An abandoned horse. A faithful seeing-eye dog. A race against time as two desperate teens fight to survive on opposite sides of a desolate island. This heart-pounding adventure will leave you spell-bound. Storm after storm batters the west coast. Maddie McNabb and August Pete have nowhere to run and no rescue in sight from the bitter driving winds and endless cold. Maddie must rely on Sammy, her seeing-eye dog, until a horse walks out of the mist and guides her to shelter. August awakens alone and lost, unsure if his father or grandfather survived, sending him on a spiritual journey, one that will push him to his physical and mental limits. Determination, perseverance, hope, and friendship are the cornerstones of this story. This story is dedicated to Will, the horse that got left behind! This is the last book in The Holiday Series. It is a stand alone story. Here’s what people are saying about Valentino: ★★★★★ “Couldn’t put down.” Amazon Review ★★★★★ “ An absolute gem.” Amazon Review ★★★★★ “ Holy cow what a great book...this is so good it should be ranked right up there with the classics...one of the best books I have ever read!!!!” Amazon Review ★★★★★ “Heartwarming listen. This book is so much more than I expected. I loved the imagery in this book.” Audible Review ★ ★★★★“A wonderful story of survival and the human spirit, and a must read for all ages.” Amazon Review “I loved the book! The author had me crying at times and my heart beating in anticipation. I would highly recommend this to all since it is a clean read” Audible Review Book Review: Valentino Reviewedby Margaret Evans/Canadian Horse Journals - August28, 2020 AnInspiring Story of Triumph & Survival By LauraHesse Running LProductions, ISBN-13 978-0987734358. 228 pages, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook Reviewedby Margaret Evans Amid thecrashing surf, a yellow Labrador in a bright pink life jacket dragged asemi-conscious girl onto the beach. The dog's tail hung limply between its hindlegs. It circled once, and then twice, before settling down beside the girl,and resting its head and a paw across her chest. The dog closed its eyesagainst the sting of the icy rain. Eventually, exhaustion overtook it and itfell into a peaceful slumber despite the storm that raged around it. Aclip-clop sound, faint at first, and then growing louder as it approached, hadthe dog on edge. Her ears pricked up, tracking the sound.... BlindMaddie McCracken is about to turn 15 and, in family tradition, she chooses herbirthday outing -- a three-hour fun trip in the family's Campion pleasure boat,Dawn Treader, with her father, Joseph. With them is Sammy, Maddie's inseparableyellow Labrador and guide dog. They would motor north toward Gabriola andTexada Islands between British Columbia's rugged mainland and Vancouver Island,before returning to Horseshoe Bay. It would to be a simple, fun day on thewater. Southwestof Texada Island, a fishing trawler, My Fair Lady, skippered by Haida seamanBen Pete, with his son George and 16-year-old grandson August, is alreadybouncing through the waves of a swollen and angry sea as an unexpected stormbuilds to hurricane force. August has become defiant, refusing to go to school,and father and grandfather have decided that a day out fishing would teach hima lesson. In LauraHesse's riveting book, Valentino , the tempest forces the two vesselsinto a devastating collision, and everyone is tossed overboard. But Sammymanages to stay close to Maddie, dragging her to safety on a beach on JedidiahIsland where a lone Quarter Horse finds them and offers company. Furtherup the island's coastline, August crawls onto the beach, scoops a shallow bedin the earth beneath the firs, then rolls in, exhausted, afraid, in pain. Buthis Haida grandmother sings to him in whispers, the ancient prayer of theirpeople. Touching his cheek in spirit, she gives August strength to takesurvival into his own hands. Thisbeautifully written, enthralling book follows the story of how Maddie, with herfaithful Sammy, finds an abandoned farmhouse, cooking pots, a means to makefire, and learns where to find food on the beach. A friendship develops betweenher and the horse she calls Valentino, after St. Valentine's Day and herbirthday. With her beloved Sammy, she waits and prays for rescue, while fearingher father is lost. The storyintertwines between the survival struggles of the two teenagers, theirpanic-stricken families, and Maddie's father who lies in a coma in hospital.But it is Valentino who takes Maddie on a life-saving ride to the camp ofAugust, where the two meet and a bond is formed. August draws on his richcultural heritage and the practical cooking skills learned from his mother andgrandmother. Maddie draws on her gut instincts, and their shared belief thatthey will be rescued. Far away, on a rocky beach on Haida Gwaii, August's familygather to sing to the life forces, rhythmically beating a drum decorated withthe sacred raven. The climax