Sharing a pony worked perfectly, until it didn’t. The pony share Grace worked out with her elderly neighbor was ideal—she thought. Mr. Harvey bought the buckskin gelding’s food and Grace fed him. The pony was important to both of them so it made no sense when the elderly man sent him away. And why won’t he tell her where? In Count's middle-grade novel, a young girl bonds with her elderly neighbor's pony and is distraught when he sends him away. Twelve-year-old Grace has fallen in love with the pony next door, a buckskin gelding she names Preacher (because his whinnying and pacing remind her of her dad's sermons at church). Preacher belongs to Mr. Harvey, an irascible old widower for whom Grace's mother prepares food and whom Grace has adopted as her "grump-pa" ("Thank you, Grace. You're very kind to a grumpy old man"). When Mr. Harvey hurts his foot, Grace leaps at the chance to help him feed Preacher. Soon, she's grooming the pony and preparing him to have his hooves clipped. When she tries to ride him, however, the ensuing accident only serves to convince Mr. Harvey and Grace's mother that Preacher is dangerous. Desperate to show otherwise, Grace signs up for summer horse camp and riding lessons. She's sure that if she learns the ropes herself, she'll be able to train Preacher—and maybe even buy him from Mr. Harvey. Her hopes are dashed when she comes home from camp to find Preacher gone; Mr. Harvey, who is suffering from dementia, has sent him away and can't remember where. Will Grace ever be reunited with her beloved horse? Count crafts a straightforward narrative with easy, cantering prose. Grace is an endearing protagonist, full of love, optimism and excitement—but, on the flip side, she also exhibits a debilitating urgency and a flurry of "what if?" doubts. The relationship she forms with Mr. Harvey is a heartfelt bond that, when revealed, proves unexpectedly touching. Mr. Harvey himself is a well-drawn character, both his dementia and his affectionate nature hidden beneath a gruff exterior, an aversion to religion, and lingering grief over his wife's death. The story is full of horse-talk and equine adoration sufficient to warm the hearts of all those who love ponies (in real life or on the page). Sweet pony fiction that ticks all the boxes and delivers depth beyond genre. Kirkus Reviews Preach It, Grace is a Christian horse story about faith, friendship, and how both are tested when the effort of sharing a pony goes awry. But, this isn't the usual band of girls who do the sharing. It's Grace and her elderly neighbor, which enhances the plot by surveying intergenerational differences and conflicts when Mr. Harvey suddenly sends Preacher away ... and won't tell Grace where and why he's gone. Mr. Harvey has been talking about Preacher's behavior issues and handling. Grace's efforts to tame Preacher and demonstrate that he is, indeed, a good horse creates an aura of kindness and understanding that surrounds her with faith and well-being, but events also introduce challenges that lead her to question her own motivations and heart: "Why wouldn't Mr. Harvey think about what she said? She talked to herself as she collected the eggs. 'Get over it, Grace! So you didn't get what you wanted. Were you only helping him because you're selfish?' ­That question niggled her heart. That would make me a terrible person. I help him because I want to. Because it's the right thing to do. Because I love that cranky old man like my own grandpa." Where other stories about horse-crazy girls focus on horses pretty much to the exclusion of interpersonal relationships, Susan Count 's focus on the evolving, changing dynamics of faith and friendship adds value to Grace's horse-centric experiences and focus. It also creates opportunities for Christian young reader group discussions. The insights on friendship, motivation, perception, and conflict resolution rest on a series of interactions that will not only entertain girls who love horses, but gently leads them to consider accompanying issues of sharing jobs, friendship, faith, and the interactions and contrasting perceptions of old age and youth. All these facets make Preach It, Grace of exceptional and special interest to Christian young readers. This audience will receive all the passion and lively experiences of horses, tempered by the equal passion for God, family and friends, and growth. All these elements make Grace a realistic, compelling character who learns invaluable lessons about interacting with the world around her. D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review Honorable Mention - Angel Book Awards This was a very emotional touching story. It was beautifully resolved in a way I didn't expect. It felt slow to start and I really didn't care for Grace's sense of entitlement to Preacher throughout the book...over all a strong story that I'm pleased to add to my daughter's shelf. Most youth are not around horses or may have never thought this in depth abo