"This moving memoir by The Repair’s Shop resident leather expert is a restorative, soul-stirring joy. "
Written by Suzie Fletcher, master saddler and the big-hearted, highly-skilled leather expert on The Repair Shop, this engaging autobiography is a must-read for anyone who’s ever teared up (or full-on sobbed) during an episode of the show. In Suzie’s words, “I hope my story brings understanding to people going through all kinds of rubbish. Life isn’t easy, but it’s far better when there is empathy and compassion from those around us. The sun over the mountains is there for everyone”.
In addition to appealing to fans of the TV series, The Sun Over the Mountains will also be relished by readers who love life-affirming stories of taking life by the reins, even after you’ve been thrown from the saddle. Beyond being fitting metaphors for the spirit of her book, horses are important through Suzie’s story. For example, her first foray into working with leather was when she made a saddle for her Sindy horse, though at that age Suzie had little idea that her “love of horses would lead to a career in saddlery, which would eventually open up the gates to the world, before leading back to a big barn door and a life before the cameras”.
After leaving home at sixteen to go to college in Hackney, free-spirited Suzie took a job in Colorado, soon meeting Rob, the charismatic man she was also quick to marry. Both rebels, their relationship was tumultuous, with Rob often violent towards her. As a couple, they moved to their own farm, rode Harleys, cared for animals and handled wild elements of nature, including rattlesnakes, black widow spiders, tornadoes and snow storms. As an individual, Suzie’s saddlery skills were in huge demand, and she rode storms of abuse and coercive control while remaining devoted to Rob to the end.
After Rob’s death, feeling “at such a low ebb”, Suzie was thrown a lifeline when her brother Steve, The Repair Shop’s horologist, suggested her skills could be put to great use on the show. With Jay Blade also playing a big part in Suzie’s own restoration, the rest — as they say — is history, and enabled Suzie to forge a fulfilling present and bright future.
Honest, engaging and packed with personality, The Sun Over the Mountains radiates courage, hope and a spirit of adventure. In Suzie’s words, “None of us know where things are going but you have to take life by the reins and take those leaps of faith…”
| Primary Genre | Biographies & Autobiographies |
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