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Holder of the Horses: a Family's Legendary Journey Through Life
HOLDER OF THE HORSES
A FAMILY'S LEGENDARY JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE
Jonny Sandgren has always known exactly what he wants to do with his life. He belongs on his family’s rugged Montana ranch, following in the respected footsteps of both of his grandfathers and his father. Convincing his mother he should forgo experiencing life outside of the ranch, and all of the possibilities that come along with the rest of the world, was another story. Maybe because she knows a little something about the cost of staying.
Amara Morris, affectionately referred to as “Grams”, and Jonny share a close connection; a zeal for Morris ranch. Over a late-night snack, Grams shares with him a twine bound book written in her own hand. Inside is a story she had never fully told anyone. Her story. And a legend.
Join the tantalizing journey through the trials of life, and ranching, where countless decisions leave a wake of lasting discoveries and loyalties - and gut-wrenching sacrifices - in this merciless land of beauty and splendor. Holder of the Horses will leave you fulfilled, and breathless.
Check out www.slaterlife.com for more novels by Lisa Slater
A FAMILY'S LEGENDARY JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE
Jonny Sandgren has always known exactly what he wants to do with his life. He belongs on his family’s rugged Montana ranch, following in the respected footsteps of both of his grandfathers and his father. Convincing his mother he should forgo experiencing life outside of the ranch, and all of the possibilities that come along with the rest of the world, was another story. Maybe because she knows a little something about the cost of staying.
Amara Morris, affectionately referred to as “Grams”, and Jonny share a close connection; a zeal for Morris ranch. Over a late-night snack, Grams shares with him a twine bound book written in her own hand. Inside is a story she had never fully told anyone. Her story. And a legend.
Join the tantalizing journey through the trials of life, and ranching, where countless decisions leave a wake of lasting discoveries and loyalties - and gut-wrenching sacrifices - in this merciless land of beauty and splendor. Holder of the Horses will leave you fulfilled, and breathless.
Check out www.slaterlife.com for more novels by Lisa Slater
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2019
245 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Slater
7 books28 followersLisa Slater-
Is a United States Author of fiction Romance / Suspense / Thriller and Mystery novels. She’s from Coos County, Oregon, and is a real western cowgirl, riding horses, raising cows, cherishing her dogs and chickens, but above all, her family. She is happiest in the company of her best friends: her supportive husband and delightfully esteemed sons.
Precisely before wearing spurs everywhere – yes, everywhere - Lisa has become best known for captivating her readers and has been accused on many occasions, that she’s caused them to burn too much of the midnight oil devouring every last word before dawn. If this were the case with you, she sends her apology (but is indeed quite ecstatic).
Website: www.slaterlife.com
Facebook: Slaterlife, Lisa Slater Author
Email: infolisaauthor@yahoocom
_____________________________________________
A BIT ABOUT ME
Hi readers!
As an author, there is nothing I find more exhilarating than encountering those remarkable moments when what I thought was “my story “develops, much like a child, and becomes a story of its own. Boldly tugging me along, luring me to chase after startling discoveries and uncovering rightful identities of yearning characters.
As a person, there is nothing I find more exhilarating than living in the actual moment and experiencing life all around and within me. I believe a good author knows how to write, but a great storyteller knows how to live.
_____________________________________________
Chancing Hope (Romantic Suspense) - Book Review Published June 2018
"This author is a MAGNIFICENTLY gifted story teller! This book was hard to put down and so I didn't! I used all of my spare time to immerse myself in the story and that was simply done because of the way this author used her flair with words to pull me in! I loved the symbolism with the animals and the people. It was not lost on me. The book is filled with descriptions of characters that were so real that I imagine I knew them. And believe me...the antagonist is not someone I WANT to know...AT ALL! The story is compelling and I actually found myself scooching to the edge of my seat more than once as I read on and on. At LEAST I didn't scream at the characters, out loud that is. I do wonder if there will be a sequel or even a movie script for this book. I'll follow her story telling career to find out!"
Review by Kathy C.
_____________________________________________
Holder of The Horses (Sweet Romance) - Book Review Published July 2019
"BEAUTIFUL The way this author has written these characters makes you feel like you are experiencing exactly what they are going through. I felt their sorrow and pain and cried right along with them. I never really knew how much it took to manage a ranch or the heartaches it could have but this book shows you just how hard and rewarding it is. This book also shows you about following your dreams, unconditional love, and what a family should be. I will always think of this story and smile when I see an eagle. Thank you for such a beautiful story."
Review by JR
_____________________________________________
For The Garden (Thriller / Mystery) NEW RELEASE Published May 2020
Years ago, the unimaginable murder of eleven-year-old Samuella Rose left Sarina Rose, her twin sister, in a downward spiral and plagued by nightmares. Fifteen years later - the case still wide open - the only way she has managed to keep her head above water is due to her attractive massage therapist, Duane Whitson, who she battles to keep at a distance, and Clyde Small, the detective who has never given up on combing every lead in search for justice. However, it’s her unlikely roommate, Becky Bracken, that introduces her to dream interpretation. But that’s not where the interpretation stops.
A cold shiver covered Becky’s arms and legs with goosebumps. This was beyond superstition or hoaxes. This was actually happening. Graver still, she suspected, Sarina had no idea.
Is a United States Author of fiction Romance / Suspense / Thriller and Mystery novels. She’s from Coos County, Oregon, and is a real western cowgirl, riding horses, raising cows, cherishing her dogs and chickens, but above all, her family. She is happiest in the company of her best friends: her supportive husband and delightfully esteemed sons.
Precisely before wearing spurs everywhere – yes, everywhere - Lisa has become best known for captivating her readers and has been accused on many occasions, that she’s caused them to burn too much of the midnight oil devouring every last word before dawn. If this were the case with you, she sends her apology (but is indeed quite ecstatic).
Website: www.slaterlife.com
Facebook: Slaterlife, Lisa Slater Author
Email: infolisaauthor@yahoocom
_____________________________________________
A BIT ABOUT ME
Hi readers!
As an author, there is nothing I find more exhilarating than encountering those remarkable moments when what I thought was “my story “develops, much like a child, and becomes a story of its own. Boldly tugging me along, luring me to chase after startling discoveries and uncovering rightful identities of yearning characters.
As a person, there is nothing I find more exhilarating than living in the actual moment and experiencing life all around and within me. I believe a good author knows how to write, but a great storyteller knows how to live.
_____________________________________________
Chancing Hope (Romantic Suspense) - Book Review Published June 2018
"This author is a MAGNIFICENTLY gifted story teller! This book was hard to put down and so I didn't! I used all of my spare time to immerse myself in the story and that was simply done because of the way this author used her flair with words to pull me in! I loved the symbolism with the animals and the people. It was not lost on me. The book is filled with descriptions of characters that were so real that I imagine I knew them. And believe me...the antagonist is not someone I WANT to know...AT ALL! The story is compelling and I actually found myself scooching to the edge of my seat more than once as I read on and on. At LEAST I didn't scream at the characters, out loud that is. I do wonder if there will be a sequel or even a movie script for this book. I'll follow her story telling career to find out!"
Review by Kathy C.
_____________________________________________
Holder of The Horses (Sweet Romance) - Book Review Published July 2019
"BEAUTIFUL The way this author has written these characters makes you feel like you are experiencing exactly what they are going through. I felt their sorrow and pain and cried right along with them. I never really knew how much it took to manage a ranch or the heartaches it could have but this book shows you just how hard and rewarding it is. This book also shows you about following your dreams, unconditional love, and what a family should be. I will always think of this story and smile when I see an eagle. Thank you for such a beautiful story."
Review by JR
_____________________________________________
For The Garden (Thriller / Mystery) NEW RELEASE Published May 2020
Years ago, the unimaginable murder of eleven-year-old Samuella Rose left Sarina Rose, her twin sister, in a downward spiral and plagued by nightmares. Fifteen years later - the case still wide open - the only way she has managed to keep her head above water is due to her attractive massage therapist, Duane Whitson, who she battles to keep at a distance, and Clyde Small, the detective who has never given up on combing every lead in search for justice. However, it’s her unlikely roommate, Becky Bracken, that introduces her to dream interpretation. But that’s not where the interpretation stops.
A cold shiver covered Becky’s arms and legs with goosebumps. This was beyond superstition or hoaxes. This was actually happening. Graver still, she suspected, Sarina had no idea.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
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August 14, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/14/2019)! 🎁
July 13, 2024
Jonny Sandgren is content with his life—riding his horse and working on his family’s idyllic Montana ranch. He is a true cowboy through and through. Jonny wholeheartedly accepts his fate of taking over the legacy of his grandfather’s ranch. Much to his mother’s chagrin, he has no desire to return to college and see the world because everything he needs is here with his parents and aging Grams.
One night, Grams bestows upon him a monumental gift—a weathered blue notebook. As Jonny begins to read, he realizes this isn’t just any notebook; it is his grandmother’s legacy. Page by page, Jonny is immersed further into Grams’ astonishing past, unearthing a deeply emotional journey of love, perseverance, and secrets.
“Holder of the Horses: A Family’s Legendary Journey Through Life” by Lisa Slater is a Western romance that will sweep you off your feet. The novel’s unique narrative structure begins in the present and swiftly changes as the story in Jonny’s grandmother’s (Amara’s) notebook unravels, immediately drawing readers in. Imagine being given the proverbial key to unlocking your family’s history; what a beautiful gift his grandmother has given Jonny. Readers are reeled into Amara’s young life, where the city girl with dreams of horses and cowboy boots becomes a ranch hand, meets her true love, and builds a legacy for future generations.
Slater enamors as she paints a vibrant landscape, plucking the reader from reality and transporting them to the breathtaking Morris ranch in Montana. The sprawling land, lush trees, streams, majestic horses, and structures made of wood and stone; for anyone who watched the series Yellowstone, the Morris ranch bears a striking resemblance. The aesthetically pleasing setting is elevated further by a burgeoning romance between Amara and Sonny, brimming with chemistry, friendship, and complete adoration.
Beyond the lure of an engaging romance, the novel offers strong themes of identity and family. Heartlessly disowned by her parents when she chooses ranch living, Amara must grapple with that rejection as she forges her own path. She finds a new family in Sonny and his grandfather. But it isn’t easy. Working her fingers to the bone and putting her body through the rigors of being a ranch hand, Amara undergoes a remarkable transformation from an inexperienced young adult to a woman of strength and resilience. There are many triumphs but also insurmountable pain. Amara’s journey is one that needs to be told.
Enthralling romance, exquisite scenery, and a family bond—it doesn’t get better than this. It’s easy to imagine Slater’s epic story being adapted to the big screen. Readers who love the grittiness of Western love stories will undeniably be drawn to Lisa Slater’s “Holder of the Horses.”
One night, Grams bestows upon him a monumental gift—a weathered blue notebook. As Jonny begins to read, he realizes this isn’t just any notebook; it is his grandmother’s legacy. Page by page, Jonny is immersed further into Grams’ astonishing past, unearthing a deeply emotional journey of love, perseverance, and secrets.
“Holder of the Horses: A Family’s Legendary Journey Through Life” by Lisa Slater is a Western romance that will sweep you off your feet. The novel’s unique narrative structure begins in the present and swiftly changes as the story in Jonny’s grandmother’s (Amara’s) notebook unravels, immediately drawing readers in. Imagine being given the proverbial key to unlocking your family’s history; what a beautiful gift his grandmother has given Jonny. Readers are reeled into Amara’s young life, where the city girl with dreams of horses and cowboy boots becomes a ranch hand, meets her true love, and builds a legacy for future generations.
Slater enamors as she paints a vibrant landscape, plucking the reader from reality and transporting them to the breathtaking Morris ranch in Montana. The sprawling land, lush trees, streams, majestic horses, and structures made of wood and stone; for anyone who watched the series Yellowstone, the Morris ranch bears a striking resemblance. The aesthetically pleasing setting is elevated further by a burgeoning romance between Amara and Sonny, brimming with chemistry, friendship, and complete adoration.
Beyond the lure of an engaging romance, the novel offers strong themes of identity and family. Heartlessly disowned by her parents when she chooses ranch living, Amara must grapple with that rejection as she forges her own path. She finds a new family in Sonny and his grandfather. But it isn’t easy. Working her fingers to the bone and putting her body through the rigors of being a ranch hand, Amara undergoes a remarkable transformation from an inexperienced young adult to a woman of strength and resilience. There are many triumphs but also insurmountable pain. Amara’s journey is one that needs to be told.
Enthralling romance, exquisite scenery, and a family bond—it doesn’t get better than this. It’s easy to imagine Slater’s epic story being adapted to the big screen. Readers who love the grittiness of Western love stories will undeniably be drawn to Lisa Slater’s “Holder of the Horses.”
November 3, 2021
This is another heart wretching book . A book about horses and the ranch the family owned . Sonny met Amara one day as she was with others on a trip before she went to college. She showed up at his and his grandpas ranch and ended up wanting to stay as she loved it there. She stared working with them one the ranch. . Amara's Mother wanted her to go to college and she flipped out when Amara told her no Im staying here. Her Mom said goodbye dont call us for anything Im done with you and left. Amara did just that,Sonny and Amara ended up getting married. Later they had a daughter they called Charlie. Amaras Mom knew none of this. Good things were happening but tragedy striked after awhile .Grandpa was getting old and lost contact with his son because he only visited when he wanted money. Things came full face near the end. Watch for the eagles up in the sky. Let your children live the life that they choose.
November 2, 2021
An exceptional read. This story spans four generations of the Miller family. Their ranch is their life. Charleston is a phenomenal role model and endures the odds that life has thrown at him. Sonny is just one sweet and lovable cowboy who bumps into Amara. Amara just wants to pat a mustang. Well she sure does get what she wants and more. Jonny has the courage to go for what he wants. This story has it all. Such powerful writing is a pleasure to indulge in and the imagery delights all the senses.
August 29, 2020
Family ties
This is the second book I've read by this author, and I enjoyed it much more. The first one was a bit too deep for me, but this one was filled with the love and struggles of dealing with family and the heartache that it can sometimes bring, sometimes through being left behind physically and then also through the death of a loved one. This story dealt with many of those and left me in years several times but in a good way.
This is the second book I've read by this author, and I enjoyed it much more. The first one was a bit too deep for me, but this one was filled with the love and struggles of dealing with family and the heartache that it can sometimes bring, sometimes through being left behind physically and then also through the death of a loved one. This story dealt with many of those and left me in years several times but in a good way.
January 12, 2021
Good but sad
Keep the tissues nearby. Liked the story. Revolves around Amara. The writing style is good. Characters are tangible. My issue is the timeline. What period of time is this set in? I thought it was present time. No.... She dies at 89 years of age. She gets to the ranch 68 years ago. She wouldn't have a cell phone? Did I misread? Maybe, I read this late night and early morning. And cried a bucket of tears.
Keep the tissues nearby. Liked the story. Revolves around Amara. The writing style is good. Characters are tangible. My issue is the timeline. What period of time is this set in? I thought it was present time. No.... She dies at 89 years of age. She gets to the ranch 68 years ago. She wouldn't have a cell phone? Did I misread? Maybe, I read this late night and early morning. And cried a bucket of tears.
September 4, 2021
Beautiful story! Generations of love and strong Montana ranchers!
Bringing tears and joy, love and hardship! Everything in one glorious story! True love and then lost love always there even after death! Truly touching and love to see what happens with young Johnny and the morris ranch!
Bringing tears and joy, love and hardship! Everything in one glorious story! True love and then lost love always there even after death! Truly touching and love to see what happens with young Johnny and the morris ranch!
November 4, 2021
Mostly enjoyable
The story of the ranching family was emotional and showed a strength needed to run a ranch. There were some timeline issues that were jarring to the story for me. When Jonny got Amara's journal it was supposed to go back 68 years, therefore Honda automobiles, cell phones, and laptops did not resonate with the history as well as other modern items.
The story of the ranching family was emotional and showed a strength needed to run a ranch. There were some timeline issues that were jarring to the story for me. When Jonny got Amara's journal it was supposed to go back 68 years, therefore Honda automobiles, cell phones, and laptops did not resonate with the history as well as other modern items.
April 7, 2020
A Nice Surprise
I took a chance on this book when it came up on my list. I was sad to have it end. This is a great story about life, love, and loss. I highly recommend this book to anyone intrigued by horses, mountains, and cowboys.
I took a chance on this book when it came up on my list. I was sad to have it end. This is a great story about life, love, and loss. I highly recommend this book to anyone intrigued by horses, mountains, and cowboys.
July 9, 2020
Love
When you read this be sure to have a box of tissues handy. It is a heart breaking story of several generations. There is profound love as well as sorrow. of eagles soaring and horses' .
When you read this be sure to have a box of tissues handy. It is a heart breaking story of several generations. There is profound love as well as sorrow. of eagles soaring and horses' .
August 4, 2020
I loved this book. You’ll need a box of tissues. The story content was excellent and draws you in to love the characters. It would be a five except for historical errors. Writer should have researched more.
March 13, 2021
Family Story of Horse Lovers
This tale takes the reader through the generations of family at the Morris family ranch. I was intrigued and in tears through out the reading and I loved the following the lives as they are revealed.
This tale takes the reader through the generations of family at the Morris family ranch. I was intrigued and in tears through out the reading and I loved the following the lives as they are revealed.
July 7, 2021
Fantastic
This was such a real book about generations of a family. The story was fantastic & the characters great. It definitely was off the charts as to rating. It had love , excitement & sadness. Definitely a tear jersey. Don' count on putting the book dow Not happening!!
This was such a real book about generations of a family. The story was fantastic & the characters great. It definitely was off the charts as to rating. It had love , excitement & sadness. Definitely a tear jersey. Don' count on putting the book dow Not happening!!
February 20, 2025
Bravo
My finest praise goes to Lisa Slater for her heartfelt and touching story, I was brought to tears on more than a few occasions.
I was crying with the participants in the book because of what life was sending their way. It was a very good book!
My finest praise goes to Lisa Slater for her heartfelt and touching story, I was brought to tears on more than a few occasions.
I was crying with the participants in the book because of what life was sending their way. It was a very good book!
June 14, 2020
Lovely read
This is a book about family love,unconditional love and the courage to live life because of love. There are lessons in this book.
This is a book about family love,unconditional love and the courage to live life because of love. There are lessons in this book.
September 12, 2020
Loved this book but, of course, I love horses. It's a quick and delightful read, albeit sad at times, and just what I needed at this time.
January 29, 2021
A fictional read of family and it's values. It has all kinds of aspects in it. Strong characters, strong family ties and struggles as well.
April 7, 2021
Wonderful Book
A wonderful book about family. It's one that will keep you turning pages until you read the last page. Plus makes you want the story to continue.
A wonderful book about family. It's one that will keep you turning pages until you read the last page. Plus makes you want the story to continue.
February 24, 2022
Beautifully written. An emotional read.
June 13, 2022
Can’t think of another book I’ve enjoyed more. Laugh, cry and happy. Unique and heart warming. I wish I could forget what I’ve read so I could read it again as new, which I will do in a year or two.
September 25, 2023
I don't normally read books that make me cry, but this book was worth reading. Wonderfully written, you can't put this book down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2020
I enjoyed the story, but found GLARING historical errors.
Story of the young Amara, who would have grown up in the 40s and 50s if 89 at end of life, mentioned Honda car, which did not appear in US that early, and cell phones, which were not in existence till late 80s, and not common till the 90s.
If one is writing about earlier times, one needs to be accurate about available communications and models of cars.
Story of the young Amara, who would have grown up in the 40s and 50s if 89 at end of life, mentioned Honda car, which did not appear in US that early, and cell phones, which were not in existence till late 80s, and not common till the 90s.
If one is writing about earlier times, one needs to be accurate about available communications and models of cars.
October 27, 2024
Holder Of The Horses: A FAMILY'S LEGENDARY JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE
This book is hands down one of the best books that I've read in a long time. It stirred emotions that have been in my life as long as I can remember. I felt the need to crawl under the fence, just to feel a horse. This story is so very well written that I wish I could go to Montana just to see the mountains and just ride like Amara did. If you love the freedom of the wind in your hair and the feel of a powerful horse beneath you, maybe if you're lucky your mind can take you there again when you read this book. Let yourself live Amara's life and love and watch the wonderful woman she became. You might just wish that you had been there. AWESOME , AWESOME READ.
This book is hands down one of the best books that I've read in a long time. It stirred emotions that have been in my life as long as I can remember. I felt the need to crawl under the fence, just to feel a horse. This story is so very well written that I wish I could go to Montana just to see the mountains and just ride like Amara did. If you love the freedom of the wind in your hair and the feel of a powerful horse beneath you, maybe if you're lucky your mind can take you there again when you read this book. Let yourself live Amara's life and love and watch the wonderful woman she became. You might just wish that you had been there. AWESOME , AWESOME READ.
September 25, 2019
A must read for all
I knew Lisa was a writer who tugs at the heart strings and takes you on a journey of adventure and suspense. Holder of the Horses by passes all expectations and requires at least two boxes of Kleenex. Bravo Lisa bravo.
I knew Lisa was a writer who tugs at the heart strings and takes you on a journey of adventure and suspense. Holder of the Horses by passes all expectations and requires at least two boxes of Kleenex. Bravo Lisa bravo.
January 27, 2020
Amazing saga
Well written story about a ranch and the wonderful family running it . Creative storytelling weaves the generations together making the reader feel like part of the family.
Well written story about a ranch and the wonderful family running it . Creative storytelling weaves the generations together making the reader feel like part of the family.
July 9, 2019
Excellent Book I recommend
It was an enchanting and mesmerizing read. Captivating till the very end when the story came full circle. A must read!
It was an enchanting and mesmerizing read. Captivating till the very end when the story came full circle. A must read!
July 18, 2019
Great Read!
The story kept you on your toes the whole way! If you like western stories...then this book is for you!
The story kept you on your toes the whole way! If you like western stories...then this book is for you!
September 24, 2019
So worth reading!
Story starts out a little slow but is so worth the time to read! Be ready to laugh and to shed a few tears reading this story!
Story starts out a little slow but is so worth the time to read! Be ready to laugh and to shed a few tears reading this story!
November 28, 2019
A good read, loved the story, full circle. Family love
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews