Mary is a farmhand’s daughter. Her friend Anna is the farm owner’s daughter. When a horse called September is bought in the hopes that Anna can develop her show-jumping talent, Mary is asked to train and look after September and quickly develops a bond with the horse. But horses are expensive and after September is left lame in a fall, Anna moves onto more highly-trained, better-bred horses. September’s future is in jeopardy. There is no way Mary can save her horse – unless she can keep him hidden, heal him, and find him a new home.

Anne Digby’s acclaimed first novel is now available from Straw Hat Press. This isn’t just the story of a horse: it’s a sensitively described portrait of a cross-class friendship, and the pressures that growing up and the outside world can bring to bear on it. Mary does not know everything: she makes mistakes and misinterprets situations like any teenager. As a children’s book the plot may be a little simple for older readers, but the characters are excellently described, and the author has a gift of giving you an sense of character quickly, simply through their speech and actions.

Well formatted, professionally presented and well edited, the ebook itself is excellent. The story hasn’t dated much: there are no incidents where newer technology would have derailed the plot, and none where its absense is felt. It is also quite believable that a family as poor as Mary’s could not afford it. The only real change has been the prices, and those are still within probability.

Ideal for children (especially girls or those who love horses) this would appeal to anyone living in a rural setting, or those who wish they were.