Father Michael is in his new house and open to receive visitors, starting with a long overdue dinner for Catholic horse trainer, Jack Harper and his family. Then, at the behest of his bishop, he plays host for two months to the handsome seminarian and ex-footballer, Reverend Paul Mattick.
In swift succession, the priest is faced with a series of crises, including the impending death of his father.
When a suicidal parishioner begs for help, Father Michael brings him to Jack's farm, where a week-old foal singles him out for attention.
Meanwhile, Jack's son Joe has lost his Christian faith. The teen is suffering a painful ulcerative colitis flare and now his beloved horse, Duke, is badly injured. How could a good God inflict such things on him?
Lucy, a lively teenage girl, enters Joe's life. But his parents worry; her Christian family is not Catholic. Father Michael reminds them that heaven is open to other denominations.
Using Jack's horses, Reverend Mattick's sports background and the collaboration of the nearby Lutheran church, Father Michael pursues his mission to save souls, alleviate distress - and lose some weight.
Hilary lives on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina with her husband and English bulldog.
She is the Christian author of 'The Jack Harper Trilogy: The Story of a Wounded Horse Healer,' its sequel, 'The Father Michael Trilogy: A Pastor Who Preaches through Horses,' and the concluding trio, 'The Laura Harper Trilogy.'
The Sinclair Island Romances are her Christian equestrian romance series.
Besides writing, Hilary's other passion is riding and competing in dressage on her home-bred gelding, Cruz Bay.
Riding Out the Wreckage by Hilary Walker Have read other works by this author and loved the series. An added plus is when Robert teaches they how to take care of their dog and why... Like how the author brings you up to date on how others got to where they are now, physically and why without going into a lot of details from previous books. Makes you feel not so lost. Like how others call on Father Michael for help-some are dying and he won't condone the methods they want to use to shorten the time... Love how he uses Skype to talk to a local man overseas fighting the war and hopes he won't get PTSD again. The local horses helped cure him and many ohters over the years. Memory boxes on outside wall of resident apartments, just like one at my mother in laws place, so touching! With the car accident there are changes for many: deaths and births to complete the circle. Love how this one turns out. Other works by the author and about the author are highlighted at the end. Can;t wait for the next one. Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
We see more of Father Michael at work both in the community at large and with his parishioners. He's on call all the time, but when he's asked to host a younger man on his way to becoming a priest, his load is lessened some.
I enjoyed this story. Even with the heavy storylines, it was hope-filled.
This is a well written book that holds your attention. I really enjoyed reading this book. Thank you Hilary Walker for the free copy. I look forward to reading more of her books. This is my honest opinion.
A humane story about the loss of faith we all endure at times. For some it is a small pond for others the ocean. Father Micheal takes his faith seriously plus his calling to help those in need. Well told story line
This is the first time reading your books. Yesterday I read an article in the Parade magazine (in the Syracuse Newspaper) about the therapeutic healing of horses. I wanted to climb inside the book join the characters at the ranch! Looking forward to reading the series from the beginning!"