Aspen Valley Series by Hannah Hooton

London waitress, Pippa Taylor has no interest in horses or country-living. But when she inherits Peace Offering, a hopeless racehorse, she embarks on a career change in order to see her late uncle’s wish to run him in the Grand National come true. But having talked her way into a job as racing secretary to champion National Hunt trainer, Jack Carmichael and moved to the West Country, Pippa finds herself faced with more daunting obstacles than even the Grand National can throw at her... moreLondon waitress, Pippa Taylor has no interest in horses or country-living. But when she inherits Peace Offering, a hopeless racehorse, she embarks on a career change in order to see her late uncle’s wish to run him in the Grand National come true. But having talked her way into a job as racing secretary to champion National Hunt trainer, Jack Carmichael and moved to the West Country, Pippa finds herself faced with more daunting obstacles than even the Grand National can throw at her. Most take the form of Jack, her moody boss. Although easy on the eye, he's certainly not easy on the ear. And after a Christmas they would both rather forget, danger and deception threaten Pippa’s life in the country. As her time at Aspen Valley Racing Stables draws to its conclusion she discovers Peace Offering is not the only thing she must fight to keep. Amazon Sports Fiction Bestseller Runner-up Best International Romance, SKoW Awards 2010 Inducted into the Hall of Fame, A Drop of Romeo less

The highly anticipated follow-up to amazon Sports Fiction Bestseller, Keeping the Peace. There has only ever been one man in Frankie’s life: her father, Doug Cooper. That is, until she takes the job of amateur jockey at Aspen Valley Racing Stables. Here, in the rolling countryside of southwest England, she crosses paths with star rider, Rhys Bradford... moreThe highly anticipated follow-up to amazon Sports Fiction Bestseller, Keeping the Peace. There has only ever been one man in Frankie’s life: her father, Doug Cooper. That is, until she takes the job of amateur jockey at Aspen Valley Racing Stables. Here, in the rolling countryside of southwest England, she crosses paths with star rider, Rhys Bradford. Her crush on him would be made so much simpler if they didn’t both have their hearts set on the same prize: the coveted ride on Grand National favourite, Peace Offering. In the turbulent run-up to National Hunt’s biggest event, questions are raised. What exactly does Doug have against the Bradfords? Is Rhys playing games with her heart? Will Ta’ Qali show his true potential in time to warrant his place at Aspen Valley? Why do there have to be so many blasted calories in strawberry cheesecake? And lastly, who exactly is Francesca Cooper? Frankie’s curiosity unearths some long-buried secrets which their keepers would rather remain buried, and on a journey of self-discovery that takes in Britain’s fiercest steeplechase courses, love will prove her costliest stumbling point. less

From the bestselling author, Hannah Hooton, comes the third instalment of the racing romance Aspen Valley Series. “...Tessa shook her head. ‘I don’t do relationships, Sin.’ Sin smacked his lips and shrugged. ‘Okay, then.’ He stood up and walked over to the cupboard to return the first-aid box. Tessa watched him go, bewildered. ‘Okay?’ she echoed... moreFrom the bestselling author, Hannah Hooton, comes the third instalment of the racing romance Aspen Valley Series. “...Tessa shook her head. ‘I don’t do relationships, Sin.’ Sin smacked his lips and shrugged. ‘Okay, then.’ He stood up and walked over to the cupboard to return the first-aid box. Tessa watched him go, bewildered. ‘Okay?’ she echoed. ‘You mean you’re fine with it?’ ‘Would going down on my knees and begging for your affections work?’ Tessa shifted from one foot to the other and pulled a dubious face. ‘Well, no...’ ‘Well, then,’ he said, shrugging on his jacket. ‘I guess there’s little point in continuing this conversation.’...” Tessa thought buying a share in the dysfunctional Ta' Qali Racehorse Syndicate would be the perfect distraction from a life best forgotten. Some are willing to distract her with words of woo, while others are able to distract her with just a nonchalant look. But neither Hugh's flirtations nor Sin's disregard are diversion enough when their horse, Ta’ Qali, is found deliberately injured. Someone close is responsible and Tessa finds herself questioning the innocence of everyone around her. With his nobbler still at large, the race is on to get Ta’ Qali fit and on course in time to prove himself the champion Tessa’s always believed him to be. But he isn’t the only one up against the clock. Love is threatening to leave without her; and win, lose or draw, Tessa’s in for the ride of her life... PRAISE FOR HANNAH HOOTON “Blessed with a ready wit and astute comedy timing.” Racing Post “Instead of reading two or three chapters, I scooted through eight or nine on several occasions. It is a book that consumes your mind.” Racing 4 Girls “Fun, fluent and occasionally flippant... the author’s intimate knowledge of racing sets this book apart.” Equestrian Trade News less

***WARNING*** Some characters in this novel use colourful language and engage in activities of a sexual nature which some readers might find offensive. On the surface of things, life for stable lass, Kate Creswell, looks rosy. Wealthy boyfriend, Nicholas, is a text-book example of the perfect partner, and her ambition to lead up at Cheltenham Festival is set to come true with her favourite horse, d'Artagnan. But dig a little deeper and thing aren’t quite so blissful... more***WARNING*** Some characters in this novel use colourful language and engage in activities of a sexual nature which some readers might find offensive. On the surface of things, life for stable lass, Kate Creswell, looks rosy. Wealthy boyfriend, Nicholas, is a text-book example of the perfect partner, and her ambition to lead up at Cheltenham Festival is set to come true with her favourite horse, d'Artagnan. But dig a little deeper and thing aren’t quite so blissful. There’s the small task of keeping her mother's alcoholism a secret from Nicholas's well-to-do family. What about Nicholas’s dislike of d’Artagnan’s jockey, Ben de Jager? Could there be something more sinister to Ben's ability to be a good loser, and could their Gold Cup bid be in jeopardy? A lot of things can change between flag fall and finish line. Nothing is a certainty. Not in life, not in racing, and not in love. PRAISE FOR HANNAH HOOTON "Blessed with a ready wit and astute comedy timing... reminiscent of a Tom Sharpe novel but funnier. An engaging romance and a joy to read." Racing Post "A pleasure to turn the pages of this relaxing yet intriguing novel. This book's a winner!" Equestrian Trade News "A female leading lady, horse racing, intrigue, and even a bit of romance! What more could a girl ask for?" Racing4Girls "A well-crafted and engaging story that will take you on a roller coaster of emotions." A Drop of Romeo less

When tragedy strikes, racing trainer Jack Carmichael is in danger of losing everything he holds dear - his wife, his reputation, his sanity... And when Aspen Valley's runners start to fall foul of the authorities, the question arises is the wreckage that is his personal life compromising Jack’s ability to train or is there something more sinister going on? CHAMPIONS ARE MADE BY THE ADVERSITIES THEY OVERCOME... moreWhen tragedy strikes, racing trainer Jack Carmichael is in danger of losing everything he holds dear - his wife, his reputation, his sanity... And when Aspen Valley's runners start to fall foul of the authorities, the question arises is the wreckage that is his personal life compromising Jack’s ability to train or is there something more sinister going on? CHAMPIONS ARE MADE BY THE ADVERSITIES THEY OVERCOME. When tragedy strikes Aspen Valley Stables, racehorse trainer Jack Carmichael is in danger of losing everything – his wife, his reputation, his sanity… then in walks Lucy Kendrick, a young reporter, all set to shadow him. Every journalist has an agenda and Lucy is no different. Can she uphold her cover when charismatic jockey Finn O’Donaghue makes her want to be no one but herself? The Grand National beckons once more, but when the yard’s runners start to fall foul of the authorities, the future of Aspen Valley Stables is threatened. Is the wreckage that is his personal life compromising Jack’s ability to train or is there something more sinister going on? *** PRAISE FOR HANNAH HOOTON ‘The literary love child of Dick Francis and Jilly Cooper.’ ***** Christina Jones, bestselling author ‘Evocative imagery and crisp writing sets this story apart from the competition.’ ***** Natalie Keller Reinert, bestselling author ‘The female Dick Francis.’ ***** The Filly Forum less

WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS. Please be aware that this Aspen Valley SHORT STORY takes place after the last novel, Chasing the Wind, and DOES CONTAIN SPOILERS. To experience the full benefit of the story, it is recommended that readers start from Book 1, Keeping the Peace, links to which can be found either through clicking on my name on the product page or via the link at the back of this short story... moreWARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS. Please be aware that this Aspen Valley SHORT STORY takes place after the last novel, Chasing the Wind, and DOES CONTAIN SPOILERS. To experience the full benefit of the story, it is recommended that readers start from Book 1, Keeping the Peace, links to which can be found either through clicking on my name on the product page or via the link at the back of this short story. The Last Mile Home is a self-contained SHORT STORY, but is also a very early prologue to what I hope will one day be a continuation of the Aspen Valley story. less