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Impelled: An Equestrian Romantic Suspense Series
2022 EQUUS Arts Festival Literary First Place Award Winner
Will Emma have a chance at love and the new future she has worked so hard to build, or will an unknown stranger bent on destroying her life do so first?
For twenty-two year old Emma Walker, there is one thing that has been at the center of her world since the age of Horses.
As Emma tries to balance a job, her last year of college, and the fallout of a bad breakup, she is thankful for the escape being at the barn around horses still brings her in adulthood.
Despite torn feelings of guilt for being drawn to a new horse after the death of her first horse, Emma finds she has an undeniable connection to a chestnut mare named Valentine and begins training the mare to compete in the sport of show-jumping.
Then, one seemingly ordinary day, Emma receives news that impels her to make a life altering decision, turning her entire world upside-down and taking her on a journey to a new life in a place far from everything she’s ever known.
While Emma is fighting to create a new future for herself, she is surprised when a guy from her past life back home shows up in the present. But is she ready to trust him given her current circumstances and especially since his arrival is timed perfectly with a threatening note?
Not to mention Michael, the farm's live-in handyman, who is slowly becoming her friend and confidant despite his original aloofness. Is there a spark between them that she has been denying because of the complications of working together, knowing that could threaten everything she’s working so hard for?
Emma’s decision will not only change her life in ways she never anticipated, but will put her directly in the path of someone who will threaten her future and everything she loves – not to mention her and Valentine’s lives.
Impelled will take you on a journey to some familiar and tropical horse capital cities in Florida with Emma as she and her beloved horse are pulled into twists & turns, put in danger, and then on a wild ride you will never see coming.
(Clean equestrian fiction / romantic suspense series with no sexual content or foul language.
Suitable for young adults and adults. This series is intended to be read sequentially .)
Editorial "Ocala, Wellington, suspense, a love triangle, and horses – does it get any better? No, it does not, and you’ll find all that and more in Sarah Welk Baynum’s debut novel, Impelled."
- An excerpt from the Horse & Style Magazine article by Laurie Berglie
" A suspenseful, romantic, page-turning story about a young woman's search for success in the Florida show jumping world. Emma Walker is starting a new life. One in which she lets go of everything to begin again, everything that is, except her love of horses. Impelled is a lovely debut novel that gets the horse facts right and is difficult to put down. I look forward to reading the next book in this series"
- Carly Kade, author of the "In the Reins" series and host of the Equestrian Spotlight Podcast
Will Emma have a chance at love and the new future she has worked so hard to build, or will an unknown stranger bent on destroying her life do so first?
For twenty-two year old Emma Walker, there is one thing that has been at the center of her world since the age of Horses.
As Emma tries to balance a job, her last year of college, and the fallout of a bad breakup, she is thankful for the escape being at the barn around horses still brings her in adulthood.
Despite torn feelings of guilt for being drawn to a new horse after the death of her first horse, Emma finds she has an undeniable connection to a chestnut mare named Valentine and begins training the mare to compete in the sport of show-jumping.
Then, one seemingly ordinary day, Emma receives news that impels her to make a life altering decision, turning her entire world upside-down and taking her on a journey to a new life in a place far from everything she’s ever known.
While Emma is fighting to create a new future for herself, she is surprised when a guy from her past life back home shows up in the present. But is she ready to trust him given her current circumstances and especially since his arrival is timed perfectly with a threatening note?
Not to mention Michael, the farm's live-in handyman, who is slowly becoming her friend and confidant despite his original aloofness. Is there a spark between them that she has been denying because of the complications of working together, knowing that could threaten everything she’s working so hard for?
Emma’s decision will not only change her life in ways she never anticipated, but will put her directly in the path of someone who will threaten her future and everything she loves – not to mention her and Valentine’s lives.
Impelled will take you on a journey to some familiar and tropical horse capital cities in Florida with Emma as she and her beloved horse are pulled into twists & turns, put in danger, and then on a wild ride you will never see coming.
(Clean equestrian fiction / romantic suspense series with no sexual content or foul language.
Suitable for young adults and adults. This series is intended to be read sequentially .)
Editorial "Ocala, Wellington, suspense, a love triangle, and horses – does it get any better? No, it does not, and you’ll find all that and more in Sarah Welk Baynum’s debut novel, Impelled."
- An excerpt from the Horse & Style Magazine article by Laurie Berglie
" A suspenseful, romantic, page-turning story about a young woman's search for success in the Florida show jumping world. Emma Walker is starting a new life. One in which she lets go of everything to begin again, everything that is, except her love of horses. Impelled is a lovely debut novel that gets the horse facts right and is difficult to put down. I look forward to reading the next book in this series"
- Carly Kade, author of the "In the Reins" series and host of the Equestrian Spotlight Podcast
227 pages, Paperback
Published June 4, 2022
238 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Welk Baynum
7 books20 followersSarah Welk Baynum has an extensive equestrian background which became the inspiration behind her debut novel “Impelled.”
While writing her novels, Sarah draws from previous experience as a working student, show groom, barn manager, working for FarmVet and other various jobs in the horse industry over the years both in her hometown and in Wellington & Ocala, Florida. Sarah also attended Otterbein University and majored in Equine Business and Facility Management.
Sarah still owns horses and actively competes in show jumping and three-day eventing, and horses have been a big part of her life since the age of twelve. Her first horse may have been a gelding, but she has a bias for mares and has primarily owned mares throughout the years.
Besides writing equestrian novels, Sarah also writes articles for Sidelines Magazine.
When she isn’t writing or riding, Sarah also enjoys competing in local and national singing competitions, and mainly sings country music.
Today, Sarah lives in her hometown just outside of Columbus, Ohio, with her family which includes her husband, her two dogs, two cats and her two mares Tilly (a warmblood) and Letty (an off the track thoroughbred).
While writing her novels, Sarah draws from previous experience as a working student, show groom, barn manager, working for FarmVet and other various jobs in the horse industry over the years both in her hometown and in Wellington & Ocala, Florida. Sarah also attended Otterbein University and majored in Equine Business and Facility Management.
Sarah still owns horses and actively competes in show jumping and three-day eventing, and horses have been a big part of her life since the age of twelve. Her first horse may have been a gelding, but she has a bias for mares and has primarily owned mares throughout the years.
Besides writing equestrian novels, Sarah also writes articles for Sidelines Magazine.
When she isn’t writing or riding, Sarah also enjoys competing in local and national singing competitions, and mainly sings country music.
Today, Sarah lives in her hometown just outside of Columbus, Ohio, with her family which includes her husband, her two dogs, two cats and her two mares Tilly (a warmblood) and Letty (an off the track thoroughbred).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 6, 2023
Lovely Horse World
Sweet story of college dreams dashed and horse dreams fulfilled. Young men surround the heroine who has so many overwhelming decisions to make along the way. Add a dash of danger and amazing horses and you will love this story.
I wanted to give this 5 stars, but there are so many grammar and proofreading mistakes that are distracting to the excellent story. The closer to the end, the worse it got. So instead of being engulfed in the wonderful tale, I felt frustrated with the obviously rushed editing.
I’m still looking forward to reading the next installment and hoping for better editing!
Sweet story of college dreams dashed and horse dreams fulfilled. Young men surround the heroine who has so many overwhelming decisions to make along the way. Add a dash of danger and amazing horses and you will love this story.
I wanted to give this 5 stars, but there are so many grammar and proofreading mistakes that are distracting to the excellent story. The closer to the end, the worse it got. So instead of being engulfed in the wonderful tale, I felt frustrated with the obviously rushed editing.
I’m still looking forward to reading the next installment and hoping for better editing!
January 16, 2023
Amazing book for any horse girl
I have been looking for a good horse book and was so happy when I came across this one! The author is also a horse girl which makes my heart happy cause I didn’t have to worry about any of the horse stuff being right or not cause I knew it would be. They’re were a couple spots in this book where things didn’t seem super believe able but besides that I loved this book. I’m definitely going to read the next one and I could see this becoming a comfort read for me.
I have been looking for a good horse book and was so happy when I came across this one! The author is also a horse girl which makes my heart happy cause I didn’t have to worry about any of the horse stuff being right or not cause I knew it would be. They’re were a couple spots in this book where things didn’t seem super believe able but besides that I loved this book. I’m definitely going to read the next one and I could see this becoming a comfort read for me.
July 21, 2022
Great story for any horse enthusiast! I had to take a couple of stars away for the amount of typos, misspellings, and poorly written mistakes. I found it distracting and questioned if anyone had proof-read the story before publishing?
December 26, 2022
very exciting!
I found this book to be a great read. It had just enough detail to make it interesting but not boring. The ending was definitely not what I thought it would be.
I found this book to be a great read. It had just enough detail to make it interesting but not boring. The ending was definitely not what I thought it would be.
November 21, 2025
1.5 Stars- This is a very surface level story, as if someone just wrote about their day to day in a journal, but without the intent for anyone else to read it. The plot lacks depth and character development is virtually non-existent. Other than her father's recent unemployment, there is no mention of Emma's family or if there is a correlation between them and her love of horses. I will give it a few more chapters before deciding to hang it up. I have yet to understand the positive reviews.
I made it through 47% and have been skipping and skimming since. Classifying this book as suspenseful is pushing it. It is too wholesome, and the writing style is so surface level I simply cannot maintain interest.
The end was disappointing. The climax failed to deliver. This is my first and last for this series. Hard pass.
On page 17, Hailey said "...a bunch..." and on page 19, Emma thinks to herself that Hailey's description of 'a couple' is inaccurate. She never said a couple. Rather, a bunch, which she did say, is accurate.
No truck with a horse trailer attached is going through a fast-food drive through. At best, it would get stuck.
I made it through 47% and have been skipping and skimming since. Classifying this book as suspenseful is pushing it. It is too wholesome, and the writing style is so surface level I simply cannot maintain interest.
The end was disappointing. The climax failed to deliver. This is my first and last for this series. Hard pass.
On page 17, Hailey said "...a bunch..." and on page 19, Emma thinks to herself that Hailey's description of 'a couple' is inaccurate. She never said a couple. Rather, a bunch, which she did say, is accurate.
No truck with a horse trailer attached is going through a fast-food drive through. At best, it would get stuck.
April 14, 2024
Did I just read a mediocre middle school essay?
I’m not sure where to begin. If I was a middle school English teacher, I might give this a C. Maybe a B- if I was feeling generous. But alas, I was reading what I thought was a professionally written novel.
The plot was uninteresting and not very believable. Nothing even remotely attention-worthy happened until over halfway in. There were certainly potentially good moments, but all felt flat.
The book is also riddled with errors. I know the other reviews mention this but I seriously underestimated how bad this would be. Spelling and grammatical errors aside, there are whole portions of sentences missing. Even the spacing between paragraphs is odd, adding to the overall disconnect of the story. I deeply miss the days when all books were edited and published by professional publishing companies.
It is safe to say I will not be reading the rest of this series.
I’m not sure where to begin. If I was a middle school English teacher, I might give this a C. Maybe a B- if I was feeling generous. But alas, I was reading what I thought was a professionally written novel.
The plot was uninteresting and not very believable. Nothing even remotely attention-worthy happened until over halfway in. There were certainly potentially good moments, but all felt flat.
The book is also riddled with errors. I know the other reviews mention this but I seriously underestimated how bad this would be. Spelling and grammatical errors aside, there are whole portions of sentences missing. Even the spacing between paragraphs is odd, adding to the overall disconnect of the story. I deeply miss the days when all books were edited and published by professional publishing companies.
It is safe to say I will not be reading the rest of this series.
January 1, 2023
Oh boy.
I hate to give books bad reviews but here we go.
Nothing could've prepared me for this book. Although it says it had an editor.. I don't believe it. There were countless spelling mistakes, lack of proper punctuation, and so many 'saids' and 'askeds'. The characters' names sounded like the author was purposely trying to choose the most generic names possible. The way the characters spoke and interacted with each other made them sound like robots.
I got to the point that I was actively proofreading and editing the book as I read.
Well, that's all. I better stop myself.
2 stars for the overall plot.
I hate to give books bad reviews but here we go.
Nothing could've prepared me for this book. Although it says it had an editor.. I don't believe it. There were countless spelling mistakes, lack of proper punctuation, and so many 'saids' and 'askeds'. The characters' names sounded like the author was purposely trying to choose the most generic names possible. The way the characters spoke and interacted with each other made them sound like robots.
I got to the point that I was actively proofreading and editing the book as I read.
Well, that's all. I better stop myself.
2 stars for the overall plot.
March 4, 2023
Horse Lover Book!
For those of us familiar with the horse show world in any form, this book is a MUST read! I loved reading about the Ocala and Wellington show jumping from the view of a first year intern. I could have done without the chase scenes by the bad guy, but it still made it a good read for those who are not horse crazy. I believe the next book in the series will be about eventing, which is my favorite form of "horse show". I am looking forward to reading the whole series.
For those of us familiar with the horse show world in any form, this book is a MUST read! I loved reading about the Ocala and Wellington show jumping from the view of a first year intern. I could have done without the chase scenes by the bad guy, but it still made it a good read for those who are not horse crazy. I believe the next book in the series will be about eventing, which is my favorite form of "horse show". I am looking forward to reading the whole series.
May 19, 2024
Good, but…
It was a good story but it was rushed at times. There were also many typos and omissions that made several parts hard to read. Like a change in paragraph and suddenly [nothing] , she thought. [paragraph continues]. So, what did she thought? Up to my imagination I guess. I liked the story but this is not a final draft. I’d like to keep reading the series but I’m a little worried about the errors.
It was a good story but it was rushed at times. There were also many typos and omissions that made several parts hard to read. Like a change in paragraph and suddenly [nothing] , she thought. [paragraph continues]. So, what did she thought? Up to my imagination I guess. I liked the story but this is not a final draft. I’d like to keep reading the series but I’m a little worried about the errors.
May 15, 2023
Show jumping thriller
Young adults or teens who love horses and want to show jumpers would be the perfect readers for this series. I'm much too old and primarily interested in other equestrian sports, but I enjoyed this book, anyway. Will probably read the rest of the series, because I like Emma and love Valentine.
Young adults or teens who love horses and want to show jumpers would be the perfect readers for this series. I'm much too old and primarily interested in other equestrian sports, but I enjoyed this book, anyway. Will probably read the rest of the series, because I like Emma and love Valentine.
August 16, 2024
admittedly quite good
Readable, surprising in some ways, and fun. I left the few typos highlighted in yellow for the editor to check. I read it quickly and I will read the next one surely—got to see what Emma does after this!! Good job, author, I need the next one is even better!
Readable, surprising in some ways, and fun. I left the few typos highlighted in yellow for the editor to check. I read it quickly and I will read the next one surely—got to see what Emma does after this!! Good job, author, I need the next one is even better!
September 16, 2022
good storyline bad grammar
Moved a little slow at first. For a smart girl she was a little naive for my liking. Supposed to be strong female but has lots of men fawning over her. Little much. Could’ve added another sting female instead of three huge crushes.
Moved a little slow at first. For a smart girl she was a little naive for my liking. Supposed to be strong female but has lots of men fawning over her. Little much. Could’ve added another sting female instead of three huge crushes.
September 22, 2022
An exciting adventure
Lots of interesting characters and great plot twists. Plenty of horsiness to round out a great read. I’m waiting for the next book because there are definitely new adventures to unravel.
Lots of interesting characters and great plot twists. Plenty of horsiness to round out a great read. I’m waiting for the next book because there are definitely new adventures to unravel.
March 17, 2023
The story line has a lot of potential. Characters need to be more in depth. Not much real “horsey” detail. A good proofreader would be a definite plus. I did enjoy the book, and I plan to complete the series.
July 1, 2023
Critique of the story
This was a good read, but it needs a lot of proof reading. So many errors took away from the story and broke my concentration It was almost as if the author had cut and pasted a lot of the book.
This was a good read, but it needs a lot of proof reading. So many errors took away from the story and broke my concentration It was almost as if the author had cut and pasted a lot of the book.
August 20, 2023
When i have read this book i was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I would read it again. Since it is the 1st book out of 4 in its series,Im reading the 2nd book now. I cant wait to read the rest of Sarah's books in this series.
December 16, 2023
Slow in the beginning
It may be slow to begin but it takes off at a fast pace in the middle. Worth the time and the effort. The editing is horrible though. I found grammatical mistakes in every chapter.
It may be slow to begin but it takes off at a fast pace in the middle. Worth the time and the effort. The editing is horrible though. I found grammatical mistakes in every chapter.
February 7, 2024
Show jumping, a rescue horse named Valentine that somehow gets to compete in the bougie Wellington circuit, feisty owner, stalker, motorcycle horse chase… honestly wish I had written this good of a horse novel. Precisely the cheesy content I was looking for.
February 22, 2024
There were some grammer mistakes and a few spelling mistakes, but that doesn't take away from how amazing this book is! The author is an equestrian and wrote about what she knows in such an incredible way! I finished the book in a day and a half! Starting the second book right away!
June 17, 2024
Oh my. So many spelling, grammar and sentence structure errors. It was so distracting. The main character seemed so naive and immature. Such a weird "plot twist." Just really not a great book overall.
August 1, 2024
Impelled
Great story! Centering on a young woman and her horse. I truly enjoyed and was impressed with Ms. Baynums knowledge of events that would be envolved with the lifestyle of show jumpers and their handlers. Looking forward to what Emma decides for her future.
Great story! Centering on a young woman and her horse. I truly enjoyed and was impressed with Ms. Baynums knowledge of events that would be envolved with the lifestyle of show jumpers and their handlers. Looking forward to what Emma decides for her future.
August 26, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book. It was so nice to read a horse book with no romance or spice, and i loved the story line unfortunately was alot of spelling mistakes, and it was hard to over look them, it maybe good to get multiple people to proof read any future books but a nice chilled read
July 17, 2022
Fantastic story!
September 29, 2022
New Author with Potential
IMPELLED has an engaging plot with an interesting protagonist and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
IMPELLED has an engaging plot with an interesting protagonist and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
April 7, 2023
As a horse lover and former rider, I really enjoyed the story. I just wish some had paid attention when editing the book. Typos, wrong words, etc.
April 19, 2023
I enjoyed the story however I found a ton of mistakes throughout the story. It really needs to be proofed and edited.
April 22, 2023
Light fun read , horsy soap opera complete with a stalker . Finishing it I was rolled right into the next sample which continues the story.
April 25, 2023
Good book
This was a very good book that I really am glad I read. Will be sure to read the next book.
This was a very good book that I really am glad I read. Will be sure to read the next book.
July 24, 2023
Nice story.
Needs proofreading and some grammar corrections.
Liked the surprising twist. The ending left me hanging, wondering which guy she would choose. Next book?
Needs proofreading and some grammar corrections.
Liked the surprising twist. The ending left me hanging, wondering which guy she would choose. Next book?
August 4, 2023
Enjoyable
Enjoyable read! Reasonably authentic characters and story line. I would love to see the spelling and grammar errors cleaned up.
Enjoyable read! Reasonably authentic characters and story line. I would love to see the spelling and grammar errors cleaned up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews