When my Kindle died recently, I had to revert to my pile of reconstituted trees and so today’s Thursday Creation Review is the most recent paperback I finished. Beyond that, I will be reviewing a book that I’m reading – drum-roll – on my new Kindle Fire 7.
That new acquisition was a problem as almost all my 500+ Kindle titles are on my UK account – and Amazon stopped me buying a new device from their UK site to send to my US address. So, the new Kindle is linked to my US account which has only a couple of dozen titles – enough for now, even if some are in my paperback collection.
Anyway, time for this review.
NOTE: book release on October 5th 2018.
Joseph Barnaby
by
Susan Roebuck (Goodreads Author)
Stand by your beliefs – even if it means going to the end of the Earth.
By standing up for his principles, horse farrier Joseph Barnaby lost everything. Now, when a personal vendetta goes too deep to fight, he escapes to the Portuguese island of Madeira where he finds work on a small farm only accessible by boat.
The balmy climate and never-ending supply of exotic fruit, vegetables, and honey make it sound like paradise. But, for Joseph, it’s the ideal place to hide from the world.
Not everyone is prepared to give up on life’s misfortunes. The local fishing village has its own surprises and the inhabitants of Quinta da Esperança have more grit in them than the pebbled beach that borders the property.
Review 4.6 stars
When I discovered that the main protagonist was “horse farrier Joseph Barnaby”, my ears pricked, and the Portuguese island of Madeira made this a Must Read. When I won this excellent novel in an Advance Giveaway from author Susan Roebuck – but with no obligation to write anything about Joseph Barnaby – the book moved to the top of my reading pile.
The exact reason why Joe Barnaby escapes his life with horses in England is carefully revealed in flashbacks that felt at moments like a Dick Francis mystery. In contrast, his new life working on a small farm near the fishing village of Quinta da Esperança became a wonderful romance with both the island and with a young deaf woman, Sofia – although there are obstacles thrown in their path, including Joe’s past.
For me, the romance worked, and I was swept along; plus, the horseracing mystery spurred my ‘detective’ skills. I began to suspect what might have happened as the clues were slipped out, and the resolution satisfied me – as did the romantic denouement.
I must admit that there were some minor moments where my equestrian brain questioned the odd bit of phrasing, but slight, and even as an equestrian journalist, I have made mistakes. I was interested in the way that Riding for the Disabled featured – having personal connections to that inspiring movement.
The settings were vividly described, and I was immersed in the story because of those descriptions – and through the wonderful cast.
There were some great characters, from the main protagonists of Joe and Sofia to the supporting cast, from memorable fishermen to the two principal antagonists. The latter were not as devious as the ones that challenge my brain in crime novels, but they displayed traits that kept the protagonists challenged. Sofia’s bees are characters themselves as well as an inspirational community. And I must mention Ed the donkey – just read and find out.
One woman was elusively mysterious, adding a clever thread to the story that wove through so many elements – I’m avoiding spoilers here. I want to say that there are a few clever threads, from the island’s past to the medical themes.
Sofia’s deafness seemed to be understood by the author and sensitively handled – adding to my engagement with the character. How others interacted with her was well contrasted, with some signing, others lip-reading, and those frustrated by her.
This novel was the perfect combination for me – horses and romance in a Portuguese setting. A strong 4.6 stars and a recommended quick read.
Story – four stars
Setting/World-building – four stars
Authenticity – four stars
Characters – five stars
Structure – five stars
Readability – five stars
Editing – five stars
Writing Wings 
Aside from the great book review, I didn’t know Amazon made other country purchases so complicated. I can’t think of a reason why that would be true.
I’m annoyed for you.
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Sadly, Jacqui, the Amazon situation is true. I just spoke with them, and they said that my UK-bought content cannot be accessed with US-bought devices – although my ISP might be able to set up a network. Luckily, I can access my UK content – and some of my research material – on Kindle cloud which is still connected to the UK.
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No kidding, Roland, I didn’t know this either. I thought the internet was a “world-wide” site, as in I can post something in the US and expect it to show in England or Australia. Is it just “bought content” that doesn’t transcend? I don’t have any books to sell yet and worry terribly for when I do. I’m tech-challenged and try not to think about figuring all this out. All best to you, sir!
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I’m going to write more about Amazon for my October 11 Thursday review. Basically, it seems that bought Kindle content is tied to the account of the device – and the ‘household/family’. My UK bought Kindle is on my UK email and I could read all the books in the US. The problem arose when I tried to transfer the content to my US-bought Kindle.
As a writer, I’m able to sell via Amazon worldwide. The only restriction seems to be that there are better markets than Amazon.
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