RIDING OUT THE WAGER – BOOK 1
Father Michael’s brother-in-law has an impossible house guest – Justin, an army veteran suffering from PTSD. The man is making life miserable for his host family.
But the priest has no practical assistance to offer, until an incident in church gives him an idea. Naturally, his plan involves the ever-reluctant and newly-wed trainer Jack Harper. It will also require the help of a horse on his farm – and a wager.
Meanwhile Father Michael gives a podcast interview to a local atheist hoping to trip him up on Catholic matters. As soon as the podcast is aired, church attendance plummets and the priest is under intense pressure from his bishop to rectify the situation.
Justin is no closer to coming back to the faith and the podcaster is rejoicing in his victory over the Church.
Will God makes good come out of evil for those who love Him, as Father Michael wants to believe?
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Reviews for Riding Out the Wager
Touching story of the healing of a soldier and a horse
An amazing story of how a soldier with PTSD is helped when he learns to comfort an abused horse. Father Michael ,who is working with the soldier, has a major part in helping Justin, the soldier. The author makes the characters so believable and keeps the plot developing to keep the reader engaged. This Christian book was a joy to read and I look forward to reading more in this series.
Can an abused horse heal a vet with PTSD?
This is a fantastic story about a veteran with PTSD who finds healing in friendship with an horse that was abused and is now at a foster stable. It also has a Catholic Priest who is inspirational without being preachy.
I chose this book because I love horses, but I fell in love with the …
I chose this book because I love horses, but I fell in love with the story line and even cried a few times.
RIDING OUT THE REGRETS – Book 2
Father Michael returns home late to find an old college roommate sitting on his doorstep: Father Dan has been kicked out by his wife and needs somewhere to stay.
In the past, Jack Harper’s horses have always helped solve people’s problems and Father Michael appeals to the equine trainer for assistance in reconciling the married couple. But the outcome is devastating. Not only that, but veteran Justin Chambers and his estranged spouse Elizabeth are at each other’s throats.
As if that weren’t enough, the pastor’s ex-girlfriend shows up, rekindling emotions Father Michael thought he’d dealt with long ago.
The world of evil is crushing his soul as he struggles to live up to his priestly calling and fight off the devil’s onslaught.
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Reviews for Riding Out the Regrets
I absolutely loved the spirituality of this story, though I am not Catholic. It contained a great look at the thought processes of a Catholic priest, interwoven with the story. There was also a bit of explanation of how hippotherapy can help returning veterans with PTSD.
This book (is) in the series although it can be read as a stand alone, I was happy to get to read the first book, is about Father Michael and he comes across many other different problems.
Continues where the other left off, people are still going through therapy of one kind or another and his friend from college days makes an appearance and he tries to help sort that out for him.
He is able to reach out to others who come to help and understand the deeper problems the loved one have to help find an answer to their problems. Lot more religious quotes in this one-almost too much for me to enjoy the story.
Love that it covers a large age range with specific groups having their own set of problems. Love the scenery and being at the cabin and the horses. Best part for me was watching those in book 1 get over their hurdles and move on-sometimes to go back to war.
Can’t wait to read more.
RIDING OUT THE WRECKAGE – Book 3
Father Michael is in his new house and open to receive visitors, starting with a long overdue dinner for Catholic horse trainer, Jack Harper and his family. Then, at the behest of his bishop, he plays host for two months to the handsome seminarian and ex-footballer, Reverend Paul Mattick.
In swift succession, the priest is faced with a series of crises, including the impending death of his father.
When a suicidal parishioner begs for help, Father Michael brings him to Jack’s farm, where a week-old foal singles him out for attention.
Meanwhile, Jack’s son Joe has lost his Christian faith. The teen is suffering a painful ulcerative colitis flare and now his beloved horse, Duke, is badly injured. How could a good God inflict such things on him?
Lucy, a lively teenage girl, enters Joe’s life. But his parents worry; her Christian family is not Catholic. Father Michael reminds them that heaven is open to other denominations.
Using Jack’s horses, Reverend Mattick’s sports background and the collaboration of the nearby Lutheran church, Father Michael pursues his mission to save souls, alleviate distress – and lose some weight.
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REVIEWS FOR RIDING OUT THE WRECKAGE
This was the second book in the series I have read. I previously read Riding Out the Wager, also excellent. Hilary has a talent for keeping the reader interested in the story. I love that she incorporates many different aspect of everyday life as well as other things that may not be a personal to the reader, but challenges others may face in life. We all struggle with our faith at times and she shows us we are not alone and that God is always there working on our behalf. Not being of the Catholic faith, I have learned a lot about it through her writings. Looking forward to her next book.
Dealing with life issues is even hard for the clergy. This was the first book that I have read by this author and I really enjoyed the book. The book was flowing and the characters were well developed. I now need to go and read the rest of the books.
Have read other works by this author and loved the series.
An added plus is when Robert teaches they how to take care of their dog and why…
Like how the author brings you up to date on how others got to where they are now, physically and why without going into a lot of details from previous books.
Makes you feel not so lost. Like how others call on Father Michael for help-some are dying and he won’t condone the methods they want to use to shorten the time…
Love how he uses Skype to talk to a local man overseas fighting the war and hopes he won’t get PTSD again. The local horses helped cure him and many others over the years.
Memory boxes on outside wall of resident apartments, just like one at my mother in laws place, so touching!
With the car accident there are changes for many: deaths and births to complete the circle. Love how this one turns out.
Other works by the author and about the author are highlighted at the end. Can’t wait for the next one.
Hilary Walker Books 