Breezing

#Breezing#NetGalley

The book opens with a trainer named Ritchie Gallo who meets a girl jockey who seems to have a special connection with the horses she rides. Ritchie decides to take a chance on C J Jamieson. Could this be the jockey to take him to the winners circle ultimately to the biggest race of his life.He knows there is something different about the girl with interaction with people but she is amazing with the horses. He finds out that C J is the daughter of a girl he loved as a young man but her family didn't think he was good enough for her. She tells him C J had a dramatic brain injury from a accident she was in as a child. and has fought her way back due to her connection with a horse. It is an amazing story of strength and passion in the racing world and friendship and love that will have you cheering on C J on every level. Thank you Net Galley for letting me read and review this book.

A good summer read, centred around the horse racing industry in the USA. Filled with good characters, a lovely setting and a tale of overcoming obstacles and finding love. Horse lovers will enjoy it and it makes a lovely read for summer. I enjoyed it. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

A beautiful story of overcoming the obstacles of mental health after a brain injury, Cicely Jamieson rides for horse trainer Ritchie Gallo and makes a name for herself as not only an accomplished rider but a determined young lady who finally finds her place in society and life in general.

This book was a lovely read and if you are like me, from a horse racing background, you will enjoy every word written and wish for more.

Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read, review and recommend this book. 5* for this one.

A bit slow out of the gate, Breezing accelerates into a comprehensive and compassionate look into the world of Thoroughbred racing. The horses and people behind the scenes at America's classics are depicted in accurate and sensitive detail. Some of the great racing contests of recent history are alluded to and keep the fiction of the meteoric rise to stardom for the squeaky clean female jockey, C.J. on her long road to recovery from a childhood brain injury through the healing magic of horses and her ultimate goal to pass that along to others in need realistic and fascinating read. Likewise, the compassionate trainer and his gifted groom Jimmy are a breath of fresh air in a world oft tainted with unlawful practices, inhuman demands and subsequent tragedies.

I love reading books about horses and Breezing is a wonderful tale which takes us into the world of US thoroughbred horse racing.

Trainer Ritchie Gallo is approached one morning by a young female jockey looking for some practice rides. Ritchie is intrigued by the young shy girl and decides to give her a chance riding out on one of his best horses. He is impressed by her ability to communicate with horses and form great relationships with the animals, however with humans she is quiet and withdrawn.

As the story progresses the reason for CJ`s reserved nature is revealed, and Ritchie learns that a link to his past has resurfaced. I loved the deep care of the horses which was shared by both trainer and rider, their wellbeing mattering more than big money and glitzy trophies. The book is about overcoming obstacles, making difficult decisions, and succeeding against the odds.

Horse lovers will love this well written story with great characterisation, riveting friendships and strong bonds between humans and animals.

What a gorgeous book! Very reminiscent of Dick Francis with it's in-depth knowledge of horses and the world of thoroughbred racing. This glorious celebration of the collaboration between horse and rider is so lovingly crafted. The beautifully written character Cicily, or C.J as she prefers to be called, shows a true knowledge of brain injury survivors and life on the spectrum . Following a tragic accident as a child , C.J is trapped inside her own mind until she is introduced to horses and finds a connection and empathy that brings joy and purpose to her life. Still unable to connect with people, she teams up with trainer Gallo and his head groom , Jimmy, and there begins her true healing as these three form an unbreakable bond that allows her to flourish and grow . When tragedy befalls her much loved horse Hid the Bid, it seems C.J has retreated back into her nightmare world of confusion and pain but, once again, the wisdom and love of Gallo , Jimmy and one special horse triple T draws her back into a world of colour and infinite possibility. Michael Ferrara has as sure a touch when writing these movingly rounded characters and relationships as C.J does when she rides these magnificent creatures. I will be looking out more of his books! Truly superb!

Who among us does not love horses? From the very beginning, bouncing on our father's knee, through the nursery horse on springs and the Merry Go Round at the carnival. In books, at rodeos. And at the major venues: Belmont, Santa Anita, Saratoga and Churchill Downs. Derby parties every spring.

Ritchie Gallo, a trainer of two horses: Tackle Tim Tom and Hit the Bid. Jimmy, the groom. Jockeys have agents, and John McCann is the best. Into this world of big money and fast horses one day comes John McCann bringing a young lady wearing a down vest over a polo shirt, a riding helmet, jeans and riding boots. Her name is Cicely Jamieson, who says "Everybody calls me CJ". She tells Ritchie how many races she has won, how many second place, how many show. She says she wants to work with him.

CJ seems to have a way with these magnificent beasts. She can talk to them, and they seem to react to her. It's not long before she has them literally and figuratively eating out of her hand. Behind the scenes, her father represents owners: those with money, hoping to make more.

The world of high stakes horse racing as you've never seen it. Come along for the ride!

I read this EARC courtesy of Books Go Social and Net Galley. pub date 04/12/20