The Gift: A Horse, a Boy, and a Miracle of Love

by Lauraine Snelling

Turner McNeally's daughter has gone off to college, and her horse is demonstrating signs of lonelinesss. Rebecca Wilkinson's son hasn't spoken a word since his father's death, and the family counselor suggests a pet. This Christmas, the chance to hear her son's voice again would be the best gift Rebecca could receive. Beloved author Lauraine Snelling weaves a story of holiday romance in which a simple advertisement for a horse's companion creates a family bond and sparks unexpected love.

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Romance, Horses, Audiobook

128 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2002

About the author

Award-winning and bestselling author Lauraine Snelling has over 80 books published with sales of over 4.5 million. Her original dream was to write horse books for children. Today, she writes adult novels about real issues centered on forgiveness, loss, domestic violence and cancer in her inspirational contemporary women’s fiction titles and historical series, including the favorite, Blessing books about Ingeborg Bjorklund and family.

Lauraine enjoys helping others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writer’s conferences across the county. She and her husband Wayne have two grown sons, and a daughter in Heaven. They live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a Basset named Sir Winston ob de Mountains, Lapcat, and “The Girls” (three golden hens).

Reviews

[Sarah • semi ia (nvm still pretty inactive, sorry!)]

4.5 ⭐️

"Old horse lonely. Needs young companion. Not for sale. Not forever. Just for fun."

Turner “Mac” McNeally didn’t think much of his ad in The Tehachapi News. It was all true. His daughter’s old horse, Cody, was lonely and he needed the exercise. He could also bring joy to a child who needed it. Horses have a good way of showcasing the love that God does. So when a Rebecca Wilkinson called about the ad and set up a day for her son, Mac soon realized that he and his old horse had a lot in common: the man was lonely and he had a heart full of love that he wanted to share with someone special…

Rebecca Wilkinson was at her wit's end. Her eight-year-old son, Jonah, hadn’t talked in years due to the death of his father. Still grieving the loss and worried about her child, Jonah’s speech therapist recommended she find a pet, large or small, for Jonah to connect with. “There is no physical reason why Jonah doesn’t talk…My next suggestion is a pet. Many times animals can reach a heart and actually make the owner healthier.” So when Rebecca sees the ad in the paper about a lonely, old horse needing a young companion, she calls Mac and it’s all set. But as Mac, Rebecca, and Jonah spend more and more time together, Rebecca begins to realize Jonah isn’t the only one who needs to heal and that she needs God, even though “She took her faith out, dusted it off for Christmas and Easter, and then, in spite of good intentions, let other things bury it secretly back in its box.”

I got this book a few years ago from a library book sale. I remember liking it because 1) it was short (it’s 94 pages), 2) it was about horses, and 3) it was a sweet, Christian book. So when I picked it out from my book collection yesterday, I couldn’t put it down. Mac is a great character and I enjoyed his point of view, his love for God and horses, and the tidbits of wisdom he shared with Rebecca. “I believe if you learn things right in the beginning, life gets plenty easier later on.” “Time and the grace of Almighty God. In spite of what the songs say, a broken heart does heal.” Rebecca sometimes annoyed me with her worry and her pride, but that just means that I’m the same way and I can’t stand it in myself if I can’t stand it in other people.😂😅 But the characters were good, the descriptions and writing flowed well, and the story was right to the point with the troubles, the spark of romance, and the message of God’s love generously sprinkled within the plot. It’s a sweet, little book and I would recommend it for anyone who wants a quick read and feel good at the same time. ☺️

[Karla Mercer]

The Gift is an amazing story about a little boy named Jonah and a horse named Cody. Jonah is a 8 year old little boy who lost his dad when he was 4 years old. When he lost his dad he stopped talking altogether for basically 4 years. Until the day that he met Cody the horse and the owner named Mac. Mac explained everything to Jonah and his mom Rebecca. Rebecca and Mac started getting feelings for each other and did not want to act on them, so they just ignored those feelings. Then one day Jonah was riding Cody and he fell off of the horse. Jonah was so scared that he did not want to get back on the horse, but Mac made him get back on the horse and that is what got Jonah talking again.
Lauraine Snelling is an amazing author, one that knows how to get your attention and keep it caught. Wanting to know more about what happens next. She knows how to put just enough religion into the book without it being too much. It is just perfect the way she has written this book. This is a must read for everybody of all ages, especially if you have just recently lost somebody. The best Gift always comes at Christmas.

[June]

"Mac blinked and swallowed. He shook his head, ever so slightly, to clear it and took another breath. His solar plexus ached like he'd been sucker-punched."

"The heat from Mac's arm warmed Rebecca all over. One more thrill in a week of thrills."

I see I have had valid reasons for avoiding contemporary soft Christian fiction. It negatively affects my solar plexus.

2024 BEC book bingo, read an author that is new to you. This was her shortest one on the shelf.

[Raquel Shah]

The books that Goodreads challenges has me reading (insert facepalm). Very short, a bit too religious (for me), cheesy read. I don't even know what else to say.

[Louise Mayhew]

The Gift by Lauraine Snelling was a delightful read. A young boy who lost his father in the war and that causes him to stop speaking. A widower whose daughter is off to college has a horse that needs some companionship. These three individuals come together though an advertisement in the paper with wonderful results. It is faith-based with witnessing in it. It is only 88 pages long so it is a fast read.

[Lynnette Lott]

A sweet quick read.

[Lynn Hinkforth]

2.5 stars. The book is a mix for me. I liked the story, although predictable is an understatement. I felt the writing was incredibly amateurism. I wondered if I was reading a children’s book, but based on the subject matter, I knew I wasn’t. ITT was short, and a time filler, but I wouldn’t pick up another by this author.

[Mary]

Good story

I enjoyed this story.
I usually check the page numbers, but I forgot.
Short but sweet, lots of good advice if we are willing to listen.
Would recommend reading.

[Teresa]

Such a sweet easy read. It would be an awesome book for the evening or morning on Christmas day! Even though Christmas isn't the main focus it is almost Christmas in the book. I loved the characters and how well they all went together even if there was literally only five in the whole book. Great book for a high quality, touching story within the shortest time. People who like horse stories will enjoy this but i also think it is just as good for those who don't.

[Rose]

This was a sweet story about healing. I’m not an animal lover so it was a bit of a stretch for me but it was good. I do know the value of the relationship between a child and a pet so I have nothing negative to say about that.

[Chris Comden]

The Gift by Lauraine Snelling
Series: No
Format: Audiobook
Stars: 3 1/2
Recommend: Yes
Would Reread: No


I give honest reviews and all my opinions are my own.

For more of my reviews go to Heavenly High Seas Books
https://heavenlyhighseasbooks.blogspo...

[Sherry Bryant]

A very heartwarming story that gives hope to any and all of us needing a new start!
This book gives hope and I thank you for using the anointed gift God has given you for us all to enjoy and reflect upon.

[Beth Albalos]

This was a super sweet story. I'm a sucker for a good horse story and this one was endearing. The boy was adorable, the horse was amazing, and the connection between the woman and the cowboy was sweet. This is a wonderful feel-good read.

[Heidi Morrell]

This was a fantastic Contemporary Christian fiction book. The story was believable and the characters were heartwarming. I was able to read a copy of this book via Overdrive, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.

[Awjtf]

Great story!

[Suzie]

Good short story read, as an empty nester, it sure hit home.

[Word Spinner]

A touching, feel-good story, luv it!

[Denise]

This was a good quick read about boy and a special horse. It was a good book.

[Susan]

A little "miracle" story with a happily-ever-after ending for Christmas Eve. No surprises, but cute.

[Lori]

A sweet book about a little boy who quit talking after his dad died. Mac and his horse helped the boy talk again. Very quick read.

[Lisa]

Be the best of those that are no longer here🧸

[Maggie Grace]

Quick, sweet story.

[Lesa]

Puffy fun

[Linea Winter]

Good read

[Joann]

Pretty good story

[Annette]

3.5 stars ⭐️

[Lisa Ann]

Amazing story of Faith, Hope and Love!

[Frieda]

This so sweet, with a lovely letting go of the things that some characters were holding on to, that needed to be let go.

[Les Wolf]

Well written story about a man, a woman, a little boy and a horse.

[Catherine Hewitt]

Cheesy, but I enjoyed the message