The third book in the tales of Sylvia and her grey pony Brooklyn is just as enjoyable as the others in the series.  Although I read these a little out of order, I have to say that I enjoyed them all immensely!  Ketchen writes with great sense of humour, causing Syliva’s character to be endearing, amusing and downright honest all at the same time.  In Grows that Way, fourteen year old Sylvia is still adjusting to having been diagnosed with Turner Syndrome.  The short teen who is missing a chromosome finds life is still an interesting journey.

She loves having her grey pony Brooklyn to dote on and learn with.  As her riding progresses, she is rapt to be able to work on jumping.  Though this does come about through a little manipulation of her confidant and instructor, Kansas.  Sylvia is amazed to find Kansas wrapped up in the Irish farrier Declan but finds in time that the horseman has his own merits as a riding instructor.

Whilst out on a secret trail ride with Brooklyn, Syvlia comes across an unexpected animal in the woods.  The pair are surprised – and fearful.  Sylvia is keen to discuss things, but with who?  She wasn’t supposed to be out riding by herself.  In time she concludes Logan Losino is her safest bet.  This leads her on an incredible journey she hadn’t expected.

As Sylvia comes to terms with the fact that Logan may actually like her, she finds herself unexpectedly getting to know his brother Franco, too.  Sylvia is devastated that her cousin Taylor is dating the big, hairy bully and as unusual events unfold, she finds herself struggling to tell Taylor the truth about her boyfriend.

Grows that Way has the usual sense of humour I have come to expect in this series and Sylvia’s journey plays out in a creative and enlightening way.  Highly recommended.

Author – Susan Ketchen
Fiction – early teenage years
In my library – as an eBook it is!  A great read.
Want it? Get it now on Amazon.

If you enjoy a story that focuses on horses, has adventure, romance, royalty and a touch of fantasy then you’ll love Horse Charmer.  Princess Cassia is a teenager who spends much of her time avoiding her royal duties and hiding with her beloved horses.  She feels a lot more comfortable with them anyway.  She has a gift when it comes to working with them and finds herself drawn to the stables.  Of course, it doesn’t hurt that horse wrangler Luki has a charm of his own, too.

Cassia finds her world suddenly changes at sixteen years of age with some unexpected news.  Finding herself expected to fulfil royal duty and engage in politics at such a young age has her mentally rebelling what is expected of her from society.  And yet, as much as she protests the idea of what she knows she must do, Cassia finds herself whisked toward a journey that is far from appealing.

As Cassia struggles to talk herself into fulfilling royal obligations, doubts assail her.  A dream from her deceased father convinces her that action needs to be taken – but what?  In a desperate act Cassia finds herself on an adventure she could never have foreseen.

With her trusty new mare Kali, Cassia works to solve the mystery of her father’s death whilst also determining the best course of action for her kingdom – and herself.  As she grows into a young woman, Cassia struggles to understand her feelings toward Luki.  This is especially difficult as the young man charged to be her servant seems to reciprocate her interest.

Horse Charmer is a delightful mixture of horse information, fantasy, adventure and romance.  The story moves along at a good pace.  Even though it ends well, it will leave you wanting to know more of Cassia and Luki’s story.

Author: Angelia Almos
Fiction – teen
In my library? Indeed!  I downloaded it as a Kindle and am glad that I did!
Want it? Get it now at Amazon.