Scholastic Canada: Heartland

Mercury was once a talented jumper, but now he refuses even the smallest fences. Amy is certain that she can cure him and help him learn to love jumping again. But when the gray thoroughbred doesn't improve, Amy and Ty disagree about what they should try next. Against Ty's advice, Amy takes Mercury to a wise horse healer who once knew her mom. She travels to the mountains seeking answers, only to learn that the truest solutions come from within.

It's been a long time since Amy has seen her father. Twelve long years have separated them, and she doesn't know if he could ever really be her father again. As she waits for his arrival, Amy wonders if he will understand who she is and what matters in her world. Amy's life is Heartland and its horses; her father's life was once very much the same as hers. With all that's come between them, can their love of horses bring them together again?

Amy has never has such a difficult time reaching a horse. Since the first day Gallant Prince arrived at Heartland, he's stayed at the back of his stall, pacing anxiously. Amy knows the fear of the stable fire blazes behind Prince's threats, his bared teeth and haunted eyes. But she doesn't know how she can help a horse that has taken refuge so deep within itself. Amy can't face the face that even she might not be able to lead Prince out of his darkness.

Amy's grandfather has been hospitalized with a case of pneumonia, and her sister, Lou, has left for England on a mission to track down their estranged father. Independent as ever, Amy takes on the responsibility of maintaining Heartland with her usual dedication. But as the hours and stress begin to wear on her, she realizes she can't deal with it all alone.

When Amy finds out her sister; Lou, is trying to get in touch with their estranged father; she doesn't know how to feel. She isn't willing to let her father into her life again. Forcing herself to forget about it, Amy focuses her attention on the new horse, Melody. But when complications develop with Melody's unborn foal, it takes nothing short of a miracle to help Amy realize that life is not about the pain youÕve felt in the past, but the hope you hold for the future.

Amy knows that Ty is important to Heartland — and to her. Ty is the only other person who truly understands the meaning of Heartland, who is as dedicated to rescuing and curing horses as she is. But their friendship is thrown off balance when Ben, the new stable hand, arrives. And by the time Amy realizes she's pushed Ty away, he may have decided to leave Heartland forever.

Pegasus is all Amy has left of her past, but he's steadily growing weaker. Amy's trying to care for him and hold Heartland together. She's striving to do just what her mother would have done, but everything is beginning to unravel. It will take all of Amy's courage to let go of her mother's legacy, but it is the only way that she will break free and find her own.

Amy hasn't seen Spartan since the night of the accident — that stormy night that changed their lives forever. Now Spartan is coming to Heartland. He's not the same horse. He's filled with anger that seems directed at Amy. At the sight of her, he lashes out — teeth bared, hooves flailing. Amy has so much healing to do on her own, it seems she's the last person who could help Spartan. But she might also be the only one.

Amy calls Heartland home, and ever since she can remember, she's watched her mom instill trust and hope in horses that were once fierce and afraid. And Amy's inherited her mother's gift, the ability to listen to horses and understand what they need. But when a tragic accident changes everything, Amy must cling to what her mother taught her — she must truly believe miracles can happen at Heartland.