I liked that there was a good balance between horsey wisdom and relating back to the bible at the beginning but as the book progressed it went a lot heavier on God and lighter on horses unfortunately. It was interesting to read of the authors experiences during the beginning of the COVID pandemic although it felt a bit rushed, like she didn’t want to address it really yet. Overall, well written and easy to follow.

I learned about horses while worshiping God through these devotional style stories. Horse lovers or those who have horse lovers in their family should read this title.

“God, the great I am, loves us, in relationship. God gathers us in the holiness of community, in the miracle of we. We were truly not meant to be alone, neither horses nor humans. Because we were created for this.”

Laurie Brock takes readers on an introspective journey of faith and horses… well it’s more a horse informative read with pieces of faith sprinkled throughout. It was really interesting, to hear the many stories that helped shape her faith and love of horses. I also learned so much more about horses and horse culture. There are a few components of her theology that I don’t agree with 100% and there’s a disconnect in a bit of that, but I was still able to take something away from this book. I am very glad I read this and will definitely recommend it to some friends in the western world. I received this copy of God Grace and Horses from Paraclete Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The first thing I must admit is that I do not have any real experience with horses. I am fascinated with them none the less and found this book very engrossing. The connecting with nature and the Lord was very well told. I think the stress of our times right now calls for a read like this one.

If you loved her book Horses Speak of God then you’ll love this one. Brock builds upon the rich, theological world of nature and God with horses as deep teachers.

In my childhood, I had a Tennessee Walking Horse. After tiring of putting on the saddle one too many times, I would simply put on the bit and bridle and take off. His name was Sham, and he was one of the few things that kept me grounded in order to deal with childhood trauma. In heated moments of stress and strain, I’d jump on and let him take me wherever gripping his mane for dear life. With his speed and unpredictability, I felt like I was flying and dying at the same time. Only surrendering to the journey kept me close to what I can only describe as the heartbeat between God and nature. Laurie’s writing took me back to this sacred journey….

My prayer for anyone reading is that it will do the same for you as well.

Recommended: nature lovers, Christians, Horse enthusiasts

**thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy**

I love the cover of this book. In fact that’s why I wanted to read it. There’s lots of horse information in this book. She draws parallels from riding horses to religion. It’s an interesting book.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

This book has a lot of good spiritual and everyday horse sense within its pages and the author, Laurie M Brock, writes at an easy, gentle gait. Like one of her cowgirl riding instructors once advised her, "around horses, go slowly". In other words, one shouldn't gallop through this book; walk and maybe transition into a trot but take time to "see purple" and smell the roses, or the horses, as the case may be, to more fully appreciate the embedded gems.

Before reading this book God, Grace and Horses, I just thought, a horse is a horse. However, it was fun to meet the various horses Brock rides, such as: Moe, Spencer, Izzy and her own Nina, to name some, and discover their respective personalities and the experiences from which these horse sense lessons have evolved.

I deduce from reading this book, that variety in horses creates a variety of nuances in how to ride despite the various standard operating procedures of how to post; hold the reins to communicate with individually respective horses and to build a better relationship and ride for both horse and rider. Such is life and our own human diversity of living experiences with God.

Obviously, experenced horse people will love this book; however, it is instructional for those of us with minimal horse connections as well. Those of us who love Jesus will definately be blessed in learning better ways to communicat and relate with God and others with greater grace and to live in His grace, ourselves. Additionally, pastors and counselors or others who often deal with high stress issues on a regular basis may well find this a very beneficial "sermon solace" to still their hearts and minds.

There could be pricks of challenge akin to a horse feeling the taps of the crop upon its rump, for our own good and improvement.

Although this has been great "riding horses" with Brock there is one word of caution to readers who believe in a young earth. Brock appears not to. However, overall, this book certainly has good value of thought and I'll certainly look at a horse with greater affinity and perception in a next encounter and try to remember the lessons Brock shares.

If a reader enjoys this book and wants to "ride more horses" with Brock, know that she has a string of several other 'lessons from horses' books already "in the barn," groomed, bridled and saddled, just waiting for you to come 'ride'.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

December 2021

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

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