Horse Book Reviews

Equestrian Books site

2009-12-07T20:12:00.002-05:00

Here's a wonderful site if you love horses and love to read: http://equestrianink.blogspot.com/

Also, read about E-commerce sales increases at http://authorevents.blogspot.com/

A New Life for Bud

2009-11-16T19:18:00.003-05:00

A New Life for Bud is a delightful tale based on a real horse in Chicago. Author, Lynda Vital, learned to ride on a retired Chicago Police Horse who was used in a handicapped riding program. She now volunteers at a therapeutic riding program called Horsefeathers. Visit their site at horsefeatherscenter.org

When Bud retires from the police horse program, he wonders what his new life will be like. He loves marching in parades and he loves children. So he's happy to learn that his new job includes both!

A boy in a wheelchair, named Danny, watches Bud in the St. Patrick's Day parade and wishes he could learn to ride a horse like Bud.

The ending may be predictable, but it is still heartwarming.

Lynda both wrote and illustrated this Beginner Reader book and it can be purchased by visiting the publisher's site, Xlibris.com.

Adventures of Princess the Pony

2009-11-01T16:03:00.003-05:00

Margaret Merry is a talented artist and storyteller living in Spain. Her illustrations are captivating and perfect for the story.

Little Princess wants desperately to find a friend to play with and even escapes her farm when no one there is willing. She has quite an adventure and saves the day for a big (and highly respected) black horse. Her "badge" for her heroic attempt is very unique!

What a wonderful gift for a young horse lover! Find the book at the author's site http://margaretmerry.com or Amazon.com.

5th Anniversary of Beloved School Horses!

2009-10-11T14:59:00.003-04:00

This month, I'm celebrating the 5th Anniversary of Beloved School Horses! Remembering Dennis who made an autistic boy smile, Sandy Mae who taught campers to canter, Sonny the vaulting horse and of course Farewell, the dressage pro! See http://www.sharonminer.com

To read a sample chapter, go to my publisher's site - http://www.bbotw.com - and search by title. Or go to Amazon.com and click on "Search Inside" for any of my books.

E-mail me for a signed copy with free shipping!

The fourth book of the series will feature horses in second careers. Contact me at sharonminer@yahoo.com if you would like your special horse to be included, and you'll receive a free copy upon its release. Interviews via e-mail will be conducted this winter.

Snow Melts in Spring

2009-10-05T14:47:00.004-04:00

How refreshing to read a Christian Romance novel with an accurate horse setting! Deborah Vogts has written a memorable story about a female veterinarian and a rancher's son in Snow Melts in Spring.

Mattie Evans loves the Flint Hills of Kansas and attempts to build a practice there. A local rancher, John McCray, asks her to save a severely injured horse that is owned by his son and was hit by a car. Gil is estranged from his father and plays on a national football team. But he plans to retire and start a horse ranch in California. His goals change when he arrives home and meets Mattie.

They both have to overcome personal obstacles, both physical and emotional, before they can accept their strong feelings for each other.

Visit the author's site at http://deborahvogts.com and look for her books at your local book store or online at Amazon.com.

HOOFBEATS - Lara & the Moon Colored Filly Book 2

2009-09-10T08:32:00.002-04:00

Another book NOT to read unless you have read Book 1 of the series. Although this one is written well and has great descriptions of the filly's reactions to her new life, I found it very hard to understand the setting. Hopefully, Book 1 explains.

A young girl, Lara, and her aunt are captured. Lara has with her a newborn filly who thinks she is her "mom" since her dam died shortly after giving birth. A milk cow allows the filly to nurse. Lara becomes very attached emotionally to the filly and even though she could escape if she wanted to, she won't because she can't leave the filly. If she leads the filly and cow with her, her captors would catch her very easily.

At first, I thought it took place during the pioneer days like the last HOOFBEATS I read, and the girls were captured by Indians. Actually, I thought this until more than halfway through the book! Then, I thought this must take place in Ireland or somewhere in Europe back in the Middle Ages? Hard to tell; unknown words are used that a child would be even more lost than I while reading. (OK, Amazon.com review of first book confirms Medieval Ireland.)

Odd ending too; but maybe one must read all four about Lara before enjoying the story. It's a shame that an intro isn't written to explain what happened previously.

HOOFBEATS: Lara and the Moon-Colored Filly and the other Lara books are written by Kathleen Duey.

HOOFBEATS - Katie and the Mustang Book Two

2009-08-24T16:28:00.002-04:00

What a delightful story about a young orphan girl traveling west with a wagon train! Again, a child is paired with a stallion but it actually works in this story. (She doesn't ride it)

Katie Rose lost her immediate family (in Book One I guess) and wants to travel to Oregon to find her relatives. She will walk the 1,000 miles on foot, leading her Mustang - how she happened to have this horse must also be in Book One.

She has quite an adventure as she begins her journey and this Book Two only covers the start of the trip through crossing the Missouri River.

The HOOFBEATS series has other authors, but the four books by Kathleen Duey are all about Katie and the Mustang. The descriptions of the obstacles - rain, mud, stone-throwing boys and even fire - are unforgettable. I especially liked how well Duey explains the horse's reactions, both from the viewpoint of Katie and the Mustang.

This is a "must read" for horse lovers of all ages, but I suggest you start with Book One! I plan to find the other three books about Katie and the Mustang!

The author's site is http://www.kathleenduey.com/ and there is a page about Katie and the Mustang Books on the Hoofbeats Page.

A Walk in the Woods

2009-08-09T14:42:00.002-04:00

I know, I know. This isn't a horse book. But if you trail ride, you will enjoy this humorous adventure on the Appalachian Trail.

A Walk in the Woods, by travel author, Bill Bryson, had me laughing till I cried! He and a friend spent six weeks on the AT starting in Georgia. His description of their escapades - the people they meet and the places they visit - are too funny!

My husband picked up the book at a Borders while there for another purchase. Our son, who lives in Philly, has walked several sections of the AT, mostly in the Pennsylvania area. Over the past few years, he has hiked anywhere from a long weekend to a couple of weeks. We received a few photos and a short journal from the first trip, but not much else. We're always glad to hear from him when he's back in civilization.

We thought the book would give us insight to the trail that our son enjoys so much. There are thousands that walk it like our son, and there are the So-Bo and No-Bo hikers (South Bound and North Bound) who take months to do the whole AT. My son also met the HoBos - the ones who live on the trail!

When we finished Bryson's book, we both wanted to read more by him and bought three others. I was not impressed with The Lost Continent, a description of the author driving through America. Too negative; he puts down southerners, RVers, religious people etc. I liked it better when he made fun of himself and his reactions to the situations he had on the AT, rather than his dour (and mean spirited) outlook on this country in general.

Maybe it's because he was born in the Midwest, lived in Great Britain for decades, returned to America and now lives in Britain again. I didn't bother finishing that book, but began one he wrote about his travels in Australia. It's better, but not as funny as A Walk in the Woods.

Find Bryson's books in a bookstore or Amazon.com.

The Saddle Club - Horse Shy

2009-07-13T18:23:00.003-04:00

Bonnie Bryant writes another wonderful story about girls and their bonds with horses in Horse Shy, #2 in the series. The three members of the Saddle Club - Carole, Lisa & Stevie - enjoy a fun overnight camping trip.

But when they return and a horse owned by another girl is injured and has to be put down, Carole is devastated. She often rode the horse, Cobalt, and is now "horse shy" in her grief - avoiding all horses.

Carole's friends try to encourage her to return to the stable and eventually Carole faces her fears.

The only negative comment I have is that Cobalt is described as a stallion. Not only would a minor rider not be riding a high-strung stallion at a stable, but also Cobalt would not have been turned out in a pasture with mares and geldings.

I just don't understand why writers feel that the featured horse has to be a stallion when a gelding or mare would be more suitable and not take away any emotion in the story.

Find The Saddle Club series at bookstores, libraries and at Amazon.com.

Summer Book Sale!

2009-05-25T16:33:00.005-04:00

Need a beach read? A book for your summer reading list? An escape for that long plane/train/car trip? A great gift?

I'm offering a book sale! Buy two of any of my books, including ones in the Beloved Horses series, and receive Woogie's Travels FREE!

All books will be personally autographed. Just e-mail your request, who to sign them to and your mailing address. I will reply with the total amount due and where to mail the check.

Visit my web site at http://www.sharonminer.com/ to read about my books and the prices. Shipping is only $3 for all three books for this special offer.

You may want to visit Amazon.com to view the Search Inside feature as well.

Have a safe and fun summer!

Secrets & Ghost Horses

2009-05-11T19:25:00.002-04:00

Author Holly McClure has a wonderful mystery book out titled Secrets & Ghost Horses. The setting is the Low Country in South Carolina and the protagonists are twin sisters, Hannah and Aislinn.

The thirteen-year-old sisters spend a summer with their parents at an old family residence, one where there father had been born in. The girls pout about having a boring place to spend their vacation, that is until they meet a handsome young man and his horses. The excitement really begins when they realize their new friends are ghosts and the boy asks for their help in finding his murderer.

This Young Adult mystery novel will appeal to adults as well. There's mystery, suspense, humor and history of the wild horses from the Carolinas.

Besides an author, Holly McClure is also a literary agent for her company, Sullivan Maxx (http://www.sullivanmaxx.com/ ).

The Gift Horse by Jami Davenport

2009-04-13T16:12:00.002-04:00

If you like hot, steamy romance novels with a realistic equine setting, then read Jami Davenport's THE GIFT HORSE.

Sam MacIntyre returns from Germany to a stable she once worked at but left after a barn fire who many thought she started with her careless habits. Sam wants to prove her worth as a rider/trainer/instructor but Murphy's Law follows her around, and the owner's son is a major distraction.

Carson Reynolds makes a deal with his father to make the stable profitable and despite his brain telling him to shape up Sam in a business-like way, his heart tells him otherwise.

Just released this year, this is the third book in the Evergreen Dynasty series.

Visit jamidavenport.com for more information.

The Saddle Club - Endurance Ride

2009-03-16T19:43:00.003-04:00

The Saddle Club series by Bonnie Bryant is popular among young women. With more than 100 horse books to her credit, the author wrote this one, #69, about the sport of endurance riding.

This was a fun book to read. Especially since I tried a competitive trail ride many years ago in a park outside of Philadelphia, and know that without training a horse and rider can feel overwhelmed! I had fun on my little Morgan stallion, Windfield Farewell, but realized halfway through that we were out of our element (his forte, I discovered later, was dressage). But at least we finished the course.

It was quite the learning experience for the Saddle Club girls too, but with help from an experience endurance rider who joins their group for the day, they overcome the many obstacles. They also learn that some riders DO know more about certain discipline more than the Saddle Club! I liked that the girls learned about social etiquette as well as the skills and equipment needed for this sport.

The exciting scene when their instructor and his horse fall off a steep ridge is a page turner - the reader wonders how the girls can help. The end is very satisfying and I'm looking forward to reading more of this series!

WILD HORSES by Dick Francis

2009-02-02T19:07:00.004-05:00

Dick Francis has always been one of my favorite authors because he mixes horses in with mysteries. His description of the horse world in England is fascinating and his plots are exciting. And I love the modern covers! Wild Horses is a great read.

Francis writes his novels in first person, but his main characters change in personality and their line of work. Most are riders, but in this 1994 novel, the protagonist is a movie director with a racing background.

When Thomas Lyons begins filming a movie based on a book based on a real life family involved with race horses, he finds himself needing to discover the reason for a young woman's suicide. Or was it murder, and why? And who doesn't want the movie to be finished? What secrets will be exposed as he delves into the past?

From his old friend's dying confession to a death threat on himself, Lyons is determined to overcome all obstacles to not only finish the film but also solve the real life crime.

Amazon.com has new and used copies available at: http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=1233620159/ref=sr_st?keywords=dick+francis+wild+horses&rs=1000&page=1&rh=i%3Astripbooks%2Ck%3Adick+francis+wild+horses&sort=daterank

SPECIAL OFFER!

2008-12-15T09:17:00.002-05:00

SPECIAL OFFER!

Just in time for the Holidays - a Special Offer! You can order and receive BELOVED SCHOOL HORSES or ANY of my books as an e-book that can be read on your computer or digital reader. The cover and all illustrations/photos from the original book are included in this pdf format. (Adobe pdf reader can be downloaded for free if you don't have it already)

Best of all, the price is reduced to only $5.00 per title! No hard copy to ship, so no other fees! If you want to order one for your computer, you can then forward it as a gift to unlimited number of friends & family. Such a deal! You can even print it out if you want.

Simply contact me at sharonminer@yahoo.com or 814-937-0704 and I will give you my current address in Florida to send a check. Once I've received the money, I send you the pdf file to your e-mail address.

Happy Holidays!

Lovely Horsey Christmas Book!

2008-11-29T19:06:00.002-05:00

If you are looking for a hardcover picture book about a horse with an inspirational message, have I found the perfect book for you! I picked up an autographed copy at Hot To Trot Tack Shop in Cocoa, Florida for my granddaughter who has learned the magic of horses at the early age of three!

"Mint's Christmas Message" was published in 2003 by Mary Y. Spitz. The book is based on a real pony named Mint who lives on a farm in a small town of Port Washington, New York. The pony was given to a young girl named Rebecca, and her Grandpa Tom does not care for the festivities during the Christmas season. That is, until Mint helps him to understand the real meaning of of the season one Christmas Eve.

The artwork by Joanne Y. Pierce is detailed and beautifully portrays the farm scenes in winter.

This book has the Benjamin Franklin Award seal on the cover. The Benjamin Franklin Awards is an esteemed American book award regarded as the highest national honor in publishing, which includes fifty plus categories judged in excellence in both editorial and design. The award was established by Jan Nathan, founder of IBPA, twenty-one years ago. The first Benjamin Franklin Awards were awarded in 1987 and they are now announced each year at IBPA’s Publishing University, just prior to BookExpo America.

The award is administered by the Independent Book Publishers Association, IBPA, (formerly PMA) with the help of industry professionals coming from the library, bookstore, reviewer, designer, publicity and editorial markets.

Visit the publisher's site to learn more and order:

http://www.mothermoosepress.com/

Rodeo Rocky

2008-11-02T18:14:00.005-05:00

I really enjoyed Kirstie's adventure with this wild horse!

After seeing a gorgeous bay horse encounter frightening situations at a rodeo, Kirstie wants to save it from more of the same. Her understanding mother steps in and offers a huge amount of money to buy the wild stallion so the bay won't have to endure any more rodeo hardships.

The traumatized horse takes awhile to trust the young girl but soon Kirstie is able to slip on a halter and lead him from the small paddock on her farm where he is first kept, to the bigger pasture with other horses. Rocky makes friends with another horse named Lucky who teaches him that all humans are not bad.

Soon, Kirstie is able to ride Rocky and they encounter more difficulties. As usual, Kirstie has one adventure after another but her love for horses keeps her from giving up.

The scenes are vivid and realistic, especially when Lucky is stuck in the muddy bog and Rocky helps to save his friend. The only fault is that a stallion (a wild one at that!) would not be turned out in a pasture with both mares and geldings, nor ridden and trained by a youngster.

But author Jenny Oldfield creates a great story with endearing characters and really makes you feel like you are on a horse ranch out west.

This is one of a new series out for young girls titled, "The Horses of Half Moon Ranch," by Jenny Oldfield. With over a million copies sold in the UK, Jenny Oldfield's loveable and adventurous heroine, Kirstie Scott, will win the hearts of girls and boys everywhere.

Rodeo Rocky can be purchased at: http://www.amazon.com/Rodeo-Rocky-Horses-Half-Ranch/dp/140221328X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220541442&sr=1-1

Wild Horses

2008-10-03T18:37:00.007-04:00

Wild Horses by Jenny Oldfield

It's hard to believe that this book was written by a British woman. She included a descriptive setting of the Colorado mountains that gives the feel of a longtime resident. The horses' characteristics were also realistic except for a few instances - in America, head collars are called halters and the Quarter Horse breed is capitalized.

The story itself was enjoyable with a spunky heroine and an exciting climax. Kirstie attempts to save a wild stallion after he was injured in a rock slide. In return, he ends up saving her life after a flash flood.

After reading this book, it makes you want to book your next vacation on a guest ranch out west!

The cover is fantastic with a photo by Mark J. Barrett and so are the interior sketches by Paul Hunt.

This book is one of a new series out for young girls titled The Horses of Half Moon Ranch by Jenny Oldfield. There are over a million copies sold in the UK, and Sourcebooks, Inc. is the U.S. publisher. Visit: http://www.sourcebooks.com/spotlight/the-horses-of-half-moon-ranch.html

Next on my reading list is the second book of the series, Rodeo Rocky.

Visit the author's site at:

http://www.jennyoldfield.com/books/horses/wild.htm

To purchase them, visit:

http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Horses-Half-Moon-Ranch/dp/1402213271/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220541413&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Rodeo-Rocky-Horses-Half-Ranch/dp/140221328X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220541442&sr=1-1

Happy Trails!

Barbaro - America's Horse

2008-08-19T14:54:00.002-04:00

"Barbaro - America's Horse" by Shelley Fraser Mickle

I met Shelley in March 2007 in Ocala, Florida. We both were signing our books at the Tack Shack's yearly outdoor event. Her book, "Barbaro - America's Horse," had just been released and it included the update about his passing a couple months before.

In 2006, Barbaro captured the hearts of America. First, with his win of the Kentucky Derby with a 6 1/2 length lead. Then, when he broke down just after leaving the starting gate during the Preakness, the second leg of the Triple Crown.

The story begins there and then flashes back to the colt's birth in Kentucky and his heritage. It continues with the decision by Gretchen and Roy Jackson to purchase him and his early training in Florida. The story follows Barbaro's life with insight to his possible thoughts about his care and races. Descriptions are included of his racing career under the guidance of trainer Michael Matz and jockey Edgar Prado, and his legendary win at the Kentucky Derby.

The ending explains Barbaro's surgery at New Bolton Center in Pennsylvania, rehabilitation and the final decision the Jackson's had to make.

The book is complete with an introduction by the Jacksons, color photos inside and a fold-out poster of his win at the Kentucky Derby.

I enjoyed the background detail of Barbaro's life and his "thoughts" were a fun addition. I learned so much more about this wonderful equine athlete than what I learned on the news at the time.

The book is written for a young horse lover to easily read and also appeals to adults. Barbaro and his courageous and playful personality inspired many people, especially youngsters. Letters by several of them are included at the end of the book.

The book is available at bookstores and tack shops alike and a portion of the book's proceeds is donated to the Belmont Child Care Association and the riding camp at the Kennett Square YMCA.

Visit the author's Web site at www.shelleymickle.com/.

Summer Special!

2008-06-26T13:41:00.004-04:00

Looking for a gift book, beach read or a book for your children to add to their summer reading list?

I'm offering a Summer Special on my horse books:

Buy Two, Get One Free!

Each book retails for $14.95, but throughout this summer (ending August 31, 2008) order all three for $29.90 plus $5 shipping via U.S. Priority Mail with confirmation.

All books will be signed to designated names and must be shipped to same address. However, they can be signed to more than one name.

E-mail me your name, address, phone and who to sign them to, and snail mail a $34.90 check (made to Sharon Miner) with the same info to:

Sharon Miner

512 Northampton St.

Edwardsville, PA 18704

I'll confirm the order after I receive your message and check before shipping the books.

Or, if you prefer to order from Amazon (where some of my books can also be purchased as used from sellers) visit to see all six of my books:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=books&field-author=Sharon%20Miner

Happy Reading!

The Soul of a Horse

2008-06-18T12:37:00.003-04:00

I received a request from writer Maryann Miller to post her book review of Joe Camp's book, "The Soul of a Horse." I haven't read it but Maryann gives a great description.

Maryann Miller Bio

A diverse writer of columns, feature stores, short fiction, novels, screenplays and stage plays, Maryann Miller has won numerous awards including being a semi-finalist at the Sundance Institute for her screenplay, A Question Of Honor. Her work has appeared in regional and national publications, and the Rosen Publishing Group in New York has published her non-fiction books for teens, including the award-winning Coping with Weapons and Violence In School and On Your Streets. A romantic suspense One Small Victory is a June 08 release in hardback from Five Star Publishing, and Play It Again, Sam is a July 08 release from Uncial Press as an e-book.

Other experience includes extensive work as a PR consultant, a script doctor, and an editor. She is currently the Managing Editor for WinnsboroToday.com, an Online community magazine, as well as a reviewer for ForeWord Magazine and BloggerNews.net.

Miller lives on some acreage in the Piney Woods of East Texas with her husband, one horse, two goats, two dogs, three cats, and an assortment of moles and gophers the cats have been unsuccessful at catching.

You can visit her at her Web site at: http://www.maryannwrites.com and read her blog at http://themanyfacesofgrief.blogspot.com/

The Soul of a Horse

One does not have to love horses to appreciate Joe Camp’s new book, THE SOUL OF A HORSE: Life Lessons from the Herd, but it doesn’t hurt. And those who don’t already love horses surely will by the time they finish reading.

Joe and his wife, Kathleen, started their small herd that now numbers six, just three years ago, both without a clue how to care for or train a horse. Because of his success with connecting with dogs in making the five Benji movies, Joe thought he knew how to work with a horse. Wrong. As he points out in the book, dogs are predator animals and horses are prey animals. That means they operate from polar opposite perspectives.

Like most novice horsemen, Joe learned some of his lessons by mistakes, but he was also lucky to meet Monty Roberts, the original horse whisperer, who introduced a unique way of connecting with a horse. Through his association with Monty and in doing further research about new approaches to caring for horses, Joe discovered that most domestic horses are living in an environment counter to the natural environment that has sustained the horse for 55 million years.

In the book, Joe addresses issues such as a horse going barefoot, not living in a stall, and not needing blankets or leg wraps. In addition to including his research and experiences in these areas, Joe writes chapters from the point of view of horses living in the wild. Those sections illustrate the point that all horses are genetically the same and are hardwired to live and function the same way.

By studying herd behavior, a horse owner can figure out how horses respond to leaders, how they discipline each other, and how they think. Yes. Horses think. Not on the level that people do, but enough to figure out who poses and threat and who doesn’t. Joe acknowledges that the same people who found his belief that dogs can think will dismiss this part of his book. But maybe a few who really need to learn this won’t.

The book is a “must read” for anyone who owns a horse or works around horses, but it has an even broader appeal. It can show a reader a different way to approach any relationship. As Joe says, “It’s (life) all about relationships, and choices, and trust. And these guys (the horses) taught us that the quality of life is often found in the choices we make. That we should approach every relationship – whether it is with a boss, an employee, a family member, or a spouse – from the other end of the lead rope. In other words, we should walk in their boots, not ours. We should gain understanding of what they’re about, what they want out of life and out of a relationship, and only then move forward.”

As a horse owner, I found the book engaging and relevant. I went out and tried a couple of the training tips and they worked. I also laughed at the foibles and mistakes, many of which I had made as well. My relationship with my horse will forever be changed because of reading this book.
Joe has written, produced, and directed seven theatrical motion pictures (including all of the Benji movies), which cumulatively grossed well over the equivalent of $600 million in today's dollars, making him one of the most successful independent filmmakers of all time. He has written three novels from his own screenplays, the inspirational nonfiction book Benji & Me , and several children's books. He has also written, directed, and produced four network television specials and a network series.

The Soul of a Horse: Life Lessons from the Herd
By Joe Camp
Hardcover - 256 pages $24.95
Harmony (April 29, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0307406857
ISBN-13: 978-0307406859

Leave It To Chance

2008-05-27T15:20:00.005-04:00

The debut novel, Leave It To Chance, by Sherri Sand involves a horse named Chance saving the emotional aspects of a single mom and her three kids. The aged horse that the protagonist, Sierra, inherits causes a series of problems to add to her black cloud following closely overhead - loss of job, loss of home and moving back in with her mother, and her child support check bouncing. Sierra desperately wants to sell the horse and use the money for her household expenses, but her family and even her best friend disagree. They feel Chance will help bond the family during this stressful time. But Sierra's painful and frightening memory of her childhood friend dying after being kicked by a horse compounds the problems Chance creates.

The neighbor who allows Chance to pasture on his farm creates a romantic atmosphere full of misunderstandings. Then, Sierra tries to understand her relationship with God throughout all the difficulties, especially when her son is injured during a fall off of Chance.

Leave It To Chance is a wonderful read for those who enjoy a light romance (no sex scenes, yeah!) and a story in a Christian setting without being preachy. Plus, the horsey details are accurate and well written. The cover gets an A+ too!

Author Sherri Sand resides in the Pacific Northwest and is currently on her Blog Tour. It can be viewed at: http://blogtourspot.wordpress.com/sherri-sand-blog-tour/

Her site is: http://www.sherrisand.com/

Her book can be purchased at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Leave-Chance-Sherri-Sand/dp/1434799883/

Deadly Heritage by Toni Leland

2008-04-21T19:29:00.003-04:00

If you enjoy Romance Novels with a realistic equine setting, then you must read books by Toni Leland! I just finished Deadly Heritage and look forward to reading her three other novels.

Deadly Heritage takes place on a Quarter Horse ranch in Oklahoma and Toni describes in detail some of the history of the area. She includes that history in the plot of the story, creating the heroine, Kellie Sutton, with an interesting family background.

Kellie's most valuable horses have been secretly attacked to ruin her business. Made to look like a spider bite, the infection causes the death of her beloved stallion. The new sheriff investigates the case (along with other problems in town) and Kellie is surprised that he is her former sweetheart that she dumped many years ago.

Although the ending is predictable (love wins out and bad guys get their just desserts), the journey to reach the end is exciting, colorful and full of surprises. I just loved the young daughter, Sara, and her actions and reactions to the circumstances she encounters.

I applaud Toni for the way she writes the realistic details about horses, their health and personalities. A word of warning, however - if you have just recently lost a horse, the first few chapters may have you sobbing all over again.

But isn't that what makes a great novel? One that touches you emotionally?

Visit Toni's site to learn more about this creative author and her books:

http://www.tonileland.com

Another Horse Book Blog!

2008-04-19T18:02:00.002-04:00

Here's a great site for avid readers of novels with a horsey setting. The authors are:
Laura Crum--Author of the Gail McCarthy western horse mystery series
Jami Davenport--Saddle up for a sizzling ride
Kit Ehrman--author of the Steve Cline Mystery Series
Toni Leland--Women's Fiction with Kick
Mary Paine--Ride into Magic and Mystery
Michele Scott--Wine & Horses

Check it out!!

http://equestrianink.blogspot.com

Slim's Chance

2008-04-07T11:48:00.003-04:00

If you enjoy reading inspirational true short stories about horses (like the ones I wrote in the Beloved Horses series), then read Slim's Chance by Cathy Moss.

Slim was rescued by an animal shelter in northern Virginia. He was in such bad shape when he arrived, that the vet didn't think he would make it through the night. But Slim was stronger than they thought, and with his gentle disposition Slim became a favorite at the shelter.

Cathy Moss, a volunteer at the shelter, agreed to provide Slim a foster home for the winter. Of course that temporary home extended several years. Her story of her time with Slim is short but sweet.

All the proceeds from the sales of Slim's Chance go to the Middleburg Humane Foundation Fund for Equine Rescue. Visit middleburghumane.com. The book is available at their site for $15 plus $4 shipping.