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Breezing: A Novel
“What a gorgeous book! Very reminiscent of Dick Francis with its in-depth knowledge of horses and the world of thoroughbred racing…”—NetGalley Reviewer
In the world of high-stakes horse racing, is it training, money, or luck that gets the win? C.J. Jamieson is a young, gifted female jockey with a complicated past and a strong desire to break through in the competitive world of thoroughbred racing.
Trainer Ritchie Gallo, on the other hand, has spent half his life in the sport. He's at the top of his game, but he's never been lucky enough to train a world-class racehorse. Until now. He finally has the horse, but needs the perfect rider.
Call it luck or fate, but when Gallo comes across C.J., he knows he might finally have his ticket to the winners circle.
Follow Gallo and C.J. as they compete in the turbulent world of thoroughbred racing in a beautifully told, fast-paced story of triumph, tragedy, and perseverance. From the tracks of Saratoga to the famous Churchill Downs, their journey together teaches them that winning races on fragile legs isn't so different than winning at life with fragile hearts.
In the world of high-stakes horse racing, is it training, money, or luck that gets the win? C.J. Jamieson is a young, gifted female jockey with a complicated past and a strong desire to break through in the competitive world of thoroughbred racing.
Trainer Ritchie Gallo, on the other hand, has spent half his life in the sport. He's at the top of his game, but he's never been lucky enough to train a world-class racehorse. Until now. He finally has the horse, but needs the perfect rider.
Call it luck or fate, but when Gallo comes across C.J., he knows he might finally have his ticket to the winners circle.
Follow Gallo and C.J. as they compete in the turbulent world of thoroughbred racing in a beautifully told, fast-paced story of triumph, tragedy, and perseverance. From the tracks of Saratoga to the famous Churchill Downs, their journey together teaches them that winning races on fragile legs isn't so different than winning at life with fragile hearts.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2020
41 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Michael Ferrara
8 books2 followersMike Ferrara is a graduate of Syracuse University who then spent eight years as an Air Force Officer. After returning from duty in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, Mike earned a Masters Degree at the Air Force Institute of Technology and then served for five years in the military space program. Mike left the Air Force in 1979 to pursue a thirty year career on Wall Street.
After beginning his first novel in 1974 and having it rejected by a literary agent, he put writing on the back burner until his retirement when he wrote "The Land of the Million Elephants."
After beginning his first novel in 1974 and having it rejected by a literary agent, he put writing on the back burner until his retirement when he wrote "The Land of the Million Elephants."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 10, 2021
A Great Racetrack Story Showing Many Emotions As They Are Everyday
I started as a young girl in love with horses and reading every horse book I could find! Eventually my love of race horses brought me to the track, where I worked from groom to trainer. The track is a complete family, all brought together by our love for the thoroughbred horse. This delightful story shows the ups and downs of backstretch workers daily, and how one good horse can make such a difference...But it's a hard job, so much luck is also needed to just get that large, fragile animal to a race....
A great read that will have you laughing, crying, and wondering about a humans connection to an animal...It is so beautiful to see, this book will bring that to you....
I started as a young girl in love with horses and reading every horse book I could find! Eventually my love of race horses brought me to the track, where I worked from groom to trainer. The track is a complete family, all brought together by our love for the thoroughbred horse. This delightful story shows the ups and downs of backstretch workers daily, and how one good horse can make such a difference...But it's a hard job, so much luck is also needed to just get that large, fragile animal to a race....
A great read that will have you laughing, crying, and wondering about a humans connection to an animal...It is so beautiful to see, this book will bring that to you....
June 5, 2020
I love reading books about horses and Breezing is a wonderful tale which takes us into the world of US thoroughbred horse racing.
Trainer Ritchie Gallo is approached one morning by a young female jockey looking for some practice rides. Ritchie is intrigued by the young shy girl and decides to give her a chance riding out on one of his best horses. He is impressed by her ability to communicate with horses and form great relationships with the animals, however with humans she is quiet and withdrawn.
As the story progresses the reason for CJ`s reserved nature is revealed, and Ritchie learns that a link to his past has resurfaced. I loved the deep care of the horses which was shared by both trainer and rider, their wellbeing mattering more than big money and glitzy trophies. The book is about overcoming obstacles, making difficult decisions, and succeeding against the odds.
Horse lovers will love this well written story with great characterisation, riveting friendships and strong bonds between humans and animals.
Trainer Ritchie Gallo is approached one morning by a young female jockey looking for some practice rides. Ritchie is intrigued by the young shy girl and decides to give her a chance riding out on one of his best horses. He is impressed by her ability to communicate with horses and form great relationships with the animals, however with humans she is quiet and withdrawn.
As the story progresses the reason for CJ`s reserved nature is revealed, and Ritchie learns that a link to his past has resurfaced. I loved the deep care of the horses which was shared by both trainer and rider, their wellbeing mattering more than big money and glitzy trophies. The book is about overcoming obstacles, making difficult decisions, and succeeding against the odds.
Horse lovers will love this well written story with great characterisation, riveting friendships and strong bonds between humans and animals.
May 26, 2021
Breezing review
Good story with a strong message
Give this book to anyone suffering from depression
It may help the person look up and out and also within to be happier . The references to the stoic self- help philosophy of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius are excellent .
If a new edition is printed please get a horse person on board - I am a Veterinarian and racehorse trainer
The story Needs some technical terms and scenarios about working with racehorses corrected .
They wear bridles , not “bridals”
. Butazolidin is not injected into joints but given IV
Other substances are injected into joints
Horses are put down with an intravenous not intraarterial injection of a barbiturate
No one would ever put a foal , a top race filly ,and a fit racing stallion in the same paddock
That is a recipe for disaster even with a horse savant like the main character CJ present
Stallions do not lead bands of wild horses , mares do
Stallions provide the rear guard for the band
Otherwise a very good book
Good story with a strong message
Give this book to anyone suffering from depression
It may help the person look up and out and also within to be happier . The references to the stoic self- help philosophy of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius are excellent .
If a new edition is printed please get a horse person on board - I am a Veterinarian and racehorse trainer
The story Needs some technical terms and scenarios about working with racehorses corrected .
They wear bridles , not “bridals”
. Butazolidin is not injected into joints but given IV
Other substances are injected into joints
Horses are put down with an intravenous not intraarterial injection of a barbiturate
No one would ever put a foal , a top race filly ,and a fit racing stallion in the same paddock
That is a recipe for disaster even with a horse savant like the main character CJ present
Stallions do not lead bands of wild horses , mares do
Stallions provide the rear guard for the band
Otherwise a very good book
June 30, 2020
Who among us does not love horses? From the very beginning, bouncing on our father's knee, through the nursery horse on springs and the Merry Go Round at the carnival. In books, at rodeos. And at the major venues: Belmont, Santa Anita, Saratoga and Churchill Downs. Derby parties every spring.
Ritchie Gallo, a trainer of two horses: Tackle Tim Tom and Hit the Bid. Jimmy, the groom. Jockeys have agents, and John McCann is the best. Into this world of big money and fast horses one day comes John McCann bringing a young lady wearing a down vest over a polo shirt, a riding helmet, jeans and riding boots. Her name is Cicely Jamieson, who says "Everybody calls me CJ". She tells Ritchie how many races she has won, how many second place, how many show. She says she wants to work with him.
CJ seems to have a way with these magnificent beasts. She can talk to them, and they seem to react to her. It's not long before she has them literally and figuratively eating out of her hand. Behind the scenes, her father represents owners: those with money, hoping to make more.
The world of high stakes horse racing as you've never seen it. Come along for the ride!
I read this EARC courtesy of Books Go Social and Net Galley. pub date 04/12/20
Ritchie Gallo, a trainer of two horses: Tackle Tim Tom and Hit the Bid. Jimmy, the groom. Jockeys have agents, and John McCann is the best. Into this world of big money and fast horses one day comes John McCann bringing a young lady wearing a down vest over a polo shirt, a riding helmet, jeans and riding boots. Her name is Cicely Jamieson, who says "Everybody calls me CJ". She tells Ritchie how many races she has won, how many second place, how many show. She says she wants to work with him.
CJ seems to have a way with these magnificent beasts. She can talk to them, and they seem to react to her. It's not long before she has them literally and figuratively eating out of her hand. Behind the scenes, her father represents owners: those with money, hoping to make more.
The world of high stakes horse racing as you've never seen it. Come along for the ride!
I read this EARC courtesy of Books Go Social and Net Galley. pub date 04/12/20
May 1, 2021
Breezing has wonderful detail about racing and preparing the thoroughbreds for races, the rapport between a horse and its rider, and the excitement of the races and the pressures to win. In fact "breezing" is a training term used to describe horses’ workouts between races. It has different meanings depending on where the workout took place. At western tracks, the term means that the horse was working out with either no or little encouragement from its rider. But in the East and Midwest, breezing describes a workout where the rider was encouraging the horse to run on his or her own, with the rider sitting “chilly” and not calling for more effort. However, as knowledgeable as author Michael Ferrara is about the horse racing world, he was a bit clunky in his writing and sometimes stilted in the conversations. Too often the story felt like a piece of technical writing rather than a fictional novel. I liked the characters, although they were a bit one dimensional at times, and I loved the horses. It was fun to be in that horse world, especially as this month in real life is the Kentucky Derby. I've been to a race there, but a very minor one. Wish I was rich enough for the real Derby!
December 17, 2020
I was attracted to the book firstly by the cover and then the thoroughbred racing storyline. Having a female jockey succeed despite traumatic brain injury as a child was quite inspiring. I imagine a few readers could relate to a situation like this despite the absence of any connection to actual events.
Like an earlier reviewer I too have worked in the racing industry and found a few sections unrealistic compared to what I know happens in Australia. This book would better suit readers who aren’t as fussy about their horse facts and just love horses.
CJ made me think of Michelle Payne who was the first female jockey to win the Melbourne cup.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free digital copy in return for an honest review.
Like an earlier reviewer I too have worked in the racing industry and found a few sections unrealistic compared to what I know happens in Australia. This book would better suit readers who aren’t as fussy about their horse facts and just love horses.
CJ made me think of Michelle Payne who was the first female jockey to win the Melbourne cup.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free digital copy in return for an honest review.
March 11, 2022
Extraordinary! This is a great book, in so many ways. I became one with several characters, thanks to Mr Ferrara's ability to let me inhabit their persona's, including humans and equines. The storyline keeps you riveted to each and every movement. The reader becomes intimate with TBI (traumatic brain injury), leaving the reader highly educated, and more importantly, how it feels and how one reacts as CJ lives and grows. Really grabbed me on an emotional level as few stories have. This coming from someone who reads 4-5 novels a week. Ritchie, Jimmy, Channing, all so well-developed. Thank you for such a fulfilling read.
June 1, 2020
A beautiful story of overcoming the obstacles of mental health after a brain injury, Cicely Jamieson rides for horse trainer Ritchie Gallo and makes a name for herself as not only an accomplished rider but a determined young lady who finally finds her place in society and life in general.
This book was a lovely read and if you are like me, from a horse racing background, you will enjoy every word written and wish for more.
Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read, review and recommend this book. 5* for this one.
This book was a lovely read and if you are like me, from a horse racing background, you will enjoy every word written and wish for more.
Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read, review and recommend this book. 5* for this one.
January 19, 2021
Great read
This is a great page turner of a read. The characters are well introduced and developed and very believable. The author definitely is knowledgeable about Thoroughbreds and running them, which makes this book more enjoyable for people who are experienced in equines. I really enjoyed the story line and it drew you in right away and kept your interest right to the last page. I will be looking for more by this author.
This is a great page turner of a read. The characters are well introduced and developed and very believable. The author definitely is knowledgeable about Thoroughbreds and running them, which makes this book more enjoyable for people who are experienced in equines. I really enjoyed the story line and it drew you in right away and kept your interest right to the last page. I will be looking for more by this author.
April 28, 2021
Good Book about horseracing
This was an ok book to read. Being an avid fan of horseracing there was a few mistakes in the book about racing itself. This book seems to be more about overcoming adversity set in a horseracing scene. Also I didn't like that the author used another horses tragedy in the book. The great filly Ruffian died in a match race in the 70's. It was quite upsetting he used the same event to kill off the filly in the book.
This was an ok book to read. Being an avid fan of horseracing there was a few mistakes in the book about racing itself. This book seems to be more about overcoming adversity set in a horseracing scene. Also I didn't like that the author used another horses tragedy in the book. The great filly Ruffian died in a match race in the 70's. It was quite upsetting he used the same event to kill off the filly in the book.
August 10, 2020
A Perfect Start
This book is like an M Rated love letter to the horse novels I loved as a child. I cried a few times while reading, I laughed way more and I fell in love with these characters. The horses feel so real that a part of me wants to go to Kentucky and meet them for myself, along with a jockey who brings out the best in everyone around her. I want more more more!
This book is like an M Rated love letter to the horse novels I loved as a child. I cried a few times while reading, I laughed way more and I fell in love with these characters. The horses feel so real that a part of me wants to go to Kentucky and meet them for myself, along with a jockey who brings out the best in everyone around her. I want more more more!
January 19, 2021
Couldn't put it down...
The story hooks you from the beginning. Characters are realistic and the story line just draws you in. Set with the backdrop to some of racing's hallowed grounds and revered races. Real life glimpses into life on the backside, including the highs and the lowest of the lows. A story of overcoming adversity and not settling for second best A-+++++++++
The story hooks you from the beginning. Characters are realistic and the story line just draws you in. Set with the backdrop to some of racing's hallowed grounds and revered races. Real life glimpses into life on the backside, including the highs and the lowest of the lows. A story of overcoming adversity and not settling for second best A-+++++++++
May 26, 2020
A good summer read, centred around the horse racing industry in the USA. Filled with good characters, a lovely setting and a tale of overcoming obstacles and finding love. Horse lovers will enjoy it and it makes a lovely read for summer. I enjoyed it. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
July 9, 2020
Breezing is a must read
Breezing is a brilliant novel for horse lovers, and for people who enjoy a great read!! it was like being on an exciting rollercoaster with all it's surprising and unexpected ups and downs! It is a novel that won't disappoint you!!
Breezing is a brilliant novel for horse lovers, and for people who enjoy a great read!! it was like being on an exciting rollercoaster with all it's surprising and unexpected ups and downs! It is a novel that won't disappoint you!!
August 17, 2020
From the dark into the light
This is the story of a young women's journey from the dark of a serious head injury into the light of love. Along the way her friends and helpers also grow. It is set against a very well researched story of thoroughbred horse racing.
This is the story of a young women's journey from the dark of a serious head injury into the light of love. Along the way her friends and helpers also grow. It is set against a very well researched story of thoroughbred horse racing.
August 18, 2020
So Heartwarming
This book was so amazing. The characters were excellent. I read the book in a day. I couldn't and didn't want to put it down. If you like horse racing, this is a great backside story.
This book was so amazing. The characters were excellent. I read the book in a day. I couldn't and didn't want to put it down. If you like horse racing, this is a great backside story.
December 20, 2020
Great Read!
Good plot and characters... I am on a quest to read about the horse racing biz so l can learn more about the ends and outs of this great sport. This was a good novel to start my journey.
Good plot and characters... I am on a quest to read about the horse racing biz so l can learn more about the ends and outs of this great sport. This was a good novel to start my journey.
February 19, 2021
Heartwarming
This book hits every heartstring! I do hope the author continues the story! There's so much more to learn about the characters as well as the world they live and work in.
This book hits every heartstring! I do hope the author continues the story! There's so much more to learn about the characters as well as the world they live and work in.
March 10, 2021
Wonderful story. Kept me wanting more time to read. Characters were portrayed very well. I would recommend this book very highly.
Wonderfulstory. Kept me wanting more time to read. Characters were portrayed very well. I would recommend this book very highly.
Wonderfulstory. Kept me wanting more time to read. Characters were portrayed very well. I would recommend this book very highly.
April 2, 2021
Horse lovers check it out
Had a horse when I was a kid and have volunteered at helping wounded warriors get right and well so I know these special animals are gifted. Great read and very educational.
Had a horse when I was a kid and have volunteered at helping wounded warriors get right and well so I know these special animals are gifted. Great read and very educational.
June 4, 2021
EXCEPTIONAL!
The author did an outstanding job portraying life revolving around Thoroughbred Horse Racing. The story was fast paced and easy to read with love prevailing in the end.
The author did an outstanding job portraying life revolving around Thoroughbred Horse Racing. The story was fast paced and easy to read with love prevailing in the end.
July 11, 2021
Breeding - a great novel
I really enjoyed the book and hope there is a sequel. The author blends horse Racine and the love of horses with a very strong personal storyline. The book is appropriate for older kids and adults, with no gratuitous sex.
I really enjoyed the book and hope there is a sequel. The author blends horse Racine and the love of horses with a very strong personal storyline. The book is appropriate for older kids and adults, with no gratuitous sex.
September 27, 2021
Most Enjoyable!!
It was a wonderful heartwarming novel about horses and a disabled girl who can understand them. As she rides and reads their thoughts, she come out of her shell and also gets better at interacting with and understanding people.
It was a wonderful heartwarming novel about horses and a disabled girl who can understand them. As she rides and reads their thoughts, she come out of her shell and also gets better at interacting with and understanding people.
August 24, 2020
CJ's dad is a jerk. I was a bit offended by the phrase in chapter 35 that had the "he's a man, it's to be expected " mentality.
December 16, 2020
Wonderful story
Fell in love with CJ, the horses and all the characters , not to forget the race tracks and excitement. Riveting to the end.
Well done!!
Fell in love with CJ, the horses and all the characters , not to forget the race tracks and excitement. Riveting to the end.
Well done!!
January 8, 2021
great story
wonderful story. learned about training a horse and the racing business also the love of a horse by a girl
wonderful story. learned about training a horse and the racing business also the love of a horse by a girl
January 8, 2021
Excellent book. A real "feel good" story.
February 9, 2021
Good material
I liked the story but the writing was but juvenile for my taste. More on the left c Elizabeth with tweens
I liked the story but the writing was but juvenile for my taste. More on the left c Elizabeth with tweens
March 16, 2021
A fluffy novel about horse racing- a little soft on horse facts which got eye rolls from me.
October 17, 2022
A jolly good horse racing read.
I liked the use of the race tactics in the book. I know very little of horse racing but this book was an education as well. Excellent!
I liked the use of the race tactics in the book. I know very little of horse racing but this book was an education as well. Excellent!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews