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Book Review: The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley & Giveaway (US/Canada)

October 17, 2012 by Darlene

The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley is the first of her books that I’ve read but it certainly will not be the last.  This book was fantastic and had me hooked from the very beginning.  I alternated reading and listening to this one and I think that made it all the better because the narrator Sally Armstrong was really awesome.  The Shadowy Horses is an atmospheric novel of ghostly happenings, history, mystery, romance, and visions of Scotland; all in one beautifully told tale.  I loved it!

Verity Grey(I love her name!)  is an archeologist and a very independent and opinionated young woman.  She’s been offered the opportunity via an old boyfriend to work at an ancient archeological site in Scotland.  She’s really not quite certain what’s going on once she arrives and she’s not even sure she’s going to stay until she meets the elderly and eccentric gentleman who is financing the dig, Peter Quinnell, and takes an instant liking to him.  He tells her that he thinks he has found the lost Ninth Legion of Rome and even more interesting he’s found it through a young boy who seems to be able to communicate with ghosts, who in this case is The Sentinel.

Soon enough Verity is embroiled in the lives of everyone and especially the little boy Robbie.  At first she doesn’t believe in anything as crazy as this little boy being able to talk to ghosts or the fact that he seems to be able to tell her what her own thoughts are but soon enough she knows he’s the real thing and she even begins to believe that there is indeed a ghost lurking about.  Then of course there is David who she meets there as well and even though the last thing she needs is a romance she can’t help but be attracted to him and it seems as though the feeling may be mutual.  As the story progresses there are twists and turns and an escalating element of suspense that kept my attention completely.

This story is so well told and the author is able, with her vivid descriptions of the village of Eyemouth in Scotland, to make you feel as though you are right there and I loved that.  I enjoyed learning a bit about the customs and ways of the Scottish as well as a bit on archeology as well.  All of the characters are well developed and interesting with Verity being my favorite.   Like I said before she’s independent with a good career, she’s spunky, and she has a good head on her shoulders.  I also learned that Susanna Kearsley is a fellow Canadian which puts her even higher on my list of books I need to read.  The Shadowy Horses is a great novel and one that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to my friends!  I can’t wait to read more from Susanna Kearsley!

 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS (US/Canada)

I have one copy of The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley to share with my readers.  To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment entering the giveaway.
  • For 2 entries, follow my blog.  If you already do let me know so I can pass that extra entry on to you as well.
  • For 3 entries, blog or tweet this review & giveaway!

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, November 3/12.  Good luck!

Source: Review copy provided by Sourcebooks via NetGalley as well as audiobook from personal library. No compensation was received for this review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Filed Under: 2012 - 100+ Books, 2012 ARC's, 2012 Book Reviews, 2012 eBooks, Audiobooks, NetGalley, Sourcebooks Blog Tours

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Diane@BibliophilebytheSea says

    October 17, 2012 at 4:59 am

    Sounds like a good story and a great author. I’d love a chance to win. Thanks so much

  2. Linda B says

    October 17, 2012 at 5:05 am

    I’ve read other books by Ms. Kearsley and loved them. This one sounds great. Thanks for the giveaway.
    I follow through Google Reader.

  3. Hattie (Topazshell) says

    October 17, 2012 at 6:16 am

    +1I would love to win and read this novel with Scotland as the setting. It would fit perfectly on my multicultural blog. I also like to read about: ghosts, archaeology and would love to learn about Scotland.

    +2I already follow you.

    +3I tweeted the giveaway, facebooked it, g+1.

    Thanks for entering me.

  4. Rachel R. says

    October 17, 2012 at 6:31 am

    The first thing I noticed was the beautiful cover! Scotland is such a beautiful place and I would love to go there one day. I think historically this book would be interesting concerning the culture and history of Scotland. I would love to win and I follow you.

  5. Zoe says

    October 17, 2012 at 6:40 am

    her last book intrigued me but I never got a chance to pick it up, this one has an equally beautiful cover and I’d love the chance to read it!

    +1 I already follow your blog 🙂

  6. anne says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:24 am

    This novel would be fascinating. Thanks for this great giveaway. I am an e-mail subscriber.

  7. ellie says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:34 am

    I am intrigued with this book. I subscribe via e-mail. Thanks for the review.

  8. Mary Ward says

    October 17, 2012 at 10:20 am

    I have one of her books on my TBR pile. Would love to read this one too.

  9. Mary Ward says

    October 17, 2012 at 10:20 am

    I follow by email and on GFC.

  10. Connie Fischer says

    October 17, 2012 at 10:40 am

    Wow! I’ve been hearing some very good things about this book but didn’t realize it had such a deliciously interconnecting plot until I read your great review. Archeology is a fascinating subject and the idea of a young boy who can talk to ghosts really adds intrigue to the novel. Thank you for the detailed review. I’m really looking forward to reading “The Shadowy Horses.”

    Follow on GFC
    Will share the blog on Twitter

  11. Lisa Garrett says

    October 17, 2012 at 10:59 am

    I love ghost stories!

  12. Lisa Garrett says

    October 17, 2012 at 11:00 am

    I follow via gfc and email.

  13. Na S. says

    October 17, 2012 at 11:00 am

    I would love to read this. I’m currently reading another book by Susanna Kearsley and I am enjoying the writing. The shadowy Horses has a lot of interesting elements in it.

  14. Na S. says

    October 17, 2012 at 11:01 am

    I am a GFC follower.

  15. Na S. says

    October 17, 2012 at 11:02 am

    I tweeted: https://twitter.com/FieryNa/status/258613613554720768

  16. rhonda says

    October 17, 2012 at 11:10 am

    Just my type ofbook email. Follower gfc fb and good reads will tweet at rhondareads.

  17. Jenners says

    October 17, 2012 at 11:43 am

    I love that name too! And I’ve never alternated reading and listening to a book. What an interesting approach.

  18. Carl says

    October 17, 2012 at 12:10 pm

    Such a great-sounding book, moody and mysterious like Scotland itself. As a lover of all things Scottish (except the weather) I have to enter. Thanks!

    I follow this blog by email: carlscott(at)prodigy(dot)net(dot)mx

    I tweeted about the giveaway: https://twitter.com/carlrscott/status/258630479547338752

  19. Beth says

    October 17, 2012 at 2:05 pm

    I’ve only read one other book by Kearsley–The Rose Garden–and it was fabulous. I’d love to read this one as well. Thanks for the chance to win!

    I’m a follower.
    I tweeted the giveaway here: https://twitter.com/bbulow12/status/258659694359486465

    Thanks!
    Beth
    bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com

  20. Beth says

    October 17, 2012 at 2:06 pm

    Oops–I follow via GFC

    Beth

  21. bermudaonion(Kathy) says

    October 17, 2012 at 2:08 pm

    I don’t think I’ve ever read anything but praise for Kearsley’s writing. This sounds like another winner from her!

  22. Janine says

    October 17, 2012 at 2:15 pm

    I would love to enter!

  23. Karen Gervais says

    October 17, 2012 at 3:31 pm

    I love Scotland. Would love to win and read this book. Thank you.

    kmgervais(a)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

  24. Karen Gervais says

    October 17, 2012 at 3:32 pm

    I already follow you blog.

    kmgervais(a)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

  25. Karen Gervais says

    October 17, 2012 at 3:35 pm

    I tweeted: https://twitter.com/MsRubyKat/status/258682499096530944

    kmgervais(a)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

  26. Melissa @ Confessions of an Avid Reader says

    October 17, 2012 at 3:36 pm

    Great review. The Shadowy Horses is my favourite of Kearsley’s novels, so I’m glad that you enjoyed it, too. I recommend giving Mariana a try next. It’s also excellent.

  27. Linda Kish says

    October 17, 2012 at 5:55 pm

    I would love to win/read this book. It sounds terrific.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  28. Linda Kish says

    October 17, 2012 at 5:56 pm

    I am a GFC follower

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  29. Sandra K321 says

    October 17, 2012 at 6:24 pm

    I have noticed several reviews of this recently and would love to read it; I know very little about Scotland.

  30. Sandra K321 says

    October 17, 2012 at 6:25 pm

    I follow your blog with GFC as Sandra K321.

  31. Kim@Time2Resd says

    October 17, 2012 at 7:45 pm

    Wow! Isn’t that a beautiful cover!?

    GFC Follower

  32. Leah Weller says

    October 17, 2012 at 7:49 pm

    I loved your review and cannot wait to read this!
    Thank you for the chance in the giveaway. 🙂

    Follow the blog and posted a link to the post on my FB page. (I don’t tweet)
    http://www.facebook.com/leah.weller.3

  33. zibilee says

    October 17, 2012 at 8:02 pm

    This one sounds like it has a lot of different elements in it, and it sounds like a very clever read. I would love the chance to win it and check it out. Thanks for the great review, Dar, and for offering us a chance in the giveaway!

    zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net

  34. Brenda Rupp says

    October 17, 2012 at 8:52 pm

    I’m a follower and a subscriber. Please enter me I would love to read this book.

    dancealert at aol dot com

  35. Lara Frame says

    October 17, 2012 at 10:20 pm

    I follow your blog

    lafra86 at gmail dot com

    Thanks for the giveaway!!

  36. Kaye says

    October 18, 2012 at 6:56 am

    Dar, if you liked this one so much, you should try her Rose Garden book. I loved that one the most of all her books I’ve read. I haven’t read this one so please throw my name in the hat.

  37. Kaye says

    October 18, 2012 at 6:57 am

    Follower! <(")

  38. nan says

    October 18, 2012 at 12:56 pm

    Count me in. LOVE this author. I’m a follower.

  39. Samantha says

    October 18, 2012 at 6:05 pm

    Ghostly happenings??? You had me sold with those two words. LOL! I’ve never read anything by this author but I’ve heard lots of good things. I think I’ll add this one to my ever growing TBR list. And I would love to be entered into this contest please!

  40. mamabunny13 says

    October 19, 2012 at 6:45 am

    I agree with Samantha, you had me sold with the words “ghostly happenings”!

    gfc mamabunny13

    tweet https://twitter.com/mamabunny13/status/259273241871409153

    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  41. holdenj says

    October 19, 2012 at 3:36 pm

    The Scottish setting sounds great, as does the book! Thanks!

  42. holdenj says

    October 19, 2012 at 3:37 pm

    I am a GFC follower.

  43. d says

    October 19, 2012 at 5:01 pm

    This sounds fantastic. I really interested in it and also would love to have the audio book too.
    I’m a follower & I tweeted.https://twitter.com/Dyniy/status/259428337083105281

  44. Susan says

    October 19, 2012 at 5:28 pm

    You hooked me on this one. I haven’t read this author and would love to get a copy!

  45. Kevlin says

    October 19, 2012 at 6:00 pm

    Great review. Would love to win this book. Thank you for the opportunity.

    prettyinpurplerose(at)aol(dot)com

  46. Kevlin says

    October 19, 2012 at 6:01 pm

    I follow your blog.

    prettyinpurplerose(at)aol(dot)com

  47. Kevlin says

    October 19, 2012 at 6:03 pm

    Tweeted: https://twitter.com/KevlinReads/status/259444508037636097

    prettyinpurplerose(at)aol(dot)com

  48. Suz Reads says

    October 20, 2012 at 6:41 pm

    Thanks for this amazing giveaway! This book sounds great and I would love to win it!

    klaxon63350 (at) mypacks (dot) net

  49. Suz Reads says

    October 20, 2012 at 6:41 pm

    Follow by e-mail!

    klaxon63350 (at) mypacks (dot) net

  50. Suz Reads says

    October 20, 2012 at 6:42 pm

    Tweeted: https://twitter.com/SuzReads/status/259816416037978112

    klaxon63350 (at) mypacks (dot) net

  51. Cyn209 says

    October 21, 2012 at 8:51 pm

    sooooo need to read The Shadowy Horses!!

    already a follower!!

  52. Lynda says

    October 22, 2012 at 12:45 am

    I’m a follower of your blog and would love a chance to win this book! Thank you!

  53. Serena says

    October 22, 2012 at 11:38 am

    This is a book that is on my wish list. I would love to win this one!

    • Serena says

      October 22, 2012 at 11:40 am

      I do follow your blog and shared this giveaway on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sagustocox/activity/10151394878677415?og_perm_src=OPEN_GRAPH_SINGLE_STORY

  54. Holly (2 Kids and Tired) says

    October 22, 2012 at 7:03 pm

    This one sounds really good. I love books about Scotland and the premise here is really intriguing.

    I follow you!

    2 Kids and Tired Books

  55. Amanda says

    October 22, 2012 at 8:41 pm

    I recently read one of her novels and really enjoyed it. I know I’ll be reading more of her books. I love the mix of present day and history. And the locations! Thanks for the giveaway!!!

    I follow you and I tweeted @vegasbookgirl

    Cheers!
    Amanda
    Libraryofmyown at gmail

  56. Anita Yancey says

    October 25, 2012 at 8:17 am

    The book sure has a lot going for it. But I really like the mystery and romance. I would love to read it. Thanks for having the giveaway.

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

  57. Anita Yancey says

    October 25, 2012 at 8:18 am

    Follow on GFC as Anita Yancey.

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

  58. Anita Yancey says

    October 25, 2012 at 8:20 am

    Tweeted giveaway.
    Twitter Name:@Anita Yancey

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

  59. Staci says

    October 28, 2012 at 5:24 pm

    Wow, can’t believe this your first book by Kearsley!! so thrilled that you loved it. Her books are truly fantastic and you have some great reading ahead of you!

  60. LilMissMolly says

    October 28, 2012 at 9:26 pm

    Sounds kind of spooky?
    GFC follower

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