Sooner or Later

Heartland #12

by Lauren Brooke

Heartland is a horse farm nestled in the hills of Virginia, but it's much more than that. Heartland is like no other place - it's a place where the scars of the past can be healed, a place where frightened and abused horses learn to trust again.

Amy's dreams have come true. She is working with damaged horses and showing in high-level jumping competitions. It's all because of Storm, the talented dapple gray thoroughbred that was a gift from Amy's father. But having it all isn't always easy, and Amy is realizing that she can't keep up with her work at Heartland and dedicate herself to the show world. Storm needs more attention - so do the other horses. Sooner or later, she'll have to make a choice.

Genres: Horses, Young Adult, Fiction, Childrens, Animals, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction

150 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2002

About the author

Lauren Brooke grew up in a ranch in Virginia and now lives in Leicestershire, England. Her husband is a veterinarian who specializes in horses. Her books have been published by Scholastic since Mid-2000, starting with the first book of the Heartland book series. The first book of her popular Chestnut Hill series was published in 2005.

According to an interview on scholastics' website, Lauren Brooke has been riding since before she could walk. She also said she competes in a few local-level horse shows and events.

There may be some other people in books and movies named Lauren Brooke:
Amazon lists the author of "Book of spiritual regeneration" (1995) as Lauren Brooke.
IMDB.com has a record for an Actress named Lauren Brooke. Her only movie is "Wiseguys vs. Zombies" (2003) as Goat Man's Wife.

Reviews

[Amanda Schell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Heartland with my best friend from middle school...we aren't really friends now more like kind strangers. It's odd how we as book lovers attach emotions from our life at the time we read certain things....anyway I adore the heartland series!!! All of them! And in case you were wondering the TV series is pretty good too <3

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amy's time management crisis comes to a head when Heartland takes on a horse named Willow, who is terrified of people. Amy tries to show Storm, but when Willow spooks she must leave early. Though it's difficult, Amy decides to sell Storm...

I was happy when Amy finally made her decision - her running around was making ME feel tired! I'm glad the outcome turned out almost as I'd hoped after reading Tomorrow's Promise. But what's in store for Amy now that she can focus solely on Heartland? Will she be able to completely give up on competing?

[Tibbara's Den · Rating 4 out of 5]

I both loved and didn't like how the attention is on a few different horses instead of focusing on one case like the other books. It did work for this one in particular as it shows just how torn Amy is, but I still missed a little of the depth. Also, Amy being so stubborn about was a little frustrating and made it less enjoyable. Though again, it did work for the story as it showed how much she was struggling with deciding what to do. I just think it would have worked better with one decision verse being split into multiple decisions. Still really enjoyed the horses and the overall plot line of this one.

[David Burnworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best but saddest books in this series. Amy's love of Heartland always comes first no matter the sacrifice it means to her personally. Letting Storm go might have been the hardest thing she has to do but she does because she knows the horse will be 100% happy going to the shows and in the long run she, herself will always be happiest at Heartland

[kat♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

again a sweet read even though it wasnt my all-time favorite from the series. each book teaches a bittersweet lesson, and this book was no exception. sometimes, you have to give up something you want in order to have or keep what you need and its not always an easy thing to do. im about halfway done with the books of this series and each one just keeps me coming back for more!

[Christopher Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book a 5 star rating. There was nothing I would change in this book it is awesome just the way it is. The reason I wanted to read this book is because I have watch the series Heartland on T.V. and I thought why not read the book so I did and really enjoyed it.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amy loves showing horses. She loves her new horse, that was gifted by her father. She loves working with and helping all of the horses at Heartland. All of that responsibility and constant work is a lot for a teenage girl, and this book sees all of that stress and overwork come to a head.

[The Chapter Conundrum (Stacey) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

I liked this one and it definitely has some emotion, like the others in the series but it just seemed a little bit repetitive to me.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great

[Katie Hildreth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed reading this series. This is perfect series for anyone who loves horses!! Once I start reading, I can't put down until I finish!!

[Olivia H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sad Storm had to go, but loved that everything worked out well in the end. Love this series and definitely recommend!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books. They're perfect for horse-girls -- young or young at heart.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved Amy in this book. Her agonizing choice of the dream she has and giving up her new dream made the book hopeful and sad at the same time.

[Snoepjess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yeah, I dont know. I cant accept the fact that Amy loses him over all of Heartland. It doesnt sit right with me….

[Luuka9999 · Rating 5 out of 5]

😭😭😭

[AmbWitch · Rating 2 out of 5]

And it’s back to these books. It’s the same old story for this review as the others. I don’t really like reviewing these books as there’s never really anything to say, yet I feel that I should. However, I have now decided that I am getting rid of these and I won’t change my mind again.


I remember that the first few times I read this I would cry when she made the decision to get rid of Storm. I always knew it was the best thing to do as it was selfish to keep him but it would still be upsetting for Amy. I do like how she tried to keep him at first and was being selfish, it was great characterisation, something I always find good in these books. It didn’t make me cry this time though, I think it’s because I’ve grown out of these books.


So that’s all folks!

[Isabella Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read by Lauren Brooke. I am so enjoying these stories about Amy Fleming and Heartland! 😊

In this story, Amy is struggling with her day to day life at Heartland. Since her father’s gift of Storm, her new horse, Amy hasn’t had time to look after him and all of the other horses that need training and her help at home. On top of school and taking Storm off to new competitions, Amy is left wondering how she can go on. As she can’t be in two places at once she soon realises that a big choice has to be made between what she loves or what is best for Storm. 🐴

*Feel free to check out my overview for the Heartland series over on my Substack blog:

https://thepaintedcaravan.substack.co...

Isabella Ann of The Painted Caravan ♡

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Heartland books are a fun read, and they’re pretty quick to get through for me. You get your horses and your heartache from Heartland. These books are pretty steady, all continuing the story of Amy, Lou, Ty, Jack and the assorted horses.
The writing and subject matter are obviously intended for children, and can be a bit clunky at times for individuals with a higher reading level.
Since there isn't a lot to say, this review is similar to past reviews of this series. I recommend this series to kids who love horses, or parents who want there children to read something that's about hard work and some of life's tough lessons.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had very well developed, flawed characters, with a true sense of what the characters were feeling... for the most part. As an experienced horse-person, I was a little disappointed by the lack of realism of certain portions of the equine encounters in this book - in real life, training a horse is NEVER that simple, straight-forward or easy. But, it was a quick read and worth the 2 or so hours I put into it. Even though this book is near the end of the series, the characters are introduced and the story recapped, so I wasn't completely lost. It was a pretty good book that I did enjoy.

[Clemence D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lu en 2005 au format papier.

Entre le collège, Heartland, l'entraînement de Storm, les compétitions, Ted... Laura se sent débordée.

Et l'arrivée de Willow, un nouveau pensionnaire n'arrange rien ! Pour lui, Laura va devoir inventer une solution sur mesure : c'est la méthode Heartland. Difficile de tout assumer... même quand on s'appelle Laura Fleming !

Encore une très bonne suite des aventures de Laura où elle va apprendre que grandir c'est aussi avoir des responsabilités en plus de ses passions !

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book ends a short narrative that's been going on over the last couple as well and I'm glad Amy finally is forced to make a decision here.
Obviously, there's not a lot to say that hasn't already been said before. From my end, I feel after this book, events are more serious and they feel like they're reaching the higher end of children's books. Of course, I still love them despite being an adult, and no doubt I always will. :)

[livresetsonges · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura est surbookée, elle ne sait plus où donner de la tête entre Storm le superbe cheval de concours que son père lui a offert, Ted, et le travail au ranch. Et c'est encore pire avec l'arrivé de Willow, le nouveau cheval que Heartland doit tenter de soigner. C'est comme toujours une très bonne lecture, même si Laura m'a agacé à vouloir tout mener de front et à ne pas se rendre compte que c'était impossible. Cela a donc rendu, pour moi, la fin encore meilleure !

[Brie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really good, but I hate that she gave up Storm. I loved that horse. I mean I wouldn't have given up on Heartland either, definately not, but I just don't think I would have been able to give up either, I would have done whatever I could to find a way to make it work, but that's just me and I wasn't in the situation, she did what she felt she had to do :)

[Sully · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be my favorite in the series so far. In this installment, Amy has to make a difficult, heart breaking choice but in doing so she really matures in my eyes because even though she makes the difficult decision for herself she makes the right one for the horse.

[Krisz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this was the one when Amy has to decide what to do with their horse Storm. It was so boring... compared to the other books. All that thinking and pain "what shall I do?". As if it was OK for any teenager to run a farm and make such decisions. It was so unbelievable, I didn't enjoy it.

[Cale_Steps]

Good to pass time. Can be interesting/exciting-but def. for horse freaks!

[Asha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book but sad ending I would've just cut down on showing but kept jumping because jumping is like the funnest thing you can do. overall good book!!!

[Sammy]

Perfect read for pony-crazy teenagers. Also a sad at times but very enjoyable series to to read.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was a sad book

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHO KEEPS LETTING ME READ THESE BOOKS IN PUBLIC??? *sobs in corner*