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Project Solomon: The True Story of a Lonely Horse Who Found a Home—and Became a Hero
“It’s hard to be lonely, isn’t it? To miss someone who should be here?”Jodi Stuber wasn't looking for another horse for her struggling therapy ranch—let alone one like Solomon. After losing his herd, he was solitary and sad, spending his days standing near the plastic deer in his yard for company. No stranger herself to loss and heartache, Jodi knew she had to give Solomon a home.The road to recovery wouldn’t be easy. As Solomon struggled to fit in with his new herd and Jodi continued to navigate her own grief, the two developed a deep bond. But just as Jodi and Solomon were both beginning to heal, an unthinkable tragedy struck the therapy ranch. And Solomon was about to teach Jodi the greatest lesson of all.Written by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley, author of How a Blind Rescue Horse Helped Others Learn to See, Project Solomon is a powerful story of resilience, sacrifice, and love that reminds us all how much we matter—to each other and to God.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2022
91 people are currently reading
745 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
May 14, 2022
Absolutely love the vision of Jodi Stuber and the journey she has shared. Not only is Hopewell Ranch founded on her healing from the loss of baby Hope; Project Solomon was dedicated to a dear horse who died protecting the herd at the ranch. This story will remind you of the beauty there is in connecting with animals and the healing that can come when we lay down our pain and our masks. I hope the publication of this book will lead to increased funding for this ranch. Their work has been such a blessing to many children, parents, and veterans. Such a testament to this verse from Jeremiah: For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Thank you to Tyndale Momentum and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Tyndale Momentum and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 27, 2022
This book is an amazing read about an amazing woman and her journey to help those that in need. From children and families to veterans that thought no one cared. Jodi shows that through God and the animals, the horses in particular can change someone’s life. I have had the pleasure of knowing Jodi and her crew for a couple years now and have helped out at Hopewell Ranch. It’s an honor to be included in this wonderful place that brings peace to whoever needs it. I never got to meet Solomon but I know he was one special horse. Thank you Jodi, Ty, Linda, Amanda, Tania and the rest of the crew. You make Hopewell Ranch what it is, a healing place for all
I read an advanced copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I read an advanced copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2022
Not only for horse lovers
Cofounder and executive director of HopeWell Ranch Jodi Stuber and author Jennifer Marshall Bleakley are presenting "Project Solomon. The True Story of a Lonely Horse Who Found a Home - and Became a Hero". The book is about Solomon, a horse on HopeWell Ranch, published by Tyndale House Publishers – Tyndale Momentum. Jodi Stuber started HopeWell Ranch in Michigan in memory of her baby girl who was stillborn but the therapy ranch was struggling and she didn't plan to add another horse because funds were already short. But when Jodi met Solomon, solitary and sad, trying to find comfort from a plastic deer after losing his herd, she knew she had to give him a home and help him to integrate into a new herd. Ultimately Jodi and Solomon helped one another to heal after Jodi discovered that she was wearing a mask to keep others from seeing her real self.
The book is very honest and open and talks not only about the struggles of the ranch, but also of Jodi's personal struggles as well as the struggles of her family. It touches the topics of grief loss, the therapy of special needs children and help for war veterans. It is so well written that it reads like a novel although it is a biography/memoir. The discussion questions at the end of the book hep individuals but also book club members to reflect about the book. I finished the book in a very short time and highly recommend it to readers who are looking for a true story that is very well written.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#ProjectSolomon #Netgalley
Cofounder and executive director of HopeWell Ranch Jodi Stuber and author Jennifer Marshall Bleakley are presenting "Project Solomon. The True Story of a Lonely Horse Who Found a Home - and Became a Hero". The book is about Solomon, a horse on HopeWell Ranch, published by Tyndale House Publishers – Tyndale Momentum. Jodi Stuber started HopeWell Ranch in Michigan in memory of her baby girl who was stillborn but the therapy ranch was struggling and she didn't plan to add another horse because funds were already short. But when Jodi met Solomon, solitary and sad, trying to find comfort from a plastic deer after losing his herd, she knew she had to give him a home and help him to integrate into a new herd. Ultimately Jodi and Solomon helped one another to heal after Jodi discovered that she was wearing a mask to keep others from seeing her real self.
The book is very honest and open and talks not only about the struggles of the ranch, but also of Jodi's personal struggles as well as the struggles of her family. It touches the topics of grief loss, the therapy of special needs children and help for war veterans. It is so well written that it reads like a novel although it is a biography/memoir. The discussion questions at the end of the book hep individuals but also book club members to reflect about the book. I finished the book in a very short time and highly recommend it to readers who are looking for a true story that is very well written.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#ProjectSolomon #Netgalley
March 2, 2022
Jennifer Bleakley does it again! A heartwarming story of overcoming deep emotional hurt with the help of a hero in horse hair and turning her experience into a life saving ministry. I highly recommend this to anyone who has ever struggled with the pain of loss. I received an advance copy fro the publisher in return for an honest review.
May 22, 2022
Gallop don’t walk to get this book! Make sure you have tissues.
November 7, 2025
4 stars
This is a powerful true story of equine/equestrian therapy!
When I picked this up, I expected it to be mostly focused on Solomon's horse training or the therapy ranch as a whole, but I quickly realized this isn't simply about Solomon or the ranch: It's a journey of deeper healing for a family in grief.
I loved Jodi's connection to Solomon. It's easy to see how time with him provided comfort during difficult circumstances. I also loved the discussions of various horses reflecting body language and helping people see more deeply into their own actions. I've seen and experienced this with my own time working with horses. They're so sensitive to facial expressions and subtle body language, and I really enjoyed seeing that featured here!
The faith content is also strong! There are many scenes of characters praying and reaching to God for strength. And I loved how Jodi's family relied on that faith to help others, such as struggling teens and veterans with various traumatic pasts.
This isn't always an easy story to read - grief can be a heavy topic - but the journey of healing is powerful. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories of how God can use animals to guide hearts toward brighter days.
*Content to note*
.....May contain spoilers.....
Prominent themes of overcoming grief. Loss of newborn child (heavily emotional/not graphic). Horse passing away/discussions of mistreated rescue animals (not graphic). Kids/adults with various traumas, including veterans struggling with PTSD.
This is a powerful true story of equine/equestrian therapy!
When I picked this up, I expected it to be mostly focused on Solomon's horse training or the therapy ranch as a whole, but I quickly realized this isn't simply about Solomon or the ranch: It's a journey of deeper healing for a family in grief.
I loved Jodi's connection to Solomon. It's easy to see how time with him provided comfort during difficult circumstances. I also loved the discussions of various horses reflecting body language and helping people see more deeply into their own actions. I've seen and experienced this with my own time working with horses. They're so sensitive to facial expressions and subtle body language, and I really enjoyed seeing that featured here!
The faith content is also strong! There are many scenes of characters praying and reaching to God for strength. And I loved how Jodi's family relied on that faith to help others, such as struggling teens and veterans with various traumatic pasts.
This isn't always an easy story to read - grief can be a heavy topic - but the journey of healing is powerful. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories of how God can use animals to guide hearts toward brighter days.
*Content to note*
.....May contain spoilers.....
Prominent themes of overcoming grief. Loss of newborn child (heavily emotional/not graphic). Horse passing away/discussions of mistreated rescue animals (not graphic). Kids/adults with various traumas, including veterans struggling with PTSD.
April 5, 2022
There were only two things I did not like about Project Solomon by Jodi Stuber and Jennifer Marshall Bleakley, and I would say only one is a critique: It was disjointed in some instances. The time skips were too abrupt, and there weren’t adequate transitions between the year gaps. Outside of that, though? Project Solomon is beautiful. It is a raw, emotional, and honest story about a woman's own struggle with grief, while simultaneously trying to help others battle their own. The book talks about the realities of pain and loss, but it offers hope, encouragement, and comfort. It may focus on the power of horses, but Project Solomon is an appropriate and fulfilling read for everyone, not just horse lovers.
I related to Jodi a little too much; I have not suffered the same type of loss, but I have experienced some of my own. When it has occurred, I have run to the barn. When my “heart horses” have passed, I have escaped to the barn. That is where I find my peace. If I'm stressed or sad, you'll probably find me at the barn. If I'm happy, I'll be at the barn. Not necessarily even riding—just…being present. I'll groom my horse for two hours, either listening to an audiobook or to my mare's breathing. Or I'll sit in the middle of the pasture with no agenda and no expectations. Sometimes I’ll talk to the horses, because like Jodi, it’s easier for me to talk to them than to other people. Other times, I will say nothing at all. There is no need.
For people unaccustomed to the human-equine connection, Project Solomon may seem farfetched, but I can assure you, it is very real. Project Solomon portrays this truth better than any other books I have read. I teared up when reading this book because of how heavily it spoke to my heart. It brought up hard memories, but it also reminded me of the people (and the horses) that helped me through those challenging situations. It caused me to recollect the happy moments in the darkness. The releases in times of pain. The love of a God who never leaves in the times I have felt alone.
Project Solomon by Jodi Stuber and Jennifer Marshall Bleakley is the exact book our society needs today. Because let's be real, the world depresses us. Most people I know do not watch the news because of the negativity. The media rarely highlights happy stories, unless they revolve around sports—but even sports can have controversy and heartbreak. Project Solomon demonstrates that even in the darkest, deepest pit of despair, a way out exists. It may differ for you and me, but God reaches out His hand to everyone. He can use whatever He wants—including the accepting, tender, and nonjudgmental eyes of horses with whom there is no need for façades. They will absorb your worries, your tears, your stresses, your pains.
I said at the beginning of the review that I disliked Project Solomon for two reasons only. The second? I did not like when it ended; I wanted to continue walking with Jodi and the HopeWell crew. I wanted to witness God’s work through their staff and their horses…so I followed HopeWell Ranch on Facebook. Because I couldn’t stop with Project Solomon's final page. This is one of those books I will read again, and it's all because Jodi Stuber's willingness to be open and vulnerable about the agonies—and successes—involved in walking God's path for her life.
*Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review (Thanks, Tyndale and NetGalley!). All views expressed were my own.
I related to Jodi a little too much; I have not suffered the same type of loss, but I have experienced some of my own. When it has occurred, I have run to the barn. When my “heart horses” have passed, I have escaped to the barn. That is where I find my peace. If I'm stressed or sad, you'll probably find me at the barn. If I'm happy, I'll be at the barn. Not necessarily even riding—just…being present. I'll groom my horse for two hours, either listening to an audiobook or to my mare's breathing. Or I'll sit in the middle of the pasture with no agenda and no expectations. Sometimes I’ll talk to the horses, because like Jodi, it’s easier for me to talk to them than to other people. Other times, I will say nothing at all. There is no need.
For people unaccustomed to the human-equine connection, Project Solomon may seem farfetched, but I can assure you, it is very real. Project Solomon portrays this truth better than any other books I have read. I teared up when reading this book because of how heavily it spoke to my heart. It brought up hard memories, but it also reminded me of the people (and the horses) that helped me through those challenging situations. It caused me to recollect the happy moments in the darkness. The releases in times of pain. The love of a God who never leaves in the times I have felt alone.
Project Solomon by Jodi Stuber and Jennifer Marshall Bleakley is the exact book our society needs today. Because let's be real, the world depresses us. Most people I know do not watch the news because of the negativity. The media rarely highlights happy stories, unless they revolve around sports—but even sports can have controversy and heartbreak. Project Solomon demonstrates that even in the darkest, deepest pit of despair, a way out exists. It may differ for you and me, but God reaches out His hand to everyone. He can use whatever He wants—including the accepting, tender, and nonjudgmental eyes of horses with whom there is no need for façades. They will absorb your worries, your tears, your stresses, your pains.
I said at the beginning of the review that I disliked Project Solomon for two reasons only. The second? I did not like when it ended; I wanted to continue walking with Jodi and the HopeWell crew. I wanted to witness God’s work through their staff and their horses…so I followed HopeWell Ranch on Facebook. Because I couldn’t stop with Project Solomon's final page. This is one of those books I will read again, and it's all because Jodi Stuber's willingness to be open and vulnerable about the agonies—and successes—involved in walking God's path for her life.
*Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review (Thanks, Tyndale and NetGalley!). All views expressed were my own.
April 4, 2022
Are you in need of a ray of hope? Feel like you need to hide your true self for whatever reason? Project Solomon will help you with both. It's a story that encourages as it turns an eye inward to bring you comfort, hope, and the courage to let others help you be whole. I'm not a horse person, but enjoyed the story of Jodi, Solomon and the rest of the herd. My biggest take away was that it's okay to not always be okay and let others be strong when I am weak. The reason for not giving all five stars is there were a few times the story felt a little repetitious, but not to the point of distraction. (I was given an advance copy of the book for an honest review.)
October 18, 2024
Oooohh... the ugly cries
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2022
Follow along as Jodi, founder of HopeWell Ranch, shares her journey through pain in the midst of running a horse therapy ranch and how God, her horse, Solomon, and those around her help her move toward healing herself. A touching, vulnerable story about how God can heal us in the midst of our brokenness.
June 2, 2022
I loved this book! It was very well written! I loved getting to know more of the back story of the ranch and how it started!
January 16, 2024
Beautiful story about a horse who helped a woman heal from grief. HopeWell sounds like it helps so many people heal and get their lives back. Very inspiring.
April 30, 2022
This is one of the best books I have read. Be prepared that once you start reading this you won’t be able to put it down.
March 5, 2025
Jodi Stuber's response to personal pain was to devote herself to helping others suffering emotional trauma and despair, especially horses, children, and veterans. Her memoir of how Hopewell Ranch became a refuge for so many serves as inspiration to the rest of us. We cannot cure all the ills of the whole world, but we can each do something to help others. Jodi has done far more than that. Her work with therapy horses as a means to comfort troubled people serves one effective means to a worthy result.
Many of the horses who found refuge at Hopewell were able to radiate empathy to one another and to the emotionally challenged people who came to the Ranch, sometimes as a last act of desperation. Jodi and her volunteers worked tirelessly to heal the horses, enabling them to do their quiet restorative work for people who had become psychically isolated from those they most love. Animals who have been rescued from neglect and abuse are often remarkably intuitive, able to reach out nonverbally where words can not.
This book is too focused on religion for me personally, but it has hit just the right tone for so many others. I applaud all who strive to give solace and assurance to those in need. Jodi has done immeasurable good with the tools she gained through her own struggles and recovery. She lifted has herself and so many others. Her example motivates them to pass this forward in their own fashion.
Many of the horses who found refuge at Hopewell were able to radiate empathy to one another and to the emotionally challenged people who came to the Ranch, sometimes as a last act of desperation. Jodi and her volunteers worked tirelessly to heal the horses, enabling them to do their quiet restorative work for people who had become psychically isolated from those they most love. Animals who have been rescued from neglect and abuse are often remarkably intuitive, able to reach out nonverbally where words can not.
This book is too focused on religion for me personally, but it has hit just the right tone for so many others. I applaud all who strive to give solace and assurance to those in need. Jodi has done immeasurable good with the tools she gained through her own struggles and recovery. She lifted has herself and so many others. Her example motivates them to pass this forward in their own fashion.
March 30, 2025
This is such a sweet and touching book, especially for animal lovers. As someone who has always been fascinated by horses, I was immediately drawn to Jodi’s story about Solomon and how their bond helped them both heal.
Much like my love for Black Beauty, this book beautifully illustrates the deep connection between humans and animals and the healing power that comes from that relationship. Jodi’s journey is inspiring, and her story serves as a reminder of how much we can accomplish when we allow ourselves to let go of pain and embrace the love around us.
Rated: 4.25/5.0—A must-read for anyone who appreciates the transformative power of animals in our lives.
Much like my love for Black Beauty, this book beautifully illustrates the deep connection between humans and animals and the healing power that comes from that relationship. Jodi’s journey is inspiring, and her story serves as a reminder of how much we can accomplish when we allow ourselves to let go of pain and embrace the love around us.
Rated: 4.25/5.0—A must-read for anyone who appreciates the transformative power of animals in our lives.
December 5, 2022
This is a beautiful, beautiful story. It's more than raw or genuine, it's breathtakingly real and reaches the depths of our souls as human beings. No one wants to lose someone they love. No one wants to go through the darkness of grief. But when they do, they desperately need someone to be able to reach down to where they are and bring some impossible healing and hope. This is exactly what God did for Jodi and those around her. Beauty and good things were born from the ashes of grief, and countless people have found healing as a result! This book is well worth the read!
April 15, 2025
I am a fan of the “Dr. Pol” series on TV and didn’t realize, until I started reading this book, that he and his veterinary staff are the ones who take care of Jodi’s horses!
I enjoyed this book. The relationships between animals and people always amazes me. It was interesting to see how it works between horses and humans. I know horses are used for many kinds of therapy so it was neat to learn more about it.
Jodi’s personal story was really interesting, as well. I loved the connection she had with Solomon!
I enjoyed this book. The relationships between animals and people always amazes me. It was interesting to see how it works between horses and humans. I know horses are used for many kinds of therapy so it was neat to learn more about it.
Jodi’s personal story was really interesting, as well. I loved the connection she had with Solomon!
April 2, 2023
Wow, wow, wow. What can I say about this book other than it touched my heart so much and bright laughter and tears. Being a Christian this book is wonderful and was recommended to me from another Christian sister. Awesome buck. I just can’t even put into words what this book meant to me. It moved me in so many ways and black brought clarity to me also. thank you Jodi for sharing. I highly recommend
February 7, 2023
What an inspirational story f God's love. Jodi's journey is full of so much grief and up and down emotions. I cried when I learned about Hope and again when Solomon died. There was more crying when she was processing her grief and telling others about her experiences. Animals have such a way of understanding things that humans just don't. I truly believe they are God's helpers.
July 30, 2023
My husband grabbed this book at a gas station during our travels because I had just finished the one I brought. I read it through tears of sorrow and joy. This is a beautiful tale of God working through people to bring peace and healing. HopeWell Ranch will be receiving a donation from our family to continue doing what they do. God Bless.
November 15, 2023
I always love a good horse story. This is a story about HopeWell ranch, the family who owns it, and how they came to minister to others through their own loss. It’s a story of a special horse, Solomon, and how his story helped birth a new program for veterans.
Content considerations: loss, grief, stories of hard life situations
Content considerations: loss, grief, stories of hard life situations
April 1, 2025
An amazing story of God working through the grief of one woman and her husband to give mercy and grace to other hurting souls through horses and a ranch. I couldn't put this book down. God works beauty out of ashes and this is one story that will prove that and grow your own faith through your pain.
August 12, 2022
Project Solomon is such an amazing account of how God can, and does, use animals in our lives to bring healing as well as peace and joy--even in the most unlikely situations. I read this book in one sitting, will read it again, and will encourage others to read it.
August 1, 2024
A wonderful true story of following God’s leading and taking a leap of faith to help others. There is some sorrow in this story but also unexpected blessings to bring hope, healing and restoration to those who are in need. God is faithful!
April 11, 2025
I was completely underwhelmed by this book, the writing, the story. It seemed as though the story lacked something vibrant and the story could have been developed in such a more robust way. Be prepared as there are a lot of religious references throughout.
May 13, 2025
The story was beautiful, but something got lost in the telling. I'm not sure why, but it seemed like a light gloss over. Maybe the writing style didn't grab me.
Takeaways: Be real with your loved ones to deepen your relationships.
Surrendering to a higher power only brings greater good.
Takeaways: Be real with your loved ones to deepen your relationships.
Surrendering to a higher power only brings greater good.
May 28, 2022
Loved this book from beginning to end.
June 2, 2022
Recommended for everyone!
September 20, 2022
Grab tissues and settle in for this story of grief, heartache, healing and love. A beautiful account of the birth of HopeWell Ranch and the work they do.
December 27, 2022
Excellent book! A must read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews