Review: Up on Horseshoe Hill

Title: Up on Horseshoe Hill

Author: Penelope Janu

Publisher: 18th November 2019 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 352 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: romance, cultural, Australia

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

Jemima Kincaid loves her home, her horses and her job as a farrier. Life has not been kind to her, but Jemima is happy in the close-knit rural community of Horseshoe Hill, which rallied around in her hour of need. Even so, she is fiercely independent and will never rely on anyone again.

Particularly a man like Finn Blackwood.

An infuriatingly attractive geneticist and wild animal vet, Finn threatens not only the serenity of Jemima's present, but that of the future she has so carefully mapped out. But as their paths continue to cross, she finds her attraction to Finn impossible to counter, even as the trauma of her past threatens to undo her. Finn is fascinated by Jemima's solitary nature and unique vulnerabilities but Jemima knows all about loss and how to avoid it. Don't let anyone get close in the first place ...

As the past begins to cast long shadows, Jemima and Finn discover that a kiss can bring worlds together-or tear them apart. Will they finally face their fears and find love on Horseshoe Hill?

My Thoughts

I was positively anticipating my first Penelope Janu book as she is so highly regarded. I was not disappointed. There is much to engage the reader with this well written, multi dimensional tale of love and loss, mystery and suspense and two strong leading characters.

With much on offer, this really is more than your standard rural romance. Of course, there is a great romance with a wonderful leading man. Yet the twist of having one with dyslexia and the other with anaphylaxis makes for a unique union. There is also a mystery running throughout which is engaging. I also appreciated Penelope’s understanding of dealing with long term grief. It was refreshing to have an author present true to life challenges for a character that has undergone such tragic loses. It does not simply go away. There is small town rural living and the whole community that comes with that which is always fun to read. A special aspect of this particular story is one for animal lovers. With the two leading characters having particular roles - a farrier (loved learning about that) and a geneticist/vet who specialises in wild animals - it makes for wonderful reading for animal lovers. Add into the mix a few trips with engagements at the  Dubbo Western Plains Zoo (giraffes and rhinos) and there is much to entice the reader. 

Horseshoe Hill is a novel that I would recommend for animal lovers, for rural romance lovers and for those seeking an engaging read. 

‘Is refusing to tell the truth as bad as telling lies? It can’t be, can it?’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.