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Dream Horse Adventures #1
Mary's Song
Twelve-year-old Mary was disabled at the age of four by the same virus that took the life of her mother. While she longs to have a horse of her own, she's limited to reading horse books. A talented artist, she spends her days on a blanket in the grass sketching the horses at the farm next door. She falls in love with one of the foals and is outraged to learn the filly is considered worthless as it was born lame.
Mary befriends and enlists the help of twelve-year-old Laura, whose family owns the horse farm. Against the better judgment of the farm manager, a brief reprieve is negotiated for the foal's life. The girls conspire to raise money to save her, but time is running out. Sadly, it appears the expensive surgery the foal needs has little chance to correct her problem anyway. Mary isn't about to give up. She sacrifices what she holds dear, including the trust of her papa, to gain her heart's desire. Will she lose everything in her struggle to save the foal?
Mary befriends and enlists the help of twelve-year-old Laura, whose family owns the horse farm. Against the better judgment of the farm manager, a brief reprieve is negotiated for the foal's life. The girls conspire to raise money to save her, but time is running out. Sadly, it appears the expensive surgery the foal needs has little chance to correct her problem anyway. Mary isn't about to give up. She sacrifices what she holds dear, including the trust of her papa, to gain her heart's desire. Will she lose everything in her struggle to save the foal?
122 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2016
178 people are currently reading
901 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 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 15, 2018
“Life doesn’t match, why should socks?” - my favorite line in the book.
Life is full of struggles. Maybe we are given a problem but we can't find the solution, yet. But also, life will always give choices. And when we choose we arrive at a decision closest to our heart. And when things go awry...
"If the worst comes to pass with Illusion, it’s still a bump in life’s road. No more. You hurt, you pray, you heal, and you move on.” - as the line say the next step is to move on...
Thank you for a nice ride 😊
Life is full of struggles. Maybe we are given a problem but we can't find the solution, yet. But also, life will always give choices. And when we choose we arrive at a decision closest to our heart. And when things go awry...
"If the worst comes to pass with Illusion, it’s still a bump in life’s road. No more. You hurt, you pray, you heal, and you move on.” - as the line say the next step is to move on...
Thank you for a nice ride 😊
December 30, 2016
Mary’s Song, Book One of the Dream Horse Adventures, by Susan Count is a charming story sure to delight young readers and animal (especially horse) lovers. Young Mary is disabled and life offers very little outlet for her creativity and intelligence. She is a very talented artist and loves horses. Her doting and overprotective widower father spends a lot of time and money on various therapies to try to get Mary back on her feet, walking, running, and leading a normal life. Mary has resigned herself somewhat to life in a wheelchair until the day she meets her neighbour Laura (also twelve), and finds out about the lame foal she had seen hobbling around on the next-door property. Laura couldn’t be more different, but the girls strike up a firm friendship. Then Mary learns that Illusion, the lame little foal, is set to be euthanized because of her club foot, and because it’s not considered worth the time and money to save the little horse. Laura and Mary persuade Laura’s parents to give a six-week stay of execution to enable them to raise the money for Illusion’s very expensive operation. Can they raise enough money in time to save Illusion, and will Mary ever walk again?
There is so much more to this book than just the heartrending story of saving Illusion. The healing of both horse and young girl finds a wonderful theme in their parallel stories. The backdrop is the 1950s, which casts a completely different light on what kids would be doing, how they would behave, think, and entertain themselves. I found it a refreshing trip back in time, back to when things were perhaps simpler in many ways, but harder in that medicine and science still had some developments to achieve.
There are excellent themes for young readers, and the main one being a love of horses gives readers an idea of various aspects of riding, training, breeding and competing with horses, but without shoving facts down the reader’s throat. The wonderful and strong theme of love and friendship continues throughout, with love of family, not forgetting those once loved who have passed on, discovering new love when Mary’s dad meets someone special, and forging bonds of friendship with like-minded people.
Although there is a Christian theme, I found the author wove it into the story very well, again without overdoing it. That and the concept of faith, not only spiritual faith, but faith in oneself and others comes to the fore. Finally, the idea that a disabled person is not a broken person is very well handled. Interspersed is the idea that less able-bodied people can also achieve as much in their own way as an able-bodied person. Last but not least, I liked how much emphasis the author put on the theme of books, the joy found within the pages of old favourites and treasured books, the pleasure in reading, and indeed the importance of books.
This is an enchanting and moving story in so many ways, and young (and older) readers who are sure to enjoy it will also be delighted to know that the story continues. As the author says, “Saddle up and ride along!”
There is so much more to this book than just the heartrending story of saving Illusion. The healing of both horse and young girl finds a wonderful theme in their parallel stories. The backdrop is the 1950s, which casts a completely different light on what kids would be doing, how they would behave, think, and entertain themselves. I found it a refreshing trip back in time, back to when things were perhaps simpler in many ways, but harder in that medicine and science still had some developments to achieve.
There are excellent themes for young readers, and the main one being a love of horses gives readers an idea of various aspects of riding, training, breeding and competing with horses, but without shoving facts down the reader’s throat. The wonderful and strong theme of love and friendship continues throughout, with love of family, not forgetting those once loved who have passed on, discovering new love when Mary’s dad meets someone special, and forging bonds of friendship with like-minded people.
Although there is a Christian theme, I found the author wove it into the story very well, again without overdoing it. That and the concept of faith, not only spiritual faith, but faith in oneself and others comes to the fore. Finally, the idea that a disabled person is not a broken person is very well handled. Interspersed is the idea that less able-bodied people can also achieve as much in their own way as an able-bodied person. Last but not least, I liked how much emphasis the author put on the theme of books, the joy found within the pages of old favourites and treasured books, the pleasure in reading, and indeed the importance of books.
This is an enchanting and moving story in so many ways, and young (and older) readers who are sure to enjoy it will also be delighted to know that the story continues. As the author says, “Saddle up and ride along!”
October 13, 2018
In 1950s America, a girl afflicted by a virus that made her unable to walk (we are not told details, but it doesn't seem to be polio) sits on her father's fine porch and wishes for a horse. Specifically, one of the Morgan foals next door, Illusion, which was born with a club foot. If Illusion could be treated and saved - which is by no means certain - maybe even a lonely girl like Mary could learn to walk as well.
The characterisation is finely done and we learn the strengths of determination, friendship and science. I particularly like the references to books of the day. One of the best sequences for me is when the daughter of the horse breeders, Laura, resolves one problem after another by applying what skills and lessons she and her horses have learned. Young readers, especially girls, will learn a great deal and enjoy the adventure. Adult horse lovers will like the unusual story too.
This is an unbiased review.
The characterisation is finely done and we learn the strengths of determination, friendship and science. I particularly like the references to books of the day. One of the best sequences for me is when the daughter of the horse breeders, Laura, resolves one problem after another by applying what skills and lessons she and her horses have learned. Young readers, especially girls, will learn a great deal and enjoy the adventure. Adult horse lovers will like the unusual story too.
This is an unbiased review.
December 13, 2016
I adore the artwork on the cover of this book. The colors are soft and beautiful. This is the kind of story that’s good for the soul.
It’s the early 1950’s, and Mary cannot walk as a result of the Polio virus. Her dream is to walk again and to ride horses. Down the road from her house, there’s a horse farm. She sees foals play near the edge of her property and enjoys sketching them.
A friendship develops with Laura, whose family owns the horse farm. It is reminiscent of the friendship in Anne of Green Gables.
There is a sad sweetness between Mary and her father, since her mother passed when she was young. Her father is a great man, doing his best to find a cure for Mary’s paralysis, even if it involes harebrained schemes. I grew up in Florida and enjoyed the mentions of The Fountain of Youth.
Occasionally the girls feels more like ten or eleven year olds, rather than the twelve they are. But considering it was in the 50’s and these are sweet girls, it’s not a real problem.
I would recommend this to kids who love horses, or ride horses, and even as young as six would probably enjoy this as a read-along with their parents. It’s a quick read. There are some Christian themes, which was fine by me as I hold those beliefs as well. So it’s also good for parents looking for books that include praying to God. If you like Anne of Green Gables or the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, give this lovely story a read.
It’s the early 1950’s, and Mary cannot walk as a result of the Polio virus. Her dream is to walk again and to ride horses. Down the road from her house, there’s a horse farm. She sees foals play near the edge of her property and enjoys sketching them.
A friendship develops with Laura, whose family owns the horse farm. It is reminiscent of the friendship in Anne of Green Gables.
There is a sad sweetness between Mary and her father, since her mother passed when she was young. Her father is a great man, doing his best to find a cure for Mary’s paralysis, even if it involes harebrained schemes. I grew up in Florida and enjoyed the mentions of The Fountain of Youth.
Occasionally the girls feels more like ten or eleven year olds, rather than the twelve they are. But considering it was in the 50’s and these are sweet girls, it’s not a real problem.
I would recommend this to kids who love horses, or ride horses, and even as young as six would probably enjoy this as a read-along with their parents. It’s a quick read. There are some Christian themes, which was fine by me as I hold those beliefs as well. So it’s also good for parents looking for books that include praying to God. If you like Anne of Green Gables or the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, give this lovely story a read.
April 1, 2017
Mary's Song
By Susan Count
I love horse stories, and this one was not a disappointment. Well written and engaging, it was a joy to read.
What knocked a star for me was the fact that everything turns out well only when Mary disobeys her father. I heartily dislike that, especially in a book meant for children. And I admit it, the portrayal of a super sensitive, slightly overbearing parent has never been attractive to me.
Other than that, I loved it! As I've said, it's engaging and fun, and more than anything else, it's about horses.
My Rating: Three Stars
By Susan Count
I love horse stories, and this one was not a disappointment. Well written and engaging, it was a joy to read.
What knocked a star for me was the fact that everything turns out well only when Mary disobeys her father. I heartily dislike that, especially in a book meant for children. And I admit it, the portrayal of a super sensitive, slightly overbearing parent has never been attractive to me.
Other than that, I loved it! As I've said, it's engaging and fun, and more than anything else, it's about horses.
My Rating: Three Stars
July 16, 2019
Mary's Song, Book One of the Dream Horse Adventures, by Susan Count stole my heart with its moving story of a young girl and the lame foal she falls in love with. Faith, friendship and hope are woven throughout this inspiring tale I won’t soon forget. 5/5
Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC. Opinions are solely mine.
#Mary'sSong #NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC. Opinions are solely mine.
#Mary'sSong #NetGalley
June 4, 2018
Ride Wild, Ride Free Texas, 1952. Twelve-year-old Mary has spent much of her young life in a wheelchair due to a virus that also took her mother’s life. Despite her disability, she has big dreams, and one of her favorite activities is drawing the horses that live in the neighboring fields. “Each sketch was a wish to ride, wild and free, someday.” She becomes friends with fellow horse lover, Laura, and together the two strive to fulfill their aspirations. Poignant and inspirational, “Mary’s Song” takes young readers along for a spirited ride. Along with a strong theme regarding friendship, the story has a gentle faith angle and also explores other issues germane to modern readers. One girl’s parents are too uninvolved in her life, while the other’s father is overly protective. The narrative delves into tough subject matter such as dealing with loss and disappointment and persevering amidst trials while still maintaining an overall optimistic tone. Middle-grade readers will be encouraged and entertained by this horse tale, which will appeal to those who enjoy some of the horse classics such as “Black Beauty”, “National Velvet”, and the works of Marguerite Henry.
July 9, 2019
I know this was a kid's book but I like horses. :) Anyway I felt the writing was very disjointed and it was unsettling trying to read the book and it would use slang? that seemed modern day but yet the setting seemed 100 yrs in the past. And really wasn't much about the horse as it was about the girls. Plus the author would add in these weird dreams with no basis for them. Uggg I guess it was free so thankfully didn't pay for this.
September 7, 2021
Not bad, but not great. Aimed for a young audience. Mixture of old and new wording. For example some passages read like an old Hardy Boys novel but then there are modern words and expressions such as boss meaning cool.
December 30, 2016
Full of warmth, faith, and love, this book leads through an engaging tale, which touches the heart and soul.
Mary adores horses and would love nothing more than to ride and train them, but since a fever has left her in a wheelchair unable to walk, she's not sure this dream can ever become a reality. Then she meets Laura, a girl her age from the neighboring farm who's family raises, breeds and shows horses. When the two decide to save a lame filly, the adventure begins.
This is a beautiful story in so many ways. The writing is natural, drawing the reader into the world as if they'd always been there. The characters are kind, determined and just the sort of girls one would wish as their best friends. When Mary and Laura decide to join together to save a foal from being put to sleep, it's impossible not to cheer them on. The two are level-headed despite their tenacity, and sweet even though they tend to be a little snippy and can carry a bite of snark.
There are many messages in this book, all wholesome and encouraging for the intended audience. The Christian values come across loud and clear while remaining natural. It's a gentle read, so there's nothing for concerned parents to worry about. The pacing is well done, and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep it interesting from beginning until the very end. As a special plus, at only around 110 pages, it's short enough not to scare away reluctant readers.
Mary adores horses and would love nothing more than to ride and train them, but since a fever has left her in a wheelchair unable to walk, she's not sure this dream can ever become a reality. Then she meets Laura, a girl her age from the neighboring farm who's family raises, breeds and shows horses. When the two decide to save a lame filly, the adventure begins.
This is a beautiful story in so many ways. The writing is natural, drawing the reader into the world as if they'd always been there. The characters are kind, determined and just the sort of girls one would wish as their best friends. When Mary and Laura decide to join together to save a foal from being put to sleep, it's impossible not to cheer them on. The two are level-headed despite their tenacity, and sweet even though they tend to be a little snippy and can carry a bite of snark.
There are many messages in this book, all wholesome and encouraging for the intended audience. The Christian values come across loud and clear while remaining natural. It's a gentle read, so there's nothing for concerned parents to worry about. The pacing is well done, and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep it interesting from beginning until the very end. As a special plus, at only around 110 pages, it's short enough not to scare away reluctant readers.
January 4, 2017
I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
Mary's Song is a sweet story about a disabled twelve-year-old girl, Mary, who makes friends with Laura, the girl next door. When Laura tells Mary that her favorite foal is probably going to be put down, Mary makes it her mission to save the foal. She doesn't understand how a lame horse can be considered worthless. Does that mean she's worthless because she's lame?
The characters in Mary's Song are realistic. The girls come from very different families, but they're typical twelve-year-olds who don't always follow the rules and tend to get into mischief. Mary is strong and determined and Laura is a good friend. Together they make a great team. Mary's dad is too protective although it's understandable. He's already lost his wife and he doesn't want Mary to get more injuries to her already damaged legs. Laura's parents, on the other hand, are too busy to pay much attention to what she does.
Susan Count's writing is easy to read and I definitely recommend it for children and middle school readers. Mary's Song is about of friendship, faith, heartbreak, love, and, of course, horses!
Mary's Song is a sweet story about a disabled twelve-year-old girl, Mary, who makes friends with Laura, the girl next door. When Laura tells Mary that her favorite foal is probably going to be put down, Mary makes it her mission to save the foal. She doesn't understand how a lame horse can be considered worthless. Does that mean she's worthless because she's lame?
The characters in Mary's Song are realistic. The girls come from very different families, but they're typical twelve-year-olds who don't always follow the rules and tend to get into mischief. Mary is strong and determined and Laura is a good friend. Together they make a great team. Mary's dad is too protective although it's understandable. He's already lost his wife and he doesn't want Mary to get more injuries to her already damaged legs. Laura's parents, on the other hand, are too busy to pay much attention to what she does.
Susan Count's writing is easy to read and I definitely recommend it for children and middle school readers. Mary's Song is about of friendship, faith, heartbreak, love, and, of course, horses!
June 25, 2018
I received this book free from NetGalley and the author for an honest review.
Heart-warming story about a girl who not only dreams of riding a horse but of just being able to walk. I have to admit that this book had me in tears several times, and yet I absolutely loved it. It is targeted toward young readers but I am sure adults will love it too, especially if they are horse lovers like I am. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Heart-warming story about a girl who not only dreams of riding a horse but of just being able to walk. I have to admit that this book had me in tears several times, and yet I absolutely loved it. It is targeted toward young readers but I am sure adults will love it too, especially if they are horse lovers like I am. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
October 27, 2018
Great story for young an not so young
I'm not so young. Let's just say The Black Stalion was pretty new when I devoured it and it's scccessors. I particularly liked the way Mary's faith was handled; the plot allows Mary to solve her own problems with God's support, but does not rely on Him. The story is believe- able, tension is good, and characters are well developed.
I'm not so young. Let's just say The Black Stalion was pretty new when I devoured it and it's scccessors. I particularly liked the way Mary's faith was handled; the plot allows Mary to solve her own problems with God's support, but does not rely on Him. The story is believe- able, tension is good, and characters are well developed.
January 23, 2018
This is a wonderful little book for the middle-school girl that loves horses and most of them do. It presents a great story of overcoming obstacles and adversity. A really nice message in an enjoyable book.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
June 26, 2017
When she was just four years old Mary lost her mother along with her ability to walk, both to a merciless virus. Now, at twelve years of age, she has come to silently endure her father’s well-intentioned efforts to help find a cure for her. One after another, she is subjected to a new ‘miracle treatment’, in hopes that she will someday walk again. Mary has all but lost hope that this will ever happen, but for her father’s sake she forges on, suffering a barrage of exhausting treatments.
With a private tutor who teaches her from home, she has very little interaction outside of her solitary existence. Kept in a bubble of protection, her one escape is reading. She has an extensive collection of equestrian literature which has taught her everything she knows about horses. When she meets Laura, a girl who lives on a neighboring horse-farm, the two become fast friends. But when Mary learns that Laura’s father intends to put down a filly with which she feels a special connection, she and Laura take matters into their own hands to try and save the foal.
Mary’s Song is a poignant tale of friendship, sacrifice and above all, boundless determination. This inspiring story is one that will firmly plant itself within the hearts of young readers. Author Susan Count’s Mary’s Song is recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
With a private tutor who teaches her from home, she has very little interaction outside of her solitary existence. Kept in a bubble of protection, her one escape is reading. She has an extensive collection of equestrian literature which has taught her everything she knows about horses. When she meets Laura, a girl who lives on a neighboring horse-farm, the two become fast friends. But when Mary learns that Laura’s father intends to put down a filly with which she feels a special connection, she and Laura take matters into their own hands to try and save the foal.
Mary’s Song is a poignant tale of friendship, sacrifice and above all, boundless determination. This inspiring story is one that will firmly plant itself within the hearts of young readers. Author Susan Count’s Mary’s Song is recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
June 4, 2018
Texas, 1952. Twelve-year-old Mary has spent much of her young life in a wheelchair due to a virus that also took her mother’s life. Despite her disability, she has big dreams, and one of her favorite activities is drawing the horses that live in the neighboring fields. “Each sketch was a wish to ride, wild and free, someday.” She becomes friends with fellow horse lover, Laura, and together the two strive to fulfill their aspirations.
Poignant and inspirational, “Mary’s Song” takes young readers along for a spirited ride. Along with a strong theme regarding friendship, the story has a gentle faith angle and also explores other issues germane to modern readers. One girl’s parents are too uninvolved in her life, while the other’s father is overly protective. The narrative delves into tough subject matter such as dealing with loss and disappointment and persevering amidst trials while still maintaining an overall optimistic tone. Middle-grade readers will be encouraged and entertained by this horse tale, which will appeal to those who enjoy some of the horse classics such as “Black Beauty”, “National Velvet”, and the works of Marguerite Henry.
Poignant and inspirational, “Mary’s Song” takes young readers along for a spirited ride. Along with a strong theme regarding friendship, the story has a gentle faith angle and also explores other issues germane to modern readers. One girl’s parents are too uninvolved in her life, while the other’s father is overly protective. The narrative delves into tough subject matter such as dealing with loss and disappointment and persevering amidst trials while still maintaining an overall optimistic tone. Middle-grade readers will be encouraged and entertained by this horse tale, which will appeal to those who enjoy some of the horse classics such as “Black Beauty”, “National Velvet”, and the works of Marguerite Henry.
September 27, 2018
Mary is a twelve-year-old handicapped young lady. Her mother died when she was three; no one wants to talk about it. Mary lives with her father and a housekeeper. The story is set in 1952. Her father constantly searches for a possible medical breakthrough to cure his daughter. Mary is strong-willed and determined. Her best friend, Laura, rides and cares for horses at her home. The girls become obsessed with saving a horse named Illusion who needs surgery. They find ways of earning money toward that end.
Mary’s overprotective father frequently gets upset with Mary’s obstinate behavior. Laura and Mary disobey their parents and end up in trouble often, but that means lots of interesting adventures along the way. Will the girls be able to save Illusion? Can Mary’s father find a medical cure to help Laura walk again?
Middle-grade and young adult readers will find the antics of these two friends’ fun and endearing. There is lots of humor and a few surprises in store for readers. Two strong female role models and a tender story of animal love will appeal to a wide audience. Highly recommended. I look forward to reading the sequel.
Mary’s overprotective father frequently gets upset with Mary’s obstinate behavior. Laura and Mary disobey their parents and end up in trouble often, but that means lots of interesting adventures along the way. Will the girls be able to save Illusion? Can Mary’s father find a medical cure to help Laura walk again?
Middle-grade and young adult readers will find the antics of these two friends’ fun and endearing. There is lots of humor and a few surprises in store for readers. Two strong female role models and a tender story of animal love will appeal to a wide audience. Highly recommended. I look forward to reading the sequel.
March 17, 2020
Mary is a disabled young girl who has big dreams to help a limp foal along with her best friend, Laura, and a never ending love. Determination, friendship and trust bring them to find a possible solution for the horse. Sometimes your destiny is to speak up for others.
I think the lovely ladies certainly show that in this book. Not only is the cover so beautifully designed, the content covers good role models and brave heroes who fall sometimes but get up the other. Delicate, tender, heartwarming and astonishing, I loved this book!
I’ve never lived on a farm or anywhere near the countryside; this book does a great way of describing that to me. I adore how the girls handle situations with problems, how they stand and do their best. Positive vibes, people, positive vibes!
All in all, I highly recommend this book to any child who seeks a good horse read. This will not only encourage their love of animals, but also their will to find a purpose and seek out bravery to love. Thanks to Lola’s Blog Tours for a chance to receive to review the whole series, especially the new one coming out soon. It was indeed a pleasure to devour this book!
I think the lovely ladies certainly show that in this book. Not only is the cover so beautifully designed, the content covers good role models and brave heroes who fall sometimes but get up the other. Delicate, tender, heartwarming and astonishing, I loved this book!
I’ve never lived on a farm or anywhere near the countryside; this book does a great way of describing that to me. I adore how the girls handle situations with problems, how they stand and do their best. Positive vibes, people, positive vibes!
All in all, I highly recommend this book to any child who seeks a good horse read. This will not only encourage their love of animals, but also their will to find a purpose and seek out bravery to love. Thanks to Lola’s Blog Tours for a chance to receive to review the whole series, especially the new one coming out soon. It was indeed a pleasure to devour this book!
June 21, 2018
Mary is 12 years old and in a wheelchair as she can’t control her leg muscles. She often sits on the porch where she draws the horses in the next door neighbor’s pasture. She falls in love with a gorgeous red bay foal who is lame. When she finds out it is to be put down due to its lame leg, she decides she must save it. She has her friend, Laura helping her sell cookies and her horse books for sale at the fair. She doesn’t raise enough money. What will she do? I will let you discover all the other parts of this interesting novel.
The novel is about not giving up Inside this novel Mary does have adventures and a few secrets she keeps from her father. Mary doesn’t want sympathy from anyone due to her being in a wheelchair. She learns to not give up. It is a gentle novel. I won’t forget it!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The novel is about not giving up Inside this novel Mary does have adventures and a few secrets she keeps from her father. Mary doesn’t want sympathy from anyone due to her being in a wheelchair. She learns to not give up. It is a gentle novel. I won’t forget it!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
November 28, 2023
When I realized this was a Christian book I was a bit worried, as my experience with Christian books has been weird. It felt like I was always getting religion shoved down my throat at the strangest times. However, this one was very different. The Christian themes were subtle, and the talk of God and praying happened at appropriate times that seemed believable.
The story itself is very good too. It’s interesting and engaging, and the characters are very likable. Nobody gets played as a pure villain, and if they are talked about in a bad way by the end of the book you’re able to see why they are the way they are. It centers around hope and forgiveness, and the outcome, although unlikely, is totally possible. I actually really enjoyed this book! I found it at a thrift store, so it might be a while before I get my hands on more of them, but I am hoping to read some more of them!
The story itself is very good too. It’s interesting and engaging, and the characters are very likable. Nobody gets played as a pure villain, and if they are talked about in a bad way by the end of the book you’re able to see why they are the way they are. It centers around hope and forgiveness, and the outcome, although unlikely, is totally possible. I actually really enjoyed this book! I found it at a thrift store, so it might be a while before I get my hands on more of them, but I am hoping to read some more of them!
November 24, 2018
All the things I love in a book.
This is a wonderful book for any animal lover, especially for a child or adult who has something in life they must overcome to fulfill their dreams. Guess that pretty much includes us all.
Live is full of goals which we must learn to pursue if we really want to achieve our goals. Life is not easy but it is truly very very good. Work, learn, enjoy, and laugh and trust God that he is pursuing His goal of helping us live the best life possible and joining us in an even better world to come.
Here's a positive beautiful book of love, determination, friendship and our relationships with people and animal friends. Read this only if you enjoy feeling happy!!
This is a wonderful book for any animal lover, especially for a child or adult who has something in life they must overcome to fulfill their dreams. Guess that pretty much includes us all.
Live is full of goals which we must learn to pursue if we really want to achieve our goals. Life is not easy but it is truly very very good. Work, learn, enjoy, and laugh and trust God that he is pursuing His goal of helping us live the best life possible and joining us in an even better world to come.
Here's a positive beautiful book of love, determination, friendship and our relationships with people and animal friends. Read this only if you enjoy feeling happy!!
September 9, 2017
A story of hope and courage and never giving up.
Marie and Laura became dearest friends (and friends may wear different socks when they are together). Mary is sitting in a wheelchair. Her dad tries everything to help her walk again. And so does Laura.
They both love horses. They are excited that the Silver Medal at the Olympic Games went to a woman who is sitting in a wheelchair. For Mary and her friend this is clear Mary can dreaming to ride a horse one day. Together the girls moved mountains to take care of a foal.
Will they succeed, will Mary be able to walk again? You have to read the book to know this answer. But I can reveal you that you it is exciting to do so.
Marie and Laura became dearest friends (and friends may wear different socks when they are together). Mary is sitting in a wheelchair. Her dad tries everything to help her walk again. And so does Laura.
They both love horses. They are excited that the Silver Medal at the Olympic Games went to a woman who is sitting in a wheelchair. For Mary and her friend this is clear Mary can dreaming to ride a horse one day. Together the girls moved mountains to take care of a foal.
Will they succeed, will Mary be able to walk again? You have to read the book to know this answer. But I can reveal you that you it is exciting to do so.
December 18, 2018
Mary has been left in a wheelchair by an awful disease and her father is willing to try every hair brained idea he hears to cure her.
They live next to a horse ranch and Mary loves horses, drawing horses especially one little foal.
That little foal is lame and the owner wants to put it down. The owner has a daughter named Laura who, along with Mary want to save the foal.
So the girls work hard together to save both Mary and the foal.
The story has a lot tense moments and some really sweet ones too. The ending is lovely even if one part was a tad rushed. I'll forgive the suddenness because it was very sweet!
They live next to a horse ranch and Mary loves horses, drawing horses especially one little foal.
That little foal is lame and the owner wants to put it down. The owner has a daughter named Laura who, along with Mary want to save the foal.
So the girls work hard together to save both Mary and the foal.
The story has a lot tense moments and some really sweet ones too. The ending is lovely even if one part was a tad rushed. I'll forgive the suddenness because it was very sweet!
September 12, 2017
A sweet story about a handicap girl and a foal
Mary's song is a sweet story about a handicap girl and a foal she is determined to save. This is a good story for young horse lovers.
I personally was irritated by the lead characters behavior at times, but she is a young girl, so it was perhaps understandable. I also wondered about the severity of the foal's condition. Club foot and an abscess are not life threatening conditions in my experience, but I am not a vet.
Overall this story is worthwhile reading material for horse crazy kids.
Mary's song is a sweet story about a handicap girl and a foal she is determined to save. This is a good story for young horse lovers.
I personally was irritated by the lead characters behavior at times, but she is a young girl, so it was perhaps understandable. I also wondered about the severity of the foal's condition. Club foot and an abscess are not life threatening conditions in my experience, but I am not a vet.
Overall this story is worthwhile reading material for horse crazy kids.
October 7, 2018
I'm much older than the target audience for this book. I guess most girls go through the stage of wanting a horse of their own.
The book seemed slow paced to me. I did like the friendship between Mary and Laura, though I didn't like that they got Mary into equine therapy without any adult's knowledge (except maybe Charlotte's, indirectly). I did admire Mary's heart for Illusion and her desire to save the horse.
I do think Mary's father was over-protective and that perhaps he got taken a few times in his quest to make his daughter walk again.
The book seemed slow paced to me. I did like the friendship between Mary and Laura, though I didn't like that they got Mary into equine therapy without any adult's knowledge (except maybe Charlotte's, indirectly). I did admire Mary's heart for Illusion and her desire to save the horse.
I do think Mary's father was over-protective and that perhaps he got taken a few times in his quest to make his daughter walk again.
October 26, 2020
I wish this book has been around during my youth. This was very relatable, and shows some very real feelings of a girl struggling with a will to walk again, but the realities of disability....
The only thing that I thought needed to be more clear from the start was when this took place, because there were some points in the book that were very confusing without that context..... It is set in the 1950s
This could be a hard read thematically for some younger readers, but I still highly recommend it.
The only thing that I thought needed to be more clear from the start was when this took place, because there were some points in the book that were very confusing without that context..... It is set in the 1950s
This could be a hard read thematically for some younger readers, but I still highly recommend it.
June 21, 2018
Mary's Song
by Susan Count
BooksGoSocial
Christian , Crafts & Hobbies
Pub Date 20 Oct 2016
I am reviewing a copy of Mary's Song through BooksGoSocial and Netgalley:
Mary is a twelve year old girl who falls in love with a foal whose lame just like her. The surgery only has a small chance of correcting the problem but Mary is determined to raise the money for the foal.
I give Mary's Song five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
July 28, 2021
Read this to my horse loving granddaughter. She loved it! I loved it! Very sweet story of family relationships, friendships and the love of horses described perfectly. We ordered the next book in the series and she’ll read this one on her own. As her grandmother, I really appreciated the references to the importance of prayer in our lives. Thank you Susan Count! You grabbed our hearts and attention! We look forward to reading your books!
May 3, 2019
This book lets people know that if you try hard enough you can get things done, and you can grow in your faith in God and become stronger. It also made me laugh really hard! It was super easy to read and only a few pages in I was hooked! It was super exciting the whole way through! - Anderson (age 9)
July 1, 2024
This was good in that when there was a problem, Mary went to God in prayer
At times it was difficult to determine who was saying what. Supposedly the timeline was 1952, and the slang surprised me. The going behind parents' back was a negative, and Mary seemed to think she was loved by what was given her. Her father was a little extreme with his finger wagging.
At times it was difficult to determine who was saying what. Supposedly the timeline was 1952, and the slang surprised me. The going behind parents' back was a negative, and Mary seemed to think she was loved by what was given her. Her father was a little extreme with his finger wagging.
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