Paperback: 342 pages
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (December 9, 2014)
New to a small town, Jackie and Paula envision a quiet life for their kids: a young adopted son and two teenage foster children, including the troubled Star. However, they quickly butt heads with their neighbor, Clementine, who disapproves of their lifestyle and is incensed when Star befriends her spirited horse, Comet. Haunted by past tragedy and unable to properly care for Comet, Clem nevertheless resents the bond Star soon shares with the horse. When Star disappears with Comet, the neighbors are thrown together—far too close together. But as the search for the pair wears on, both families must learn to put aside their animosity and confront the choices they’ve made and the scars they carry.
The story is told by two very different women, Jackie and Clementine and their individual perspectives. Characterization of these two women is outstanding as well as the development of other significant characters. Hyde allows the characters to slowly unfold, their thoughts, emotions and feelings on full display. You understand their flaws and qualities, fears and confidence, scars and strengths. Well sketched driving the story along with multiple themes.
Hyde touches on attitudes and consequences battling diversity and negativity. She doesn’t ‘change’ her characters, rather she allows them to evolve, become self aware striving to improve. Delicately she molds awareness and acceptance in a constructive manner. The way Jackie and Paula ‘deal/dealt’ with issues along with parenting was well done demonstrating their characters flexibility in thinking given alternative mindsets. Both ladies complimented each other wonderfully.
My only qualm, highly predictable, nonetheless enjoyable.
A profoundly gentle story of love, loss, grief and acceptance, each characters story unraveling a colorful tapestry of varying and affecting circumstances touching the reader. A wonderful read for all ages.
About Catherine Ryan Hyde
Catherine Ryan Hyde is the bestselling author of twenty-four novels, including the 1999 smash hit Pay It 
Forward,which has been translated into more than two dozen languages, and was made into a major motion picture starring Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, and Haley Joel Osment. In addition to her novels, Hyde is the author of more than fifty short stories and is founder and former president (2000–2009) of the Pay It Forward Foundation. During her years as a professional public speaker, she addressed the National Conference on Education, met with AmeriCorps members at the White House, and shared a dais with President Bill Clinton.
Connect with Catherine Ryan Hyde Website | Facebook | Twitter
Thrilled to be participating in the tour for Catherine Ryan Hyde’s The Language of Hoofbeats, be sure to check out the entire tour schedule here, it runs through 23 December. Thank you TLC 
NightlyReading 
This sounds like a wonderfully warm story, perfect for this time of year. I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for being a part of the tour.
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