Advice columnist Maggie Hope never dreamed she'd be shaking hands with champion horse trainer Tru Monahan over a high-stakes bet, especially one that involves horses. And saddles. And everything else a city girl like Maggie feels uncomfortable around. But after filling in for a coworker and interviewing the handsome cowboy, she finds herself doing just that. Anything to save her advice column.
Despite Maggie's two left feet, Tru is bound and determined to bring out her inner cowgirl by teaching her to ride a cutting horse --- in Maggie's eyes, a wild beast trained to separate cattle from the rest of the herd. While her riding improves, the two grow closer, but Tru knows he can never let her into his heart --- for her own good.
In Wishing Springs, a community full of meddling --- yet well-meaning --- townsfolk, Maggie discovers a home far from what she's ever had and exactly what she's always longed for. But she's holding something back---a secret with the power to destroy her reputation and any future she's ever hoped for with the cowboy she's come to love.
As with many works of fiction, they drive me to look further into what is going on by doing a bit of research. The internet is great for that. Having no knowledge of horses, especially cutting horses, I looked it up. I read about quarter horses and training on cutting horses. This helped me enjoy the story more.
Of course, the story wasn't just about horses. It was about people and their past. About how the past effects their current lives and decisions. About the secrets we harbor. It is also about overcoming fears.
There are several characters besides the main protagonists and each of these supporting characters bring elements to the story that enrich it and further develop the theme of dealing with one's past as it effects one's present life. The courage of an unwed teen mother. The despair and wrecked life of an older gentleman. The September romance that doesn't happen.
This is a light, easy read romance without all the cheezy stuff romantic fiction usually harbors. All the characters' issues are not resolved, but there is a nice, predictable ending. I love how the name "Hope" is interwoven throughout the story. This is a story of hope in more ways than one.
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Author, Debra Clopton is a multi-award winning novelist first published in 2005 and has written more than 22 novels. Along with writing, Debra helps her husband teach the youth at their local Cowboy Church. Debra is the author of the acclaimed Mule Hollow Matchmaker Series, and her goal is to shine a light toward God while she entertains readers with her words.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse Publicity Group to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I was not compensated for the review.
About the video, it seems like the horse & rider are one with each other. The horse knows when to move to block the cow from going back into the pack. Smart animal!
ReplyDeleteI have no knowledge about horses, but they are beautiful creatures! I've ridden a few times in my life. In fact, when I was 12yrs old, I rode a horse that had the same name as me...can you believe that? My favorite ones seem to be the draft horses, such powerful looking creatures! I love all the different colors and the long manes & tails. God knew what He was doing when He created horses didn't He? :)
ReplyDeleteI have only ridden a horse a couple of times many many many years ago. I love watching the series Heartland. The main character is somewhat of a horse whisperer.
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful well trained horse. The horse and rider become one. I love to watch cutting horses.
ReplyDeleteI am not very familiar with horses. I have ridden a few times, but not for years. That would be a great activity for us and our grandchildren!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great working horse, he's beautiful! I used to ride & we had a horse I think was used for this but we were not told that when we bought him.. But you had to hold on because he could turn & spin on a dime :)
ReplyDeleteI owned a few horses and they were like a pet to me.. I spent many hours out riding. I sure miss that.. My horses were just for pleasure riding :)
ReplyDeleteI follow on Networked Blogs & GFC :)
ReplyDeleteI grew up in a ranching family. I started riding in front of my mom as soon as I was old enough to sit up, and cut my teeth on my dad's saddle horn (you can still see the marks!). When I was old enough to be trusted on my own, I graduated to a very sweet donkey named Becky, then to a Welsh pony named Cherokee. When I was 12, my dad bought me a 3 year old Palomino mare who I named China. We were together for 25 years. She passed away last year at the age of 28, and she's buried in the pasture right in front of my house. My husband made her a beautiful gravestone with a cross on it. I would love to have another horse, when the time is right.
ReplyDeleteWatched the cutting horse video and I was really impressed by how calm the horse stayed, and how well he worked on a loose rein. I also loved how low to the ground he got when outmaneuvering the cow. A great run from a beautiful horse!
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about horses, but they are beautiful creatures... I rode horses a few different times as a youngster, and at least once as an adult, but it's probably been 12 years or more!
ReplyDeleteI rode horses when I was young and married a man who loves horses!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed riding horses as a child.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Cutting horses and their rides are very skilled at moving and guiding cattle. That's a useful ranching skill.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Horses are amazing!! We have neighbors that have them, and I so wish that I had the time and the finances to have one myself. :)
ReplyDeleteNever had the chance to ride a horse yet. Always wanted to. Thanks for the reminder. Will have to add horse back riding to my list of things to do once it stop snowing
ReplyDeleteHello. I like horses, but always been just a little afraid of them biting me. When we moved to KS. to live near my bachelor broth-in-law, he owned horses. He gave a pretty roan colt. I named him Cochise. He was real pretty. I always had a hard time when I rode tho for he wanted to go where he went instead of where I wanted him to take me. LOL well it really wasn't funny then. Took away from my fun because I was working so hard to get him to turn where I wanted him to. The guys had no problem. In later years I let my son-in-law take him to Texas. Once when my granddaughter rode him he threw her and her head hit a tree. Was scary but thankfully she was okay. Don't think she ever rode him again. She was about 12. I don't blame her. Glad he never threw. I lived in Montana for awhile once, working on a Dude ranch for a relative. I rode a horse up in the lower mountains once taking city people out for trail rides. He was trained for that so had no trouble The trouble for mr was the narrow trail where the least slip and he and I would have fell into a canyon with him. We were told don't ever tug on their reins. They knew the way. I really do love watching Rodeos. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteMaxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
I like the watching the cutter horses in the Rodeos. That horse would almost get on his knees keeping him from getting back to the heard. Fun! But the Bull riding is so scary.
ReplyDeleteMaxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
It simply amazes me how animals and humans can work together sometimes! :)
ReplyDeleteI had horses growing up! I loved them and would spend all of my free time out in the barn!
ReplyDeleteLoved the video! It's amazing how you can train horses to do so many things!
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