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Two Ponies #1
Through the Mist: Two Ponies Trilogy
BOOK ONE OF THE TWO PONIES TRILOGY KATHERINE O’REILLY grew up a dreamer, believing all the excitement and romance of her favorite films and books could be captured and lived. By age thirty-five, she is suicidal. Unloved by her mother and neglected by her father, she believed earning the devotion of an exciting and charming lover would validate her self-worth. After betraying her best friends to obtain the man of her dreams, he is lost. Disillusioned, the riding instructor gives up on love and dedicates her life to her students and focuses on her love of horses at an equestrian camp nestled in the Rocky Mountains. Years later, while fighting to keep her riding school, she gets a second chance at love. Can Katherine let go of her past in time to save her future? Set in the mid-1900s near a Blackfeet reservation in Montana and interwoven with themes of racism and American Indian theology, Through the Mist holds timeless lessons for women of all ages and eras about self-worth, true love and letting go. BOOK TWO - INTO THE FIRE due out March 2019 BOOK THREE - FROM THE DARKNESS due out March 2020
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2017
17 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Susan Abel
8 books9 followersSusan Abel has had a passion for writing, second only to her passion for horses, since she was a child growing up in the Detroit area. With writing assignments becoming her favorite projects in school, she completed her first novel at the age of seventeen, a story about a girl and a horse, of course.
Following a twenty-plus-year career as a professional trainer and riding instructor in the mid-West, Rockies and Southeast, Susan returned to school to earn a degree in journalism at the age of forty as a single mom with two girls. Following graduation, she worked several years as a beat reporter and feature writer for various newspapers as well as for a private university group. Once her girls were grown, she returned to her passions: instructing with her own riding school again while writing “Through the Mist.” Ten years later, she finds herself teaching less and writing more each day.
Susan currently lives in the metro Atlanta area on a small farm with her husband of ten years and a menagerie of animals. Committed to her writing, she has attended ten consecutive Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) Conferences to further her writing career. She loves to read, draw, ride and show her horses, travel on adventures with her husband and go on long hikes with their dogs.
Having lived a diverse and well-travelled life, Susan has a broad expanse of life experiences to draw from, enabling her to flesh out characters, describe locations and understand the human condition in such a way her stories come to life in the imaginations of her readers. With “Through the Mist” completed, Susan is working jointly on a sequel, “Into the Fire,” “An American Citizen” and a collection of short stories, "The Roots That Bind Us." She finds it beneficial taking breaks on projects to return to them in a day or two with fresh eyes. Susan is currently pursuing an agent to represent her work. Her progress can be followed on her website and Facebook page.
Following a twenty-plus-year career as a professional trainer and riding instructor in the mid-West, Rockies and Southeast, Susan returned to school to earn a degree in journalism at the age of forty as a single mom with two girls. Following graduation, she worked several years as a beat reporter and feature writer for various newspapers as well as for a private university group. Once her girls were grown, she returned to her passions: instructing with her own riding school again while writing “Through the Mist.” Ten years later, she finds herself teaching less and writing more each day.
Susan currently lives in the metro Atlanta area on a small farm with her husband of ten years and a menagerie of animals. Committed to her writing, she has attended ten consecutive Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) Conferences to further her writing career. She loves to read, draw, ride and show her horses, travel on adventures with her husband and go on long hikes with their dogs.
Having lived a diverse and well-travelled life, Susan has a broad expanse of life experiences to draw from, enabling her to flesh out characters, describe locations and understand the human condition in such a way her stories come to life in the imaginations of her readers. With “Through the Mist” completed, Susan is working jointly on a sequel, “Into the Fire,” “An American Citizen” and a collection of short stories, "The Roots That Bind Us." She finds it beneficial taking breaks on projects to return to them in a day or two with fresh eyes. Susan is currently pursuing an agent to represent her work. Her progress can be followed on her website and Facebook page.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 24, 2018
This is a beautifully well written book about love and family and forgiveness. As an added bonus, for those animal lovers out there, the novel is about a horse farm and horses play an important role in the book. The author describes the horses in a loving way and it's apparent that animals and nature are important parts of her life.
Katherine grew up in Boston with a loving father and a hateful mother who wants her to do all of the right things to impress her friends. When she first visited her Uncle's horse farm in Montana, she fell in love with the horses and goes back every summer for several years. When her uncle dies and leaves the farm to her, she decides to open a summer riding camp for girls. As the novel begins 14 years after she started the camp, Katherine is suicidal - the farm is in danger of going bankrupt but most importantly she is still mourning a lost love from years before and can't seem to get beyond the loss.
Also important to the plot of the novel is the terrible way that Indians were treated during this time period (mid 70s). In this book, it was the Blackfeet tribe but it was happening to other tribes at the time and unfortunately this behavior is still going on today in our world.
This is a well written novel with three well developed main characters. I must admit, I wanted to just shake Katherine a few times because she spent too much time in the past but overall she was a likable person trying to survive a terrible event.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Katherine grew up in Boston with a loving father and a hateful mother who wants her to do all of the right things to impress her friends. When she first visited her Uncle's horse farm in Montana, she fell in love with the horses and goes back every summer for several years. When her uncle dies and leaves the farm to her, she decides to open a summer riding camp for girls. As the novel begins 14 years after she started the camp, Katherine is suicidal - the farm is in danger of going bankrupt but most importantly she is still mourning a lost love from years before and can't seem to get beyond the loss.
Also important to the plot of the novel is the terrible way that Indians were treated during this time period (mid 70s). In this book, it was the Blackfeet tribe but it was happening to other tribes at the time and unfortunately this behavior is still going on today in our world.
This is a well written novel with three well developed main characters. I must admit, I wanted to just shake Katherine a few times because she spent too much time in the past but overall she was a likable person trying to survive a terrible event.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
October 30, 2017
The first couple of chapters felt like a young adult novel, but it soon evolved in to a complicated story with adult themes. Katherine is torn between two wonderful men and the burden of keeping her equestrian school in the back country of Montana afloat. There was a credibility problem for me in that I find it hard to believe that fourteen years could pass without any of the four main, love-torn characters, moving on, marrying, and living happily ever after with someone else. If one of them had, I think it would add a more tragic, but realistic outcome. The story set in the late 70’s brings to light the disgusting behavior towards Native Americans in general and the Black Feet tribe in Montana in particular. Sadly, headlines tell us racist behavior is alive and well in our country. If you are in the mood for a heart-warming western romance with some intriguing plot twists this is a good book to curl up with by the fire.The Cowgirl Jumped Over the Moon
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October 28, 2024
'Through the Mist' by Susan Abel is a compelling tale of a young woman and the family, both assigned and chosen, that she draws around her.
The book's narrative unfurls slowly, allowing the reader to come to understand Katherine O'Reilly, Steven Walker, Billy Black, and the adults in their lives fully. The racism endured by the Blackfeet on and off their Montana reservation, the prejudice still surrounding interracial relationships, and the threat of losing Two Ponies Ranch hovers menacingly around the characters, twisting and distorting their paths in their search for love and justice.
While this story does contain a romance and a love triangle at its center, I would not categorize the book as a romance. It is about a lot more - Katherine's search for self-discovery and independence, the failings of her parents, the haven created by her Uncle Joseph and Betsey at Two Ponies, and the way in which horses have guided her journey. There is a lot of character development Katherine undergoes in the novel's pages, and at its end, we are left with a complete picture of a startlingly real woman. The book portrays life as messy and chaotic as real life often is, while still providing a satisfactory conclusion at the book's close.
The horses do play a prominent role in the story, with the central character of Betsey's pinto Flower standing at the story's core. It is Flower who progresses the plot, both in the contemporary setting of 1975 and in the characters' past. However, the other horses leap off the page and into the reader's hearts. I am looking forward to seeing how they will guide the next two installments in the trilogy.
This was a very strong, well-written first novel for the series. It was such a complete story in itself that I'm wondering where the next book will take readers, but I'm eager to find out. Highly recommended for lovers of fiction, western fiction, and equestrian fiction!
The book's narrative unfurls slowly, allowing the reader to come to understand Katherine O'Reilly, Steven Walker, Billy Black, and the adults in their lives fully. The racism endured by the Blackfeet on and off their Montana reservation, the prejudice still surrounding interracial relationships, and the threat of losing Two Ponies Ranch hovers menacingly around the characters, twisting and distorting their paths in their search for love and justice.
While this story does contain a romance and a love triangle at its center, I would not categorize the book as a romance. It is about a lot more - Katherine's search for self-discovery and independence, the failings of her parents, the haven created by her Uncle Joseph and Betsey at Two Ponies, and the way in which horses have guided her journey. There is a lot of character development Katherine undergoes in the novel's pages, and at its end, we are left with a complete picture of a startlingly real woman. The book portrays life as messy and chaotic as real life often is, while still providing a satisfactory conclusion at the book's close.
The horses do play a prominent role in the story, with the central character of Betsey's pinto Flower standing at the story's core. It is Flower who progresses the plot, both in the contemporary setting of 1975 and in the characters' past. However, the other horses leap off the page and into the reader's hearts. I am looking forward to seeing how they will guide the next two installments in the trilogy.
This was a very strong, well-written first novel for the series. It was such a complete story in itself that I'm wondering where the next book will take readers, but I'm eager to find out. Highly recommended for lovers of fiction, western fiction, and equestrian fiction!
April 8, 2019
The author demonstrated her love and knowledge of horses in this love story about a woman who was dedicated to the care, feeding, love and protection of her horse business. Her drive to achieve success financially and literally for the horses clouded her judgment about the need to nurture the relationship with the "love of her life" and almost cost her his devotion and commitment. An underlying theme of the story touches on racism toward the American Indians. The vivid descriptions of the beauty of Montana near a Blackfeet reservation in the mid-1990s pulls the reader into the place and time, anxious for the protagonist until the end as she learns to let go of her past and learns of her self-worth and ability to love.
February 3, 2020
Kat is a young girl growing up in a dysfunctional family. Her only source of comfort is found at her uncle's ranch in Montana. It is here that she finds peace and love through the horses. Her life changes when, as a young woman, she inherits the ranch. The author has created a memorable story that keeps the reader captivated. The characters and plot are well crafted and keep the reader enthralled and eager to continue reading. As a horse-lover since birth, I especially appreciated all the accurate horse information. This book is perfect for adults, especially women. M.J. Evans, Author "PINTO! Based Upon the True Story of the Longest Horseback Ride in History."
September 12, 2025
Through the Mist is a beautifully written and deeply emotional story. Susan Abel captures not only the passion of horseback riding but also the struggles of love, loss, and healing with incredible authenticity. Katherine’s journey is heartbreaking yet inspiring, and the themes of self-worth, resilience, and second chances will resonate with readers everywhere. The rich Montana setting and thoughtful exploration of culture and theology give the book an added depth that makes it unforgettable. A moving, inspiring read for women of all ages and one that lingers in your heart long after the last page.
June 9, 2020
Amazing Read
I had a hard time putting this book down. Everything from the characters, to the horses, to the descriptions of situations and scenery, was so vivid that I felt myself to be right there. Excellent writing. My attention was captured at the beginning and I was on the edge of my seat, wanting to know what happens next. The story line flows between the characters and the periods of time their experiences occur. The title itself hints as what they discover as they emerge 'through the mist'.
I had a hard time putting this book down. Everything from the characters, to the horses, to the descriptions of situations and scenery, was so vivid that I felt myself to be right there. Excellent writing. My attention was captured at the beginning and I was on the edge of my seat, wanting to know what happens next. The story line flows between the characters and the periods of time their experiences occur. The title itself hints as what they discover as they emerge 'through the mist'.
January 21, 2019
A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. All the characters in this book seemed to be as real and understanding as neighbors you deal with every day. There is still people in the world like the Werden guys in the story. Something Katherine deals with sets her to want to deal with the horses and the children who attend her equestrian school during the summers. Steven, Billy and Katherine through the years being friends.
October 22, 2018
Beautiful story
Wow what an amazing story. This book kept me intrigued till the end. Can’t wait for the next book to come out.
Wow what an amazing story. This book kept me intrigued till the end. Can’t wait for the next book to come out.
February 16, 2020
I loved it!
September 8, 2021
Engaging
From 1940 to 1978 Joseph O'Reilly and his family and friends inhabit and work at Two Ponies Ranch. Cultural prejudices as well as passions guide their actions.
From 1940 to 1978 Joseph O'Reilly and his family and friends inhabit and work at Two Ponies Ranch. Cultural prejudices as well as passions guide their actions.
August 14, 2023
Susan's books are AMAZING! I literally read this book in one day because I could not put it down!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews