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birdkeeperklink's review against another edition
3.0
This book was okay. I didn't really feel like I got what was advertised by the name and the blurb, but I'm used to that. The worst part was that I had a very hard time connecting with the characters. It took a serious amount of effort for me to really 'get' them, which is supposed to be the author's job. I mean, of course the reader has to care enough to try to engage in the book, but I don't feel like I was met even a quarter of the way, let alone half.
Part of it can probably be attributed to the dry, distant writing style. Things and people are described in almost a muted fashion, making it seem like it's all taking place very far away.
After I made that effort, though, I did like the characters--the nice ones, anyway. The ending was a little awkward, but I didn't actually mind the main character's choice that much. It bothered me a little, but I was mostly comfortable with it.
I liked the book and would recommend it, I would just caution that it's not really about horses (or their hearts). The horses are more of an incidental factor.
Part of it can probably be attributed to the dry, distant writing style. Things and people are described in almost a muted fashion, making it seem like it's all taking place very far away.
After I made that effort, though, I did like the characters--the nice ones, anyway. The ending was a little awkward, but I didn't actually mind the main character's choice that much. It bothered me a little, but I was mostly comfortable with it.
I liked the book and would recommend it, I would just caution that it's not really about horses (or their hearts). The horses are more of an incidental factor.
vickigee85's review against another edition
5.0
Short and sweet: this novel is lovely, written in picturesque language, as we follow the work and life-adventure of Martha. A nineteen year old cowgirl, adept at breaking horses with loving guidance rather than a whip and a rope.
I loved riding along with Martha, meeting the people on her circle and “seeing” all Elwha county had to offer in 1917. My grandparents were right around Martha’s age so the facets of my understanding are clearer.
A must-read for girls who love horses or any darling who dreamt of being a cowgirl in fancy chaps.
I loved riding along with Martha, meeting the people on her circle and “seeing” all Elwha county had to offer in 1917. My grandparents were right around Martha’s age so the facets of my understanding are clearer.
A must-read for girls who love horses or any darling who dreamt of being a cowgirl in fancy chaps.
meredith_mccaskey's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was just utterly delightful. I didn’t want it to end.
thelexingtonbookie's review against another edition
4.0
It took me about two days to tear through this 'modern' western. Written in 2007 yet set in 1917, this novel was meant for horse girls like myself- dreamers of what life in the wild west would be like.
The novel follows central protagonist Martha Lesson as she set out into Elwha County in search of horses to break for ranchwork. Leaving hometown Pendleton and an abusive father behind, Martha is determined to make her dream of riding through unfenced, open, wild west country come true. Though unsure at first, she finds work with George and Louise Bliss on their farm, and eventually they help her start a riding circle in the county, breaking and riding horses from farm to farm. They introduce her to many old time and new settlers who become prominent figures in her new life, and eventually she comes upon reason to stay.
It's a lovely little book that has excitement, humor, hard life, and romance. Gloss did a great job weaving in the history of settling the west with the then current events surrounding World War I, and still keeping the plot moving forward with the interaction between the characters.
I think I'll be keeping this one on my bookshelves.
The novel follows central protagonist Martha Lesson as she set out into Elwha County in search of horses to break for ranchwork. Leaving hometown Pendleton and an abusive father behind, Martha is determined to make her dream of riding through unfenced, open, wild west country come true. Though unsure at first, she finds work with George and Louise Bliss on their farm, and eventually they help her start a riding circle in the county, breaking and riding horses from farm to farm. They introduce her to many old time and new settlers who become prominent figures in her new life, and eventually she comes upon reason to stay.
It's a lovely little book that has excitement, humor, hard life, and romance. Gloss did a great job weaving in the history of settling the west with the then current events surrounding World War I, and still keeping the plot moving forward with the interaction between the characters.
I think I'll be keeping this one on my bookshelves.
christiek's review against another edition
5.0
This was fantastic. Gloss's characters have a depth that is created in just in few simple sentences, but they are as complex and interesting and so very real. As always I have a few quibbles with some of Gloss's choices, but the plotting, characterization, and voice are all marvelous.
ivyrose7's review against another edition
3.0
Having lived and worked in the John Day/Canyon City Valley in OR for several years, I liked reading a book set in a landscape I was familiar with. I also really enjoyed that the main character Martha Lassen was an unusual heroine who was a little aloof and hard to get to know.
I found the book a little cheesy at times, and wasn't completely blown away by the writing and development of other characters. I still thoroughly enjoyed the book and am glad I read it.
I found the book a little cheesy at times, and wasn't completely blown away by the writing and development of other characters. I still thoroughly enjoyed the book and am glad I read it.
robinsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I read this (or actually, listened to half and read the other half) for the library discussion group and thought it was a very well done story of eastern Oregon during the time of World War I.
rachelini's review against another edition
3.0
I very nearly abandoned this book right after starting it - I just have no interest in horses. But I'm glad I kept going. It was a sweet story, with lots of historical detail (which I enjoy). Nothing super special, though.
lisagray68's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars, but you can't give a half here....good writing and a story that moves along. I found myself skimming some, though, as I'm not that interested in the intricacies of running a ranch in the 19teens, and not so interested in exactly how one "gentles" a horse. If these topics are interesting to you, you will LOVE this book! They are not very interesting to me, and I still liked the book quite a bit, which is a testimony to Molly Gloss' writing!