About the Book

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.

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In My Opinion

When I was a tweenager (many, many years ago), I had an obsession with horses. My room was filled with horse posters and figurines, and anytime one of my friends who owned a horse invited me to ride, I was there. So, when I saw Stephania H. McGee’s first book with Revell was about a horse farm, I was interested. Add in the title: The Secrets of Emberwild, and I was going to read this book.

McGee writes wonderfully vivid descriptions. She was either raised around horses or did meticulous research to make those scenes authentic. I also appreciated that some of her minor characters didn’t turn out to be as cliché as other books usually make the characters in those roles.

I was, however, a bit disappointed in the story overall. I never really connected with Nora. In fact, sometimes she annoyed me. The romance was as well developed as I prefer (but I did appreciate the ending of this story).

In the end, this was an average read for me. Nothing to really make the book stand out in the sea of other options out there. But, other readers may enjoy meeting Nora and Silas.

Disclosure statement: I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.