Colleen’s #Book #Reviews – “My Life at Sweetbrier: A Life Changed by Horses “ by Author, Deanie Humphrys-Dunne

https://colleenchesebro.com/2017/05/19/colleens-book-reviews-my-life-at-sweet-briar-a-life-changed-by-horses-by-author-deanie-humphrys-dunne/#comment-42724

• Title:  My Life at Sweetbrier: A Life Changed by Horses
  
• Author: Deanie Humphrys-Dunne
• File Size: 1264 KB
• Print Length:  142 Pages
• Publisher: Monday Creek Publishing
• Publication Date: May 12, 2017
• Sold By: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0711P67DM
• ISBN-10: 069287898X
• ISBN-13: 978-0692878989
• Formats: Paperback and Kindle
• Goodreads
• Genres: Children’s literature, Autobiographical
  *I was given an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the author for review purposes*

IN THE AUTHOR’S WORDS:

What if you grew up on a horse farm and your single passion was to become a champion horseback rider? The problem is, you were born with a disability. Doctors tell your parents you’ll never walk, let alone ride. What will happen next? What does her dad do that changes her life? Will a failed racehorse and a handicapped girl become a winning team? This is the author’s true story of her journey. Even if Deanie prevails, will she find exactly the right horse to help her win?

MY RECOMMENDATION:

Do you love horses and stories filled with courage and inspiration? Young, Deanie Humphreys was born a preemie with the debilitating disease called cerebral palsy. At birth, a portion of her brain was damaged. The result was that Deanie had difficulty walking. Now, for most kids, this would be enough to limit their physical activities for life. But Deanie’s father made a huge decision that changed her life. He said, “I’m going to teach you to ride, and you’ll be fine.”

That single decision changed Deanie’s life forever. Deanie took her first steps at four years old. With the grit and determination of someone much older than herself, she set out to prove the doctors wrong. And, let me tell you. Deanie’s journey is filled with the hopes and joys that only reaching for your dreams and succeeding can bring. It was the ability to ride a horse that gave Deanie the freedom and normality she craved.

My Life at Sweetbrier: A Life Changed by Horses, is Deanie’s story based on memories and photos from her childhood. The book is written for children of all ages and filled with the kind of stories that everyone can easily relate to. The underlying theme is clear – perseverance pays off – never give up on your dreams.

I laughed and cried with the young Deanie, and I felt her pain at not being like the other kids. This is the kind of book you want to read and discuss with your children, talking about empathy for those who are different; while at the same time, encouraging children to not just accept their lot in life. The author writes:

“…it is wise to use your challenges to motivate you toward your goals because when you’ve conquered one obstacle, you’ve gained the confidence to tackle your next challenge.”

Also, at the back of the book, the author provides a quiz for the reader to pull from their memory the finer points of the story. Answers are provided giving an additional learning opportunity.

I loved this sweet story of courage in the face of adversity. It was a poignant story of perseverance and motivation to never give up on your dreams. Deanie Humphrys-Dunne is a real champion and motivator. Her journey will inspire you to reach for the stars.

MY RATING:

Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 stars

Author, Deanie Humphreys-Dunne, and Peach: Reserve Champions, Mrs. Foster’s Farm Photo Courtesy of Bob Moseder Photography

About the Author

Deanie Humphrys-Dunne is an award-winning children’s author who loves writing captivating books that teach children life lessons. She has 5 books published: Tails of Sweetbrier, Charlie the Horse, Charlene the Star, Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes, and Charlene the Star and Bentley Bulldog.

My tales of Sweetbrier details Deanie’s childhood on a horse farm. What if your one desire was to become a champion equestrian? But your parents were told you’d never walk. What happens next? This true story will inspire your child to never give up on his/her dreams.

Deanie’s other books are told by the farm animals. They’re humorous stories you child will love. Recently, Deanie was featured on a WTNH.Com/CTStyle television program.

Please stop by Deanie’s new website:www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com. You’ll find inspiring stories about real-life children there!

Awards for Tails of Sweetbrier:
CLIPPA finalist (2014)
Feathered Quill Book Awards silver medal (2014)
Purple Dragonfly Book Award: (2015)
Reader’s Favorite Silver Medal: (2016)
Author Award from the Authorsshow.com (2015)

Here’s where you can find Deanie:

Blog: http://www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeanieHDunne/

https://www.facebook.com/Memories-of-Sweetbrier-Farm-Easton-CT-1736497933252082/

Twitter: @DeanieHDunne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanie-humphrys-dunne-682a5322/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/deaniedunne/?eq=Dean&etslf=6351

Thanks for stopping by to meet Deanie 

Colleen’s #Book #Reviews – “Charlene the Star,” by Deanie Humphrys Dunne

https://colleenchesebro.com/2017/02/17/colleens-book-reviews-charlene-the-star-by-deannie-humphreys-dunne/
Please stop by to check out Colleen Chesebro's wonderful post about Charlene the Star. Here are some excerpts:

MY RECOMMENDATION:

Charlene the Star is a sweet story for young readers who love horses or animals in general. In the beginning, soon after Charlene is born, she learns that she has been born into a family of racehorses. Of course, her family wants her to follow in their footsteps (literally). However, this is a tough act for her to follow. Charlene soon discovers that being a racehorse just isn’t something she enjoys which causes her to have an identity crisis about what her role in life should be.

One thing Charlene does love is jumping, and that leads her to a major life opportunity. She visits the Jumping for Joy Ranch and is introduced to rail jumping, and she ends up excelling at the sport. In fact, after much practice, she proves to be so good that she wins a first and second place ribbon while participating in a competition.

“Deanie Humphrys-Dunne was blessed with the wonderful gift of telling inspiring stories that encourage children to believe in themselves, work hard and achieve their own unique and special dreams. As we well know from our human experience, it is not easy to be born into a family of super-high-achievers.

for more of Colleen's thoughts, please follow this link:

https://colleenchesebro.com/2017/02/17/colleens-book-reviews-charlene-the-star-by-deannie-humphreys-dunne/

copyright 2017: Deanie Humphrys-Dunne

The Heart Stone Chronicles by Colleen Chesebro

"Please welcome amazing author, Colleen Chesebro. I can't wait to tell everyone about your book, Colleen. We'll get right to the questions.

Colleen, tell us about your new book.

Hi, Deanie. Thanks for the opportunity to share the magic of my new book. I used the classic “hero’s journey,” to tell Abby’s story. Fourteen-year-old Abigale Forester, recently orphaned and a ward of the State of Illinois moves from Chicago to Florida to live with her aunt, her last living relative. Magnolia Forester becomes her legal guardian, and together they claim an ancient inheritance; land that belonged to Abby’s mother’s family for generations.

Abby holds onto the only piece of her mother she has left, a calcite pendant and her mother’s most sacred possession. It is with her aunt that Abby discovers the truth of her legacy. The pendant is more significant than she could imagine. Forged from a giant mystical heart-shaped stone found on the very swamp land Abby now owns, it holds the power of her ancestors.

But with that power comes greater responsibility, one that pits her against Rafe Cobb, a greedy land developer, who will stop at nothing to own Abby’s swamp land. As Abby learns to be part of a family again and explores her love of horses with friends, Savanna, Blake, and Cash, the swamp slowly gives up some of its secrets. She is summoned by a primeval nymph, who teaches Abby that her true destiny is to protect the nymphs from evil in an ever-changing modern world.

It's a fascinating book, Colleen. I know it will be loved and admired.

How did you get the idea for it?

A couple of years ago, we lived north of Pensacola, Florida in a rural area where most mornings, I walked along a country road for exercise. One foggy November morning, I saw something in the bushes at the side of the road next to the swamp that I will never forget.

I thought I saw a ruby-throated hummingbird, but as I peered inside the bushes, I realized I was witnessing a magical event. It was something else entirely. I saw a tiny green being which I now believe was a swamp fairy. I know it sounds crazy, but I’m not kidding.

The vision didn’t last long, and I was paralyzed and rooted to the spot. I couldn’t move. Later, I would surmise that I had been enchanted and had received the gift of “fairy vision.” The swamp fairy had ignited my imagination.

After that, there was no stopping me. I started to write short stories about the swamp fairies. Then, the dreams started. Slowly a story began to form in my mind as if I was channeling the stories from the nymphs themselves. I knew I was a fairy whisperer because they wanted me to tell their stories. I have no idea where some of the story events came from. It was like being presented with a gift.

What an amazing story, Colleen and a great inspiration to you.

Are you planning a sequel to your story?

Yes. The second book in the series is called, “The Heart Stone Chronicles: The Meadow Fairy.”

The story continues as Abigale Forester journeys from Blackberry Ridge, Florida to Bent Grass, Colorado when her Aunt Magnolia accepts a job as a researcher working for an author who specializes in writing about myths and paranormal activity.Abby, along with her deceased mother’s most sacred possession, a calcite pendant, continues her legacy as a Fairy Whisperer to the primordial fairy nymphs who inhabit unique places scattered about the world.

In Colorado, Abby meets two young friends, Crosby, and Landon Miller, who along with their family are beekeepers on a small farm under the shadow of Pike’s Peak. Abby is summoned by a primeval nymph who asks her to resolve the secret of why the bee population is disappearing from the prairie meadows.

With the help of Nate Bannock, a Native American Ute rancher, Abby learns the astonishing truths behind the decimation of the bee population.

Does Abby have what it takes to save the bees and the Meliae Meadow Nymphs before it is too late?

I can't wait to read the next one!

What would you like readers to remember most about it?

The novel centers on two main themes. The first issue Abby deals with is how to become part of a family and to understand the responsibilities of her family heritage. I also added one of the most pressing ecological concerns of the day, the loss of our natural wetlands by human encroachment. My hope is to inspire young people to become scientists so they can solve these environmental issues.

However, I tried to touch on issues that affect kids today like, bullying, prejudice, and trying to fit in when you know you are not like anyone else. These are concerns that all young people have. I hope the message teens get is that it is all right to be different.

What advice would you like to share with aspiring writers?

Never give up your dream of writing. Keep reading and learning to perfect your craft. Be patient and learn from others. Always give the gift of your time to others… it will come back to you tenfold!

Such valuable advice, Colleen.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I contacted my friend, Irene, of IreneDesign2011 and asked her to make a replica of Abby’s calcite fairy stone pendant. She created two versions of the necklace, featuring a small calcite stone and a large calcite stone. The pendants are for sale at her Etsy Store with these links: here, for the large calcite and here for the little calcite in Irene’s Etsy Shop.

"Thank you so much, Colleen. We had a great time together.

"I enjoyed it as well, Deanie."

Copyright Deanie Humphrys-Dunne, 2017

This week we're celebrating...

It's time to celebrate again, as we do every Friday. Be sure to stop by Lexacain.blogspot.com  to see what everyone has to cheer about. Here are my celebrations this week...

• My blogger friend, Eva Solar, has just given me a special surprise! She's nominated me for  Versatile Blogger Award! Eva is an amazing lady. Please stop by to check out her blog here;
• https://lifepostbrainhemorrhage.wordpress.com/2015/05/29
• Another of my blogging friends, Colleen Chesebro, has written a beautiful article about me and my books for her blog. I'd be so honored if you'd stop by to check it out here:
• https://litworldinterviews.wordpress.com/2015/05/26/a-colleenchesebro-interview-with-childrens-author-deanie-humphrys-dunne/
• I'd like to thank everyone who stopped by to read Colleen's beautiful presentation and leave your wonderful comments.
•  One of our sons is on vacation and he surprised my sister with a visit. She was so excited to see him.
• One of my newer author friends, Abbe Reichman, has won an award for her adorable book, If I Could Touch the Sky. CONGRATULATIONS, Abbe!

Thanks for visiting everyone. I so appreciate your support.

Copyright Deanie Humphrys-Dunne 2015

Website: www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com

Interview with children's author Deanie Humphrys-Dunne by Colleen Chesebro!

Please check out the new interview by Colleen Chesebro! You're going to be impressed! Thank you, Colleen. You can even read a free chapter of my award-winning book. We'd love to know what you think.


https://litworldinterviews.wordpress.com/2015/05/26/a-colleenchesebro-interview-with-childrens-author-deanie-humphrys-dunne/