We meet Becca at the lowest point in her life. Her aunt has helped to secret her away from her abusive husband, and she's just coming to grips with the reality of it all. Enough was enough...it wasn't getting better, it wasn't going to get any better, and it was time to go. And go she went...but trouble not faced head on has a way of cropping up again when you least expect it...and just when Becca is starting to gain her footing once again in this magically healing place, the worst happens with potentially deadly consequences.

While we're watching Becca grow back into her self, we also get to discover more about the wild horses living in this part of the country, and more specifically one stallion that admits an unusual addition to his team. This particular beauty is hurt by some seriously dullard humans, and while the rescue group is trying to aid in his recovery, you heard about wild horses and fences? Yeah, they're not so keen on them. He makes a getaway and so begins a long journey back to his family with a wooly little companion by his side. I'm sorry, but that little add in, that little friend, made him stand out not only to those whose paths they crossed along the way, but to me as well. It showed what true empathy is, what true family is, what truly caring for life in all its forms really is, and that's a lesson we humans certainly need a good brush up on.

If I've learned anything from this story, it's that there's still beauty to be found in the world even when you think you've reached your rope's end, your true self is enough for those that REALLY count, and there's no shame in admitting you were wrong or asking for help. Recommended for adult readers due to some violent content; possible trigger issues regarding abuse...it's not openly on display, but there's enough to get the gist, and a scene separate from that issue of violence.


**copy received fore review; opinions are my own ( )

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It tackles a very emotional and distressing social issue: domestic violence. At the same time, Montgomery does a mini David Attenborough-esque exposé of man's effect on the environment.

Becca fleas her violent controlling husband and finds refuge with a family friend in Arizona. She needs to find strength to recover, mentally, from his abuse and to admit to her hosts...and herself...the damage it's done to her. At the same time, a wild horse, native to the region, is injured. Although rescued and treated, it escapes its rehabilitation corral and sets off to rejoin his herd, picking up a companion in the very odd form of a stray sheep on the way. The paradox is clever here: injured creatures finding their way to strength, safety and security: one, a wild injured horse, the other, a dominated, mentally and physically abused and harmed human. The journeys are different, dramatic, but ultimately they both find what they are looking for.

This was really well written, and I found it really compelling and fascinating: Montgomery evokes your sympathy for both the horse (especially if you are an animal lover like I am) and Becca, rooting for them to find happiness and healing. The author also has excellent knowledge of…or has done some very meticulous research into…nature, wildlife and environmental issues.

I'm not sure what I was expecting with this book, but it turned out to be quite a gem, and actually, I've already found myself missing the (good) characters and a few lessons about birds, bees (no, not THOSE birds and bees (!)), horses, and man's devastating effect on the environment. ( )

I loved the characters and the story that unfolds in this book. Becca needs a lot of care when she comes to this wonderful desert hideaway. I love the descriptions of the wild horses and the desert. I love how the story goes between why Becca came to this area and how the wild animals survive around so many humans taking over the area. I love how abuse is discussed in the story. I received a copy of this book from Smith Publicity for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

Wild Horses on the Salt has two main themes - domestic abuse and wild horses in Arizona. The author handled both subjects well and the result was a well written book with both the beauty of nature and the ultimate goodness of people.

Becca is a lawyer who hates her job and has always dreamed of being an artist. She is also married to an abusive man. She quit her job at her father's law firm because she got tired of making excuses for her bruises. As the novel begins, she has just arrived at a friend of her aunts in Arizona after she escaped from her home in New Jersey. She is battered and bruised but doesn't want to talk about it due to her severe case of PTSD. She gradually opens up to the other people there - Noah, a rancher, Walt, sculptor plus Gaby, the owner of Salt River Inn, a 1930's guesthouse located in the wildly beautiful Tonto National Forest. Their support and friendship as well as the beauty of the land and the wild horses help her begin to heal and start to become the artist she always wanted to be. She's making progress until her husband shows up and demands that she go back to New Jersey with him because he really loves her. Will he convince her to go home or has she become strong enough to realize that his type of jealous love will only harm her? The descriptions of the horses and the desert scenery were so beautiful. The beauty of nature the Becca found so healing was in direct opposition to the life that she'd been living.

This is a beautiful well written novel about healing from domestic abuse. It was emotional and the abuse was difficult to read about but it was well worth reading. Be sure to read the Author's Notes at the end for more information about domestic abuse and how to get help. ( )