Clothed With Thunder

Sonrise Stable #3

by Vicki Watson

After sitting through a 4-H demonstration on the evolution of the horse, Rosie and Carrie are determined to present the arguments for creation at the club’s next meeting. The demonstration proves harder to put together than they imagined as everyone offers the girls their opinions. The lessons Rosie learns about creation extend into her life in surprising ways as she faces her old adversary, Billy King, who cheated her out of her first trophy with her pony, Scamper.

Clothed With Thunder is the third book in the Sonrise Stable series - the heartwarming, continuing story of an extended homeschooling family as they live, learn, and love together. Mixing adventure, life lessons, and realistic horse experiences, the series is a must for readers who enjoy family values, Christian faith, and, of course, horses!

Genres: Christian Fiction, Childrens

136 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2012

About the author

My love of horses began at the age of 8 when a teenage neighbor offered me my first horseback ride. Horses were to become a very important part of my life, although I never could have imagined, at the time, how much God would teach me about Himself and my relationship to Him through these wonderful animals.

The Sonrise Stable series combines my love of God and horses in stories designed to help children learn more about both. I have been blessed with three daughters and homeschooled each through high school. I enjoy trail riding my Rocky Mountain mare, Nikki, hiking, photography, and playing guitar. I work from home as a web designer.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Amanda Tero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three begins right where book two leaves off—and it starts with quite a bang, as Rosie and Carrie are confronted with evolution at their 4-H meeting and are making a decision about what to do with it. I loved all of the evolution vs. Creation details presented in this book. I felt like it was very tastefully done without being preachy or pulling away from the story.

Like with the other books, there was a strong Christian family bond. One thing I’ve enjoyed about this series is how the characters grow and progress throughout it. Some important topics are brought to light and discussed.

There are some attitude issues in this book, the most blatant of which are addressed by the parents. It’s not something that would bother me in handing to children, but some parents are very careful about attitude issues.

And I’ve just gotta say, I loved Billy in this book and eagerly await reading more of him in future books! This series has continued to be a series that I would highly recommend to a conservative family.

*I received this book from the author and happily provided my honest review*

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 4 out of 5]

About this book:

“After sitting through a 4-H demonstration on the evolution of the horse, Rosie and Carrie are determined to present the arguments for creation at the club’s next meeting. The demonstration proves harder to put together than they imagined as everyone offers the girls their opinions. The lessons Rosie learns about creation extend into her life in surprising ways as she faces her old adversary, Billy King, who cheated her out of her first trophy with her pony, Scamper.”


Series: Book #3 in the “Sonrise Stable” series. (Book #1’s review Here!; Book #2’s review Here!)


Spiritual Content- Job 39:19-22 at the beginning & is later discussed; Scriptures are quoted, mentioned & discussed; Prayers & Blessings over food; A Major part of this book is Talks about God, evolution, millions of years, creations & many questions about those three; Talks about faith & how the Bible says the earth was made; Talks about prayers & forgiving; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Lots of research for a demonstration on creation; Trying to get people to see the creation side of believing; Mentions of those in the Bible.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’, an ‘oh my word’, and three ‘stupid’s; Rosie has a hard time letting go of her grudge about Billy and is a bit snippy at him; Mentions of Billy when he abused Bandit (Book #1); A bit of sibling bicker; Looking & Learning about an old horse leg (kind of gross but talks about the science part of it).


Sexual Content- Jessie asks Rosie if her letter is from her boyfriend, “Of course not.”.

-Rosie, 10-ish
P.O.V. of Rosie & Carrie
128 pages

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Pre Teens- Four Stars (and a half)
New Teens- Five Stars
Early High School Teens- Four Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
This one had a much more serious matter with the debate about Creation vs evaluation and forgiving someone you don’t like. I’ve gone to many creation seminars, so it’s safe to say that I enjoying reading even more about that topic. The “Sonrise Stables” series is a great series for younger kids and it’s an easy, enjoyable read for older teens. I personally think it would be fine for girls and boys. Especially if they’re homeschooled…lots of Spiritual Content & Science in “Clothed with Thunder”! :)


Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Author for this review.

[Shirley Scurlock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the Sonrise Stables series.

After sitting through a 4-H demonstration on the evolution of the horse, Rosie and Carrie are determined to present the arguments for creation at the club’s next meeting. The demonstration proves harder to put together than they imagined as everyone offers the girls their opinions. The lessons Rosie learns about creation extend into her life in surprising ways as she faces her old adversary, Billy King, who cheated her out of her first trophy with her pony, Scamper.

nikki-vicki-222x300

About the Author: Vicki Watson

My love of horses began when a teenage neighbor offered me my first ride, on the back of her horse. From my 8-year-old perspective, it seemed like the biggest horse in the world. From that moment on, I was addicted. Horses were to become a very important part of my life, although I never could have imagined, at the time, how much God would teach me about Himself and my relationship to Him through these wonderful animals.

The Sonrise Stable series combines my love of God and horses in stories that I hope will help children learn more about both. I have a vision for ten initial books in the series, taking the main characters through one year. Beyond that I’ll see where God leads me.

I have been blessed with three daughters and homeschooled each of them through high school. I enjoy trail riding my Rocky Mountain mare, Nikki, hiking, photography, and playing guitar. I work from home as a web designer and computer programmer and enjoy the variety and flexibility that allows.

Visit Vicki Watson at her site: Sonrise Stables

My Review

cwa-review-crew-disclosure-color-111

I came to this book at a disadvantage because I have not read the entire series and this is a continuing story. My review is somewhat late because of serious illness and I hope I can do this lovely book justice.

This is a wonderful childrens’ series in a time when parents are desperate for clean moral entertainment. Vickies love for horses comes through every line and my granddaughter shares that passion. Cathy jumped at the chance to read the book and is begging for the entire series. I found the book to be fun, morally fit, and great entertainment for people of all ages.

I would recommend this book as a Christmas gift, a birthday present or just a “good job” surprise for any young person.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the chance to review book 2, Carrie and Bandit, earlier this year and even though we jumped into the series without reading the first book it was a big hit both with my girls and my son. So when I had the chance to receive the 3rd book Sonrise Stable: Clothed With Thunder I knew I had to grab it and share it with my children as well. As the description says it begins with both girls, Rosie and Carrie, sitting through a fellow 4-Her’s demonstration of the evolution of the horse – and it doesn’t sit well with either of them because they know that evolution is not a fact and so they set out to do their own demonstration in defense of Creationism. Since both girls are homeschooled they are able to spend quite a bit of time in their research in proving to their group that the horse didn’t evolve over millions of years but instead was created by a Creator – however I won’t give too many spoilers for you in how things turn out.

I actually enjoyed this one more than the second one we read, maybe because it seemed more ‘real’ in the fact that the girls weren’t doing book work and were learning from real life and the fact that discussions seemed more natural between the characters. I loved too that the book gave facts instead of just conjecture or opinions – one thing I’m learning is that we all have opinions but if those opinions aren’t based on Scripture then a Christian’s arguments will fall flat. While this was a ‘fun’ book it was quite educational as well as with the overarching theme of anger and forgiveness.

At the end of the book is a simple run down of the anatomical features that proves there had to be a Creator in the designing of the horse versus evolution. There is also another resource mentioned called eQuest For Truth which is a site dedicated to Apologetics for the Equine Enthusiast – and it’s filled with tons of information that go along with Vicki’s book. Since the author, the characters and I are all homeschoolers I’d like to add that this could be a wonderful spring board for a unit study on horses and even Creationism versus Evolution – children should be prepared to give a reason for their hope and that begins in Genesis.

**I was provided a copy of this book through CWA in exchange for posting my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.

[Jennifer Clausen-greene]

This is the 2nd book in this series that I have read with my kids and we are so impressed. I actually ended up reading the last book in the series Tender Mercies first. My daughter loves that the main characters are homeschooled girls just like her. Plus, its a book about horses, I just don't think you can go wrong there with girls especially. The only thing she did not like about this book was that she wished the illustrator would have added in a few more photos at the beginning of the chapters.

I really enjoyed watching Billy grow as he accepted Christ. Changing your ways from who you were to who you want to be in Christ is not always easy, especially when people want to still judge you by who you have been and not who you are becoming. Rosie witnessed this first hand within herself. She wanted to condemn Billy for who he was when she first met, instead of seeing who he was becoming in Christ.

There are two main themes running through this book. First, several times thoughout the book there is the mention of evolution verses creation. At the end there is a debate between evolution and creation in the design of horses that was interesting, showing how their had to be a Creators hand in the design of these magnificent animals. The other theme you see consequentially is forgiveness verses past sins. Time and again you see several characters that are wither confronted with their past sins such as Billy , or those who talk about overcoming their past and being a forgiven person through God. Overall this was a another great book by Vicki that took on some tough subjects that teens deal with daily.


Note: When I received the book it came with a book marker, a pamphlet from Sonrise Stables listing out a description of the books in this series along with a code to receive 15% off the total purchase of 20 books or more which is great for teachers. Along with a pamphlet to Vicki's store Love2Ridehorses.com. Which has T-Shirts, books and gifts for all those horse lovers out there.

Disclaimer:

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

[Claudean Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clothed With Thunder (Sonrise Stable #3) by Vicki Watson~


A book review by Claudean Brown~

This is the third book in the Sonrise Stables Series of four: The book is about a family with whom have a great love for horses. This book will help you with your children's reading skills and also teach them godly morals and the importance of good sportsmanship. The idea of Home Schooling is being a great way of teaching their children the basics and also at the same time helping them learn more about God and his Creation.
Emily was so excited about her demonstration about Evolution at the 4-H Meeting and Rosie and Carrie knew that it was not true.
Creationism vs Evolution, this is the subject that Rosie and Carrie have to try and prove to their 4-H Club friends and to some who are not friends. They will try to prove that God is the Creator. You will be surprised how the girls got their point across to the other 4-H girls and their mothers.The belief that over a long period of time animals, such as the horses in this story evolved to be what they are today from small animals with four toes on their hind legs and three on front legs. Then they evolved through the ages to be the modern day horse that we have today.
Rosie and Carrie had the Word of God to help them with their demonstration. While Emily only had hear say that could not be proven, because there is not anyone alive now that was living when these small, three and four toed animals were supposed to have existed.

This book and the two before it would be awesome for children around eight to twelve years old. They would learn life lessons and if they have a love for horses it is ideal for them to read.

I would recommend this book for your child to read and learn about how a life with horses around you teaches you so very much about them.

"Clothed With Thunder is for readers who enjoy family values, Christian faith and of course a love for horses"! (Copied from the back of the book)



*I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am a part of The CWA Review Crew.*

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you familiar with the Sonrise Stable Series yet?
If not, you need to be.

Sonrise Stable is a fantastic series for both boys and girls. Follow the adventures of Rosie and Carrie as they embrace their love of horses and draw closer to God through the careful and wise influence of their Grandmother.

In book three, Clothed With Thunder, readers will learn all about the proposed evolution of the horse and how to argue a creationist worldview from an educated and convincing position.

There are several things I love about this book but I'll mention just a few:

First, Rosie and Carrie are homeschooled. This is rare in children's fiction and certainly appreciated. As a result, these girls really dig into the issue of evolution with the skill of true researchers. They examine both sides of the argument through careful study and organic life experience. Children will learn so much about creation versus the evolution argument while exploring the art of research.

Second, I am continually amazed by the covers and illustrations in this series as they seem to improve with every book. The covers are stunning. Horse lovers will truly be drawn to these books.

Third, Vicki Watson has really created so much more than meaningful fiction. She has developed a world for her books. Her website includes behind the scenes looks at the author and illustrator. You'll also find a link to The Christian Cowgirl Site featuring a forum for horse lovers, games, puzzles, devotions and more.

Vicki merges her loves horses and her love of God into wholesome fiction that children, girls especially, will treasure.

I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am a part of The CWA Review Crew.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clothed With Thunder is the 3rd book in the Sonrise Stables series which follows 2 homeschooled, horse-loving young ladies, Rosie and Carrie, through the ups and downs of their everyday lives. Rosie and Carrie are at their local 4-H meeting when they are faced with the dilemma of how to handle a horse presentation that presents the evolution of the horse as fact when they believe in the Biblical account of creation. Rosie wants to immediately confront the person who is giving the presentation, but her mom encourages both her and Carrie to do more research and present the information formally at the next 4-H meeting. Little do Rosie and Carrie realize how much time they will end up devoting to this presentation.

While this is all taking place, their family is also trying to purchase a farm that will work for the entire family which is near Aunt Julie’s house. The purchase of the farm brings an old enemy back into Rosie’s life. Will she be able to set aside her feelings and bitterness and forgive this person from the past?

Once again, Vicki’s love of horses and Christ shine through her writing. Faith and family are seamlessly woven throughout the story. The elements of faith and creationism do not feel forced or contrived; instead, they feel real and personal. The characters are believable – especially how the girls respond to the trials and disappointments they face. I personally love the strong family unit portrayed in the story that finds its foundation in their shared faith.

Clothed with Thunder is a strong, faith-based story that is sure to be hit with girls who love horses. Parents can feel comfortable allowing their kids to read this book as it reinforces the values of faith in God and a strong family unit.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes.

[Lynn Baber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few novels for readers of any age deliver an engaging story that moves forward without lumbering and packs quality education onto every page. “Clothed With Thunder” delivers on both counts.

The author presents characters, locations, and events so well that writing a screenplay would be a cinch. Readers will find the predicaments and challenges Rosie and Carrie face quite familiar.
Two central themes include evolution vs. creationism and finding a way to forgive past wrongs. I haven’t been a teenager for more than four decades, but I learned quite a bit from the book and enjoyed every page.

Why lecture your kids on forgiveness, responsibility, family values, and how to react to negative peer pressure when you can share books like this with them? Read the story and let your children see how God’s plan is always perfect.

Many series disappoint readers as the number of books increase and the quality of storylies and writing diminish. In this case the reverse is true. Books in this series only get better!

Excellent choice for gift-giving or as a non-traditional text for home school curricula.

[Melina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful series for tween girls. I have read two books in this series so far. If you have a tween girl in your life who loves horses and who needs to know more about the love of God, this is a wonderful series for them. Vickie does a wonderful job writing this in a way that young girls will understand. I enjoy the stories myself. I am not a horse rider, but I think horses are beautiful. This book tackles a tough subject, evolution. But Vickie does a great job with this topic and explains it in a way that youngsters will understand. Great job Vickie.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.

[Annie Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Clothed with Thunder, Rosie and her newly adopted sister Carrie are told all about the evolution of the horse at a 4-H speech. With the help of Grandma, who is recovering from a broken leg, and their homeschooling Mom, the girls prepare their own speech on the creation of the horse.

But that is not the only thing going on....

Read more at Tea Time with Annie Kate