I received this book free from NetGalley and the author for an honest review.
Heart-warming story about a girl who not only dreams of riding a horse but of just being able to walk. I have to admit that this book had me in tears several times, and yet I absolutely loved it. It is targeted toward young readers but I am sure adults will love it too, especially if they are horse lovers like I am. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.

Mary’s Song

by Susan Count

BooksGoSocial

Christian , Crafts & Hobbies

Pub Date 20 Oct 2016

I am reviewing a copy of Mary’s Song through BooksGoSocial and Netgalley:

Mary is a twelve year old girl who falls in love with a foal whose lame just like her. The surgery only has a small chance of correcting the problem but Mary is determined to raise the money for the foal.

I give Mary’s Song five out of five stars!

Happy Reading

Mary is 12 years old and in a wheelchair as she can’t control her leg muscles. She often sits on the porch where she draws the horses in the next door neighbor’s pasture. She falls in love with a gorgeous red bay foal who is lame. When she finds out it is to be put down due to its lame leg, she decides she must save it. She has her friend, Laura helping her sell cookies and her horse books for sale at the fair. She doesn’t raise enough money. What will she do? I will let you discover all the other parts of this interesting novel.

The novel is about not giving up Inside this novel Mary does have adventures and a few secrets she keeps from her father. Mary doesn’t want sympathy from anyone due to her being in a wheelchair. She learns to not give up. It is a gentle novel. I won’t forget it!

Wonderful feel good story. A good read for any horse lover. I couldn’t put it down. It is a little old fashioned, and I would recommend it to younger readers

Texas, 1952. Twelve-year-old Mary has spent much of her young life in a wheelchair due to a virus that also took her mother’s life. Despite her disability, she has big dreams, and one of her favorite activities is drawing the horses that live in the neighboring fields. “Each sketch was a wish to ride, wild and free, someday.” She becomes friends with fellow horse lover, Laura, and together the two strive to fulfill their aspirations.

Poignant and inspirational, “Mary’s Song” takes young readers along for a spirited ride. Along with a strong theme regarding friendship, the story has a gentle faith angle and also explores other issues germane to modern readers. One girl’s parents are too uninvolved in her life, while the other’s father is overly protective. The narrative delves into tough subject matter such as dealing with loss and disappointment and persevering amidst trials while still maintaining an overall optimistic tone. Middle-grade readers will be encouraged and entertained by this horse tale, which will appeal to those who enjoy some of the horse classics such as “Black Beauty”, “National Velvet”, and the works of Marguerite Henry.

Charming. I Took me right back to my pony-obsessed childhood. Both Mary's situation and Illusion's plight were handled sensitively, well written and an engaging plot. Just wasn't too sure that disobedience leading to a positive outcome is a good thing in a novel for the young.

How to have a friend? First, be a friend. Being a friend to another person takes
one outside of oneself, & one's own problems. By prioritising another's woes,
often our own can get solved as well. But it feels better, to be helping someone
else - taking our mind off of ourselves. Mary's Song is a good example of this, &
a reminder to never give up hope. Our God is the God of miracles, & He does
answer prayer!

This is a heartwarming story about a crippled girl and a horse. It might be listed for children but I loved it. Thank you #NETGALLEY for a free copy. I will be reading more books by this author.