What do you think?
Rate this book
Gift Horse
Imagine living eighteen years of your life around a mistake…
Caroline Walker’s daughter suffers a horrific riding accident. Her distraught parents wonder if she’ll ever walk again, let alone ride. And when Mollie’s blood group is discovered as rare, her husband offers to donate blood. Except Ian is not a match. In fact, it’s unlikely he’s Mollie's father. Eighteen years previously, Caroline had a one-night stand with Irish rock star, Rory O’Connor. Caroline fell pregnant. Deeply flawed boyfriend, Ian, was overjoyed. And Caroline’s parents were simply grateful that their daughter was to marry into the rich, influential Walker family. Never look a gift horse in the mouth. Caroline turns to Rory’s friend Connor; and although his almost spiritual connection with his horses appears to be the balm she needs, Caroline cannot forget Rory, or her youth – both lost to a man she never loved. Eighteen years on and after surviving cancer Rory lives as a virtual recluse in the Welsh mountains. Through his well-meaning but interfering sister, he is shocked to discover he has a teenage daughter. Or does he?
As the truth begins to unravel, Caroline finds herself faced with a complex trail of moral dilemma. Someone has made a terrible mistake… someone is going to get hurt…
Caroline Walker’s daughter suffers a horrific riding accident. Her distraught parents wonder if she’ll ever walk again, let alone ride. And when Mollie’s blood group is discovered as rare, her husband offers to donate blood. Except Ian is not a match. In fact, it’s unlikely he’s Mollie's father. Eighteen years previously, Caroline had a one-night stand with Irish rock star, Rory O’Connor. Caroline fell pregnant. Deeply flawed boyfriend, Ian, was overjoyed. And Caroline’s parents were simply grateful that their daughter was to marry into the rich, influential Walker family. Never look a gift horse in the mouth. Caroline turns to Rory’s friend Connor; and although his almost spiritual connection with his horses appears to be the balm she needs, Caroline cannot forget Rory, or her youth – both lost to a man she never loved. Eighteen years on and after surviving cancer Rory lives as a virtual recluse in the Welsh mountains. Through his well-meaning but interfering sister, he is shocked to discover he has a teenage daughter. Or does he?
As the truth begins to unravel, Caroline finds herself faced with a complex trail of moral dilemma. Someone has made a terrible mistake… someone is going to get hurt…
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2018
9 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Jan Ruth
19 books126 followersJan Ruth lives in Snowdonia, a mountainous area of North Wales, UK. Jan writes contemporary fiction about the darker side of the family dynamic, often blending life in rural Wales with a touch of city business. Her style is best described as fast-paced and realistic, with a sprinkling of dry humour.
The real story began at school, with prizes for short stories and poetry. She failed all things mathematical and scientific, and to this day struggles to make sense of anything numerical.
Her first novel – written in 1986 – attracted the attention of editor Anne Dewe, Andrew Mann Literary Agency, London. Dewe’s own company, Love Stories Ltd, was a project aiming to champion those books of substance which contained a romantic element but were perhaps directed towards the more mature reader and consistently fell through the net in traditional publishing. Summer in October was contracted immediately but sadly, the project failed to get the right financial backing and the company dissolved.
Many years later Jan’s second novel, Wild Water, was taken on by Jane C Judd Literary Agency, London. Despite Judd’s enthusiasm, the book failed to find the right niche with a publisher – one brave enough to expand on those established, traditional genre stereotypes. And then Amazon changed the face of the industry with the advent of self-publishing and Jan went on to successfully publish several works of fiction under her own imprint, Celtic Connections. After a brief partnership with Accent Press in 2015, Jan chose to return to the freedom of independent publishing.
Wild Water won the Cornerstones competition for the most popular self-published book in 2011, and Midnight Sky won the Romantic Review Magazine Award (2013). Silver Rain (2015) and Wild Water (2016) were both finalists in the Wishing Shelf Awards.
Jan’s books are available globally via Amazon as ebooks or paperbacks.
The real story began at school, with prizes for short stories and poetry. She failed all things mathematical and scientific, and to this day struggles to make sense of anything numerical.
Her first novel – written in 1986 – attracted the attention of editor Anne Dewe, Andrew Mann Literary Agency, London. Dewe’s own company, Love Stories Ltd, was a project aiming to champion those books of substance which contained a romantic element but were perhaps directed towards the more mature reader and consistently fell through the net in traditional publishing. Summer in October was contracted immediately but sadly, the project failed to get the right financial backing and the company dissolved.
Many years later Jan’s second novel, Wild Water, was taken on by Jane C Judd Literary Agency, London. Despite Judd’s enthusiasm, the book failed to find the right niche with a publisher – one brave enough to expand on those established, traditional genre stereotypes. And then Amazon changed the face of the industry with the advent of self-publishing and Jan went on to successfully publish several works of fiction under her own imprint, Celtic Connections. After a brief partnership with Accent Press in 2015, Jan chose to return to the freedom of independent publishing.
Wild Water won the Cornerstones competition for the most popular self-published book in 2011, and Midnight Sky won the Romantic Review Magazine Award (2013). Silver Rain (2015) and Wild Water (2016) were both finalists in the Wishing Shelf Awards.
Jan’s books are available globally via Amazon as ebooks or paperbacks.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 19, 2018
4.5*
The story is told in chapters alternating between the present and the past, following Caroline Walker’s story over an eighteen year period. Married to Ian with one daughter, Mollie, Caroline’s seemingly perfect life begins to unravel as her worst fears materialise when Mollie suffers a terrible accident during a show jumping competition. Ian has some devastating news when he offers a blood donation at the hospital, in case of emergencies.
Travelling back in time to the millennium, we get a good understanding of the events that influence the present, and the involvement of Niamh, Caroline’s best friend, and her attractive rock star brother. Niamh is planning a New Year’s weekend long party at her parents’ house.
She and Caroline are total opposites. Niamh is part of a large Irish family, which includes brothers, sisters and numerous cousins, and isn’t backwards in coming forwards when it comes to expressing her opinions. Her meddling, albeit with the best intentions, can often make a situation worse than it need be. Caroline is an only child who likes her privacy and is much more self-contained. She and Ian are in an established relationship but are unalike in so many ways, and there’s already a serious issue which troubles Caroline.
'Ian always knew how to handle Niamh. In fact he knew how to handle the majority of awkward situations. Except for one. It played on her mind from time to time but Caroline had high hopes for their weekend away and watched the passing scenery with a mixture of anticipation and awe.’
Mollie’s accident is the catalyst for the secrets and ill-advised choices from the past to resurface and impact on everyone’s lives. Caroline realises that when it comes down to it, possessions and wealth mean nothing if happiness is the cost. She’s desperate to help with Mollie’s recovery and her hopes are raised when she discovers an equine therapy centre. She believes this could be the answer. The centre reminds her painfully of something and someone she’s never forgotten but also soothes her, thanks to the peaceful setting and Connor (my favourite character) and his sensitivity.
The plot is crisp and concise and the cast of interesting, fully formed and diverse characters, who we get to know through their backstories, are an introduction to the intriguingly involved storyline which unfolds. Emotional issues, human and animal, are treated sensitively and are true to life. An unexpected twist leads to a very satisfying conclusion. Characterisations and relationships are always realistic and identifiable, the locations evocative with engaging storylines. I always enjoy Jan Ruth’s books and this is no exception.
I chose to read and review Gift Horse in conjunction with Rosie Amber’s book review team, based on an advance digital copy from the author.
The story is told in chapters alternating between the present and the past, following Caroline Walker’s story over an eighteen year period. Married to Ian with one daughter, Mollie, Caroline’s seemingly perfect life begins to unravel as her worst fears materialise when Mollie suffers a terrible accident during a show jumping competition. Ian has some devastating news when he offers a blood donation at the hospital, in case of emergencies.
Travelling back in time to the millennium, we get a good understanding of the events that influence the present, and the involvement of Niamh, Caroline’s best friend, and her attractive rock star brother. Niamh is planning a New Year’s weekend long party at her parents’ house.
She and Caroline are total opposites. Niamh is part of a large Irish family, which includes brothers, sisters and numerous cousins, and isn’t backwards in coming forwards when it comes to expressing her opinions. Her meddling, albeit with the best intentions, can often make a situation worse than it need be. Caroline is an only child who likes her privacy and is much more self-contained. She and Ian are in an established relationship but are unalike in so many ways, and there’s already a serious issue which troubles Caroline.
'Ian always knew how to handle Niamh. In fact he knew how to handle the majority of awkward situations. Except for one. It played on her mind from time to time but Caroline had high hopes for their weekend away and watched the passing scenery with a mixture of anticipation and awe.’
Mollie’s accident is the catalyst for the secrets and ill-advised choices from the past to resurface and impact on everyone’s lives. Caroline realises that when it comes down to it, possessions and wealth mean nothing if happiness is the cost. She’s desperate to help with Mollie’s recovery and her hopes are raised when she discovers an equine therapy centre. She believes this could be the answer. The centre reminds her painfully of something and someone she’s never forgotten but also soothes her, thanks to the peaceful setting and Connor (my favourite character) and his sensitivity.
The plot is crisp and concise and the cast of interesting, fully formed and diverse characters, who we get to know through their backstories, are an introduction to the intriguingly involved storyline which unfolds. Emotional issues, human and animal, are treated sensitively and are true to life. An unexpected twist leads to a very satisfying conclusion. Characterisations and relationships are always realistic and identifiable, the locations evocative with engaging storylines. I always enjoy Jan Ruth’s books and this is no exception.
I chose to read and review Gift Horse in conjunction with Rosie Amber’s book review team, based on an advance digital copy from the author.
October 1, 2018
When someone asks me “what kind of books do you enjoy reading?”, I thrash about a bit and talk about more mature characters, “real” people, common experiences, emotional content well handled, a great story - but my answer could just as easily be “I love Jan Ruth’s writing”.
Her latest, Gift Horse, is a powerful story so very well told - a story of youthful mistakes leading to unwise choices, a layering of secrets with their inevitable consequences, the disintegration of a marriage and family, an examination of the meaning of parenthood, an exploration of family relationships, with a series of twists and turns and moments of drama that makes it a compelling read.
As always, one of the author’s great strengths is in her character development, and the way she draws you into the story by engaging your emotions as you join the lives of her characters: Caroline had my sympathy for her plight throughout, but regularly put it to the test. And I enjoyed the supporting cast - particularly gentle Connor, ex-rocker Rory, interfering friend Niamh - all superbly drawn, sometimes capturing your heart, sometimes behaving very badly, as real people do.
I particularly liked the early structure of this book, the dramatic and life-changing events of the present day interspersed with the story of Caroline’s past - the tentative start to her relationship with Ian, the insights into their early relationship highlighting their many differences, the headiness of the night that brings so many repercussions in later life. But I equally enjoyed the development of the present day story, the many relationships so well portrayed, the emotional content so authentic.
It’ll come as no surprise to anyone that there are horses here, but not to the degree I perhaps expected: I did particularly enjoy the focus on horses as therapy and a source of healing, something I knew little about, and so well done. And as always, the whole book has a strong - at times, almost cinematic - sense of place and location, the descriptions vibrant and detailed, capturing the beauty and wildness of the surrounding Welsh countryside.
I always enjoy Jan Ruth’s writing, but this book was really something rather special - my favourite so far, and highly recommended.
Her latest, Gift Horse, is a powerful story so very well told - a story of youthful mistakes leading to unwise choices, a layering of secrets with their inevitable consequences, the disintegration of a marriage and family, an examination of the meaning of parenthood, an exploration of family relationships, with a series of twists and turns and moments of drama that makes it a compelling read.
As always, one of the author’s great strengths is in her character development, and the way she draws you into the story by engaging your emotions as you join the lives of her characters: Caroline had my sympathy for her plight throughout, but regularly put it to the test. And I enjoyed the supporting cast - particularly gentle Connor, ex-rocker Rory, interfering friend Niamh - all superbly drawn, sometimes capturing your heart, sometimes behaving very badly, as real people do.
I particularly liked the early structure of this book, the dramatic and life-changing events of the present day interspersed with the story of Caroline’s past - the tentative start to her relationship with Ian, the insights into their early relationship highlighting their many differences, the headiness of the night that brings so many repercussions in later life. But I equally enjoyed the development of the present day story, the many relationships so well portrayed, the emotional content so authentic.
It’ll come as no surprise to anyone that there are horses here, but not to the degree I perhaps expected: I did particularly enjoy the focus on horses as therapy and a source of healing, something I knew little about, and so well done. And as always, the whole book has a strong - at times, almost cinematic - sense of place and location, the descriptions vibrant and detailed, capturing the beauty and wildness of the surrounding Welsh countryside.
I always enjoy Jan Ruth’s writing, but this book was really something rather special - my favourite so far, and highly recommended.
November 14, 2018
I have a few writers in my arsenal of "go to" authors, those whose stories I know will never disappoint, and this author is definitely one of those who I know will never let me down and, her latest novel, Gift Horse certainly ticks all the right boxes.
Caroline Walker's daughter has a dreadful accident at a riding event, a trauma which acts as catalyst for what follows in the rest of the story. Flipping effortlessly between past and present, the story gradually emerges of something which happened in Caroline's past, a youthful indiscretion, which will have repercussions far into the future.
The story flows beautifully, not just around the characters, but also of the landscape around it. People and places merge, delivering a story of a traumatised girl on the road to recovery, the emergence of secrets long buried, and of the devastating consequences of the truth being revealed
There's such a powerful connection to the characters that you can't help but form an emotional bond with them, some I liked more than others, and yet, they all bring an overall strength to the story, particularly, Connor with his tender care of the horses at the therapy centre, Rory with his laissez-faire attitude to life, and Ian, Caroline’s husband, who brought some powerful anxieties of his own into the story. Throughout the whole of journey is Caroline, fighting her own particular demons with a reserve of character which, I think, we would all like to have. I enjoyed her company immensely and hoped that everything would eventually work out for her and her family.
I read Gift Horse quickly over the space of a few hours, not because it was light on content, far from it, but because once started, I really couldn’t put the book down and needed to keep turning the pages until I knew just how the story would eventually play out. And yes, there were a few tears at the ending.
Caroline Walker's daughter has a dreadful accident at a riding event, a trauma which acts as catalyst for what follows in the rest of the story. Flipping effortlessly between past and present, the story gradually emerges of something which happened in Caroline's past, a youthful indiscretion, which will have repercussions far into the future.
The story flows beautifully, not just around the characters, but also of the landscape around it. People and places merge, delivering a story of a traumatised girl on the road to recovery, the emergence of secrets long buried, and of the devastating consequences of the truth being revealed
There's such a powerful connection to the characters that you can't help but form an emotional bond with them, some I liked more than others, and yet, they all bring an overall strength to the story, particularly, Connor with his tender care of the horses at the therapy centre, Rory with his laissez-faire attitude to life, and Ian, Caroline’s husband, who brought some powerful anxieties of his own into the story. Throughout the whole of journey is Caroline, fighting her own particular demons with a reserve of character which, I think, we would all like to have. I enjoyed her company immensely and hoped that everything would eventually work out for her and her family.
I read Gift Horse quickly over the space of a few hours, not because it was light on content, far from it, but because once started, I really couldn’t put the book down and needed to keep turning the pages until I knew just how the story would eventually play out. And yes, there were a few tears at the ending.
September 29, 2018
Caroline has it all, a rich successful husband, a large beautiful home and a daughter they both love. But Mollie’s terrible accident while competing on her horse, Sahara Sun, exposes cracks in their apparently happy life and Caroline’s past catches up with her. Can she take Mollie from Ian, the father she loves so much, and will Mollie ever forgive her secrecy?
Travelling back to the millennium we join Caroline and her flat-mate Niamh at a party in the Welsh hills. Already in a relationship with Ian, she realises that the life she will have with him will be very different from that lived by Niamh and her charismatic pop-star brother, Rory. Will one night of happiness change her path or be a last fling?
However, this tale is more complex. More mistakes are made in 2017. As Mollie struggles to come to terms with her injuries, Caroline hopes that she will agree to try horse therapy with Connor, an unusual man who helps people to cope with pain and confusion through their interaction with horses. Meeting Niamh and Rory again, adds further complications as she strives for independence, developing her illustration business and facing up to her own weaknesses.
Gift Horse is an unusual novel which shows the shallowness of material wealth and respectability, but it also deals with crises of injury and betrayal. I was expecting more details of the horse therapy, which I would have enjoyed but perhaps that might have loosened the taut plot and surprising conclusion. A remarkable story of a woman discovering her destiny.
Travelling back to the millennium we join Caroline and her flat-mate Niamh at a party in the Welsh hills. Already in a relationship with Ian, she realises that the life she will have with him will be very different from that lived by Niamh and her charismatic pop-star brother, Rory. Will one night of happiness change her path or be a last fling?
However, this tale is more complex. More mistakes are made in 2017. As Mollie struggles to come to terms with her injuries, Caroline hopes that she will agree to try horse therapy with Connor, an unusual man who helps people to cope with pain and confusion through their interaction with horses. Meeting Niamh and Rory again, adds further complications as she strives for independence, developing her illustration business and facing up to her own weaknesses.
Gift Horse is an unusual novel which shows the shallowness of material wealth and respectability, but it also deals with crises of injury and betrayal. I was expecting more details of the horse therapy, which I would have enjoyed but perhaps that might have loosened the taut plot and surprising conclusion. A remarkable story of a woman discovering her destiny.
October 29, 2019
Gift Horse is a family/teenage novel revolving around relationship dynamics. There is plenty of action and dramatic events going on which keeps the pace of the story ticking along nicely. This ensures that this book is kept firmly in your hands with very little time allowed for breaks.
One of the main focusses in the saga is the decision that Caroline, our female protagonist, had to make back when she was young and impressionable. The consequences of her actions, many years later, alters the delicately balanced relationship between parent and child so the risk of her losing her daughter, Mollie, forever is high. This already complicated situation is then further compounded when her friend, Niamh decides to take matters into her own hands. Caroline is quite lenient with her friend whereas I would have found her behaviour unforgivable.
Whilst horses do feature in Gift Horse, they do not make an appearance in every scene. The subject of equine assisted therapy is touched upon sensitively and I even found a little something that I could relate to in myself. In some ways I could emphasize with Mollie as, like me, her relationship with horses had been shattered and so her need for equine assisted therapy was required to repair this. I think I would have liked to have seen more of how this was achieved even it would be for my own selfish reasons.
Gift Horse is a truly interesting and inspiring read with complex characters with realistic life difficulties. It all makes for a very enjoyable and worthwhile read. Love it!
One of the main focusses in the saga is the decision that Caroline, our female protagonist, had to make back when she was young and impressionable. The consequences of her actions, many years later, alters the delicately balanced relationship between parent and child so the risk of her losing her daughter, Mollie, forever is high. This already complicated situation is then further compounded when her friend, Niamh decides to take matters into her own hands. Caroline is quite lenient with her friend whereas I would have found her behaviour unforgivable.
Whilst horses do feature in Gift Horse, they do not make an appearance in every scene. The subject of equine assisted therapy is touched upon sensitively and I even found a little something that I could relate to in myself. In some ways I could emphasize with Mollie as, like me, her relationship with horses had been shattered and so her need for equine assisted therapy was required to repair this. I think I would have liked to have seen more of how this was achieved even it would be for my own selfish reasons.
Gift Horse is a truly interesting and inspiring read with complex characters with realistic life difficulties. It all makes for a very enjoyable and worthwhile read. Love it!
March 23, 2019
t was thoroughly absorbing. It was one of those books – and I haven’t had one for a while – where you think about it between reads and just can’t wait to get back to see what happen next.
The story is about families and relationships and there is nothing more fascinating than us humans, and how we deal with emotional situations.
I would have given it five stars, because I'd have preferred a slightly different ending.
You can read my full review on my blog - don't forget to follow!
https://karensbookbuzz.wordpress.com/...
The story is about families and relationships and there is nothing more fascinating than us humans, and how we deal with emotional situations.
I would have given it five stars, because I'd have preferred a slightly different ending.
You can read my full review on my blog - don't forget to follow!
https://karensbookbuzz.wordpress.com/...
December 1, 2020
I have always enjoyed Jan Ruth's books and this one was no exception. She has a talent for creating memorable characters, a lovely setting and a great storyline. Gift Horse has a lovely Welsh setting, and lots of conflict including an horrific riding accident and an unhappy marriage. And some gorgeous Irishmen! I really loved this book.
July 7, 2019
EAL and NPE in one story, what a find!
I came across this book by accident or perhaps there was more to it than that. Equine assisted learning and Not Parent Expected are both touchy subjects. They are sensitivity and realistically handled by this author in an involved and interesting story with twists and tweaks, believable characters and places and an unexpected ending.
I came across this book by accident or perhaps there was more to it than that. Equine assisted learning and Not Parent Expected are both touchy subjects. They are sensitivity and realistically handled by this author in an involved and interesting story with twists and tweaks, believable characters and places and an unexpected ending.
Read
March 4, 2019I'm a big fan of this author as her books are based in North Wales - one of my most favourite places in the world and her talent for writing brings alive the location in all of her books.
I loved Gift Horse for many reasons. Firstly, the authors knowledge and passion for horses and associated therapy through animals shone out in the writing and added another level of interest for me, I even found myself Googling the subject whilst reading! Also, I loved the human layers and morals in the storyline. How a drunken one-night stand can have life-long ramifications and how so many lives can be affected by one bad decision.
The plot in general was gripping and unpredictable - another trait of this author - and I thought the ending was well thought out and cleverly written. As ever, the characters were perfectly drawn – engaging and still yet littered with human failings that many of us can associate with. I liked the push and pull of the romance in the story and felt drawn to each of the characters for different reasons.
Gift Horse was a total page turner for me and I hope there's a follow up to come very soon!
Highly recommended!
I loved Gift Horse for many reasons. Firstly, the authors knowledge and passion for horses and associated therapy through animals shone out in the writing and added another level of interest for me, I even found myself Googling the subject whilst reading! Also, I loved the human layers and morals in the storyline. How a drunken one-night stand can have life-long ramifications and how so many lives can be affected by one bad decision.
The plot in general was gripping and unpredictable - another trait of this author - and I thought the ending was well thought out and cleverly written. As ever, the characters were perfectly drawn – engaging and still yet littered with human failings that many of us can associate with. I liked the push and pull of the romance in the story and felt drawn to each of the characters for different reasons.
Gift Horse was a total page turner for me and I hope there's a follow up to come very soon!
Highly recommended!
September 29, 2018
My Review of Gift Horse by Jan Ruth
Gift horse was a very intriguing story. I really enjoyed reading about Caroline’s past and how her life changed after one drunk filled night. I found the dynamics between Ian and Caroline very interesting, especially because she seemed a much younger soul than he was even when they were both young. This makes for a gripping read especially as we see how their future turns out.
The story itself follows Caroline as she frets over her daughter Mollie’s horse race. While in the race Mollie and her horse suffer a tragic accident, which changes her life forever when Ian has blood taken to help Mollie he discovers he’s not her dad. Who is Mollie’s dad then? Will the truth cause a rift in Mollie’s family? Or will Ian forgive Caroline and keep the family together? Read Gift Horse to find out.
I felt for Ian throughout the book. Although he struggled in the bedroom, he was determined to fix his problem, not only that but also thinking he’d fathered a daughter brought out his loving caring side which was a great contrast to his very shut-offish personality.
However, Caroline suffered because one night left her with secrets, so she ended up settling for a man she didn’t truly feel loved by. This resulted in Caroline dedicating her life to her daughter. I think in some ways she wished she’d had an out for a long time. Despite all of the complexities, Ian and Caroline loved their daughter Mollie. The author did a great job at capturing the love that bonded the family
This book involves some emotional contents including a person’s fight against cancer. The author captured the struggle of looking after a parent and confronting the hardships that the future may bring very sensitively.
I also thought the mention of therapy horses and their usefulness, reminded me of just how special animals are and the affect they can have on a person’s life.
The end was unexpected, I really liked how it tied up with the tragic advent at the beginning and left me with a sense that the story had come full circle.
If you like books with beautiful sceneries and horses or family dramas involving secrets and revelations, then give this book a try.
Gift horse was a very intriguing story. I really enjoyed reading about Caroline’s past and how her life changed after one drunk filled night. I found the dynamics between Ian and Caroline very interesting, especially because she seemed a much younger soul than he was even when they were both young. This makes for a gripping read especially as we see how their future turns out.
The story itself follows Caroline as she frets over her daughter Mollie’s horse race. While in the race Mollie and her horse suffer a tragic accident, which changes her life forever when Ian has blood taken to help Mollie he discovers he’s not her dad. Who is Mollie’s dad then? Will the truth cause a rift in Mollie’s family? Or will Ian forgive Caroline and keep the family together? Read Gift Horse to find out.
I felt for Ian throughout the book. Although he struggled in the bedroom, he was determined to fix his problem, not only that but also thinking he’d fathered a daughter brought out his loving caring side which was a great contrast to his very shut-offish personality.
However, Caroline suffered because one night left her with secrets, so she ended up settling for a man she didn’t truly feel loved by. This resulted in Caroline dedicating her life to her daughter. I think in some ways she wished she’d had an out for a long time. Despite all of the complexities, Ian and Caroline loved their daughter Mollie. The author did a great job at capturing the love that bonded the family
This book involves some emotional contents including a person’s fight against cancer. The author captured the struggle of looking after a parent and confronting the hardships that the future may bring very sensitively.
I also thought the mention of therapy horses and their usefulness, reminded me of just how special animals are and the affect they can have on a person’s life.
The end was unexpected, I really liked how it tied up with the tragic advent at the beginning and left me with a sense that the story had come full circle.
If you like books with beautiful sceneries and horses or family dramas involving secrets and revelations, then give this book a try.
July 5, 2020
A good read but...
This is the first fictional work of Jan Ruth’s that I’ve read. It is not as beautifully written as her autobiographical book but it is well written. It is not the author’s fault that I could not get to grips with any of the characters nor the storyline. I would still recommend it as a good read.
This is the first fictional work of Jan Ruth’s that I’ve read. It is not as beautifully written as her autobiographical book but it is well written. It is not the author’s fault that I could not get to grips with any of the characters nor the storyline. I would still recommend it as a good read.
December 28, 2018
Gift Horse is the first full-length novel by Jan Ruth that I’ve read, I’ve previously read a novella and collection of short stories. The author Jan Ruth loves to write stories set in her beloved Wales and especially the rugged area around Snowdownia. The love for this area shines from the pages and fills the storyline with atmosphere.
I really enjoyed this contemporary romance by Jan Ruth. Gift Horse is a story that delves into the complexities of people and of relationships. It was a story of how one decision in your life could ultimately change the course of your future and would put your choice in someone else’s hands.
A young, almost naïve nineteen year old Caroline is being swept off her feet by an older suitor. Ian has the money to woo Caroline and his gentleness in his character with his courting of her is quite formal but at this moment in time Caroline is enjoying this old fashioned romance. However, a weekend away brings an opportunity for Caroline and Ian to spend some time together with Niamh, Caroline’s best friend, and a few other friends. Animosity between Niamh and Ian soon causes conflict and Caroline starts to doubt the direction her life is going but one rash decision of the heart gives her a glimpse into a life full of other possibilities. Fate however, plays it’s hand and soon closes the door for Caroline.
Gift Horse is a story that holds you captive in the emotional upheavals in Caroline’s life. A life that now eighteen years on starts unravelling following a terrible accident involving her daughter.
The proverb ‘never look a gift horse in the mouth’ is the perfect title for this story. Caroline, Ian, daughter Mollie and even a few of the sub-characters had all been given gifts in the past and the present, gifts that could change their lives for the good and also for the bad. The proverb’s meaning; don’t question or criticize the value of a gift or benefit, even if you don’t like it very much.
Jan Ruth knows how to spin a tale about real people and their tangled lives. I loved the landscape it sounded beautiful and raw, very much like people themselves. I will certainly check out more of Jan Ruth’s novels.
I really enjoyed this contemporary romance by Jan Ruth. Gift Horse is a story that delves into the complexities of people and of relationships. It was a story of how one decision in your life could ultimately change the course of your future and would put your choice in someone else’s hands.
A young, almost naïve nineteen year old Caroline is being swept off her feet by an older suitor. Ian has the money to woo Caroline and his gentleness in his character with his courting of her is quite formal but at this moment in time Caroline is enjoying this old fashioned romance. However, a weekend away brings an opportunity for Caroline and Ian to spend some time together with Niamh, Caroline’s best friend, and a few other friends. Animosity between Niamh and Ian soon causes conflict and Caroline starts to doubt the direction her life is going but one rash decision of the heart gives her a glimpse into a life full of other possibilities. Fate however, plays it’s hand and soon closes the door for Caroline.
Gift Horse is a story that holds you captive in the emotional upheavals in Caroline’s life. A life that now eighteen years on starts unravelling following a terrible accident involving her daughter.
The proverb ‘never look a gift horse in the mouth’ is the perfect title for this story. Caroline, Ian, daughter Mollie and even a few of the sub-characters had all been given gifts in the past and the present, gifts that could change their lives for the good and also for the bad. The proverb’s meaning; don’t question or criticize the value of a gift or benefit, even if you don’t like it very much.
Jan Ruth knows how to spin a tale about real people and their tangled lives. I loved the landscape it sounded beautiful and raw, very much like people themselves. I will certainly check out more of Jan Ruth’s novels.
Read
May 13, 2019read by mum 26.4.19
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews