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Stay the Distance #1
Stay the Distance
July Carter’s world is perfect from the back of a horse. From the ground, everything is a complete mess: her jockey mom ran off for California years ago, her dad always seems more interested in the horses than in her, and the horse July wants for herself will never be hers.
Even though the New York racing circuit has taught her not to get attached, July can’t help connecting with Kali, a hopeless filly that refuses to run when it counts. When bankruptcy rumors start swirling around the barn, the future is murkier than ever. July can’t stand losing one more thing, and Beck, the barn owner’s son, knows more about the rumors than anyone else. July will get the truth, even if she has to pry it out of him, for Kali’s sake and her own.
Even though the New York racing circuit has taught her not to get attached, July can’t help connecting with Kali, a hopeless filly that refuses to run when it counts. When bankruptcy rumors start swirling around the barn, the future is murkier than ever. July can’t stand losing one more thing, and Beck, the barn owner’s son, knows more about the rumors than anyone else. July will get the truth, even if she has to pry it out of him, for Kali’s sake and her own.
284 pages, ebook
First published March 20, 2015
99 people are currently reading
718 people want to read
About the author
Mara Dabrishus
9 books76 followersMara Dabrishus is an author and librarian at a small college in Northeast Ohio. Horse racing is her first great love, but for the past several years she's ridden dressage, learning how to spiral in, half halt, and perform the perfect figure eight. For more information, please visit www.maradabrishus.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 11, 2015
4.5/5
If you're a horse lover, then you need to pick this book up. You won't regret it.
From the beginning, I was hooked. I loved the descriptions about the horses' personalities, looks and performances, as well as all the actions taking place near horses. As a horse lover, being around horses makes me relax, which is why I was happy and calm while reading this novel. It just made me feel like I was truly around horses, which is always a good feeling.
I didn't know much about this novel before I started reading, except that it's about horses. I wasn't expecting it to be about races, but I'm happy it is, because I learned a lot about them and I've always been interested in horse related things, especially races. It's a whole new universe for me, because there aren't any where I live. I didn't expect it to be so serious and demanding, but it showed me how different it can be when you're on the inside. The only thing I wish had been different is the fact that there are many words I didn't know the meaning to, partly because I don't know much about horse races, partly because all I've heard about them was in French. It would make it harder for a reader that doesn't know much about horses to understand the story, because there aren't definitions or explanations. I understood more or less what the words meant when I continued reading, but the beginning was tiring for me.
Since I was just expecting a horse book, I was surprised to find that it's also a lot about family. July's mother has left them a couple of years ago to be a jockey on the west coat, which her daughters are still not over. July's obsessed with her at the beginning of the novel, but she starts to let go of her, deciding to care about her life instead of her mother's. I was happy to see everything change during the story, because I was angry at her mother, too. Also, I liked how much I got to understand her father's character, because I feel like a lot of the story is based around him, even if he doesn't appear that frequently in the novel.
I liked the romance in this novel, because I think it was necessary to the storyline. Yes, it's adorable and it made me swoon, but it also changed July's thoughs about Lighter, which she couldn't help but dislike, and it made her more courageous and open. I enjoyed seeing her grow like that and I definitely think the story couldn't have been so good without such a good romance. Also, it didn't feel rushed or fake, it just felt natural and romantic. It was perfectly done.
Finally, I think the way it's written made the book perfect. Everything is fluent, well described and perfectly said, which made me enjoy my time reading. The only thing I didn't enjoy as much was how little the races were described, because since I was passionate about them, I would've wanted them to be described from the first second to the last. I understand that they don't take such a long time and that some readers would dislike long descriptions, but I wish they had been at least a bit longer, because then I could've really felt the anxiety and passion.
I highly recommend this to all my horse lover friends. It's a great book and I'm not surprised to see all the high ratings it gets.
(Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
If you're a horse lover, then you need to pick this book up. You won't regret it.
From the beginning, I was hooked. I loved the descriptions about the horses' personalities, looks and performances, as well as all the actions taking place near horses. As a horse lover, being around horses makes me relax, which is why I was happy and calm while reading this novel. It just made me feel like I was truly around horses, which is always a good feeling.
I didn't know much about this novel before I started reading, except that it's about horses. I wasn't expecting it to be about races, but I'm happy it is, because I learned a lot about them and I've always been interested in horse related things, especially races. It's a whole new universe for me, because there aren't any where I live. I didn't expect it to be so serious and demanding, but it showed me how different it can be when you're on the inside. The only thing I wish had been different is the fact that there are many words I didn't know the meaning to, partly because I don't know much about horse races, partly because all I've heard about them was in French. It would make it harder for a reader that doesn't know much about horses to understand the story, because there aren't definitions or explanations. I understood more or less what the words meant when I continued reading, but the beginning was tiring for me.
Since I was just expecting a horse book, I was surprised to find that it's also a lot about family. July's mother has left them a couple of years ago to be a jockey on the west coat, which her daughters are still not over. July's obsessed with her at the beginning of the novel, but she starts to let go of her, deciding to care about her life instead of her mother's. I was happy to see everything change during the story, because I was angry at her mother, too. Also, I liked how much I got to understand her father's character, because I feel like a lot of the story is based around him, even if he doesn't appear that frequently in the novel.
I liked the romance in this novel, because I think it was necessary to the storyline. Yes, it's adorable and it made me swoon, but it also changed July's thoughs about Lighter, which she couldn't help but dislike, and it made her more courageous and open. I enjoyed seeing her grow like that and I definitely think the story couldn't have been so good without such a good romance. Also, it didn't feel rushed or fake, it just felt natural and romantic. It was perfectly done.
Finally, I think the way it's written made the book perfect. Everything is fluent, well described and perfectly said, which made me enjoy my time reading. The only thing I didn't enjoy as much was how little the races were described, because since I was passionate about them, I would've wanted them to be described from the first second to the last. I understand that they don't take such a long time and that some readers would dislike long descriptions, but I wish they had been at least a bit longer, because then I could've really felt the anxiety and passion.
I highly recommend this to all my horse lover friends. It's a great book and I'm not surprised to see all the high ratings it gets.
(Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
February 7, 2017
Good YA horse-racing novel mostly focused on July's relationship with horses (excellent) and with her mother (so broken), and a very shyly developing romance with Beck, the owner's son.
Excellent characters and character development, medium-slow pace overall (odd, for a book in which horse-racing is so central), and with a plot which is fairly straightforward but very much character-driven, which was great. As the first half of a two-book set it was very good, but readers will want to get the second book to complete the story.
The book is written in a voice which I found quite hard-nosed - but which was a good fit for July, who was raised in the pragmatic racing world. This made it unusual in the area of YA romance, where girls are usually a good deal softer. Of course, July has her vulnerabilities, but she rarely allows them to show. I was left with an impression that a significant proportion of the book was autobiographical, and although it's probably impossible to say which parts, I felt that this added to the impact of the story.
Strongly recommended for those who prefer a dark horse in the YA romance stakes ;-)
Excellent characters and character development, medium-slow pace overall (odd, for a book in which horse-racing is so central), and with a plot which is fairly straightforward but very much character-driven, which was great. As the first half of a two-book set it was very good, but readers will want to get the second book to complete the story.
The book is written in a voice which I found quite hard-nosed - but which was a good fit for July, who was raised in the pragmatic racing world. This made it unusual in the area of YA romance, where girls are usually a good deal softer. Of course, July has her vulnerabilities, but she rarely allows them to show. I was left with an impression that a significant proportion of the book was autobiographical, and although it's probably impossible to say which parts, I felt that this added to the impact of the story.
Strongly recommended for those who prefer a dark horse in the YA romance stakes ;-)
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April 29, 2023rtc
June 23, 2016
4.5 Stars
I received a free digital copy from the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest feedback.
July lives and breathes horses. She helps out her dad on a daily basis, who works as a trainer in a racing stables. The only problem is getting too attached to horses who may be sold on, and July is currently trying not to fall in love with a chestnut filly called Kali who wasn't made to be a racer. July is also dealing with an absent mom who she hasn't seen in 4 years after she walked out to chase her jockey dreams in another state. Plus, there's also the fact that the stables could be bankrupt and July will lose not just Kali, but all the horses.
I loved this! I would have read it in one sitting easily if I had started it a little bit earlier in the day but this was the perfect kind of horsey read for me to get my teeth into. I love books like this, Stories about people who simply love horses and it's a story that 100% invested in the world of horses and not just halfway there.
It's obvious Mara knows her stuff when it comes to racing but I found I was able to easily follow along with the different terms and races even though I'm not educated in the way of horse racing, and definitely not American horse racing which is seems to be all flat and no jumps. I loved the different people working in the stables but mostly all the horses and how Mara was able to give them all their own unique and beautiful personality - from gentle Diver, working Maggie, tenacious Lighter and the gifted-in-her-own-way Kali.
This book also didn't fall into a trope I see a lot of in horse novels which is the snobby and pretentious horse owners. Too often, there's the snobby, rich horse owner who looks down their nose at the plebs working in the stables and don't own their own horse. They often only ride their horses for the prestige of ribbons and trophies and not the love of riding, or even the horse themselves. With Stay the Distance, we had Beck who obviously cared for Lighter but wasn't a horse-mad fanatic like July was. We also had Beck's dad Delaney and his mam who obviously genuinely cared for the animals they owned, and the staff that worked for them. Plus Beck had a relationship with July and Matt with Martina, so they obviously weren't snobs with dating either. I loved how Delaney handled July asking him about Kali. It was perfect and lovely.
Beck and July's relationship was another great thing about this story. They obviously already had a history from growing up together and they had chemistry. They were obviously a good match and it was a waft of fresh air that there was major dramas in their relationship.
I think I would have liked more explanation about July and Marina's mom throughout the book as I was left confused as to what had happened in that she wouldn't even shoot them an email or a phone call. Considering they were teenagers when she left, it seemed really odd that she wouldn't even send them a text to let them know what she was up to.
Overall, I loved this book and I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a horsey read. I can't wait to read more of Mara's writing. I've already bought her next book!
I received a free digital copy from the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest feedback.
July lives and breathes horses. She helps out her dad on a daily basis, who works as a trainer in a racing stables. The only problem is getting too attached to horses who may be sold on, and July is currently trying not to fall in love with a chestnut filly called Kali who wasn't made to be a racer. July is also dealing with an absent mom who she hasn't seen in 4 years after she walked out to chase her jockey dreams in another state. Plus, there's also the fact that the stables could be bankrupt and July will lose not just Kali, but all the horses.
I loved this! I would have read it in one sitting easily if I had started it a little bit earlier in the day but this was the perfect kind of horsey read for me to get my teeth into. I love books like this, Stories about people who simply love horses and it's a story that 100% invested in the world of horses and not just halfway there.
It's obvious Mara knows her stuff when it comes to racing but I found I was able to easily follow along with the different terms and races even though I'm not educated in the way of horse racing, and definitely not American horse racing which is seems to be all flat and no jumps. I loved the different people working in the stables but mostly all the horses and how Mara was able to give them all their own unique and beautiful personality - from gentle Diver, working Maggie, tenacious Lighter and the gifted-in-her-own-way Kali.
This book also didn't fall into a trope I see a lot of in horse novels which is the snobby and pretentious horse owners. Too often, there's the snobby, rich horse owner who looks down their nose at the plebs working in the stables and don't own their own horse. They often only ride their horses for the prestige of ribbons and trophies and not the love of riding, or even the horse themselves. With Stay the Distance, we had Beck who obviously cared for Lighter but wasn't a horse-mad fanatic like July was. We also had Beck's dad Delaney and his mam who obviously genuinely cared for the animals they owned, and the staff that worked for them. Plus Beck had a relationship with July and Matt with Martina, so they obviously weren't snobs with dating either. I loved how Delaney handled July asking him about Kali. It was perfect and lovely.
Beck and July's relationship was another great thing about this story. They obviously already had a history from growing up together and they had chemistry. They were obviously a good match and it was a waft of fresh air that there was major dramas in their relationship.
I think I would have liked more explanation about July and Marina's mom throughout the book as I was left confused as to what had happened in that she wouldn't even shoot them an email or a phone call. Considering they were teenagers when she left, it seemed really odd that she wouldn't even send them a text to let them know what she was up to.
Overall, I loved this book and I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a horsey read. I can't wait to read more of Mara's writing. I've already bought her next book!
April 25, 2015
4.5 to 5 stars
I loved this book! I could smell the horses, hear their thundering hooves, and see them charging down the racetrack. I don't know much about racers, but the other horsey bits felt real and authentic to me. I loved July. She's a Type A trying to hold what's left of her family together while trying to cope with her mom's physical and emotional absence in her life. Sweet romance and the horses and their behavior, both good and bad, were convincing. Lots and lots of horsey stuff, so if you don't like them, you probably won't enjoy this book. I couldn't put it down.
I loved this book! I could smell the horses, hear their thundering hooves, and see them charging down the racetrack. I don't know much about racers, but the other horsey bits felt real and authentic to me. I loved July. She's a Type A trying to hold what's left of her family together while trying to cope with her mom's physical and emotional absence in her life. Sweet romance and the horses and their behavior, both good and bad, were convincing. Lots and lots of horsey stuff, so if you don't like them, you probably won't enjoy this book. I couldn't put it down.
April 11, 2016
*I received an audio copy of this book from the author in exchange for review. Thank you, Mara!*
Listened from April 7th-10th 2016
This was an excellent audiobook. I have a hard time listening to books on audio in general and when I do listen it usually takes me weeks. This one, however, was addictive. I listened for two-three hours straight without it giving me a headache or making me roll my eyes (which happens a lot when I listen to audio for too long). Part of it may have been the fact that I already love the book, but I think it's also the narrator. Sarah Mollo-Christensen really brought this book and its beautiful characters to life for me.
If you want a good horse book to read and you prefer audiobooks, go for this one. It reads like any other YA book, but it's set in the world of horse racing. The two are brilliantly blended together. So buy the book and the audio, because you will want both.
*I received this novel through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
I'm always worried, picking up a horse book. Being a horse person, it's always hard to determine which ones will be worth your time and which ones will make you cringe. This one I am happy to say, was excellent.
Mara Dabrishus obviously knows her horses. I went through a phase where I was obsessed with Thoroughbred horse racing, so it was nice to test out that knowledge with this novel. The explanations about the tracks, the races, the horses, the training, everything was just spot on. And the writing was really beautiful. I was expecting this to read more like a middle grades book geared toward teens and adults (and don't get me wrong, I love well done middle grade books), but it didn't read like that at all. It read just like I would expect a YA novel to read when set in a horse world. I haven't had much experience with authors getting this to balance out well, but here it was excellent.
July was an extremely likable main character. She was very mature for her seventeen years and her personality and situation were very easy to relate to. I found myself immediately drawn to her. Her love of horses was a refreshing thing and I loved reading about her time in the saddle and how much she enjoyed it. She handled so many stressful situations with just the right mix of teen angst and mature levelheadedness.
The relationships in this novel were beautifully depicted. July's mom left four years before to chase her riding dreams across the country and hasn't been back since. The way this was handled was brilliant. Her mom just irked me, but I thought the resolution to the situation was very satisfying. And her relationship with her sister and dad were perfect. Communication is hard, even when you care about the people around you. Talking is hard to do when all you've known is silence. I know from personal experience that it's much easier to talk with my horse than with my family. July and Beck were also rather adorable. He was just the right amount of annoying to make me love him. Bri, July's best friend, was a nice touch as well.
The interactions between July, her family, the horse owners, the horses, and the stable crew was brilliantly depicted. This is an excellent novel for any reader, but I think that teenage, horse crazy girls would fall in love with it. It's just the book I was always searching for when I was that age. I don't know if there will be any more books written about July Carter, but I will definitely read them if there are.
You can read this and other reviews and book related posts on my blog: www.courtneysreads.blogspot.com
Listened from April 7th-10th 2016
This was an excellent audiobook. I have a hard time listening to books on audio in general and when I do listen it usually takes me weeks. This one, however, was addictive. I listened for two-three hours straight without it giving me a headache or making me roll my eyes (which happens a lot when I listen to audio for too long). Part of it may have been the fact that I already love the book, but I think it's also the narrator. Sarah Mollo-Christensen really brought this book and its beautiful characters to life for me.
If you want a good horse book to read and you prefer audiobooks, go for this one. It reads like any other YA book, but it's set in the world of horse racing. The two are brilliantly blended together. So buy the book and the audio, because you will want both.
*I received this novel through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
I'm always worried, picking up a horse book. Being a horse person, it's always hard to determine which ones will be worth your time and which ones will make you cringe. This one I am happy to say, was excellent.
Mara Dabrishus obviously knows her horses. I went through a phase where I was obsessed with Thoroughbred horse racing, so it was nice to test out that knowledge with this novel. The explanations about the tracks, the races, the horses, the training, everything was just spot on. And the writing was really beautiful. I was expecting this to read more like a middle grades book geared toward teens and adults (and don't get me wrong, I love well done middle grade books), but it didn't read like that at all. It read just like I would expect a YA novel to read when set in a horse world. I haven't had much experience with authors getting this to balance out well, but here it was excellent.
July was an extremely likable main character. She was very mature for her seventeen years and her personality and situation were very easy to relate to. I found myself immediately drawn to her. Her love of horses was a refreshing thing and I loved reading about her time in the saddle and how much she enjoyed it. She handled so many stressful situations with just the right mix of teen angst and mature levelheadedness.
The relationships in this novel were beautifully depicted. July's mom left four years before to chase her riding dreams across the country and hasn't been back since. The way this was handled was brilliant. Her mom just irked me, but I thought the resolution to the situation was very satisfying. And her relationship with her sister and dad were perfect. Communication is hard, even when you care about the people around you. Talking is hard to do when all you've known is silence. I know from personal experience that it's much easier to talk with my horse than with my family. July and Beck were also rather adorable. He was just the right amount of annoying to make me love him. Bri, July's best friend, was a nice touch as well.
The interactions between July, her family, the horse owners, the horses, and the stable crew was brilliantly depicted. This is an excellent novel for any reader, but I think that teenage, horse crazy girls would fall in love with it. It's just the book I was always searching for when I was that age. I don't know if there will be any more books written about July Carter, but I will definitely read them if there are.
You can read this and other reviews and book related posts on my blog: www.courtneysreads.blogspot.com
May 25, 2015
Loved seeing a YA book set in the horse racing world, especially as the details are incredibly accurate. Well worth the read :)
~ Leigh Hutton, author of Jump Girl
~ Leigh Hutton, author of Jump Girl
April 27, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July practically lives upon the back of horses. She works with the horses her father is training for races. But not everything is perfect. Her mother, a jockey, has left them to race. Her father’s attention is always on the horses. And her sister seems to not care about the horses at all anymore. Plus, she is falling in love with a horse that she knows can never be hers. But although things are far from perfect, her life is about to get a lot more complicated when the rumors of bankruptcy start circulating. Stay the Distance is a story of family, love, and most importantly, horses.
I’m just going to be blunt. I absolutely loved this story. It’s so nice to read a horse book and have everything be so accurate. Being a horse person, there’s always that hesitation because not everyone who attempts to write about horses knows or learns enough about them to write. But Mara Dabrishus did perfect, not that I expected anything less since she’s also a horse person. And not only was the horse information accurate, but the writing was fantastic as well. I was hooked into this story from the very first page and while I couldn’t wait to see how it would end, I hated that I had to finish it.
All of the characters were so diverse and real. Even the horses had their own personalities which made me, as the reader, grow very attached to them. All of the humans AND horses had a variety of personalities that made for a very interesting read.
I also really enjoyed the story line. There were several subplots going on and they were all pulled together so nicely at the end. The story just didn’t feel forced because of this, and I really wish I could read more books that flowed so smoothly.
If you love horses, or just a really good story, I recommend this book to you. I can’t wait to see what the author does next, and a part of me is hoping to maybe see these characters again.
I give it 5/5 stars.
July practically lives upon the back of horses. She works with the horses her father is training for races. But not everything is perfect. Her mother, a jockey, has left them to race. Her father’s attention is always on the horses. And her sister seems to not care about the horses at all anymore. Plus, she is falling in love with a horse that she knows can never be hers. But although things are far from perfect, her life is about to get a lot more complicated when the rumors of bankruptcy start circulating. Stay the Distance is a story of family, love, and most importantly, horses.
I’m just going to be blunt. I absolutely loved this story. It’s so nice to read a horse book and have everything be so accurate. Being a horse person, there’s always that hesitation because not everyone who attempts to write about horses knows or learns enough about them to write. But Mara Dabrishus did perfect, not that I expected anything less since she’s also a horse person. And not only was the horse information accurate, but the writing was fantastic as well. I was hooked into this story from the very first page and while I couldn’t wait to see how it would end, I hated that I had to finish it.
All of the characters were so diverse and real. Even the horses had their own personalities which made me, as the reader, grow very attached to them. All of the humans AND horses had a variety of personalities that made for a very interesting read.
I also really enjoyed the story line. There were several subplots going on and they were all pulled together so nicely at the end. The story just didn’t feel forced because of this, and I really wish I could read more books that flowed so smoothly.
If you love horses, or just a really good story, I recommend this book to you. I can’t wait to see what the author does next, and a part of me is hoping to maybe see these characters again.
I give it 5/5 stars.
July 26, 2016
Disclosure: We received a copy from the author/publisher in exchanged for an honest review. This does not influence my review in any shape or form.
I have to say that the one thing that made me want to request this was the cover. I have never read a novel that involved horses and was really curious to see how this would turn out.
The storyline was definitely unique. I wouldn’t classify this as a YA novel because the main character just graduated high school. I would say it’s like that middle ground of YA and NA minus the sexy times.
I loved the writing and the narrator did a great job of bring the story to life. I felt all the emotions that July was feeling because the narrator did such a good job of expressing them throughout the story.
I loved how the story focused on the family, horseracing and training of the horses. It was definitely a unique approach to the novel and I liked it. I loved how you could go into the novel without knowing much about horses or horse racing and you had a basic understanding about the training and everything that goes into the horseracing world.
As horrible as this may sound, I enjoyed the fact that the dysfunctional family included the mother leaving and not the father. I’ve read a ton of novels where the father runs off and it gets tiring because mothers do it too. I really liked the fact that it included the mother not being around it showed a different perspective for those who have gone through it.
Stay The Distance was definitely unique and I would read another book by the author.
I have to say that the one thing that made me want to request this was the cover. I have never read a novel that involved horses and was really curious to see how this would turn out.
The storyline was definitely unique. I wouldn’t classify this as a YA novel because the main character just graduated high school. I would say it’s like that middle ground of YA and NA minus the sexy times.
I loved the writing and the narrator did a great job of bring the story to life. I felt all the emotions that July was feeling because the narrator did such a good job of expressing them throughout the story.
I loved how the story focused on the family, horseracing and training of the horses. It was definitely a unique approach to the novel and I liked it. I loved how you could go into the novel without knowing much about horses or horse racing and you had a basic understanding about the training and everything that goes into the horseracing world.
As horrible as this may sound, I enjoyed the fact that the dysfunctional family included the mother leaving and not the father. I’ve read a ton of novels where the father runs off and it gets tiring because mothers do it too. I really liked the fact that it included the mother not being around it showed a different perspective for those who have gone through it.
Stay The Distance was definitely unique and I would read another book by the author.
July 22, 2016
This story was a little slow to get going, and the thought that it might be about nothing but horses made me more than a little wary. Thankfully this was more about the relationship between a young girl, with the unlikely name of July (which I was thankful was NOT a typo) and her absentee mother. Their love of everything horse racing is the only thing they really have in common, and it is this that the tail end of the story focuses on. Before this we have a will-they won’t-they relationship between July and Beck, something that felt like it could have easily been fleshed out a little more, and the struggles of July’s family as they are faced with the possibility of losing not just their livelihood but their horses too..
As I said, this started off slowly, and I struggled to get into it, but towards the middle it hit its stride and I whizzed through it relatively quickly. The story isn’t brilliant, but it is engaging at times and has a solid conclusion which helped make up for the lacklustre opening.
As I said, this started off slowly, and I struggled to get into it, but towards the middle it hit its stride and I whizzed through it relatively quickly. The story isn’t brilliant, but it is engaging at times and has a solid conclusion which helped make up for the lacklustre opening.
August 2, 2016
A sweet, delicate coming-of-age romance set in the world of horse racing. The heroine July loves the world of the track—it is her family’s trade and she has never wanted to do anything other than to ride. However, she has mixed feelings about the fact that her mother, a professional jockey, has abandoned the family to pursue her career. July is still exploring what it means to be a woman in a very masculine world and also must survive the tension of growing up surrounded by people like her sister and best friend who don’t understand why horses are so important to her. The scenes describing what it is like to gallop a racehorse and the extent to which so many hopes and dreams are pinned to these beautiful but ultimately very fragile creatures make Staying the Distance both poignant and very much NOT your typical YA fiction. A great read for someone looking for a YA novel that’s not just about boys (although there is a boy in the book)!
April 26, 2015
Excellent beautifully written young adult romance set in the world of horse racing written by someone who knows her way around horses is just what this book is. The novel is not just about the romance between July and Beck but also about family dynamics, choices, loss, growth and much more. All of the characters are well developed including those of the horses and they have personality aplenty. While reading I felt at times as if I were there and could have reached out to touch one of the horses or ask someone a question. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was taken back in time to fun horse stories I read many years ago.
Thank you Net Galley and MCC Books for the opportunity of reading and reviewing this book.
Thank you Net Galley and MCC Books for the opportunity of reading and reviewing this book.
September 26, 2015
From the first page, I felt a connection to the main character, July--the way she told her story, her love of the horses and the sport and the honest way she handled disappointing situations. I love horses and horse-themed books and though I generally stick to dressage and eventing, Dabrishus has written a compelling novel that kept me interested all the way through. I loved the characters, was heartbroken with them through their struggles and loved Dabrishus' descriptive use of language. Looking forward to more of July, Beck and the rest of the character's next adventures. Loved it!
March 16, 2015
July Carter appears older than her teenage years. Although she is finished with high school and due to be excited about starting college, she is instead putting off further study and insisting on staying working with the horses that her dad trains for racing... more at http://equus-blog.com/stay-the-distance/
June 3, 2015
Love horse books and have since I was a YA myself. I enjoyed reading this well-written book about the racing world. This book had everything: lots of horses and author obviously has a lot of knowledge about this world, a sweet romance, and a solid main character, who is equally introspective, self-aware and still young enough to be realistic.
Good book
Good book
May 9, 2015
A really good read, taking the young adult racing novel to new levels with excellent racing and equestrian knowledge. I enjoyed the characters, both humans and horses, very much.
I have an interview with the author here: http://www.nataliekreinert.com/2015/0...
I have an interview with the author here: http://www.nataliekreinert.com/2015/0...
September 12, 2020
Though I have just read the brief edition that we get to see online, This novel instantly transports me back to my days reading every horsey book I could get my hands on. Later it reminds me of happy young adult times writing my own nerdy fanfiction of the horse racing world.
I feel like I am back there, with the horses, pretending to gallop and race around my paddock. I will certainly be purchasing the full edition (and the rest of Maras books) come pay day.
Thankyou Mara for the memories.
I feel like I am back there, with the horses, pretending to gallop and race around my paddock. I will certainly be purchasing the full edition (and the rest of Maras books) come pay day.
Thankyou Mara for the memories.
December 28, 2024
Excellent Book!
Great writing with remarkable characters. I love reading about the horse racing world. This author writes with such acerbic wit and pace that makes the pages fly by. Can’t wait to read more.
Great writing with remarkable characters. I love reading about the horse racing world. This author writes with such acerbic wit and pace that makes the pages fly by. Can’t wait to read more.
September 19, 2018
5 stars
Excellent book, wonderful story, easy to read. Enjoyed the racetrack scenes. Looking forward to reading book 2 in the series.
Excellent book, wonderful story, easy to read. Enjoyed the racetrack scenes. Looking forward to reading book 2 in the series.
April 22, 2016
I'm a book hoarder ... I have stacks of unread paperbacks and rows of unread e-books just waiting to be flipped through and I can't seem to get to them fast enough (that dang thing called life gets in the way). So, I've had Staying the Distance on my e-reader since this summer and after reading a few short pages, I wondered why the heck I hadn't started it sooner! I loved ... loved, loved, loved! For the past week, every time I picked up my e-reader, I felt like I was going to visit old friends. I adored every single character in Dabrishus's book and that rarely happens for me. July ("Juls") is a witty, hard-working, overly organized, die-hard-horse-lover and her thoughts and one-liners cracked me up. If I was seventeen again, we'd be besties! And, Beck . . . swoon. He's my favorite kind of love-interest -- sarcastic and mildly-cocky! And he can ride ... swoon again...
Not to mention, horses are heavily ingrained in this book -- which is set in the racing world. And, I'm wondering if the author had real-world experience on the track or if she's just a really good researcher. The details about the races, jockeys, barns and training was very interesting to read and I even learned some new terminology. Actually, I want to work at Blackbridge after reading this book. ;) Furthermore, each horsie-character has its own personality. The horsie body language, personalities, and experiences are spot-on and Dabrishus is OBVIOUSLY a horse-girl! I wanted to kiss Diver, ride Kali, and watch Lighter from a distance (while someone else rode him). Actually, crazy Lighter made me laugh out loud ... chipmunk! You'll get the chipmunk reference after you read the book.
The mix of horses, a sweet love story, and family dynamics/drama kept me wanting more and I was sad to leave the characters after the last page ... good thing Mara is working on a sequel!
For more equestrian-fiction reviews, check out:
http://brittneyjoybooks.squarespace.c...
Brittney Joy
Author of Red Rock Ranch Series
Not to mention, horses are heavily ingrained in this book -- which is set in the racing world. And, I'm wondering if the author had real-world experience on the track or if she's just a really good researcher. The details about the races, jockeys, barns and training was very interesting to read and I even learned some new terminology. Actually, I want to work at Blackbridge after reading this book. ;) Furthermore, each horsie-character has its own personality. The horsie body language, personalities, and experiences are spot-on and Dabrishus is OBVIOUSLY a horse-girl! I wanted to kiss Diver, ride Kali, and watch Lighter from a distance (while someone else rode him). Actually, crazy Lighter made me laugh out loud ... chipmunk! You'll get the chipmunk reference after you read the book.
The mix of horses, a sweet love story, and family dynamics/drama kept me wanting more and I was sad to leave the characters after the last page ... good thing Mara is working on a sequel!
For more equestrian-fiction reviews, check out:
http://brittneyjoybooks.squarespace.c...
Brittney Joy
Author of Red Rock Ranch Series
April 23, 2016
Audiobook
Narration - Sarah Mollo-Christensen - Really Terrific! Love her voice! Love her narrative voice, loved her character voices, really great production quality! I've listened to one other of her productions and I thought it was good but this one is even better!
I really enjoyed this book. I don't think the blurb really does it justice. The story primarily revolves around the horse racing circuit with sub-plots regarding July's family and the abandonment by her mother, the Delaney family, and a romance.
I would categorize this as a 'smart' book. Well written and the author obviously knows her stuff about horses and racing, or she at least convinced me that she knows about it - as I am someone who knows only the extraneous information about horses and racing.
July is kind of an emotional mess where her mom is concerned and yet she's smart and strong at the same time. The banter between her and Beck is really enjoyable. She's spent her whole life around horses and at 18 is yet to have a boyfriend or even been kissed.
Beck has lived the privileged life - his parents own the barn and all the horses where July and her father work and train - and he still calls her 'kiddo' even though he's less than a year older than her.
The races are explained with remarkable drama and detail even down to the personalities and idiosyncrasies of the different horses. I'm bummed that I can't blaze right into the next book in this series. I'm kinda invested in July and her family now and most certainly will be looking for the next installment in this series.
Really great book!
I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from AudiobookBoom in exchange for an unbiased review
Narration - Sarah Mollo-Christensen - Really Terrific! Love her voice! Love her narrative voice, loved her character voices, really great production quality! I've listened to one other of her productions and I thought it was good but this one is even better!
I really enjoyed this book. I don't think the blurb really does it justice. The story primarily revolves around the horse racing circuit with sub-plots regarding July's family and the abandonment by her mother, the Delaney family, and a romance.
I would categorize this as a 'smart' book. Well written and the author obviously knows her stuff about horses and racing, or she at least convinced me that she knows about it - as I am someone who knows only the extraneous information about horses and racing.
July is kind of an emotional mess where her mom is concerned and yet she's smart and strong at the same time. The banter between her and Beck is really enjoyable. She's spent her whole life around horses and at 18 is yet to have a boyfriend or even been kissed.
Beck has lived the privileged life - his parents own the barn and all the horses where July and her father work and train - and he still calls her 'kiddo' even though he's less than a year older than her.
The races are explained with remarkable drama and detail even down to the personalities and idiosyncrasies of the different horses. I'm bummed that I can't blaze right into the next book in this series. I'm kinda invested in July and her family now and most certainly will be looking for the next installment in this series.
Really great book!
I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from AudiobookBoom in exchange for an unbiased review
April 17, 2016
We are a bit of a horse mad house, and we have many Middle Grade and YA equestrian novels stuffed in an overflowing bookcase. With these types of books they usually follow a set pattern. There is a girl, a cute boy, a troubled horse, a spoilt rich girl who know everything, etc etc... This does not make these books boring, they are like a comfortable blanket on a cold winters day.
Staying The Distance, is without a doubt, at the very top of this genre. The story was highly addictive, I read it in a day, staying up very late to finish it, and even though I am long past being classed as a Young Adult, the writing was so superb that I simply could not put this book down. The writing is so strong, the story so believable that I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the subject.
Dabrishus has successfully brought the world of American horse racing alive in this book - coming from England, I know nothing about the American racing circuit, but this did not hamper my enjoyment of the book at all. In fact Dabrishus immersed me in the racing world she created.
I love July, her character was so well fleshed, that at times I forgot she was a fictional character. This book is so well written that it was like watching a movie - in fact, I would love to see this turned into a series, I am sure it would have the same success as Lauren Brooke, Heartland.
I cannot praise this book enough. If you are looking for quality fiction, either for your horse mad teen or for yourself, then this is the book for you.
*I had a complementary copy of this book, from the author, in exchange for an honest review.*
Staying The Distance, is without a doubt, at the very top of this genre. The story was highly addictive, I read it in a day, staying up very late to finish it, and even though I am long past being classed as a Young Adult, the writing was so superb that I simply could not put this book down. The writing is so strong, the story so believable that I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the subject.
Dabrishus has successfully brought the world of American horse racing alive in this book - coming from England, I know nothing about the American racing circuit, but this did not hamper my enjoyment of the book at all. In fact Dabrishus immersed me in the racing world she created.
I love July, her character was so well fleshed, that at times I forgot she was a fictional character. This book is so well written that it was like watching a movie - in fact, I would love to see this turned into a series, I am sure it would have the same success as Lauren Brooke, Heartland.
I cannot praise this book enough. If you are looking for quality fiction, either for your horse mad teen or for yourself, then this is the book for you.
*I had a complementary copy of this book, from the author, in exchange for an honest review.*
July 7, 2016
17 stars! Oh my gosh how I love it! I don't want to leave this world. I want to just follow these characters around in their lives forever. Too much? I don't care!
July ,or Juls as some people call her, is a horse girl. Mostly because both of her parents are obsessed. Her sister Martina, not so much. Then again, that could be because her parents are obsessed. Their mother in fact is so obsessed she abandoned her family to ride horses. That leaves a huge void in July and Martina.
Meanwhile in reality, Wall-street is scrambling and the family who owns the horses and the farm have lost their shirts. So this is the last hurrah for that family and horse racing. That also means everything in July's life is about to change.
Also, Beck who is the younger son of that once super wealthy family, has changed tactics in the way he handles the ever serious July.
This story is about so much wrapped up together. Like real life. It has super realistic racing life. I feel like I'm right there with my heart in my throat during every race. It has young love at it's finest. Swoon. It has a dysfunctional family trying it's best to steer their way through the bumps in life. It has sisterhood both by blood and kinship. I guess you could call it a coming of age story, but I think you'd be missing so much of it. It's amazing and I will read the other short stories that go with it, and then maybe I will reread it, because I'm just not ready to let it go.
July ,or Juls as some people call her, is a horse girl. Mostly because both of her parents are obsessed. Her sister Martina, not so much. Then again, that could be because her parents are obsessed. Their mother in fact is so obsessed she abandoned her family to ride horses. That leaves a huge void in July and Martina.
Meanwhile in reality, Wall-street is scrambling and the family who owns the horses and the farm have lost their shirts. So this is the last hurrah for that family and horse racing. That also means everything in July's life is about to change.
Also, Beck who is the younger son of that once super wealthy family, has changed tactics in the way he handles the ever serious July.
This story is about so much wrapped up together. Like real life. It has super realistic racing life. I feel like I'm right there with my heart in my throat during every race. It has young love at it's finest. Swoon. It has a dysfunctional family trying it's best to steer their way through the bumps in life. It has sisterhood both by blood and kinship. I guess you could call it a coming of age story, but I think you'd be missing so much of it. It's amazing and I will read the other short stories that go with it, and then maybe I will reread it, because I'm just not ready to let it go.
July 24, 2015
An engrossing, complex and realistic book about a girl who is trying to come to terms with her mother's abandonment, her father and sister's distance, her own adolescence and what it means for her as she ponders her future in the horse world in which she grew up. I love this book for many reasons: I am tired of books about girls and horses where the girls are mean and competitive with each other and there has to be a villain. This book had none of that and any conflict in the book came from trying to make sense of important familial issues, love relationships and her friendships. I really enjoyed the details about the racing world and the ins and outs of loving and caring for horses. And I was moved by July's growth as a teenager with some important decisions to make as she moves deeper in late adolescence. This is my favorite horse book that I have read and as a mother of a daughter who loves horses, this says alot!
Thank you to NetGallery for giving me the opportunity to review this boo for an honest opinion.
Thank you to NetGallery for giving me the opportunity to review this boo for an honest opinion.
June 9, 2015
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this book. I really, really liked this book. The only reason that it didn't get a 5 star rating from me is just that it was just to short. I read this on my nook and even on that it was less than 200 pages.
I really felt like I was right there, on the back on the horse running around the track. This book was beautifully written and super detailed. The best part is that everything was so accurate. I like to think of myself as a horse person and everything was just so spot on. You can tell that Mara Dabrishus is not only knows about horses but she takes great joy when horses are concerned. This is this first book by this author I have read, but it will not be the last.
I loved how each character had such a diverse and rich personality, including the horses. Just like in real life. If you love horses this a great book to read. I highly recommend it.
I really liked this book. I really, really liked this book. The only reason that it didn't get a 5 star rating from me is just that it was just to short. I read this on my nook and even on that it was less than 200 pages.
I really felt like I was right there, on the back on the horse running around the track. This book was beautifully written and super detailed. The best part is that everything was so accurate. I like to think of myself as a horse person and everything was just so spot on. You can tell that Mara Dabrishus is not only knows about horses but she takes great joy when horses are concerned. This is this first book by this author I have read, but it will not be the last.
I loved how each character had such a diverse and rich personality, including the horses. Just like in real life. If you love horses this a great book to read. I highly recommend it.
August 20, 2015
Definitely one of the best-written horse-related novels I have read in some time. Can't agree with most of the reviews with respect to the accuracy - there were two scenes in particular which made me want to throw it across the room and prevented me from adding that fifth star, though I really, really wanted to. I'm just jaded and old and too locked in the world of TB racing to overlook these things (my sincerest apologies to the author!!). Enjoyed it nonetheless, and my comments should in no way deter anyone from picking it up!
August 3, 2015
This is a really good story by an author who knows what she it talking about in the horseracing world. I am always surprised when I find a story that hits all the right marks for accuracy with anything to do in the horse racing or showing world. If you love horse racing and are looking for a solid story this is the one! I will certainly be looking for more of Mara Dabrishus's books in the future.
April 20, 2016
A very well written story, with a nice thread of romance, blended with lots of family drama. Horse racing is the primary background and Mara Dabrishus knows her horses, writing with authority and realism, intertwined with characters you can empathize with and would like to know in real life.
I'd love a sequel furthering July, Beck, Kali and Lighter's future together.
I'd love a sequel furthering July, Beck, Kali and Lighter's future together.
April 19, 2016
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."
This book is very horse centered, with a dysfunctional family to tell the horses stories.
The narration was well done. The characters were excellently portrayed, with exception of July. She was a 17 - 18 year old, but voice sounded 35.
This book is very horse centered, with a dysfunctional family to tell the horses stories.
The narration was well done. The characters were excellently portrayed, with exception of July. She was a 17 - 18 year old, but voice sounded 35.
November 6, 2016
This book was nice and I did like it! The only criticism I have is to talk about the dressage barn she wanted to go to some more. It was kind of just this thing in the background that didn't seem to hold any weight. All in all though, a good book to read in your free time!
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