Cowgirls Don’t Quit

Book 1: It’s spring and time to move the cattle from winter pasture up to their summer range in the Colorado Rockies. Eleven-year-old Meghan is ecstatic to get the opportunity to come along to help on the cattle drive, though her mentor, Ol’ Ben, and her best friend, Xender, warn her that there’s “a lot of work to be done betwixt now and then.” If Meghan can’t ‘cowgirl up’ and help with that work, she won’t be allowed to go. She steps up to the challenge, helping to gather cattle, learning about ear-tagging and banding, and even helping vaccinate the cows.

Then comes the part she’s been looking forward to, with the enjoyable work of keeping the cattle moving along the roads, while watching wildlife and enjoying the tourists’ reactions at seeing a real-life cattle drive. What she doesn’t anticipate are horse wrecks, terrifying rides up mountains, or unscrupulous two-legged varmints.

Reviews:

  • I purchased this book for my 10 year old granddaughter. She absolutely loved it and could not put it down. When I asked her to tell me what she really liked about the book, she said, “It was all amazing. Best book I’ve ever read!” – Lori, Oklahoma
  •  I would like to commend you on writing clean books. I’m very pleased that there is finally an author I can trust. Trust means an author I can just let my children read without having to read it first. Thank you for the peace of mind I have knowing that when I put one of your books in front of my children I know that I will not have any worries as to what they are reading and learning. – Crystal L, a very grateful mother in Colorado
  • The author’s bright writing style and genuine love of horses and people touch readers of all ages. Her characters feel real and her descriptions of the location are true to life. We learn along with Meghan how to care for horses and that working hard for something holds rewards, even though the hours might be long and the tasks difficult. There are good twists and satisfying conclusions that leave the reader wanting more. – Alysia, Washington state
  • With a degree in Applied Animal Science / Light Horse Management, I found the story taking me back to my college days and bringing back memories. My husband said it was great watching my face as I read the book. I loved the story and the people in it. – Kathy, Minnesota

The Free Horse

Book 2: Bruises and hard lessons are the price Meghan must pay as she learns to train the “free” horse, given to her by a friend of her parents’ friends as they were moving out of town.

With wisdom from Ol’ Ben to guide her, Meghan makes progress with the little mare, changing her from a bucker and kicker into a reliable mount. Her newfound confidence, combined with the encouragement of Xender’s sister, convinces Meghan to set a goal for herself to win the title of Rodeo Princess. Unexpectedly, her best friend, Xender, turns against her. Then her friend Emma has a crisis with her sweet, old horse and, suddenly, Meghan must decide how much she is willing to sacrifice for friendship.

Reviews:

  • Great adventure story for kids of all ages! The writing is clever and intriguing and brought me back to the great stories from my youth. I thoroughly enjoyed both of her books and the valuable life lessons that were exemplified in each. – Kelly, Colorado
  • I couldn’t wait to get the second book in the series and it didn’t disappoint. It was great watching the character and their horses continue to develop. The descriptions of the situations that take place in the horse world were spot on. Now I can’t wait for the third book. – Kathy, Minnesota
  • The Free Horse is the perfect read for ‘horse lovers’ of all ages. – Chris Enss, New York Times Best-selling author

Half a Saddle Off

Book 3: Meghan never wanted to learn to ride English. She had loved helping on cattle drives and learning to ride Western Reining horses when she lived in Colorado. But Dad’s job has taken the family to Nevada, where her new instructor insists that she learn to ride one of those “wussy” English saddles, as the kids on the high school rodeo team call it.

Riding English on her horse, Freckles, proves to be more physically challenging and emotionally rewarding than Meghan ever dreamed. To her surprise, her new skills deepen her bond with her horse, with Jeannie, and with her riding buddy Autumn Rose, a Navajo girl who helps Meghan regain her balance when chaotic emotions begin to overwhelm her.

During the summer before her freshman year, Meghan discovers the thrill of jumping, competes in horse shows, and learns the fundamentals of barrel racing. When Jeannie is hurt in an accident, Meghan’s newfound self-confidence enables her to help Jeannie fulfill her obligations to clients as Meghan and Autumn Rose become assistant trainers, working with the clients’ horses every day. Best summer job ever!

Reviews:

  • I love these books!! They are much more creative than typical horse books, and so much fun to read! The author makes them so relatable to young equestrians! – Bella, Pennsylvania
  • As the 3rd book in this series, it did not disappoint! Again, the author weaves a fun storyline with tons of horse training techniques and details as teenage friends work to meet personal challenges, make and keep friendships and learn heartfelt lessons along the way. Another awesome book for kids and adults alike! Hard to put down! I’m looking forward to the next! – Colleen, Wyoming
  • Not being a horse girl, I still fell in love with the characters in each book and found some skills I can use. – Teagan L., age 11
  • Just finished the newest book “Half a Saddle Off”. I think it’s the best one yet! So real and many life lessons that we all need. Such talent to write such real stories of working with horses. It was a great read and can’t wait to read and share more of these books!!! Please keep writing! – Joan L.
  • I LOVE reading about Meghan’s journey as both a rider and a teen finding her way. The last book especially brought back memories of my showing experience with English Pleasure, Hunter Hack, and Equitation classes, not to mention learning to jump. The books have transported me back in time to my youth!! – June P., New Jersey