Shadow Horse and Whirlwind are written by Alison Hart, a rider from Virginia.
These two books are addictive reads! In fact, they really are one story - since I wouldn't want to read one without the other.
Teenager, Jas, is a horse crazy girl, but unlike others (in stories or real life) she becomes a foster child when her grandfather ( and only family) is rushed to the hospital and she assaults Hugh, a rich stable owner. In order to prove to the court that she can be released from the system, Jas has many lessons to learn besides on horseback - controlling her temper, making goals and trusting others.
The author weaves these inner conflicts with Jas external goal - to prove that Hugh has killed horses for the insurance money.
As Jas befriends a teenage boy, Chase, and others at the home of her foster parent, Miss Hahn, she also learns that not all stables or horse owners are alike.
I really like how the author describes the differences as well as the other realistic equine background - a horse auction, horse insurance scams and equine rescue fundraising.
With help from her new friends, Jas reaches her goals.
My only letdown was the lack of a final scene between Jas and Chase - maybe there is another book in the future?
PS: Read Shadow first!
