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"Whispering to Horses"
By Thomas Nye
Synopsis:
An old fence separates a modern community from their Amish neighbors, until a little boy opens the gate and breaks down barriers between them. Main characters, Matt and Eli, find friendship, hope, and a future through a mutual need, which creates an opportunity for them to learn to understand each other. Eli and his little sisters will touch your heart by Whispering to Horses.
My Thoughts: If you are looking for a lovely, light novella to relax with, this is the perfect one!! Lovers of Amish fiction will enjoy this short read.
I was a bit apprehensive when this book arrived in my mailbox, as I had never heard of this author and am not a big fan of novellas. They seem too short and leave me wanting more! However, this story was one that appealed to my inner being. It is a story of peace, understanding and faith. It left me with some deep thoughts of what our world would be like today, if we only allowed that gate to remain open!
The characters were well described with realistic detail. I easily identified with Matt as he struggled to understand this kind, considerate, well behaved, little boy. In our busy lives, we often forget the value of being a good neighbor. Friendship and understanding of each other is often lacking as we work, keep family obligations and try to keep up with the world's expectations. The effect that we can have on others due to kindness is too often lacking.
The plot of the book was simple however one that moved steadily to achieve its goal of making the reader have some deep thoughts. The simple act of giving flows throughout the tale.
This book is one that I highly recommend. One that is totally different but leaves some lasting thoughts deep within.
Guest Post from Thomas Nye
Last spring, I visited numerous Amish communities throughout the state of Indiana. My original goal was to bring awareness of my Amish Horses book series to the Amish and tourists in that region. As I traveled down quiet country roads, my heart was overwhelmed by beautiful farm scenes. Conversations with Amish families, and especially Amish children, brought a new awareness and inspiration to me. Springtime and its rich aromas flooded my senses and filled my heart with a story, Whispering to Horses.
Whispering to Horses is a very short novel which spans several generations. It is the story of two families that live side-by-side for years, and yet are strangers to each other. A fence that was installed to keep livestock apart has become a dividing line, separating Amish from their non-Amish neighbors. Years ago, when putting in the fence, an Amishman remembered his grandfather’s advice, almost prophetically, “… a gate opens the way for help in time of need.” Generations later, a gentle Amish boy named Eli, seems to have inherited his great-great-grandfather’s wisdom, as he opens the gate and communication between neighbors.
Kalona, Iowa has been my home for the past 35 years. Living in an Amish/Mennonite community, I have experienced many situations exactly like the one described in this book. It is so easy for us to look over a fence and have a disdain for people we don’t know, or understand. Sometimes, a little child can use their simple wisdom to break through our misconceptions, and soften our crusty opinions. In my hundreds of visits to Amish farms, it has been the children that have surprised me most. Even though English is their second language, Amish children speak with wisdom that has become a treasure to me, and I want to share it with you. I hope the story of Whispering to Horses opens your eyes, and brings back memories of your own childhood, when we all shared that simple wisdom.
About the Author:
Thomas Nye, author of the Amish Horses Book Series, Lives near an Amish community where he grew to know and respect his Amish neighbors. During grade school Thomas developed an interest in history and loved reading anything he could find about the 1800s. His love of farm, history, and horses all came together in real-life experiences with his Amish friends, who also happen to share his Christian faith. He purchased draft horses from Amish farmers in his neighborhood and set out to learn the art of working with horses in harness. After years of buying, selling, and trading work horses with Amish farmers in his community, Thomas had many wonderful memories of those experiences. His novels based on those adventures. Learn more about Thomas Nye on his website.
Link to purchase book: http://amzn.to/1sNTAqf
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Blog Stops
June 7: Quiet Quilter
June 8: ArtisticNobody
June 8: Petra’s Hope
June 9: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
June 10: Cindy’s Book Reviews
June 10: Blossoms and Blessings
June 12: Bigreadersite
June 13: Through The Open Window
June 14: A Greater Yes
June 14: Cassandra M’s Place
June 15: Texas Book-aholic
June 16: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
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June 18: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
June 19: Red Headed Book Lady
June 20: Rockin’ My Mom Jeans
June 21: Simple Harvest Reads
Giveaway!! Don't miss it!!
This book was provided by CelebrateLit in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Great review, Karla. I enjoyed this novella, too.
ReplyDeleteWhispering to Horses sounds delightful. Enjoyed the interview!
ReplyDeleteI could not put the novella down. I have adored horses since I was a toddler and love finding great stories featuring them. Also since discovering Kalona, I fell in love with the area. I go as often as I can. It is a little slice of heaven. These beautifully written stories just take your mind and spirit to these wonderful places. Thank you for sharing your words and imagination with us.
ReplyDelete