but it certainly something that can be picked up by everyone and provides a great insight and reminds you just how daunting the world can be to Young Adults.
Ruth is such an amazing story teller and I have read and loved all of her previous books. This new genre does not disappoint and is as captivating and as enjoyable as all her other books.
The way she understands Ambers' world and how sometimes people may not always be what they seem is truly wonderful and makes you stop and think that we should not always take people at face value Sometimes people need help but don't always know how to ask for it.
This book is also perfect for anyone with a love of horses. The way in which Amber connects with Chances and the love they have for each other is so lovely and anyone who has horses or knows someone with horses can see how from Ruth's writing just how true this actually is.
Please do not hesitate to read this book and share this with others. I have already recommended this to my friends and family and those I know in the horsey world.
However I was soon so wrapped up in Amber's story that I could not put this book down.
The book instantly transported me back to my own youth and reminds you of how difficult life can be as a young adult.
This book may be aimed at Young Adults but it certainly something that can be picked up by everyone and provides a great insight and reminds you just how daunting the world can be to Young Adults.
Ruth is such an amazing story teller and I have read and loved all of her previous books. This new genre does not disappoint and is as captivating and as enjoyable as all her other books.
The way she understands Ambers' world and how sometimes people may not always be what they seem is truly wonderful and makes you stop and think that we should not always take people at face value Sometimes people need help but don't always know how to ask for it.
This book is also perfect for anyone with a love of horses. The way in which Amber connects with Chances and the love they have for each other is so lovely and anyone who has horses or knows someone with horses can see how from Ruth's writing just how true this actually is.
Please do not hesitate to read this book and share this with others. I have already recommended this to my friends and family and those I know in the horsey world.
January 2, 2017
As an adult who knows nothing about horses, I was surprised how much I was affected by this book which sucked me in so much. I feel the writer really understands young people and what makes them tick and she is clearly also very knowledgeable about horses. I really enjoyed it and hope that there will be a follow up as I really want to know more about the characters.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews