What do you think?
Rate this book
Learning to Fall: A Novel
Brynn honors her passion for horses by studying at the toughest veterinary program in the country. Months from graduating, tragedy strikes—tragedy for which she can’t help but feel responsible. Brynn feels suffocated by the weight of her father’s legacy and his dusty hopes for horse show jumping success. When Brynn’s frenetic efforts to dig the family business out of debt fail, she’s down to one desperate hope.
Enter Jason Lander, who understands what it’s like to walk away from the ring. The onetime champion agrees to train Brynn, and her horse Jett, for an all-or-nothing run at the prestigious Million Dollar Gold Cup. But going all the way means doing it his way, which has Brynn questioning her decisions, her loyalties, and her growing feelings for Jason—complicating her relationship with her lover.
Set in Northern California against a stunning backdrop of coastal hills and valleys, Learning to Fall is about discovering how to let go—and how to hang on with your heart.
Fans of Seabiscuit and The Horse Whisperer will love this beautifully written debut; one they’re bound to add to their shelf of favorites.
Enter Jason Lander, who understands what it’s like to walk away from the ring. The onetime champion agrees to train Brynn, and her horse Jett, for an all-or-nothing run at the prestigious Million Dollar Gold Cup. But going all the way means doing it his way, which has Brynn questioning her decisions, her loyalties, and her growing feelings for Jason—complicating her relationship with her lover.
Set in Northern California against a stunning backdrop of coastal hills and valleys, Learning to Fall is about discovering how to let go—and how to hang on with your heart.
Fans of Seabiscuit and The Horse Whisperer will love this beautifully written debut; one they’re bound to add to their shelf of favorites.
288 pages, Paperback
Published August 2, 2016
94 people are currently reading
1034 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
September 10, 2019
Learning To Fall was a pleasant surprise—so frequently equine fiction (especially from first time authors) is sub par, and this was a good read!
Main character Brynne Seymour is in her last year of vet school and recovering emotionally from the loss of her father in an accident when she finds out that he left tons of debt and their horse training facility about to be foreclosed on. Of course she decides to save the property by taking over the training business and getting the property out of debt. When this doesn't turn out to work as well as she'd hoped, she decides her only choice is to compete in, and WIN, the Spruce Meadows Million Dollar Gold Cup.
First the good: The horse parts are very well done. The author is a horse professional so this is not a surprise. The description of the horse trailer accident was particularly horrific—bringing to mind the accident scene from The Horse Whisperer. As a horse owner, it was a very scary intense scene and I literally had to put the book down and read another book at that point before I continued, in order to relieve the anxiety. The horse show scenes are true to life—the barns, the grooms, the gossip and catfights, ponies bucking kids off, competitive moms, trainers wooing other trainers' clients, etc. The entire book was very readable and held my attention throughout and the story was entertaining.
The part that wasn't quite as good: The plot was very similar to Riding Lessons by Sara Gruen—daughter returns to parents' barn after loss of father, tries to take over training business to help because finances are shaky, has wealthy boarder/training client with multiple horses leave with no notice. The hints and foreshadowing in the book made upcoming events obvious to me, but apparently not to main character Brynne, who is shocked when her clients leave, shocked when the Enemy Trainer steals clients, shocked when her cheating lying boyfriend cheats and lies to her. Brynn, pay attention, sheesh! Most of the characters were rather one dimensional, and the ones who were more developed still seemed to act in ways that didn't always make sense (Corinne setting things up for Brynn to ride Seraphim comes to mind).
Overall though, I really enjoyed the book. I was able to get lost in the story, it was exciting and suspenseful, and the equine parts were exceptionally well done!
Main character Brynne Seymour is in her last year of vet school and recovering emotionally from the loss of her father in an accident when she finds out that he left tons of debt and their horse training facility about to be foreclosed on. Of course she decides to save the property by taking over the training business and getting the property out of debt. When this doesn't turn out to work as well as she'd hoped, she decides her only choice is to compete in, and WIN, the Spruce Meadows Million Dollar Gold Cup.
First the good: The horse parts are very well done. The author is a horse professional so this is not a surprise. The description of the horse trailer accident was particularly horrific—bringing to mind the accident scene from The Horse Whisperer. As a horse owner, it was a very scary intense scene and I literally had to put the book down and read another book at that point before I continued, in order to relieve the anxiety. The horse show scenes are true to life—the barns, the grooms, the gossip and catfights, ponies bucking kids off, competitive moms, trainers wooing other trainers' clients, etc. The entire book was very readable and held my attention throughout and the story was entertaining.
The part that wasn't quite as good: The plot was very similar to Riding Lessons by Sara Gruen—daughter returns to parents' barn after loss of father, tries to take over training business to help because finances are shaky, has wealthy boarder/training client with multiple horses leave with no notice. The hints and foreshadowing in the book made upcoming events obvious to me, but apparently not to main character Brynne, who is shocked when her clients leave, shocked when the Enemy Trainer steals clients, shocked when her cheating lying boyfriend cheats and lies to her. Brynn, pay attention, sheesh! Most of the characters were rather one dimensional, and the ones who were more developed still seemed to act in ways that didn't always make sense (Corinne setting things up for Brynn to ride Seraphim comes to mind).
Overall though, I really enjoyed the book. I was able to get lost in the story, it was exciting and suspenseful, and the equine parts were exceptionally well done!
August 5, 2016
The relationship between a human being and a horse rarely just happens, it takes time. The owner needs to spend time feeding, grooming, talking and riding her horse. Equine research shows talking to your horse often in a conversational tone is most important. Studies have been done, showing horses have remained calm in traumatic situations because their owner remained calm and spoke in a peaceful voice.
Anne Clermont introduces us to the very unique and beautiful world of horses in her debut novel, LEARNING TO FALL (SparkPress). She takes us into the highly specialized world of hunter-jumper horse training, a spectacular equestrian sport that relies on the strength and technique of the trainer and rider.
Brynn Seymour has grown up on Redwood Grove Stables, thirty-acres of picturesque hills and valleys forty-five minutes north of San Francisco. She has completed nearly four years of veterinary school, and wants to become a doctor, but her father’s dream is for her to take over the family business. She works at the barn and assists her father and his workers on the hunter-jumper circuit when not in school.
With only months left to graduation, tragedy strikes on the way to a show leaving her father dead and Brynn feeling responsible. Brynn and her mother meet with the family accountant and learn they are broke, that her father has taken out multiple mortgages and they’re close to losing Redwood Grove Stables.
After the initial shock, Brynn’s picks herself up and designs a plan she thinks could save the family business, but she’s going to have to let go of control and rely on others who know more than she does. Brynn’s going to have to trust people who want to help her and she’s going to have to completely change. Enter: Jason Lander, two-time, prestigious, Million Dollar Gold Cup winner, who if anyone can help her win the million-dollar cup, Jason can. That’s if her feelings don’t get in the way.
Anne Clermont writes in a lyrical style that has you feeling as if, while reading you’re riding across the hills and valleys. You can feel the wind going through your hair and know in your heart that Anne Clermont knows and loves the horses and the land she writes about. When a scene is happening in the stable, you are right there smelling the hay, manure and leather saddles. I look forward to a follow-up.
For all things ANNE, check her out on FB, twitter @anne_clermont or at her website www.anneclermont.com Plan on spending some time at her website. She offers a lot of useful information for writers.
Thanks to SparkPress for providing a copy of LEARNING TO FALL for an honest review.
Anne Clermont introduces us to the very unique and beautiful world of horses in her debut novel, LEARNING TO FALL (SparkPress). She takes us into the highly specialized world of hunter-jumper horse training, a spectacular equestrian sport that relies on the strength and technique of the trainer and rider.
Brynn Seymour has grown up on Redwood Grove Stables, thirty-acres of picturesque hills and valleys forty-five minutes north of San Francisco. She has completed nearly four years of veterinary school, and wants to become a doctor, but her father’s dream is for her to take over the family business. She works at the barn and assists her father and his workers on the hunter-jumper circuit when not in school.
With only months left to graduation, tragedy strikes on the way to a show leaving her father dead and Brynn feeling responsible. Brynn and her mother meet with the family accountant and learn they are broke, that her father has taken out multiple mortgages and they’re close to losing Redwood Grove Stables.
After the initial shock, Brynn’s picks herself up and designs a plan she thinks could save the family business, but she’s going to have to let go of control and rely on others who know more than she does. Brynn’s going to have to trust people who want to help her and she’s going to have to completely change. Enter: Jason Lander, two-time, prestigious, Million Dollar Gold Cup winner, who if anyone can help her win the million-dollar cup, Jason can. That’s if her feelings don’t get in the way.
Anne Clermont writes in a lyrical style that has you feeling as if, while reading you’re riding across the hills and valleys. You can feel the wind going through your hair and know in your heart that Anne Clermont knows and loves the horses and the land she writes about. When a scene is happening in the stable, you are right there smelling the hay, manure and leather saddles. I look forward to a follow-up.
For all things ANNE, check her out on FB, twitter @anne_clermont or at her website www.anneclermont.com Plan on spending some time at her website. She offers a lot of useful information for writers.
Thanks to SparkPress for providing a copy of LEARNING TO FALL for an honest review.
February 12, 2017
Most horse stories are written for young adults, but this one has adult themes and conflicts. The protagonist follows the hero’s journey touching bottom before rising from the ashes of despair from what are seemingly unsurmountable odds. Clermont rises to her own challenge of telling the story first person which restricts the author to keeping that voice in every scene. Each chapter pulls us forward to the next and she maintains dramatic tension throughout the book. There were places in the narrative where I think she missed some great opportunities to generate greater conflict by telling rather than showing me the frustrations of a given character. Especially, the depiction of the mother in this story could have been stronger. The author’s knowledge of the horse world is deep and authentic, however, I wish she had captured the adrenaline rush of the jumping world a bit earlier in the story. Being the author of The Cowgirl Jumped Over the Moon I know the difficulties the author faced in writing this story. I am very impressed. I liked the fact that her female protagonist had more on her mind than catching a ride with a cute cowboy and that she grew to be a stronger individual in her journey
April 25, 2016
Anne Clermont's LEARNING TO FALL is a heart-in-the-throat tale of seeking one’s destiny. Brynn Seymour, a show jumping rider, is thrust into impossibly challenging circumstances, struggling to make the right choices and put to rest the family tragedy that alternately paralyzes and pushes her beyond her limits.
Great novels about horses are few and far between, and LEARNING TO FALL, with its insights into the cutthroat, dangerous and glamorous world of show jumping, fits neatly into ones that stick with you, like Nicholas Evans’s THE HORSE WHISPERER, Sara Gruen's RIDING LESSONS, and Elizabeth Letts's EIGHTY DOLLAR CHAMPION.
LEARNING TO FALL captures the world of show jumping: the poetry and pageantry, the heartbreak of defeat, and the heart-soaring joy of triumph. Not to mention the oversized egos and off-the-charts dreamers. The scents of soap and saddle leather and the tack room permeate each page. Clermont has clearly lived the life she writes about, and each page sizzles with dramatic authenticity. I found myself eagerly devouring every delicious detail.
Anne Clermont's LEARNING TO FALL is the rare debut novel that's poised to capture generations of readers. Highly recommended.
Great novels about horses are few and far between, and LEARNING TO FALL, with its insights into the cutthroat, dangerous and glamorous world of show jumping, fits neatly into ones that stick with you, like Nicholas Evans’s THE HORSE WHISPERER, Sara Gruen's RIDING LESSONS, and Elizabeth Letts's EIGHTY DOLLAR CHAMPION.
LEARNING TO FALL captures the world of show jumping: the poetry and pageantry, the heartbreak of defeat, and the heart-soaring joy of triumph. Not to mention the oversized egos and off-the-charts dreamers. The scents of soap and saddle leather and the tack room permeate each page. Clermont has clearly lived the life she writes about, and each page sizzles with dramatic authenticity. I found myself eagerly devouring every delicious detail.
Anne Clermont's LEARNING TO FALL is the rare debut novel that's poised to capture generations of readers. Highly recommended.
August 4, 2016
I really enjoyed reading LEARNING TO FALL by new author Anne Clermont. This book has it all: tears, joy, tension, well-developed characters (some of them I want to read even more about!), quality dialogue; it was an all-around beautiful story that kept me turning pages all the way to the very end. And the end did not disappoint! I highly recommend this book, whether you are horse lover or not!
October 5, 2019
If it weren’t for the show jumping, I would never have finished this book. The narrator had a very odd cadence and she constantly seemed to stress the wrong word in each sentence.
And why do all horse books seem so formulaic?
And why do all horse books seem so formulaic?
December 23, 2018
An equestrian tale well told by an author who knows her horses. My riding discipline is Western, so I really loved the glimpse into the world of Grand Prix show jumping.
March 7, 2017
A great escape! This book was so much fun. Clermont was able to get her readers to feel as if they too had been practicing their two-point and flew over the jumps with Jet and Byrnn. All Barn rats, dressage queens, eventing junkies, and adorable hunter girls need this book.
January 8, 2017
Great Read, Great Price
Bought because it's about horses and it was very inexpensive. Once I started reading, I just couldn't put it down. For anyone who loves horses.
Bought because it's about horses and it was very inexpensive. Once I started reading, I just couldn't put it down. For anyone who loves horses.
August 17, 2016
What will be familiar in many ways to anyone with experience of the competitive world of horse showing, Clermont opens the doors and provides an honest (if not always pretty) window into the world: cutthroat and full of joys and struggles large and small. Wanting to live a more stable life, not depending on the vagaries of wins and losses, Brynn has dedicated her time to her studies in veterinary school. But, an accident and years of financial juggling left her family in deep debt, with few options for resolution, and Brynn is the key to the options.
With a bit of help from another successful horseman, Brynn has both the key and the opportunity to help with the family’s troubles, but she has to make the choice. Years of the highs and lows of her father’s career have her wondering if she is just the person to survive it all, especially with the added pressures and need to succeed.
Clermont is obviously writing with full knowledge of the unique people that are in the show world: from the good to the not so. The simple displays of wealth and the focus on the presentation and performance, the single-minded focus needed to complete a course successfully, and the hours of behind the scenes time and work that makes the 90 seconds in the ring look effortless. When added to the inner struggles that Brynn experiences this story is gripping and compelling, with plenty of moments to enjoy. While this won’t discourage or encourage anyone from setting their cap on the Grand Prix ring, it does present a sense of the struggles, expense and single-minded determination needed to start on the journey.
As someone who showed horses for years, and experienced much of the camaraderie and cutthroat actions from competitors, as well as that specific bond that develops between horse and rider, I can’t help but find this book engaging. With a nice mix of finding herself while developing a new adult identity, Clermont has created a story that is sure to find many fans.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
With a bit of help from another successful horseman, Brynn has both the key and the opportunity to help with the family’s troubles, but she has to make the choice. Years of the highs and lows of her father’s career have her wondering if she is just the person to survive it all, especially with the added pressures and need to succeed.
Clermont is obviously writing with full knowledge of the unique people that are in the show world: from the good to the not so. The simple displays of wealth and the focus on the presentation and performance, the single-minded focus needed to complete a course successfully, and the hours of behind the scenes time and work that makes the 90 seconds in the ring look effortless. When added to the inner struggles that Brynn experiences this story is gripping and compelling, with plenty of moments to enjoy. While this won’t discourage or encourage anyone from setting their cap on the Grand Prix ring, it does present a sense of the struggles, expense and single-minded determination needed to start on the journey.
As someone who showed horses for years, and experienced much of the camaraderie and cutthroat actions from competitors, as well as that specific bond that develops between horse and rider, I can’t help but find this book engaging. With a nice mix of finding herself while developing a new adult identity, Clermont has created a story that is sure to find many fans.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
September 6, 2016
What a lovely book this was to read. I am not a horse person, so I wasn’t sure how deeply I’d get drawn into the plot, but Clermont’s skill lies in creating a very human, gripping story with appeal for all. I am, however, a yoga and mindfulness meditation type, and I loved the element of this that found its way into the story. The Northern California setting was gorgeously rendered, and the characters were fully actualized. The excitement, pageantry (and the partying!) of the competitive world of show jumping seemed utterly real and fascinating to me. This was a tough book to put down; I kept promising myself, “only one more chapter, and then I’ll really stop,” and kept reading long past that point, eager to find out how everything would work out. The conclusion was very satisfying, although I wanted more, more of this story. I’m crossing my fingers that there will be a follow up down the road.
October 25, 2016
I am only one chapter in and I believe I will really enjoy this book. thus far the author's writing style speaks to me.
....... I finished this book and sit between a 3 1/2 star and 4 star rating. More towards the 3 1/2 but I can't say I did not enjoy this book. It is set around a horse farm and competitive show jumping which speaks to my heart. I constantly search for books set around a horse theme because that is my passion. I think the book started out strong but then towards the end I found it was getting a bit weaker. But I loved the characters and the not so pretty bow at times. I also know this is the author's first book and I think she did a wonderful job with it. I can't wait to see how her writing style develops even more. I would recommend this book to anyone; however, with that said I think knowing a bit about the show jumping world and/or horses might increase your enjoyment of this book.
....... I finished this book and sit between a 3 1/2 star and 4 star rating. More towards the 3 1/2 but I can't say I did not enjoy this book. It is set around a horse farm and competitive show jumping which speaks to my heart. I constantly search for books set around a horse theme because that is my passion. I think the book started out strong but then towards the end I found it was getting a bit weaker. But I loved the characters and the not so pretty bow at times. I also know this is the author's first book and I think she did a wonderful job with it. I can't wait to see how her writing style develops even more. I would recommend this book to anyone; however, with that said I think knowing a bit about the show jumping world and/or horses might increase your enjoyment of this book.
January 31, 2017
It's a good book, and I gave it an extra star because I'm a horse show junkie. The author has an unusual combination of skills for writing this book, so it feels very authentic.
Clermont captures the poetry of horse & rider mutuality. If you aren't an animal lover, it might seem a little melodramatic, but I spent several years riding horses and traveling to shows with my daughters and think it's accurate. The connection between horse and rider is powerful, and the lessons learned are dramatic.
There's a real drama in the tension between well-funded riders and the struggling dreamers. When your horse is braided and groomed and you're in your one snugly fitted English jacket and tall black boots, you're on your own merits and anything can happen.
Clermont captures the poetry of horse & rider mutuality. If you aren't an animal lover, it might seem a little melodramatic, but I spent several years riding horses and traveling to shows with my daughters and think it's accurate. The connection between horse and rider is powerful, and the lessons learned are dramatic.
There's a real drama in the tension between well-funded riders and the struggling dreamers. When your horse is braided and groomed and you're in your one snugly fitted English jacket and tall black boots, you're on your own merits and anything can happen.
February 27, 2017
An intriguing read. Well written with interesting and realistic characters. A good study of the affects of guilt and what happens when we carry it around.
February 1, 2017
I really wanted this book to be different from other horsey show scene books, but sadly the plot line follows all the others. Family in dire straits - daughter and horse can save the day if only all the stars align, there's a mishap, but they all come through shining in the end. Rider Brynn is self absorbed and doesn't get to really know her instructor and the challenges that he faces in his own family.
The best part of the book for me was Brynn getting an instructor, Jason that incorporated yoga into her daily routine to help her riding.
The story is all too neatly packaged and ends predictably.
The best part of the book for me was Brynn getting an instructor, Jason that incorporated yoga into her daily routine to help her riding.
The story is all too neatly packaged and ends predictably.
January 9, 2017
I was hesitant to read this book as I am a horse trainer myself and was worried it wouldn't match up to reality. Although the beginning scene with the wreck bothered me, as it just didn't seem like a well known competent trainer would put himself in that situation, the rest of the book was spot on. From the clients to the shady friend who steals your clients. Cheaters, the whole works. I especially appreciated the scene where she was sitting at the bar and can't remember which one of her cards has an room left on it to by her drink.... so been there;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2016
Top Drawer
The flow of the narrative is perfect. Tares along in the right spots. Develops relationships with warm and care. Liked her characters but occasionally they could feel flat. The main character's mother for instance. More of a silhouette than a person. What I wasn't crazy about was Bryn never finishing her Vet degree with only six months left. Would love to see more adventures where she joins up with Jason.
The flow of the narrative is perfect. Tares along in the right spots. Develops relationships with warm and care. Liked her characters but occasionally they could feel flat. The main character's mother for instance. More of a silhouette than a person. What I wasn't crazy about was Bryn never finishing her Vet degree with only six months left. Would love to see more adventures where she joins up with Jason.
January 2, 2017
Good solid read.
I acknowledge that I am a soft touch when it comes to books about horses and riding, but Anne Clermont has done as superb job of capturing the realities of horsemanship, competitive riding and maintaining a stable on a less than affluent income. The characters are well developed and although the plotline is nothing new, she brings a solid story to flesh it out. Well done. Suitable for young riders too.
I acknowledge that I am a soft touch when it comes to books about horses and riding, but Anne Clermont has done as superb job of capturing the realities of horsemanship, competitive riding and maintaining a stable on a less than affluent income. The characters are well developed and although the plotline is nothing new, she brings a solid story to flesh it out. Well done. Suitable for young riders too.
January 6, 2017
Unexpected beauty
I wasn't sure what this book would bring me. I admit to loving horses and this started with making me think of Flika. But it was anything but that. It was better. This woman goes through so many trials in her life but she hangs on. Even when she thinks she can't anymore. This story is beautifully written and has such amazing moral values and findings. You must sit down and read Learning to Fall.
I wasn't sure what this book would bring me. I admit to loving horses and this started with making me think of Flika. But it was anything but that. It was better. This woman goes through so many trials in her life but she hangs on. Even when she thinks she can't anymore. This story is beautifully written and has such amazing moral values and findings. You must sit down and read Learning to Fall.
June 2, 2016
Learning to Fall perfectly captures the highs and lows of the show jumping world, and the magical connection between horse and rider. I thoroughly enjoyed the lush details and heart-pounding excitement. Anne Clermont clearly knows the world she writes about and delivers a debut that will thrill horse lovers.
August 12, 2016
My new favorite author! I loved the characters and horses in this book. I couldn't put it down. My only complaint is that it wasn't long enough. I hope Anne Clermont is working on a sequel, because I need to know what comes next for Brynn and Jason as well as for Jett and Redwood Grove Stables. And of course, I want a happy ending for Eve.
October 1, 2016
Great characters to love and hate along with insight into living with and loving horses. This. Story is not just for horse lovers! I Found myself galloping to the finish ( unable to stop reading) as the plot gained momentum and finally resolution, forgiveness, love and triumph for Brynn the protagonist! A great and unforgettable read!
January 26, 2017
Riding with Devils Chasing Her
Brynn's adventures in show jumping and the agonies of life form the basis for this very satisfying novel. Full of heartaches, joys and challenges, LEARNING TO FALL is a realistic and well developed novel, much better than the average horse girl yarn. I look forwatd to more from Anne Clermont.
Brynn's adventures in show jumping and the agonies of life form the basis for this very satisfying novel. Full of heartaches, joys and challenges, LEARNING TO FALL is a realistic and well developed novel, much better than the average horse girl yarn. I look forwatd to more from Anne Clermont.
December 11, 2017
“As if conjuring my dream, the earth shook.”
The opening line of Learning To Fall reads as an omen. The earth shook and then Brynn’s world shook, leaving her to desperately try to hold on to everything she has ever known and loved.
Learning To Fall is a stunning debut novel that sweeps you into the world of horse show jumping. But to say that this is just a book about show horses is selling this exceptional book short. This book is about finding yourself when life seems determined to rip you apart.
Brynn Seymour is months away from graduating from a national prestigious veterinary program. She is focused on being able to provide a stable life for herself, and more importantly, her family. Horses have been in her blood, but her father’s dreams of winning the illustrious Million Dollar Gold Cup have always felt more like dreams than reality.
The day the earth shook, Brynn lost her father in an accident. With that loss, came the reality that his dreams were built on a far shakier foundation than she ever imagined possible. Now, she struggles to go to school, run the family business and desperately try to keep the ranch from being auctioned off piece by piece.
But the world of show horses is cutthroat, and as her competition begins poaching clients from her, Brynn realizes the only answer is to go after her father’s dreams herself. With the help of champion, Jason Lander, Brynn has to learn to let everything fall away before she can build back up.
“It’s not about losing control, it’s about giving up control. There is a difference.”
Clermont brings this competitive world into such vivid life, you feel as if you are there. Brynn is a very believable and real character. Even if you aren’t fighting to keep your family’s ranch out of debt, I think many women will relate to her. She isn’t just facing the outside pressure of her family’s financial situation. She’s also facing the internal fight over who she is and what direction she wants her life to go in. Show jumping may have been her father’s dream, but Brynn has to examine if it really is her dream as well.
Anyone who loves animals, and particularly horses, will enjoy reading this book. Clermont brings the horses to life as much as she does the people in her writing. Jett is one of my favorite characters, and though he can’t speak, (he is a horse after all), you can feel the warmth of his eyes, the softness of his ears, and the strength of his muscles in every scene he is in. You feel his pain, his calm, his joy. It isn’t just Jett that Clermont does this with, but every horse she mentions. They are as unique and identifiable as any other side character in the book and give the plot a much richer texture.
“Jett stared at me, his liquid eyes spoke of knowing, of understanding, a bond we’d shared for years. He didn’t care about his mane. What mattered was this. This unspoken love. If horses could smile, he’d be smiling now.”
The messages written into the plot are fantastic. Examinations of how fear holds us back in life, forces us to make decisions that continue to drive negativity into our lives. How we can let fear take over our lives completely if we let it. There’s a look at how to be yourself in a world that demands conformity. Of how difficult it is to do the right thing when bending rules and sliding by could yield greater short term results. It’s a much more difficult thing to stay true to yourself and what you believe.
Within these pages is a look at life and loss, love and heartbreak, forgiveness and guilt. This is a book that fully captures the essence of life, and the struggle that we all face in some form or another throughout our lives. We all have to face the idea of who we are versus who we want to be. Who we think we love versus who we really love. What love means, both in familial terms and romantic ones. And what we’re willing to accept, from others, from ourselves.
Learning To Fall is a title that wraps up so many ideas within three little words. Brynn must learn to fall in so many ways. She must learn to fall into the unknown, fall in love, fall off a horse, and simply fall into the current that is life.
“Accidents happen. We try, we stumble, sometimes literally. It’s part of life, to have problems and challenges, to deal with them and move on. We’ll never have no problems. Only new ones.”
This book will transport you. I read it in less than a day, the pages simply flying by. Each character is written to be complex, contributing to the plot but also giving it the same richness that people in our lives gives us. We never live life alone, and decisions or their consequences are rarely made in a vacuum. Clermont captures those layers in these pages. I ended the book feeling as if I were there, cheering, holding my breath, laughing and crying with them.
If you love stories about finding who you are, stories that mimic life in all the difficult and real ways, this book is for you. If you love horses or animals and enjoy a story where the animals are as much a heart of the book as the people, this book is for you. Whether you are familiar with the world of show jumping or not, by the end, you won’t be able to help falling in love with Brynn, Jason and of course, with Jett.
Thank you BookSparks for sending me this book to read and review!
The opening line of Learning To Fall reads as an omen. The earth shook and then Brynn’s world shook, leaving her to desperately try to hold on to everything she has ever known and loved.
Learning To Fall is a stunning debut novel that sweeps you into the world of horse show jumping. But to say that this is just a book about show horses is selling this exceptional book short. This book is about finding yourself when life seems determined to rip you apart.
Brynn Seymour is months away from graduating from a national prestigious veterinary program. She is focused on being able to provide a stable life for herself, and more importantly, her family. Horses have been in her blood, but her father’s dreams of winning the illustrious Million Dollar Gold Cup have always felt more like dreams than reality.
The day the earth shook, Brynn lost her father in an accident. With that loss, came the reality that his dreams were built on a far shakier foundation than she ever imagined possible. Now, she struggles to go to school, run the family business and desperately try to keep the ranch from being auctioned off piece by piece.
But the world of show horses is cutthroat, and as her competition begins poaching clients from her, Brynn realizes the only answer is to go after her father’s dreams herself. With the help of champion, Jason Lander, Brynn has to learn to let everything fall away before she can build back up.
“It’s not about losing control, it’s about giving up control. There is a difference.”
Clermont brings this competitive world into such vivid life, you feel as if you are there. Brynn is a very believable and real character. Even if you aren’t fighting to keep your family’s ranch out of debt, I think many women will relate to her. She isn’t just facing the outside pressure of her family’s financial situation. She’s also facing the internal fight over who she is and what direction she wants her life to go in. Show jumping may have been her father’s dream, but Brynn has to examine if it really is her dream as well.
Anyone who loves animals, and particularly horses, will enjoy reading this book. Clermont brings the horses to life as much as she does the people in her writing. Jett is one of my favorite characters, and though he can’t speak, (he is a horse after all), you can feel the warmth of his eyes, the softness of his ears, and the strength of his muscles in every scene he is in. You feel his pain, his calm, his joy. It isn’t just Jett that Clermont does this with, but every horse she mentions. They are as unique and identifiable as any other side character in the book and give the plot a much richer texture.
“Jett stared at me, his liquid eyes spoke of knowing, of understanding, a bond we’d shared for years. He didn’t care about his mane. What mattered was this. This unspoken love. If horses could smile, he’d be smiling now.”
The messages written into the plot are fantastic. Examinations of how fear holds us back in life, forces us to make decisions that continue to drive negativity into our lives. How we can let fear take over our lives completely if we let it. There’s a look at how to be yourself in a world that demands conformity. Of how difficult it is to do the right thing when bending rules and sliding by could yield greater short term results. It’s a much more difficult thing to stay true to yourself and what you believe.
Within these pages is a look at life and loss, love and heartbreak, forgiveness and guilt. This is a book that fully captures the essence of life, and the struggle that we all face in some form or another throughout our lives. We all have to face the idea of who we are versus who we want to be. Who we think we love versus who we really love. What love means, both in familial terms and romantic ones. And what we’re willing to accept, from others, from ourselves.
Learning To Fall is a title that wraps up so many ideas within three little words. Brynn must learn to fall in so many ways. She must learn to fall into the unknown, fall in love, fall off a horse, and simply fall into the current that is life.
“Accidents happen. We try, we stumble, sometimes literally. It’s part of life, to have problems and challenges, to deal with them and move on. We’ll never have no problems. Only new ones.”
This book will transport you. I read it in less than a day, the pages simply flying by. Each character is written to be complex, contributing to the plot but also giving it the same richness that people in our lives gives us. We never live life alone, and decisions or their consequences are rarely made in a vacuum. Clermont captures those layers in these pages. I ended the book feeling as if I were there, cheering, holding my breath, laughing and crying with them.
If you love stories about finding who you are, stories that mimic life in all the difficult and real ways, this book is for you. If you love horses or animals and enjoy a story where the animals are as much a heart of the book as the people, this book is for you. Whether you are familiar with the world of show jumping or not, by the end, you won’t be able to help falling in love with Brynn, Jason and of course, with Jett.
Thank you BookSparks for sending me this book to read and review!
September 7, 2016
This book was excellent. I'm so blessed to live in a place that is home to so many talented authors and this is one of them. I read this book within 48 hours and it kept me wanting more. Great emotional pulling storyline.
January 5, 2017
Relaxing
To be honest I only read this book because my dear cousins name is "Brynn" & she was a show jumper.
It was a well written, although, predictable. I would recommend it to much younger women to read.
To be honest I only read this book because my dear cousins name is "Brynn" & she was a show jumper.
It was a well written, although, predictable. I would recommend it to much younger women to read.
January 18, 2017
Good Equestrian-based novel
Great story with a lot of accurate equestrian references which doesn't normally occur together. I'd love to read a sequel to see how Brynn and the others continue on.
Great story with a lot of accurate equestrian references which doesn't normally occur together. I'd love to read a sequel to see how Brynn and the others continue on.
July 13, 2016
This book is awesome! I couldn't stop reading it. Amazing writing and story crafting! Looking forward to reading Clermont's next book.
June 28, 2016
This book is the perfect summer beach read!
August 26, 2016
Wonderful read! I related to Brynn and her story, even though I'm not horse person. I couldn't put it down and found myself reading into the wee hours. I can't wait to read Clermont's next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews