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A Pony for Christmas: A Montana Holiday Novella
Winner, LYRA Award, Best Novella, Bookstores Without Borders
Winner, Reader Views Award
Winner, Best Novella, Hearts Through History RWA
Finalist, National Excellence in Romance Fiction Novella
Six-year-old Suzy Jenkins desperately wants a pony for Christmas. And she’s certain Santa will deliver. After all, she’s been on her best behavior for months—not tattling on the bullies and even sharing her only candy cane. Besides, this year she has everything ready, including a cracked water bucket and several wizened carrots.
Suzy’s mother struggles just to put food on the table. Life has been difficult since her husband died, and any pet—especially a pony—is impossible. However Suzy’s unflagging belief in the importance of being kind serves as a catalyst, sending ripples throughout her snowy Montana town and bringing love and happiness to more than just a big-hearted little girl.
Winner, Reader Views Award
Winner, Best Novella, Hearts Through History RWA
Finalist, National Excellence in Romance Fiction Novella
Six-year-old Suzy Jenkins desperately wants a pony for Christmas. And she’s certain Santa will deliver. After all, she’s been on her best behavior for months—not tattling on the bullies and even sharing her only candy cane. Besides, this year she has everything ready, including a cracked water bucket and several wizened carrots.
Suzy’s mother struggles just to put food on the table. Life has been difficult since her husband died, and any pet—especially a pony—is impossible. However Suzy’s unflagging belief in the importance of being kind serves as a catalyst, sending ripples throughout her snowy Montana town and bringing love and happiness to more than just a big-hearted little girl.
60 pages, Paperback
First published November 13, 2014
86 people are currently reading
552 people want to read
About the author
Bev Pettersen
43 books249 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling Author Bev Pettersen is a three-time nominee in the National Readers Choice Award as well as the winner of other international awards including the Reader Views Reviewer’s Choice Award, Aspen Gold Reader’s Choice Award, Write Touch Readers’ Award, Kirkus Recommended Read, and a HOLT Medallion Award of Merit. She competed on the Alberta Thoroughbred race circuit and is an Equestrian Canada certified coach.
Bev lives in Nova Scotia with her family—humans and four-legged—and when she's not writing novels, she's riding. If you’d like to know when her next book will be available or just want to say hi, please visit her at www.BevPettersen.com
Bev lives in Nova Scotia with her family—humans and four-legged—and when she's not writing novels, she's riding. If you’d like to know when her next book will be available or just want to say hi, please visit her at www.BevPettersen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 19, 2018
This is such a sweet story! Even though the little girl is trying to "be good" because of Santa Clause, there is no Santa, no magic, and no mysterious things.
Suzy is just such a sweet little girl. She wants a pony for Christmas even though her daddy died, and they are quite poor. She isn't selfish, and works hard to be ready for the pony she is sure Santa is going to bring her.
The other characters are just as likable (except the two bullies) and the ending was perfect!
This is a secular story with no mention of the real meaning of Christmas, but there was nothing objectionable about it (except the child's belief in Santa), and I'm sure I'll read it again.
Suzy is just such a sweet little girl. She wants a pony for Christmas even though her daddy died, and they are quite poor. She isn't selfish, and works hard to be ready for the pony she is sure Santa is going to bring her.
The other characters are just as likable (except the two bullies) and the ending was perfect!
This is a secular story with no mention of the real meaning of Christmas, but there was nothing objectionable about it (except the child's belief in Santa), and I'm sure I'll read it again.
December 14, 2016
This is actually sweet, but not too sweet. Despite what seems to be a QH on the cover, it concerns standardbreds and thoroughbreds more than anything. Set in the 1960s, it shows the determination of Suzy to get a pony for Christmas. She digs up grass, for instance, to make sure she has something to fed it. It's cute and sweet, and a nice short read.
March 19, 2017
superb so heartwarming!
December 28, 2021
My copy of this novella must be the Canadian version. There is no subtitle mentioning a Montana Holiday, or any holiday at all for the impoverished family depicted, so I assume the American version must have other differences as well. Perhaps I did not read the same book others are reviewing here. It was not a book I would have chosen, but it purported to be set in the Nova Scotian town of Truro, an hour from where I live (much of the story takes place at the well-known exhibition grounds and race track) and I read it because I am interested in supporting local books. Suzy, the six-year-old who wants a pony for Christmas, is not on holiday at all, but living at home. In Truro. Instead of being subtitled, "A Montana Holiday Novella," I am informed beneath the title of my copy it has been written by an "Award Winning Author." It might have said "Adapted for Canadian Readers."
I did enjoy the book, but wonder now if I favoured it because of its Nova Scotian slant. But I did like it being neither a children's story nor written for adults, a book for anyone. A quick read, it was a pleasant way to pass a December afternoon, with a not-exactly-surprise ending, but a reasonably satisfying one. Besides the nicer lead characters, it had its unkind ones, bully-boys and the mother of Suzy's best friend who wouldn't let Suzy into the winner's circle after the race because "she's not a club member." While it was supposedly set in Truro, I recognized it could be situated anywhere, even in Montana, say. I liked it enough I could picture it playing on the Hallmark Christmas channel, the muted, background love story given its due.
I did enjoy the book, but wonder now if I favoured it because of its Nova Scotian slant. But I did like it being neither a children's story nor written for adults, a book for anyone. A quick read, it was a pleasant way to pass a December afternoon, with a not-exactly-surprise ending, but a reasonably satisfying one. Besides the nicer lead characters, it had its unkind ones, bully-boys and the mother of Suzy's best friend who wouldn't let Suzy into the winner's circle after the race because "she's not a club member." While it was supposedly set in Truro, I recognized it could be situated anywhere, even in Montana, say. I liked it enough I could picture it playing on the Hallmark Christmas channel, the muted, background love story given its due.
December 18, 2021
Perfect Book to Make a Christmas Tradition!
What a treasure, the perfect book to add to your family or your personal Christmas Tradition and remind us how our hearts should focus not on ourselves but on others, and most especially at this time of year. Since it's bendable, I plan to lend it to my niece this Christmas in hopes she'll get her own next year. But Don't bypass it any other season because it is a sweet short story with a great moral for anytime of year.
What a treasure, the perfect book to add to your family or your personal Christmas Tradition and remind us how our hearts should focus not on ourselves but on others, and most especially at this time of year. Since it's bendable, I plan to lend it to my niece this Christmas in hopes she'll get her own next year. But Don't bypass it any other season because it is a sweet short story with a great moral for anytime of year.
December 7, 2014
Perfect read for Christmas
Despite crying through most of the book; it was wonderful. Immediately I felt a kinship with the characters. Great read!
Despite crying through most of the book; it was wonderful. Immediately I felt a kinship with the characters. Great read!
December 12, 2018
This was such an enjoyable sweet Christmas novell I'm not sure I'll ever be able to express my feelings nearly well enough - just wonderfull and beautifully written.
Usually I'm not a fan of such sweet stories but this one shows what's meant when Jesus tells us we have to became like the little children - so this story is according to the main character's personality: sweet, naive, innocent, showing big faith, huge heart and care for others, and overall cute.
It's told from the point of view of a six year old girl wishing, believing and doing everything in her power to get a ponny for Christmas and still having an eye for the needs of the people around her and making their lives better.
It's so great I expect to re-read it as often as I can in the following years to grab a little more of this warm & fuzzy feeling for my life.
In my opinion it can be read to any (but especially horse-loving) child though enjoyed by adults as well and helps to find a slow and meaningfull break in our hectic pre-Christmas times.
Usually I'm not a fan of such sweet stories but this one shows what's meant when Jesus tells us we have to became like the little children - so this story is according to the main character's personality: sweet, naive, innocent, showing big faith, huge heart and care for others, and overall cute.
It's told from the point of view of a six year old girl wishing, believing and doing everything in her power to get a ponny for Christmas and still having an eye for the needs of the people around her and making their lives better.
It's so great I expect to re-read it as often as I can in the following years to grab a little more of this warm & fuzzy feeling for my life.
In my opinion it can be read to any (but especially horse-loving) child though enjoyed by adults as well and helps to find a slow and meaningfull break in our hectic pre-Christmas times.
January 4, 2015
This delightful novella focuses on six year old Suzy Jenkins who is desperate to secure her first pony. She is convinced Santa will bring her a pony for Christmas and already has a yard and shed ready for it.
Suzy doesn’t mind what colour her pony will be, she just desires to have one to love. Living in poor surroundings, she is excited to read that ponies can live on water and grass alone. Her eagerness to collect as much grass as possible in the winter months leading up to Christmas catches the attention of a local homeless man, Carl.
Suzy confides in him that she is getting a pony for Christmas and she is preparing. Carl is surprised by her certainty at receiving such a gift, especially when ponies are expensive to keep. Suzy admits that she has written to Santa and has been extra good this year so that she will get her wish.
As the six year old works hard to be nice to others, her kindness touches others in an unexpected way. Could it be that Santa will indeed bring her a pony for Christmas? A delightful tale for young readers with a theme of kindness throughout.
Suzy doesn’t mind what colour her pony will be, she just desires to have one to love. Living in poor surroundings, she is excited to read that ponies can live on water and grass alone. Her eagerness to collect as much grass as possible in the winter months leading up to Christmas catches the attention of a local homeless man, Carl.
Suzy confides in him that she is getting a pony for Christmas and she is preparing. Carl is surprised by her certainty at receiving such a gift, especially when ponies are expensive to keep. Suzy admits that she has written to Santa and has been extra good this year so that she will get her wish.
As the six year old works hard to be nice to others, her kindness touches others in an unexpected way. Could it be that Santa will indeed bring her a pony for Christmas? A delightful tale for young readers with a theme of kindness throughout.
August 23, 2017
A Pony for Christmas is a delightful quick read as told from a six-year-old's perspective. Wonderful story, and characters. Because it's a short story, or novella, there's an economy of language, and characters aren't as fleshed out, but the story holds. Suzy believes that if she is very good, Santa will bring her a pony, despite all odds to the contrary. Sort of a "build it and they will come" theme, to steal a metaphor from Field of Dreams. Sometimes magic happens. I didn't realize that that the novella was written by Bev Petersen, an author I admire. Bev rode the racetrack circuit in Alberta, she knows her horses, and has a keen eye for detail. But in this story, she's outdone herself, and the tale will linger, long after you've put the book down. Kudus. It will tug at your heartstrings. A hard copy to any horse crazy little girl would make a fine Christmas or birthday gift.
A version of this review also appears on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
A version of this review also appears on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
December 21, 2014
oh my goodness! When I first started it I just wasn't sure. Bullies, a homeless guy, no tattletelling, an extremely poor mom and daughter. This seemed like a very sad Christmas story. And since I had just finished one of those I almost didn't read this. So glad I did.
All of those things combined to a heart warming, tear jerking crescendo. So adorable and so filled with Christmas love and miracles!
All of those things combined to a heart warming, tear jerking crescendo. So adorable and so filled with Christmas love and miracles!
December 25, 2015
A cute winter tale told from the point of view of a six year old child who has dreamt of her own pony for a very long time. She figures out that she must be responsible and prepared for taking care of a pony.
She also tries to do what her mother tells her, such as sharing and being polite.
This sweet, short book tackles some tough topics and has a heartwarming effect.
She also tries to do what her mother tells her, such as sharing and being polite.
This sweet, short book tackles some tough topics and has a heartwarming effect.
December 21, 2014
Every little horse lover's dream
I am a little girl still, and love horses, at least at heart. I was this age back in the early 60's and dreamed of a pony. A truly double happy ending with a pony and family healed makes a great Christmas read.
I am a little girl still, and love horses, at least at heart. I was this age back in the early 60's and dreamed of a pony. A truly double happy ending with a pony and family healed makes a great Christmas read.
January 17, 2015
Delightful
I chose this book because I love horses and want ed a quick read. I believe this would be a wonderful story for children and will recommend it to my daughters for their girls.
Again, delightful!
I chose this book because I love horses and want ed a quick read. I believe this would be a wonderful story for children and will recommend it to my daughters for their girls.
Again, delightful!
December 9, 2014
I loved this sweet, sentimental Christmas novella. It has everything a satisfying Christmas story needs. It will definitely become part of my annual Christmas reading.
March 24, 2015
I don't think I have read a book from a six year old point of view. But it was adorable and touched my heart. Cute, sweet story.
July 7, 2015
This is a fun little story. Not five stars in comparison to Pettersen's novels, but probably as good as non-Pettersen books I give five stars to.
November 15, 2015
A Pony For Christmas
It's a sweet story that reminds everyone that giving to others and caring for those who have less the we do.
Well written and an easy read.
It's a sweet story that reminds everyone that giving to others and caring for those who have less the we do.
Well written and an easy read.
March 17, 2016
A very cute Christmas novella! The characters were great, and I really liked the tone and message of the story.
November 25, 2017
It is just before Christmas and Suzy is trying so hard to be good because she just knows that this year Santa is going to bring her a real live pony. She and her mother have moved to this small town in Montana after the death of Suzy’s father. Her mother, tries hard to keep her daughter’s belief in the magic of Christmas alive, knowing all the while it is a struggle to just provide the basics for her them. Hard pressed as she is, she has raised her daughter to have a good heart and when she makes some new friends, Mom finds out that Christmas miracles may sometimes happen in the real world.
Who hasn't wanted a pony for Christmas? Telling this story from the perspective of a 6 year old child is sheer genius. Children, in their innocence, are brutally honest in how they view the the world and yet are often completely oblivious to to the harsh realities of that world. Using Suzy’s voice, the author has done a fantastic job of putting a lot of exposition in this short read. Her child's ability to see good in all and to show kindness reverberates through the entire story.
While the outcome of the story is never in doubt, the people Suzy meets along the way make this a perfect Christmas read, and I am not ashamed to admit I shed a tear or two as a twist I did not expect showed itself. Carl’s history is compelling and even peripheral characters have a way of filling out the story.
Bev Pettersen has a impressive list of grown up books to her credit. This particular novella is perfect for readers ages 6-600
Who hasn't wanted a pony for Christmas? Telling this story from the perspective of a 6 year old child is sheer genius. Children, in their innocence, are brutally honest in how they view the the world and yet are often completely oblivious to to the harsh realities of that world. Using Suzy’s voice, the author has done a fantastic job of putting a lot of exposition in this short read. Her child's ability to see good in all and to show kindness reverberates through the entire story.
While the outcome of the story is never in doubt, the people Suzy meets along the way make this a perfect Christmas read, and I am not ashamed to admit I shed a tear or two as a twist I did not expect showed itself. Carl’s history is compelling and even peripheral characters have a way of filling out the story.
Bev Pettersen has a impressive list of grown up books to her credit. This particular novella is perfect for readers ages 6-600
September 22, 2024
Heartwarming and Worth Reading! I loved this novella despite it not being my favorite book of the year. I appreciated the innocence of little Suzy, her kindness, and her willingness to forgive and think of others before herself. I wasn't sure how I felt about her mother, but it was clear to me Suzy's mother loves her no matter what. About halfway through the book, up to the very end, I had a suspicion that Mr. Barrett is "somehow related" to Suzy. Maybe her father? Mr. Barrett kissed Suzy's mom on the lips, there's a connection between them, and I think I might just be pulling at stocking threads here, but could Suzy be Mr. Barrett's daughter? Suzy's mom is a single parent and acts differently around him. And I loved how selfless Suzy was towards Carl, the homeless man, and returned him to his family in the most beautiful of ways. Also, I loved Prince as a character even if he never speaks, haha. I'm sure he'll be a good boy for Suzy! Will I reread this novel closer to Christmas? Absolutely! It's such a beautiful story!
December 4, 2017
A Pony for Christmas
A delightful short story about a little girl's wish for a pony. Since it is getting close to Christmas, she decides to ask Santa for one. She truly believes with the faith of a child that Santa will bring her a pony, even when her mother and friends tell her it probably won't happen for all sorts of practical reasons. Read and see if she gets her one true wish!
A delightful short story about a little girl's wish for a pony. Since it is getting close to Christmas, she decides to ask Santa for one. She truly believes with the faith of a child that Santa will bring her a pony, even when her mother and friends tell her it probably won't happen for all sorts of practical reasons. Read and see if she gets her one true wish!
December 24, 2019
I seldom read short stories but I am really glad that I read this one.
All Suzy wants is a pony for Christmas even though she doesn't understand that she and her mother are poor. Too poor to care for a pony. But hope springs eternal. She makes friends with a homeless man and shares her precious candy cane with him along with her secrets. She embodies the spirit of Christmas and with her gentle ways, brings Christmas to some very special friends. A quick read and a feel good story.
All Suzy wants is a pony for Christmas even though she doesn't understand that she and her mother are poor. Too poor to care for a pony. But hope springs eternal. She makes friends with a homeless man and shares her precious candy cane with him along with her secrets. She embodies the spirit of Christmas and with her gentle ways, brings Christmas to some very special friends. A quick read and a feel good story.
December 30, 2019
Tear Jerker
Absolutely the best Christmas read you will have purchased in a very long time. If it doesn't bring tears to your eyes then you need to be reading "Scrouge". You don't cry because it's sad. A Pony For Christmas touches your heart because it tells a story of a little girl who had so much
trust and faith which you and I have so little of. And thank you to those of you like Ms. Bed who still can put those feelings in to words. This is a must read.
Absolutely the best Christmas read you will have purchased in a very long time. If it doesn't bring tears to your eyes then you need to be reading "Scrouge". You don't cry because it's sad. A Pony For Christmas touches your heart because it tells a story of a little girl who had so much
trust and faith which you and I have so little of. And thank you to those of you like Ms. Bed who still can put those feelings in to words. This is a must read.
November 27, 2017
I really enjoyed this sweet Christmas story. This story will appeal to all ages. I received this book for free and I voluntarily chose to review it. I've given it a 5* rating. This young child really wants a pony. She's very determined and willing to take care of it once Santa brings her one. This also makes a great children's book.
November 25, 2017
Dreams
I am 65. I still remember wishing for a pony every Christmas. Something you never outgrow. Loved reading the story. Was always hoping a miracle like this would happen for me. Enjoy reading about it . Glad to read about a dream come true and imagining the thrill and joy.
I am 65. I still remember wishing for a pony every Christmas. Something you never outgrow. Loved reading the story. Was always hoping a miracle like this would happen for me. Enjoy reading about it . Glad to read about a dream come true and imagining the thrill and joy.
November 27, 2017
Sweet Gift with a Red Bow
A sweet story of caring, love and helping your fellow man all tied up with a Red Christmas bow. We can all use a little bit more of the Christmas spirit in this highly commercial world. I really enjoyed this story hopefully you will also.
A sweet story of caring, love and helping your fellow man all tied up with a Red Christmas bow. We can all use a little bit more of the Christmas spirit in this highly commercial world. I really enjoyed this story hopefully you will also.
December 6, 2017
Suitable for middle-grade children all the way to the oldest of readers, this inspiring novella features a six-year-old girl who wants a pony for Christmas. I can’t recommend this book highly enough for its magic, its humor, and its message. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
November 11, 2019
A heartwarming tale
This is a great Christmas story with a good message about the power of love and sacrifice. I recommend it for young readers and anyone who believes in the Christmas spirit of giving to others.
This is a great Christmas story with a good message about the power of love and sacrifice. I recommend it for young readers and anyone who believes in the Christmas spirit of giving to others.
April 18, 2021
You KNOW What You're Getting
But you read it --& cry-- anyway! Nicely told from the 6-year-old's perspective, the adult stuff is nicely understated. The bully. The curmudgeon. The Rich guy. The Romance.
The formula all here wrapped in a very nice package.
But you read it --& cry-- anyway! Nicely told from the 6-year-old's perspective, the adult stuff is nicely understated. The bully. The curmudgeon. The Rich guy. The Romance.
The formula all here wrapped in a very nice package.
December 14, 2016
Nicely done!
A "feel good" quick read bursting with holiday spirit. A lovely and fun story to warm the heart and nurture the soul.
A "feel good" quick read bursting with holiday spirit. A lovely and fun story to warm the heart and nurture the soul.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews