Reviews
#1. From a Review in "Library Journal", November 1, 2000
Hardesty's singular trilogy will delight fans of Walter Farley's and Marguerite Henry's horse stories.
#2. "If ever there was a story that needed to be told, this is it! Every woman, child , and man who has dreamed of galloping into adventure aboard a horse will treasure "The Legend", and read it angain and again. Boon One was wonderful. Book Two is even better. This Trilogy is destined to become a family tradition and a holiday classic."
Kevin Ludden, Managing Editor, The Arabian Horse Times
ENDORSEMENTS:
"A terrible plague descends upon a small city. A young mother perishes. A wicked ruler accuses the woman's husband of bringing on the curse of this deadly illness.
"When corrupt soldiers attempt to arrest the tall, handsome Archanus for his imagined crime, the Wise Man, his 10 year-old son, Michael, and other Magi are forced to flee for their lives.
"Now a fugitive, Archanus decides it will be safest for Michael to live with his mother's people, the finest horsemen of their time. Aided by their friend, a high-ranking Roman soldier, Archanus and Michael escape the city and set off on a perilous journey aboard two intrepid geldings. As they travel, the father and son grow closer to one another than they have ever been, forging a bond of friendship that will forever transcend the ordinary ties of blood.
"Fearing that he will endanger the nomadic horsemen if he remains in their company, Archanus stays with his wife's people for only a few days. Although his Aunt Sarah and his Uncle John (his mother's brother) love him as though he is their own son, Michael begins to retreat into himself as soon as his father departs. Before long, the boy loses touch with people altogether, trusting and loving only the horses.
"Alarmed by this distancing, John and Sarah enlist the aid of a young horseman whose unique understanding of horses and humans might help him to reach the broken-hearted Michael. Reluctantly, Michael lets the young man, Jephthah come closer than any person has been since the loss of his parents. Through Jephthah, Michael's education is rounded out, and he is at last prepared for his own departure.
"Aboard a loyal old mare, with his supplies carried by an aged warhorse, Michael undertakes yet another treacherous expedition. Several days into the journey an extraordinarily brilliant star rises to guide the adventurers to their ultimate destination. Recalling his father's parting words, "Look for me when you see the Star that heralds the birth of the Savior," Michael is drawn forward by a passionate quest for reunion with his father.
"In this creative new twist on a 2000-year-old story, horsewoman and writer, J. L. Hardesty, guides the reader on a magical journey. The first Christmas comes to life and the mystery of how the horse became mankind's treasured partner is revealed.
"Hardesty's premier novel is at once poignant and touching, powerful and inspiring. The story evokes the intense emotions shared by all who love the horse, reminding us of the liberty this beautiful animal represents and of the gift God bestowed on the human race when He gave us the horse.
"The Lost Legend of the First Christmas could be called the horseman's Christmas Box. Offering the most enjoyable in holiday reading for people of all ages and all interests, The Legend is the perfect Christmas gift for everyone on your list."
Arabian Horse Times Magazine
- Review10/99
READERS ARE SAYING:
"This is a unique and inspiring portrayal of the Christmas story. It introduces the horse as a very significant and loyal partner to mankind. A great book about trust, love and relationships. Not just for horse lovers. I can't wait for the second book of the trilogy to come out."
"You will enjoy reading this tender Christmas story to your children and grand children,, year after year. It will become a tradition in your home. A story of love and perseverance in one's beliefs."
"This is a great book that brought tears to my eyes. It entertained my four year old boy, but unlike most books that do, it didn't put me to sleep."
"I loved this story. I've read all of the Harry Potter books and loved them too. The Legend has as much adventure and excitement as the Harry Potter books."
"This is a wonderful legend, so carefully described and lovingly unfolded. It weaves the author's talent, her love, and her faith together, producing a unique garment which can wrap many a chilly soul in the warmth of a wonderful world with the God who created it, and us."
"This is THE perfect Christmas gift for anyone who ever loved or dreamed of loving a horse. It carries the reader beyond the confines of today's world, back to that place in time where man's partnership with the horse began. Even as the story reminds us of the Event it celebrates, it illuminates the great blessing God bestowed when He gave us the horse."
"I thought I bought the first book of The Lost Legend Trilogy for my daughter . . . I read it first and can hardly wait until fall for the second book! Truly it is a book for every human being who has ever questioned the One God, or ever tried to resist the will of that God . . . The Lost Legend portrayed so well the conflict between the head and the heart . . . I loved the book!"
"I'm 17 years old, an avid and very fussy reader. The Lost Legend of the First Christmas is one of the very best books I've ever read. The only problem I have is that I can't wait for books two and three."
"I am a ten year old Christian and I've never read a book I love as much as The Lost Legend of the First Christmas. I think everyone my age should have a chance to read this story so that they could get to know Jesus the way my friends and I do."
"I am a horse breeder and have loved horses all my life. I read a great deal and have never read a book that more beautifully portrays the extraordinary relationship between horses and humans. I can't wait for the next two books!"
NORTH AMERICAN RIDING FOR THE HANDICAPPED ASSOCIATION
If Wishes were Horses . . .
On
a horse, someone whose disability prevents them from walking has the
legs to run. Someone whose disability isolates them from others has
a friend to trust.
Someone
whose disability impairs his or her balance has a way to regain it.
And someone [anyone] whose disability presents special obstacles has
the opportunity to overcome them...
on a horse.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of every book in The Lost Legend Trilogy benefits the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association NARHA an organization that builds partnerships between horses and humans to help heal the spirits, the minds and the bodies of physically and mentally challenged children and adults.
For
More Information, or to make a tax deductible
contribution to NARHA,
you may contact the organization at: 1-800-369-7433
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