Gypsy by Shelley M. Headley is a young horse-lover's dream of a story. And this once young horse-lover absolutely loved this book.
It's a rare time when I invest in a young people's novel, but interesting circumstances contributed to my receiving Gypsy as a gift, and it was my honor and pleasure to read it. I confess, sap that I am, there were a couple of places where I cried - sobbed actually. Touched me that deeply. This is a well-written story for the young horse-lovers in your life. I can't recommend it highly enough.
Gypsy arrives in Samantha's life at a neighbor's farm. She's a neglected Thoroughbred who's been abused and half-starved. The neighbor bought her for $200, and it doesn't look like he got a steal. When the neighbors propose a "deal" to "Sam" to care for the mare at their expense, she's thrilled at the opportunity. The neighbor's daughter Annie, a bit younger than Sam, is the typical spoiled girl who's been given it all and expects everything to go her way. So when someone else does well, she's angry. When someone else gets hurt, she laughs. Sam tolerates her, but it isn't easy because Sam loves and respects all of the animals, and Annie basically takes them all for granted and uses them to satisfy her momentary whims.
With great patience and true understanding, Sam and Gypsy develop an admirable combination based on Sam's love for the mare and the mare's acquisition of real trust in Sam. Time and effort produce a beautiful horse.
Of course the story isn't pure fluff and there are real heartbreaks, but this "horse story" is perfectly written and a wonderful addition to the repertoire of young people's fiction. For those kids and parents searching for a good, clean all-out horse story about the recovery of a mare because of the love and devotion of a young girl dedicated to making one horse's life better while fulfilling that horse-loving place in her own life, Gypsy is the book for you.
Father, I pray your multiple blessings over Shelley and ask that you continue to give her unique stories to write. Thank you for her tenderness toward animals - and maybe horses in particular. I ask that you would continue to provide all that she needs in every area of her life. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.