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Aspen Valley #1
Keeping the Peace
London waitress, Pippa Taylor has no interest in horses or country-living. But when she inherits Peace Offering, a hopeless racehorse, she embarks on a career change in order to see her late uncle’s wish to run him in the Grand National come true.
But having talked her way into a job as racing secretary to champion National Hunt trainer, Jack Carmichael and moved to the West Country, Pippa finds herself faced with more daunting obstacles than even the Grand National can throw at her.
Most take the form of Jack, her moody boss. Although easy on the eye, he's certainly not easy on the ear. And after a Christmas they would both rather forget, danger and deception threaten Pippa’s life in the country. As her time at Aspen Valley Racing Stables draws to its conclusion she discovers Peace Offering is not the only thing she must fight to keep.
Amazon Sports Fiction Bestseller
Runner-up Best International Romance, SKoW Awards 2010
Inducted into the Hall of Fame, A Drop of Romeo
But having talked her way into a job as racing secretary to champion National Hunt trainer, Jack Carmichael and moved to the West Country, Pippa finds herself faced with more daunting obstacles than even the Grand National can throw at her.
Most take the form of Jack, her moody boss. Although easy on the eye, he's certainly not easy on the ear. And after a Christmas they would both rather forget, danger and deception threaten Pippa’s life in the country. As her time at Aspen Valley Racing Stables draws to its conclusion she discovers Peace Offering is not the only thing she must fight to keep.
Amazon Sports Fiction Bestseller
Runner-up Best International Romance, SKoW Awards 2010
Inducted into the Hall of Fame, A Drop of Romeo
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2012
169 people are currently reading
1162 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Hooton
23 books23 followersHannah Hooton burst onto the contemporary romance scene with the release of her debut novel, At Long Odds, in January 2012. This was followed by the multi-award winning, bestselling Aspen Valley series, so far consisting of the first three instalments, Keeping the Peace, Giving Chase, and Share and Share Alike.
The inspiration for these novels came while combining her wanderlust with her love of horse racing when travelling around Australia working from one racing stable to the next as a strapper (not to be confused with stripper).
She has now settled in East Anglia, UK, having recently completed a BA Honours degree in Writing and Film Studies.
Hannah's passion and mild obsession with horses has forced her to plan her own life around the racing calendar. Her family are well aware not to expect an appearance from her at functions during the likes of Royal Ascot and Cheltenham Festival weeks. Writing racing romances allows her to further research her passion and she is privileged to have made some firm friends in so doing.
Hannah is currently working on her fifth novel and the fourth in the Aspen Valley series.
The inspiration for these novels came while combining her wanderlust with her love of horse racing when travelling around Australia working from one racing stable to the next as a strapper (not to be confused with stripper).
She has now settled in East Anglia, UK, having recently completed a BA Honours degree in Writing and Film Studies.
Hannah's passion and mild obsession with horses has forced her to plan her own life around the racing calendar. Her family are well aware not to expect an appearance from her at functions during the likes of Royal Ascot and Cheltenham Festival weeks. Writing racing romances allows her to further research her passion and she is privileged to have made some firm friends in so doing.
Hannah is currently working on her fifth novel and the fourth in the Aspen Valley series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
May 20, 2013
Very interesting detail showing the inside of the horse racing business. Gives a glimpse of the hard work that goes into caring for and training race horses, as well as how much work goes into promoting the business/sport itself. How many of us don't wonder "what if" I had chosen this path instead of that? How many have longed to "start over" doing something that we find an interest for later in life? This story gives us a glimpse of someone who had the opportunity to do just that. Mix in a little romance, a little suspenseful deviousness, and several interesting back up characters, and this is a pretty good read. I am only giving this book a 3 out of 5 for the off-color language, which was not necessary for the completeness of the story. I would read other books by this author.
May 24, 2013
The book was awesome..and hard to put down. I enjoyed the story and loved the main character Pippa. Loved all the different parts of her life and events she got herself into. It was also interesting learning about the horse racing culture which I knew nothing about. I only have one complaint and why is it necessary that the author felt she had to use the "f" word. No other swearing in the book and it really wasn't necessary. Other than that, it was great, good story line, characters described well and likable, easy to read and hard to put down. I look forward to reading others from this author.
June 19, 2012
Really enjoyed this book. I got it as a freebie on Kindle. I may actually go back and pay money for it - it was that good. Your typical romance, with a long time before the sex starts. Which I didn't even notice! I love reading about a subject I know very little about - in this case Steeplechase racing in England. The language was very enjoyable. Colorful in an idiomatic way, especially the local slang. Now I want to book a trip to England to experience such racing in person.
September 25, 2012
I am a sucker for romance and horses, and this book has both packed in it. I really liked how the author built tension between her main characters right until the end. The book had the promise of a good one, but the end was not as well executed as the rest of the story. I cannot quite put my finger on what it was missing, but there it was. Despite a not-so-solid finishing, I would have given this book a 4 star had it not slipped the 'f' bomb so generously. That was a big turn off.
May 28, 2013
from Retired Racehorse Blog's Sunday Book Reviews:
Keeping The Peace is the first of a series built around a National Hunt racing stable. I’m utterly in love with the main character. I’m just going to say it: this book could be called Bridget Jones Goes to the Races and it wouldn’t be far off the mark. Luckily, I love both Bridget Jones and racing, so this was a match made in heaven for me.
Sweet, lovely, and impressively creative with bad language when she’s pissed off, Pippa Taylor is going through the motions. She’s got a job, she’s got a flat, she’s got a sort-of actor boyfriend who is just bound to get discovered one of these days. She has the requisite bad-girl best friend, she has the requisite lost dream of being an artist — she has everything you need to be a another cog in the machine.
But nothing throws a machine out of whack like a horse. They’re pre-Industrial Age, they defy all logic, and we love them without reason. And while Pippa is no horsey girl, when she inherits a pair of Thoroughbreds from her uncle, she’s struck by not just the inherent promise in a horse, but by the dream that her uncle had for one of them.
That’s Peace Offering, and like every horse, he comes with baggage. His racing history is rubbish, for one thing. His trainer is a bad-tempered Horse Racing Ken Doll, for another. Peace Offering immediately starts changing Pippa’s life in all sorts of crazy fashions, as horses do.
Hooton’s evocative imagery and crisp writing sets this story apart from the competition. Here’s Pippa meeting a yard of racehorses for the first time:
I loved the National Hunt racing setting. Like most Americans, I know about Cheltenham and the Gold Cup and the King George V in a sort of abstract fashion: they’re steeplechases in England. I know that… that… um… well, they happen. I’ve sat up at odd hours watching the jumps racing and I absolutely love it… riding a steeplechasing course is definitely on my bucket list. (Some might say it ought to be the last item on my bucket list.) I know about Kauto Star. If pressed I would say Haydock is a horse and not a place but I’d have to Google it.
Despite holding an exercise riders’ license, when it comes to jumps racing, I’m kind of a Pippa:
The new-to-me setting gave this book a particular charm, especially the very thrilling racing scenes. Thrilling, terrifying, you know — just think how stressful you find it watching your favorite horse (to say nothing of your own) running a six furlong race. Now imagine a three mile race. I wonder if Americans as a society would even survive if we were suddenly forced to watch NH instead of flat racing. Our poor over-taxed hearts would just give out after 2 minutes.
Imagine poor Pippa urging on her horse, only to see a horse fall on the other side of the fence, right in their landing path, that Finn, the jockey can’t possibly know about.
Fifteen fences. At this point I’m sweating and I’m just reading the book.
But that’s one of the many pleasures of Keeping the Peace. With exciting racing scenes, a slow-burning romance, and the delightfully creative swearing (yes, two mentions in one review) that the British have truly mastered, Keeping the Peace is one of my favorite reads this year.
Keeping The Peace is the first of a series built around a National Hunt racing stable. I’m utterly in love with the main character. I’m just going to say it: this book could be called Bridget Jones Goes to the Races and it wouldn’t be far off the mark. Luckily, I love both Bridget Jones and racing, so this was a match made in heaven for me.
Sweet, lovely, and impressively creative with bad language when she’s pissed off, Pippa Taylor is going through the motions. She’s got a job, she’s got a flat, she’s got a sort-of actor boyfriend who is just bound to get discovered one of these days. She has the requisite bad-girl best friend, she has the requisite lost dream of being an artist — she has everything you need to be a another cog in the machine.
But nothing throws a machine out of whack like a horse. They’re pre-Industrial Age, they defy all logic, and we love them without reason. And while Pippa is no horsey girl, when she inherits a pair of Thoroughbreds from her uncle, she’s struck by not just the inherent promise in a horse, but by the dream that her uncle had for one of them.
That’s Peace Offering, and like every horse, he comes with baggage. His racing history is rubbish, for one thing. His trainer is a bad-tempered Horse Racing Ken Doll, for another. Peace Offering immediately starts changing Pippa’s life in all sorts of crazy fashions, as horses do.
Hooton’s evocative imagery and crisp writing sets this story apart from the competition. Here’s Pippa meeting a yard of racehorses for the first time:
She stopped at the first stable and peeked inside. Suddenly, half a ton of horseflesh came hurtling towards the door, teeth bared, ears pinned back.
Pippa gave a startled yelp and jumped out of harm’s way. She yelped again as she collided with a neat cutlery set of pitchforks and spades leaning against the wall.
I loved the National Hunt racing setting. Like most Americans, I know about Cheltenham and the Gold Cup and the King George V in a sort of abstract fashion: they’re steeplechases in England. I know that… that… um… well, they happen. I’ve sat up at odd hours watching the jumps racing and I absolutely love it… riding a steeplechasing course is definitely on my bucket list. (Some might say it ought to be the last item on my bucket list.) I know about Kauto Star. If pressed I would say Haydock is a horse and not a place but I’d have to Google it.
Despite holding an exercise riders’ license, when it comes to jumps racing, I’m kind of a Pippa:
“Who’s Virtuoso?”
Jack shook his head helplessly.
“We won the Cheltenham Gold Cup with him earlier this year. Won eight Grade Ones on the bounce. He’s a bit of a celebrity.”
“I know Cheltenham!” Pippa cried, excited that she knew something to do with horseracing."
The new-to-me setting gave this book a particular charm, especially the very thrilling racing scenes. Thrilling, terrifying, you know — just think how stressful you find it watching your favorite horse (to say nothing of your own) running a six furlong race. Now imagine a three mile race. I wonder if Americans as a society would even survive if we were suddenly forced to watch NH instead of flat racing. Our poor over-taxed hearts would just give out after 2 minutes.
Imagine poor Pippa urging on her horse, only to see a horse fall on the other side of the fence, right in their landing path, that Finn, the jockey can’t possibly know about.
Peace Offering stretched higher and wider to clear the yawning ditch and wall of spruce. Pippa could almost see the surprise register in Finn’s body language when he caught sight of the fallen horse on the landing side.
“Please God, help them.”
They touched down a stride away from Corazon. Peace Offering took half a stride and took off again, hurdling the half-risen faller.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” Pippa babbled. She wondered how many other repented sins God would allow her. Another fifteen fences’ worth?
Fifteen fences. At this point I’m sweating and I’m just reading the book.
But that’s one of the many pleasures of Keeping the Peace. With exciting racing scenes, a slow-burning romance, and the delightfully creative swearing (yes, two mentions in one review) that the British have truly mastered, Keeping the Peace is one of my favorite reads this year.
November 13, 2014
Ce carte interesanta !
Este o premiera pentru mine,pentru ca pana acum nu am mai citit o carte despre curse de cai.
Mi-a placut atat de mult faptul ca mi-a fost pusa imaginatia la incercare!
A fost destul de dificil sa urmaresc(mintal)cursele de cai,dar totodata si palpitant.Am trait acele emotii de parca chiar a-si fi fost prezenta pe un hipodrom.
Sunt placut surprinsa,nu credeam ca este asa de palpitant.Cred ca o sa urmaresc cateva filmulete pe youtube cat de curand.
Nici poveste in sine nu este prea rea.
Mi-au placut personajele pentru ca sunt mature,nu se arunca cu capul inainte.
Pippa Taylor primeste o mostenire neobijnuita de la unhiul ei.
Ce stie ea despre cai ? Doar este chielnerita.O avea ea suflet de artist,dar se vede nevoita sa recunoasca ca aceasta situatie o depaseste.
Apeleaza la serviciile lui Jack Carmichael unul dintre cei mai buni instructori de cai de curse din Anglia.
De aici poveste devine destul de palpitanta,pentru ca ea nu-si permite costurile de intretinere pentru un asemenea exemplar,asa ca-l convinge pe Jack sa o angajeze ca secretara.
Pippa este o stangace adorabila.A fost o adevarata placere sa o urmaresc la locul de munca.
Curand ea devine indispensibila pentru Aspen Valley,si in ciuda faptului ca-i place noua viata din West Country ,renunta la tot si se intoarce la Londra.
Finalul este unul fericit,pentru ca cei doi revin la sentimente mai bune,si-si ofera o a dou-a sansa.
Din pacate Peace Offering(calul Pippei)nu reuseste sa castige turneul National Hunt,dar stati linistiti ca se v-a antrena pentru anul viitor.Abia astept sa citesc si urmatorul volum,si sa vad care este parcursul acestui minunat specimen.
Acord 4 stele acestei carti,si acum va las,pentru ca am de urmarit cateva curse de cai .
Este o premiera pentru mine,pentru ca pana acum nu am mai citit o carte despre curse de cai.
Mi-a placut atat de mult faptul ca mi-a fost pusa imaginatia la incercare!
A fost destul de dificil sa urmaresc(mintal)cursele de cai,dar totodata si palpitant.Am trait acele emotii de parca chiar a-si fi fost prezenta pe un hipodrom.
Sunt placut surprinsa,nu credeam ca este asa de palpitant.Cred ca o sa urmaresc cateva filmulete pe youtube cat de curand.
Nici poveste in sine nu este prea rea.
Mi-au placut personajele pentru ca sunt mature,nu se arunca cu capul inainte.
Pippa Taylor primeste o mostenire neobijnuita de la unhiul ei.
Ce stie ea despre cai ? Doar este chielnerita.O avea ea suflet de artist,dar se vede nevoita sa recunoasca ca aceasta situatie o depaseste.
Apeleaza la serviciile lui Jack Carmichael unul dintre cei mai buni instructori de cai de curse din Anglia.
De aici poveste devine destul de palpitanta,pentru ca ea nu-si permite costurile de intretinere pentru un asemenea exemplar,asa ca-l convinge pe Jack sa o angajeze ca secretara.
Pippa este o stangace adorabila.A fost o adevarata placere sa o urmaresc la locul de munca.
Curand ea devine indispensibila pentru Aspen Valley,si in ciuda faptului ca-i place noua viata din West Country ,renunta la tot si se intoarce la Londra.
Finalul este unul fericit,pentru ca cei doi revin la sentimente mai bune,si-si ofera o a dou-a sansa.
Din pacate Peace Offering(calul Pippei)nu reuseste sa castige turneul National Hunt,dar stati linistiti ca se v-a antrena pentru anul viitor.Abia astept sa citesc si urmatorul volum,si sa vad care este parcursul acestui minunat specimen.
Acord 4 stele acestei carti,si acum va las,pentru ca am de urmarit cateva curse de cai .
December 25, 2013
Jack needed to show me some things before I fell in love with him, I did eventually, but it was Pippa who had my love through out the whole book. She's feisty, "well, since they don't, do you admit that I might have my uses? I might be a waitress, but I'm not stupid, Jack." She defends herself when Jack gets on her about something stupid, "it was a mistake, Jack." She lifted her hands in a helpless gesture. "I don't make mistakes on purpose." She gives as good as she gets, "fine." She took it and walked away. "One last thing, Jack," she said pausing at the doorway. "Don't you ever talk to me like that again." She even knows how to defend her actions when Jack starts accusing her of something, "I'm ringing a mechanic to go pull my car out of a ditch!" She threw back at him. "If it wasn't for Finn, I'd probably be in some A&E hypothermia right now!" Jack he sure knows how to be an a**," I can't accept this as a gift. I haven't gotten you anything. I didn't even think to get you anything." His eyes darkened as she became more bewildered. "Exchanging Christmas presents is what friends and family do. I - I'm your boss." He did have some promising moments, but the boy was just mostly an a** through out the book, which was okay, he just had to work a lot harder to gain my love.
October 23, 2015
A romantic Brit horse novel
I grew up loving Dick Francis novels - not only the mystery but the racing scenes. This book is headed in a similar direction. Not much of a mystery but a nice will they won't they romance with the excitement of British horses and raving taken into account. Looking forward to reading the next two books that seem to have more of a mystery involved.
I grew up loving Dick Francis novels - not only the mystery but the racing scenes. This book is headed in a similar direction. Not much of a mystery but a nice will they won't they romance with the excitement of British horses and raving taken into account. Looking forward to reading the next two books that seem to have more of a mystery involved.
August 10, 2012
It was funny, there were beautiful horses and a sweet lovestory.
Pippa was so sweet, Jack was so loveable grumpy and Peace Offering is a champion!
Got it for my kindle for free, but paid for Hannah's second book which is hopefully as entertaining!
Pippa was so sweet, Jack was so loveable grumpy and Peace Offering is a champion!
Got it for my kindle for free, but paid for Hannah's second book which is hopefully as entertaining!
November 1, 2014
Like horses? Like England? Like horse racing? Perfect book for you, then! This story captured my heart from the beginning and never let it go...loved it so much that I stayed up all night and next morning reading this one and the second one, too!!
January 10, 2018
4.5 stars. I loved the descriptions of the racing and the stables and the countryside. I thought the characters were wonderful, but their actions sometimes left me wondering. For examples: Jack and Melissa - why?
June 8, 2012
Pretty good book!
July 27, 2013
What a good book! There were several surprises that I never predicted. I really enjoyed reading this book!
August 31, 2014
I love this series. Different from I normally read, but I couldn't pit it down! Dialogue is fantastic and hilarious. :)
August 25, 2015
Emotional Ride
What an amazing book. I was hooked right away. The racing drama was just so captivating. I love horses and this book was a joy to read.
What an amazing book. I was hooked right away. The racing drama was just so captivating. I love horses and this book was a joy to read.
September 1, 2015
Great book
September 29, 2015
Good read
July 18, 2017
Very entertaining story that presents the exciting and dangerous sport of steeplechase in enough detail that those (like me) who know nothing are informed enough to understand but not so inundated that we are out of our depth. The protagonists here are both entertaining and frustrating. So many times I wanted to scream at Pippa for first, putting up with her idiot boyfriend, second not standing up for herself and third being so damn naive! You can see the precipitating event here coming from a furlong away!! Only a complete dingbat wouldn't put these pieces together. Of course the author does present Pippa as pretty dingbatty but you can't have a successful protagonist who's stupid and that is how Pippa comes off at several points. And the whiny crap after the crisis is really grating. And that next crisis is just so transparent and once again an example of Pippa's idiocy. So while all that sounds pretty bad, and it is, Pippa is also extremely entertaining and amusing as is her best friend Tash. Jack is the typical silent, brooding, can't express his feelings male protagonist. His girlfriend is beyond irritating, he clearly doesn't even like her so the relationship makes no sense. His hesitancy where Pippa is concerned is at least understandable. His inability to deal with her flightiness is amusing.
The secondary characters are well written and entertaining. The book is a bit long and I think would have benefitted from some more judicious editing.
The secondary characters are well written and entertaining. The book is a bit long and I think would have benefitted from some more judicious editing.
January 5, 2025
Loved It!
I really enjoyed reading about Pippa,Jack, Emmie, Finn and all the rest in this great story. The author has a wonderful way with dialogue. You really get to know these characters and I found it really hard to put this book down. This book is full of gutsy characters and stubborn lovers. Aspen Valley and its horse and human characters would be a great place to visit.
I really enjoyed reading about Pippa,Jack, Emmie, Finn and all the rest in this great story. The author has a wonderful way with dialogue. You really get to know these characters and I found it really hard to put this book down. This book is full of gutsy characters and stubborn lovers. Aspen Valley and its horse and human characters would be a great place to visit.
June 19, 2017
Great First Book in the Aspen Valley Series. I absolutely adored the characters and fell in love with Jack and Pippa during the first part of the book! I loved the story and cried my eyes out quite a few times during the book! I thought it was great and felt that Pippa was a hoot! I think Hannah Hooten is going to fall in as one of my new faves!
February 16, 2017
Keeping the Peace
What an awesome read!! From the time I started it, I couldn't put it down.. I felt like I was in the story as it unfolded, feeling every emotion the characters felt.
What an awesome read!! From the time I started it, I couldn't put it down.. I felt like I was in the story as it unfolded, feeling every emotion the characters felt.
August 8, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyable read. Typical romance but with fantastic tension, read twice and would recommend.
March 16, 2020
Moves fast and keeps going.
Pippa has all the strengths and insecurities of a young woman. Having a BBF helps her though her trials.
Fast paced and fun to read.
Pippa has all the strengths and insecurities of a young woman. Having a BBF helps her though her trials.
Fast paced and fun to read.
April 26, 2021
Unsatisfying. The ending was way too abrupt and gave far too little happy after way too much angst.
March 24, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and hilariously funny in places, but the main reason I liked it was the characters. I'm not going to do a run through of why I loved all of them because there are quite a few, but I'll touch upon a few. Firstly, Pippa, the main character... I thought she was great, a little naive at times, but I loved the fact that she had a dream and she kept going for it. Also, she wasn't one of those whiny, incompetent heroines that makes you want to slap them, yeah, she made mistakes but she always sorted it in the end. Next, Jack. A moody, grumpy hero, what else can I say! And finally I want to give a quick shout out to Tash, just because she reminded me of my best friend!
It was also nice to learn about the horse racing world - you learn something knew every day! And I liked the way the actual races were written, writing it through the commentator gave them a scenes a good, fast pace. However, despite being a racing book, with one of the main themes being about Peace Offering, Pippa didn't actually spend that much time with him, with would probably one of my only complaints about this book.
Also, though parts of this book were really predictable - though that didn't bother me at all - I both loved and hated the result of Peace Offering's final race, because I didn't see it coming.
Finally, I loved the ending. I knew exactly how Pippa felt in the last few chapters after Nationals. I also liked that Jack wasn't your traditional hero, who goes chasing after her, but when he finally steps up at the end, I loved the simplicity of it.
For more reviews, or to check out my favourite quotes from this book, check out my blog at http://mlsparrow.wix.com/mlsparrow
It was also nice to learn about the horse racing world - you learn something knew every day! And I liked the way the actual races were written, writing it through the commentator gave them a scenes a good, fast pace. However, despite being a racing book, with one of the main themes being about Peace Offering, Pippa didn't actually spend that much time with him, with would probably one of my only complaints about this book.
Also, though parts of this book were really predictable - though that didn't bother me at all - I both loved and hated the result of Peace Offering's final race, because I didn't see it coming.
Finally, I loved the ending. I knew exactly how Pippa felt in the last few chapters after Nationals. I also liked that Jack wasn't your traditional hero, who goes chasing after her, but when he finally steps up at the end, I loved the simplicity of it.
For more reviews, or to check out my favourite quotes from this book, check out my blog at http://mlsparrow.wix.com/mlsparrow
May 15, 2016
Keeping the Peace by Hannah Hooton is just wow. Pippa Taylor is an awesome character and she is just so three-dimensional. We go through this journey with Pippa when she is on her way to Aspen Valley Racing Stables to see the two racehorses that her dearly departed Uncle Dave left her and decided to sell them. Of course she changed her mind and is lucky enough to still own Peace Offering. She ends up talking both herself and Jack into being his secretary so that she could be able to have Jack as Peace Offering’s trainer.
We see how much she has changed from the beginning of the book to the end of the book and she has made a lot of changes. I’m giving this book a five butterfly rating as it is a perfect mix of romance, the racing part, and other things. It took me some time getting used to the way the British and Irish talked in the book but it was so good that I totally didn’t care once I got into it. Hannah Hooton is an incredible author and I am so happy to be able to read these books from her. I love the actual racing facts that she researched for the book as it gives it more of a feel that it is actually happening around the reader as we are reading the novel.
Overall I would recommend reading Keeping the Peace by Hannah Hooton to everyone (at least adults to read it, it is a little much for the young adults).
Anyways until the next time enjoy this book review brought to you by
Baroness’ Book Trove.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE AUTHOR ASKED ME TO READ AND GIVE AN HONEST REVIEW FOR THIS BOOK!
To read more books like this one please visit my site: baronessbooktrove.com
We see how much she has changed from the beginning of the book to the end of the book and she has made a lot of changes. I’m giving this book a five butterfly rating as it is a perfect mix of romance, the racing part, and other things. It took me some time getting used to the way the British and Irish talked in the book but it was so good that I totally didn’t care once I got into it. Hannah Hooton is an incredible author and I am so happy to be able to read these books from her. I love the actual racing facts that she researched for the book as it gives it more of a feel that it is actually happening around the reader as we are reading the novel.
Overall I would recommend reading Keeping the Peace by Hannah Hooton to everyone (at least adults to read it, it is a little much for the young adults).
Anyways until the next time enjoy this book review brought to you by
Baroness’ Book Trove.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE AUTHOR ASKED ME TO READ AND GIVE AN HONEST REVIEW FOR THIS BOOK!
To read more books like this one please visit my site: baronessbooktrove.com
August 17, 2015
SENSUALITY RATING: Yes, Profanity; Yes, (ONE sexual encounter); Yes, Euphemistic code words "Hard heat of his erections”, “His cock rubbed against” again only during the O-N-E sexual encounter.
GENRE: Modern Day Romance
SETTING: City of London to Aspen Valley Racing Stables in the country
CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: PIPPA – positive, caring, and painter extraordinaire, BUT unfortunately a cigarette smoker with a trashy mouth.
CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: JACK – horse trainer extraordinaire; a grump, hard worker focused on getting his trained horses into races; downright demanding.
SYNOPSIS: She went from waitress to owner of a horse and a cottage in the country. His secretary walked out on him; probably because of that temper of his. She has never been a secretary but is convincing and the job will help to pay the stable bills.
WHAT I LIKED: When things seem bleak, she pretty much “always” finds a work around.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: I know the use of God’s name is common in fiction romance books BUT I still hate when it is used AND especially with trashy language. I wish authors would stop doing that
OVERALL RATING: (4) stars because same reason as “WHAT I DID NOT LIKE”. Otherwise, excellent storyline which alone would demand 5 stars.
Please read a few quotes and a brief summary of this book on “my Main Page” of LibraryThing.com https://www.librarything.com/work/126...
GENRE: Modern Day Romance
SETTING: City of London to Aspen Valley Racing Stables in the country
CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: PIPPA – positive, caring, and painter extraordinaire, BUT unfortunately a cigarette smoker with a trashy mouth.
CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: JACK – horse trainer extraordinaire; a grump, hard worker focused on getting his trained horses into races; downright demanding.
SYNOPSIS: She went from waitress to owner of a horse and a cottage in the country. His secretary walked out on him; probably because of that temper of his. She has never been a secretary but is convincing and the job will help to pay the stable bills.
WHAT I LIKED: When things seem bleak, she pretty much “always” finds a work around.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: I know the use of God’s name is common in fiction romance books BUT I still hate when it is used AND especially with trashy language. I wish authors would stop doing that
OVERALL RATING: (4) stars because same reason as “WHAT I DID NOT LIKE”. Otherwise, excellent storyline which alone would demand 5 stars.
Please read a few quotes and a brief summary of this book on “my Main Page” of LibraryThing.com https://www.librarything.com/work/126...
February 21, 2016
I'll be honest, I'm not normally into sporting books like this, but I'm so glad I was able to read this one. It is wonderful beginning to a promising series.
Pippa comes from London to Aspen Valley Stables, located in a small country town, after her uncle left her some racehorses and a little broke down cottage. She meets her beloved horses and while one is sold she falls in love with the other horse, Peace Offering. While clearing out her cottage she realizes her uncle had big dreams for Peace Offering. Who was she to dash those dreams? So she decides to move into the little cottage with sights to fix it up and begins working at Aspen Valley Stables. She wants Peace Offering to have his chance and to live up to her uncles dreams. Along the way her boss Jack opens up a whole new set of problems. Shes soon hopelessly in love, but this love isn't an easy one too have.
I loved this book! The love, hope, and peace that Pippa feels for her horse is amazing and heart wrenching. It was hard not to fall in love with her as a character. Of course, the horses stole my heart as well. If you are an animal lover it will steal yours too. Keeping the Peace was full of love for animals, hard times, friends, romance, and love. It was a great beginning. I can't wait to read the other books in this series....Stormi
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Pippa comes from London to Aspen Valley Stables, located in a small country town, after her uncle left her some racehorses and a little broke down cottage. She meets her beloved horses and while one is sold she falls in love with the other horse, Peace Offering. While clearing out her cottage she realizes her uncle had big dreams for Peace Offering. Who was she to dash those dreams? So she decides to move into the little cottage with sights to fix it up and begins working at Aspen Valley Stables. She wants Peace Offering to have his chance and to live up to her uncles dreams. Along the way her boss Jack opens up a whole new set of problems. Shes soon hopelessly in love, but this love isn't an easy one too have.
I loved this book! The love, hope, and peace that Pippa feels for her horse is amazing and heart wrenching. It was hard not to fall in love with her as a character. Of course, the horses stole my heart as well. If you are an animal lover it will steal yours too. Keeping the Peace was full of love for animals, hard times, friends, romance, and love. It was a great beginning. I can't wait to read the other books in this series....Stormi
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October 19, 2013
3.5 stars.
London waitress, Pippa Taylor has no interest in horses or country-living. But when she inherits Peace Offering, a hopeless racehorse, she embarks on a career change in order to see her late uncle’s wish to run him in the Grand National come true.
Now funnily enough, apart from the obvious exception of Jilly Cooper I don't usually read "horsey" books these days. This despite being a rider myself, who as a child used to indulge in quite a few childrens books with a horse theme - most specifically the Flambards trilogy. So when I was offered a chance to review this one I was immediately transported back to those days...
Of course this is a book for adults - one that takes us into the world of Horse Racing and all that entails, and I enjoyed it very much. Our protagonist, Pippa, is thrust into this world, one she initally has no interest in, and as we follow her along the way its a lot of fun.
You have some romance, some intrigue, all set in a wonderfully colourful world with well drawn characters and an entertaining and lively story.
One possible drawback is the occasional over use of bad language - if that sort of thing bothers you then take that into account before diving into this one..however it did not detract from a great little story for me. I will certainly be reading on.
Thank you kindly to the author for the review copy.
London waitress, Pippa Taylor has no interest in horses or country-living. But when she inherits Peace Offering, a hopeless racehorse, she embarks on a career change in order to see her late uncle’s wish to run him in the Grand National come true.
Now funnily enough, apart from the obvious exception of Jilly Cooper I don't usually read "horsey" books these days. This despite being a rider myself, who as a child used to indulge in quite a few childrens books with a horse theme - most specifically the Flambards trilogy. So when I was offered a chance to review this one I was immediately transported back to those days...
Of course this is a book for adults - one that takes us into the world of Horse Racing and all that entails, and I enjoyed it very much. Our protagonist, Pippa, is thrust into this world, one she initally has no interest in, and as we follow her along the way its a lot of fun.
You have some romance, some intrigue, all set in a wonderfully colourful world with well drawn characters and an entertaining and lively story.
One possible drawback is the occasional over use of bad language - if that sort of thing bothers you then take that into account before diving into this one..however it did not detract from a great little story for me. I will certainly be reading on.
Thank you kindly to the author for the review copy.
August 25, 2014
Pippa, the London waitress turned (inherited) racehorse owner, was quickly one of my favorite protagonists! She's a cheery ray of sunshine who's not afraid to lay down a four letter word...when absolutely called for. Author Hannah Hooton created a character that I wanted to hang out with - Pippa (and her wonderfully naughty bestie Tash!) are my kind of girls.
As the story plays out, I found myself rooting for Pippa and her long-shot race horse, Peace Offering, to win the Grand National - a gritty British steeplechase that sounds scary as all heck! "Helping" Pippa along the way is Peace Offering's grouchy but attentive trainer, Jack. There were a few times I wanted to shake Jack to alert him of his unnecessary grouchyness, but the contrast between Pippa and Jack made for some great banter.
The only negative was that I wish there were more horse scenes and that Peace Offering was a bit more "fleshed out" as a character. However, the sequel (Giving Chase, Aspen Valley book 2) revolves around a new protagonist ... A female jockey at Aspen Valley Stables! Book 2 is bound to have more horse scenes and I'm looking forward to reading it!
Brittney Joy
Author of Lucy's Chance (Red Rock Ranch Series)
http://brittneyjoybooks.squarespace.com
As the story plays out, I found myself rooting for Pippa and her long-shot race horse, Peace Offering, to win the Grand National - a gritty British steeplechase that sounds scary as all heck! "Helping" Pippa along the way is Peace Offering's grouchy but attentive trainer, Jack. There were a few times I wanted to shake Jack to alert him of his unnecessary grouchyness, but the contrast between Pippa and Jack made for some great banter.
The only negative was that I wish there were more horse scenes and that Peace Offering was a bit more "fleshed out" as a character. However, the sequel (Giving Chase, Aspen Valley book 2) revolves around a new protagonist ... A female jockey at Aspen Valley Stables! Book 2 is bound to have more horse scenes and I'm looking forward to reading it!
Brittney Joy
Author of Lucy's Chance (Red Rock Ranch Series)
http://brittneyjoybooks.squarespace.com
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