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Ephemeral
*** The sequel to EPHEMERAL is now available...ETERNAL (paperback & Kindle) continues the journey... ***When a jaded romance writer takes up horseback riding as research for her latest project, she joins up with a horse on an accidental journey that will challenge everything she knows about love… Enter into New Jersey’s legendary horse country, where wealthy women, six-figure performance horses, and elite show barns are part of the natural landscape. It’s into this white-gloved arena that Clarissa Stamos, a reclusive, midlife romance writer is thrust when she decides to write a country-western romance. The only problem is—she’s never been on a horse. Clarissa signs up for riding lessons and finds relief from her troubled marriage and her darkest secrets in the company of horses who offer an intoxicating sense of freedom and daring. Before long, she impulsively buys an ex-rodeo horse who spurs her to take charge of her own destiny—or wind up in the dust. Complicating matters is an intriguing, Argentinian dressage trainer with secrets of his own. One part romance novel, one part literary fiction, one part love-affair-with-horses, Ephemeral is told from the viewpoint of a quirky, old cow horse who not only invites you into his world, but also shares his sensible and soulful outlook on human hearts and the meaning of true horsemanship.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2017
163 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 30, 2020
An absolute must read
This book is an absolute must read for any lover of horses. It'll make laugh, wince in sympathy and memory, and, of course, cry. It makes me remember my horses, past and present, and I hope I always do well by them. Even if you just love animals, do yourself a favor and read this book.
This book is an absolute must read for any lover of horses. It'll make laugh, wince in sympathy and memory, and, of course, cry. It makes me remember my horses, past and present, and I hope I always do well by them. Even if you just love animals, do yourself a favor and read this book.
November 6, 2017
There were several horse references that I enjoyed about this book. It felt good to read a book that has a horse theme to actually have a bit of horse information. "Be a leader. Be here, now." was a great reference.
It did feel like some of the back story of Clarissa's past assault's were contrived. The relationship she has with George seemed to be missing an element considering her past. George must have known.
Clarissa decides in one fell swoop to not only take riding lessons, but purchase a horse. At least she listens to some common sense and gets a horse with some experience.
The relationship with Sebastian is interesting and I like how the saddle plays into the story coming full circle. There was a twist to the story, that I wasn't expecting, which made it somehow more enjoyable.
It did feel like some of the back story of Clarissa's past assault's were contrived. The relationship she has with George seemed to be missing an element considering her past. George must have known.
Clarissa decides in one fell swoop to not only take riding lessons, but purchase a horse. At least she listens to some common sense and gets a horse with some experience.
The relationship with Sebastian is interesting and I like how the saddle plays into the story coming full circle. There was a twist to the story, that I wasn't expecting, which made it somehow more enjoyable.
December 2, 2017
Unexpected
I loved this book. I had no idea what kind of book it would be written from the point of view of a horse, but the meshing of Sonny's point of view with Clarrisa's life was simply beautiful. It also gave insight into what makes for true horsemanship.
I loved this book. I had no idea what kind of book it would be written from the point of view of a horse, but the meshing of Sonny's point of view with Clarrisa's life was simply beautiful. It also gave insight into what makes for true horsemanship.
November 26, 2017
I was in love with this book until the end, which was unexpected and awful. Told from the horse’s point of view, the author does a nice job of portraying the relationship between human and horse.
October 11, 2017
Disappointed
While I enjoyed reading through the eyes an mind of an animal. There was so many ways to end the story to a different level to maybe a series. But it was a tragic ending. I probably won't be reading any more from Andie Andrews.
While I enjoyed reading through the eyes an mind of an animal. There was so many ways to end the story to a different level to maybe a series. But it was a tragic ending. I probably won't be reading any more from Andie Andrews.
January 22, 2018
Heartbreaking and shocking ending. I wish, I hadn't read it.
June 30, 2018
This is kind of a silly book about a woman who is writing a country-western romance. In order to add verisimilitude to an otherwise bald and unconvincing narrative, she decides to take riding lessons. Now why a country-western romance writer decides to take lessons in a high-end dressage barn is beyond me, but that is what she does.
Told from alternating viewpoint of a broken-down cow pony name Sonny, we follow Clarissa as she enters the world of high-end show horses. Along the way, she catches the eye of a young, handsome, Argentinian dressage teacher. He could have any of the young, nubile women thirsty after his body, but he is attracted to this middle-aged writer on an old cow pony.
Clarissa's life comes to a crisis when her husband asks her to come to Paris where he is enjoying a vacation. Which is it to be? Her boring husband of many years, or the hot Argentinian teacher with his mysterious, tragic past?
My blog:
The Interstitial Reader
https://theinterstitialreader.wordpre...
Told from alternating viewpoint of a broken-down cow pony name Sonny, we follow Clarissa as she enters the world of high-end show horses. Along the way, she catches the eye of a young, handsome, Argentinian dressage teacher. He could have any of the young, nubile women thirsty after his body, but he is attracted to this middle-aged writer on an old cow pony.
Clarissa's life comes to a crisis when her husband asks her to come to Paris where he is enjoying a vacation. Which is it to be? Her boring husband of many years, or the hot Argentinian teacher with his mysterious, tragic past?
My blog:
The Interstitial Reader
https://theinterstitialreader.wordpre...
September 13, 2019
Absolutely beautiful
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
The most beautifully written books I've read this year. Join Claire & Sonny on their journey of trust love, and tragedy. The point of view is Sonny's, an 18 year old gelding whose life has been working with cattle and children. His connection with Claire begins with her meeting & then buying him. Sonny teaches Claire & she learns that life means moving forward, not looking behind. I do not have the words to describe what a magnificent book this is. All I can do is encourage you strongly to read Ephemeral. Highly recommended
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
The most beautifully written books I've read this year. Join Claire & Sonny on their journey of trust love, and tragedy. The point of view is Sonny's, an 18 year old gelding whose life has been working with cattle and children. His connection with Claire begins with her meeting & then buying him. Sonny teaches Claire & she learns that life means moving forward, not looking behind. I do not have the words to describe what a magnificent book this is. All I can do is encourage you strongly to read Ephemeral. Highly recommended
December 10, 2017
Horses fascinate me.....
I think my Facebook page has just as many Horse Videos as Cat Videos , honesty ! I picked to read this book for a change of pace. I could. not .put .it. down ! The last time I rode (ha ha) a Horse was almost 40yrs ago, but I still remember the thrill. I relived it again in these pages. I so very much enjoyed almost every moment .I laughed out loud and cried buckets....thank you
for a wonderful peek into the magnificent mind of this wild and beautiful Soul !!
I think my Facebook page has just as many Horse Videos as Cat Videos , honesty ! I picked to read this book for a change of pace. I could. not .put .it. down ! The last time I rode (ha ha) a Horse was almost 40yrs ago, but I still remember the thrill. I relived it again in these pages. I so very much enjoyed almost every moment .I laughed out loud and cried buckets....thank you
for a wonderful peek into the magnificent mind of this wild and beautiful Soul !!
October 10, 2017
This writer paints with words, and she enveloped me in a gritty slice of life for about two days, I could hardly put the book down. She actually HURT me, with life's cruelty...It didnt end at all the way I expected, it was raw. Don't get me wrong, I loved the book, but it wasnt a cute "light" read... I dont often wake up thinking about a book, but today I did.
I never leave spoilers, but do yourself a favor and snag this one - I found it on FreeBooksy and now plan to read her other writings.
I never leave spoilers, but do yourself a favor and snag this one - I found it on FreeBooksy and now plan to read her other writings.
November 28, 2023
I Love this Book
First, the disclaimer: there is nothing objective about this review. This book resonates with me on a purely emotional level. When I read it, I was again a sixteen-year-old girl madly in love with my horse. Coincidentally, Sonny, the equine narrator, is very like my first horse, which probably helps with the illusion. Anyway, I will read this book again and again and yet again.
First, the disclaimer: there is nothing objective about this review. This book resonates with me on a purely emotional level. When I read it, I was again a sixteen-year-old girl madly in love with my horse. Coincidentally, Sonny, the equine narrator, is very like my first horse, which probably helps with the illusion. Anyway, I will read this book again and again and yet again.
January 7, 2018
Inspiring, romantic, hopeful
What a story! This is a grown-up horse story with a unique twist: it is told from a horse’s enlightened perspective. The romance was perfect, honest, clean and not overboard. This is a story about the essence of the horse and person relationship. Very well done!
What a story! This is a grown-up horse story with a unique twist: it is told from a horse’s enlightened perspective. The romance was perfect, honest, clean and not overboard. This is a story about the essence of the horse and person relationship. Very well done!
December 26, 2017
Excellently written
This is a very well written book. I bought it because it had to do with horses but it is so much more. Written through the eyes of a horse named Sonny, It's about relationships, deep love, healing from last hurts and life. This is an excellent novel.
This is a very well written book. I bought it because it had to do with horses but it is so much more. Written through the eyes of a horse named Sonny, It's about relationships, deep love, healing from last hurts and life. This is an excellent novel.
March 22, 2018
Great read.
Best story I have read in a long time. As a lover of horses I loved it from the horse's view. Not so crazy about the end, but such is life. Look forward to more books by Andie Andrews..
Best story I have read in a long time. As a lover of horses I loved it from the horse's view. Not so crazy about the end, but such is life. Look forward to more books by Andie Andrews..
April 25, 2018
Amazing and a shock for the end
I won't spoil it for anyone, but I never saw the story going the wsy it went. I loved the way she explained the horse and rider bond. Great story Highly recommend
I won't spoil it for anyone, but I never saw the story going the wsy it went. I loved the way she explained the horse and rider bond. Great story Highly recommend
August 31, 2018
Plot falls through the cracks
Not an entirely engaging plot, vague descriptions of characters never really got me to care about anyone.
The story ends with a simple switch off, almost like she realizes it has to end but does not know how to wrap it all up.
Not an entirely engaging plot, vague descriptions of characters never really got me to care about anyone.
The story ends with a simple switch off, almost like she realizes it has to end but does not know how to wrap it all up.
April 4, 2022
Beautiful depiction of the sacred bond between horse and human.
I will read this again!!!! Outstanding prose and profound life lessons. I especially loved the narrative from Sonny, Clarisa's horse, who is the true educator and
soul of this story.
I will read this again!!!! Outstanding prose and profound life lessons. I especially loved the narrative from Sonny, Clarisa's horse, who is the true educator and
soul of this story.
June 12, 2025
não tenho nem o que dizer sobre ephemeral.
uma das histórias mais lindas eu ja li e reli (diversas vezes). se eu pudesse ler algo pro resto da vida ephemeral com certeza seria um dos primeiros da lista. 💗
uma das histórias mais lindas eu ja li e reli (diversas vezes). se eu pudesse ler algo pro resto da vida ephemeral com certeza seria um dos primeiros da lista. 💗
October 25, 2017
Loved it!
November 15, 2017
Lovely
It is great. Unexpected ending but it was all moving. I wasn't sure I'd like it written from the horse's viewpoint but it works.
It is great. Unexpected ending but it was all moving. I wasn't sure I'd like it written from the horse's viewpoint but it works.
January 9, 2018
I enjoyed this story told from the horse's point of view, but the ending took away from the entire book. It felt like a cop-out to wind things up quickly and end it.
April 16, 2018
Loved it until the end
Loved the writing from a horses point of view. Not the sad ending with no explanation however. Full of hope then all lost.
Loved the writing from a horses point of view. Not the sad ending with no explanation however. Full of hope then all lost.
November 18, 2018
I so enjoyed reading this and enjoying the unique approach to the story telling, until the end. It was horrible and I was so dismayed by it. Hence 3 stars instead of 5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2022
A heart stopper
Loved the book could not put it down a true unending love story. I'm still crying. Love will heal all and love that the horse tells the story.
Loved the book could not put it down a true unending love story. I'm still crying. Love will heal all and love that the horse tells the story.
September 1, 2022
I loved it! It was different looking at things through the horse's eyes. I thought it was a fun read. Did Not see the ending coming. Wow!
June 4, 2019
Such a great book, love that its narrated through the horse perspective.
Read
February 20, 2018Awesome story and most enlightening about horses! LOVED this book!!!
Read
November 2, 2018Very good. Kept me ready to open my book.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews