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North Oak #2
Yearling
A new year has come to North Oak, and with it a new life for Alexandra Anderson. Will she be able to open her heart to others when its still battling demons from her past? Or will she go so deep into herself where no one can touch her, and risk losing Promenade in the Keeneland Yearling Sale?
Don't miss this sequel to North Oak #1: Born to Run!
On the heels of Joanna Campbell's beloved Thoroughbred Series, and Walter Farley's Black Stallion, comes a brand new young adult horse racing series that will sweep you away like a runaway Thoroughbred.
EXCERPT:
“I should be happy,” Alex sighed. “These folks, they’re real nice. For the first time in my life, I’m wanted. Well, they say that they want me. I almost feel needed sometimes. I don’t have to steal food anymore, or run away from what I’ve done, I’ve even got a warm bed. But the fact is… when I think of Ashley, I just want her back and nothing else. I want a life she exists in. And wanting that… it spoils what I have. I feel so ungrateful when I think of the life we could have made if we ran away from Haven together like we planned. I feel ungrateful because I would rather have a life on the streets with Ashley than a warm bed and you. I mean who in their right mind wants something like that? There’s something wrong with me.”
Don't miss this sequel to North Oak #1: Born to Run!
On the heels of Joanna Campbell's beloved Thoroughbred Series, and Walter Farley's Black Stallion, comes a brand new young adult horse racing series that will sweep you away like a runaway Thoroughbred.
EXCERPT:
“I should be happy,” Alex sighed. “These folks, they’re real nice. For the first time in my life, I’m wanted. Well, they say that they want me. I almost feel needed sometimes. I don’t have to steal food anymore, or run away from what I’ve done, I’ve even got a warm bed. But the fact is… when I think of Ashley, I just want her back and nothing else. I want a life she exists in. And wanting that… it spoils what I have. I feel so ungrateful when I think of the life we could have made if we ran away from Haven together like we planned. I feel ungrateful because I would rather have a life on the streets with Ashley than a warm bed and you. I mean who in their right mind wants something like that? There’s something wrong with me.”
- GenresYoung Adult
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2015
27 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Ann Hunter
32 books164 followersMulti-award winning author, Ann Hunter, is the creator of the young adult fantasy series Crowns of the Twelve (including the novels The Subtle Beauty, Moonlight, Fallen, with A Piece of Sky, Ashes, and The Rose In The Briar to follow). She likes cherry soda with chocolate ice cream, is a mom first and a writer second, has a secret identity, and thinks the Twilight movies are cheesier than cheez whiz (which is why they are her guilty pleasure!)
She lives in a cozy Utah home with her two awesome kids and epic husband.
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT HER HOMEPAGE:
https://www.facebook.com/authorannhunter
AND MAILING LIST:
http://eepurl.com/VZsFn
She lives in a cozy Utah home with her two awesome kids and epic husband.
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT HER HOMEPAGE:
https://www.facebook.com/authorannhunter
AND MAILING LIST:
http://eepurl.com/VZsFn
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 31, 2016
Alex is trying her best to fit at North Oak, it isn’t the people there, or her new family, it is her and she knows it. She just can’t quiet that rebel streak to live life on the edge and see what she can get away with. Is she testing everyone to see if they’ll toss her out? Abuse her? Does she really feel she is that useless? Yes, she has done some terrible things that no child should have to even think about, but she did it for the right reasons.
Promenade gets her, she is sure of it. The huge thoroughbred is her misunderstood kindred spirit. When there is a very good possibility Promenade will be sold, and Alex’s mind is swirling with what if scenarios. One thing for sure, he isn’t going anywhere until she rides him, at least once…will it mean doom for both of them? If Alex can’t go back to a world where Ashley lives, what else does she have?
Ann Hunter’s sequel to Born to Run, Yearling takes us past the world building and the character development and into the heart and mind of one broken girl struggling to make sense of life and where she fits in. her love for all things horse related and for one horse in particular becomes a desperate attempt to have some control and consistency in her life on her terms. Follow as Alex and her new family learn to deal with each other and maybe just learn to trust that there is a place for everyone in the hearts of the “family” at North Oak.
Ann Hunter takes grown-ups back to the days when owning a horse was a dream. She takes young adult readers into the world of horses that we cherished as children. The fantasy of being surrounded by horses, riding, racing, caring for them and building a bond, it’s all here on the rolling acres of North Oak. I don’t know about you, but I used to dream of having a horse, racing it and being a champion. I was fortunate enough to be able to live the dream of owning horses, but Ann Hunter has taken me back to my youth in a good way in a contemporary setting.
I received this copy from Ann Hunter in exchange for my honest review.
Series: North Oak - Book 2
Publisher: Rebel House Ink
Publication Date: October 1, 2015
Genre: YA Fiction | Horses
Print Length: 194 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Promenade gets her, she is sure of it. The huge thoroughbred is her misunderstood kindred spirit. When there is a very good possibility Promenade will be sold, and Alex’s mind is swirling with what if scenarios. One thing for sure, he isn’t going anywhere until she rides him, at least once…will it mean doom for both of them? If Alex can’t go back to a world where Ashley lives, what else does she have?
Ann Hunter’s sequel to Born to Run, Yearling takes us past the world building and the character development and into the heart and mind of one broken girl struggling to make sense of life and where she fits in. her love for all things horse related and for one horse in particular becomes a desperate attempt to have some control and consistency in her life on her terms. Follow as Alex and her new family learn to deal with each other and maybe just learn to trust that there is a place for everyone in the hearts of the “family” at North Oak.
Ann Hunter takes grown-ups back to the days when owning a horse was a dream. She takes young adult readers into the world of horses that we cherished as children. The fantasy of being surrounded by horses, riding, racing, caring for them and building a bond, it’s all here on the rolling acres of North Oak. I don’t know about you, but I used to dream of having a horse, racing it and being a champion. I was fortunate enough to be able to live the dream of owning horses, but Ann Hunter has taken me back to my youth in a good way in a contemporary setting.
I received this copy from Ann Hunter in exchange for my honest review.
Series: North Oak - Book 2
Publisher: Rebel House Ink
Publication Date: October 1, 2015
Genre: YA Fiction | Horses
Print Length: 194 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
October 28, 2017
This sequel to Born to Run revisits a troubled young teen who has come to live on a stud farm in Kentucky. She has many problems still, from behavioural issues to being illiterate to seeing the breeding process. Just as she is settling in, getting competent at riding and making friends, the daughter of the farm owners tells her that the colt she loves is going to be sold at the fall auctions. The farm is a business, but it's enough to make our heroine resent everyone.
I enjoyed how the tale moved along at a good clip and some good reasons for doing reading and maths were suggested. I found it odd that there aren't any boys as major characters, but girl readers will be fine with this for the most part. After all, who needs boys when you have horses? I see a slight implication that our heroine prefers girls anyway. One boy we see is a bully at school, and he's just there to present our heroine with an opportunity to stand up for someone. If she chooses.
With many enjoyable horse scenes this should be a popular and unusual YA read.
I enjoyed how the tale moved along at a good clip and some good reasons for doing reading and maths were suggested. I found it odd that there aren't any boys as major characters, but girl readers will be fine with this for the most part. After all, who needs boys when you have horses? I see a slight implication that our heroine prefers girls anyway. One boy we see is a bully at school, and he's just there to present our heroine with an opportunity to stand up for someone. If she chooses.
With many enjoyable horse scenes this should be a popular and unusual YA read.
April 21, 2026
4 Stars
*The introduction of Marshmallow and its so very cute.
*Big and small betrayals happening.
*Promenade’s prowess gets tested.
*My fave book so far.
*The introduction of Marshmallow and its so very cute.
*Big and small betrayals happening.
*Promenade’s prowess gets tested.
*My fave book so far.
June 7, 2023
Alex has been at North Oak for a few months and she’s trying her best to fit in. Though she still hasn’t started at school as she settles into life on the farm, she is learning a lot about her new life and the world of racing. While she struggles with everything she’s been through her one ray of sunshine is working with Promenade. But what will happen to Alex if he gets sold at the Yearling sale?
The depth of emotion that Alex portrays in this book is incredible. And the heaviness is cut through with fantastic wit surrounding puberty and horses one-oh-one, two things you wouldn’t think went together until they do. And then there’s the introduction of Carol and you start to glimpse why this series is listed as LGBTQ. For the parts I struggled with in book one, this book absolutely made up for.
The depth of emotion that Alex portrays in this book is incredible. And the heaviness is cut through with fantastic wit surrounding puberty and horses one-oh-one, two things you wouldn’t think went together until they do. And then there’s the introduction of Carol and you start to glimpse why this series is listed as LGBTQ. For the parts I struggled with in book one, this book absolutely made up for.
November 25, 2016
Things have changed drastically for Alexandra Anderson in the past 12 months. This is shown in Yearling, the second book in the North Oak series. Alex is no longer an orphan struggling to do what is required of her in a home run by a tyrant of a woman.
Instead, she has found a home and a – slightly dysfunctional – family in the staff members at North Oak. But it’s the horses that Alex feels most at home with, not the parental figures or teenage girls slightly older than her. Read more at http://equus-blog.com/yearling-north-...
Instead, she has found a home and a – slightly dysfunctional – family in the staff members at North Oak. But it’s the horses that Alex feels most at home with, not the parental figures or teenage girls slightly older than her. Read more at http://equus-blog.com/yearling-north-...
May 19, 2017
I am always on the hunt for a good middle-grade book for my 9 and 11-year-olds. Mainly my 11-year-old, who is an insatiable reader. So when Ann approached me to review Yearling, I gladly accepted. I am glad I did because this book was fantastic. There was no sophomore slump and honestly, that along with the vivid characters and background is what sold me on the book. Also, what sold me, was that it is a great book for anyone 11 and older (and the main reason I read it).
Alex, I wanted to reach through the book and give her a hug and tell her “It will be alright”. I am glad that the author made her as flawed as she did because it made her more relatable. I also liked that the author showed that traumatic events and losses (if you want to know what…read Born to Run) aren’t magically healed in between books. But, the author also showed how animals, in this case, a yearling named Promenade, can help a person with their healing….along with a support system and people who love unconditionally.
Now, saying what I said above, Alex was a very funny, sarcastic tween. Looking at my tween, I can say that the author is dead on with the mannerisms and attitude that Alex had. Gave me some really good laughs when I was reading. The biggest laugh was when Alex started her monthly and thought she was dying. I was outside and started laughing my butt off. Then when Hilary finds out and finds out that Alex doesn’t know anything about puberty or even had “The Talk“, she goes into Mom mode big time. Which included having Alex watch “A League of Their Own“(which personally is one of my favorite movies) and that becomes a running joke through the rest of the series. Also, Alex’s sex ed lesson was very interesting as was her reaction….lol.
The friendship storyline was fantastic and I like how the author took the time for Alex and Carol to build up their friendship. It went from Alex keeping her at arm’s length to embracing her as a friend and she was willing to do anything to protect her. Which meant standing up to Carol’s bully.
Now, I will be the first one to admit, I know nothing about Thoroughbred racing, racing farms or horses so I loved that the author explained everything in the book in ways that were understandable and interesting. From the stud services (see, I know that much…haha) to foaling to training the yearlings to training the racehorses, everything was explained in a way that never made you go “Eh”. Instead, it makes you go “Oh, well that makes sense”.
The end of the book really didn’t feel like an ending. While certain storylines were wrapped up, new ones were revealed and there are old ones that weren’t wrapped up. There was definitely an opening for book 3 (Morning Glory) and I will be posting my review of that soon!!
How many stars will I give Yearling: 4
Why: A wonderfully written middle grade book that actually brings to mind The Black Stallion series. I loved the plotlines, the characters…everything about the book.
Will I reread: Yes
Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes
Age range: Young Teen
Why: Mild cursing, no sex or violence
**I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it**
Alex, I wanted to reach through the book and give her a hug and tell her “It will be alright”. I am glad that the author made her as flawed as she did because it made her more relatable. I also liked that the author showed that traumatic events and losses (if you want to know what…read Born to Run) aren’t magically healed in between books. But, the author also showed how animals, in this case, a yearling named Promenade, can help a person with their healing….along with a support system and people who love unconditionally.
Now, saying what I said above, Alex was a very funny, sarcastic tween. Looking at my tween, I can say that the author is dead on with the mannerisms and attitude that Alex had. Gave me some really good laughs when I was reading. The biggest laugh was when Alex started her monthly and thought she was dying. I was outside and started laughing my butt off. Then when Hilary finds out and finds out that Alex doesn’t know anything about puberty or even had “The Talk“, she goes into Mom mode big time. Which included having Alex watch “A League of Their Own“(which personally is one of my favorite movies) and that becomes a running joke through the rest of the series. Also, Alex’s sex ed lesson was very interesting as was her reaction….lol.
The friendship storyline was fantastic and I like how the author took the time for Alex and Carol to build up their friendship. It went from Alex keeping her at arm’s length to embracing her as a friend and she was willing to do anything to protect her. Which meant standing up to Carol’s bully.
Now, I will be the first one to admit, I know nothing about Thoroughbred racing, racing farms or horses so I loved that the author explained everything in the book in ways that were understandable and interesting. From the stud services (see, I know that much…haha) to foaling to training the yearlings to training the racehorses, everything was explained in a way that never made you go “Eh”. Instead, it makes you go “Oh, well that makes sense”.
The end of the book really didn’t feel like an ending. While certain storylines were wrapped up, new ones were revealed and there are old ones that weren’t wrapped up. There was definitely an opening for book 3 (Morning Glory) and I will be posting my review of that soon!!
How many stars will I give Yearling: 4
Why: A wonderfully written middle grade book that actually brings to mind The Black Stallion series. I loved the plotlines, the characters…everything about the book.
Will I reread: Yes
Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes
Age range: Young Teen
Why: Mild cursing, no sex or violence
**I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it**
April 2, 2019
Yearling: North Oak # 2 by Ann Hunter is the second in a series focusing on the life of a teenage foster child named Alexandra, who ends up living on the property of North Oak, a horse breeding farm in Kentucky. This story focuses on the year after Alexandra first gets to North Oak and how the people there at the horse farm work to help Alexandra overcome the issues from her past. This story is funny, sweet, and endearing. Alexandra character is enchanting as a sarcastic teenager with a huge chip on her soldier and a personality that forces her to stand up for herself and those around her. I thoroughly enjoyed this book because the plot was entrancing. The story caused me to ride a rollercoaster of happy to sad while reading this book because it continually pulled at my emotions. I recommend this book for anyone middle grades and above who enjoys a realistic story.
January 2, 2023
3.5 Stars
Yearling book 2 of the North Oak series was a good read. I enjoyed seeing Alex learning more and her getting to spend more time with the horses and just being a young girl. However, i’m angry that trust is so hard for her and yet people are constantly breaking the trust she so delicately is giving them- she doesn’t trust as it it but when people keep breaking it how is she ever supposed to be able to believe she can rely on anyone. I love Pro and can’t wait to see more of him. I enjoyed getting to know some of the secondary characters more and hope to see some more from this series, especially with the horses.
Yearling book 2 of the North Oak series was a good read. I enjoyed seeing Alex learning more and her getting to spend more time with the horses and just being a young girl. However, i’m angry that trust is so hard for her and yet people are constantly breaking the trust she so delicately is giving them- she doesn’t trust as it it but when people keep breaking it how is she ever supposed to be able to believe she can rely on anyone. I love Pro and can’t wait to see more of him. I enjoyed getting to know some of the secondary characters more and hope to see some more from this series, especially with the horses.
August 24, 2020
Learning to Live
In book 1 13 yearold Alex escaped from the abusive foster home she grew up in. But she left her best friend behind, dead. She blames herself for Ashley's death. Now she lives in a home any teen would love, but she can't deal with the life she left behind.
A very well written story about learning to trust and care again set against the background of breeding thoroughbred racehorses.
In book 1 13 yearold Alex escaped from the abusive foster home she grew up in. But she left her best friend behind, dead. She blames herself for Ashley's death. Now she lives in a home any teen would love, but she can't deal with the life she left behind.
A very well written story about learning to trust and care again set against the background of breeding thoroughbred racehorses.
April 19, 2020
Characters are alive
Characters are alive and I like how our hero has both good things and bad. Although I am sorry at how bad some of it is, but like real life it happens. Fortunately most often not as much. Still I am enjoying the series. Just waiting for the next one.
Characters are alive and I like how our hero has both good things and bad. Although I am sorry at how bad some of it is, but like real life it happens. Fortunately most often not as much. Still I am enjoying the series. Just waiting for the next one.
February 18, 2021
This was such a good book! It is about how Alex dealt with losing her best friend and her struggle to open her heart. (Second time reading it I cried a little)
December 26, 2022
Fantisatcy
This one was even better than the first. Love how real it feels. The flow if the story line is perfect. I'm really enjoying the development of the characters.
This one was even better than the first. Love how real it feels. The flow if the story line is perfect. I'm really enjoying the development of the characters.
January 24, 2023
Learning. Alex prepares to go to school with the help of her new tutor, Carol. They both learn to ride as Promenade is prepared for sale.
April 25, 2016
Alex's new life has just begun after book 1's drama. It felt like she was catching up in all areas to a level of her peers. It goes to show how awful her life was in events prior to book 1 that she struggles with so many normal activities and events, some which are related to puberty, others to being educated and knowing how to interact with people.
She learns loads through her mistakes, the good moments had me beaming away (as she takes tiny steps towards being a friend with a new character, discovering smores) as they provide her with good memories, which are too few compared with the bad ones. I love the strong sense of family her guardians show Alex, especially when she isn't interested in opening up. There's plenty of horse action which as a non rider was fun to read as I understood some of it, although like Alex there's a scene I'm glad didn't have a video, though no doubt there's several on Youtube! I love seeing Alex's broken self start to mend just a little bit, a process I hope continues in further books.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
She learns loads through her mistakes, the good moments had me beaming away (as she takes tiny steps towards being a friend with a new character, discovering smores) as they provide her with good memories, which are too few compared with the bad ones. I love the strong sense of family her guardians show Alex, especially when she isn't interested in opening up. There's plenty of horse action which as a non rider was fun to read as I understood some of it, although like Alex there's a scene I'm glad didn't have a video, though no doubt there's several on Youtube! I love seeing Alex's broken self start to mend just a little bit, a process I hope continues in further books.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews