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Ivan's Choice
That man had calmly walked into the barn and destroyed her world.
She’d moved here two and a half years ago to get away from a previous crushing defeat and now history was repeating itself.
*****
Pippa comes to the Pecan Plantation Equestrian Center one afternoon to find that handsome Bryce McCloud, a famous local dressage rider, wants to buy her beloved lesson horse Ivan from under her nose.
She didn’t even know he was for sale!
Refusing to give up on the big chestnut, she cuts a deal with Bryce: by the end of the month, Ivan will go to the person he likes the most. Witnesses are recruited to ensure the competition is fair.
Now Pippa has to come up with enough money and persuade Ivan to choose her instead of the pro rider before the deadline.
However, Bryce wows everyone at the barn with his superb riding on the flashy gelding. Then he has to help Pippa handle the powerful animal when hurricane force winds upset him, making her feel increasingly incompetent and unworthy of the horse.
And when Bryce unwittingly reveals the part he played in ruining her life two years ago, she dislikes him even more.
Then she finds out that she’s not the only one who’s suffered humiliation. Bryce has recently been dealt two devastating blows and needs Ivan to start his riding business all over again.
Manny, another horse in the barn, would be a better prospect for Pippa – and cost less money. Should she buy the little Welsh Cross and let Bryce have Ivan? Or should she exact her revenge on the man for what he did to her by continuing to vie for the big gelding?
But as she wrestles with this dilemma, she becomes aware of a much bigger problem: her growing feelings for Bryce.
She’d moved here two and a half years ago to get away from a previous crushing defeat and now history was repeating itself.
*****
Pippa comes to the Pecan Plantation Equestrian Center one afternoon to find that handsome Bryce McCloud, a famous local dressage rider, wants to buy her beloved lesson horse Ivan from under her nose.
She didn’t even know he was for sale!
Refusing to give up on the big chestnut, she cuts a deal with Bryce: by the end of the month, Ivan will go to the person he likes the most. Witnesses are recruited to ensure the competition is fair.
Now Pippa has to come up with enough money and persuade Ivan to choose her instead of the pro rider before the deadline.
However, Bryce wows everyone at the barn with his superb riding on the flashy gelding. Then he has to help Pippa handle the powerful animal when hurricane force winds upset him, making her feel increasingly incompetent and unworthy of the horse.
And when Bryce unwittingly reveals the part he played in ruining her life two years ago, she dislikes him even more.
Then she finds out that she’s not the only one who’s suffered humiliation. Bryce has recently been dealt two devastating blows and needs Ivan to start his riding business all over again.
Manny, another horse in the barn, would be a better prospect for Pippa – and cost less money. Should she buy the little Welsh Cross and let Bryce have Ivan? Or should she exact her revenge on the man for what he did to her by continuing to vie for the big gelding?
But as she wrestles with this dilemma, she becomes aware of a much bigger problem: her growing feelings for Bryce.
177 pages, ebook
First published March 31, 2019
About the author
Hilary Walker
69 books29 followersHilary lives on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina with her husband and English bulldog.
She is the Christian author of 'The Jack Harper Trilogy: The Story of a Wounded Horse Healer,' its sequel, 'The Father Michael Trilogy: A Pastor Who Preaches through Horses,' and the concluding trio, 'The Laura Harper Trilogy.'
The Sinclair Island Romances are her Christian equestrian romance series.
Besides writing, Hilary's other passion is riding and competing in dressage on her home-bred gelding, Cruz Bay.
She is the Christian author of 'The Jack Harper Trilogy: The Story of a Wounded Horse Healer,' its sequel, 'The Father Michael Trilogy: A Pastor Who Preaches through Horses,' and the concluding trio, 'The Laura Harper Trilogy.'
The Sinclair Island Romances are her Christian equestrian romance series.
Besides writing, Hilary's other passion is riding and competing in dressage on her home-bred gelding, Cruz Bay.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 10, 2023
THE STORY
Pippa is nursing her wounds from being left at the altar by her ex-fiance. Freshly single and looking for a new focus, she decides to fulfill a lifelong dream and starts taking horseback riding lessons.
Bryce was a famous dressage rider who lost everything when the owner of the barn where he rode passed away. Even his girlfriend at the time dropped him when he lost his status as an equestrian celebrity. Now he's looking for a fresh start and has his sights set on a horse named Ivan.
The only problem? Pippa has already decided that Ivan is "her" horse. She's been taking lessons on him and saving up money to purchase him. But the barn's owner is keen to sell to a famous rider.
So they decide to let the horse decide. Both Pippa and Bryce will get a chance to ride Ivan, then a panel of judges from the barn's staff will determine who gets on better with the high spirited gelding.
Pippa sees Bryce as her rival, resentful of his success and irritated by his apparent confidence. But when a sudden hurricane strands them at the barn together, Pippa starts to see another side of him. Slowly, through their shared love of horses and similar heartbreaks in their past, they go from rivals to grudging collaborators. Will the relationship blossom into something more, or will Ivan's impending choice drive a wedge between them that can't be repaired?
THE ROMANCE
This is a slow, slow, and I mean slow burn. For the first half of the book, Pippa doesn't even like Bryce! It is somewhat entertaining to see the way her "B* eating crackers" attitude toward Bryce isn't actually supported by his behavior, but it also keeps them from having much chemistry for a while.
When they do start to get close, they still keep each other at arm's length. They are sort of like barn colleagues, and then friendly acquaintances. There isn't much focus on things like physical attraction or 'butterfly' feelings. The connection between them grows out of conversation and collaboration around the barn, then some heartfelt discussions over dinner.
If you like romances where the relationship is built on a steady buildup of not-very-romantically-charged interactions, and where both characters follow their values and interests rather than a nebulous 'spark,' this is definitely the vibe for you.
FAITH ELEMENTS
Both characters pray and mention their faith. Pippa attends church, though the narration does not actually include the service or sermon. Pippa's journey involves feeling convicted about her attitude toward Bryce and her realization that she might be using this judgmental prickliness as a defense mechanism - though I thought that could have been more deeply explored.
Bryce has more of an 'inspirational' character arc. He was at the peak of his career before he lost everything, and expresses belief that God is trying to teach him humility. Pippa helps him stay grounded and keeps him from being led by his ego.
MY THOUGHTS
I'm a sucker for specifics and details, and boy does this book deliver! The characters don't just ride horses - they are training in specific riding techniques, which the book describes in depth. We get to be there for a bunch of ranch chores and hurricane relief efforts. I loved seeing the granularity of what the characters are experiencing and the problems they are solving! Pippa's job at a grocery store chain is also a great way that the book adds flavor and depth, though it does lead to some random moments of food negativity that I didn't love.
I also loved the unique setup the "rivals-to-lovers" plot, where it's based on the two leads competing for the affection of a horse. Pippa and Bryce have a reason to spend lots of time figuring each other out, so we get to see how they complement each other and where they have friction. The hurricane sequence was my favorite part - I love anything where characters are trapped together to ride out a storm!
Bryce's accident and the sudden appearance of his ex at the end felt like a lot. It works as a forcing function to move the plot and romance ahead, but I would have been happy enough to stay at the barn with the horses and see how things played out with Ivan. I was sort of expecting the "solution" at the end to be, since Bryce and Pippa were going to be together, they could both own Ivan and share time riding him.
I did love the way Bryce explicitly calls out his feelings for Pippa, why he feels that she brings out the best in him, and how he wants their partnership to be moving forward. The romance certainly had a satisfying ending, especially with Bryce's little dog giving Pippa his seal of approval!
Pippa is nursing her wounds from being left at the altar by her ex-fiance. Freshly single and looking for a new focus, she decides to fulfill a lifelong dream and starts taking horseback riding lessons.
Bryce was a famous dressage rider who lost everything when the owner of the barn where he rode passed away. Even his girlfriend at the time dropped him when he lost his status as an equestrian celebrity. Now he's looking for a fresh start and has his sights set on a horse named Ivan.
The only problem? Pippa has already decided that Ivan is "her" horse. She's been taking lessons on him and saving up money to purchase him. But the barn's owner is keen to sell to a famous rider.
So they decide to let the horse decide. Both Pippa and Bryce will get a chance to ride Ivan, then a panel of judges from the barn's staff will determine who gets on better with the high spirited gelding.
Pippa sees Bryce as her rival, resentful of his success and irritated by his apparent confidence. But when a sudden hurricane strands them at the barn together, Pippa starts to see another side of him. Slowly, through their shared love of horses and similar heartbreaks in their past, they go from rivals to grudging collaborators. Will the relationship blossom into something more, or will Ivan's impending choice drive a wedge between them that can't be repaired?
THE ROMANCE
This is a slow, slow, and I mean slow burn. For the first half of the book, Pippa doesn't even like Bryce! It is somewhat entertaining to see the way her "B* eating crackers" attitude toward Bryce isn't actually supported by his behavior, but it also keeps them from having much chemistry for a while.
When they do start to get close, they still keep each other at arm's length. They are sort of like barn colleagues, and then friendly acquaintances. There isn't much focus on things like physical attraction or 'butterfly' feelings. The connection between them grows out of conversation and collaboration around the barn, then some heartfelt discussions over dinner.
If you like romances where the relationship is built on a steady buildup of not-very-romantically-charged interactions, and where both characters follow their values and interests rather than a nebulous 'spark,' this is definitely the vibe for you.
FAITH ELEMENTS
Both characters pray and mention their faith. Pippa attends church, though the narration does not actually include the service or sermon. Pippa's journey involves feeling convicted about her attitude toward Bryce and her realization that she might be using this judgmental prickliness as a defense mechanism - though I thought that could have been more deeply explored.
Bryce has more of an 'inspirational' character arc. He was at the peak of his career before he lost everything, and expresses belief that God is trying to teach him humility. Pippa helps him stay grounded and keeps him from being led by his ego.
MY THOUGHTS
I'm a sucker for specifics and details, and boy does this book deliver! The characters don't just ride horses - they are training in specific riding techniques, which the book describes in depth. We get to be there for a bunch of ranch chores and hurricane relief efforts. I loved seeing the granularity of what the characters are experiencing and the problems they are solving! Pippa's job at a grocery store chain is also a great way that the book adds flavor and depth, though it does lead to some random moments of food negativity that I didn't love.
I also loved the unique setup the "rivals-to-lovers" plot, where it's based on the two leads competing for the affection of a horse. Pippa and Bryce have a reason to spend lots of time figuring each other out, so we get to see how they complement each other and where they have friction. The hurricane sequence was my favorite part - I love anything where characters are trapped together to ride out a storm!
Bryce's accident and the sudden appearance of his ex at the end felt like a lot. It works as a forcing function to move the plot and romance ahead, but I would have been happy enough to stay at the barn with the horses and see how things played out with Ivan. I was sort of expecting the "solution" at the end to be, since Bryce and Pippa were going to be together, they could both own Ivan and share time riding him.
I did love the way Bryce explicitly calls out his feelings for Pippa, why he feels that she brings out the best in him, and how he wants their partnership to be moving forward. The romance certainly had a satisfying ending, especially with Bryce's little dog giving Pippa his seal of approval!
April 5, 2019
Ivan's Choice by Hilary Walker
Have read other works by this author and have fallen in love with her words about horses.
I like how it's part of the NaNo author writing chaellenge every year.
This one starts with Pippa and she's training a horse, Ivan but she learns some distressing news.
A man is there to buy the horse that she's been riding for over 2 years now.
His employer has died and his widow will be selling all their horses-where Bryce works.
She's always using the net to research some thing about horses always trying to better herself. She has low self worth, she's not good enough to be a fiancée, she's not good enough for ...
She has a month to come up with the money and I like how the book is like a diary with dates so you can see the progress she's making over the time frame.
He has definitely shown them all he knows what to do with a horse-things she's not done with Ivan. She's just not good enough.
She gets very upset when the bank calls and notifies her that yes she can get the loan but in her heart she knows the horse really has a bond and loves Bryce who's been rding her recently.
An emergency arises with the storm ...Love the step by step detailed instructions she's given and shown that will stay with her forever...
She sees Bryce as the enemy as she knows he has trailers for the horses and knowledge and means to raise them.
What I like also about this story is that there are a handful of characters and it's easy to keep track of who is who.
Interactions during the hurricane while they tend to the horses and lack of food and shelter is shattering...
Pippa is not trusting of men, her self, her worth, her whole being but she is able to confide in Bryce and he in her...
Love hearing more about the horses-the author's favorite topic. You should write what you know about.
Can't wait to read more from the author. About the author is included at the end. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Have read other works by this author and have fallen in love with her words about horses.
I like how it's part of the NaNo author writing chaellenge every year.
This one starts with Pippa and she's training a horse, Ivan but she learns some distressing news.
A man is there to buy the horse that she's been riding for over 2 years now.
His employer has died and his widow will be selling all their horses-where Bryce works.
She's always using the net to research some thing about horses always trying to better herself. She has low self worth, she's not good enough to be a fiancée, she's not good enough for ...
She has a month to come up with the money and I like how the book is like a diary with dates so you can see the progress she's making over the time frame.
He has definitely shown them all he knows what to do with a horse-things she's not done with Ivan. She's just not good enough.
She gets very upset when the bank calls and notifies her that yes she can get the loan but in her heart she knows the horse really has a bond and loves Bryce who's been rding her recently.
An emergency arises with the storm ...Love the step by step detailed instructions she's given and shown that will stay with her forever...
She sees Bryce as the enemy as she knows he has trailers for the horses and knowledge and means to raise them.
What I like also about this story is that there are a handful of characters and it's easy to keep track of who is who.
Interactions during the hurricane while they tend to the horses and lack of food and shelter is shattering...
Pippa is not trusting of men, her self, her worth, her whole being but she is able to confide in Bryce and he in her...
Love hearing more about the horses-the author's favorite topic. You should write what you know about.
Can't wait to read more from the author. About the author is included at the end. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
July 5, 2025
Pippa and Bryce both want to buy the same horse. But Bryce has a career in horses and money enough, and Pippa has some light riding and the prospect of a bank loan. Ivan, at 16.2, is a little bigger and livelier than Pippa should maybe be buying, but she is very fond of him.
I think the high point of this book is seeing how a stable filled with horses is prepared for a severe storm, and how the dedicated workers stand by the horses through the few days of the event.
A few issues come across as odd - why hadn't Pippa been riding any other horses, especially a smaller, calmer one? Why had she never loaded a horse into a trailer or lorry, never gone on a trail ride, although these things were happening at the stable? Would a stable owner, short on funds, really say he'll sell the horse to whoever the horse prefers, if they can both make the price?
This is a gentle story with a light romantic theme and a great deal of learning and growing. I enjoyed the read, and I love the horses in the story.
I read an e-ARC from the author. This is an unbiased review. I was not asked to write a review and chose to read the book in my own time.
I think the high point of this book is seeing how a stable filled with horses is prepared for a severe storm, and how the dedicated workers stand by the horses through the few days of the event.
A few issues come across as odd - why hadn't Pippa been riding any other horses, especially a smaller, calmer one? Why had she never loaded a horse into a trailer or lorry, never gone on a trail ride, although these things were happening at the stable? Would a stable owner, short on funds, really say he'll sell the horse to whoever the horse prefers, if they can both make the price?
This is a gentle story with a light romantic theme and a great deal of learning and growing. I enjoyed the read, and I love the horses in the story.
I read an e-ARC from the author. This is an unbiased review. I was not asked to write a review and chose to read the book in my own time.
November 2, 2020
Pippa and Bryce are both vying for Ivan’s (a horse) good graces. Pippa has transferred all her emotions on this horse and feels betrayed when the owner accepts to sell Ivan to Bryce. Bryce is a well-known dressage rider, who has lost his job after his boss’s death, and needs Ivan to set up his own stable. Though rivals, Pippa discovers that beneath the façade of arrogance, Bryce is actually quite a nice guy. If only he wasn’t after “her” horse…
Pippa’s behavior bordered on stupidity more than once, she was highly immature. Thankfully, she learned her lesson and was even willing to recognize that not the whole world is against her. Although I did not connect with Pippa’s character, I enjoyed the story and how the plot developed.
Pippa’s behavior bordered on stupidity more than once, she was highly immature. Thankfully, she learned her lesson and was even willing to recognize that not the whole world is against her. Although I did not connect with Pippa’s character, I enjoyed the story and how the plot developed.
April 15, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book and I hope to read more about the characters in future stories. I read this book in one day, because I wanted to know who ended up with Ivan. If you love clean inspirational stories with horses, I highly recommend Ivan's Choice.
September 16, 2019
If you enjoy clean, inspirational reads, then Ivan’s Choice is the perfect book to add to your library. This centers around Pippa and Bryce and their hope to both purchase Ivan. I won’t leave any spoilers, but I will say I read this book in one sitting because I had to see what happened.
March 17, 2022
Good story.
Both characters have faced disappointment, but deal with it slightly differently.
Being forced to work together while tending horses through a storm turns their animosity to friendship... and maybe more?
Both characters have faced disappointment, but deal with it slightly differently.
Being forced to work together while tending horses through a storm turns their animosity to friendship... and maybe more?
April 12, 2019
I didn't like it because it is a children's book. If I had known, I wouldn't have picked it to read.
June 10, 2020
Ivan's Choice, is a wonderful sweet story about the love of horses and people's relationships. The story is well put together and I really enjoyed reading it
July 26, 2023
A fun, entertaining read. One you don't have to hide if the grandkids or the preacher drops by! I always appreciate those and they're hard to find. T
Thank you Ms. Walker for giving me a new author!
Thank you Ms. Walker for giving me a new author!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews