A Horse Called Trouble - C K Volnek (Review & Giveaway)

********Contest Closed********

4 1/2 STARS!

ABOUT THE BOOK - 

Abandoned by her mother at a young age, Tara Cummings has been passed from foster home to foster home; not wanted anywhere by anyone. At thirteen she’s skeptic and suspicious, with no family, and no friends. Horse therapy “will teach trust, perseverance, respect, and the value of teamwork,” or so says the program’s instructor. Tara is unconvinced. Trust only broke her heart, perseverance meant more failures, and no one respects or wants to team up with the misfit foster kid. At the farm, Tara meets Trouble, an angry and defiant horse, bent on destroying everything and everyone around him. Tara is frightened of the enraged horse, until she realizes Trouble is as misunderstood and untrusting as she is. Pushing aside her fear, a special bond is formed, much to the surprise of everyone at the farm. Trouble trusts Tara, and Tara in turn finds hope and acceptance as well as the will to love and trust again herself. But, Tara’s confidence is shaken as an even greater challenge looms ahead. Trouble’s mean and manipulative owner is the one and only Alissa, Tara’s nemesis. Can Tara overcome her own limitations and fight to save the horse who freed her heart and gave her life value and meaning? Or will Alissa destroy them both?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - "I grew up in Nebraska, enjoying life in small town USA; riding horses in summer and sledding the ginormous hills in winter. I am married to my best friend and together we have three children and four Papillon fur-kids. What can I say...Papillons are like potato chips, you can’t stop at one. I like to write, hike, watch movies, and dream about the ‘what ifs’ in life, thus spawning the many stories my muse wants to share. I am proud to announce my first two novels will be released in 2011 and my third to be released 2012."

MY REVIEW -

For me this book started out as a 4 then ended up a 4 1/2 because I really enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would. When I was young I liked horses, but was not really gaga over them like some young girls are. BUT... this book is not just a story about horses or a ranch. It is about troubled teens - one particular girl named Tara. You learn all about Tara's life, her history, through "flashbacks" (which are done very well). Tara had a pretty crappy life, which is reflected in her withdrawn behavior.

I swear I read most of this book with a pained expression on my face because I felt Tara's pain so much. I think it takes an excellent author to make that happen, to make you feel the pain of a fictional character. I really loved Tara! She got into my heart, I wanted to adopt her, to make her whole life all better. You also got a real good feel for all the other teens as well as the teachers and people at the ranch.

This book is packed full of activity! After the first mini plot, I thought "OK that's over, so what could the rest of the book be about, there's half the book left?" But the story does not end there, it is only the beginning. AND - talk about a surprise ending!!! Wow! Yes, there were tears on my part (a true sign of a good book).

This would be a great book for a teen girl, young or older. Even as an adult I enjoyed it very much.

I can't wait for C K Volnek's next book.

Buy this book from Amazon - HERE

THE GIVEAWAY!!! - The Author - C K Volnek has offered to give one lucky person a copy of her book (along with a few goodies). YAY!
I will choose a winner through random.org then give the winners email address to the Author and she will contact you directly.

* To win a copy of this beautiful book, please fill out the form below.

And please only enter once! (I have to go through and delete double entries).

* Winner will be chosen on Jan 20th.

* Winner will have 48 hrs. to respond.

 * Also please give a shout out to the Author - CK Volnek , I am sure she will be checking the comments! Ask her a question if you would like.