The first in the Alex and Alexander series, The Head and Not the Heart is told from the point of view of 25 year old Alex. Alex lives and breathes horses. As the second in charge on a racing and breeding thoroughbred establishment, she is devastated by the loss of a beloved horse at work.

This is not the first time Alex has grown attached to a promising young racehorse. It’s not the first time that she’s had to deal with its death, either. Although she knows she shouldn’t let her heart get involved, it’s hard not to at times. Her boss and lover Alexander is the same.

This most recent death seems to be drawing them further apart and Alex is not keen to go on the trip to New York City that Alexander insists she must. On the flight, her gloomy mood is matched by the wet and cold city.

Alex starts to question what she is doing with her life – what it is worth. With a boyfriend who is twice her age and a life that includes ridiculously early starts, late nights, lots of manure and never ending work, she is struggling to see the positives.

Entertaining the fanciful thought of starting again, doing something valuable with her life, Alex questions if she can do this in New York. When she spies a happy, chatty trio in a bookstore, she decides to follow them.

Although she questions her sanity, the unplanned stalking leads her to a not easily located club. As she engages in conversation with one man there, she realises she is truly in love with her horse life.  She also realises she wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Head and Not the Heart has a very melancholy feel to it.  However, the ending is fitting and with a more positive outlook. This novel is a very realistic look into the horse world and also the characters that sell their hearts to it.

Author: Natalie Keller Reinert
http://www.nataliekreinert.com/
Fiction – adult
In my library? It is as an ebook, yes!
Want it? Get it now on Amazon.

Pony Rescue is a tale about four young people who ride together at Cottonwood Farm.  Sarah is the eldest.  Her parents own the property and her three friends Georgia, Simon and Becca each own horses.  They frequent Cottonwood Farm to ride and care for their equine friends and also spend time together.

Whilst out riding one day, Georgia spots an extremely emaciated pony.  It is in the back yard of a property they often ride past. Distraught, she gains the attention of her three friends. Although Georgia is the newest to riding and caring for horses, she knows this pony needs help.

Sarah who has the most experience confirms her fears. The girls soon hop the fence into the yard and go to inspect the pony. The owner of the pony meets their concern with anger.

When the four discover that this man doesn’t want the horse – and can’t care for her appropriately – they devise a plan to buy her and rescue her. Pony Rescue details their efforts to raise funds to save the mare they name Goldie.

Goldie’s journey to recovery from malnourishment and lack of care is detailed in this children’s tale. Although a book for pre-teens or early teens, the author points out factors that need to be considered for a rescue horse. The issues of hoof and teeth care, slow changes in diet and dealing with scours are all addressed.

Pony Rescue is a short, interesting read for the younger reader. As well as being factual, it highlights the value of children working together to achieve a goal. The importance of correct horse care and knowledge are also highlighted.

Author: Wendy Elks
https://www.librarything.com/author/elkswendy
Fiction – children
In My Library? Indeed it is, as a paperback copy.

Save

Save