Such a rich story of equestrian competitions and equine therapy dreams. Ms. Musser draws on her childhood memories of her love of horses and weaves in a fascinating time in history when the east coast of the US was threatened during WWII. The author masterfully combines the 1930s and 40s with present day to teach us about family and legacy, hopes and dreams, obsession and disappointment, and grit and determination.
This lovely story had me in tears at times-both happy and sad. I have loved history for a long time and my heart goes out to those who preserve old things especially family houses. I would have loved to visit Barbara Dale Butler’s estate. Even though it is fictional, I could see it! I loved how Ms Musser brought the WWII home front battles to life with such vividness. The story of Dale and Tommy was so touching. Equally interesting was the present day timeline and the search for treasure. When you weren’t sure if the treasure was something real or something to be learned. “Life is a paradox, Allie. When you learn to embrace it all, let it mix together like molasses in oats, well, the sweet fragrance comes out. Even when life stinks.”
Since the present time was 2020, Covid 19 did play a part in the story. However, the author used the virus as a plot device to bring people together, rather than as a scary situation.
This lovely story had me in tears at times-both happy and sad. I have loved history for a long time and my heart goes out to those who preserve old things especially family houses. I would have loved to visit Barbara Dale Butler’s estate. Even though it is fictional, I could see it! I loved how Ms Musser brought the WWII home front battles to life with such vividness. The story of Dale and Tommy was so touching. Equally interesting was the present day timeline and the search for treasure. When you weren’t sure if the treasure was something real or something to be learned. “Life is a paradox, Allie. When you learn to embrace it all, let it mix together like molasses in oats, well, the sweet fragrance comes out. Even when life stinks.”
Since the present time was 2020, Covid 19 did play a part in the story. However, the author used the virus as a plot device to bring people together, rather than as a scary situation.
This was an excellent story of family, faith, and fortitude. Not to be missed.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* 5 stars and a solid faith thread.
BackCover Blurb:
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* 5 stars and a solid faith thread.
BackCover Blurb:
Two courageous young women, tied together by blood and shared passion, will risk everything to save what they love most.
For as long as she can remember, Allie Massey, a gifted physical therapist, has dreamed of making her grandparents' ten-acre estate into a trauma recovery center using equine therapy--a dream her grandmother, Nana Dale, embraced wholeheartedly. But when her grandmother's will is read, Allie is shocked to learn the property has been sold to a developer.
Decades earlier, headstrong Dale Butler's driving passion is to bring home the prized filly her family lost to the Great Depression, but with World War II looming, she's called upon in ways she never could have imagined. And while her world expands to include new friends and new love, tragedy strikes close to home one fateful night during the Battle of the Atlantic, changing her life forever.
As Nana Dale's past comes to light in Allie's search for answers, Dale's courage and persistence may be just what Allie needs to carry on her grandmother's legacy and keep her own dreams alive.
For as long as she can remember, Allie Massey, a gifted physical therapist, has dreamed of making her grandparents' ten-acre estate into a trauma recovery center using equine therapy--a dream her grandmother, Nana Dale, embraced wholeheartedly. But when her grandmother's will is read, Allie is shocked to learn the property has been sold to a developer.
Decades earlier, headstrong Dale Butler's driving passion is to bring home the prized filly her family lost to the Great Depression, but with World War II looming, she's called upon in ways she never could have imagined. And while her world expands to include new friends and new love, tragedy strikes close to home one fateful night during the Battle of the Atlantic, changing her life forever.
As Nana Dale's past comes to light in Allie's search for answers, Dale's courage and persistence may be just what Allie needs to carry on her grandmother's legacy and keep her own dreams alive.
Bethany House Publishing, August 2, 2022
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:
Buy BY WAY OF THE MOONLIGHT at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House
Excellent review, Paula!
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