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A Guiding Star
An enchanting story of family, hope and love - After Shelley's husband dies in an accident, she returns with her son Dannie to her parents in the Highlands. At first, no kindness can soothe her frustration with life in a wheelchair and Dannie's disturbed behaviour. Star is a Golden Retriever, stolen from her beloved owners and abandoned. When Shelley's father rescues her, it's a lucky day for Star but it will be even luckier for Shelley and Dannie . . .
- GenresAnimals
316 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2006
11 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Stranger
113 books30 followersPsuedonym of Joyce Muriel Wilson (1921–2007). Lived in Anglesey, Wales.
Trained as a biologist, specialising in animal behaviour, and tried her hand at dog training too. Not surprisingly, animal themes, especially relationships between human and animal feature in all of her books. She thought that the human-animal/human-nature relationship was extremely important and that a co-existence between the two could improve quality of life. She said "for many people an animal can provide a harmony lacking in day-to-day relationships with people."
Her books are not very anthropomorphic, deliberately so. She thought that many animal books, especially childrens were inaccurate or sentimental or humanised the animal and wanted her stories instead to "show how animals live in a world that is real to them"
They are definitely not sentimental either, many are quite downbeat. Disasters often strike her fictional worlds and her characters are often unhappy, guilt-stricken or remorseful. However they usually end on a more upbeat and optimistic note.
Ms. Stranger was one of the few authors to write horse stories aimed at adults. Most of her pony books are either adult or teenage stories.
Trained as a biologist, specialising in animal behaviour, and tried her hand at dog training too. Not surprisingly, animal themes, especially relationships between human and animal feature in all of her books. She thought that the human-animal/human-nature relationship was extremely important and that a co-existence between the two could improve quality of life. She said "for many people an animal can provide a harmony lacking in day-to-day relationships with people."
Her books are not very anthropomorphic, deliberately so. She thought that many animal books, especially childrens were inaccurate or sentimental or humanised the animal and wanted her stories instead to "show how animals live in a world that is real to them"
They are definitely not sentimental either, many are quite downbeat. Disasters often strike her fictional worlds and her characters are often unhappy, guilt-stricken or remorseful. However they usually end on a more upbeat and optimistic note.
Ms. Stranger was one of the few authors to write horse stories aimed at adults. Most of her pony books are either adult or teenage stories.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 23, 2017
A sweet story that starts out with a pregnant Golden Lab being stolen, her escape and having her puppies in Scottish Highland farm area. She and the two surviving pups are rescued by a farmer and her special talents help to heal a family dealing with tragedy.
February 9, 2025
Loved it. Classic Joyce Stranger, interesting believeable characters. All about the healing power of animals and the incredible work of 'Dogs for the Disabled'...amazing animals and trainers.
January 18, 2008
For those who know the power of animals to help people heal emotionally and physically. It almost makes me want to get a dog (almost).
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews