Alexandra Anderson finds herself in a situation that no person should find themselves in, in Born to Run. Never mind that she is only thirteen years old. On the run for murder, she goes as far as her body will take her.

When she ends up on the doorstep of a large thoroughbred establishment, all she can think about is her plan. The plan to run away and never be found. And when it seems that the woman who is left in charge of her care doesn’t want her there, Alex sees no reason why she shouldn’t keep running.

As much as she plans to go, the horses pull her in an unexplainable way. She is amazed to find a sense of peace and comfort with one weanling in particular on the farm. The owner of the farm, Stephen North quickly realises how the horses could convince Alex to stay. And this is something that North wants – even needs – in order to secure his farm’s future.

Alex is surprised – and scared – to find herself wrapped up in the large family at North Oak. The two teenage girls who are a little older than her are all embracing. Alex doesn’t know what to do with their smothering presence. Or their blatant faith.

As Alex continues to try and run from her problems, she knows it is only a matter of time before everyone at North Oak finds out what she’s done. Only a matter of time before she finds herself behind bars for taking another’s life.

North Oak is a great introduction to this series that focuses on thoroughbred racing. Alex’s foster life is explored nicely alongside the working family of staff at North Oak. Each of the characters are flawed – human – but they have plenty of room for loving others and allowing grace. Born to Run is an easy read, one that horse fans will no doubt devour.

Author – Ann Hunter
Fiction – teen
In my library – Indeed it is as a Kindle version!
Want it? Get it now on Amazon.

Rory and El Paso is a delightful little story about a boy and his horse. Set in the Arizona desert, the author does a great job of describing the local scenery as the story starts. The reader is then directed toward a ten year old boy who exits the house to visit with his pony.

The bond between the pair is obvious. Rory is comfortable around his horse and also enjoys spending time with him. El Paso gives the impression of being a very dependable, quiet pinto. Because of this, Rory adores playing with him, practicing lassoing in the corral that El Paso resides.

This is the cause for much amusement for the local boys. As far as they can see, El Paso is a stationary animal, often asleep. Rory is a boy to be mocked for his attachment to such a creature.

Rory and El Paso is a great short story that aptly shows that all is not as it often seems. Rory is able to prove to his three mockers that his horse is very different to what they assume and so is Rory. Robert Stephen’s short story for children is a delightfully well written tale with enough description to help children imagine the story as it progresses.

For those looking for a short horse story to read to their children, add this one to the list. There is a great moral in things not being as they seem and in standing up to bullies by having confidence in who you are as a person.

Author – Robert Stephen
Fiction – children
In my library – I recently acquired it as an eBook!
Want it? Get it now on Amazon.

“I’ve often told people who ask if there is a God: Get around enough people with horses and see what happens. See how they survive in spite of all the things they do, and you’ll become a believer!” ― Buck Brannaman

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All Heart continues to enlighten the reader about the lives of July Carter and Beck Delaney. Both their lives have taken a new direction with Beck studying in the city and July knowing she should apply to NYU.

If she does, then she’ll be closer to her boyfriend and best friend. But if she does, she just can’t see how she’ll manage study, relationships, working her ex-racehorse Kali and devote as much time to the track as is necessary. It’s all heart that needs to be invested in racing, nothing less.

As July struggles with what to do, she is dismayed to find her dad is taking on a trainee who is aiming to become an assistant trainer. She is jealous, feeling that should be her role. But how can she take on such a role if she’s off studying?

Alongside this July is trying to work out exactly where she and Beck stand. Although they appear to be an item, she feels that she isn’t getting to see much of him at all. And then when it seems that he might want more of her in his life, she finds him hesitating.

All Heart further explores July’s relationship with her estranged mother and her need to make decisions for herself and her future. It takes awhile for July to decide what she truly wants, rather than focus on what others expect of her. As she does this, she grows and finds things fitting into place. Although life seems so messy and chaotic, she is able to find some semblance of order when it comes to her family, her horses, her future dreams and Beck. The book looks well toward the future, providing hope of a follow on novel.

Author: Mara Dabrishus
http://www.maradabrishus.com/
Fiction – teen or adult
In My Library? As an ebook copy, that it is!
Want it? Get it now at Amazon.

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