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M.J. Evans

Goodreads Author

Born

in Corvallis, OR, The United States

Website

http://www.dancinghorsepress.com

Genre

Fantasy, Young Adult, Historical Fiction

Influences

Fantasy writers such as J.K. Rowling and horse-story writers such as M ...more

Member Since

December 2010

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I am a graduate of Oregon State University. Upon graduation, I spent five years teaching at the middle school and high school levels. My writing, at that time, was limited to curriculum. That was not fun.

While raising my children, I coached their Odyssey of the Mind and Destination Imagination teams for seventeen years. I helped them write their own stories for the competitions. During this time, I also wrote two parent handbooks for the Salem, Oregon School district on sex education.

About fifteen years ago, I was able to combine my passion for horses with my love of writing. I researched and wrote two equestrian trail guide books for the Denver area. By “research” I mean that I spent every Friday riding my horse on a new trail, be it on t I am a graduate of Oregon State University. Upon graduation, I spent five years teaching at the middle school and high school levels. My writing, at that time, was limited to curriculum. That was not fun.

While raising my children, I coached their Odyssey of the Mind and Destination Imagination teams for seventeen years. I helped them write their own stories for the competitions. During this time, I also wrote two parent handbooks for the Salem, Oregon School district on sex education.

About fifteen years ago, I was able to combine my passion for horses with my love of writing. I researched and wrote two equestrian trail guide books for the Denver area. By “research” I mean that I spent every Friday riding my horse on a new trail, be it on the plains or in the mountains. It was a tough job, but someone had to do it! The result of that work was the publication of Riding Colorado-Day Trips from Denver with Your Horse, and Riding Colorado II. Both books continue to sell very well in the Denver to Colorado Springs area and have made my horse famous.

I was able to combine my love of horses with my love of fantasy in my first Trilogy. The Mist Trilogy, comprised of Behind the Mist, Mists of Darkness and the Rising Mist received a gold medal from the Mom's Choice Awards. My next fantasy, an allegory of the Revolutionary War, but with Trolls and Leprechauns, won first place in the Purple Dragonfly Awards for fantasy. I took a brief (2 year) break from writing fantasy to complete a contemporary, coming of age novel titled "In the Heart of a Mustang." This YA novel won first place in the Literary Classics Awards for Young Adult fiction and second place in the Nautilus Awards in the same category.

On October 1, 2016, I released the first book of my new fantasy series "The Stone of Mercy: Book 1 of the Centaur Chronicles."

I have now expanded my writing interests to include Historical Fiction: "PINTO! Based Upon the True Story of the Longest Horseback Ride in History," and "The Sand Pounder - Love and Drama on Horseback in WWII."
I have also had fun working with illustrators on five picture books: "PERCY - The Racehorse Who Didn't Like to Run," and "The Skullington Family Series."

I describe myself as a “Mozart” type of writer as opposed to a “Beethoven” writer. When I sit down to write, the words just flow and I don’t have to go back and do a lot of revisions. ...more

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M.J. Evans’s books

Average rating: 4.53 · 938 ratings · 410 reviews · 25 distinct works • Similar authors

	The Stallion and His Peculiar Boy 4.61 avg rating — 162 ratings — published 2023 — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Coal Dust and Dreams: The Story of a Girl and Her Pit Pony in the Coal Mines of Wales 4.79 avg rating — 90 ratings — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	In the Heart of a Mustang 4.54 avg rating — 93 ratings — published 2015 — 4 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Finding Fionn 4.33 avg rating — 95 ratings — 5 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Behind the Mist (The Mist Trilogy, #1) 4.15 avg rating — 80 ratings — published 2011 — 6 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Sand Pounder 4.74 avg rating — 65 ratings — published 2021 — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Pinto! 4.55 avg rating — 53 ratings — published 2019 — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Mists of Darkness (The Mist Trilogy, #2) 4.51 avg rating — 37 ratings — published 2012 — 4 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Stone of Mercy (The Centaur Chronicles, #1) 4.26 avg rating — 35 ratings — published 2016 — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Mr. Figgletoes' Toy Emporium 4.62 avg rating — 29 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

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M.J. Evans's Blog

COAL DUST AND DREAMS WAS RELEASED ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2024!...

COAL DUST AND DREAMS WAS RELEASED ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2024!

I spent a year researching the use of horses and ponies in the coal mines of South Wales. In addition to learning about the role of the Pit Ponies, I also studied the role of children and women in the mines.I set my story in the 1930's at the Penalta mine.

The Penalta MineThis was one of the largest mines. The horses (both ponies and Read more of this blog post »

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Published on January 06, 2025 12:41

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Series by M.J. Evans

The Mist Trilogy (3 books)
by

M.J. Evans (Goodreads Author)

4.30 avg rating — 145 ratings

The Centaur Chronicles (4 books)
by

M.J. Evans (Goodreads Author)

4.47 avg rating — 93 ratings

M.J. is Currently Reading

M.J. Evans is currently reading

Silver Charm - And the Old Friends Who Save the Thoroughbreds

by M.J. Evans (Goodreads Author)

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Oct 28, 2025 05:55AM

M.J. Evans is currently reading

Coal Dust and Dreams: The Story of a Girl and Her Pit Pony in the Coal Mines of Wales

by M.J. Evans (Goodreads Author)

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Jul 02, 2024 10:33AM

M.J. Evans is currently reading

Mr. Figgletoes' Toy Emporium

by M.J. Evans (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: currently-reading

read in October 2021

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M.J. Evans said: " I am excited about "Mr. Figgletoes Toy Emporium." I am getting lots of wonderful reviews from readers...I especially love hearing from the target audience: Middle-Grade Readers! ...more "

Oct 27, 2021 10:14AM · see review

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M.J.’s Recent Updates

M.J. Evans rated a book it was amazing The Scent of Wild Garlic by Joan Lewis (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
The Scent of Wild Garlic is a fictional love story set in a fictional, little European country (I looked it up to make sure I was getting that right!) It is written from the point of view of both Conan, who grew up in a fictional country in Africa an ...more
Jan 01, 2026 05:15PM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Scent of Wild Garlic by Joan Lewis. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Scent of Wild Garlic by Joan Lewis <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
M.J. Evans rated a book it was amazing One Shot Trivia: Christmas Around the World Edition: A Holiday Trivia Challenge Celebrating Christmas Cultures Worldwide by J.C. Ash (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
"In Germany, what is the name of the Calendar with small doors or windows opened daily from early December until Christmas?" Answer: Adventskalender. Yes, I know you got that one. But I'll bet that is one of the few you will get! This is a fun book t ...more
Dec 26, 2025 06:58AM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of One Shot Trivia by J.C. Ash. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — One Shot Trivia by J.C. Ash <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
M.J. Evans made a comment on Melissa Cantrell’s review of Coal Dust and Dreams: The Story of a Girl and Her Pit Pony in the Coal Mines of Wales (Horses in History) " I'm so glad you enjoyed the book! Thank you. ...more "
Dec 26, 2025 06:32AM · see review
M.J. Evans and 1 other person liked Melissa Cantrell's review of Coal Dust and Dreams: The Story of a Girl and Her Pit Pony in the Coal Mines of Wales (Horses in History): "Heartwarming Historic Tale of Pit Ponies The story starts out in Wales with a Grandmother telling a story to her granddaughter, Quinn, about working in a coal mine with her favorite pit pony, Dobbin. Then the story goes on to tell more about a young g" Read more of this review »
Dec 26, 2025 06:31AM · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Coal Dust and Dreams by M.J. Evans. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Coal Dust and Dreams by M.J. Evans <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
M.J. Evans rated a book really liked it Sassily Yours (Purrfectly Yours, #2): Hockey Sports Romance, Friends to Lovers, Cozy Slow Burn, Cat Narrated HEA by Vicky Zarielle (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Sassily Yours is a sweet (as in lots of sugar) romance about a small town hero hockey star and the young entrepreneur bakery owner and their two pets. Yes, you head jump between four characters: two human, one dog and one cat. The story, over-all, is ...more
Dec 20, 2025 06:28AM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Sassily Yours (Purrfectly Yours, #2) by Vicky Zarielle. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Sassily Yours (Purrfectly Yours, #2) by Vicky Zarielle <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
M.J. Evans made a comment on Susan O.Pincus’s review of Silver Charm: And the Old Friends Who Save the Thoroughbreds " I appreciate you so much! "
Dec 11, 2025 12:00PM · see review
M.J. Evans liked Susan O.Pincus's review of Silver Charm: And the Old Friends Who Save the Thoroughbreds: "In this very interesting and informative book, M.J. Evans, a true horse enthusiast from a young age, weaves a wonderful true story of the famous racehorse Silver Charm, and the many people who were a part of his successful life of racing and retireme" Read more of this review »
Dec 11, 2025 12:00PM · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Silver Charm by M.J. Evans. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Silver Charm by M.J. Evans <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
M.J. Evans made a comment on Valerie Ormond’s review of Silver Charm - And the Old Friends Who Save the Thoroughbreds " Thank you so much for reading Silver Charm!!! I appreciate you. "
Dec 11, 2025 12:00PM · see review
M.J. Evans liked Valerie Ormond's review of Silver Charm - And the Old Friends Who Save the Thoroughbreds: "Tapestry of a Triple Crown Winner M.J. Evans uses a weaving metaphor, based on a poem she wrote. throughout this book to demonstrate how interwoven the lives of humans and horses can be. “Silver Charm – And the Old Friends Who Save the Thoroughbreds” " Read more of this review »
Dec 11, 2025 11:59AM · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Silver Charm - And the Old Friends Who Save the Thoroughbreds by M.J. Evans. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Silver Charm - And the Old Friends Who Save the Thoroughbreds by M.J. Evans <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
M.J. Evans rated a book really liked it The Crushed Can by F.E. Beyer (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
The Crushed Can is a story set in 2005 in Shanghai, China. It is the story of English as a Second Language teachers who come to China often to escape their problems back home. The protagonist is Kurt, who to the job to teach English to Chinese studen ...more
Dec 10, 2025 09:48AM · 2 likes · like · see review

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Quotes by M.J. Evans (?)

“Tears welled up in Jane's eyes. "I don't need something to remember you. I can never forget you.”
― M.J. Evans, The Sand Pounder

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Horse Lovers Central: Challenge Books - Winter 2022 - 23	12	22	Jan 23, 2023 03:05PM
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Horse Lovers Central: Horses of History	34	41	Dec 20, 2025 05:49AM