Good Things Come

Good Things Come #1

by Linda Shantz

“There’s so much more to life than horses.” Was there, though?


If Liv wasn’t such a control freak, it wouldn’t have rubbed her the wrong way when the farm’s new exercise rider stepped in to resuscitate Chique, the first foal out of her father’s favourite mare. But when she drops out of vet school to get her jockey’s license in New York, intent on coming back to Ontario to ride Chique in the Queen’s Plate in three years, he’s the obvious choice to keep an eye on the filly.

Nate’s content to watch Liv go, even though he’s got similar aspirations – when he’s not talked out of them by voices from his past. His growing bond with Chique might earn him Liv’s approval and give him the fresh start he’s looking for, but that’s as involved as he’s getting with the boss’s daughter. Not that Liv’s been receptive to anything more.

Liv’s determined to keep their relationship professional, no matter how much Chique draws them together. Because racetrack romances are messy…and nothing can interfere with getting Chique to the Plate.


Set against the backdrop of North America’s greatest racetracks,
Good Things Come is a story about the hearts of Thoroughbreds...the
people who love them...and the allure of Canada’s most prestigious race.

Genres: Horses, Romance, Contemporary

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2020

About the author

After many years of working at the racetrack, Linda now manages a small herd of retired racehorses, who usually give her enough time off to paint and write. She lives on a small farm in Southern Ontario with the horses and her Border Collie and is best known for her art, which can be seen at www.lindashantz.com

Reviews

[Hannah Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 Stars

Highlights:
⭐️ Horses, drama, and romance? I am there 😂😍 Definitely hooked on continuing on with this series!
⭐️ This is one emotional read and it’ll rip your heart out a little, but I still loved it.
⭐️ Again the authenticity of someone who has been around horses and been jn the industry shines through here. The horses, in particular Claire and Chique, take on a pivotal role in the story.
⭐️ Liv and Nate. There’s so much to say here, but I’m trying to keep it spoiler free. They were on one roller coaster of a journey, but seeing them get together at the end was so worth it.
⭐️ There were so many other secondary characters I enjoyed and I’m really glad to see that Faye gets her own novella. Looking forward to picking up that one next!

[Tina Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading a good, long book is so important in these unsettling times, and author, Linda Shantz has certainly delivered with her debut novel, Good Things Come. Set in the world of Canadian racing, this novel will take you deep into the very heart of this truly extraordinary existence for both horses and humans alike.

Just lying behind the beautiful cover is the heart-warming arrival of a new foal, a filly. Will she eventually become the star of the racetrack? How ever her life turns out, this is just one book that will allow you to experience the drama of romance and the excitement of the races as if you were right there with them.

Ms Shantz draws on her professionalism and obvious love of horses to relay this truthful life tale to you and aspiring equestrians everywhere.

[Bonnie Sogoloff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve obsessively read horse stories my entire reading life, as long as they are authentic, I will continue to read them the rest of my life. Good Things Come was interesting as it was about Canadian horse racing and that was new for me. I also appreciated the love story in the novel, which more was about a shared experience with no lurid sex scenes to clutter up the narrative.

[Teresa Bryce · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lifetime lover of all things horse, a series centering on the racetrack is a terrific find for me. The characters feel real, the racing scenes filled with tension (I closed my eyes during one scene which works really well with a book), and the challenges faced by those in the story palpable. The equine characters are as alive on the page as the humans, particularly one quirky, unpredictable little mare named Chique. Linda Shantz shares an obvious intimate knowledge of horses and racing for those who love the sport, and tells a great tale, for those who just enjoy a good story. I'm not typically a series reader, but have already purchased the next book in this series, and pre-ordered number three.

[Ghizwiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique, authentic, & inspiring TB racing fiction!!

This one is for all real horse people who want a great equestrian based story from an author who knows horses and cares to get the details right. Not only will readers get swept in by the unique North American racing drama & complex, realistic relationships, the rich details will provide a thrilling insight into the sport of kings as only an author with the true experience could share. A wonderful read, cannot wait for the sequel!!!

[Analisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

i’ll convince you to read this book using one quote and one quote only…

“She didn’t know if she believed in God, but here she felt a presence that made her feel foolish for doubting. Everything happened for a reason.”

sorry i just don’t have that many thoughts other than this book was long and kinda boring.

like i was relatively interested but i keep comparing it to heartland which i liked much more, plot-wise.

needless to say, i won’t be reading the other 7 books in the series at the time.

[Michelle Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a horse girl. (Buuut, I have to admit that I did enjoy horse stories and movies as a young girl). Either way, I am a story girl. If there’s a good story, I am there. And this story is a must read. Good Things Come is a book that takes you on a horse racing journey with believable, well-developed characters.

I could relate to Liv even though there were times I wanted to shake her. I liked Nate (most of the time, haha). I, also, liked Faye, a lot, and I’m so glad there’s a side story with her as the protagonist.

I am thrilled to find out what is next for Liv and have high expectations on her in the sequel. I enjoy the no nonsense female characters that lead their path, even if sometimes things might get a bit muddy. My favorite line from her: "It's so cliché. Smart horse girl has to go to vet school, right? Don't get me wrong, I'm a total science geek. I love it. I just love this more."

The level of detail the author entails in the story without overwhelming the reader is done rather well in this book. Details are executed full circle.

Horse girl or not... horse person or not… this story will leave you wanting for more.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A warm and realistically-drawn racetrack tale, stuffed with every aspect of Thoroughbreds we miss the most. More thoughts and a chat with the author here: https://tinyletter.com/ReadersUp/lett...

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a horse racing fan and horse lover, I enjoyed this book for it's realism of details and the characters' love of the sport. It includes mild romance in the storyline and made me hopeful of a "match made in heaven" between the main characters throughout the book. Linda Shantz did a good job keeping my interest and I look forward to the next book.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading The Dressage Chronicles series (and loving it), I wanted to find a new series that revolves around equines and tells a story with realistic detail. Not only does the book focus on its human characters but the horses also have a spotlight and personality. This book definitely got my attention and is true to what real life on the track is like. Love the romance between Nate and Liv. Definitely looking forward to the next book.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Looking forward to the next book in the series that releases soon! The author clearly knows horses and horse racing. Love, love, love!!!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an audio version of this book from the author through Story Origin. This is my voluntary review.
My dad owned a few racehorses in the 60s, but I was too young to know how it all worked. We enjoyed going to the races, though. Small tracks in Nebraska and Omaha.
So fun to read about the workings and struggles of owning and racing these horses. Super characters. I was pulling for the horses and humans from the start!
The narrator did a nice job. She could have made the book, especially the races, more exciting, but she was easy to listen to.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So happy I found a fabulous adult horse racing author. A birthday gift today to myself and will be buying the rest in the series!

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real look into Canadian thoroughbred racing from
first time author Linda Shantz . If you are involve in
The Sport of King you will recongnise yourself in this story , for the others you will discover a fascinating world : hard work , heartbreak,camaraderie ,rivalry and resilience it's all here but mostly the love we all share for those
magnificent horses .

[Sharon Simons-Passmore]

As this is Linda's first book, I wasn't sure what to expect and was delightfully entertained. Her writing was terrific story-telling, and the horse racing details were exceptional. The characters were likeable and their backstories were slowly introduced throughout the book. As a former "racetracker", I loved reliving the stable routines, jargon, and could actually visualize the various horses' personalities. I found myself laughing out loud at their antics. The book definitely left me wanting more.

[Bobbi Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read!

First book I have read by this author, but I will be following so I can read more! Great detail to track life and interesting story line.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story about Liv and her horses in Toronto and Florida with a bit of romance thrown into the mix.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Canadian horse racing done right. What’s not to love? I’m eagerly awaiting the second book in the series. Come on spring 2021!

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book. It is set in my hometown province and it is really, really interesting. The equine world is a world of its own and I learned new things reading the book. Don't forget Liv and Nate...these two are so, so interesting. I really liked this first book and I'm looking forward to the next one!

[Andrea Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO good. A little Dick Francis, a little Maeve Binchy.
It's been a while since I haven't wanted to put a book down - so thank you for that!
My copy is paperback and I am so glad as I know I will reread it

[Linda Shantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I see a lot of authors reviewing their own books, which I always thought was weird, but now seems like a good way to help introduce a book to the Goodreads universe.

Set in the world of Canadian horse racing, it's a story about dealing with grief, letting go of the past, and reframing dreams when things don't turn out the way they were supposed to. And while there is what I like to call a reluctant romance, it's just as much a story about Thoroughbreds and the people who build their worlds around them.

[Beverley Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensational debut novel
If you love horses and thoroughbred racing with a Canadian flare, you will love the debut novel of Linda Shantz. Not only is she a knowledgeable horsewoman but also an acclaimed equine artist.
The story grabs you from the very first chapter and gallops to the finish line with a win! Can't wait for the sequel expected in the spring of 2021.
Highly recommend this book.

[Shawnee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only 4 stars because I had a difficult time liking the main character. Liv had issues, sure, but she didn't have to be such a total beast. I loved the horses!🐎

[Jim Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read !

As a dressage rider and horse owner, this book opened up a new awareness into the world of horse racing. I enjoyed the characters very much.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked all the "horsey" stuff but the angsty, romance not so much.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated that the author seemed to know horse racing but none of the characters worried about money so that's an omission. I also had a hard time caring about the characters.

[Gail Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun story

This story of Horse Racing is a bit corny but it did keep my attention. There is interesting fairly accurate information about the sport and a love story to boot!

[Tiffany Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

a beautiful horse novel

I enjoyed reading this so much. Definitely a slowwwwww burn romance. Beautiful descriptions and such a lovely story. Can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Laura Holt-Haslam · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love the sport of Thoroughbred racing, this book is for you!

As a lifelong horse lover, it’s hard to resist a book with a pretty horse on the front, especially one featuring Linda Shantz’s gorgeous painting. I received an audiobook copy of Good Things Come from the author, and am offering my honest review.

While I’m an avid equestrian, I don’t know much about the horse racing industry. This novel brought me behind the scenes, painting a vivid picture of everyday life on the breeding farm and the backstretch, and the many ups and downs of training and racing. I appreciated that the horses didn’t always win their important races, and that Liv (the protagonist vet student turned jockey) struggled to succeed, often failing in both her riding and her personal relationships. Of course, there are also moments of triumph, but they feel realistic and well-earned. I enjoyed the fillies, Chique and Claire, with their distinct personalities, and rooted for them as their lives, training, and racing progressed. Liv and Nate’s affection and devotion to them are the heart of the book.

The novel begins at Chique’s birth and ends when she is a three-year-old, so the story takes place over three-plus years. My one frustration with the book is that during this long time period, Liv cycles through the same pattern of thoughts and behaviors toward Nate, who she is attracted to. She continually pushes him away, is snappish and rude, and rejects his kindness and concern for her. It made it hard for me to want long-suffering Nate to get together with her, and I often found myself frustrated with Liv’s choices.

The audiobook is well done. The reader uses some different voices and accents, but there were a few places where it was hard to distinguish between the various characters’ dialogue.

Overall, it was a great book, and I recommend it to horse lovers and fans of racing.

[J. L. Linn · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Good Things Come✨ This one is a roller coaster! This follows Liv who drops out of vet school to fulfill her dream of being a jockey. She has a horse from her farm that she believes she can do great things with. A new exercise rider, Nate, has the potential to distract Liz - if she allows it but she is always in control. Tragedy strikes Liz on more than one occasion and life doesn’t go like she had planned. But good things come…

This story is on the move as it follows the horse racing circuit, and I thought it depicted racing life well. The characters were written in a way where you just wanted to shake them! Haha! Open your eyes, Nate and Liv! Are they ever honest with each other about their feelings? You’ll have to read to find out! This is ultimately set in Canada which I enjoyed, but they do travel around for the races. Overall, I enjoyed the story and do recommend it.

I received an ARC of the audiobook which I thought was done well. I would’ve like a bit more theatrics and change in voice for characters as it was a bit flat at times. I enjoyed it overall.

Available on Amazon and Audible.