Kelly Sheridan is a PR specialist down on her luck.  After quitting her lucrative, but morally questionable job, at a top-notch marketing firm, Kelly is black-listed.  Driven to make ends meet, Kelly accepts a job as a horse trainer at Rancho Villaneuva, a once-profitable horse training and breeding facility that has fallen on hard times.  But, Kelly's twisting of the truth in order to get a job as a horse trainer puts her first in line as a suspect when a series of misfortunes occur.  Is it all just coincidence, or is someone out to destroy the ranch and its handsome owner, Diego?

Kelly sets out to solve the mystery in order to clear her name.  But, as her attachment for the ranch and its dark and mysterious owner grows, Kelly finds that her heart is as much at stake as the survival of the ranch.   Will Kelly be able to save the ranch and win Diego's heart?  Or should she return to her former, more glamorous life as a marketing executive?  What should a girl do?

RIDE A DANCING HORSE  is a non-stop ride!  It's Nancy Drew, Melrose Place, and Wuthering Heights all in one. Eileen Watkins' characters shine.  Their dialogue is bright and witty and the romance is sweet and melancholy.  The mystery is, well, a mystery.  You won't figure this one out the first time around.  There are plenty of clues laid in good old Agatha Christie fashion, so keep a close eye on the details.  This is a mystery that you will read more than once, looking for that clue that escaped you the first time! 

Kelly is brilliant as a heroine--she's plucky, courageous, and clever.  She even has freckles.  Kelly Sheridan isn't a siren or a school-girl.  She doesn't wait for the hero to rush in and save the day--she sets about saving it herself.  Likewise, the villains are true black-hat wearing baddies and the supporting cast (Diego, Helga, and all their equine friends) are lovable and intriguing. 

This is mystery writing at its best with poignant heroes and heroines, near-escapes, fiery exits, and dastardly villains.  The plot is clear and well-reasoned and the research for this novel is beyond reproach.  You can tell from her writing that Ms. Watkins knows and loves horses and it carries through to her characters and their four-legged counterparts. 

A wonderful read!  I could barely put this one down.  If you're looking for a summer page turner, then look no further.  Mystery and romance lovers will find Ms. Watkins' story irresistible and those readers of Zane Grey will definitely want to pick up this modern western romance.  Add RIDE A DANCING HORSE  to your summer shopping list!  Good work, Ms. Watkins, and keep them coming!