The Secrets of Emberwild ~ Review

The Secrets of Emberwild

By Stephenia H. McGee

Nora Fenton wants to decide her own future; she wants to train and race her colt, Arrow. But society frowns upon such action, and the men who work at Emberwild are less than helpful when she tries to break out of the mold her family is forcing her into. 

When her father dies, Nora is the only one to hear his confession, a confession that is left half unsaid. But the only thing Nora knows is that a lie has embittered her father's last years. And if the lie is what she suspects, everything around her will come tumbling down around her. 

Seeking answers, Silas Cavallero returns to the place his father died, was it indeed an accident? Or was it something more sinister? Feeling that the answers he needs may be found at Emberwild, Silas offers his skills as a trainer. Skills that Nora may need if her dreams for Arrow are to come true. 

But the secrets that Emberwild hides are deeply seeded and nearly impossible to uncover. And worse, discovering just what those secrets are could cost Silas and Nora their lives.

The Secrets of Emberwild is the perfect book. I've always loved books that featured horses, and this one does that while adding both mystery and romance to a historical backdrop. This was my first-time reading Stephania McGee's work, and I wasn't disappointed. The characters were well-written and the pacing was excellent. I can honestly say this is one I didn't want to put down it was that good.

If you judge a book by its cover, you won't regret picking this one up and getting lost amongst the pages. And it would make an excellent book club selection.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

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.