Book Review of La Duquesa: an Arabian Horse Novel (Wonder Horse Series, Book 2)
Written by Victoria Hardesty and Nancy Perez
Reviewed by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne
La Duquesa is a fascinating novel about a gorgeous Arabian horse searching for the perfect person with whom to share her life. At first, the beautiful young horse was blessed to be owned by Miss Annie, a professor who adored her. Miss Annie doted on La Duquesa, but when the renowned professor died, terrible events changed the life of her beloved horse when Annie’s drunken husband, Reilly Stone, claimed ownership of the talented Arabian. He barely fed her and whipped her while she raced around a pen full of muck. Poor Quesa feared for her life but a wise dog named Clyde insisted his owners, Mike and Ginny Hartley, follow him to witness La Duquesa’s plight. Immediately, Ginny paid Mr. Stone for the horse.
When Quesa arrived at the Hartley ranch, she was petrified of being beaten. Clyde calmed the frightened Arabian, reassuring her she was finally safe. But Ginny was so worried about the new horse that she declared no one could enter the stall without her presence. Everyone on staff tried to calm Quesa without success until a gifted but impoverished teenager named Maryann began working at Hartley’s ranch in exchange for riding lessons. Ginny recognized the little girl’s rare abilities and sought to develop them.
Maryann wasn’t prone to disobey rules, but she adored Quesa and wanted to find a way to connect with her. What could she do? She carefully considered her options. One day, she brought the book, Black Beauty, to the barn. She snuck into the mare’s stall and read the book to her. The horse felt calm and Quesa knew this was her forever person; the one she would love more than any other.
La Duquesa is well-written with plenty of suspense. You will be compelled to keep turning the pages to see if Maryann’s dream of owning a horse comes true. Will she be able to ride Quesa in competitions? How can her single mom afford the huge expense of not only the travel and entry fees but the costly outfits required for elite events?
If you are already a fan of equestrian stories, you’ll treasure this book. If you’re new to the genre, you’ll be so mesmerized that you could become a convert. You’ll cheer for Maryann’s dreams to be realized and feel connected to her. I highly recommend La Duquesa.
Series: Wonder Horse
Paperback: 186 pages
Publisher: Publication Consultants; First edition (March 15, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1594337853
ISBN-13: 978-1594337857
Teen, Young Adult Survival Stories
Visit Amazon to purchase any of the Wonder Horse series or other books by authors Victoria Hardesty and Nancy Perez.
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 of 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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