Book Review: Desert Rose, an Arabian Horse Novel
By co-authors Victoria Hardesty and Nancy Perez
Review by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne
Esteban Garcia owned a sprawling estate in Apple Valley, California. The home was lovely, with Spanish style architecture, gardens, a caretaker’s cottage, and a barn with five horses. Desert Rose was one of those. She was a lovely half-Arabian, half Quarter Horse with a gorgeous red chestnut coat, the color of a shiny copper penny. Rosie loved being at the Garcia ranch, with her dam, Desert Fire.
Although Rosie enjoyed being at the Garcia ranch, it was not where she was born. She began her life at the Hartley Ranch, where she met her favorite person in the world, Brody. Rosie and Brody had a special bond. They played games together. Rosie even sucked on Brody’s finger when she was a baby and her dam didn’t want to nurse her. Brody taught her not to bite his finger, even after she got her teeth. They were a remarkable pair, but Rosie was owned by Mr. Garcia. Mike Hartley, Brody’s uncle, was amazed at Rosie’s skills focusing on a calf and corralling it. Eventually, Mr. Garcia brought Rosie and Desert Fire back to his ranch. Seeing Rosie leave broke Brody’s heart, but his aunt and uncle were unaware of his feelings.
Brody loved his life at the Hartley Ranch. He had friends who rode horses in competition, and he enjoyed preparing for various championships and loved the events. But Brody didn’t have his own horse to ride. He confessed to his friend, Maryanne, that he’d love to compete in big events like the National Championships, but he didn’t have a horse. He told Maryann about his feelings for Rosie, or Bizzy Izzy, as he called her. Brody’s Aunt Ginny and Uncle Mike had adopted him after his family was killed in an accident. He realized his life could have been spent in foster care. Maryann and Brody had been friends for some time. In fact, he taught her about horses when she first came there for riding lessons. Maryann wanted to help Brody by talking to Mr. Garcia about Brody’s connection to Rosie. She hoped he would sell her to his aunt and uncle.
Brody and Rosie had the same type of relationship that Mr. Garcia had with his famous Palomino, Cutter. He adored Cutter and considered him his “heart horse.” What happens when Cutter is stolen while Esteban is away? How do Brody, Maryann, and their friends help to rescue him?
The story is captivating. You’ll cheer for Cutter to be rescued. You’ll wonder if Brody and Rosie are reunited. Will Brody’s dream to own Rosie come true? I highly recommend Desert Rose, another wonderful adventure by Victoria Hardesty and Nancy Perez, and fourth in their series about Arabian horses and those who love them.
Desert Rose, an Arabian Horse Novel-Book 4
- Series: Wonder Horse Book Four
- Paperback: 178 pages
- Publisher: Publication Consultants (December 15, 2018)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1594338477
- ISBN-13: 978-1594338472
REVIEWER: Deanie Humphrys-Dunne is an award-winning children’s book author with six books published at this time: My Life at Sweetbrier, Charlie the Horse, Charlene the Star, Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes, Charlene the Star and Bentley Bulldog and A Tractor Named Wilbur. Deanie’s books offer powerful life lessons for children, such as setting goals, perseverance, sharing, and friendship. Her sister, Holly Humphrys-Bajaj, beautifully illustrates all Deanie’s fictional books and designs the covers. The fictional stories are told by the memorable animal characters, who keep readers entertained with their endearing personalities. The animals find creative ways to help their friends. Her books won several awards including the Mom’s Choice Gold Medal and Reader’s Favorites Silver medal. All books are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. You may also order signed copies from Deanie through her website. www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com/
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