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Sadie's Montana #1
Wild Horses
The Miller family's move from Ohio to Montana was, for the most part, uneventful, except that Sadie Miller had to leave her beloved horse, the palomino named Paris. Still, she likes the Montana snows and her job at Aspen East Ranch serving the ranch hands. Unexpectedly, Ezra appears, the man who seems to be perfect in every way and fully intends to marry Sadie. But does she love him back? And who is this fascinating Mark who helps to rescue a dying horse and shows up at the Amish hymn-sing though he is English? Why can't she get his dark eyes and tall stature out of her mind? Now Sadie's own close-knit family is falling apart. Mam claims her head is cluttered and unclear, and she no longer trusts herself to make a chocolate cake from scratch or to cut Reuben's hair in a straight line. The worst part is, Dat refuses to acknowledge Mam's struggles. Sadie finds some refuge in Nevaeh, a black and white paint. But when a dreadful accident involving wild horses occurs, Sadie must move forward into the unknown future. Will Dat let Mam seek professional help? Will Mam be willing to go? Will Mark be at the next hymn-sing? Is he Amish or English? Will he like her favorite pink dress? Will she see the wild horses again? Why do these phantom-like animals take her breath away every time they appear on the horizon?
362 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2011
82 people are currently reading
846 people want to read
About the author
Linda Byler
86 books226 followersLinda Byler grew up Amish and is an active member of the Amish church today. Growing up, Linda Byler loved to read and write. In fact, she still does. She is well known within the Amish community as a columnist for a weekly Amish newspaper. Linda and her husband, their children and grandchildren live in central Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
February 23, 2021
Fair warning, this is not my chosen genre. However, a penpal I've known since 1991 sent it to me for Christmas and I felt obligated to give it a try.
The basic story is that 15 year old Sadie and her Amish family move from Ohio to Montana. She is heartbroken because her father told her she could not take her palomino Paris. She will, of course, never love another horse the way she loved Paris.
Five years later Sadie is working days at a nearby ranch, cleaning and helping in the kitchen. One day when Jim the ranch hand is driving her to work, they almost hit a horse that suddenly appears in front of their truck. The horse was deathly ill and exhausted. Sadie feels a connection to this poor animal, the first horse she has really noticed since Paris.
Well, the upshot of this is that the horse ends up at the ranch, and eventually the owner of the ranch tells Sadie he will give the horse to her. It was not his to give, no one knows where it came from, but that didn't seem to bother anyone, although Sadie did think he should at least try to find the owner.
Okay. Now. I have read a few of the other reviews of this book, and I agree with some of them about the way this particular Amish family did not seem very Amish. But as far as I could tell, no one else mentioned the fact that this sick and injured horse was described as 'he' from the first moment he appeared. But later, when various incidents have happened to Sadie, the horse is suddenly called 'she' more than once. That was the point I decided to DNF. Maybe I am too fussy, but an author should keep her pronouns straight and if she can't the proofreaders and/or editors should.
These were not the only issues I had with this book. I never could care for Sadie very much. By the time she was twenty I would have thought she would be a mature young woman. But she was very much a child, even skipping one morning when her boss takes her to the barn to see the horse. Skipping like a little girl? At 20 years of age? Please.
Sadie sat down to a family meal in one chapter, and described the bowl of potatoes with melted butter on top. Butter that she had loved when she was younger, but now she avoided it in order to not get fat. That was the first but not the last time that she commented on being worried about getting fat. Please. Again.
Sadie's mother is dealing with mental health issues but Sadie just gets annoyed by this, and gets mad that she and her sisters have to cook on days when her mother is having problems. I would have thought that a supposedly mature young farm girl (Amish or not) would have been able to take over when necessary. And even though the author made a point to explain the Amish attitude towards this type of problem, it seemed so callous that the entire family was mad about the way their mom was acting and never seemed to have any compassion for her at all.
Also, to finish this rant, there were too many times during the book where the action stopped while the author told about various aspects of Amish life or the way Sadie's mother gardened back in Ohio. That was especially annoying because one of the sisters had met Sadie at the door with concerns about the mother, which triggered pages of garden memories while I was stressing about what was going wrong with Mam! This kind of information can be important but can also be woven into the story more smoothly so that it does not seem like such an interruption.
Okay, obviously I did not like the book for many reasons. It seemed too big a subject for the author, quite frankly.
But as I said, this is not my usual genre, and apparently many reviewers who do read romance and/or Amish themes thought it was wonderful. Usually such a disappointing book would be given away, but I will be keeping this one because my friend who knows I love both books and horses sent it to me.
DNF around page 215.
The basic story is that 15 year old Sadie and her Amish family move from Ohio to Montana. She is heartbroken because her father told her she could not take her palomino Paris. She will, of course, never love another horse the way she loved Paris.
Five years later Sadie is working days at a nearby ranch, cleaning and helping in the kitchen. One day when Jim the ranch hand is driving her to work, they almost hit a horse that suddenly appears in front of their truck. The horse was deathly ill and exhausted. Sadie feels a connection to this poor animal, the first horse she has really noticed since Paris.
Well, the upshot of this is that the horse ends up at the ranch, and eventually the owner of the ranch tells Sadie he will give the horse to her. It was not his to give, no one knows where it came from, but that didn't seem to bother anyone, although Sadie did think he should at least try to find the owner.
Okay. Now. I have read a few of the other reviews of this book, and I agree with some of them about the way this particular Amish family did not seem very Amish. But as far as I could tell, no one else mentioned the fact that this sick and injured horse was described as 'he' from the first moment he appeared. But later, when various incidents have happened to Sadie, the horse is suddenly called 'she' more than once. That was the point I decided to DNF. Maybe I am too fussy, but an author should keep her pronouns straight and if she can't the proofreaders and/or editors should.
These were not the only issues I had with this book. I never could care for Sadie very much. By the time she was twenty I would have thought she would be a mature young woman. But she was very much a child, even skipping one morning when her boss takes her to the barn to see the horse. Skipping like a little girl? At 20 years of age? Please.
Sadie sat down to a family meal in one chapter, and described the bowl of potatoes with melted butter on top. Butter that she had loved when she was younger, but now she avoided it in order to not get fat. That was the first but not the last time that she commented on being worried about getting fat. Please. Again.
Sadie's mother is dealing with mental health issues but Sadie just gets annoyed by this, and gets mad that she and her sisters have to cook on days when her mother is having problems. I would have thought that a supposedly mature young farm girl (Amish or not) would have been able to take over when necessary. And even though the author made a point to explain the Amish attitude towards this type of problem, it seemed so callous that the entire family was mad about the way their mom was acting and never seemed to have any compassion for her at all.
Also, to finish this rant, there were too many times during the book where the action stopped while the author told about various aspects of Amish life or the way Sadie's mother gardened back in Ohio. That was especially annoying because one of the sisters had met Sadie at the door with concerns about the mother, which triggered pages of garden memories while I was stressing about what was going wrong with Mam! This kind of information can be important but can also be woven into the story more smoothly so that it does not seem like such an interruption.
Okay, obviously I did not like the book for many reasons. It seemed too big a subject for the author, quite frankly.
But as I said, this is not my usual genre, and apparently many reviewers who do read romance and/or Amish themes thought it was wonderful. Usually such a disappointing book would be given away, but I will be keeping this one because my friend who knows I love both books and horses sent it to me.
DNF around page 215.
September 8, 2023
3.5 stars⭐
February 4, 2018
I had extremely low expectations for this read. It's not a genre I usually enjoy. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised by how much this book captivated my attention! I was drawn into the life of Sadie from beginning to end. I will say, the editing on this book was sub-par. Overall, a worthwhile read!
March 30, 2022
Wild horses is the first book in Sadie’s Montana series by Linda Byler. The story is filled with multiple characters, their thoughts and horses from tamed to wild ones. There were inconsistencies with names and horses gender that it took away from the story, along with a family member fighting depression that hindered the flow of the story.
A friend loaned this book to me thinking I would enjoy it since the author was Amish. I was not obligated to write a review since this is an older release.
A friend loaned this book to me thinking I would enjoy it since the author was Amish. I was not obligated to write a review since this is an older release.
November 6, 2014
Linda Byler is a new-to-me author. I have always loved horse stories, so really enjoyed this one along with the Amish storyline. Sweet story and I look forward to the next book in this series.
September 12, 2017
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
When the Miller family moved from Ohio to Montana, Sadie had to leave her beloved horse, the palomino named Paris. Still, she likes the Montana snows and her job at Aspen East Ranch serving the ranch hands.
Unexpectedly, Ezra appears, the man who seems to be perfect in every way and fully intends to marry Sadie. But does she love him back? And who is this fascinating Mark who helps to rescue a dying horse and shows up at the Amish hymn-sing though he is English?
Now Sadie's own close-knit family is falling apart. Will Dat let Mam seek professional help? Will Mam be willing?
Sadie finds some refuge in Nevaeh, a black and white paint. But when a dreadful accident involving wild horses occurs, Sadie must move forward into the unknown future.
MY REVIEW
I got this book when I first saw it, but had so many books on my TBR pile, and kept acquiring more, sadly it took me a long time to get to it. I finally grabbed it and it is a beautiful story if you love horses, enjoying a great Amish book is an added bonus. Sadie is a horse whisperer, but her Dat does not like horses, so that is part of the story. But horse lovers beware you will be pulled into this series and want to read more. Great story, don't put off getting this book or reading it! Thank you Linda.
When the Miller family moved from Ohio to Montana, Sadie had to leave her beloved horse, the palomino named Paris. Still, she likes the Montana snows and her job at Aspen East Ranch serving the ranch hands.
Unexpectedly, Ezra appears, the man who seems to be perfect in every way and fully intends to marry Sadie. But does she love him back? And who is this fascinating Mark who helps to rescue a dying horse and shows up at the Amish hymn-sing though he is English?
Now Sadie's own close-knit family is falling apart. Will Dat let Mam seek professional help? Will Mam be willing?
Sadie finds some refuge in Nevaeh, a black and white paint. But when a dreadful accident involving wild horses occurs, Sadie must move forward into the unknown future.
MY REVIEW
I got this book when I first saw it, but had so many books on my TBR pile, and kept acquiring more, sadly it took me a long time to get to it. I finally grabbed it and it is a beautiful story if you love horses, enjoying a great Amish book is an added bonus. Sadie is a horse whisperer, but her Dat does not like horses, so that is part of the story. But horse lovers beware you will be pulled into this series and want to read more. Great story, don't put off getting this book or reading it! Thank you Linda.
May 11, 2024
Vacation Book #7
First off, super cool to read Amish romance written by an actual Amish author!!!
I enjoyed this, as I enjoy any of these Amish stories where the plot dips into more serious topics (in this one, mental health illnesses for example) as it just feels a bit more real. This also made me feel like the Horse Girl I was as a little kid so that was fun.
However, there was a lot of head-hopping, so much so that there were several times where I had to sit back, go back a couple of paragraphs/pages & be like, “wait, who’s speaking now?” I wish those had been marked with a scene break or split off or anything to kind of differentiate. A couple of grammar errors too but that wasn’t a huge deal to me
Also, I was really surprised/shocked when Ezra & Neveah both died???? like bruh, they were both in the synopsis and I expected them to play much bigger roles (like Ezra died at ~35% just randomly). that I thought maybe should have been written different bc it felt a bit misleading in a way? just not what I was expecting.
but overall I enjoyed this! would read more by the author
First off, super cool to read Amish romance written by an actual Amish author!!!
I enjoyed this, as I enjoy any of these Amish stories where the plot dips into more serious topics (in this one, mental health illnesses for example) as it just feels a bit more real. This also made me feel like the Horse Girl I was as a little kid so that was fun.
However, there was a lot of head-hopping, so much so that there were several times where I had to sit back, go back a couple of paragraphs/pages & be like, “wait, who’s speaking now?” I wish those had been marked with a scene break or split off or anything to kind of differentiate. A couple of grammar errors too but that wasn’t a huge deal to me
Also, I was really surprised/shocked when Ezra & Neveah both died???? like bruh, they were both in the synopsis and I expected them to play much bigger roles (like Ezra died at ~35% just randomly). that I thought maybe should have been written different bc it felt a bit misleading in a way? just not what I was expecting.
but overall I enjoyed this! would read more by the author
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2025
I really loved this first book.
When Sadie Miller and her family move from Ohio to Montana, this makes her really sad. That's because she had to behind her horse. Despite the issue of her father not being a huge fan of horses.
What I loved about this book was seeing Sadie attempt to tame a wild horse she ends up befriending. I'm so happy with how it all turned out in the end.
One sad aspect of this book was Sadie's mom. It was quite hard to read about how depressed she got after the family's move. I'm glad her husband finally let her seek some professional help.
Excited to start the sequel!
When Sadie Miller and her family move from Ohio to Montana, this makes her really sad. That's because she had to behind her horse. Despite the issue of her father not being a huge fan of horses.
What I loved about this book was seeing Sadie attempt to tame a wild horse she ends up befriending. I'm so happy with how it all turned out in the end.
One sad aspect of this book was Sadie's mom. It was quite hard to read about how depressed she got after the family's move. I'm glad her husband finally let her seek some professional help.
Excited to start the sequel!
October 4, 2021
The Love that Sadie has for her horse is awesome. Moving and having have to leave Paris was not a great thing for her and then losing Erza was a bit much for her. In Montana, she comes to find another horse which was wild and she was definitely the one to deal with the horse. Then there came along another man named Mark. I love the way she could stand in the field and the Mustangs would watch her and how one came and ate out of her hand, which this is a bond that her and her brother came to share.
October 27, 2017
Loved this book very much. ended up reading the whole series. she loved horses and when her family moved to Montana she had to leave her horse, Paris, behind. On her way to her job at a big ranch she found an injured horse that she ended up with. lost it too.
I loved the faith of her people, how they strived to follow the rules and serve God, Family and Community. Many times the story seems poetic in the way it's written.
I loved the faith of her people, how they strived to follow the rules and serve God, Family and Community. Many times the story seems poetic in the way it's written.
July 1, 2019
This was the first novel I had read from this author. I have always loved Amish novels but this novel was like a roller coaster. One chapter was interesting the next chapter boring.
On the other hand I loved how well written and truthfully it was written about how the Amish live their life and how they have to deal with illnesses and daily struggles without the use of electricity, medical insurance. I am giving the second book a chance hoping it will get better.
On the other hand I loved how well written and truthfully it was written about how the Amish live their life and how they have to deal with illnesses and daily struggles without the use of electricity, medical insurance. I am giving the second book a chance hoping it will get better.
November 30, 2020
A Great Beginning for a Trilogy
Looking at my Kindle library, looking for a great book, I ran across this book about an Amish girl who always wanted a horse. She found a horse that was in need of a home and tried to adopt it. This book enumerates the trials and tribulations our heroine endures in her quest to have and train a horse of her own. This book was a delightful Saturday read, and the best thing is that this book is part of a Trilogy. I hear books 2 and 3 calling my name.
Looking at my Kindle library, looking for a great book, I ran across this book about an Amish girl who always wanted a horse. She found a horse that was in need of a home and tried to adopt it. This book enumerates the trials and tribulations our heroine endures in her quest to have and train a horse of her own. This book was a delightful Saturday read, and the best thing is that this book is part of a Trilogy. I hear books 2 and 3 calling my name.
August 2, 2017
Good read
I am amazed by the family's lifestyle considering they claim to be Amish. I've read a lot about the Amish and find that the characters in this book go against everything the Amish believe in. Regardless, if you can look past that anomaly, this was a fairly good book to read.
I am amazed by the family's lifestyle considering they claim to be Amish. I've read a lot about the Amish and find that the characters in this book go against everything the Amish believe in. Regardless, if you can look past that anomaly, this was a fairly good book to read.
February 13, 2020
Such a great book! My Mom got this series of books for me for Christmas in 2019. I definitely share Sadie's love for horses in which my love for horses came from my own grandfather. As a child he would let me ride his horse around the yard every time I visited him so I can really relate to how much Sadie wanted her own horse. I hope to one day have my own horse too.
June 24, 2021
Total disappointment. It was like I was reading something written for children. It seemed disjointed. The story wasn’t that interesting. You couldn’t tell when characters were thinking or if it was narration. Too many words about things that had nothing to do with the story, and not enough about the actual plot.
July 22, 2023
My hot summers are never complete without reading at least one Amish novel. This book was written a little different that some of the other authors of Amish books. The author grew up and has remained Amish, so she writes from a slightly different perspective than someone on the outside writing about the Amish. Sweet, sappy and easy read especially on a hot summer afternoon when stuck indoors!
November 12, 2017
I love Linda Byler's writing. Her words are alive!! Wonderful characters and very different from your average Amish novel. Most Amish novels are sicky sweet. Ms Byler tells it like is and allows us to see the Amish as real people with real problems like everyone else.
June 29, 2019
Never give up on your dreams
A great Amish story.I loved the mystery of the horses.I also liked the closeness of the family with their man's illness.I recommend this to anyone who loves Amish and horses.
A great Amish story.I loved the mystery of the horses.I also liked the closeness of the family with their man's illness.I recommend this to anyone who loves Amish and horses.
January 20, 2024
"Wild Horses" by Linda Byler. Sadie and her move from out east to Montana and she has to leave behind her beloved horse. She then is gifted another one, but then tragedy strikes on a few levels. It is an Amish novel. It is first in the series.
February 3, 2018
Interesting and well-written Amish type story. Clean, and a good story plot.
November 21, 2018
Sometimes you just need a gentle read with likeable characters and good horse sense.
November 13, 2019
Did not care for this book. Hard to follow at times. Lot of narrative but little dialogue between characters
May 8, 2020
Loved it!
May 12, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Quick read, good characters, and no smut to avoid.
December 21, 2020
Absolutely a must read. Kept me very intrigued and wanting to read more. I and wait to read the next two books in the trilogy.
February 3, 2021
I liked it, but not enough to give it four stars.
July 29, 2021
Beautifully written story!
March 16, 2022
Sadie and her bratty siblings treat their parents and each other horribly and Sadie was the worst.
November 11, 2022
I liked it. Can't wait to read next one.
January 1, 2023
Fantastic story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews