Wildflower Falls by Denise Hunter

Wildflower Falls by Denise Hunter

Let’s begin with the summary: 

He’s here to train her horses, and then he’s moving on. She’s keeping her true identity a secret. But their spark complicates both of their plans. When her mother’s death leaves Charlotte Simpson bereft, she hopes the Robinson clan will accept her as one of their own and help fill the void. But a startling discovery dashes her hopes and leaves her wondering if she will ever know the father she’s always longed for. 

Horse trainer Gunner Dawson has experienced profound loss and intends to avoid it. So he lives on the move without forming close bonds or putting down roots. When Charlotte hires him to work with her horses and help expand her ranch, he commits to staying for a few months. But he doesn’t count on getting caught up in Charlotte’s search for her biological father. Or on falling in love—with Riverbend Gap or with Charlotte. This time, he’s not sure if he’ll be able to move on—or if he even wants to. 

And now, my review: 

The author’s research was extensive and impressive in this story. Lots of horse-care jargon and practices. I liked the hero’s way with horses. I liked the heroine’s commitment to the promise she made her mother. She has looked into her genealogy, and I love seeing that aspect in fiction. 

The heroine is determined to expand her ranch and build her family’s legacy, despite her obstacles. What set this book apart for me, since that in itself isn’t necessarily original, was the in-depth equestrian terminology and exploration. 

Two tropes that don’t sit well with me are that she’s petite but he’s tall, and she’s eight years younger. Both of those tropes reduce the female and elevate the male. That’s a built-in infantilization of the otherwise competent, respectable, competent adult FMC. 

Unfortunately this story didn’t hold my interest past 40 percent. Maybe it’s because this setup is familiar—save the ranch. I needed some sort of overlapping element or a faster moving romance to keep me engaged.

Any romance reader who loves horses will enjoy this book.