A short while ago I was contacted to see if I would be interested in reading a non fiction horse piece to review. It is about Lisa’s ride across rural America, by herself on her young horse. Although it took me awhile to find time to read The Big Quiet, I was pleased to be able to do so eventually!

The Big Quiet introduces a concept that is not new to the 54 year old that it features. Lisa Stewart has dreamed of riding her horse cross country for many years. The incredible journey that she is able to undertake is thanks to the support of her husband and the ability to secure a young, hardy horse named Chief for the trip. And what a journey!

Stewart’s book is broken up into chapters that outline various different adventures that she had whilst on the road. The characters she meets are a delight to learn about. The way she felt led and guided to stop at certain houses to ask for water or a place to camp for the night was incredible to read.

Even the one instance that could have resulted in trouble, Lisa explored her sense of awareness at not allowing the stranger to spend too much time with her. A lone traveller on a horse – and one that is female – could easily become a target. And yet, Lisa’s ride appeared to be guided and protected.

The Big Quiet by Lisa Stewart

This book explores in interesting and entertaining chapters, the journey away from home on horseback. In this trip, she finds herself returning to the town that she grew up in.  She is able to reminisce many years earlier travelling the same roads on a different horse. And then ultimately, Lisa and Chief’s return home is documented.

Stewart’s book details visits with mennonites, an injury that results in stitches having to be removed on the ride, many instances of strangers’ hospitality, some beautiful children in love with horses as well as many generations of farmers. The Big Quiet is a philosophical book.  It considers life from one of the best vantage points: on the back of a horse.

Author: Lisa Stewart
Non-fiction – memoir
In My Library? It is as an eBook.

Recently I was asked if I would be interested in reading and reviewing Cheryl Olsten’s upcoming release, Big Wishes for Little Feat. This is a story that is beautifully illustrated by Paolo d’Altan.  I must say my children were captivated by the illustrations! Absolutely beautiful. Of course, the content in the story drew their attention, too 😉

Young Ella finds herself saddened by the fact that she must spend her summer with her aunt in Belgium, rather than enjoy it at home with her parents. She loves nothing more than to lie on the grass at night and gaze up at the stars with her father. Together they seek out constellations and admire them. Ella’s one consolation as she heads off overseas is that she can look up at the same sky that her parents are able to admire. Ella’s aunt Anastasia is a bit on the eccentric side. Whilst Ella enjoy’s her company, the painting and gardening they do together and her summer activities overall, she is keen to get home. When it looks like her visit is to be extended, she cannot stamp down her disappointment. Noting this, her aunt comes up with the idea of getting Ella a horse from the nearby Bonneville Stables.

Big Wishes for Little Feat

Young Lafitte is a beautiful horse but small for his breed. He loves to jump and daydreams about finding the perfect owner to love him forever. But it seems that his small stature results in him not being sold. Although his parents shower him with love, the small horse with a big heart feels that he is missing something – someone who wants to buy him. Ella has learned about the word feat from her father. When she discovers Lafitte at the Bonneville Stables, she soon learns that this little horse is capable of incredible feats. And so she renames him Little Feat.

Together the pair find that if they wish hard enough, amazing things can truly happen. Big Wishes for Little Feat is an enjoyable read.  It has gorgeous illustrations that are bound to capture the attention of young readers.

Author: Cheryl Olsten
Fiction – children/middle grade
In My Library? It is as an eBook.

In Unicorn Land II, young Maria is lucky enough to have had an adventure in Uniland, a land full of unicorns. Since her last adventure, she is concerned that the crystal ball she has from Uniland has stopped glowing. If it is not working, does that mean something is wrong in Uniland? Maria follows a hunch, amazed but pleased to find herself back in Uniland. And so her next unicorn adventure begins.

It seems that the unicorns are in trouble and Maria is going to help them. As she travels further into Uniland, she is met again by her close friend Twinkle. She soon is able to gather the unicorns together and ask questions. This helps her to piece together what has happened in their land since she was last there. And so Maria puts together a plan with Twinkle and Corn, two unicorns and a newfound friend Daisy the pegasus.

It seems a trip to Demonland is in order to secure a missing Crystal Ball and foil the plot of the demons to take over the power of Uniland.

This story is an enjoyable read, bound to capture the attention of young readers who like adventure. One thing I found unusual whilst reading this story was that the unicorns and even a pegasus were referred to as it and didn’t have a gender, although they had names. But the dragon was referred to as ‘he’. I am not sure if this was intentional or not. Also, the cover image left me questioning if it was a unicorn on the front or the young dragon. Although it isn’t typical of a unicorn’s description, the story doesn’t actually provide much detail on what these incredible creatures look like or how Maria sees them.

Still, this story is likely to engage young readers that like adventure and unicorns.

Author: Diana Molly
Fiction – children/middle grade
In My Library? It is as an eBook.

I recently received a copy of Hearts and Races to read and review. This is Cora’s newest release that is available on pre-order. It is due for release August 1. Now as an Aussie who celebrates the thoroughbred’s birthday on August 1st, this seems pretty fitting for a horse racing romance novella!

Cindy doesn’t trust easily but she is very thankful to work as a groom in a job she loves. As an added bonus, she is in a position to be the owner of two racehorses.  They just need to start winning!

Cindy has found security in her boss Hank. The older man took her in, gave her a home and a job.  So when Hank falls ill and his nephew needs to step into the role of trainer, Cindy worries how things will change.

Her attraction to the new horse trainer is immediate – and reciprocated it seems. But workplace relationships can be tricky, especially when one person is the boss! Hearts and Races is another enjoyable read by Cora Marie Colt and worth checking out.  If you’re interested in horse racing and romance stories, then be sure to check this out. Novellas can be a great way to pass the time and be entertained.

Also, if you’re up for a free book, then head along to secure a copy of another of her racing into romance novellas, Racing and Breaking.

Author: Cora Marie Colt
Fiction – adult contemporary romance, novella
In My Library? It is as an eBook.

Samantha has a passion for horses. Her dream is to get selected for the international dressage team. This seems possible as she is spending a week at the Elite Equine Training Academy.  Can a dream come true?

Samantha is nervous going into her first qualifying  ride on her promising horse, Felix. However, an unexpected blast from the past showing up after a painful fall at the event does not bode well for Samantha.

A Dream Come True

As she tries to deal with the pain and bruising from the fall and work out if her horse is able to be ridden for the rest of the event, Samantha battles with the fact that the man who broke her heart in university is unexpectedly on the scene. Why would a world famous vet with his own television show be on the Mornington Peninsula in Australia? And at a dressage event no less?

It’s always nice to discover new horse book authors and to pick up a new novel to read.  Although it took me a little time to focus and get stuck into this book (life is hectic currently!), I really enjoyed the read and that it was set just down the road from where I grew up!  A Dream Come True was an enjoyable read with some good horse aspects.

The only issue I had with the vet was his horse/foal knowledge that seemed less than it should have been.  Otherwise this was a good read and it was nice to get both characters take on past events and their view of each other.

Author: Adele Morè
Fiction – adult – contemporary romance
In My Library? As an eBook.

“When I bestride him, I soar, I am a hawk: he trots the air; the earth sings when he touches it; the basest horn of his hoof is more musical than the pipe of Hermes.” – William Shakespeare