Size: 6.00 x 9.00 in
Pages: 140
Size: 6.00 x 9.00 in
Pages: 139
When a girl falls in pony-love, she wants it to be forever.
Desperate to be near horses, a hopeful girl with no horse experience begs for a job at a stable. Then she falls in love with a beautiful but mischievous pony, only to have it bought by another family. Abby’s heart aches when her barn job becomes helping the new owner learn to ride the best pony ever. Can her faithful heart let go of what never belonged to her?
Abby paused to take in the barn’s beauty. A red softened with age coated its outside. The long alley lured her into the barn. Birds chirped and flitted through the cobweb-covered rafters. One horse whinnied and another answered. The stalls were small boxes with wooden doors. The hinges must be the originals. The latches looked like rusty prayers to keep in the horses. Each stall had a blue hook to hold a halter. A wheelbarrow angled to the side as if someone left off doing a disagreeable chore. The strong smell as she passed the wheelbarrow made her nose run. But what overwhelmed her were the faces looking at her as she stepped into the shaded barn. Horses and ponies of all sizes and colors.
READ MORE“Wow,” she breathed, wanting to touch each one. An Appaloosa pony thrust his head over the stall door, and his nose demanded her attention. “Later, I can fall in love with you later. First, I need to get the job.”
With a surge of determination, she pulled her shoulders back and strode through the barn looking for the office. A musical voice traveled toward her. Drawing near to a room with a light on, Abby waited in the doorway for the young woman to finish her phone call.
Dressed in breeches and a long-sleeved blouse, the woman tilted her head and nodded along with the speaker. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll make sure to take care of it.”
When the woman hung up and saw Abby, surprise registered on her pretty face. “Can I help you?”
Sweat dripped from Abby’s underarms and soaked the inside of her arms. She shifted and gnawed on her upper lip. What am I doing here? I know nothing.
COLLAPSEEditorial Reviews
- A pony named Glory is a handful—so beautiful that she looks like a mythical creature and sweet and loving when she wants to be, but she also possesses a naughty streak that causes trouble… Young horse aficionados will fall in love with this story, which does a marvelous job of teaching readers all about equestrian care and training as well as providing an excellent role model in Abby and other strong female characters. This is a Christian-centered book featuring quotes such as “If things aren’t going as planned, it’s because God has a better plan,” but the focus is on values that transcend specific religions, such as believing in yourself and being honest, generous, and kind, even toward people whom you envy.
- Horse-loving kids will read this novel and recognize a kindred spirit. — Kirkus
- What does a horse-crazy girl with no horse of her own do to satisfy her passion? She gets a job in a local stable. And then she falls in love.
- Abby's Pony Love is a story that will feel familiar to any horse-crazy girl who harbors the passion (but not the opportunity) to interact with horses.
- Illustrator Bev Johnson adds pictorial drama to Susan Count's tale, providing a compelling cover and cameo images thereof to embellish the story as Count follows Abby's rationale for developing a strategy to satisfy her pony passion.
- Humor and spiritual components spice the tale with added value: "She opened her decorated box of inspirational quotes and flipped through the colored note cards. “There’s got to be something in here that will help.” A yellow card poked up and she pinched it from the others. “‘When all your eyes see is darkness, look for the light with your heart.’ ” She tossed the card on the desk and picked up another. “‘When all hope is gone, pray for a miracle.’ ” Hmm, miracles are good. “‘If things aren’t going as planned, it’s because God has a better plan.’ ” She dropped the cards back into the box. “That’s what I need—a better plan.” She stood. With a deep breath, she faced her failures. To the mirror, she said, “Be sorry. Be sincere. Beg.”
- These elements combine with the horse-centric passion of the plot as Abby's favorite pony moves on and out of her life, creating further conundrums over something she loves like it's her own, even though it isn't.
- From differences between mares and geldings to horse tack and terminology, Count's story is steeped in the language, feel, and nature of the equine world.
- Advanced elementary to early middle grade readers who love horses, and spunky girls determined to be involved with them against all odds, will relish Abby's Pony Love, which covers the topics of love, maturity, friendship, and determination with equal attention.
- A glossary of horse terms (and even a carrot recipe for horse treats) follows the tale, supporting its atmosphere and style with practical elements of reality.
- D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
- "An enjoyable read as we journey to answers if Abby gets her job, what happens to Glory, and funny antics of an escaping artist horse.
A read that pulls you in and doesn't let go!" Maureen Timerman — Maureen's Musings - My girls and I have really enjoyed reading this book together. I have a horse crazy daughter, and this story has helped her hold onto hope of being around horses one day. How Abby is determined to follow her dreams through hard work in caring for horses at a barn as well as the horse owners, and still juggle the important things like family and school, I’m pleased to have that model for my daughter to read about and be inspired. This book has good morals and hard working values our young kids need to know, and it’s written in such a lovely, easy-to-read way. Every night, my daughter asks for one more page, or a little more reading time. I hope another book follows soon. Colleen Fox-Bennett
- Almost from the first page, I became Abby, and experienced what she felt and accomplished. Susan writes with such an easy descriptive manner and with emotion. I love the little surprise quotes tucked into the story. Abby learns how to deal with desire, disappointment, and snobbery all the while, deciding to do the right thing. Abby’s love for Glory is contagious. This book is an easy read to a grade schooler, who will understand Abby and new readers will become immersed in this book. There is so much to love in these pages and my favorite book from Susan Count. Susan Horton
- This is a wonderful and charming book that will appeal to middle-grade kids - particularly girls. It is a good story, well told. I would love to give the author my suggestions and critique, however, I literally have nothing to add! Ms. Count's writing is appropriate and nicely presented. The illustrations are excellent. Both author and illustrator are to be commended.
"Abby's Pony Love" is a thought-provoking book that will delight young girls who love horses as well as any child who has a passion for something they can't quite get ahold of. Lots of life lessons here: accepting what one cannot change, setting goals, understanding others, and how determination and hard work pay off. And because of these lessons, this would make a good book for child and parent to each read separately so the lessons could be discussed afterward. A very enjoyable read, well-written for the intended audience.
The title and cover art would have encouraged me to buy this book. The writing style and rhythm are very comfortable. The story is exciting and enjoyable. The storyline is great for a child's book. The storyline provides several lessons for children to learn throughout the book. I also liked the ending. B.R.A.G. Medallion Award - So many things I just loved about this book. It is so relatable for any young girl with a love of horses. The experience Abby had with wanting a horse so desperately mirrored my own sister's experience as a young girl. I could almost smell the barn as I read this engaging book. The glossary, horse diagram and recipe were all a wonderful treat at the end. I'll definitely share this book along with your other published books with the young people in my life.
I could see many kids picking up this book (girls especially!) A sweet story!
Angel Book Awards/Faith & Fellowship
AWARDS
- B.R.A.G Medallion Award
Faith & Fellowship Angel Book Awards Second Place Children's 8-12