Celebrate Lit / November 21, 2024

To Choose the Longshot

About the Book To Choose the Longshot

Book: To Choose the Longshot

Author: Lisa M. Prysock

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 5, 2024

In a world where wealth and status reign, can true love prevail?

Miss Delia Lyndon, a young woman born into the prestigious Spencer-Lyndon family, is initially enamoured with Thaddeus, the son of a prominent local stable owner when he begins vying for her hand in marriage. She is keenly aware of how a union between the two families would seal their status as one of the most beloved couples from Lexington.

However, when Jake, a handsome and charming newcomer, arrives on the scene, he catches her attention, casting doubts and fears in Delia’s heart.

Torn between two suitors, Delia must navigate societal expectations, family pressure, and her own desires.

Will she choose the man who seemingly has it all – wealth, charm, and a shared background in Kentucky’s elite circles – or will she follow her heart to the humble yet captivating Jake?

Jake Williams is determined to prove his worth in the competitive world of horse racing. Despite his humble beginnings as a farmer, he refuses to be intimidated by his rival’s malicious attempts to sabotage his chances, both on the racetrack and in winning Delia’s affection.

With his trusted steed, Horizon, by his side, Jake faces each challenge head-on, guided by his unwavering faith.

When mysterious events begin occurring leading up to the annual Phoenix Stakes horse race, Delia must look beyond appearances and uncover the truth that lies beneath.

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My Thoughts on To Choose the Longshot

To Choose the Longshot is book two in a fun new historical fiction series around the Golden Age and horse racing. It’s romance but it also has some suspense which keeps it moving quickly.

Delia is the second-born of her family. And she needs to make an advantageous marriage. Because that’s the job of every well-to-do young lady of her time period. But what happens when the man she should marry isn’t the man she wants to marry?

I’m sure so many women who did live in that era were faced with this question. But what did they do? How did they choose? You can get a small feel for how they felt and what they went through with this novel.

I loved getting to know Delia. We saw her in the first novel of this series. And yes it’s the second novel of a series. And yes you should read the first one first. At least that’s my opinion. I mean, you could probably read this as a stand-alone novel if you really wanted to, but why would you want to when you could read two books instead of one? I’m always in favour of more books to read versus less.

Delia has the man she should marry. But then a man comes to town. He’s not as wealthy, but he’s trying. What he has going for him though is that Delia can’t wait to spend time with him or get to know him better.

Jake is a man of faith. He’s rooted in his faith, it doesn’t easily sway. He also has little nieces that are the most adorable. I’m partial to adorable little girls with some sass and smiles.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

About the Author of To Choose the Longshot

Lisa M. Prysock is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes both Christian Historical Romance and Contemporary Christian Romance books—” Romance with a Dash of Food, Fashion, Faith, & Fun.” She writes both traditional and indie-published novels.

Kentucky inspires her writing and is home. Happily married to her husband of more than 24 years, she homeschooled two of their five children, now grown. When she isn’t writing, she likes to cross stitch, crochet, sew, scrapbook, read, swim, dance, take walks, travel, explore historical homes, garden, cook for her family, learn to play the piano and violin and read great books.

More from Lisa

Hello, Celebrate Lit Friends and Readers!

I’m back to share a looksie at Book 2 from Kentucky Debutantes of the Gilded Age. I’ve really enjoyed my deep dive into all things Kentucky Derby and the world of horseracing in To Choose the Longshot.

Most of us have heard of Churchill Downs and Lexington’s Keeneland.

But before Keeneland was the Lexington Association Racetrack. The annual spring race generally opened each year on that course with a featured race known as the Phoenix Stakes. It dates as far back in history as 1831! You can take a peek at the fascinating horse names of all the winners from 1831 to 2012, here. Of course, I’ve fictionalized the names of winners and many events around the races in my series, but it’s fun to peek at real-life history when crafting our stories.

Leading up to and through the Gilded Age, the time period and setting of this series, the Phoenix race was generally sponsored by the Phoenix Hotel in Lexington. And more than Kentucky horseracing history, in Book 2, readers will get to come along for a glimpse at another course located in Baltimore, Maryland when the story takes our main characters to Pimlico. They referred to this track as the Old Hilltop in the early days of American horseracing history.

And atop Pimlico sits the famed weathervane.

Did you know that painting the Preakness Stakes weathervane is a grand Pimlico tradition dating to 1909?

The vane style is unique, commissioned by the Maryland Jockey Club, bearing the shape of a thoroughbred and jockey ever since the original arrow-shaped one was struck down by lightning. The new vane was christened with the colours of the silks carried by that year’s winner, Effendi.

I had a great deal of fun writing To Choose the Longshot starting with the very first page.

The novel opens with a runaway bride!

It’s always a wonder what makes a bride runaway, and my imagination went to work at once creating the situation that causes this bride so much consternation.

Readers get to learn more about Veronica’s sister in Book 2, Miss Delaney Lyndon.

Everyone calls the shy and demure middle sister, Delia. All of Lexington expects one of the Lyndon sisters to marry into the Sullivan family since these two families are “Kentucky horseracing royalty.”

But who will Delia choose to marry?

Will she marry her handsome, wealthy, and daring beau, Thaddeus Sullivan, or will a rugged newcomer and underdog in their midst from the Adirondacks, Jake Williams, turn her head?

I cannot fail to mention that the beloved character of Aunt Mae from Book 1 makes an appearance in Book 2. She certainly has her hands full attempting to help Delia reach a decision about who she should marry, knowing it will impact the future of Velvet Brooks Farm for generations to come. But if anyone can help steer Delia to a decision, it’s Aunt Mae.

As our heroine grapples with perceptions and tries to balance expectations with what’s in her heart, find out what happens next with a deeper look at the world of horseracing, sure to give horse enthusiasts plenty to cheer about.

Happy reading!

Blessings!

Lisa