~ WEDNESDAY NON-FICTION FEATURE ~
-- 'Joey' --
Written by Author Jennifer Marshall Bleakley
{Post includes Book Spotlight, Author Bio & Review}
LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS
ABOUT THE BOOK:
“A touching tale.” —Kirkus Reviews
Joey--How a blind rescue horse helped others learn to see.
Jennifer Marshall Bleakley, who has worked as a child and family grief counselor, earned an undergraduate degree in biology from Florida Southern College and a master's degree in mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University. Jennifer leads a women's Bible study in her hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, and speaks to audiences about God's great grace and his delight in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. She writes print and online Bible curriculum for children and is a contributing author for She Believes online Bible studies. Jennifer lives with her husband, two children, and one frisky puppy. Connect with her at jenniferbleakley.com
CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:
Jennifer's Blog
ABOUT THE BOOK:
“A touching tale.” —Kirkus Reviews
Joey--How a blind rescue horse helped others learn to see.
The heartwarming true story of a blind horse named Joey.
At the height of his show career, this beautiful Appaloosa’s majestic stature, strength, and willingness to work made him the perfect partner. But when an injury cost Joey his show career, he moved from one owner to the next, ultimately experiencing severe abuse and neglect. A rescue group found Joey nearly dead from starvation—and blind.
Then he came to Hope Reins—a ranch dedicated to helping hurting kids who had been abused, emotionally wounded, or unwanted. By teaching these children to care for rescued animals, the Hope Reins staff were convinced they could reach kids with love and hope and show them that we are never forgotten by God.
But could the financially struggling ranch afford to take care of a blind horse that no one else wanted? Could Joey somehow learn to trust people even though the world had hurt him so badly? And what would happen—to Joey, the kids, and Hope Reins—if they failed?
A true story of friendship destined to become a classic, Joey will touch your heart and reveal the power of finding light in the darkness.
LINK TO FIRST CHAPTER EXCERPT
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
At the height of his show career, this beautiful Appaloosa’s majestic stature, strength, and willingness to work made him the perfect partner. But when an injury cost Joey his show career, he moved from one owner to the next, ultimately experiencing severe abuse and neglect. A rescue group found Joey nearly dead from starvation—and blind.
Then he came to Hope Reins—a ranch dedicated to helping hurting kids who had been abused, emotionally wounded, or unwanted. By teaching these children to care for rescued animals, the Hope Reins staff were convinced they could reach kids with love and hope and show them that we are never forgotten by God.
But could the financially struggling ranch afford to take care of a blind horse that no one else wanted? Could Joey somehow learn to trust people even though the world had hurt him so badly? And what would happen—to Joey, the kids, and Hope Reins—if they failed?
A true story of friendship destined to become a classic, Joey will touch your heart and reveal the power of finding light in the darkness.
LINK TO FIRST CHAPTER EXCERPT
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jennifer Marshall Bleakley, who has worked as a child and family grief counselor, earned an undergraduate degree in biology from Florida Southern College and a master's degree in mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University. Jennifer leads a women's Bible study in her hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, and speaks to audiences about God's great grace and his delight in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. She writes print and online Bible curriculum for children and is a contributing author for She Believes online Bible studies. Jennifer lives with her husband, two children, and one frisky puppy. Connect with her at jenniferbleakley.com
CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:
Jennifer's Blog
MY REVIEW:
Joey's story was both heartwarming and heart-wrenching at the same time . . . This battle of emotions can be attributed to this author's astute observations, numerous anecdotes, and no-nonsense way of relating Joey's story.
Parts of this book are not for the faint of heart because the mistreatment and abuse that Joey and his fellow horses living at the Hope Reins ranch experienced before they were rescued is described in detail. We all know terrible things happen to animals in the real world, but to read about the gorry details may be a jolt to the reader's peace of mind. I know it affected me deeply.
The stories of the children and tweens whose lives and situations are shared in the book are equally as moving. I found myself rooting for each one of these damaged souls as they sought comfort and healing through working with the horses at the ranch. How many times have we each searched for something that would bring us relief when we were suffering with pain--physical, psychological, or spiritual?
The author knew Joey and many of the people included in the book. She did a lot of research, and I believe her personal experience with the Hope Reins staff and their horses enriched her telling of their stories.
The back matter includes a photo gallery of Joey, his horse companions, the center's staff, and volunteers; a heartfelt Author's Note; Acknowledgments; Group Discussion Questions; and a blurb about the mission of Hope Reins. I usually read the acknowledgments page before I begin reading the text of a book, but this time I waited until after I had read the entire book--I was not disappointed!
I will eagerly read more books by this gifted author in the future. Thank you, Jennifer Marshall Bleakley, for sharing Joey's awesome story with us!
Joey's story was both heartwarming and heart-wrenching at the same time . . . This battle of emotions can be attributed to this author's astute observations, numerous anecdotes, and no-nonsense way of relating Joey's story.
Parts of this book are not for the faint of heart because the mistreatment and abuse that Joey and his fellow horses living at the Hope Reins ranch experienced before they were rescued is described in detail. We all know terrible things happen to animals in the real world, but to read about the gorry details may be a jolt to the reader's peace of mind. I know it affected me deeply.
The stories of the children and tweens whose lives and situations are shared in the book are equally as moving. I found myself rooting for each one of these damaged souls as they sought comfort and healing through working with the horses at the ranch. How many times have we each searched for something that would bring us relief when we were suffering with pain--physical, psychological, or spiritual?
The author knew Joey and many of the people included in the book. She did a lot of research, and I believe her personal experience with the Hope Reins staff and their horses enriched her telling of their stories.
The back matter includes a photo gallery of Joey, his horse companions, the center's staff, and volunteers; a heartfelt Author's Note; Acknowledgments; Group Discussion Questions; and a blurb about the mission of Hope Reins. I usually read the acknowledgments page before I begin reading the text of a book, but this time I waited until after I had read the entire book--I was not disappointed!
I will eagerly read more books by this gifted author in the future. Thank you, Jennifer Marshall Bleakley, for sharing Joey's awesome story with us!
Highly recommended for fans of Christian and inspirational non-fiction, horse lovers, and animal lovers.
DISCLOSURE FROM BLOGGER: I received a paperback copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review to be posted on my blog and on retailer sites and Goodreads. I received no compensation for my review or posts here or on any other site.
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COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Thursday, May 17th: Book Blast for 'Safe House'. Snippet and Sneak Peek of Book 2. Event Host is Singing Librarian Books.
-- Friday, May 18th: Blog Tour Stop for Author Mary Connealy's new release, 'The Accidental Guardian'. Post includes an author interview, book spotlight, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.
-- Monday, May 21st: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Historical Fiction Feature: 'Beyond the Bright Sea' by award-winning author, Lauren Wolk. Book Spotlight and review.
-- Tuesday, May 22nd: Book Blast for 'Rescue'. Post includes book spotlight, author bio, and $50 giveaway. Event hosted by I Am A Reader.
-- Friday, May 18th: Blog Tour Stop for Author Mary Connealy's new release, 'The Accidental Guardian'. Post includes an author interview, book spotlight, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.
-- Monday, May 21st: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Historical Fiction Feature: 'Beyond the Bright Sea' by award-winning author, Lauren Wolk. Book Spotlight and review.
-- Tuesday, May 22nd: Book Blast for 'Rescue'. Post includes book spotlight, author bio, and $50 giveaway. Event hosted by I Am A Reader.
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Love the cover and premise. Have to read this as someone who has always loved horses and knows animals are amazing.
ReplyDeleteHi, Danielle ~ I agree with you about the cover--Joey is captivating! I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I did. Thanks for stopping by my blog again. Regards, June
DeleteI have friends who do horse rescue, so I'm telling them about this one.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lee! It is an awesome read. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Best wishes, June
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