Recently I had the opportunity to read another new horse book for review. Finding Gideon by Sarah Hickner is due to be released April 28th. This novel has a mixture of my favourite things – horses (with a focus on Thoroughbreds), a young woman chasing her dream as well as the Christian faith.
Finding Gideon follows the story of young adult, Sarah as she pursues a long time dream of riding racehorses. Since she was a child, the dream had been evident. This is beautifully portrayed in the epigraph of the story, where it is quoted
In the early 80s, God created a girl. He knit her together, and in her DNA he included a little horse hair.”
I can so very much relate to this statement! My fascination with horses has always been there.
I don’t have parents, siblings or even extended family who are, or were horsey. And yet, my fascination with this amazing animal has always been. To me, it is a God-given passion. Much like stated in this book.
Finding Gideon by Sarah Hickner
The reader is taken on an incredible journey as they travel alongside Sarah. Her excitement, passion, determination and ups and downs are outlined for the reader. The thrill of riding a racehorse on the track; that first chance to jump out of the starting gates and first breezing a racehorse are all detailed.
Alongside Sarah in this story, is a devoted dog Sandi, a beautiful flashy chestnut named Gideon and also a young man who unexpectedly shows up and becomes a main character. Whilst Sarah pursues racing thoroughbreds, she revels in the time she is able to spend in the saddle astride Gideon, a Quarter Horse cross barrel horse.
One morning exercise ride suddenly turns Sarah’s world upside down. As she questions whether she will be able to pursue the dream she’s so sure God has placed on her heart, other parts of Sarah’s life start to crumble around her. Surely God gave her the dream, so what is going on?
Finding Gideon is a wonderful story of determination and faith. Horses feature heavily and the characters you read about are interesting and real. Sarah’s own struggles with insecurity, fear and even jealously are well explained as she battles to pursue a dream she can’t give up on.
This memoir was a really, really interesting read and it also had a great focus on the thoroughbred racing industry. Highly recommended. As it’s newly released, why not secure yourself a copy?
Author: Sarah Hickner
Non-fiction – memoir
In My Library? As an eBook it is
0
20
20
Leave a Reply