I recently wrote a post about horse fantasy novels over at my author site. A comment from another author recommended and added Dun Lady’s Jess by Duranna Jorgan to this list of books. I had downloaded this already when it was free on Kindle and had started it, but not really gotten into it. And so I decided to give it another go – I’m glad that I did!

Dun Lady’s Jess is a unique tale of two worlds. Two worlds that are vastly different and yet have many similarities – like horses and humans and the bond between the two. Carey lives in a world where he consistently risks his life, travelling messages on his trusty horses from one wizard to another source. He is often the target of attack from others keen to steal whatever he is carrying. On one such trip he has an incredible spell that he needs to keep protected. Choosing to ride his trusty dun mare, Dun Lady’s Jess, Carey sets out. He has a second spell that he can use if he is in danger of being caught – and the first spell being procured by the wrong hands.

When this happens, his trusty dun mare finds herself in another world and another form. Suddenly Jess has to learn a new language, decipher new emotions and find her beloved Carey.

Dun Lady’s Jess

As things seem to settle for Jess amongst a newfound group of friends, she finds her world is once again turned upside down with Carey. Suddenly her new friends find themselves having to learn about Carey and Dun Lady’s Jess’ world as well as how to get home.

Dun Lady’s Jess is a unique read full of adventure as well as a small amount of romance. The story is bound to capture any reader’s imagination and has a fitting ending.

Author: Doranna Durgin
Fiction – fantasy for adults
In My Library? As an eBook it is.
Want it? Get it now on Amazon.

Diablo is the story of one young girl’s search and endeavour to own a pony – the perfect pony. Twelve year old Kim just loves horses. She is lucky enough to be leasing a pony named Blackie but in time his love of grass results in ill health and Blackie is returned to his owner.

Kim’s parents are no longer together. She lives with her mother and older – incredibly annoying – brother and her mother’s boyfriend, Alan. Kim is rapt when Alan concludes that they should buy her a pony. Although her mother protests the cost of purchasing one, Alan insists on doing it for Kim. What twelve year old girl would discourage that idea? And so Diablo is purchased.

Now perhaps the name in itself should have been a warning. But when Kim tries out this Shetland pony, he can do no wrong. It’s once they’ve brought him to the local stable to live that the problems start. Kim finds she has no control with Diablo on a lead and the idea of riding? Well you can forget that.

As Kim endeavours to train – or retrain – her pony through various means, the reader is taken on an amusing tale of discovery. Diablo is set on world domination and the dialogue between this determined pony and his new owner is rather amusing. Add in a trainer who insists on muscling horses around and then a Natural Horsemanship trainer who comes across as a hippy initially, and you’ve got an amusing story.

The usual dynamics of a painful teenage brother and dealing with a stepfather are thrown into the mix, too. Diablo takes the reader on a journey as Kim learns at a young age how to be the lead mare and to stick up for herself with her pony, around the stables and even at home. Diablo is bound to amuse children and adults alike.

Author: Fallacious Rose
Fiction – middle grade readers
In My Library? As an eBook it is.
Want it? Get it now on Amazon.

In the fifth book in the Sandy Lane Stables titled Dream Pony, Jess is thoroughly enjoying her time riding at Sandy Lane Stables. Not able to afford a horse, she gets riding lessons in exchange for working at Sandy Lane. Things are as close to perfect as they can be, seeing as she can’t acquire or afford a horse.

Jess is surprised to find out that another equestrian property has opened up nearby. In time, a lot of the riders that were at Sandy Lane move along to Rychester. Jess knows the owner of Sandy Lane is worried about the competition. She remains loyal to the place where she rides with her friends and works hard to learn all she can about riding and horse care.

A local competition that allows Jess to acquire a horse threatens to change all that. She is surprised to learn about some conditions linked to the horse that she so desperately wants. This allows her a much closer look at Rychester than she had planned.

As Jess finds herself swept away with the impressiveness of Rychester, she takes her time to realise what is really important. She grows distant from her old friends at Sandy Lane whilst developing new ones at Rychester. But in time she learns the hard lesson about superficial relationships and real friends. Dream Pony identifies the real meaning of friendship and encourages right action even after making mistakes.

Author: Susannah Leigh
Fiction – middle grade readers
In My Library? Yes, with one other from the series.
Want it? Get it now on Amazon.

In the thirteenth book in the Saddle Club series titled Starlight Christmas, Stevie, Carole and Lisa are gearing up for Christmas. For Carole Hanson this time of year is far from fun. She is all too aware of the loss of her mother and celebrating only with her father. Although she loves her father dearly, it is hard to not be sad coming into the Christmas season. Carole is determined to make this Christmas a delight for her father – she just has to work out how.

Colonel Hanson has similar sentiments to his daughter. He wants to bless Carole with an incredible Christmas present – and it’s up to Stevie and Lisa to help him pull it off. Whilst all these plans are being implemented, Pine Hollow stables are gearing up for the Starlight Ride. This is a Christmas tradition in which all of the riders go for a night ride, led by the best rider for the year.

Carole is delighted to be chosen as the leader for the Starlight Ride. On top of this, she gains the opportunity to go out with horse vet Judy on her rounds. Spoilt rich girl Veronica is less than delighted.  And so she makes it her mission to stop the Saddle Club girls from riding. Then Veronica will have to be the leader.

Starlight Christmas is another great example of Stevie’s incredible schemes coming into play. Author Bonnie Bryant brings in some other enjoyable characters in the form of Stevie’s boyfriend Phil and his friend A.J. The story is amusing, entertaining and a lovely exploration of Christmas traditions and family. And of course, horses feature highly.

Author: Bonnie Bryant
Fiction – middle grade readers
In My Library? It is, along with many others in the series!
Want it? Get it now on Amazon.

In the sixth book in the Magic Pony series by Elizabeth Lindsay, young Natty is on another adventure with her pony, Ned. In time, Natty is the champion jumper! She is excited to learn that she will be taking part in a show with her neighbour, Penelope.

Although Natty is to go as Penelope’s groom, she is still excited to be attending a show. Things turn sour as she realises she’s forgotten her lunch and Penelope orders her around. Natty is still thankful to be at the show, but she knows it’ll be less fun with hunger that won’t be curbed and a bossy neighbour. Luckily for the young horse crazy girl, her magic pony Ned comes to the rescue.

With the help of a nice girl grooming next door to where they are parked, Natty finds she is able to explore the show grounds and even enter a show jumping event. Ned provides Natty with an unforgettable show experience as the magical pony makes it possible for her to compete against Penelope.

Once again the bossy neighbour with money and an attitude is no match for honest, polite Natty. With the help of magical Ned, Natty comes out on top.  And so she finds her first show experience to be one to truly remember. The Champion Jumper is a read that is sure to delight young horse fans.

Author – Elizabeth Lindsay
Fiction – children
In my library – that it is, along with a few others in the series!
Want it? Get it now on Amazon.