My Race Days

Jul
08
2012

Newcomer From The Hannah Hooton Stable - Keeping The Peace

Growing up one of my favourite books (& films) was National Velvet. I was never one for picking up a book unless it was racing related or indeed if I had to for school! My daily read was always the Racing Post from its very first copy to the present day. The extent of my personal library at home tells only one story – if it’s not racing orientated it doesn’t make the shelves.

My Bookcase
When I was offered the chance to review ‘Keeping The Peace’ by author Hannah Hooton, I was keen to get my hands on a copy.
Keeping The Peace is the second novel from Hannah, whose knowledge of the horse racing industry brings realism to the book.

Whether you know about racing or not, this book is a great read. I could describe it as a modern day National Velvet with a twist, but that would do it an injustice. I was hooked by the end of chapter one.
Keeping The Peace draws the reader in and certainly agreed with me. After picking up the book at the start of chapter one I just to say managed to prise it from my grasp at chapter twenty eight to get myself off to bed! I’m not one for compulsive reading but I just couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t believe I’d read over half the book in one go.

‘Pippa gasped and clung to Ollie’s arm for support. Finn sat back in his saddle, pulling on the reins and threw out an arm to keep from overbalancing. The bay horse scraped his nose along the churned up ground as he fought to keep his feet.
With a sigh of relief, Pippa watched them regain their balance and set off after the leaders once more….’

What I really like about this book is how current and relevant it is. It’s not often you get Kauto Star and the Black Eyed Peas mentioned in the same piece of literature! For me, I loved this and it made it all the more real and engaging. Something that other books fail to do for me.

Keeping The PeaceI have to admit that I was a bit gutted when I reached the end of Keeping The Peace. A thoroughly enjoyable book which I am recommending to everyone.

I can’t wait for the next newcomer from the Hannah Hooton stable.
Forget ‘fifty shades’, this book has everything from a great storyline to some hot romance!

Needless to say, Keeping The Peace is group class and makes the grade on my shelves.

About Karen Thacker

Welcome to my page! I’m Karen and I can’t tell you how excited I am to be one of the ‘voices’. I live in Redcar in the North East of England, just a stone’s throw from the racecourse itself. In fact, I can sit out the back and hear the commentary on race days!

You could say I’m a little obsessed by racing and everything to do with it. Let me explain....If racing was a drink, I’d drink it, and if it were a food I’d be obese! Just a glimpse of those plastic white rails makes my heart beat that little bit faster.

From as far back as I can remember I’ve loved horses and racing in particular. I think it stems from watching the racing on TV with my dad from a very early age, which then took hold of me – next thing I’m riding a finish on my beanbag against Lester Piggott!

It’s not just about picking winners (although that’s always a bonus), it’s everything the day and the courses have to offer. Follow me as I go racing and invite you to share in my favourite pastime. Any questions? Just ask!

Racing is a fabulous sport where you can experience every emotion on the planet, and once in a while a truly exceptional equine will come along who will not only take your breath away, but will also bring a tear to your eye.

In six words I’m a mum who loves racing. I ‘Love The Races’. I hope you will too!