The third book in the Stonegate Series comes from a fresh angle. Whilst Em was the protagonist in After Lucas, there is a new lead in Throw Your Heart Over. We are introduced to Ellie earlier in the series and it was lovely to get to know her in this novel.

Ellie is not a horse person; not at all. She has just started university and is learning to find herself after a devastating break up. She also happens to be dealing with a bridezilla older sister and trying to help with the wedding planning in which she is to be a bridesmaid.

Throw Your Heart Over provides a delightful look into the horse world from the point of view of someone who is initially intimidated by horses. On top of this, Ellie knows nothing about them. And yet, as she starts the journey of learning to ride, this young adult discovers there may just be something to horses that is compelling, even addictive.

The story largely revolves around Ellie’s university life, battling insecurity over now healed hideous acne, developing new friends and exploring the possibility of a future relationship. The horse aspects as Ellie learns to ride Em’s horse whilst she is away for university, are educational and at times laugh out loud funny.

I really, really enjoyed this third book the in the series. I would recommend it to those who are horse fans or know nothing about them – they’re bound to learn a thing or two! Throw Your Heart Over is a well named title and a great follow on for this series. Highly recommended.

Author: Tudor Robins
Fiction – young adult
In My Library? As an eBook, it is.

I don’t know a lot about the Pony Express, but have come across little snippets now and again. Or, I’ve read references to the express in a book. Add in the romance aspect in the title and the fact that this book by Misty M. Beller is a Christian story, and I was more than happy to download a copy when it was free on Kindle. A Pony Express Romance was a delightful read, with a big horse focus.

This book is a Christian historical romance novel set in the 1800s. Around this time, male riders rode horses as fast as they could over rough terrain to deliver mail. Misty’s fictional romance is actually based on this historical event, and in particular something that occurred in 1865. Added to this, she has created some delightful characters – two of which love the equine species.

We are first introduced to Josiah English as he is riding to the base area that he will be working from as an express rider. I loved reading about his dream to purchase a property, breed and raise horses. His current job was just a means to an end, but he got to ride horses whilst doing it.

Little did he know that he would stumble across a young woman with similar desires where he was stationed. On top of this, the young woman is beautiful and a natural horse rider.

A Pony Express Romance was an interesting read. I enjoyed the horse focus and the sessions that focused on educating about horses – riding them and the birth of foals. The faith aspect was there throughout, but not as big a focus as I would have liked. In spite of this, it was lovely to read about Josiah’s progress and faith journey over the duration of the story. This novel was a really enjoyable read.

Author: Misty M. Beller
Fiction – historical Christian
In My Library? As an eBook, definitely.

Recently I had opportunity to read a horse book for younger readers. Lady Lucy’s Morgan Horse Quest appears to be the sixth book in the Lady Lucy quest books. Whilst I haven’t read other books by Karen Gross, I enjoyed this adventure story and it’s illustrations.

In this quest, Lucy has been challenged by Sir Winston to work with her trusty friends to solve a problem for the locals. They have had a hard winter. Lucy’s team is made up of Dillon the Dragon, Tapestry the Unicorn and Quincy. Sir Winston has provided another surprise for Lucy and her team of friends. He is giving them his amazing horse, Morgan.

At first, questions are raised about this new addition to the team. Where will he sleep? What will he eat? How will he respond to the vast array of characters that make up Lucy’s friends? The unanswered questions create uncertainty for the team.

The day quickly arrives when they meet Morgan, and soon Lucy and her friends are caught up in a quest. Morgan has turned up with a box, a message and a key.

Lucy and her friends are suddenly on a search to determine what the key will unlock. Lady Lucy’s Morgan Horse Quest is an interesting adventure for young readers, that features horses. The illustrations to the story are a lovely addition and bound to engage young horse fans. The ending of the quest is delightful and horse filled. Know of a young reader who loves adventure and horses? Lady Lucy’s Morgan Horse Quest may be just the read for them.

Author: Karen Gross
Fiction – children’s
In My Library? As an eBook.

I recently was given access to download a free Christmas short titled Merry and Bright. This novella by Tudor Robins was made available to people on her author email list. It’s based on the characters from the Island Series.

They’re a little older, but Meg doesn’t feel any wiser. Her mother’s constant push to come back into town, step away from the horses and get a law degree nags at her.

The decision to take on a rescue horse provides an opportunity for Meg. Through the adventure of picking up a horse, Meg questions her ability and priorities. One malnourished horse leads to more than one and a cold night soon becomes a dangerous snow storm.

As Meg questions her motives in live, her relationship with Jared and how she can do more to take the load off her boyfriend, the horse rescue trip allows her to gain clarity on her life. Merry and Bright is an interesting, horse focused read.

The situation of driving out to collect a horse in need of a new home and some good feed, provides perfect opportunity for Meg to think about her life and where it’s headed. Merry and Bright was an entertaining read with horses featuring heavily. The ending was well thought out and detailed. Recommended.

Author: Tudor Robins
Fiction – young adult
In My Library? As an eBook.

“When I hear somebody talk about a horse or cow being stupid; I figure it’s a sure sign that the animal has somehow outfoxed them.” ― Tom Dorrance, True Unity: Willing Communication Between Horse & Human