Finny is one of those people who is sweet and kind and loved by many. Unfortunately, because she’s pretty and “cool” without even trying it also earns her jealous enemies who try desperately to make her life miserable. Then there’s Joe, the boy from Horse Mountain, who stumbles into Finny’s world. Despite all the difficult things he’s been through, he’s good to the core and just needs someone to give him a break–in steps Finny. What first appears to be a friendship with only Finny able to help, Joe quickly finds a way to re-pay Finny for all she’s done for him; however, that doesn’t come without many obstacles along the way.

At first glance Finny and the Boy from Horse Mountain might seem like it would only interest those who love horses, but anyone who enjoys a coming-of-age love story will enjoy this sweet tale. It is a perfect book to read while lounging at the pool; it is engaging but relaxing. That said, it also has a few nail-biting scenes that will get those pages flying. Young creates some excellent characters, especially the antagonists of the story. She paints a seriously great “mean girl”. The details included show that Young really knows what she’s talking about when it comes to horses. Audiences both young and old will enjoy this fun, heart-warming love story.

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Sky Pony Press

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  11 religious exclamations.

Violence/Gore:  Several (20) brief incidents including character jokes about punching someone; character lightly punches another in jest; secondhand report of a horse dying in an accident; secondhand reports of death; references to a teenage character getting beat up by adults; character jumps off of a train, receiving little injury; character lightly hurts another’s neck; character receives small injury after falling off of a horse; character punched; character is trampled by horse and injured; two incidents of a character getting bucked off of a horse and injured; character is beat up and knocked unconscious; horse crashes and dies and injures rider. 

Sex/Nudity:  Many (24) brief incidents including holding hands and arm; flirting; hugging; kissing; touching hair; dancing; cuddling; holding face; reference to animals breeding; female character touching male character’s chest; touching leg; massaging shoulder.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death, abuse, gambling, fighting, “mean girls”.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Reference to adult character drinking.