Customer Reviews

Hearts Over Fences: An Equestrian Romance

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Author Toni Leland obviously knows horses. In "Hearts over Fences" she transports the reader to the Kentucky bluegrass area and the world of International equestrian competitions.

Bethany Webb struggles with her injury caused by a riding accident. At the same time, she fights her increasing attraction to her physical therapist, Brett Hall. Brett is an international level eventer with an eye a national championship.

These two ambitious people come together, clash, and fall in love. They learn that life is more than blue ribbons and expensive horses. Life is about being with the person who completes you.

This is a great, fast-paced read, which horse lovers and non-horse lovers will enjoy.

"Hearts Over Fences" is a mature romance that portays characters who are actually complex enough to make believable the entanglements in which they find themselves. The book manages to escape the "fairy tale" scenario so common to the genre. Instead, it actually deals with real people working out real problems. The sophistication of the novel makes it appealing to both female and male readers alike, including many readers who would not normally open the cover of a novel that could be dsignated, "romance." This is partly due to the integrity of the characters, and partly due to the depth of the knowledge that is put forward by the writer. Toni Leland proves herself to be very well informed to all things about horses, as well as the inside workings of the equestrian community.

From the opening sentence through the last closing comment, "Hearts Over Fences" is a captivating read.

If you have read any Mills and Boons romance novels then you will find the style of this book very familiar. It is an easily readable but by no means compulsive novel. There are just enough horses in the story to keep the horse mad reader interested but this is by no means a book primarily about horses. Think of the horses as the back drop for a typical romance - girl meets boy, the usual long list of reasons for them not to be together and ultimately love overcomes all. An enjoyable read with out having any lasting effects.

goes fast, good if you like horses, especially jumping. A little simple, but read it in just a couple of nights.

If you're a horse lover then you will like this story. It's a fun, unchallenging read, however, it's contrived, cliche, and Miss Leland has no confidence whatsoever in her reader's intelligence. Everything is pointed out to you, "She smiled because she was so happy," etc. The plot leaves something to be desired as well as most of the book is Beth and Conner "Brett" Hall, continually rehashing how much they like eachother and want to have sex with one another, with little else going on except the random accidents that are supposed to suffice as plot twists. Personally, I'm tired of equestrian fiction being held to a lower standard of writing than the basest high school novel. The Saddle Club has more interesting story lines than this book.

Bethany Webb wants to be the best. A competitive career horsewoman, she faces the realistic dilemma of wanting to be all she can be professionally, yet she yearns to keep her heart open for love. Beth Webb and Connor Hall are solid and believable characters, with their own internal struggles that threaten to keep their relationship on an emotional roller coaster. Toni Leland brings the horse world alive, even for readers who may not know the equestrian business, and the serene Kentucky countryside is the perfect backdrop for this fast-paced romance.

In her latest equestrian romance, Toni Leland creates two appealing characters who have the ability and perseverance to chase big dreams. Ambitious, competitive, and goal-driven, both Beth Webb and Connor Hall try to conquer every obstacle to achieve big things. The trouble is, they are also hiding the truth, about themselves--and worse, FROM themselves. Set in Kentucky horse country, the novel is fast-paced and educational. Anyone who loves horses, business, or romance will enjoy this quick and interesting read. I recommend "Hearts Over Fences" as well as her other novel, "Winning Ways".

This book follows the romance model I am told. I tend to not read romance novels, but Toni Leland breaks the mold. This book has nicely developed characters that are believable. It also has a plot that keeps the reader turning the page. It is an easy read that is pleasant and fun. A good choice for a flight, vacation, or just relaxation.

I love horses and I am always searching for fiction that oozes anything equestrian. This is NOT that book. There is no horse story,love story or anything remotely interesting about the main character.I am sorry to be so blunt but this was a complete waste of money. Better to buy "Like Water for Elephants" or "Life of Pi" .....both delightful reading experiences for animal lovers!

Imagine my delight to discover that there IS a book out there that can rekindle the joy I found as a child in reading the Black Stallion series, the Lind Craig series, etc. Only these are horse books for GROWNUPS! The characters are just as well developed and believable as those I remember, and they deal with real issues - including romance, and who doesn't love that? I love this author's style, and she shows her extensive knowledge yet doesn't put it out of reach (to understand) for the non-horsy reader. Her other books "Winning Ways" and "Gambling with the Enemy" are also fantastic, with enticing diverse co-subjects to the horse world.