Customer Reviews

Silver Dreams

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm the author of this book and am thrilled to have received this wonderful professional review which I would like to share with my readers:

Leigh Meredith works hard for Wildman & Wildman Advertising as a group vice
president until the world she knows crumbles. On Christmas Eve, she had been
anticipating the arrival of her boyfriend Sven Anderson. What he divulges on his arrival
has her throwing champagne flutes against her fireplace in a rage of hurt and
disappointment. Depressed and disillusioned, she takes off for places unknown and
lands in Fox Creek, Virginia, right in the middle of horse country. While working for the
local newspaper, she is introduced to Silver Dreams, an abused and neglected horse
with one eye. Caring for the horse starts the healing process for both of them. Not
wanting to deny the horse a chance at his destiny, she tries contacting a well-known
horse trainer. Could Silver Dreams be a champion?

Whit Riley is a self-imposed drunk and hermit, and only encountering the outside world
when necessity has him taking odd jobs to survive. He used to own and race
thoroughbred horses until his wife ran off with his business partner, leaving him bitter
and drowning in self-pity. Ignoring the phone messages is easy, until a young woman
appears on his doorstep. Too drunk to be bothered, he orders her off his property, but
her determination has her back, demanding he look at her horse. Begrudgingly he
agrees and what he discovers has him denying any future involvement. Leigh's strong
willed ways has him reconsidering and fighting a growing attraction for her. How long
can Whit stay sober and deny his feelings?

Leigh and Whit begin the arduous task of training Silver Dreams and his wayward
owner. Leigh has her mind on the possibilities, but Whit knows the hard realities of
horseracing and its fickle luck. Butting heads at every turn has these two battling for
control one minute, apologizing the next. Leigh is fighting her feelings and her growing
admiration for Whit's knowledge, and Whit is busy fighting his own demons while trying
to guide both horse and owner through the vagaries of the racing business. Can they
successfully guide this horse to victory?

Ms. Sondra Rice Newman has written a beautiful novel complete with fully developed
characters who engage your heart. I became so engrossed with this book I read it in a
couple of days. The storyline is believable without being typical. The plotline allows the
story to unfold at its own pace. The human traits give the heroine and hero a
vulnerability that quickly endears them to anyone reading this book. The minor
characters add a sense of community with their own side stories. At times it will have
you crying and at others cheering. The full spectrum of emotions are evoked within
these pages. I absolutely loved this book.

Rating: Five coffee cups

Katherine L. Hunt, Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance

Leigh Meredith is broken when her boyfriend of three years dumps her during the Christmas season. So she leaves Manhattan without a destination in mind. She ends up in Fox Creek, Virginia.

Leigh's life in Fox Creek is totally different than it was in Manhattan. Now Leigh works at a weekly newspaper for only a dollar over minimum wage and she rents the rooms over a hardware store. While working at the paper Leigh meets "Bibs" who operates a boarding farm for horses. Though Leigh is uncomfortable with outspoken and harsh Bibs at first, she quickly becomes friends with the widow. Leigh even purchases a horse that Bibs has acquired from an abusive owner. Silver Dreams "Sil" only has one eye and is almost five years old; however, he is a thoroughbred with racing in his blood. Leigh cannot help but wonder if Sil has what it takes to be a winner at the tracks.

On the advice of Bibs, Leigh turns to a former trainer, Whit Riley. After his wife ran off with his business partner, Whit became a bitter recluse and took to over drinking. But seeing Sil in action just may bring Whit back into the world.

As things begin to come together for Leigh and Whit, a wealthy widow comes into the picture. Her name is Kara Trenchard and she has wanted Whit since her high school days. Now she is determined to get everything and everyone she's had her eyes on for so long, no matter who she must harm in the process.

**** This romantic tale shows that not all successful New Yorkers have hearts of stone. Not to mention that success means nothing if you are not truly happy. Author Sondra Rice Newman knows this well and puts the knowledge to good use in this novel of friends, horses, and love. If you know nothing about horses or all the hard work and dedication required in caring for them, whether race horses or not, then you get a glimpse at how hard the job is. Yet the love of horses the author has clearly shows in her words and descriptions of the world. Wonderful story that you will recall for quite a while. ****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Leigh Meredith was your typical over-achiever, rising to the top in the advertising field, living the high life - trips, penthouses, everything that went along with that privileged lifestyle. She had everything including a successful, good looking fiancé who after arriving home on Christmas eve dropped a bombshell telling Leigh that he'd met an old flame from his college days, and had fallen in love all over again - only not with Leigh. Obviously, she needed to regroup and take a look at her life up to that point. Hopping in her car, she left for parts unknown arriving in a small town in the Virginia horse country, taking a minimum wage job, and a tiny cozy apartment. There she would meet crusty Bibs McBride, stable owner and ultimately the one-eyed horse Silver Dreams. Buying Silver Dreams, caring for him and finally riding again she discovered his remarkable speed and with the help of a cantankerous trainer, Whit Riley, entered the high stakes racing world. With a one-eyed horse, and the two wounded souls of Leigh and Whit they would all embark on a journey of healing to ultimately find fulfillment of dreams they once thought were lost.

*** This was a very well-written and fast paced story. Facts revolving around horses, their care, the racing aspect was extremely well-done and well-researched. From one horse lover to another this will definitely prove to be a great read. The relationship between Bib and Leigh was thoughtful and very heart-warming as Bib was able, with her down home logic, to show Leigh what was truly missing in her former fast track life. Once Leigh was able to let go of her control issues, and sense of abandonment, and look at what it was she now had, she would be able to embrace the happiness that was right there in front of her. The romance aspect between Leigh and Whit was mild, but sweet with the main thrust of the book focused more on the Cinderella horse - Silver Dreams. What few problems Leigh and Whit encountered towards their romantic involvement were secondary to the action of Silver Dreams training, care and races. For those looking for a wonderful horse story - this is the winning ticket, but definitely put your money on the Place ticket for the romantic angle in this book. For a horse lover such as myself - I totally enjoyed this read and have no trouble in recommending it to others.

When, on Christmas Eve, protagonist Leigh Meredith's fiance suddenly breaks their engagement to pursue another woman, Leigh is forced to evaluate her place in life. She realizes that she was never really in love, and furthermore, the rest of her life isn't making her happy either. She has a successful career at a prestigious Manhattan advertising agency, but somehow it feels empty and unrewarding. Needing some time for herself, she relocates to a small country town in Virginia. Here she meets Bibs, the owner of a local stable, and this soon leads to Leigh's purchase of an injured, run-down horse named Silver Dreams. As the horse recovers, however, Leigh realizes that the 5-year-old Thoroughbred, though unraced, possesses an impressive amount of speed, and she becomes increasingly interested in the possibility of turning him into a champion racehorse.

This primary, equestrian plotline opens the way for the secondary story in the book - one with a more romantic tone. Leigh's quest for a trainer for Silver Dreams leads her to Whit Riley, formerly a great horseman but now a reclusive, downtrodden man with a drinking problem, haunted by his own unfortunate past. At first he is reluctant to get involved, but Leigh's persistence convinces Whit to give Silver Dreams a chance. The project turns out to be just what he needs in order to restore purpose and direction to his life. And, not surprisingly, a personal relationship begins to blossom between owner and trainer as the succeeding months pass.

First-time author Sondra Rice Newman has created a fast-paced equestrian story that will provide an uplifting diversion for horse-loving readers. The story is a bit predictable and idealistic - everything seems to run just a little too smoothly for the main characters as far as the racing world goes, especially given the horse's rocky past and Leigh's inexperience as a horsewoman, and the relationship between Whit and Leigh felt contrived at times - but the plotline is exciting and still kept me reading. If I had one major disappointment here it would be that the horse himself did not have much of a personality in the story. The book focuses more on the lives of all the humans around him. And the fact that, with the exception of Bibs, everyone always refers to the horse by his full registered name, Silver Dreams, makes him seem that much less real. The full name begins to feel repetitive and unwieldy, and a nickname (Bibs calls him 'Sil') would have sounded more natural.

What impressed me about the book was that, from a horsewoman's point of view, the details are realistic. Newman is herself a horsewoman and it shows, which is relieving. It's always a disappointment to start a horse story only to find that the details are all wrong, but this doesn't happen here. I was particularly impressed to find that the author has her facts straight regarding both horse color genetics and Thoroughbred pedigrees. Moreover, readers NOT already versed in the nature of the horse world need not worry. The protagonist herself has only a small amount of past equine experience, so Bibs and Whit have plenty of opportunity to explain equestrian terms and procedures the reader may not be familiar with. On the whole, this is a nice light-hearted story, appropriate for horsewomen and non-horsewomen alike.

The bond of love between a horse and its owner is very special. They will become one in the delicate nuances of movements and signals. Creating the trust and loving friendship that we all yearn for - thrive on. Saddle up and ride Silver Dreams for yourself...

Leigh Meredith is at a crossroads in her corporate life. No longer does she find her work satisfying; she is also heartbroken from the ending of a three-year relationship. Leigh ditches her life in New York. Throwing fate to the wind, she will drive until she lands in a small town right in the middle of horse country.

Leigh gets a job at the local newspaper; it is there that Leigh meets Bibs McBride. Bibs is placing an ad to sell a thoroughbred gelding abandoned at her farm. One thing leads to another, and Bibs talks Leigh into seeing this gelding for herself. The moment Leigh views this one-eyed, underfeed gray gelding, she falls head-over-heels. Leigh is now the proud owner of Silver Dreams. But, her journey has just begun. She will encounter a drunken racehorse trainer, an unsavory blacksmith and other locals. If ever a tale could steal the reader's hearts, it is this novel.

Silver Dreams is the debut novel of author Sondra Rice Newman. Ms. Newman hit the winner's circle with Silver Dreams! Without any hesitation or doubt, this is one of the finest contemporary romance novels this reader has read this year! It is inspirational, heartwarming, but most of all, it speaks to the spirit of courage - the big gray gelding that could...

Ms. Newman took control of the reins - crafting a moving and profound tale of love between an abandoned thoroughbred gelding and a woman searching for meaning in her life. The story moves at a nice brisk clip. The characters and their dialogues are engaging - keeping this reader's attention and focus on the story.

Leigh's empty life will finally find meaning, with Silver Dreams. Her excitement about the big gray gelding has filled a hole in Leigh's heart, giving her a new outlook on life - truly caring for another. When she is on his back, Leigh finds her center.

Leigh's life will shift again when she encounters Whit. These two will slowly find many things in common, other than Silver Dreams. The attraction between them will heat up; bringing two lost souls together as one.

Whit Riley is an absolute wretch of a man when Leigh first meets him at the wrong end of a shotgun. He is drunk, foul tempered and plainly not in the mood for a visitor. But Whit is the only man with racing knowledge who can judge Silver Dreams' true racing potential. Leigh will not take no for an answer; facing off with Whit again, only this time she has something that will get Whit's attention; Silver Dreams' timed run. Can Whit stay sober and help Leigh achieve her dream of making Silver Dreams a winning racehorse?

Bibs is a raw-boned, plain talking, no non-sense woman. Her likeability lies in her big heart, which she hides behind gruff mannerisms. It is under her wing that Leigh's life changes and blooms. She and Bibs will develop a tight, close friendship.

Silver Dreams is filled with award-winning writing. If you are an aspiring equestrian, an all-round horse lover, or just looking for a wonderfully written story, then this is the novel for you. Not only is it a flawless five hearts; this reviewer will cherish her copy. Please, procure Silver Dreams by Sondra Rice Newman, when it hits the shelves January 10, 2006.

Reviewed by © Janalee Ruschhaupt, 2006
Courtesy of Love Romances www.loveromances.com

I found the book to be a great cinderella story with the emphasis on horses. Great character development, with a little romance to add a little spice. Yet the book did not make you feel like you were reading a harlequin romance book with a little bit of horses thrown in so that they could call it a horse book. Like several I have recently read that shall remain nameless! Kudos to the author and I would love to read another book by her!

Reminiscent of the writing of Dick Francis, Newman skillfully weaves a story around the thoroughbred racing stables and race tracts. Well informed and knowledgeable she details background information to inform the uninitiated and to build suspense for those readers involved with both raising and racing horses.

Newman's characters come to life as personalities clash. Conflict, crisis, and resolution move the plot ahead at a fast pace. The story revolves around Leigh Meredith, young, attractive, and successful. Leigh, after a failed relationship and broken engagement, leaves her executive position with a New York Advertising Agency, to reevaluate her life goals and values.

In an unexpected twist of fate, Leigh becomes the owner of an abandoned one-eyed thoroughbred, Silver Dreams. Determined to discover Silver Dream's racing potential, Leigh, contracts with Whit Riley to train her horse. Silver Dreams becomes the means of sparking a relationship between the two strong willed and stubborn Leigh and Whit.

This is an appealing, heartwarming, story with a strong surprise ending. This is a book of self discovery, entertaining, and informational. It is a book for every horse lover. Amateur, and professional alike will want to read this novel. I am looking forward to reading more of Sondra Rice Newman.

Just when Leigh Meredith thought her life was fulfilled and her career was moving forward as she wanted, her lover Sven tells her he has found someone else. His news forces her to face some facts she'd either ignored or wasn't aware of--mainly, that her life wasn't as satisfying as she'd thought.

An abrupt departure from the city brings her exhausted to Fox Creek in the heart of Virginia's horse country. The peace and loveliness of the area hold her and she begins a new life. However, new beginnings mean loneliness until she finds friends and puts down roots. Those roots begin to grow the day she meets the one-eyed horse called Silver Dreams and a woman named Bibs McBride.

The very talented author Sondra Rice Newman paints with words, life as it is lived around a horse stable. Her description of how the animals act and react will have you believing you've actually walked down a shady aisle with stalls on both sides and velvety noses extended for you to pet. You may find yourself wishing to take riding lessons and trying on helmets and boots.

You'll get to know the weariness that follows a hard day's working in the environment of horses and enjoy every minute of it. So well-drawn are her settings, you'll get calluses on places you've never had them before.

A tale of tenderness and warmth, budding romance and challenges that seem impossible, you'll find it a rewarding and pleasant read like a visit to dear friends. The romance of the horse is alive and well as readers recall their youthful dreams of owning a horse and going to every horse movie made.

Highly recommended as a story well above the ordinary romance. Enjoy. I sure did.

Reviewed by Susan Pettrone for Reader Views (1/07)

Though I am not a horse lover, nor even a rider of horses, this book grabbed my attention from the first page and proved to be as much of a winner as its main character Silver Dreams was within its pages. Within the first few sentences we meet Leigh, an up and coming city girl, seemingly happy with her city lifestyle with its delicate crystal goblets and artistically arranged floral arrangements within her busy life. Then, as stories like this so often do, Leigh's life is thrown into a tailspin when her companion of three years returns from a trip to his hometown to announce they are through and he is marrying his high school sweetheart.

Leigh is immediately angry, with confusion and emptiness soon following as well. Selling off or giving away most of her "possessions," packing her red Miata with bits and pieces, Leigh sets off to find a new life away from the one she found so recently upended. Finding herself in Virginia, loving the quiet atmosphere, and slow lifestyle, Leigh takes a job at a small newspaper office and begins anew her life in a way that belies her past as a high-paced woman of the world.

Leigh soon meets "Bibs," a crusty, commonsense woman of the town who boards horses and gives lessons in riding and showmanship. And through Bibs, Leigh also meets "Silver Dream," a horse whom Bib's is seeking to sell and whom Leigh finds herself the owner of, despite his somewhat daunting injury which has caused him to lose an eye. As Leigh finds herself in the company of Bibs more and more, she grows to love and appreciate this no-nonsense woman and the life she leads. As Leigh becomes more comfortable around the horses, she finds herself a natural horsewoman and to her delight, finds Silver Dreams is a racer at heart as well!

Into Leigh's life comes Whit, a man with a past which threatened to beat him down, until he met Leigh and Silver Dreams who give him a new lease on life, and love. Throughout this book, the reader sees many parallels from Leigh's former life and her now, markedly simpler life as well. From the fragile goblets with crystal cupids and fine tablecloth she used only twice a year, to the juice glasses and garage sale finds she now implements in her life, we see that Leigh has changed, from a woman who put great value in material things to a woman who now puts great value in the people and of course, Silver Dreams within her life.

The adventures Leigh, Bibs and Whit are alive within this book and their work with Silver Dreams. It is their own dreams of racing which make this a book that is attractive for both horse lovers and others as well. I must admit, if I had been asked before reading this book through that I'd ever recommend a book about horses, I most likely would have answered in the negative. But after reading this book, I can honestly say that this is a book that will appeal to all ages, and many personalities as well. For it is not just a story about a woman and her horse, it is about life and what Leigh discovers about herself through interacting with Silver Dreams. And there is no better recommendation for any book but to say it teaches a valuable life lesson, and "Silver Dreams" does just that.

Book received free of charge.

Very sweet story which is utterly predicatable. An owner with an out of state jock's licence allowed to ride her 2nd race ever in a Grade II race? Yeah, right. And then it wins? Uh huh.

But if you like cute stories with happy endings, then you'll like it. Calling the horse by its full name is irritating (which is why horses like For The Moment are called Fred and not by their show name), and all the "huntin' fishin' shootin'" illustrations of accent even moreso (we know the character is in the south; enough already), but it is a nice lighthearted read.