Sierra Blue

by Suzanne Morgan Williams

The summer before ninth grade, Magic Kendall's best friend lets her secret out – she sees animals’ auras. Now the teasing and texting doesn’t stop. She finds refuge at her aunt’s horse ranch in a small mountain town, Willow Bridge, California.
Sure that no one will discover her weird, psychic abilities, she helps with therapy riding and makes a quirky group of friends. And she just might have a crush on a young cowboy who works at the ranch. All is going well until she witnesses a terrible horse-trailer crash. Magic knows from the energy of the Thoroughbred's aura, that she can save Sierra Blue. But will the filly ever race again? Is it worth risking her fragile new friendships in order to save Sierra Blue? What will Magic learn about truth, friendship, and all kinds of “different”?

244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2023

About the author

Suzanne Morgan Williams is author of Bull Rider, a new novel for kids aged 10 and up, and many non-fiction books for children. Bull Rider is a Junior Library Guild Selection and represented Nevada at the National Book Festival in Washington D.C. It is the story of a 14 year old Nevada ranch kid who, when his champion bull rider brother comes home from the war in Iraq with life changing injuries, turns from skateboarding to family, tradition, and bull riding to make sense of his world."

Reviews

[Linda Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters are well-drawn, and they're real kids. You know the books where the kids are so fake? This is NOT one of those. Idk how she got them so good, but she did. Lots realistic angst and worries and feelz (okay, I'm old, but I know a Real Kid when I read one, and they're in here).

The character arcs are real and realistic. We see this world through the narrator's young eyes, but we can also feel for all the characters. The characters and the adults react realistically. And even though there are some fantastical elements, they are all logically presented and there are no deus ex machina cheats in here. (Google it; you'll thank me for leading you to know this term.)

And let me tell you about the crises! Actually, I won't, because No Spoilers. But as I read this, not knowing where it was going (and as a writer myself, i get bored with books where I see the ending coming down Virginia Street from a long way off). In this wonderful, nail-biting story, I kept thinking, "oh, a happy ending, yay!" then "oh, no, a sad ending, boo," then "wait, it's going to be happy!" to "no, not sad" until I was worn out (in a VERY good way).

I got to read this before it was published (Suzy and I are in a critique group together), but I don't do reviews just because. If I don't like a friend's book, i demur about writing a review (if you haven't googled "demur," basically it means I would fudge and say, "oh, yeah, nice, yeah, uh, I'm awfully busy..."). No one (including Suzy) asked me to write this. I write it because I don't want YOU to miss a great read!

[Edith M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's so much to love about SIERRA BLUE! Not only for horse lovers, this book touches on betrayal by a friend, bullying, magical auras, building self-confidence, and more in a believable story brought to life in a setting rich in details. Suzanne Morgan deftly steps into her characters' minds and hearts!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic Kendall’s quest to save the injured racehorse, Sierra Blue, is captivating and moving. Magic is a layered and complex character. I enjoyed following her journey as well as those of her friends. The magical realism is well-crafted and interesting. Suzanne Williams is a talented writer. I highly recommend this book.

[Helen Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sierra Blue by Suzanne Morgan Williams, was well written and had an intriguing plot. I especially enjoyed the glimpses into the world of horses and racing mixed with the protagonist's unusual gifts.
I look forward to future novels by the author.