The Secrets of Emberwild by Stephenia H. McGee: Book Review

 **Book received for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

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.

Stephenia H. McGee is the award-winning author of many stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South, including The Secrets of Emberwild. When she's not reading or sipping sweet tea on the front porch, she's a writer, dreamer, husband spoiler, and busy mom of two rambunctious boys. Learn more at www.stepheniamcgee.com.

If you love horses, historical romance and some mystery, this book is absolutely going to be one you'll want to read. It is quite heavy on the horse content and knowledge. I must admit I'm not a huge fan of horses, so this didn't necessarily appeal to me. I do however appreciate a story that is well researched and feels like the author truly knows what they are talking about and this certainly had that. I know that those readers who ARE particularly interested in the subject are going to appreciate that all that much more as well. 

Beyond that though, it was a good story with well written characters that drew the reader into the story. It had a good romance, and I enjoyed the balance between these two characters. I also find that I tend to enjoy headstrong heroines, particularly in historical reads and Nora certainly was that. 

If you enjoy historical romance, this is certainly one worth checking out.