After the Storm

After the Storm is the first book in the beloved Heartland series, focusing on Amy, a young girl reeling from the tragic death of her mother in a car accident. Central to her grief is Spartan, a horse they rescued just before the accident, who now exhibits extreme aggression towards Amy. The story explores Amy's profound guilt and sadness, as well as Spartan's trauma, creating a powerful parallel between their healing journeys. This chapter book is ideal for children aged 4-11, offering a sensitive portrayal of loss, anger, and the long path to forgiveness and self-acceptance, all set against the backdrop of a horse ranch.

Amy hasn't seen Spartan since the accident -- on that stormy night that changed their lives for ever. Now Spartan is coming to Heartland. He's not the same horse and he's filled with an anger that seems directed at Amy. At the sight of her, he lashes out -- teeth bared, hooves flailing.