About
this young adult novel:
Fourteen-year-old
Andrea Carter would rather ride her beloved palomino, Taffy, than do
anything else. But life on the Circle C ranch in 1882 is busy.
Between school and chores, Andi is left with little time to prepare
Taffy's first foaling. Then when the event finally arrives, it nearly
ends in disaster.
Returning
to school keeps Andi hard-pressed to find time for foal training. And
she now has a new problem on her hands – Macy Walker, who has been
assigned as Andi's seatmate. The new girl's crude manners and cruel
behavior bring storm clouds into Andi's life, as does the news that
cattle rustlers have moved into the valley.
When
the cattle rustlers turn to stealing horses and strike the Carter
ranch, Andi's only hope for recovering her precious colts lies with
Macy. Can Andi trust this wild girl? Does she have a choice?
My
review:
This
is a delightful novel for young teen girls. Andi loves her horse so
this would make a great novel for young horse lovers. It also gives
young readers insight into ranching life in the late 1800s. Even
girls had chores before they went to school. There are many lessons
in this book about family, trust, caring for others, and handling
tough situations.
I
loved the character of Andi. She struggled with going to school,
especially when there are new colts to love and train. And when she
gets to school, she has to deal with a crude girl assigned to sit
next to her. I was glad to see Andi responded to the Holy Spirit when
dealing with the obnoxious girl. There is a definite encouragement in
the novel to deal kindly with those who have a difficult home life,
or almost none at all.
There
are other great characters too. Macy is a tough and obnoxious girl on
the outside, a result of her tough home life. On the inside, well,
you just have to read the book. Macy's brothers are the gruffest and
meanest ones a girl could have. In stark opposition are Andi's
brothers, tough but loving. The contrast in characters was a lesson
in itself about the difference between a Christian home and one that
is not.
The
story was exciting and held my interest all the way through – and
that from a senior citizen. This is the only one of the Circle C
novels I have read, but one wouldn't need to read the earlier ones to
thoroughly enjoy this one. It is a great story, complete in itself.
I
highly recommend this novel to 12-14 years olds. There is so much
action in the book, I think boys would like it too. It is encouraging
to know that there are great series for young readers like I enjoyed
at that age.
Susan
K. Marlow started writing when she was ten years old. She writes,
teaches workshops, and shares what she's learned as a homeschooling
mom. She enjoys relaxing on her fourteen-acre homestead in Washington
state. Find out more at http://www.susankmarlow.com/.
Kregel
Publications, 176 pages.
I
received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the
purpose of an independent and honest review.
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