Very enjoyable. A big, fat, fast moving, summer read. Sorry to see it end.

The Wild Swan series (3 books) are my all time favorite books. However, it's been many years since I read them. One of these days I'll reread them and see if my tastes have changed.

This is one of those old, sweeping historical novels...epic family saga...travels across the ocean...thwarted love...brave heroine and tumultuous times. I ate these kinds of books up in my 20s and I enjoyed this one. Overall, there was too much horse stuff for me, but the book reminded me of all the fun I had with these types of novels. Got to pull out my copy of The Thornbirds now....

I wasn't sure at first I would enjoy a story that took place in the early 1800's. But I soon got myself engrossed in this historical/romance. It was interesting to read the point of views of the characters during this time period as well as brush up on the history taking place at the time. The War of 1812 had passed and now thoughts of civil war are spoken. The love story between Alex, Rane, and St. John was unique, unpredictable, and a relief in the end when everything falls into place.

This book has an extra special place in my heart, as my mom named me after the main character.

That being said, it's a good historical romance in the vein of Outlander (except without the time travel), and the series is pretty good about detailing historical events that are happening at the time.

I picked this up mainly because it ticked all the boxes: a lush historical fiction novel from the 80s, set in Maryland, that involved horses. It was not the easiest read, but it has been a very enjoyable read.

Alex is a plucky heroine--in the way that only female characters from the 80s could be--, unloved by her mother, who finds herself mother to her sister's children and wife to her sister's husband. They leave England to start a life in Maryland, lured by the stories told by an escaped American sailor. Together, despite tragedy, they start a horse farm, breeding and racing Thoroughbreds, and reconnecting with Alex's cousin, Rane.

It was nice to read a book set in Maryland, referencing places I know. Alex is a likeable character, and you do want her to succeed.

I am glad there are two more, rather large, books to read in this trilogy.

My mom had always urged me to read this trilogy and I guffawed and called it a "lusty romance novel," which she in turn corrected it to be "historical fiction." It was a combo of both. If you are a horse person, which I am, this was a beautifully writted story of a young women and her trials and tribulations, marriage and second marriage all under the backdrop of a horse ranch. I really enjoyed all three of the books in the series. Mom was right to urge me to read them!

This is the second book I have read that was written by Celeste De Blasis...and I was not disappointed! The first book I read was "The Proud Breed". Her thorough research shows in her writing yet again. She brings to life the characters, the scenery, the tragedies, the accomplishments, that it is just an adventure to read her books! Moving on to the second book in her Swan trilogy!

One of the first books I couldn't put down.

I think my judgement of this book is clouded by the fact that I read it when I was in high school. I loved it, and lent it to a friend, but never saw it after that. I wanted to read it again, so it has always been on my mind and remembered as a fantastic book.

A sweeping saga about love and horse racing. Not my usual type of book, but I liked the love story with the sprinkling of history thrown in. Parts of it were a bit contrived, but overall I enjoyed following the characters through their ups and downs.

This book is very outstanding.