The Horse Secret
Stevan Hoffman @ Leslie Martin
$5.99
Available at www.hofmart.com
It had become obvious to the Norths that they were dealing with an out of the ordinary group of horses, but never would they understand why. These words that begin chapter six in the horse fiction ebook couldn't sum up the horses' characters better. The two authors have done a marvelous job bringing life and personality to real life horses that fill the pages of this story. The book goes on to chronicle a year in all their lives and tells of the passions, dreams, fears and adventures they each face during that time. Mixed with fantasy that includes a cameo appearance from the flying horse Pegasus, the book also tells of Stevan and Jessi North, owners of the unique herd. Jessi is the strong willed owner of the North Ranch, tough as nails yet with a soft spot for both her family and herd. Her dreams come true when Trouble, a colt afraid to be ridden, eventually develops into not only a racehorse, but a world champion. This is but one wonderful adventure depicted in the book as it takes the reader through several chapters that mix humor, reality, happiness, sadness and conquest, lending credibility to life as we all know it.
The Horse Secret has all the elements of a timeless story. The novel is short at 132 pages but will capture the reader, leaving a desire for a sequel as they become engrossed in the story of the equine adventurers. My favorite part was the ending which I will not dare mention and give away. I will say that it is here where all the elements of a great book come together through adventure, magic, humor, fantasy, friendship, tears and love.
It is clear that these writers share a strong knowledge and passion for horses. I strongly recommend the book for all lovers of fiction, fantasy and horses. Hoffman and Martin have crafted a story that will stick with the reader forever.
Larry – KY
Stevan Hoffman resides in central Florida and is a single parent who lives with his teenage daughter. He is currently employed by the State Of Florida and has worked in public safety, the SCUBA industry and the entertainment industry. His writing background includes articles for local SCUBA diving publications and as a contributing author to a series of technical SCUBA diving instructional manuals used by The Professional Scuba Association, a worldwide leader in technical SCUBA instruction. In 2004 he co-authored a book titled Career Development Manual For Young Singers, Actors and Models, available on the internet at www.kidkountry.com. In 2005 Steve lived on a horse ranch, which was the inspiration for his novel The Horse Secret. It was here through the guidance of co-author Leslie Martin that he learned about horses and the equestrian way of life. He claims writer EB White author of the award winning children's novel Charlotte's Web as a major influence in his fictional writing and Hal Watts as his major influence in technical and instructional writing.
Leslie Martin is a single equestrian parent who resides in Florida. She and her daughter, Rachel, are both professionally involved in horse breeding, training and showing. Leslie received her Bachelor's degree in psychology and Masters in Rehabilitation counseling at the University of South Florida. Her literary background includes serving as an editor for a politically charged newsletter titled The Right Stuff and as co-author and technical adviser for her novel The Horse Secret. At this time she is considering writing a novel in memory of her father, Pappy, whose legacy and Martin Ranch inspired The Horse Secret.
You may reach either of these authors for comment through their website www.hofmart.com
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