Published: Jan. 13, 2012
Words: 96,055 (approximate)
Language: American English
ISBN: 9781465729224

Short description

Storm is a most unusual horse. Under saddle he is a show stopping magnificent steed. Remove the saddle, and he is the cross between Dennis the Menace and Goofy. Life at the Doyle household is turned upside down when the family purchases Storm. He has little knowledge of the real world. His pasture mates are dumbfounded by his naiveté. For heaven sakes, he arrived not even sure what his name is!

Extended description

Storm is a most unusual horse. Under saddle he is a “show stopping” magnificent Tennessee Walking Horse. When the saddle is removed, he becomes the cross between Dennis the Menace and Goofy. Li'l Liza Jane is a young, beautiful prissy ¾ Arabian pinto. She shows no respect for her elders and refuses to abide by the herd hierarchy. She is convinced that Arabs are superior and will settle for nothing less as a possible mate. Dasher is a Quarter Horse. He is the pasture leader (alpha male) and retired undefeated as a ¼ mile racehorse. He puts up with Liza because he finds her amusing. Bucky was purchased from a riding stable. He has no patience for Liza and constantly trades barbs with her. He is disgusted with the lack of respect she shows Dasher. He is an ugly horse with a head far too large for his body.
Life at the Doyle household is turned upside down when Reta and Dave purchase Storm. He arrives young and extremely immature. He has little knowledge of the real world. His past.. (Read more) Storm is a most unusual horse. Under saddle he is a “show stopping” magnificent Tennessee Walking Horse. When the saddle is removed, he becomes the cross between Dennis the Menace and Goofy. Li'l Liza Jane is a young, beautiful prissy ¾ Arabian pinto. She shows no respect for her elders and refuses to abide by the herd hierarchy. She is convinced that Arabs are superior and will settle for nothing less as a possible mate. Dasher is a Quarter Horse. He is the pasture leader (alpha male) and retired undefeated as a ¼ mile racehorse. He puts up with Liza because he finds her amusing. Bucky was purchased from a riding stable. He has no patience for Liza and constantly trades barbs with her. He is disgusted with the lack of respect she shows Dasher. He is an ugly horse with a head far too large for his body.
Life at the Doyle household is turned upside down when Reta and Dave purchase Storm. He arrives young and extremely immature. He has little knowledge of the real world. His pasture mates are dumbfounded by his naiveté. For heaven sakes, he arrived not even sure what his name was! From the moment Storm becomes a member of the family, it is one crisis after another.
Buzz, a friendly but irritating horsefly, is thrown into the mix. He is familiar with Storm and relates the story of Storm’s magic saddle to Liza. Ironically, a saddle was given to the family with the purchase of Storm. When the saddle is donned, a remarkable transition from “buffoon” to “super horse” does take place. The humans as well as the horses are stunned and confused by the transition.
The pot is stirred when the mother (Reta) has a conversation with the senile vet that delivered Storm. He informs her that the saddle does in fact have magical powers. This creates a great deal of internal conflict for Reta and her husband Dave. The thought of a magic saddle shakes at the roots of all they have been brought up to believe.
The primary plot revolves around the mystery of the saddle. There are of course, several other subplots. The primary characters are the family consisting of Reta, Dave, the children Donnie, and Robbie; and of course, the horses. Other high profile characters include: Barbara Scumberg: the villain of the story. Buzz: a loveable but nosey horsefly. Shellby: a proud and intelligent armadillo who is having a tough time raising a family under the Doyle’s back porch. Seth Adams: a senile yet humorous character who delivered Storm. Jimmy Noggle: Storm’s original trainer who Storm loves and thinks abandoned him. The barn cats and of course Snugs, the family dog.
The book tackles such issues as prejudices, stereotyping, magic, family values, faith, good versus evil, and true love. Throughout the manuscript Storm seems to be inept without the saddle and spectacular with it on.
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Tags

adventure, mystery, animals, comedy, horses, humor, fantasy, inspirational, young adult, horse, childrens, educational, thriller suspense, teen, christian, family values

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Reviews

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Review by: Frank D'Andrea on July 14, 2012 :
I just finished "Storm and the Magic Saddle". I found it to be a fun read from the first page all the way through to the last page. The characters in the story are engaging and likable, especially the non-humans. The author did a good job of weaving in a good deal of information about horses so that it was interesting and without being dry. The story also presents wholesome character and moral lessons. The book is intended for kids and I would highly recommend it for them. Parents can have their children read this without concern. If you're a little older than that demographic, as I am, I think that you should also find the book well worth your time to read.
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: Bonnie Howlingcrane on July 12, 2012 :
This is a wonderful book for kids of all ages...it kept my attention from page one...although this is a long book I read it all at one sitting because I couldn't put it down, the dialog between the animals is very entertaining..as a horse owner I can see the personalities of the horses and the other animals that hang around around the barn, the human family is a very wholesome all american family as well..this book has many layers to it..fun, about doing the right thing, adventure and a bit of mystery as well..this book is the best horse book since "My Friend Flicka" well worth your time..I have recommended it to all my friends and can't wait for my grandchildren to be old enough that I can enjoy reading it to them!
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: Michael Guerini on June 16, 2012 :
picked this book up about a week ago and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. The horses are wonderful and have interesting conversations. I completely love the interactions of the horses with Buzz as well as the Armadillo. As a horseman, I appreciate the good quality horsemanship advice that this book shares. Reta, Dave, Donnie and Robbie are a great wholesome family. Dr. Adams is a great character and I think he reminds me of an old veterinarian I know.

I strongly recommend this book for children, YA and horse lovers.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Elizabeth Campbell on May 24, 2012 :
Reading is not one of my most favorite things to do. Don talked to me about the book and thought I might like it and keep my attention. I live in Kentucky horse country and thought it might be a fun read. Over the course of a week I was able to sit down and read most of Storm and the Magic Saddle interrupted by moving family. This past
week I was able to sit down and finish the book. I really liked the book and the characters especially the way Don humanized the animals. There were times the characters tickled me and made me laugh. I very much enjoyed the story and its outcome showing good things happen. Lisa tickled me because it reminds me of someone I know very well. I think this is an excellent book for anyone to read and enjoy.
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: Elizabeth Campbell on May 24, 2012 :
Reading is not one of my most favorite things to do. Don talked to me about the book and thought I might like it and so I gave it a try. I live in Kentucky horse country and thought it might be a fun read. Over the course of a week I was able to sit down and read most of Storm and the Magic Saddle interrupted by moving family. This past
week I was able to sit down and finish the book. I really liked the book and the characters especially the way Don humanized the animals. There were times the characters tickled me and made me laugh. I very much enjoyed the story and its outcome showing good things happen. Lisa tickled me because it reminds me of someone I know very well. I think this is an excellent book for anyone to read and enjoy.
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: Pennelope Belle on March 13, 2012 : (no rating)
Sorry Don, er, bill...tried to read the book....check out some of the teaching material, inaccurate....and some of the words..."naivete" (how many young children know what this is. Reminds me of an old Dick Van Dyke t.v. show where Dick tries to write a children's book and uses the word "morose" instead of sad....how many children know what morose is? It was used in the comedy, as a bad example....how NOT to write a children's book. I thought this was a place where we could read a book, and give an honest opinion. This criticism was offered in a helpful manner, sorry if it was taken otherwise. Honesty is a very important attribute, and should be practiced, don't you think?
(reviewed within a week of purchase)

Review by: bill gadberry on March 11, 2012 :
I have read Storm and the Magic Saddle and find it a great book for children as well as adults. It has a great story line, great characters which includes animal and human interaction as well as good moral fabric and ending. What I find troubling is a person named Pennelope Belle who has made critical review of the book but provides no substance nor backup for criticism. It appears this person has either not read the book or reads things into the book not there and to which shows the person knows nothing about what children should read let alone anything about horses. Appears there is another agenda in mind, say politics to vilify. I recognize this person from a social network. I find the criticism of factual material laughable since in part it is a fictional story and yet what information is not correct? As far as I'm concerned I find the review by that person to be totally inaccurate, inept and not full of any substance whatsoever. Next time read the book and at least give some kind of substance to your review. I rate the review by Pennelope Belle a big fat -0-and should be removed from this site. I rate Storm and the Magic Saddle....Read my previous review) five stars...
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: Pennelope Belle on March 11, 2012 : (no rating)
Sorry Don, stick with the How To, and Gambling books! This book was intended for children, but much of the writing failed to relate to children. I think you had a good idea, but got lost in trying to belittle certain people as villains, instead of entertaining children. Also, being a breeder, and horse lover for many years, I found much of your so called "factual" material inaccurate. Perhaps if you had done your homework, you could have added some accurate information. I found the book to be slow and boring. Sorry, I can't recommend this book to anyone.
(reviewed within a week of purchase)

Review by: Shannon Fleury on March 05, 2012 :
This a fantastic book, written for anyone who loves horses, or reading about them. A little bit of learning in there too, without being over the top.
Absolutely loved the characters, and laughed lots while reading this book. Being a horse owner, I can see a lot of things happening, as did with Storm and the family!
The dual perspective from animals and people is great, and keeps the story entertaining from all sides.
A MUST read, I highly recommend!!
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: lizardo solorzano on March 04, 2012 :
Forgot to add the 5 stars
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: lizardo solorzano on March 04, 2012 : (no rating)
This is a great book u can really get into it. So good my 10th son is loving it all I hear is him laugh when he tell me about the fly And the horse who think she's the best. Thank u don for writing a beautiful book. I tell everyone the whole family will enjoy
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: kim simons on Feb. 14, 2012 :
This book was a great read, and a page turner, keeps you interested! Don gives the perspective from people and from the animals. I especially like the way the evil character was portrayed. The description of the horse's behavior and anatomy, and how they communicate was interesting too. This book is great for kids young and old and animal lovers.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Beverley Bingaman on Jan. 22, 2012 :
Being an animal lover, (especially horses). I thoroughly enjoyed "Storm and the Magic Saddle." Telling the story through both the animals eyes and the human persepctive brought this story to life in such a way I am seriously comtemplating reading it to my grandchildren. I purchased the e-book wanting to check it out for them but was captivated myself and read it through that day. I too have had a Dennis the Menace type horse who got into everything and jumped anything, opened gates, stall doors, grain bins, you name it nothing was off limits to my houdini. Since I have both Arabs and a Tennessee Walker, this book especially grabed my attention. I highly recomemd this book to horse lovers young and old who want a feel good story.
(reviewed within a week of purchase)

Review by: bill gadberry on Jan. 14, 2012 :
As a former horse person and horse lover I enjoyed the story of Storm and the Magic Saddle very much. Great blend of animal and human characters brought to life that captured my interest from the beginning as the story of Storm progressed along with the meaning of the Magic Saddle and his relationship with his buddies Lisa, Dasher, Bucky, Buzz, Shellby and Snugs and the human family of Dave, Reta, Robbie and Donnie Doyle. The intertwining of the story between animal to human I thought captivating as it reflected the personalities and similarities of their character which made me feel like I was part of the story and couldn't wait to continue to the next chapter. Great characters and story and I highly recommend this to young and old alike. It made me smile.
(reviewed the day of purchase)

Review by: Sandy Piscitello on Jan. 14, 2012 :
I first met Don via Facebook due to our joint love of horses. Don asked me if I would like to read a horse book he had written and I am an avid reader so I readily agreed. I was absolutely amazed at what a fantastic story this was. The characters are gripping and this book has everything...good guys, villains, mystery, and excitement. One other interesting aspect of this book is that it is also educational about horses and horse ownership, as Don expertly works in a lot of educational elements into the story. As an adult, I read every single one of the Black Stallian books written by Walter Farley, and I honestly have not been as excited about a horse story until reading this book! You will totally get caught up in the characters and the story and move from chapter to chapter to see what happens next. The first time I read this book, I read it in one sitting! After reading the book, I volunteered my time to assist in the final editing of this book because I really wanted to see this story get published so that others could enjoy this great book. My only selfish motivation is that I hope this book sells so well that Don will be motivated to write a sequel so that I can continue to enjoy the adventures of Storm and his pasture mates.

I know that readers will thorougly enjoy this book, and for the price point of $.99, you will be amazed!
(reviewed the day of purchase)

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