In the Presence of Horses A Novel [Paperback]

A moving, powerful novel of a woman coming to terms with her past -- for readers of Jane Hamilton and Barbara Kingsolver.

Throughout her life Natalie Baxter has lost everyone she has ever cared for, and after losing her faith in people she returns to her hometown of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and takes a job at a local horse ranch. Caring for a fiery true black mare named Twister, she slowly begins to find courage to return to the world. And when a gradual romance builds between Natalie and farm's strangely reclusive owner, Pierce, she is forced to confront the ghosts of her traumatic past.

All the traditional lingo and lore tucked into Barbara Dimmick's first novel is evidence of her inspired pursuit of her favorite animal, the horse. Luckily, she's equally good at depicting human characters. Sally Eckhoff, The New York Times Book Review

It's been a long time since I've read a well-written novel about horses that was salted with equine details right on target.... Dimmick really knows her stuff.... Instantly putIn the Presence of Horsesheads above Nicholas Evans'The Horse Whisperer. The Orlando Sentinel

Dimmick will keep readers intrigued as she injects suspenseful incidents into the narrative. Natalie's coming to terms with her life, and her jolting ride toward redemption turn out to be absorbing. Publishers Weekly

Barbara Dimmickgrew up in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania. Formerly a professional riding instructor, she now lives and teaches writing in New Hampshire.