Valentino

The Holiday Series, Book 5

By: Laura Hesse

Narrated by: Shelley Reece

A blind girl and a Haida boy struggle to survive after being shipwrecked on opposites sides of a desolate island on the West coast of British Columbia in the middle of winter.

While blind young girl Maddie must rely on Providence, her guide dog, and an abandoned horse to help her survive, August has a wealth of cultural heritage and survival skills from which to draw. While Maddie's faith in herself appears endless, August's personal demons continue to haunt him.

All too soon, Maddie's luck runs out, leaving her to wonder if she can carry on. Her prayers are answered when the horse she has named Valentino leads her to the meadow where August is setting snares.

August is enchanted by the pretty teen, quickly embracing the role of sole provider, until a tragic accident leaves August in dire need of medical attention.

Determination, perseverance, hope, and friendship are the cornerstones of this story. This story was inspired by true events including the dramatic rescue of a woman who was shipwrecked on the West coast of Haida Gwaii for 10 days, the amazing spirit of a blind girl named Maddie M. whose sense of humor in the face of adversity is legendary to all who know her, coupled with the true story of Will, the horse that got left behind on Jedidiah Island when the island was donated to BC Parks.

This is a stand-alone story, the last audiobook in the Holiday series. Suitable for all ages.

©2018 Laura Hesse (P)2018 Laura Hesse

Dool

What a great story of tradegy, hope and finding someone else to help you get through things. And the rescue of a horse. The narration was wonderful

Valentino

This was a very good book.A storm tosses a young blind girl,her seeing eye dog and a boy onto an island.An old horse aids them and is rewarded for his efforts.Great story! Shelley Reece was a fine narrator.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.

A magical survival story with a horse, a dog, and two shipwrecked teens

Valentino is a magical fictional story about a lonely horse living alone on an island, two shipwrecked teens, and a truly wonderful guide dog. The story is inspired by the true story of Will the horse who lived out his days on Jedediah island after the people had all gone. This is a story of survival and friendship suitable for all ages.

The narrator does a very good job bringing the story to life.

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Another Feel Good, Miraculous Holiday Book!

Laura Hesse is a talented author who combines children with varying disabilities with horses symbolic of service animals.

I think this is one of the longest books in the series, which caught me off guard when I requested and received a promotional code. My review is voluntary and long overdue.

Her stories are usually unique and this stays true to her genuine ability of creativeness.
The characters and world building is strong and pulls you along with the characters’ struggles for survival with innocent hope.
A fabulous addition to this immaculate stand alone series!

"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."

A Thrilling Adventure!

I loved this audiobook! The story was so good! I rate it five stars!

Two teen strangers are shipwrecked on opposite sides of an island during a storm. This is a tale of their fight for survival. The lone horse on the island befriends them. An amazing bond forges between the horse and the teens. This is a feel good story, which brings tears to the eyes. Listeners will not be disappointed with the ending. The book isn't a cliffhanger.

I loved the description from the horse's point of view of living on the island and his longing for human companionship again! It moved me deeply and reminded me of why I love horses so much. I could hardly wait to hear what would happen next.

Author Laura Hesse has written a very good story. Narrator Shelley Reece has a nice voice and did a fantastic job with the performance.

Heartwarming Listen!

Typically I do not listen to "teen" books, but the cover of this one pulled me in. I am a horse lover, and that first attracted me to the story, then the blurb sounded interesting, and the sample was great. Laura Hesse wrote an original story, with only parallel to The Black Stallion being shipwrecked on an island with a horse. This book is so much more than I expected. I loved the imagery in this book. Having visited Vancouver area, I could envision so much of what the islands in the area were like. I enjoyed how resourceful the teens in this story were, and thought the ending was so fitting. This book is a standalone listen and part of a series. Shelley Reece did a great performance with this book. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review. I highly recommend this survival story. It has hope and inspiration for all ages.

Heart warming story

Maddie who is blind is not what I expected in character. She does not let her disability get in her way. The thing that brings her down is the situation she was in and even then it took a while before she started to have negative thoughts. August I liked as well, he was not what I expected a teenage boy to act like but then he did have a different up bringing so he acted mature yet he still had doubts. This is more due to the fact that he is only 16 and has not really experienced life.
I loved the book! It is based more on family, faith (no matter what that is), belief in yourself, never giving up and love for family, friends and animals. 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.

FANTASTIC....I RECOMMEND!

Beautiful heartwarming young adult story with a dog, horse, sheep and birds as companions to a blind girl .
So much happening and such a good story. l loved it!