The Hearts of Horses by Molly Gloss, 304 pages.
Recommended by Jill, I'll admit I was hesitant to read a women's western. And honestly, the cover and title look cheesy (sorry).
Martha is a tough but gentle cowgirl who rides into a small town in Oregon during World War I to find work breaking horses. After her first client, the Blisses, observe her gift and talent, they recommend her to their neighbors and soon Martha is riding a circuit. While Martha travels around to various farms we are introduced to spinster sisters; an immigrant family; the town drunk and his struggling wife; and respectable but ailing farmer. Martha's insights and observations about the townspeople and their animals are simple and endearing. If you are/were a horse lover all the better.
This is a story that is both sweet and spare. A lovely addition to a Christmas gift list now that it is in paperback. And a nice book to read on a quiet night with a warm cuppa.
4.5+ stars
The End.
I love horse stories. Thank you for the review-I've added it to my wish list!
Posted by: Nicole | January 19, 2009 at 10:38 AM