Crazy about Horses by Patrick Coghlan 

'An intriguing story with many themes relevant to a young adult readership; one to be enjoyed by anyone over 14, whether they are crazy about horses or not'

Crazy about Horses
By Patrick Coghlan 
Published by Instant Apostle
ISBN: 9781912726561
Reviewed by Angela Hobday

Patrick Coghlan has set his book against a background of horses and stables. I was unsure I would like it much, having never been particularly horse-mad myself.

However, I was wrong. This is an intriguing story with many themes that are relevant to his intended young adult readership. Issues addressed include bullying, lack of self-confidence and the need for forgiveness, which are problems for his protagonist, eighteen-year-old Isabel. Relationships are central to this novel – while her friendships are strong, Isabel is estranged from her parents perhaps because her desire to work with horses has not fitted the grand academic plans they had for her. She is desperate to reconcile with her parents and help them to understand she can make a living and a name for herself when working with horses.

While Isabel loves her job working for an equestrian centre, there is a shadow hanging over her future there. The rented premises are likely to be sold so Isabel is praying that they won’t because she is a very close friend of the owner, Karen, and finding alternative suitable premises may not be possible. Also, Isabel has great plans for her own skewbald mare which would be in jeopardy without an appropriate stable yard.

Coghlan’s expertise and experience with horses, and his role as minister and counsellor, have helped him to create a very authentic background to Isabel’s story. The characters are well-drawn, as are the dynamics of the friendship and concern between the characters at the equestrian centre. The intrusion of a rather difficult aged aunt who may possibly have an answer to the financing of the centre adds another dimension. The third person narrative has given us access to Isabel’s prayers and emotions as her faith appears to grow in the face of adversity.

I enjoyed the humour that runs through the book, lightening the mood after difficult turns in the narrative. Younger readers may be surprised by the romance element in the story and some of the details of mortgage and legal implications may be new to them. However, it is a great story full of faith presented in a definitely non-preachy way, helping readers to understand that problems can be solved in God’s way, not necessarily in the way expected.

This is a book to be enjoyed by anyone over 14, whether they are crazy about horses or not. Adults will enjoy the story too and be eager to turn the page to see what happens next. And I am hoping there will be a sequel to learn more about Isabel and how her plans evolve.
 

Angela Hobday is a Clinical Psychologist (retired) – and writer of Christian fiction as Annie Try 

If you would like a single copy for yourself; or to buy multiple copies for your church book stall or local Christian book shop, contact the Revd Patrick Coghlan. He is happy to supply with an invoice.