Hurricane, Book 1 of the Canyon Meadows Story

Hurricane by D. L. Rodriguez

An Irish Thoroughbred, named Hurricane, chronicle his life from birth through retirement in California. He describes his weaning, training and racing career which ends at age seven.

Then he is sold to a stable where he learns to jump, but it isn't a good match so Hurricane is sold again. His new owner, Anna, eventually brings him to her home in Canyon Meadows. There, he has two pygmy goats as buddies and a lovely barn and pasture.

Hurricane is very happy with his new life with Anna until he becomes injured and has to have surgery.

This short story, spoken from a horse's point of view, is full of educational tidbits that will enrich any young horse lover's quest to learn more about his or her passion.

Contest to Win a Free Horse Book!

Vote in my Book Cover Contest and have your name entered in a drawing for a free copy of the book - Beloved Horses in Second Careers. Follow these steps; no cost to enter:

• Reply to this blog with a comment stating your choice of which horse looks best on the cover (from the selection here - the name is under the photo). Include your e-mail.
• Your name will automatically be entered in the drawing to be held on July 6^th at the Madeira Beach (FL) Library during a children’s program I’m conducting.

• If your name is pulled, I’ll contact you for your address to ship the FREE book when it’s released this fall.

• Anyone may enter (children under 18 must have parent’s permission) but only enter ONCE.

Thanks for participating!

The Highest Stakes

The Highest Stakes by Emery Lee is a historical fiction novel set in the 18th century, mostly in England. The war setting as well as the history of horse racing provide an educational read, while the plot is part love story and part adventure thriller.

The three main characters are fascinating: Charlotte, a spunky orphan, who is determined to achieve her goal of running a stud barn (unheard of in her day!); Robert, a military man who is in love with Charlotte but beneath her in society's eyes; and Philip, a Major and Robert's superior and friend who fights his own demons as well as the enemy soldiers.

But love of women, horses and wealth confuse their relationships, and the obstacles (both self-made and outside issues) create a lively page-turner!

This is a well researched novel though I did have some trouble with the vernacular the author included in the dialog. The horse and racing scenes are described excellently!

The Sweet Running Filly

The Sweet Running Filly by Barbara Van Tuyl and Pat Johnson was written for young adult horse lovers, but all ages would enjoy this equine mystery.

Set in the horse racing venue of the Mid-Atlantic states, this exciting novel had me cheering for the protagonist, Julie Jefferson, all the way. Especially when she saves the filly's life - not once, but twice!

Julie, a recent graduate from high school, works for her father in an antique shop but her heart belongs to horses. She and her dad meet an unsavory character who has a filly chained by a river. Mr. Jefferson buys the abused horse for Julie, much to her delight. With her connections at a nearby racing stable, she is able to trade working there for the filly's board and care. She soon learns that the filly she names Bonnie is most likely a valuable racehorse. Someone had exchanged horses, but who and why?

Besides being a fun mystery, I loved the authentic equine and racetrack terminology. The story has likable characters (including the variety of animals) and realistic villains. Although the ending was predictable, it was satisfying.

First published in 1971, the only improvement I could see to engage today's young readers is to include modern technology such as cell phones.

See poppetpress.com to follow Julie and Bonnie in the rest of the series.