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hmc3898's review
4.0
Even though Annmarie was annoyingly whiny and childish in Riding Lessons, I am so glad I read on through this sequel! It was fulfilling to see her life with Eva play out, take some unexpected turns, and bring her through to a place of peace.
lwspotts's review
3.0
I always find it interesting to read reviews after I have finished a book, especially if I am having a difficult time articulating my reactions to the book. In this case, I found the reviews highly informative, most noticeably because there was very little middle ground on this novel. The vast majority of reviewers either loved it or hated it, so I find myself in the minority here.
I read Riding Lessons immediately prior to Flying Changes, and were it not for the redeeming factors in that book (noted in my review), I may not have pushed forward. That, and unless I truly hate something, I am often compelled to get to the end of the story...and clearly the end of the story was not at the end of Riding Lessons. And I'm glad I did, because this book had, in the end, more to redeem it than Riding Lessons did.
Amazing to me was that I grew to like Mutti, and to understand her better. AnneMarie continued to be a collossally immature trainwreck until very near the end of the book, when a convergence of several factors forced her to step up and be an adult. Thankfully there was a good support system surrounding her, because otherwise it's hard to fathom that there was any hope she could actually do it. Eva continued in her truant ways, and frankly, it was understandable considering how little her mother seemed capable of mothering her. It was never AnneMarie who dropped the hammer on her, but Mutti (or Dan). I am not an iron-fisted parent by far, but I do believe in setting limits, and disciplining disobedience and defiance, so I found AnneMarie's inability to handle Eva frustrating, even after accounting for a divorce and a seemingly absent father (who started a new family with his new wife).
Still, in the end, she (AnneMarie) redeemed herself. She got hold of her irrational fear...at least, enough to keep from derailing her daughter's ambitions. She also pulled herself together when there was no other choice, and considering her track record, I was relieved and gratified by that. Had she not, I am certain I would have heaved the book across the room with curses following. It's not a ringing endorsement, but if you're a horse person with a reasonably forgiving nature for irrational, unlikeable characters who may or may not change, then you'll like this book.
I read Riding Lessons immediately prior to Flying Changes, and were it not for the redeeming factors in that book (noted in my review), I may not have pushed forward. That, and unless I truly hate something, I am often compelled to get to the end of the story...and clearly the end of the story was not at the end of Riding Lessons. And I'm glad I did, because this book had, in the end, more to redeem it than Riding Lessons did.
Amazing to me was that I grew to like Mutti, and to understand her better. AnneMarie continued to be a collossally immature trainwreck until very near the end of the book, when a convergence of several factors forced her to step up and be an adult. Thankfully there was a good support system surrounding her, because otherwise it's hard to fathom that there was any hope she could actually do it. Eva continued in her truant ways, and frankly, it was understandable considering how little her mother seemed capable of mothering her. It was never AnneMarie who dropped the hammer on her, but Mutti (or Dan). I am not an iron-fisted parent by far, but I do believe in setting limits, and disciplining disobedience and defiance, so I found AnneMarie's inability to handle Eva frustrating, even after accounting for a divorce and a seemingly absent father (who started a new family with his new wife).
Still, in the end, she (AnneMarie) redeemed herself. She got hold of her irrational fear...at least, enough to keep from derailing her daughter's ambitions. She also pulled herself together when there was no other choice, and considering her track record, I was relieved and gratified by that. Had she not, I am certain I would have heaved the book across the room with curses following. It's not a ringing endorsement, but if you're a horse person with a reasonably forgiving nature for irrational, unlikeable characters who may or may not change, then you'll like this book.
rebeccajay's review
2.0
I felt compelled to read this book because I read the first one, which was fun and light. This was the same, but bordered on far-fetched. Just ok.
iswim41's review
It was kind of all over the place, but I liked it. Nice last chapter.
janmacwill's review
3.0
I think I would have given this 4 stars if I knew more about competitive riding. It was a generally engaging read.
ajlovesbooks's review
5.0
I really enjoyed flying changes. It was a great followup to riding lessons. I still think the main character annmarie was a little annoying and whined alot. And her daughter Eva was a spoiled brat I kept hoping someone would put her in her place and I'm glad her trainer finally did. All in all a great story line and I'm glad that I took the time to read the book.
hannahfrimodig's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
zoe_m's review
3.0
I believe this was a sequel. I'm definitely going to go out and get the first one. (Riding Lessons, I believe is what it's called.)
dlguertin_66's review
4.0
Very Good Book. Read it one day, could not put it down. Gave some insight on handling life's fast pace.