Backyard Horses by Dandi Daley Mackall book review

I received this book, Backyard Horses by Dandi Daley Mackall, free from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a book review. I loved this book!! If you have ever prayed for something to happen, this is the book for you. Mackall does a great job showing the power of prayer, trusting, and believing in God for miracles in the life of almost-10 year old Ellie.

All Ellie wants is a beautiful stallion to ride in the Hamilton Royal Horse Show. She daydreams about this horse. She has prayed for years for God to send her a horse. She is doing a science project on how to get a horse. Begging and crying have already been tried and failed—all that is left is praying. Then, one day she is daydreaming out the window, and there is a pinto horse running around lost; but nobody believes she saw a horse. Ellie thinks, “It’s a horrible feeling when the only one who believes you is you.”

But God has control of this situation. Ellie is dreaming of a champion stallion; God shows her a pinto. Ellie’s brother, Ethan, is deaf. Ellie’s mother and father, and her friends help round out the story. The characters are very believable. Ethan signs to Ellie that there’s no such thing as a coincidence—only God things—which are events only God could bring together. Ellie finally realizes what she has been wanting is right in front of her. Will she realize it in time? Will she get to keep “her” horse? Ellie tells us that she guesses a lot of her prayers are selfish. But she doesn’t think God gets mad for it. She can see Jesus smiling at her when she prays. He’s just glad she can be hones with Him. That is how we need to be. Tell God what you want; the answer may still be no, but at least you’re being honest.

This story is an honest look at a 10 year old’s view of wanting something. It will touch your heart, make you laugh, make you cry—but leave you with a very good feeling at the end. I am looking forward to reading more books by Dandi Daley Mackall. Thank you for an amazing book!

The Long Way Home by Andrew Klavan

THE LONG WAY HOME

ANDREW KLAVAN

When I first picked this book up, I was excited about reading it. Charlie West is an accused murderer and supposed terrorist. This book is about him proving his innocence. From the first page, you are hooked and don’t want to put the book down. The story is told in an energizing, energetic manner. You find out how his friends help him along the way, and the different situations Charlie gets in to prove who the murderer really is.
This story is suspenseful, romantic and entertaining. The action doesn’t stop from page one. This is the second book in a series. The first book is “The Last Thing I Remember”. I recommend reading the books in order. You can then relate better to the characters in the story. The back of the book tells you all this action is going to happen. You are not disappointed. From the attack at the library to the surprise visitor at the mansion, you are kept on your toes wondering what is going to happen next. The title of the book, “The Long Way Home”, is appropriate. He has to go home to find out who he is. It is there he realizes who his friends are and who the murderer is. Sometimes you can’t do it by yourself. It is then you find out who your true friends are. The romantic side plot adds another dimension to the mix, as well as his faith in God. I highly recommend this book. This book is listed as for young adults, but I found it very engaging. I can not wait until the next book comes out in this series.