Debut Novel by Natalie Keller Reinert
If you’re looking for a new equestrian author to fall in love with, Dappled Grey has a tip for you! We’ve become overnight fans of Natalie Keller Reinert after reading her debut novel “The Head and Not the Heart.”
A lifelong rider, Reinert’s writing oozes with equestrian authenticity (an absolute must for equestrian fiction), and against this credible backdrop “The Head and Not the Heart” follows a young female trainer who is questioning the lifestyle tradeoffs that are fundamental to a life with horses. If you’re an equestrian who’s ever had a case of the “what if’s?” - and let’s face it, who hasn’t? – then this book is for you.
Reinert’s voice is unique enough that we’re reticent to make comparisons, but fans of Sara Gruen’s popular Flying Changes and Riding Lessons will similarly enjoy and identify with “The Head and Not the Heart’s” tough, determined, and talented female equestrian lead.
But if Gruen’s character confronts Baby Boomer dilemmas (divorce, a rebellious teenage daughter), Reinert’s feisty yet fatigued “Alex” struggles with decidedly Gen X temptations – a less physically demanding, more intellectually stimulating career in a creative field, access to the hip social scene that big city living affords. As Alex grapples with the path her life is taking, it’s hard not to do so along with her and… well, you’ll have to read the book to find out where she ends up.
It’s always exciting to discover a fantastic new author and we’re already craving what’s next from Natalie Reinert - and from what we hear, she has a few other equestrian titles in the works. You can also follow along with her Retired Racehorse Blog.
Every week, Dappled Grey sends our subscribers our free weekly Style Guide. Peruse our fabulous previous editions here.
