Kara Ripley is the pseudonym of Rebecca Langham, the author of sci-fi novel ‘Beneath the surface’. ‘Riding the track’ is a novella set in South Australia where Clara Adler heads from California on a horse riding vacation. The problem is that the holiday was planned by her cheating ex boyfriend and Clara hasn’t ridden a horse in years and isn’t too keen on camping trips. To say that she’s thrown out of her comfort zone is an understatement but the amazing landscape, her friendly trip companions and an enigmatic sexy cowgirl will change her holiday experience completely.
This is an enjoyable road-trip book by Ms. Ripley. Written in first person from Clara’s point of view, the reader sees the beautiful and wild landscape through her eyes. The author’s depictions of the scenery are vivid as well as the close contact with the animals and nature. The dialogues are well written, with sarcasm, humour and wittiness. Clara talks to all different kinds of people, including the reader, and we can slowly witness her transformation from annoyance to enjoyment. The chemistry between the main characters is hot as the South Australian weather though I think that the book ends a bit abruptly and might disappoint some readers. Maybe the author is planning on writing a sequel or otherwise this novella might have benefited from a few more chapters. Despite this, it’s a really entertaining and light read.
Overall, an enjoyable read with a beautiful setting. 4 stars.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
