The Secrets of Emberwild

Author: Stephenia H. McGee
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: October 4, 2022

A gifted trainer in a time women are not allowed to race, Nora Fenton prefers horses to men. They're easier to handle, they're more reliable, and they never tell her what to do. After her father's passing, Nora is determined to save her struggling horse farm, starting with entering her prize colt into the harness races at the 1905 Mississippi and West Alabama Fair. If she wins, she may have a chance at independence. But when a stranger arrives and starts asking disconcerting questions, she suspects he may have other motives than unseating her in the training job that is rightfully hers.

Silas Cavallero will do whatever it takes to solve the mystery of his father's death--even if it means training an unwieldy colt for Nora, who wants nothing more than to see him gone. But when mysterious accidents threaten their safety and circumstances shrouded in secrets begin unlocking clues to his past, Silas will have to decide if the truth is worth the risk of ruining everything for the feisty woman he's come to admire.

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Reviewer: Elisha Varela

Wow, secrets indeed. A plethora of them. Stephenia McGee did an amazing job pinning all these secrets into the story that revealed themselves in the best way. It was honestly very nice to be surprised by all these secrets. Some I guessed, and others left me amazed. Phenomenal Novel! 

Secrets. Not all secrets are bad, but some secrets can ruin people. Or others can eat people on the inside. This novel is an excellent display that doing wrong is bad, but trying to keep it a secret, is the worst thing a person can live with. 

Silas is looking for answers about his father’s death. When he finally has the answers he needs, he realizes all this hate towards a person did nothing to benefit him. It just prevented him from pursuing true happiness.

Nora is trying to break society's hold on women. But she also has a duty to her family. If she follows through with her family’s wishes, she could lose the only sign of true love for her. This novel is excellent because it shows that we each have our own thing that makes us happy. We have to follow that because life is too short. We must do what we were created to do and love whom we were created to. 

This was a clean novel. 

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are my own. 

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Reviewer: Carolyn Bryant

“Something was wrong at Emberwild. It stirred beneath the surface like a monster slowly rising from the depths. Indistinguishable yet dangerous.”

I always have high expectations for a McGee book, and this one definitely exceeded my expectations! Set in Mississippi in the early 1900s, this well-paced, smoothly-flowing story grabbed my attention with the first line and held it to the end. I loved the headstrong, independent heroine Nora and the honorable, resolute hero Silas. I enjoyed how their relationship developed despite the secrets, manipulation, and other roadblocks they encountered. 

Well-developed and memorable characters, an expertly crafted plot filled with mystery and emotion, a gentle and inspiring faith thread, a bit of sweet romance, and extensively researched historical detail are skillfully woven together to make this a captivating, satisfying read. I highly recommend this book, especially for readers who love horses, mystery, and romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Susan Poll

This story entertained me with the mystery and danger surrounding the secrets at this beautifully described horse farm. The stables, horses, training, and all that surrounds equestrian life were perfect for the story and how the mystery unfolded. 

As a horse owner, I appreciated the detail and research that obviously went into this. Nora and Silas had sparks flying while they crossed paths in their search for truth. I felt Silas’s need for revenge and answers and understood Nora’s desire to be independent and do what she loved. 

I definitely had moments of wanting to yell at characters or cheer on Nora when she stood up for herself. This makes an engaging and entertaining story that I couldn’t put down.

A review copy was provided courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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