Watch the Shaw Cable interview with Laura Hesse on Facebook
Reviews of One Frosty Christmas:
“Horse tale tugs at heart strings. It’s a charming well-written story that every horse lover will adore!” Goody Niosi, The Star.
“The story is strong, the prayers are tender.” Writer’s Digest.
“Absolutely loved this short story.” Goodreads Review.
“A truly inspiring tale. Grabs you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. I couldn’t put it down and read it in one afternoon. It will break your heart and it will make you smile. Deals with some tough issues such as animal abuse, bullying and loss. Also has a message of hope, love and acceptance.” Barnes & Noble Review
“A sweet, feel – good, well written book. A young girl’s determination to find a friend in a new small town, where newbies aren’t welcomed. Especially a child who has a disability. Cynical realism from a bully pushes Hannah to befriend a malnourished horse and want more from life. Through her courage, she finally finds new friends and acceptance.” Goodreads Review
“An inspirational story of change after a new beginning. Tears and heartwrenching moments keep the listener holding on for a happy ending. The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Leslie Howard was a perfect choice for this project!” Goodreads Review
“Heart felt story. My daughter could not put it down.” Amazon Review
Full review of One Frosty Christmas by Equus-Blog.com: March 20th, 2017 | Author: Christine
“I was rapt to recently receive a free copy of One Frosty Christmas by Laura Hesse. You can get an electronic copy too.
Young Hannah Storey is struggling to come to grips with a move to a new town. She’s a survivor of a car accident and the nightmares haunt her still. She lost her grandmother in the accident. On top of this, she lost half of her leg.
One Frosty Christmas is a delightful read for young readers that looks at the life of a neglected pony as well as a young girl recovering from the loss of her grandmother. Hannah’s character is strong and honest, whilst Johnny Joe helps to throw in some horse knowledge in the story. The end result is a delightful tale that brings the local community together. Worth the read.”
Reviews of The Great Pumpkin Ride
“The Great Pumpkin Ride is a glorious romp filled with adventure, humor, suspense and mystery! This is simply a wonderful book for young readers…Anyone can enjoy it.” Goody Niosi, The Star
“A charming, motivational story with a lot of information from the world of horses. The story seems so true that it could actually happen. This is a beautiful and lovely book about children and horses. This is an excellent book!!!!!” Boszenna Nowiki, author of “Why some Cats Are Rascals”
“Our grand daughter loved this series (a trio of stories) by Laura Hesse….. I would recommend these books for the 12-14 age group. Especially girls.” Amazon Review
“A great book for all who love horses and have great imaginations when Halloween roles around, how our mind can play tricks on you on hollows eve. Great read.” Amazon Review
“As a little girl, I loved getting lost in timeless classic stories about other children my age who solved (missing/lost items) mysteries, or discovering a long lost object, or having innocent fun and adventures. It’s refreshing to find an author who brings this to a vibrant, modern era for our next generation.Of the books in the series thus far, it seems this has the most grounding with information about horses/horseback riding.” Audible Review
“This is a great family fun read for the Halloween season.” Audible Review
“A group of kids in a small farming community get ready for the Great Pumpkin ride and other Harvest festivities. Rumors of ghost sightings are high and the kids look forward to barrel races and the pumpkin ride followed by a secret camping trip to the old trappers cabin. Very lighthearted enjoyable spooky tale.“ Audible Review
Reviews of A Filly Called Easter
“This was a family-friendly story, very fun and inspiring.” Audible Review
“Great book for my children and me. I truly enjoyed listening to this book on our recent family vacation. I feel like it is so hard to find books that keep the attention of children between the ages of 8-12, but this book certainly did and made our vacation drive so much enjoyable. Laura Hesse did a beautiful job with pen to paper and sharing this story of a horse, that was born on Easter, only to also have a filly, born much too soon, and also on Easter. The story was brought to life by Leslie Howard, who did a superb job narrating and taking her time and not rushing through. Fantastic read!” Audible Review
“This story reached all my emotions.” Amazon Review
Review, Janet Peto VIP Pets
“It was late when I finished A Filly Called Easter. Memories of many pre-teen nights under the bed covers with a flashlight and a book from the black-stallion series enveloped me as I turned out the lamp.
Hesse continues to demonstrate the strength and abilities of pre-teens/teenagers. From cleaning barns to driving tractors, these ranch kids are capable and are needed. The result is responsible, resourceful and confident kids – characters that I admired.
This book is written for pre-and early teens. Buy it for any dreamy-eyed animal-loving child. Anyone who has ever dreamed of that perfect horse, or felt that connection and pleasure of enjoying the world from the back of a horse, should give it a try.”
Reviews of Valentino
“Heartwarming listen. 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.” Audible Review
“” Amazon Review
“A beautifully written, enthralling book.” Canadian Horse Journals.
READ the full interview at The Canadian Horse Journals.
“Life takes a dangerous turn when the two boats these teens and her seeing eye dog are on accidentally collide. They are dumped into frigid waters close to an abandoned island. A wonderful story of survival and the human spirit, and a must read for all ages.” Amazon Review
“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” Audible Review
Reviews of Independence
- “Fun coming of age story. W
“If you love books that have to do with horses then this is for you. It is about family, responsibility and finding yourself. I really liked this book and I would highly recommend it.” Audible Review.
Review by Laura Neufeld, The Canadian Horse Journals
“Independence, the fourth installment in Canadian author, Laura Hesse’s popular Holiday Series, is an exciting, heartwarming tale set in British Columbia’s interior.
The novel introduces June, the matriarch of the Stetler family. She is a kind, insightful woman, and though suffering from debilitating arthritis, possesses a physical and emotional strength which gives the novel its heart.
June lives with her husband, Bill, their dog named Horse, and an old Norwegian Fjord, CD. She travels up to their cabin in the mountains each summer, and this year she will be accompanied by her grandchildren: Billy, a horse-crazy eight-year-old who longs to be a “real” cowboy, and Susie, a surly fifteen-year-old from California who would much rather be spending her summer on a surf board than one horseback. The story follows the family as they head up the mountain and settle in for a quiet vacation. The summer, however, 
brings much more than they expected.
Independence has all the makings of a great story – for young and old alike. Hesse has created nuanced characters who come alive on the page, and tells a story filled with twist and turns. There is even a bit of a romance thrown into the mix.
Hesse owns a Norwegian Fjord and her love for the breed is obvious: CD and his new companion Independence are as strongly developed as the human characters. Hesse also puts her years of experience with the Alberta Forest Service to good use, depicting the dangerous conditions which arise when the summer is too hot and dry. Her detailed observations place the reader right in the thick of things.
Independence is a great choice for the horse lover looking to add a little excitement to their reading list.”
Running L Productions 