Anne Montgomery

We meet Becca at the lowest point in her life. Her aunt has helped to secret her away from her abusive husband, and she's just coming to grips with the reality of it all. Enough was enough...it wasn't getting better, it wasn't going to get any better, and it was time to go. And go she went...but trouble not faced head on has a way of cropping up again when you least expect it...and just when Becca is starting to gain her footing once again in this magically healing place, the worst happens with potentially deadly consequences.

While we're watching Becca grow back into her self, we also get to discover more about the wild horses living in this part of the country, and more specifically one stallion that admits an unusual addition to his team. This particular beauty is hurt by some seriously dullard humans, and while the rescue group is trying to aid in his recovery, you heard about wild horses and fences? Yeah, they're not so keen on them. He makes a getaway and so begins a long journey back to his family with a wooly little companion by his side. I'm sorry, but that little add in, that little friend, made him stand out not only to those whose paths they crossed along the way, but to me as well. It showed what true empathy is, what true family is, what truly caring for life in all its forms really is, and that's a lesson we humans certainly need a good brush up on.

If I've learned anything from this story, it's that there's still beauty to be found in the world even when you think you've reached your rope's end, your true self is enough for those that REALLY count, and there's no shame in admitting you were wrong or asking for help. Recommended for adult readers due to some violent content; possible trigger issues regarding abuse...it's not openly on display, but there's enough to get the gist, and a scene separate from that issue of violence.


**copy received fore review; opinions are my own… (més)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It tackles a very emotional and distressing social issue: domestic violence. At the same time, Montgomery does a mini David Attenborough-esque exposé of man's effect on the environment.

Becca fleas her violent controlling husband and finds refuge with a family friend in Arizona. She needs to find strength to recover, mentally, from his abuse and to admit to her hosts...and herself...the damage it's done to her. At the same time, a wild horse, native to the region, is injured. Although rescued and treated, it escapes its rehabilitation corral and sets off to rejoin his herd, picking up a companion in the very odd form of a stray sheep on the way. The paradox is clever here: injured creatures finding their way to strength, safety and security: one, a wild injured horse, the other, a dominated, mentally and physically abused and harmed human. The journeys are different, dramatic, but ultimately they both find what they are looking for.

This was really well written, and I found it really compelling and fascinating: Montgomery evokes your sympathy for both the horse (especially if you are an animal lover like I am) and Becca, rooting for them to find happiness and healing. The author also has excellent knowledge of…or has done some very meticulous research into…nature, wildlife and environmental issues.

I'm not sure what I was expecting with this book, but it turned out to be quite a gem, and actually, I've already found myself missing the (good) characters and a few lessons about birds, bees (no, not THOSE birds and bees (!)), horses, and man's devastating effect on the environment.… (més)

Montgomery is no stranger to me: Wild Horses on the Salt was my very enjoyable introduction to her writing. This book had me equally enthralled. It deals with the very distressing subject of rape and, importantly, the impact it has on the victims, in this case, Maggie.

A gang rape has left her depressed, and later, the death of her young son tips her over the edge. Eventually, she goes back to her job as park ranger at The Castle, a famous ancient Native American site. The scars of her ordeal and tragedy are still there, however, and she does her best to ease herself back into normality. But there is a man in her circle who wants Maggie for his 'prize'.

One of the four men in her entourage is a serial rapist. And this is where Montgomery keeps you turning the pages: I went from, "Oh, I know who it is!" to "Ah, no, it's him…or perhaps not, it's him!" Quite a lot of to-ing and fro-ing between the 'suspects' went on! And you're kept guessing till the very end. At the same time, the author digs deep into Maggie the victim and her distress and grief and gives you a compelling and pretty amazing character.

The story is peppered with some interesting facts, too…who knew scuba-diving for scientific research could be so fascinating, along with the Montezuma Castle's history.

Rape is a hideous crime with some alarming victim statistics, but in this well-rounded novel, Montgomery handles it brilliantly.… (més)