Riding Out the Return

Laura Harper Trilogy #1

by Hilary Walker

When her husband Jack has a freak training accident, Laura Harper is launched into the world of horses and in no time at all, the successful accountant is mesmerized by a little colt.

Then the Harper couple suffer a big blow. Jack’s ex-girlfriend, Penny, is demanding he help her find their baby, whom she gave up eighteen years ago.

That child is Laura’s adoptive son, but she and Jack don’t want to reveal that he is living with them. The boy met Penny once and despises her. Discovering she’s his birth mother will trigger his autoimmune disease – and scar him emotionally.

But can Laura and Jack keep the information a secret? Or are they morally obliged to divulge the truth?

As always, Father Michael is on hand to guide the family with humor and wisdom through their biggest challenge yet.

195 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2020

About the author

Hilary 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.

Reviews

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riding out the Return by Hilary Walker
Story starts out with Laura and her husband at the horse farm along with their son who's recovering from a UC episode.
Like hearing of the therapy the horses are given as they attempt to calm the horses so anybody can ride them again. Most have been damaged in one way or another.
Laura is now pregnant and still working and sometimes helping out at the farm where she bonds with a new foal.
There is an emergency with an upset horse that puts Jack in harms way...
The family help so many others by allowing a couple to stay at the cabin while they heal from a loss, Jacks' ex shows up and wants to know where her son is, Laura deals with uncertainty for their future and health.
So many exciting things to read about in this story that I really enjoyed.
Love how they also help an ex husband with his new course of life, Father Michael and all he does during the book among others in the community.
Can be read as a stand alone but as I've read the whole series it brings me up to date on everybody and what they are doing with their religion and lives.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

[Kathy Zeigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to new series.
Just finished reading Riding Out the Return by Hilary Walker. There is a lot going on in this book: a strong-willed horse, an accident caused by said horse, an unhappy ex-wife creating problems for Jack and Laura, their son Joe in the middle of all this. Also in this story is an injured baby red fox whose rescue helps an older bereaved couple whose young adult son died from an opioid overdose. It is interesting to see how everything all pulls together to reach a satisfying conclusion. This is the first book in a trilogy and I look forward to reading the rest of the books. However, this book can be read alone and enjoyed.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the author, Hilary Walker, via Bookfunnel and this is my voluntary and honest review. This is a wonderful book about the healing power that horses provide for humans who are distressed either physically or mentally. Jack and Laura Harper and their teenaged son, Joe, own a horse farm where Jack trains horses to overcome behavior problems when their owners can't handle them. Jack and his son both have a medical condition that requires a special diet and less stress so they are aware of the healing power of horses in their lives and for others who they invite to stay with them like a couple who lost their son to a drug overdose. The Harpers are devout Catholics and their son is dating a girl who is a Lutheran so there is some discussion about the beliefs of both religions. Some people may find this offensive but I found it interesting especially in a book of fiction. I recommend this book especially for animal lovers.

[SJ Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack was a horse trainer and while his wife Laura watched, a troubled horse sent him to the ER. When he was released with orders to not ride any horse for several weeks, he had to instruct his son in the training of the troubled horse. I loved getting to see the training step by step, even though I don't have horses, it was really interesting. If you like clean stories with heart and horse talk, you can't go wrong with 'Riding Out the Return'. I highly recommend. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.

[Tara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

I was expecting a story about horses, not a religious sell.
Reading this has reconfirmed my choice to avoid organized religion, especially Catholicism. To make comments about the "superiority" of a religion is so antiquated. Having pride in your beliefs is not synonymous with disparaging views about all others.
I was put off by Laura's distasteful view of horses and he own gender. The dig at the end about how needy with are, but no reciprocal comments about men was offensive.

[Jolene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in her new series about the Harper Family. The drama begins when Jack falls from a rambunctious horse during a training session. During his slow recovery, his wife Laura and son Joe pitch in with the farm chores while facing their personal trials. A real page turner guaranteed to keep the reader riveted until the last page. Definitely looking forward to reading the next installments!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good! It is an inspirational read that has just enough drama to keep you turning the pages. The author brings the story to life with her words. You can see the scenery and feel all the emotions in both the humans and animals. I loved reading this book and can't wait to see what she writes next.

[Lennie McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riding Out the Return by Hilary Walker

I love horses and finding an "adult " horse novel was cool.
Laura and Jack along with their son, Joe are a close knit family. They are very close to their Catholic Priest and he figures prominently in the book.
Lots of horsey stuff and some tough life lessons made for an interesting read.

[Rachael Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the characters. I want to have dinner with Father Michael...he cracks me up! Everyone is so real...like you have known them forever. Learning about horses has been very interesting and thought provoking. Very relaxing read with plenty of twists and turns. Enjoy!

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riding Out the Return by Hilary Walker is a well-written story with Christian principles. The book is about love, understanding, trust, relationships and horses. A wonderfully engaging story with wonderful characters due you get to know well. The book in fascinating thill the end.

[Renee Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read that was inspirational and many ways. The read will keep you reading with the adventure and emotions that are dealt with.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the witty banter in this OVERTLY CHRISTIAN story.
It's full of horse info as well as a bit of ecumenical discussion.

There's are quite a few serious topics touched on but with lots of light moments sprinkled in.

I loved all the featured characters. They were well done.