The Secrets of Emberwild by Stephenia H. McGee

The audio version of this book review can be found on Episode 55: A Bookchat about The Weight of Air with Kimberly Duffy & a Review of The Secrets of Emberwild by Stephenia H McGee

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.

REVIEW

Rebel women in historical times are hardly anything new in the fiction world–so it’s refreshing when the rebellious character in question is Nora Fenton. There are plenty of times when her confidence wavers and she gets trampled on by the men who are tasked with planning her life, yet she forges ahead with the desires of her heart–to save Emberwild and its horses, especially Arrow. 

When the search for answers in his father’s death leads Silas to Emberwild, he encounters more than simply training a tempestuous trotter. He meets Nora who is determined to help train Arrow for racing so Emberwild can once again be a profitable endeavor. Accidents happen and suspicions rise in the midst of family turmoil and unearthed secrets. With so many decisions hanging in the balance, this story mixes intrigue with romance, resulting in a page turner until the very end.

If you’re in the mood for a combustible combination of danger, romance, strong characters, willful horses, and family drama–The Secrets of Emberwild by Stephenia H McGee is a must-read!

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.

Disclaimer: The publisher offered a complimentary copy of this book. The review was given freely, without payment. All views expressed are only the honest opinion of a member of the Historical Bookworm Review Team.