|
 Sara, what a lovely first chapter. I felt the anticipation of both the horse and rider. You made me FEEL Harry's eagerness and Annmarie's love of the animal. I wish I loved horse stories because I'd buy the book based on the chapter. I write this as one of the people banned from the writing site in question for expressing opinions the coffee klatch didn't want to hear. But it does not detract from your lovely writing. I hope HC does publish your next book and it's about something I would love to read because I'll certainly purchase it. As far as the writing group in question, I'm sorry that the censorship efforts of a few "friends" on that site contributes to the anger of some. I believe the members of the site should reevaluate their structure and allow ALL writers voices to be heard, not just a few angry regulars. You've always been fair to me though and I'm not going to hold you responsible for the efforts of others to work so hard to ban me for stating different opinions. I'll simply chalk that up to lack of maturity and insecurity over hearing my realities of writing. Every opinion has it's reasons and even here I hope you disregard the ones that aren't complimentary. Your work from what I've read is exemplary. This chapter moved me, touched me and made me respect you as a fellow writer. Please let me know when your next book is released and I hope to join you either at HC or any other publisher who has the panache and elegance to publish your work. It's nice to see a book so tenderly written. I write this review not to nurture your career, or because I'm with a group, but purely out of an appreciation for the first chapter here. I have no other motivation, especially since I was banned from that group. But it's the RIGHT thing to do, and I stand by my moral beliefs. Your (nemesis--LOL) and friend always,
The main character in this book is very courageous and endures many hardships throughout her life. Because she endured these hardships, she goes on to become a more powerful and stronger woman. This book will give anyone who reads it a powerful hope, that no matter how hard life is and how many tragedies a person may endure, there is still hope and happiness to be had! I could not put this book down. Sara went flawlessly from one subject to the next smoothly and it was so well written I felt like I was there. Whether you are an experienced rider, a horse lover or someone who just likes a great read- I highly recommend you JUMP into this book, you will not be disappointed.
I was completely hooked by the heart-stopping opening scene with Annemarie and Harry and couldn't put the book down until it was finished. I read it from cover to cover in about ten hours. It's that engaging! This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. The characters are so real it's hard not to care about each and every one like good friends or family. Annemarie in particular is so easy to relate to I couldn't help pulling for her--no matter how tangled a mess she got herself into, no matter how callous and self-centered her actions sometimes were. You just knew she's trying to make everything right--she just didn't have a clue how to go about it! The scenes with the horses are also so tangible and true to life they're honestly the best part of the story. I highly recommend this book!
This book is groundbreaking in the area of women's fiction. Aren't you tired of reading about the same-old same-old heroines created by Danielle Steele, or Jude Deveraux? Wouldn't you really like to read about a heroine who is like someone you know, or even like you? If that's the case then RIDING LESSONS by Sara Gruen is the book for you. Annemarie is portrayed sensitively and honestly. She is a heroine with flaws, yet her flaws somehow make her even more likeable. Her relationship with her daughter is entirely believeable, and the scenes with her dying father were poignant and well-wrought. I was completely drawn in by the scenes involving Annemarie and her horse. Even if you are not a "horse person" you will enjoy reading about Annemarie's relationships with Harry and Hurrah. The last time pages turned this quickly for me was with THE SECRET HISTORY by Donna Tartt. As a matter of fact, I began reading this book on the way home from the bookstore, at a stoplight. When the light changed, I nearly got in a car crash. If that doesn't tell you about the capability of this book to draw in a reader, then nothing will. This book is special. I wish more contemporary women's fiction was written with such flair and intelligence. I'll definitely be recommending it to my friends, and I will eagerly await whatever comes next from this amazing new author. If you are looking for a page-turner that does not insult your intelligence, look no further than RIDING LESSONS by Sara Gruen. |
