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There Must Be Horses
Sasha's love of horses has been the only constant during her turbulent life in care. When a failed adoption placement results in yet another move, she ends up at Kingfishers - a farm where Joe and Beth train troubled horses. To Sasha, this seems like the perfect place to live. But she can't stay. Joe and Beth are adamant about that. They have only agreed to take her for a little while, and they only agreed to do that reluctantly.
Can Sasha persuade them to change their minds and let her stay forever? And can she do it before her social worker finds her another home - one without horses?
Awards
Shortlisted for the Rubery Book Award and a semi-finalist in the The Kindle Book Review’s 2013 Best Indie Book Awards.
Can Sasha persuade them to change their minds and let her stay forever? And can she do it before her social worker finds her another home - one without horses?
Awards
Shortlisted for the Rubery Book Award and a semi-finalist in the The Kindle Book Review’s 2013 Best Indie Book Awards.
228 pages, Paperback
First published November 12, 2012
5 people are currently reading
518 people want to read
About the author
Diana Kimpton
103 books26 followersI'm the author of more than forty books, including my successful Pony-Mad Princess series. I write for adults as well as children. and many of my books have been translated into other languages. My Amy Wild - Animal Talker series is popular in Japan, and the Japanese editions look fantastic.
I've always been pony-mad so it's not surprising that my favourite animals feature in many of my books. I even used my research for "There Must Be Horses" as an excuse to buy the horse I had always dreamed of owning. He's a Haflinger so he's a palomino who gets fat really easily.
I've recently started writing books to help other writers. "Plots and Plotting: how to create stories that work" has just been published, and I'm currently working on a sequel called "Scenes and Sentences". I'm also in the process of writing two more Amy Wild books so I'm very busy at the moment.
I've always been pony-mad so it's not surprising that my favourite animals feature in many of my books. I even used my research for "There Must Be Horses" as an excuse to buy the horse I had always dreamed of owning. He's a Haflinger so he's a palomino who gets fat really easily.
I've recently started writing books to help other writers. "Plots and Plotting: how to create stories that work" has just been published, and I'm currently working on a sequel called "Scenes and Sentences". I'm also in the process of writing two more Amy Wild books so I'm very busy at the moment.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 3, 2016
What a brilliant book! It even made me cry at the end! Beautifully written story about how a damaged horse and a damaged girl heal each other. I couldn't put the book down and would recommend it to anyone who loves horses, any age.
August 20, 2013
Even if you didn't grow up riding horses -or were particularly interested in them- you can really enjoy this book. Being a city girl, I see them occasionally -and always stop to admire them- but I never really had the chance, nor the will, to ride one. But there is something majestic and special about horses and that is definitely captured in this book.
Twelve-year-old Sasha has been moved around in foster care for a very long time. Being taken from family to family, and having very little good experiences with it, has made it hard for her to trust people. However, she does find comfort in horses. So one day she is taken to these really friendly people that have agreed to take her in temporarily. They even have a horse that is a lot like Sasha! Of course Sasha wants to stay, but her social worker already has a new family picked out...
The story and setting were very clear from the beginning, but it took a bit of time to warm up to the characters. The more you read and the more lovely characters -the horses, Beth, Joe and eventually Dawn- were introduced, the warmer it all felt. Kingfishers seems to be a wonderful, and somehow very real place. Also, I feel that Sasha's hardship was portrayed in a very realistic manner.
When I got closer to the end I couldn't stop myself from continuing and ended up finishing this book in the middle of the night with a tear running down my cheek. I absolutely loved the ending!
Anyway, if I had to name one thing that bugged me it would be the repetitive thoughts and actions of Sasha. It makes sense in the story, but as an adult reader it can be a little annoying. Other than that, this is a great book that you can read in very little time and I don't think anyone would regret reading it.
Twelve-year-old Sasha has been moved around in foster care for a very long time. Being taken from family to family, and having very little good experiences with it, has made it hard for her to trust people. However, she does find comfort in horses. So one day she is taken to these really friendly people that have agreed to take her in temporarily. They even have a horse that is a lot like Sasha! Of course Sasha wants to stay, but her social worker already has a new family picked out...
The story and setting were very clear from the beginning, but it took a bit of time to warm up to the characters. The more you read and the more lovely characters -the horses, Beth, Joe and eventually Dawn- were introduced, the warmer it all felt. Kingfishers seems to be a wonderful, and somehow very real place. Also, I feel that Sasha's hardship was portrayed in a very realistic manner.
When I got closer to the end I couldn't stop myself from continuing and ended up finishing this book in the middle of the night with a tear running down my cheek. I absolutely loved the ending!
Anyway, if I had to name one thing that bugged me it would be the repetitive thoughts and actions of Sasha. It makes sense in the story, but as an adult reader it can be a little annoying. Other than that, this is a great book that you can read in very little time and I don't think anyone would regret reading it.
April 26, 2016
What a wonderful story! Suitable for older readers and adults alike, this is the story of Sasha, a 12 year old girl who has been traumatised by constant moves and an unsettled upbringing. However, when she goes to live in a temporary home in the countryside she finds herself surrounded by the one thing she loves - horses!
When she meets Meteor, a horse troubled by his own mixed past, she must overcome her own fears and learn to trust again.
I loved it and had a tear in my eye at the end...
It did help that my daughter rides so I have picked up a few things watching, but I think this story is suitable for anyone who doesn't know anything about horses too.
Highly recommended for both the storyline and beautiful writing.
When she meets Meteor, a horse troubled by his own mixed past, she must overcome her own fears and learn to trust again.
I loved it and had a tear in my eye at the end...
It did help that my daughter rides so I have picked up a few things watching, but I think this story is suitable for anyone who doesn't know anything about horses too.
Highly recommended for both the storyline and beautiful writing.
December 14, 2017
The title is the main character’s only stipulation about her next foster home. Sasha has been rejected and abused. She is seen as difficult and even violent: she throws things; she is not a cuddly child. Previous placements have broken down and Sasha has been warned that the next foster parents are her last chance. As a temporary measure, she is sent to a farm where a couple re-train horses that have been neglected and abused. They show the empathy that has been missing and realise that Sasha is not bad but has been damaged by experiences that have taught her to keep her thoughts and feelings to herself, hence her explosions. They instinctively realise that Sasha must work things out for herself. She and Meteor, a similarly damaged horse that arrives at the farm at the same time as Sasha, eventually come to trust each other, and the healing process begins. The story is told entirely from Sash’s viewpoint, and her difficulty in trusting people and the resulting anxiety are palpable. The characters feel as if drawn from life and the pace is intense. The social worker, the couple who run the farm and their daughter and even the prospective (suburban) foster parents are drawn with expert clarity and understanding. The urgency that drives Sasha to find a way to stay with Meteor is so clearly communicated that it is hard to put the book down and the plight of the two friends is so immediate that it is difficult to imagine that any reader will be able to hold back a tear. This is a book that will become a firm favourite with both adults and children.
January 11, 2018
My heart is still humming after reading this book. The author takes you into the heart of the issues facing a child and a family in the foster to adopt situation. I truly felt for the girl who had been moved around and lost her trust and love in humans. I am fascinated with the conection she has with the horse, I agree with the portrayal of the social worker and I don't envy the thought process of the foster parents. If your looking for a great emotional read this is a great one about the human condition and a horse!
November 12, 2017
Enjoyed this more than I'd like to admit. Young adult novel about an emotionally damaged girl who finds herself fostered on a farm with an emotionally damaged horse. Good for younger readers but not to saccharine for adults. A bit of a tearjerker.
September 16, 2018
Happy happy
I loved the emotions and the characters! What a lovely lesson in compassion and hope! Horses do heal us. I was so pleased while I finished the story smiling and crying! Enjoy a well written tale of a family growing together !
I loved the emotions and the characters! What a lovely lesson in compassion and hope! Horses do heal us. I was so pleased while I finished the story smiling and crying! Enjoy a well written tale of a family growing together !
January 9, 2021
Loved how this finished
A great book that looks at how horses can help to heal an emotionally hurt girl, understanding horse behaviour and learning to trust again. An enjoyable read.
A great book that looks at how horses can help to heal an emotionally hurt girl, understanding horse behaviour and learning to trust again. An enjoyable read.
May 24, 2020
Wow
I am sitting here at 2am in the morning in tears ! I haven’t been able to put this book down what a fantastic story . Just want to know what happened next now ..
I am sitting here at 2am in the morning in tears ! I haven’t been able to put this book down what a fantastic story . Just want to know what happened next now ..
January 6, 2021
A perfect book for animal lovers
I loved reading this book. It held a strong message: you'll never be alone with the help of a horsey friend 🐎
I loved reading this book. It held a strong message: you'll never be alone with the help of a horsey friend 🐎
August 29, 2013
A beautifully written pony book. Throughout reading this I have been frequently reminded of the style of KM Peytons popular 'Blind Beauty'. Both books take a beautiful sadness from the isolation of a tragic heroine who learns emotions through the love of a poor horse.
Although they share similarities I must place emphasis on the fact this is not a Blind Beauty rip off, it is an elegant piece in its own right, with its own small plot twists and revelations that keeps the reader hooked throughout.
The book can stand proudly ranked among many equine books but I think even a non-equine fanatic could enjoy the story of a young girl unfreezing due to a family love everyone craves.
My one major complaint is that it was too short! I must also say but for the next few days this book is a steal at 79p on the Kindle store!
Although they share similarities I must place emphasis on the fact this is not a Blind Beauty rip off, it is an elegant piece in its own right, with its own small plot twists and revelations that keeps the reader hooked throughout.
The book can stand proudly ranked among many equine books but I think even a non-equine fanatic could enjoy the story of a young girl unfreezing due to a family love everyone craves.
My one major complaint is that it was too short! I must also say but for the next few days this book is a steal at 79p on the Kindle store!
March 17, 2015
Shortlisted for the Rubery Book Award
This is a thoughtful examination of the difficulties faced by Sasha, a girl in care, who has been moved around by the system between foster parents, children’s homes and a failed adoption, until she arrives at a farm with reasonable, caring owners. The overlying structure draws a convincing parallel between her situation and that of Meteor, a nervous horse who has come to the farm to be trained. He is over-sensitive and easily panicked, and it takes considerable effort from Sasha to gain his confidence. Sasha has been told she cannot stay on the farm, even though the foster parents are understanding, recognise her dyslexia and help with her schoolwork, and most importantly, teach her to ride. The story is skilfully told, with much empathy and compassion, and ends with a powerful emotional punch.
This is a thoughtful examination of the difficulties faced by Sasha, a girl in care, who has been moved around by the system between foster parents, children’s homes and a failed adoption, until she arrives at a farm with reasonable, caring owners. The overlying structure draws a convincing parallel between her situation and that of Meteor, a nervous horse who has come to the farm to be trained. He is over-sensitive and easily panicked, and it takes considerable effort from Sasha to gain his confidence. Sasha has been told she cannot stay on the farm, even though the foster parents are understanding, recognise her dyslexia and help with her schoolwork, and most importantly, teach her to ride. The story is skilfully told, with much empathy and compassion, and ends with a powerful emotional punch.
August 13, 2016
A heart-warming story about a special relationship between girl and horse, both of whom have been moved about too much in their lives. Great for animal lovers and YA-fiction readers alike. It was well-written and I warmed to both Sasha and Meteor.
* I received this book through Goodread's First Reads Giveaway
* I received this book through Goodread's First Reads Giveaway
December 5, 2014
Sure kept me turning pages! Good for the younger crowd of horse lovers. I liked the detail it went into about working with horses. I really related to wanting time alone with your horse buddy. I'm glad things turned out well. Though I stayed up too late to find out.
September 1, 2013
This book was a cozy read as a girl find her emotional equal with a horse. Circumstances brought them to save each other. I felt the emotions of the characters in the details. Diana Kimpton knows how to craft a story and bring us into the world around horses.
October 13, 2014
A short but sweet YA read. It's about a troubled foster girl and an equally troubled and distrustful horse. You will probably find this book enjoyable if you have an interest in horses and wAnt something short and simple to read.
August 6, 2013
a nice story about a girl and a horse brought together through difficult circumstances, helping them both heal.
July 23, 2016
won through a Goodreads giveaway, an enjoyable horse novel.
January 27, 2019
Another good book involving horses. Horses help Sasha get through difficulties in her life and connect with the people who are trying to help her.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews