Back in the Saddle

**** A long journey for love —Review by Rox Burkey

SYNOPSIS

When a marriage is in trouble, can love be enough?

Taylor Murphy has spent her life fighting for the farm that’s been in her family for generations. As a horse breeder in Australia’s Hunter Valley, she knows that survival depends on sacrifice. But in saving the farm, she never realised she was losing her marriage.

Ciaron spent years working beside her while holding their family together, waiting for Taylor to see that love isn’t something that can be put on hold. But when waiting turned into loneliness, he made the hardest decision of his life—he walked away.

Now, thanks to their scheming children, Ciaron is back under the same roof, sleeping beside the only woman he’s ever loved. The tension is thick, the unspoken words heavier than the drought threatening the farm they built together.

They both want a second chance. They both still burn for each other. But love wasn’t enough before. What if it still isn’t?

REVIEW

Cynthia Terelst delivers “Back in the Saddle,” a poignant tale about Taylor and Ciaron’s twenty-two-year marriage, which suddenly broke apart. Set in Australia in the second year of a drought at Diamond Firetail Farm, the family business they had built. There was no easy return from angry words thrown like daggers to the heart as the tense moment’s frustration erupted. Taylor yelled without thinking. Ciaron roared a response. Neither of them listened nor heard. Their two children and employees witnessed the argument that ended in separation.

The descriptions of the farm provide vivid imagery of the countryside, horses, and various rooms within the structures. Cynthia Terelst excels at character development, depicting the unique personalities of Taylor and Ciaron through their interactions with others, emotional signals, inner thoughts, and realistic dialogue. Secondary characters, including their two children and their respective moms, help expose the family dynamics.

The story unfolds through the points of view of the two primary characters, allowing readers to delve into their emotions and introspective journeys. Romance fans will accompany Taylor and Ciaron as they navigate their struggles, experiencing their reactions, sensations, and regrets. Will Taylor and Ciaron find a way to reconcile, or will they relinquish everything without a fight? The story prompts readers to reflect on their relationships to discover how external forces can negatively and positively impact outcomes.

Fans of Western and contemporary romances will enjoy “Back in the Saddle” for its heartfelt exploration of misunderstanding, honesty, and self-realization. It’s a story worth picking up today for an engaging read.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cynthia lives in Queensland, Australia.

She enjoyed writing as a child and teenager, but put writing aside as she experienced the adventure of life. Recently her love of writing was reignited when a friend spoke to her about the novel she was writing. Cynthia writes romance and young adult novels. She does not shy away from difficult topics, as she feels that they should not be ignored.

Although her friends claim she is a crazy cat lady, she denies this vehemently. She currently has four cats sharing her home; two of her own and two foster cats.

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