A gifted trainer in a time women are not allowed to race, Nora Fenton prefers horses to men. They’re easier to handle, they’re more reliable, and they never tell her what to do. After her father’s passing, Nora is determined to save her struggling horse farm, starting with entering her prize colt into the harness races at the 1905 Mississippi Fair. If she wins, she may have a chance at independence. But when a stranger arrives and starts asking disconcerting questions, she suspects he may have other motives than unseating her in the training job that is rightfully hers.
Silas Cavallero will do whatever it takes to solve the mystery of his father’s death–even if it means training an unwieldy colt for Nora, who wants nothing more than to see him gone. But when mysterious accidents threaten their safety and circumstances shrouded in secrets begin unlocking clues to his past, Silas will have to decide if the truth is worth risking ruining everything for the feisty woman he’s come to admire.
What a fabulous book for the horse lover! Taking place in 1905 in Mississippi, it has intrigue and horses and love and basically is a wonderful historical Christian novel. I will say there were a couple of things confusing for me so I thought I would point them out here so you are not as puzzled as I was. First, as I mentioned it does take place in Mississippi, yet the lead male character Silas keeps talking about going to or being in Philadelphia. He is referring to Philadelphia MISSISSIPPI, not the large city in Pennsylvania. Second, I have read other books by this author and they have all been time travel novels. I kept waiting for the time travel to happen, and it did not. This book stays in 1905. But, once I figured out those two minor things, I really enjoyed this book and the dilemmas Silas and Nora encountered. The nuances of horse racing and the role of women in the early 1900s was very interesting. I really recommend this book. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I am freely writing a review – all thoughts and opinions are my own.
The author: Stephenia H. McGee is a multi-published author of stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. She lives in Mississippi, where she is a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Her novel The Cedar Key was a 2021 Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award winner. A member of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), she loves all things books and history. Stephenia also loves connecting with readers and can often be found having fun with her Faithful Readers Team on Facebook. For more on books and upcoming events and to connect with Stephenia, visit her at www.StepheniaMcGee.com.
The Secrets of Emberwild was published by Revell on October 4, 2022.
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