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Dream Horse Adventures #2
Selah's Sweet Dream
Twelve-Year-Old SELAH (Say-la) aspires to be an equestrian superstar. That would require a horse.
HER DILEMMA: Grandpa wants nothing to do with horses.
THEN: Selah sees buzzards circling the grasslands behind Grandpa’s farm. They are stalking a horse trapped in wire and Selah is its only hope.
DANGEROUS: The horse is wild and defiant - jeopardizing Selah’s dreams.
FOILED: The legal owner searched for the horse for two years and wants it back.
BUT: Selah is confident that God will provide her heart’s desire.
MEMORIES: Grandpa shows Selah a video, from long ago, of a phenomenal equestrian. Selah declares that she wants to be like her and Grandpa explains the rider was her grandmother.
HOPE: A world renowned horse trainer offers to train Sweet Dream and Selah.
FOILED AGAIN: Her parents could ruin everything unless Sweet Dream’s unruly behavior ruins it first.
LOST: Selah’s opportunity to mirror the equestrian talent of her renowned grandmother evaporates when the horse causes mayhem at the trainer’s facility.
NEVER GIVE UP: Will Selah gather her courage and face up to the trainer to save her aspirations?
HER DILEMMA: Grandpa wants nothing to do with horses.
THEN: Selah sees buzzards circling the grasslands behind Grandpa’s farm. They are stalking a horse trapped in wire and Selah is its only hope.
DANGEROUS: The horse is wild and defiant - jeopardizing Selah’s dreams.
FOILED: The legal owner searched for the horse for two years and wants it back.
BUT: Selah is confident that God will provide her heart’s desire.
MEMORIES: Grandpa shows Selah a video, from long ago, of a phenomenal equestrian. Selah declares that she wants to be like her and Grandpa explains the rider was her grandmother.
HOPE: A world renowned horse trainer offers to train Sweet Dream and Selah.
FOILED AGAIN: Her parents could ruin everything unless Sweet Dream’s unruly behavior ruins it first.
LOST: Selah’s opportunity to mirror the equestrian talent of her renowned grandmother evaporates when the horse causes mayhem at the trainer’s facility.
NEVER GIVE UP: Will Selah gather her courage and face up to the trainer to save her aspirations?
196 pages, Paperback
First published December 8, 2015
99 people are currently reading
927 people want to read
About the author
Susan Count
12 books460 followersSusan Count writes for the joy and entertainment of young readers. She is a best-selling, award winning author of the Dream Horse Adventures Series. Susan confesses to being overly fond of brownies, and horseback riding on forest trails. The Firefly Warriors Club was written for her three grandboys who wanted an adventure of their own. What’s a fairy grandmother to do, but wave her magic pen and create.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 16, 2016
About this book:
“Twelve-Year-Old SELAH (Say-la) aspires to be an equestrian superstar. That would require a horse.
HER DILEMMA: Grandpa wants nothing to do with horses.
THEN: Selah sees buzzards circling the grasslands behind Grandpa’s farm. They are stalking a horse trapped in wire and Selah is its only hope.
DANGEROUS: The horse is wild and defiant - jeopardizing Selah’s dreams.
FOILED: The legal owner searched for the horse for two years and wants it back.
BUT: Selah is confident that God will provide her heart’s desire.
MEMORIES: Grandpa shows Selah a video, from long ago, of a phenomenal equestrian. Selah declares that she wants to be like her and Grandpa explains the rider was her grandmother.
HOPE: A world renowned horse trainer offers to train Sweet Dream and Selah.
FOILED AGAIN: Her parents could ruin everything unless Sweet Dream’s unruly behavior ruins it first.
LOST: Selah’s opportunity to mirror the equestrian talent of her renowned grandmother evaporates when the horse causes mayhem at the trainer’s facility.
NEVER GIVE UP: Will Selah gather her courage and face up to the trainer to save her aspirations?”
Series: There will be a connecting book called “Mary’s Song”.
Spiritual Content- Many Prayers; A few talks about God; Mentions of God & Jesus; Mentions of Prayers & a Blessing over food; Mentions of Heaven & miracles; A few mentions of lessons & those found in the Bible.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘crummy’, a ‘dumb’, an ‘idiot’ and five forms of ‘stupid’; Selah can be sassy, disrespectful & impatient at times; Veterinary stuff (semi-detailed); Throwing up & mentions of it (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of blood & pain (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of hurt & sick horses (the horses will be fine, up to semi-detailed); Mentions of buzzards that could injure a horse (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of horses fighting (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of a cat that is bitten by a snake (the cat is okay, up to semi-detailed).
Sexual Content- N/A
-Selah, age 12
P.O.V. of Selah (and a horse twice)
188 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
New Teens- Four Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
{Add 1-2 stars for horse lovers or future veterinarians.}
This was cute! Selah (I just love that name!) could be a bit disrespectful at times, so that was hard to read at points. However, there was quite a bit of Spiritual Content which was nice. I can see horse lovers and future veterinarians enjoying “Selah’s Sweet Dream”. :)
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 honest review.
“Twelve-Year-Old SELAH (Say-la) aspires to be an equestrian superstar. That would require a horse.
HER DILEMMA: Grandpa wants nothing to do with horses.
THEN: Selah sees buzzards circling the grasslands behind Grandpa’s farm. They are stalking a horse trapped in wire and Selah is its only hope.
DANGEROUS: The horse is wild and defiant - jeopardizing Selah’s dreams.
FOILED: The legal owner searched for the horse for two years and wants it back.
BUT: Selah is confident that God will provide her heart’s desire.
MEMORIES: Grandpa shows Selah a video, from long ago, of a phenomenal equestrian. Selah declares that she wants to be like her and Grandpa explains the rider was her grandmother.
HOPE: A world renowned horse trainer offers to train Sweet Dream and Selah.
FOILED AGAIN: Her parents could ruin everything unless Sweet Dream’s unruly behavior ruins it first.
LOST: Selah’s opportunity to mirror the equestrian talent of her renowned grandmother evaporates when the horse causes mayhem at the trainer’s facility.
NEVER GIVE UP: Will Selah gather her courage and face up to the trainer to save her aspirations?”
Series: There will be a connecting book called “Mary’s Song”.
Spiritual Content- Many Prayers; A few talks about God; Mentions of God & Jesus; Mentions of Prayers & a Blessing over food; Mentions of Heaven & miracles; A few mentions of lessons & those found in the Bible.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘crummy’, a ‘dumb’, an ‘idiot’ and five forms of ‘stupid’; Selah can be sassy, disrespectful & impatient at times; Veterinary stuff (semi-detailed); Throwing up & mentions of it (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of blood & pain (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of hurt & sick horses (the horses will be fine, up to semi-detailed); Mentions of buzzards that could injure a horse (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of horses fighting (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of a cat that is bitten by a snake (the cat is okay, up to semi-detailed).
Sexual Content- N/A
-Selah, age 12
P.O.V. of Selah (and a horse twice)
188 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
New Teens- Four Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
{Add 1-2 stars for horse lovers or future veterinarians.}
This was cute! Selah (I just love that name!) could be a bit disrespectful at times, so that was hard to read at points. However, there was quite a bit of Spiritual Content which was nice. I can see horse lovers and future veterinarians enjoying “Selah’s Sweet Dream”. :)
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 honest review.
March 19, 2017
I definitely enjoyed this coming of age story about a girl called Selah who loves horses.
Just like every other horse-mad girl, Selah, who lives in America, makes plans for getting a horse someday. But her parents and grandfather are in no hurry for that to happen, even though Grandfather used to keep horses and his late wife won showing and reining classes. Then Selah spots a horse running wild on the open grasslands. Could this black horse be meant for her?
With other farm animals like a smart sheepdog, and various other horses once the training part of the story gets under way, the tale is packed with characters, action and information. Selah is not perfect - she gets some things wrong and, of course the adults around her are focused on keeping her safe. Sweet Dream the black mare is a considerable handful but responds to the natural, cruelty-free training methods in the round pen. And even respected horsemen aren't always right about everything, a good lesson to learn.
I was really sorry for Selah when her stomach gets stressed because of all the stress happening to her and how important keeping Dream has become. This kind of emotional detail makes her very genuine as a young heroine. Remember, bravery doesn't mean not feeling fear. Bravery is being afraid but acting anyway.
The story has a lot going on but progresses smoothly and the characters' actions grow naturally from events. I can recommend this book to young readers from eight to thirteen, and a family might like to use it as a discussion starter. Be prepared for an inspirational theme as the family sometimes chooses to pray about difficult decisions or see good outcomes as blessings. I noted that this gave Selah and her grandfather a way to relate to each other.
The author made this book available to me as an ARC. This is an unbiased review. I would be happy to read more by this author.
Just like every other horse-mad girl, Selah, who lives in America, makes plans for getting a horse someday. But her parents and grandfather are in no hurry for that to happen, even though Grandfather used to keep horses and his late wife won showing and reining classes. Then Selah spots a horse running wild on the open grasslands. Could this black horse be meant for her?
With other farm animals like a smart sheepdog, and various other horses once the training part of the story gets under way, the tale is packed with characters, action and information. Selah is not perfect - she gets some things wrong and, of course the adults around her are focused on keeping her safe. Sweet Dream the black mare is a considerable handful but responds to the natural, cruelty-free training methods in the round pen. And even respected horsemen aren't always right about everything, a good lesson to learn.
I was really sorry for Selah when her stomach gets stressed because of all the stress happening to her and how important keeping Dream has become. This kind of emotional detail makes her very genuine as a young heroine. Remember, bravery doesn't mean not feeling fear. Bravery is being afraid but acting anyway.
The story has a lot going on but progresses smoothly and the characters' actions grow naturally from events. I can recommend this book to young readers from eight to thirteen, and a family might like to use it as a discussion starter. Be prepared for an inspirational theme as the family sometimes chooses to pray about difficult decisions or see good outcomes as blessings. I noted that this gave Selah and her grandfather a way to relate to each other.
The author made this book available to me as an ARC. This is an unbiased review. I would be happy to read more by this author.
December 18, 2015
My daughter (12) reviewed this book for Mother Daughter Book Reviews. Here is her review:
DAUGHTER SAYS:
This book is about a girl named Selah who absolutely loves horses. All she wants is to become an equestrian superstar so she needs a horse but her grandpa wants nothing involving horses. But then, she finds a horse being stalked by buzzards. The horse is trapped in wire so she helps the horse and she wants to keep it as her own. However, her horse is very feisty and her grandpa thinks that it could be dangerous considering that it is a wild horse that has been wandering the grasslands for months. And, the owner wants the horse back, so Selah must find a way to make her dream come true even though there are several obstacles.
I really liked how Selah was very determined to help her “Sweet Dream” be friendly and to train her horse. Even though Sweet Dream misbehaved, Selah never gave up. I actually learned a lot about horses that I never knew! I learned that horses can pick up worms under their skin. I also learned that horses communicate by movement. I also learned that you have to be patient and loving with horses for them to trust you. I liked the book cover. The horse was exactly how I imagined it. I think it would have been even better if it had Selah on it too, but other than, that it was great.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and it really made me like horses more than I did before! I think that girls and boys 8 years and older who love horses would really like this book.
DAUGHTER SAYS:
This book is about a girl named Selah who absolutely loves horses. All she wants is to become an equestrian superstar so she needs a horse but her grandpa wants nothing involving horses. But then, she finds a horse being stalked by buzzards. The horse is trapped in wire so she helps the horse and she wants to keep it as her own. However, her horse is very feisty and her grandpa thinks that it could be dangerous considering that it is a wild horse that has been wandering the grasslands for months. And, the owner wants the horse back, so Selah must find a way to make her dream come true even though there are several obstacles.
I really liked how Selah was very determined to help her “Sweet Dream” be friendly and to train her horse. Even though Sweet Dream misbehaved, Selah never gave up. I actually learned a lot about horses that I never knew! I learned that horses can pick up worms under their skin. I also learned that horses communicate by movement. I also learned that you have to be patient and loving with horses for them to trust you. I liked the book cover. The horse was exactly how I imagined it. I think it would have been even better if it had Selah on it too, but other than, that it was great.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and it really made me like horses more than I did before! I think that girls and boys 8 years and older who love horses would really like this book.
January 15, 2016
Selah wants more than anything to have a horse of her own, and when Sweet Dream gallops into her life, she gets more than she bargained for. Selah and Sweet Dream have a special bond from the very beginning, but when there's a chance she might lose the horse of her dreams, she has to fight for what she knows is right. Selah is smart and strong and not afraid to stand up for herself--the type of character you want your children to read about. The author apparently knows much about horses and training and uses details that add to the interest and authenticity of the story. Highly recommend.
April 3, 2022
Sweet, clean, and well done.
Really made me tear up, actually, remembering just how amazing it is to train horses.
Really made me tear up, actually, remembering just how amazing it is to train horses.
February 8, 2016
Selah's Sweet Dream tells the story of Selah's dream; to own a horse and to, take her dream, further to be an equestrian superstar. However, there are barriers that she must overcome to make this dream come true.
The first thing that struck me about this novel is the beautiful cover art and illustrations. This would be one book I would love to own in print. It would look so good on my bookshelf and on those of the many horse mad teenagers out there.
Selah, our young protagonist, is determined and, also very sweet. Susan Count writes in a style that fits perfectly with the genre. The storyline has plenty of twists and turns which makes the book a great little adventure for younger kids to read. The author evidently has plenty of knowledge of horses which results in the book becoming a good learning resource for children of the same age. I mean, who couldn't love to read about a nice girl whose dreams match your own?
I loved Selah's Sweet Dream and I would be delighted to read more from Susan Count, even if the book wasn't about horses.
February 11, 2016
Wonderful book for ages eight years and above
Will be enjoyed by animal lovers and readers of family oriented stories.
There is a tense moment involving the cat, but all turns out well.
Selah is becoming a young woman but is still a child.
She has typical girlhood dreams and likes, including horses. She also has a legacy.
Her grandmother was an horsewoman extraordinare and her grandfather a talented equestrian trainer. Under some very unusual circumstances, a special horse comes into Selah's life, forcing her to grow up and take responsibility. Even if they were made for each other, they have to get to know each other and learn to trust.
This is a book to be enjoyed and read over and over again.
It does have Christian themes and wording.
Selah's Sweet Dream won Gold/1st Place award in the 2016 Feathered Quill Book Awards Program for the Best Animal - Children's/YA category
I was gifted a copy to review.
Will be enjoyed by animal lovers and readers of family oriented stories.
There is a tense moment involving the cat, but all turns out well.
Selah is becoming a young woman but is still a child.
She has typical girlhood dreams and likes, including horses. She also has a legacy.
Her grandmother was an horsewoman extraordinare and her grandfather a talented equestrian trainer. Under some very unusual circumstances, a special horse comes into Selah's life, forcing her to grow up and take responsibility. Even if they were made for each other, they have to get to know each other and learn to trust.
This is a book to be enjoyed and read over and over again.
It does have Christian themes and wording.
Selah's Sweet Dream won Gold/1st Place award in the 2016 Feathered Quill Book Awards Program for the Best Animal - Children's/YA category
I was gifted a copy to review.
January 27, 2016
This is such a sweet story! I put it on my Kindle yesterday afternoon, and had it read by bedtime. It is an easy read for an adult (since it was written for tweens) but I loved it anyway. I remember reading lots of stories about horses when I was a girl, and this brought back all the love I had for horses in that era. I enjoyed the struggle that Selah went through to get her horse and learn to train it. The author added lots of horse-training tidbits that were very interesting. I enjoyed the relationship that Selah has with her Grandfather, and was happy to see a modern story with an intact family unit. I also sensed a mystery about Selah's grandmother and HER horse. I look forward to the next book (I hope!) to see if we can find out more about Mary and her horse, Illusion. “Disclaimer: I received this product free or deeply discounted in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
February 19, 2016
Loved this story! Sweet, clean, and inspiring - love to read about a young girl who dreams big, and gets to live out her dreams!
February 25, 2016
This book is amazing!!
Five star rating is totally required!! It is a wonderful book and I love it!! It should have many more five star ratings!!!
Five star rating is totally required!! It is a wonderful book and I love it!! It should have many more five star ratings!!!
July 21, 2016
An easy to read and comprehend story for young readers who love horses. They will understand the desire, determination and faith Selah exhibits to realize her dream of being an equestrian.
October 2, 2017
Loved this book. I have read it to my grandkids, ages 9 and 4, several times.
Great book for all kids.
Great book for all kids.
June 28, 2022
This Book is absolutely amazing! I recommend it to anyone who loves horses! I have horses and know what it is like to have them and I can't stand when books have incorrect information on horses this one has all correct information on them either then the fact they called a baby female horse a colt when a young female is actually called a filly, but I am not that picky! (I know I am acting like a snob)
I did learn a few things and never have I ever gotten bored of this book! Every page is exciting! It has a good equal balance of drama and chill. Sometimes Selah is a bit dramatic but that's what makes her a good character! The plot is great! This book also has a good balance of western riding and english riding. I barrel race (I'm 10) and love to read but it is hard to find western books let alone good ones. This one is amazing! My favorite character was Selah for sure! She is smart a little bit of a dare devil and also coming up with strange ideas but that's what makes her my favorite. I was surprised about amazing and interesting this book is, when my Mom got it for me I didn't think i'd like it but I love it!
And there is noting I would change it ended like a happily ever after!
I did learn a few things and never have I ever gotten bored of this book! Every page is exciting! It has a good equal balance of drama and chill. Sometimes Selah is a bit dramatic but that's what makes her a good character! The plot is great! This book also has a good balance of western riding and english riding. I barrel race (I'm 10) and love to read but it is hard to find western books let alone good ones. This one is amazing! My favorite character was Selah for sure! She is smart a little bit of a dare devil and also coming up with strange ideas but that's what makes her my favorite. I was surprised about amazing and interesting this book is, when my Mom got it for me I didn't think i'd like it but I love it!
And there is noting I would change it ended like a happily ever after!
March 24, 2020
This is a well written book that any horse crazy girl will love. It is a clean wholesome book with christian values worked into the story. It is full of twists and turns that will hold your attention. I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 17, 2020
A simple but lovely read about a young tween girl who desperately wants to own a horse. However, not everything in life works out that way.
But, take your chances and don't regret a thing. Work to accomplish your goals!
All in all, a new, adorable book about horses and friendship.
But, take your chances and don't regret a thing. Work to accomplish your goals!
All in all, a new, adorable book about horses and friendship.
February 18, 2019
Thank you
I loved the story. Heartwarming and spiritual. This is a great tribute to family love and the special bond we can have with these amazing four-legged creatures.
I loved the story. Heartwarming and spiritual. This is a great tribute to family love and the special bond we can have with these amazing four-legged creatures.
January 22, 2023
I loved this book! Selah's heart horse is charmingly mischievous and challenging!
February 14, 2023
It is an amazing book! The description is great, it feels like you are in the book.
September 8, 2016
This book was cute. I got it for my 12-year-old sister who is going through a horse obsession phase right now. We aren't a super religious family, but the praying and God stuff is subtle enough that it doesn't detract from the story.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews