📖 Overview
Racing Savannah follows seventeen-year-old Savannah Barrow, who works as an exercise rider at Cedar Hill Farms in Tennessee. After moving there with her father who takes a job as a stable hand, she pursues her dream of becoming a jockey despite the male-dominated nature of horse racing.
The story centers on Savannah's growing connection with Jack Goodwin, the farm owner's son who will inherit the operation. Their different social classes and positions at the farm create complications as they navigate their feelings while trying to maintain professional boundaries.
Savannah must balance her ambitions in the competitive world of horse racing with her family obligations and growing romantic feelings. Her determination to prove herself in the industry tests her relationships and forces her to make difficult choices about her future.
The novel explores themes of class divisions, gender barriers in traditional industries, and the challenge of following one's dreams while respecting family obligations and social expectations.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate the authentic portrayal of the horse racing world and working-class experiences. Many note the chemistry between the main characters and praise how the romance develops naturally. The discussions of class differences and economic struggles resonated with readers.
Common criticisms include predictable plot elements and some unrealistic aspects of the racing scenes. Several readers mentioned the story moves too quickly in places. Some found the secondary characters underdeveloped.
What readers liked:
- Horse racing details and atmosphere
- Discussion of social class issues
- Strong female protagonist
- Clean romance suitable for young teens
What readers disliked:
- Rushed pacing in final third
- Some implausible plot points
- Romance occasionally overshadows horse storyline
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.9/5 (13,000+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.4/5 (120+ reviews)
Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 (30+ reviews)
"Perfect blend of horses and romance" - Goodreads reviewer
"Too convenient ending" - Amazon reviewer
📚 Similar books
Taking the Reins by Katrina Abbott
A young equestrian navigates class differences and romance at an elite boarding school while pursuing her dreams of competitive riding.
The Hundred Horses by Sarah Lean A girl connects with a mysterious horse on her grandmother's estate while uncovering family secrets and learning about relationships across social boundaries.
Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally A female athlete pursues her passion for football while dealing with unexpected feelings for her new teammate.
Things I Know About Love by Kate le Vann A stable hand at an English manor forms a connection with the estate owner's son while working with horses and confronting social barriers.
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West A working-class girl encounters romance and class tensions while employed at a wealthy family's business establishment.
The Hundred Horses by Sarah Lean A girl connects with a mysterious horse on her grandmother's estate while uncovering family secrets and learning about relationships across social boundaries.
Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally A female athlete pursues her passion for football while dealing with unexpected feelings for her new teammate.
Things I Know About Love by Kate le Vann A stable hand at an English manor forms a connection with the estate owner's son while working with horses and confronting social barriers.
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West A working-class girl encounters romance and class tensions while employed at a wealthy family's business establishment.
🤔 Interesting facts
🐎 Like the protagonist Savannah, author Miranda Kenneally grew up around horses and worked at stables during her teenage years.
🏆 This book is part of the "Hundred Oaks" series, but can be read as a standalone novel. It's the fourth book in the series.
📚 The story takes place at Cedar Hill Farms, which is based on real thoroughbred racing farms in Kentucky and Tennessee.
💫 The book tackles class differences in the equestrian world, drawing attention to the economic disparities between stable workers and horse owners.
🎯 Kenneally completed extensive research on horse racing and interviewed several female exercise riders to ensure accuracy in portraying Savannah's experiences as an aspiring jockey.