If Wishes Were Horses

by Karly Lane

This captivating story of two people recovering from terrible tragedy and loss, and the importance of community, friendship and the power of love.

Already struggling to come to terms with the tragic death of her husband, Sophie Bryant nearly loses her own life while attending a domestic dispute as a paramedic. Diagnosed with a mild form of post-traumatic stress disorder, Sophie decides to accept a posting to the remote township of Hilsons Ridge.

Soon after her arrival, Sophie decides on a whim to buy an old house on the outskirts of town. There, she discovers the diary of a light horse trooper from the First World War, which she finds fascinating.

Local vet, Zac Conway, is also struggling in the wake of losing his life partner. So when Sophie brings an abandoned horse to him for treatment and they get to know each other, Zac is surprised to feel emotions he never hoped to experience again.

The peace and tranquillity of living in her new community sees Sophie gradually recovering from her trauma and grief. As she discovers more about her farm’s history, she realises that the past and the present are irrevocably connected and, just like love, it waits for the right person to come along to unlock its secrets.

If Wishes Were Horses is a totally captivating novel combining romance and history with a dash of suspense.

Genres: Romance, Australia, Fiction

344 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2017

About the author

Karly Lane lives on the beautiful Mid North Coast of NSW in Australia. A certified small town girl, she is most happy in a little town where everyone knows who your grand parents were. She writes women’s fiction – everything from romantic suspense to family sagas and life in rural Australia. She has romantic suspense titles published under Karlene Blakemore-Mowle and her latest release, Third Time Lucky is available now.

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paramedic Sophie Bryant has found life terribly hard since the tragic death of her husband. And so when Sophie nearly loses her own life whilst attending a domestic dispute whilst working she agrees with her boss that now is the time for a change. She accepts a posting to a place called Hilsons Ridge, population 1100.

When Sophie arrives her thoughts were what was her boss Darrell Mitchum thinking when he suggest she be transferred to a place out in the heart of nowhere. At first she wasn’t sure this was the right decision, but having been there a short time Sophie decides to an old house just out of town. The house had been neglected, but there was something about the house and she knew for whatever reason this was meant to be.

Overtime Sophie gets acquainted with the local community which helps her deal with her problems. Whilst tidying up the house Sophie comes across a diary that leaves her intrigued wanting to know more about the history of the farm which leads her to asking questions of some of the locals.

If Wishes Were Horses by Aussie author Karly Lane is a really captivating story that I thoroughly enjoyed. This story had a bit of everything from romance, history and a small amount of suspense all the things that make more an enjoyable and entertaining read.

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
*4.5 stars
Karly Lane is well known for her fictional narratives that focus on small town country life in Australia. If Wishes Were Horses is another charming rural novel from Lane and it also marks her ninth full length fiction release. A fan of Lane’s work since 2013, when I devoured her novel Poppy’s Dilemma, I am proud to say I have read all her releases, except one to date. If Wishes Were Horses reminds me of the first book of Lane’s I read, Poppy’s Dilemma, as both have a compelling historical subplot contained within their contemporary narratives.

Lane’s leading lady in her newest novel is Sophie Bryant. Working on the front line in her city job as a paramedic, Sophie takes a routine call out to attend to a domestic dispute and she gets more than she bargained for. This terrifying incident nearly robs Sophie of her life and leaves her with a case of PTSD. Her caring boss and mentor suggests she take a sabbatical. This leads Sophie to the tiny country town of Hilsons Ridge, where she takes up a temporary position as a full-time paramedic for the town. Sophie finds that Hilsons Ridge is exactly what her soul needs at this point in her life. As well as recovering from her horrific attack, Sophie is also still grieving the loss of her husband. As Sophie settles into the community fold of Hilsons Ridge, a spur of the moment impulse buy changes her life forever. Sophie decides on a whim to buy an empty property on the outskirts of Hilsons Ridge. There, she encounters two things that help her in her healing process. Firstly, the discovery of an old trunk belonging to a man who once owned the property she currently lives on, brings to light a story from the past involving a light horse trooper in WWI. Secondly, the appearance of an injured wild brumby on Sophie’s new property brings an unexpected form of healing into Sophie’s world. The story that follows is a mixture of romance, history and a whole lot of healing, under the backdrop of typical Australian small country based community.

Lane has dazzled me once again with her latest release If Wishes Were Horses. I wasn’t entirely sure from the beginning if I was going to love this book, as the title alluded to the story focussing primarily on horses and I don’t really consider myself a horsey person! If Wishes Were Horses is a story that looks at the pivotal role of horses in our lives, both in the past and present, but it has so much more to offer the reader.

For instance, Sophie, the main protagonist of the story has a captivating life story from the very opening of the story. The beginning sequence, featuring Sophie’s terrifying call out that nearly ended her life, gave me a deeper appreciation for the bravery shown by paramedics serving on our front lines. It also gave me an immediate insight into Sophie’s character, allowing this reader to develop an admiration, as well as attachment to the heroine. Lane deftly handles Sophie’s storyline with sensitivity, as well as increasing our understanding of a young woman simultaneously trying to deal with grief over the loss of her husband and PTSD.

Sophie’s need to move from the city to country, in order to find a sense of solace, is depicted well by Lane. The introduction of the community of Hilsons Ridge in Sophie’s healing process tied in well to this character’s journey. As we come to expect with Lane’s books, her flair for getting the details, as well as atmosphere right in capturing her small country town setting, is ever present. In particular, I liked how Lane showed us how communities, such as Hilsons Ridge, often struggle in their fight to retain essential services. The banding together of the Hilsons Ridge community in keeping their ambulance service close to home was handled well by Lane.

Beautifully intertwined within the contemporary narrative of If Wishes Were Horses is a historical thread that draws on our serving men during World War I. Sophie, the main protagonist in the present era experience of unearthing a trunk containing a soldier’s uniform and a journal detailing life during the World War I, gives the reader a worthy picture of the reality of fighting for our country. It also draws on what life was like for these returned soldiers and how their absence was felt at home by loved ones, while they were away. This part of the book really cut deep emotionally for me, particularly the plight of the horses. Be prepared to shed a tear.

Finally, I come to the romance in this novel but it tends to take a backseat in If Wishes Were Horses. The romance only featured in the foreground of this novel, rather than being the focus and I believe it worked well. Sophie’s story is more about the tests she faces to her spirit, rather than her love life. Her relationship with love interest Zac Conway, a Hilsons Ridge local, is developed well by Lane throughout the progression of the novel. However, what I gained from this novel was not the rural romance that plays out between Sophie and Zac, rather the memorable historical thread, which forms the very heart of this novel.

There is much more I can find to say about this book but what you do need to know is that you are guaranteed captivating read when you are placed in the capable hands of Karly Lane. With an involving plot, great lead and supporting characters, as well as a truly fascinating historical thread, If Wishes Were Horses has it all. A sure fire must read!

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a half stars
Sophie has suffered the early death of her paramedic husband in an accident and then is shot herself while attending a domestic dispute. This leaves her suffering from post-traumatic distress. It also leads to her boss suggesting a change of scenery might be good for her and so she elects to take a position in the remote township of Hilsons Ridge. Sophie settles in buying an old house where peace and quiet seem to reign. In the house she discovers a diary of a previous owner. Clarrie Gilbert was a man from World War of the Light Horse Company. Sophie also encounters a black horse and this brings her into compact wit Zac Conway, the local vet. A relationship begins to happen but both of them have issues from the past they need to deal with. And then the unexpected happens, something Sophie has always dreamed of is within her grasp.
This is one of several books by Karly Lane I have read and they always make for interesting reading. In this case she was one I turned to after picking up and quickly discarding a few other books. I settled with this one as I knew I was sure to enjoy it. And I did. I liked the Sophie and Zac and Clarrie’s story. All the information from World War 1 was very interesting. The setting is well done. The work of a paramedic in a small remote town is anything but a lazy or uneventful lifestyle. I really liked the way the life of the rural paramedic was portrayed. Like all small towns not much is ever secret in Hilsons Ridge and that rings true.
I wasn’t so fussed on a couple of aspects, but overall this was a very enjoyable read that kept my interest throughout. If you like rural novels with a historical touch as well as a romance, I am sure you will be quickly sucked in to this story and enjoy it as much as I did.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Wishes Were Horses, is about how Zac Conway and Sophie Bryant after both lost their life partners find love again. Sophie Bryant moved to country town as the new paramedic and on a whim decided to buy an old house. Zac Conway is the local Vet and came into contact with Sophie when she found an injured Brumby. Readers of If Wishes Were Horses would continue to follow the blossoming romance between Zac and Sophie.

If Wishes Were Horses, is another great book from Karly Lane. I like Karly Lane writing style and her stories they allow me to learn about living in rural Australia. I like the way the Karly Lane highlighted how horses are great healers for trauma suffers. Also, the historical importances of Brumbies. I enjoy the way Karly Lane portrays her characters especially between Sophie and her sister. Also, the way Karly Lane intertwines the war diaries into the plot of If Wishes Were Horses.

Readers of If Wishes Were Horses would learn about the importance of volunteers to rural communities. Also, the importance of having access to hospitals and medical personnel. Reading If Wishes Were Horses would allow you learn about the role of the Brumby Association Australia.

I recommend this book

[Beccabeccabooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an incredibly well researched tale that is dedicated to our ANZAC horses, we meet Sophie Bryant, a paramedic that's overcoming a recent trauma. Transferred to Hilson's Ridge, a small township in need of her expertise, Sophie buys an abandoned farmhouse on a whim. To her fascination, Sophie discovers an old diary belonging to a soldier that served in the Australian Light Horse Regiment and a wild brumby that visits her from time to time.

After the loss of her husband and a brutal attack on the job, this placing gives Sophie the chance to re-evaluate her life. Hilson's Ridge is vastly different from busy Sydney, and before long, Sophie finds that she appreciates the peace and tranquillity of a simpler life. Her future is already looking brighter when she meets local vet, Zac Conway, whom like Sophie, understands grief. Their developing romance is a joy to witness as they navigate this uncharted path together.

Karly is proficient in writing rural romances, capturing the small town community spirit. Once again, I became well aquainted with Hilson's Ridge's prolific residents and settled into my brief stay. The various medical emergencies were entertaining but it was the military history that captured my interest. As a descendant of brothers who also served in the Australian Light Horse Regiment, Clarrie Gilbert's first hand encounters were especially enlighting.

Awesome storytelling as always from one of my favourite Australian authors.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

[Stef (Noveltea Corner) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Wishes Were Horses is a beautiful story about overcoming tragedy and loss, building relationships and discovering community.

Set in a small, rural town, Sophie Bryant has taken over the role as local paramedic after she is shot while attending a call in the city. Recovering from both her injuries and the death of her husband, the change from the city to country pace is exactly what she needs and Sophie soon finds herself charmed by the town, it’s people, and an old house she discovers on the outskirts of town. She buys it on a whim, and while cleaning it she discovers artefacts left by a Word War I light horse trooper, and begins to learn about the soldier’s history - both at war and at home in Hilson’s Ridge.

If Wishes Were Horses was an easy, but highly enjoyable read. Karly Lane deftly describes the small country town and its’ people; they come to life on her pages. Their struggles and triumphs, both individually and as a community, seem real, just like Sophie - who, while initially an outsider, comes to discover the truth about herself and her priorities as a result.

Sophie was a likeable woman; the loss of her husband and her own injuries have left their mark on her and she’s determined to find her own peace with both. The relationship she develops with the various side-characters was lovely to read about, and through her we learn about them. Her first meeting with Zac is hilarious and awkward and simply builds from there.

It was really nice to read a story in which the romance isn’t the central focus. While it’s definitely an important part of the story, the heart, I believe, lies in the story’s ties to World War I. I began reading If Wishes Were Horses just before Anzac Day and it struck a chord with me as Sophie begins to read the diary - the realities of war and the impact it leaves afterwards were heartbreaking and poignant and truly raised this story for me.

Overall, I gave If Wishes Were Horses 4.5 out of 5 stars.


(Thank you to Allen and Unwin for sending me a copy of If Wishes Were Horses for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

[Claire Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another really enjoyable read from Karly Lane, I enjoyed learning about some of the history from Clarrie's diary and found the relationship Sophie developed with the horse really lovely. Definitely recommend this if you are looking for a great read.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved If Wishes Were Horses. It's classic Karly Lane, with a strong plot, great characters and a fab romance. I also love the historical element. Highly recommended.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is up there with my all time favourite books and I am very selective. I just LOVED IT, everything about it. It was about real situations, real people, beautifully and sensitively written, an absolutely lovely book. I loved the way the Lighthorse Regiment was brought in and the wonderful diary that was found in an old trunk after Sophie bought her house. I loved the very real "ghost" aspects. The characters were so beautifully developed that you felt you knew them. The developing love story between the two main characters, Sophie and Zac was wonderful. I loved every word and will be seeking out other Karly Lane books.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a very easy read but i enjoyed it. Not the typical rural romance, there was tragedy, history, loss, careers, small town community as well as kindness and compassion

[Melissa Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie has trauma to deal with everyday and finding the house in the country town with a horse, it makes for a fantastic storyline. Add a gorgeous vet and a matchmaker and you have found heaven. The relations to the war were very touching.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Particularly loved Clarrie's diary and the insight into the life of the Light Horsemen of the First World War.

[Aileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow Karly! What a story! This book had me so hooked I could not put it down! Sophie's story flowed so easily that I felt like I was flying through the pages to see what was happening next. Clarrie's diaries about WWI were fascinating to read and the connection Sophie made with him and his family was a wonderful historical element to the story. Zac sounds like a real hotty and his story along with Sophies made this book the rural romance that I love reading. 😊

[Stacey Houllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Wishes Were Horses is about Sophie Bryant paramedic who worked in Sydney originally but when she attended a call out of a domestic dispute she is shot but survives the incident is diagnosed with a mild form Post- Traumatic Sydrome and after the death of her of husband Garth. She sent to Hilsons Ridge a town in need of a paramedic after the town fought to keep the ambulance service running with volunteers in the community. After her arrival she decides to buy old farm house on the outskirts of town. While cleaning out the she she discovers a diary of light horseman Clarrie Gilbert in which she reads. The Farm was originally own by the Spicer family and was sold Clarrie after the death of Edith Spicer. Sophie learns of the history of the Spicer family as her place has boundaries of the other Spicer properties and the national park. She finds the graves Clarrie, Edith.
When she get a call out to attend a fall of elderly man Bill and doctor recommend he stay in hospital she offers to care for his cat in which she poisoned accidentally it hear she Zac Conway the town Vet and single after the death of his wife three years ago.
Zac is called out to Sophie's house to help with an injured horse it hear they begin to form a friendship and a relationship.
I loved the story by Karly Lane it help us to learn what it like to be in the war as young man. It brought sadness at times when Sophie was read the diary of Clarrie. I highly recommend this book.

other Sp

[Zoe Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Karly Lane's new novel 'if wishes were horses'
The novel touches heartbreak, loss and facing demons while still finding love.
In true Karly Lane style she includes history with a hero from the war. Bringing two worlds together.
It's hard to explain how the novel can combine so many stories of the present and the past in one uncomplicated story, I suggest reading this book t see for yourself.
It is a easy read, that will give you tears but make you lough out loud.
Thanks again #beautyandlace #allenandunwin #karlylane for the chance to review this novel

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Karly Lane book, and I've got to say, it certainly won't be the last.

If Wishes Were Horses is so much more than just a romance story between Sophie and Zac. It's the story of Sophie finding herself again after some traumatic events. It's the story of country towns, of horses, and war, and righting the wrongs of the past.

I absolutely loved every minute of this book.

[Dianne Sidebottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this contemporary story. Learnt some interesting facts about horses used in the war ( like horses, dogs too were left behind but that has changed also). some tears shed. Look forward in reading books I've missed of Karly's.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nice story of people coping with the tragedy in their lives and moving on. I loved the addition of the horse, the suggestion of ghosts and the story of the soldier. If you like an Aussie yarn with nice romance, you'll enjoy this story.

[Michael Trant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being new to reading the Rural Romance genre I wasn't sure what to expect, but enjoyed the story very much. Loved the WW1 letters, and could relate to all of the small town characters. Very well done.

[Gaylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a very moving story great read from cover to cover would highly recommend

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot more subtle in the romantic stakes, interested in the historical referencing with the war horses and similarities between our NZ Kaimanawa brumbies to the Australian ones.

[Jaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly book. What a wonderful treasure Sophie found. I love how this book includes the past & present years. Another fantastic book thanks Karly Lane!

[Kay Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story likeable characters. Very realistic portrayal of grief.

[Certified Book Addicts · Rating 3 out of 5]

With the recent release of Karly Lane's The Wrong Callahan, I thought it was time to delve into her back catologue, coming away with the 2017 release of If Wishes Were Horses. I'm not really a fan of rural fiction but found I was immediatley intrgued with the storyline of Sophie. Sophie is a young widow at 29 years old who swaps city life for the country after a an incident on the job as a paramedic. It was insightful and fascinating to read about this profession and the many problems they face in the fictional country town of Hilsons Ridge. It really made me think about the distance between places and the impact it has on the residences when accidents occur. Lane highlights that, as is the case in many professions, the people who make the decisions know very little about the reality of country life. Despite these many problems, a real sense of community is felt throughout the book as the residnce come together to solve the issues that face them. Sophie herself was a treasure, the paramedic one wants by their side in a time of crisis. Her kind, caring manner was a creidt to Sophie, even after the curveballs life had thrown at her. A city girl at heart, Sophie is not the type to move from Sydney, leaving behind her Sophie's older sister to worry. Sophie herself does not expect to stay for the long term in Hilsons Ridge but the puchase of a farm changes everything. Here, Sophie finds a long, lost journal written during the first world war, unexpectedly investing in the history of the farm she owns. I enjoyed reading the journal enteries as they gave a real feel for the hardship that the Australian soldiers faced in the great war. To complicate matters a little for Sophie, the inhabitants of Hilsons Ridge are determined to set Sophie up with one if it's local, single men. The doctor looks like he is in the runnning until Sophie finds hersel in need of local vet, Zac. Just who will win Sophie's heart? Either way, Sophie finds peace and contentment away from city life and all that she thought she held dear until she receives a phone call for a dream career opportunity. Is Sophie still a city girl or a country girl at heart?

#AWWC#

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating story of 2 people recovering from terrible tragedy and loss, and the importance of community, friendship and the power of love in helping them heal. Already struggling to come to terms with the tragic death of her husband, Garth, Sophie Bryant nearly loses her own life while attending a domestic dispute as a paramedic. Diagnosed with mild PTSD, she decides to work at rural Hilsons Ridge.After her arrival, Sophie impulsively purchases an old house on the town's outskirts.There, she discovers the diary of a light horse trooper named Clarrie Gilbert from WW1, which fascinates her.Local veterinarian, Zac Conway, is also struggling after losing his wife Christa.So when Sophie brings an abandoned horse named Clobber to him for treatment and they get to know each other, they're surprised to feel emotions they'd never thought would be repeated.The peace and tranquility of living in her new community sees Sophie recovering from her trauma and grief. As she discovers more about her farm's history, about the Gilbert and Spicer families, she realises the past and present are irrevocably entwined and, just like love, they wait for the right person to come along and unlock its secrets.The Australian Light Horse were mounted troops with cavalry and mounted infantry characteristics.Many young men from rural areas volunteered, where they had to pass a riding test. It was easier for farmboys and bushmen because horses were their primary transportation.The Commonwealth purchasing officers bought many horses from breeders and graziers.The Army preferred Walers because they were well suited to the dessert conditions in Egypt and Palestine.The Aussies served alongside British and Indian cavalry units in operations.They were also part of the Imperial Camel Corps, which was a camel mounted infantry brigade that the British Empire raised in late 1916 for service in the Middle East.They were also part of the Desert Column army corps which operated in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign.It wasn't easy for servicemen to readjust back to civilian life after all the horrors they'd been through, and many horses were put down afterwards.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous sweet loving past history. Sophie is a paramedic comes to the outback to get away and restart from both an injury and other family issues.

Zac is the vet with his on past tragedy is there something going on between Zac and Sophie hmmm and the history of her house.

Come read sweet, loving, a gorgeous must read.

[Rae Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly loved reading this book and it's reference to the light horseman and the war. It meant a lot reading about something that was a part of my husband's family as they had a lot to do with the horses that were a part of our history with the light horsemen. The book is so perfect and I have to admit I will easily read it again. Thank You Karly for an awesome book

[Anne Blyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think what I have liked about the book is that it not only has a good story surrounding the main characters but that there is an underlying historical story that ties in with the present beautifully. Karly Lanes seems to have the knack of melding the stories in a very meaningful way as the last book I read was similar and equally as well written.

[Johanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Allen and Unwin and Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to read this charming book. A lovely story of history and romance intertwined in a warm, rural community. However, I just wish there was more depth into the history of the Lighthorse and it's part in the war.

[Renée Dahlia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating rural romance which wraps together modern day life and an WWI diary. There are a few spiritual elements (ghosts), not really my thing, but works well for the story. The romance is delightful with a nice amount of awkward small town moments.