Three Books I Highly Recommend

Out of the Clouds: The Unlikely Horseman and Unwanted Colt Who Conquered the Sport of Kings by Linda Carroll
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had the best time reading this book. Readers, you will experience the thrill of the racetrack, the delight of colorful characters and plenty of inspiration. This book may remind you of The Eighty-Dollar Champion or Seabiscuit, but Stymie and his trainer, Hirsch Jacobs, have their own amazing story to tell.

America is also an important part of the book. From 1900-1945, the United States experienced two world wars, and the depression. Yet its citizens, whether rich, poor, new to the country, in small towns, or shining on the big stage of New York, all shared the same hope and drive to be winners and the best they could be.

Hirsch Jacobs, from an immigrant family, was blessed with a calm and welcoming personality. His first real passion in life was racing homing pigeons, which was so interesting to learn about. Hirsch was then introduced to Thoroughbred horse racing and this became his world.

He spent years claiming the bottom horses from the cheapest claiming races. He had good success because he really cared about each horse in his barn. He worked hard to learn everything about “The Sport of Kings” including racing pedigrees and breeding. But Hirsch dreamed of having a great horse. His wish came true with a total loser, a $1,500 claimer named Stymie.

America loved sports, but what they loved even more was an against all the odds “Cinderella Story.” And both Hirsch and his quirky horse personified the American Dream.

How Stymie became “The People’s” horse is a wonderful story. Set against the background of an energetic America and the fascinating world of horse racing, this book is also a winner. Highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Books for an ARC. This is my honest review.

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On Heaven’s Doorstep: God’s Help in Times of Crisis–True Stories from a First Responder by Andrea Jo Rodgers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Here is a treasure of warm-hearted, inspirational true short stories, a la Chicken Soup for the Soul. You will enjoy meeting everyday people from the lovely town of Pine Cove, who are experiencing a life-changing moment- that scary moment when the EMT emergency service must be called.

Each story features one person or family and opens with a lovely description to the scene. Perhaps the person awakes to moonlight gleaming through the window and then realizes they feel a pain. Or a family may be gathering for a wedding, and grandpa feels funny. Then the story moves on to the rescue of the person and the resolution of their episode.

We also get to glimpse of the heroic efforts of the volunteer EMT personnel and the police, paramedics and other first responders who give of themselves to serve others. The author has been a volunteer EMT for 30 years and has responded to more than 7,000 first-aid and fire calls.

Some of the short stories have a sad outcome. Many have positive endings- such as someone who was able to live to see her grandchild. A few times, even humor is present- like the time the EMTs came to an accident scene and saw a large quantity of blood, which turned out to be spilled ice cream!

The best part of the book for me was that each story started with a verse from Psalms. Many times the volunteer responders, the victim and their family and friends gave praise and thanks to God. One memorable story ended with a church giving loving support to a poor immigrant.

This is a soul-enriching book. I especially enjoyed reading the stories at night, cozy in my bed. For me, a quiet time at the end of the day is a good time to read encouraging thoughts and be reminded to give thanks.

Thanks to Net Galley and Harvest House publishers for an ARC. This is my honest review.

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The High Season: A Novel by Judy Blundell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ah, The Hamptons. Where summer is a forever season, dinner parties are presented under shady trees, the wines are exquisite, the women are slender, and the men wear watches worth as much as a house.

Not everyone on Long Island lives in the Hamptons. Some live on the quieter, more bucolic towns on the North Folk. This is where Ruthie Beamish lives, for most of the year. Ruthie, who used to be an accomplished flirt, is now a mother, estranged from her husband, and she’s a non-profit art museum director. She’s the main character. Too bad she’s so unlikeable.

We meet plenty of other paper doll characters in this book; so many I consigned them to their respective categories: rich board member, richer socialite, lowly employee. I’m sure many of the crème de la crème would be horrified to hear that! And I’m a capitalist- I have nothing against money- but these people didn’t interest me at all.

Thank goodness for Doe, a striving climber, who creates a new script for her life where ever she moves. Social media is her golden ticket. She has a pleasing, positive way about her, and many layers, too. She should have been the main character.

The author is an accomplished bestselling writer and wordsmith. And I highlighted many creative words, phrases, description that dazzled me. But, again, these words seemed just like the glitz that shields and protects the inhabitants of “The High Season”. I couldn’t relate. I do recommend this book, as the art world and life in the Hamptons had its fascinating moments.

Thank you so much to Random House and Netgalley for an ARC. This is my honest review.

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