ARC Review The Fortune Hunter Daisy Goodwin

The Fortune Hunter by Daisy Goodwin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I have given this novel 5 stars, not because it is destined to be a classic or because it is a masterpiece of writing but rather because it possesses everything a good novel needs to completely draw its reader in. Likable, sympathetic characters, action, romance and a really great original story. I read this book while vacationing, I couldn't put it down, leaving my husband to hike on his own while I holed up by a warm fire and immersed myself in this fantastic story.
The characters and many of the events in this novel are factual, however, there time line has been adjusted to fit the novel. Elizabeth, Empress of Austria (Sisi) did have hair to her ankles, was known to be very vain and concerned about aging, packing raw veal on her face to prevent wrinkles and avoiding photographs. Often compared to Princess Diana, Sisi had reluctantly married into royalty and hated the trappings of being a royal figure. She was know to have several extramarital affairs, have periods of depression and to be one of the best horse women in Europe.
Captain Bay Middleton was also one of the best horseman, having won several prestigious steeplechases including the Grand National, and was selected by Earl Spencer to pilot SIsi when she came in England to hunt in 1875. He too had a reputation for seeing married women and he did eventually marry Charlotte Baird.
This novel is primarily focused on Charlotte and her relationships with Middleton, her family, and SIsi's effect on her relationship with Middleton. Charlotte is a very likable, unique characters, avoiding all things women in her position should have embraced, instead becoming an accomplished photographer (a fictional hobby) while navigating life with her future sister-in-law and her complicated relationship with Middleton. The sole heir of the Lennox fortune, Charlotte must be careful to avoid fortune hunters, looking to marry only for her money. Captain Middleton's reputation and rumored relationship with Sisi have everyone concerned about his intentions with Charlotte, but despite his past and caddish behavior he is very charming and despite everything that happens you find yourself pulling for Charlotte and him.
I recommend this book for anyone looking for a great summer vacation read, lovers of English history and anyone looking for a great story. This is a highly entertaining novel.




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Horsey Books - A Love Hate Relationship

I am obsessed with horses, always have been, always will be.  I have been very fortunate to have owned and ridden horses most of my life, competing in various disciplines from barrel racing, goat tying to hunter under saddle and more.  Currently, I own Ima Cool Tater, a four year old American Paint Horse. 

Here he is, the handsome fellow!

I frequently try and combine my obsession with horses with my obsession for books often with mixed feelings.

As a kid I read and re-read The Black Stallion, Black Beauty, and My Friend Flicka.  Naturally, I wanted a wild black horse and a magical relationship where my love for this animal would conquer all.  Ha!  Was I in for a huge disappointment.  My first horse (that was solely mine) was big grey quarter horse, he was and is a gentle giant of sorts.  However, I spoiled him with my love and he became a naughty, herd bound, stiff horse.  When he misbehaved I couldn't understand - I loved him so he should be the worlds greatest barrel horse.  Of course this is overly simplified, I spent hours riding and training him to the best of my ability, but my ability was clouded by the idea that love would conquer all!

Fast forward twenty or so years and I still gobble up horsey books, however, I am not so easily persuaded by the romantic ideals of the horse and rider relationship.  In fact, I down right hate it books that perpetuate this idea.  This winter I read Riding Lessons and Flying Changes by Sara Gruen, I loved Water for Elephants so I figured these had to be decent at least.  Many of the reviews I read stated you could tell the author was a horse person so I was anxious for a realistic read.  Hmmm, not so much, again, overly romanticized relationships with horses.  The main character is a former Olympic level rider who leaves the sport after a horrific accident but later in life is forced back to her families barn to manage it.  Here she rescues a horse that looks just like the horse she lost however, this horse has been abused, is missing an eye and was on his way to a slaughter house.  Of course this has a happy ending, her daughter ends up being a riding progeny and their love saves the abused horse.  Then I read Spirit Horses by Alan S. Evans, I am not sure if this author has ever ridden a horse.  Spirit Horses is the overly stereotypical tale of a "horse whisperer" who faces a great personal tragedy and decides he must release a mustang he owns back to her herd.  In the process he saves a entire Indian reservation and makes the mustang happy by allowing her to live her natural life.  I am now, after reading these and others, thoroughly disillusioned with the whole horsey genre.

Currently, I like books that incorporate horses but where horses are not necessarily the main theme. I can tolerate inaccuracies and fairy tales in small doses.  So I enjoyed The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls by Anton D,Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls, and Work of Wolves by Kent Meyers and other books with horses incorporated somewhat into the story. 

I am in search of a good horsey book, one that is realistic and accuratly portrays the dedication, frustration, the highs and lows of horse owner ship, training and riding - -if you know of something comment and share your horsey book gem!

My favorite Horsey books
The Horse Whisperer     Nicholas Evans
Seabiscuit: An American Legend     Laura Hillenbrand
The Complete Guide to Hunter Seat Training, Showing, and Judging: On the Flat and Over Fences
Anna Jane White-Mullin
Clinton Anderson's Downunder Horsemanship:  Establishing Respect and Control for English and Western Riders        Clinton Anderson
Charmayne James on Barrel Racing    Charmayne James


And check out my to read shelf on Good Reads, there are some horsey books waiting to be critiqued!
http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6423458-kat?shelf=to-read