What do you think?
Rate this book
Joey: How a Blind Rescue Horse Helped Others Learn to See
Over 100,000 copies sold!
“A touching tale.� � Kirkus Reviews
The heartwarming true story of a blind horse named Joey.
At the height of his show career, this beautiful Appaloosa’s majestic stature, strength, and willingness to work made him the perfect partner. But when an injury cost Joey his show career, he moved from one owner to the next, ultimately experiencing severe abuse and neglect. A rescue group found Joey nearly dead from starvation―and blind.
Then he came to Hope Reins―a ranch dedicated to helping hurting kids who had been abused, emotionally wounded, or unwanted. By teaching these children to care for rescued animals, the Hope Reins staff were convinced they could reach kids with love and hope and show them that we are never forgotten by God.
But could the financially struggling ranch afford to take care of a blind horse that no one else wanted? Could Joey somehow learn to trust people even though the world had hurt him so badly? And what would happen―to Joey, the kids, and Hope Reins―if they failed?
A true story of friendship destined to become a classic, Joey will touch your heart and reveal the power of finding light in the darkness.
“A touching tale.� � Kirkus Reviews
The heartwarming true story of a blind horse named Joey.
At the height of his show career, this beautiful Appaloosa’s majestic stature, strength, and willingness to work made him the perfect partner. But when an injury cost Joey his show career, he moved from one owner to the next, ultimately experiencing severe abuse and neglect. A rescue group found Joey nearly dead from starvation―and blind.
Then he came to Hope Reins―a ranch dedicated to helping hurting kids who had been abused, emotionally wounded, or unwanted. By teaching these children to care for rescued animals, the Hope Reins staff were convinced they could reach kids with love and hope and show them that we are never forgotten by God.
But could the financially struggling ranch afford to take care of a blind horse that no one else wanted? Could Joey somehow learn to trust people even though the world had hurt him so badly? And what would happen―to Joey, the kids, and Hope Reins―if they failed?
A true story of friendship destined to become a classic, Joey will touch your heart and reveal the power of finding light in the darkness.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
166 people are currently reading
1,718 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Marshall Bleakley
21books119followersJennifer Marshall Bleakley is the author of Joey, Project Solomon, and the Pawverbs devotional series. She has a master’s degree in mental health counseling and worked for several years as a grief counselor. Jen loves writing stories about the ways animals can teach us about ourselves, each other, and about God—and how they can even point our hearts toward hope.
Jen lives in Raleigh, NC with her talented software engineer/wood-working husband, their two rapidly growing teenagers, and her very needy golden retriever. You can connect with her online at jenniferbleakley.com or on social media @jenbleakley
Jen lives in Raleigh, NC with her talented software engineer/wood-working husband, their two rapidly growing teenagers, and her very needy golden retriever. You can connect with her online at jenniferbleakley.com or on social media @jenbleakley
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews
Read
September 5, 2023This is going to be a difficult one for me to review. Obviously, this is a sensitive topic about a beautiful horse � several beautiful horses that were treated horribly, but found their way to a sanctuary � an equine therapy ranch � that helps and heals children.
And this particular horse, Joey, happened to be blind. And he was particularly special and unique in his temperament and knew especially how to work well with humans � adults and children. So, in many ways, there is so much beauty in this part of the story. Including the beautiful sketches and pictures at the back of the book.
It is that I am not attracted to stories of faith. I can appreciate the author’s faith, and the good work behind the equine therapy ranch.
ܳ�
It is not my kind of a book to have to read this style of writing.
�
To be put in a position to judge the narrative because of it.
It is for this reason that there is no rating for this book.
I got through the book relatively quickly, but had I known about its religious focus, I wouldn’t have read it.
And this particular horse, Joey, happened to be blind. And he was particularly special and unique in his temperament and knew especially how to work well with humans � adults and children. So, in many ways, there is so much beauty in this part of the story. Including the beautiful sketches and pictures at the back of the book.
It is that I am not attracted to stories of faith. I can appreciate the author’s faith, and the good work behind the equine therapy ranch.
ܳ�
It is not my kind of a book to have to read this style of writing.
�
To be put in a position to judge the narrative because of it.
It is for this reason that there is no rating for this book.
I got through the book relatively quickly, but had I known about its religious focus, I wouldn’t have read it.
June 7, 2020
It wasn’t easy to read this book, especially after having spent the last few weeks fighting for my dog’s life. But it’s really sweet and a dear story about a horse that had everything stacked against him.
There was a lot of mention of their faith; I didn’t care for the continual pounding of “it has to be a blind faith� which I don’t agree with; but overall it’s a very heartfelt and moving story, and I’m very glad to have discovered it.
There was a lot of mention of their faith; I didn’t care for the continual pounding of “it has to be a blind faith� which I don’t agree with; but overall it’s a very heartfelt and moving story, and I’m very glad to have discovered it.
February 27, 2018
This is a beautiful true story about how the lives of beautiful, broken people, and beautiful broken horses come together to heal each other. And it is very well done. I can't imagine anyone reading this and NOT becoming emotionally invested in each of the characters. BUT! There's so much more to "Joey" than a good story. As someone who has recently endured a profound loss, and as someone who has recently formed a deep bond with an unusually difficult animal (from whom has come a great deal of personal growth and healing), this book hits very close to home. There are many stories presented of pain and grief. And through them are born redemption, and the truest and most genuine love.
"Joey" reads like a parable on finding beauty from loss. It is clear that the author is not only talented at conveying an engaging story, but she is also gifted in helping others navigate grief and loss.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone, but with a asterisk behind the names of those of us who need a little help finding the hope and purpose behind our suffering. A great read, indeed. (I am truly delighted to have received an advanced reader copy from the publisher.)
"Joey" reads like a parable on finding beauty from loss. It is clear that the author is not only talented at conveying an engaging story, but she is also gifted in helping others navigate grief and loss.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone, but with a asterisk behind the names of those of us who need a little help finding the hope and purpose behind our suffering. A great read, indeed. (I am truly delighted to have received an advanced reader copy from the publisher.)
May 4, 2018
I like to balance my reading diet with several non-fiction books. I didn’t know anything about the horse, Joey, when I picked this book to review. But by the time I finished the book, Joey was definitely no stranger. The book takes you along the journey of how Kim Tschirret began her horse ministry, Hope Reins. The first few chapters are more about Kim and Hope Reins than it is about Joey in particular. Then, there is a portion dedicated to Joey’s stable-pal, Speckles. I’d say more or less, the latter half is exclusively about Joey (and his trainers), though. For me, none of this was a problem. I enjoyed learning about Hope Reins and grew attached to Speckles.
Being that Hope Reins is a ministry for broken children, I was gearing myself up for some content that I would shudder at, but there wasn’t anything that would keep me from handing this book to a conservative teen. There was one mention of sexual abuse (and the words were used, that was the extent of the mention), but otherwise, the book focused more on where the children were at the point that they met Joey, and how he helped them in various ways. That was super sweet and amazing. If you’re one who cries easily, then this book will definitely have you in tears.
There was definitely spiritual content in this book. I’m not going to say that I agree 100% with everything, but there wasn’t anything doctrinally that concerned me in this book. It was more of a testimony book than a preaching book. And I was very interested to see how different people were affected by the ministry at Hope Reins.
I definitely recommend this book and found it easy to read for a non-fiction.
*I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers and happily provided my honest review*
Being that Hope Reins is a ministry for broken children, I was gearing myself up for some content that I would shudder at, but there wasn’t anything that would keep me from handing this book to a conservative teen. There was one mention of sexual abuse (and the words were used, that was the extent of the mention), but otherwise, the book focused more on where the children were at the point that they met Joey, and how he helped them in various ways. That was super sweet and amazing. If you’re one who cries easily, then this book will definitely have you in tears.
There was definitely spiritual content in this book. I’m not going to say that I agree 100% with everything, but there wasn’t anything doctrinally that concerned me in this book. It was more of a testimony book than a preaching book. And I was very interested to see how different people were affected by the ministry at Hope Reins.
I definitely recommend this book and found it easy to read for a non-fiction.
*I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers and happily provided my honest review*
May 21, 2018
Joey: How a Blind Rescue Horse Helped Others Learn to See is such an inspiring read. Since my daughter is a horse lover and wants to rescue horses when she is older, I was excited to read Joey‘s story. It was heart breaking to see how this poor beautiful horse could be neglected and treated so horribly until he was rescued by the Hope Reins ranch. This facility displays such a true testament to what unconditional love leads to. Though the family struggled, they continue to have faith and not give up!
Joey is just a beautiful and heartwarming story that many readers will lead to be inspired and have trust in God. It is a perfect example why to never lose hope. It is most definitely a must read and I would give it 100 stars if I could. I will be placing this book on my keeper shelf.
Highly recommended.
I received this book from the publisher. This review was 100% my own honest opinion.
Joey is just a beautiful and heartwarming story that many readers will lead to be inspired and have trust in God. It is a perfect example why to never lose hope. It is most definitely a must read and I would give it 100 stars if I could. I will be placing this book on my keeper shelf.
Highly recommended.
I received this book from the publisher. This review was 100% my own honest opinion.
March 1, 2018
Wow! Once I started this book, I could not stop reading it! I loved it! What a special person Kim is to have the faith to do what God asked her to do and open Hope Reins. And what a special horse God provided to help make Hope Reins so successful in its mission. I wish I could meet Joey! The book so wonderfully tells of the story of Joey, as well as the vision that Kim had to start this wonderful ministry and how God opened doors to make that ministry possible. Joey teaches us all that if we put our faith in God, he will provide a place for us. It may not be an easy life but there will be many blessings along the way. What an inspiring story about how much we can learn that when God gives us a job to do, He will provide everything we need to complete that job - maybe even our own "horse named Joey"! ( I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher.)
March 5, 2018
An amazing story of a woman’s dream to help abused children using rescued horses and relying on God to provide all the resources needed � many times overwhelming � to accomplish what God put in her heart. The people, the children, and the horses especially Joey will absolutely touch your heart and make you realize with God you can “do all things.�
March 24, 2018
This is a wonderful book about love, second chances, following God's lead and letting Him do what needs to be done. if you love horses, children, real people, or just a great story, you will love this book. It is a true story that takes place at a beautiful ranch where I have volunteered for several years.
I received a preview copy from the publisher.
I received a preview copy from the publisher.
April 25, 2018
I started reading Joey at midnight last night as I thought it might help me go to sleep. I ended up reading half the book before I finally, reluctantly decided to get some sleep. I ended up waking up earlier than I normally do. I could not wait to read the rest of the story. I finished it that morning. I could not put it down. I have never cried so much during a story. I had to get up several times to get a tissue and calm down so as not to wake up my husband and 8 children. I was literally sobbing during some parts of the story. It has been a very long time since any book has caused me to have such an emotional response to it. As a mother, I could relate to the parents in the book seeking out ways to help their children in any way they could find. Having a niece who is autistic, I know that she has a love of animals and could see how the children responded to the horses. As a Christian, the lessons about trusting the Lord to provide our every need hit very close to home. It was a very well written story that was very easy to read. The characters were developed well and the way Jennifer wrote about the horses made you fall in love with them. Living in the Raleigh area it was fun to read about a place that I drive past all the time. I will be recommending this book to as many friends and family as I can. Read it but make sure that you have tissues handy.
April 27, 2018
At the height of his show career, this beautiful Appaloosa’s majestic stature, strength, and willingness to work made him the perfect partner. But when an injury cost Joey his show career, he moved from one owner to the next, ultimately experiencing severe abuse and neglect. A rescue group found Joey nearly dead from starvation—and blind.
Then he came to Hope Reins—a ranch dedicated to helping hurting kids who had been abused, emotionally wounded, or unwanted. By teaching these children to care for rescued animals, the Hope Reins staff were convinced they could reach kids with love and hope and show them that we are never forgotten by God.
But could the financially struggling ranch afford to take care of a blind horse that no one else wanted? Could Joey somehow learn to trust people even though the world had hurt him so badly? And what would happen—to Joey, the kids, and Hope Reins—if they failed.
This book will have you going through many emotions. It will make you mad, you will be laughing, and you will be crying. You get to the point that you love Joey and his friend Speckles. How Speckles helped Joey just warmed my heart. With this being a true story, it meant that much more. The faith that everyone has at Hope Reins is remarkable. The ones who didn’t have faith, ended up getting it, which is even better. Jennifer Bleakley did an awesome job in bringing out the personalities of all involved, not just Joey.
Jennifer Bleakley, who has worked as a child and family grief counselor, earned an undergraduate degree in biology from Florida Southern College and a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University. Jennifer leads a women’s Bible study in her hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, and speaks to audiences about God’s great grace and his delight in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. She writes print and online Bible curriculum for children and is a contributing author for She Believes online Bible studies. Jennifer lives with her husband, two children, and one frisky puppy. Connect with her at jenniferbleakley.com.
I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers for this review.
Then he came to Hope Reins—a ranch dedicated to helping hurting kids who had been abused, emotionally wounded, or unwanted. By teaching these children to care for rescued animals, the Hope Reins staff were convinced they could reach kids with love and hope and show them that we are never forgotten by God.
But could the financially struggling ranch afford to take care of a blind horse that no one else wanted? Could Joey somehow learn to trust people even though the world had hurt him so badly? And what would happen—to Joey, the kids, and Hope Reins—if they failed.
This book will have you going through many emotions. It will make you mad, you will be laughing, and you will be crying. You get to the point that you love Joey and his friend Speckles. How Speckles helped Joey just warmed my heart. With this being a true story, it meant that much more. The faith that everyone has at Hope Reins is remarkable. The ones who didn’t have faith, ended up getting it, which is even better. Jennifer Bleakley did an awesome job in bringing out the personalities of all involved, not just Joey.
Jennifer Bleakley, who has worked as a child and family grief counselor, earned an undergraduate degree in biology from Florida Southern College and a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University. Jennifer leads a women’s Bible study in her hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, and speaks to audiences about God’s great grace and his delight in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. She writes print and online Bible curriculum for children and is a contributing author for She Believes online Bible studies. Jennifer lives with her husband, two children, and one frisky puppy. Connect with her at jenniferbleakley.com.
I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers for this review.
March 2, 2018
Joey is a deeply moving, powerful and true story of hope sprung from the ashes. I have the great privilege of knowing Joey and Speckles, and my own life has been profoundly shaped by the lessons they taught me, the people they connected me to, and the path of healing we journeyed down - sometimes stumbling, sometimes weeping, sometimes leaping for joy - but always together.
This story, told gracefully and with great care and reverence by its author, holds all the magic of the mysterious bond between human and animal. In its pages we peek behind the curtain to understand just how connecting to another at our mutual places of deep pain, limitedness or fear can in fact open up the way to comfort, to rest, to change. To true hope and real healing.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher.
This story, told gracefully and with great care and reverence by its author, holds all the magic of the mysterious bond between human and animal. In its pages we peek behind the curtain to understand just how connecting to another at our mutual places of deep pain, limitedness or fear can in fact open up the way to comfort, to rest, to change. To true hope and real healing.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher.
March 8, 2018
Jennifer Bleakley did a fabulous job of capturing the essence of who Joey was and how he touched each and every person he met. Even though I personally lived through knowing Joey and being a friend to him, I couldn't put this book down. It is all the BEST things you want in a classic....a great story line, courage, overcoming, compassion, faith, and folks committed to making a difference in this world. Thanks Jen for your tenacity and talent that you lended to Hope Reins and specifically to Joey! On behalf of the kids and families and volunteers at Hope Reins......Thank you! I recommend this book to everyone who believes in second chances!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher.
July 9, 2019
I was sort of disappointed in this book. The writing was only mediocre and there was not enough in the book about the horses, the interaction between the children and the horses and too much god. This book is way more about religion then I realized when I bought it. Thank goodness I bought it at a used book store! However, if you are a person of faith that likes horses, you might like this book.
April 29, 2018
This book! Where to even start? It was amazing! I was moved to tears by chapter 6 and everything from there was such a beautiful story of healing. This book really captures the heart of Hope Reins.
*I received an advanced readers copy from the author.
*I received an advanced readers copy from the author.
November 6, 2018
I couldn't not finish this because it is about two things I love: hippo-therapy (or equine therapy) and horses. But the writing is only adequate and there is a lot of religion. Moving story about the power of animals to heal and the power of people to change bad situations.
May 29, 2020
Amazing! This story read very much like a novel, more so than any other nonfiction book I’ve read to date. My emotions flowed out in a waterfall of tears as well as laughter that bubbled out like calmer waters over large stones. I really enjoyed this book, and it was a joy to learn of the sweet horses that were Joey and Speckles and all their friends. I highly recommend this super-clean book to anyone wanting a feel-good story.
May 2, 2018
To be honest, I had trouble connecting to the book in the first few chapters but as I read on I loved it! The book is a reminder to all of us that God uses many avenues to write our stories, bringing true hope and real healing to the brokenness in our lives. And as we give ourselves to serve others who are in need, He can continue writing and healing our own brokenness many times finding that we gain more ourselves than we feel like we can give to others. I love this book and applaud the work being done at Hope Reins!
October 28, 2022
3.5 stars. Slower read but overall good book.
April 28, 2018
"He had taught all who knew him what it meant to find beauty in brokenness, purpose in pain, light in darkness." Crying during the prologue does not bode well for me, and I'm now firmly attached to Joey. What an exceptional horse and an inspiring story of hope. If you love animals and true stories of overcoming adversity, Joey will steal your heart, too.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher.
May 6, 2018
Warning - this is a brutally honest review from a person in love with this book
I was honored to be a part of the amazing book launch team for 'Joey' and as such, I was sent a copy of the book to read before it was published. Let me tell you, I read the book in 3 days and the only reason I didn't read it in one day was because of school.
(No spoilers here, just a plot summary)
It is a true story that tells the tale of a rescue horse and former champion jumper who tragically became blind because of abuse and neglect from a previous owner. Joey finds his way to a therapy center for kids and horses alike, a place called Hope Reins where they rescue horses and train them to be 'equine counselors' for the kids who come to Hope Reins for therapy. Once Joey arrives (with another horse who plays a big part in the story) he begins his long training to get him ready to help the kids, even though he is blind. Through his blind trust (literally) he touches kids and adults alike, from a small girl who won't talk to the volunteers at Hope Reins, helping to teach people what it means to truly trust wholeheartedly.
To avoid any spoilers (we all know how annoying that is) I will just say that from the moment you pick up this book you will find it practically impossible to put it down until you finish it. Even for people who aren't necessarily horse enthusiasts it is a touching story, and I will warn you that there is a possibility of ugly crying once or twice. Even if you don't usually go for non-fiction animal stories, I highly recommend that you read this book as soon as it is published. Besides being a story of an amazing and sometimes human-like horse in his ability to sense emotions and heal a hurting person with his mere presence, it is a story of how a horse, left to die because of his physical impairment, helps everyone he meets to find healing and peace, and he can do the same for you through this amazing testimony of his too short life.
In summary, GO PRE-ORDER THIS BOOK!!! You won't be disappointed.
--DISCLAIMER-- I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher for being part of the launch team for this book.
I was honored to be a part of the amazing book launch team for 'Joey' and as such, I was sent a copy of the book to read before it was published. Let me tell you, I read the book in 3 days and the only reason I didn't read it in one day was because of school.
(No spoilers here, just a plot summary)
It is a true story that tells the tale of a rescue horse and former champion jumper who tragically became blind because of abuse and neglect from a previous owner. Joey finds his way to a therapy center for kids and horses alike, a place called Hope Reins where they rescue horses and train them to be 'equine counselors' for the kids who come to Hope Reins for therapy. Once Joey arrives (with another horse who plays a big part in the story) he begins his long training to get him ready to help the kids, even though he is blind. Through his blind trust (literally) he touches kids and adults alike, from a small girl who won't talk to the volunteers at Hope Reins, helping to teach people what it means to truly trust wholeheartedly.
To avoid any spoilers (we all know how annoying that is) I will just say that from the moment you pick up this book you will find it practically impossible to put it down until you finish it. Even for people who aren't necessarily horse enthusiasts it is a touching story, and I will warn you that there is a possibility of ugly crying once or twice. Even if you don't usually go for non-fiction animal stories, I highly recommend that you read this book as soon as it is published. Besides being a story of an amazing and sometimes human-like horse in his ability to sense emotions and heal a hurting person with his mere presence, it is a story of how a horse, left to die because of his physical impairment, helps everyone he meets to find healing and peace, and he can do the same for you through this amazing testimony of his too short life.
In summary, GO PRE-ORDER THIS BOOK!!! You won't be disappointed.
--DISCLAIMER-- I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher for being part of the launch team for this book.
April 29, 2018
Beautiful story of redemption and healing, uplifted my spirit! Story is beautifully told, thank you Jennifer Bleakley!
April 17, 2018
I was very impressed with how well written this story of “Joey� was. Jennifer did an excellent job of keeping the reader engaged and wanting more. Being a volunteer at Hope Reins since just after Joey’s passing, I have been affected greatly by the healing power of our Lord especially when we put a hurting horse together with a hurting child. I personally have felt this healing power in my own life while out at Hope Reins.
Jennifer tells the story of “Joey� and the children whose hearts he touched in a way that touches our hearts. It was especially fulfilling to hear the ‘beginning� of the story of Hope Reins and how Kim’s passion for horses, and her endearing faith and trust in our Lord led her to follow her dream, and I thank God she listened to that calling. Jennifer - you did an awesome job of sharing this beautiful story of “Joey�, the children involved, and Hope Reins! Thank you for sharing this beautiful story of hope and healing with the world! (I have received an advanced reader copy from the publisher.)
Jennifer tells the story of “Joey� and the children whose hearts he touched in a way that touches our hearts. It was especially fulfilling to hear the ‘beginning� of the story of Hope Reins and how Kim’s passion for horses, and her endearing faith and trust in our Lord led her to follow her dream, and I thank God she listened to that calling. Jennifer - you did an awesome job of sharing this beautiful story of “Joey�, the children involved, and Hope Reins! Thank you for sharing this beautiful story of hope and healing with the world! (I have received an advanced reader copy from the publisher.)
April 23, 2018
This book will surely grab at your heart strings. It's written with such beauty and detail that you feel as if you are right in the moment with the people and horses. I usually read at night because of my busy Mom life and once I got to a certain point I would wake up in the middle of the night to read more. That my friends is a true sign of an amazing book. Even if you knew nothing about horses or even liked them, be prepared to fall in love with precious Joey.
April 18, 2018
Jennifer captured the true essence of Hope Reins in the tender story of Joey. It has been a tearful read filled with sad stories of hurting children, broken families and dedicated volunteers. It also reflected new healing and hope for each who came to know Joey.
In his life of suffering, Joey remained trusting, gentle and warmhearted to each who met him. He brought new life to Speckles who became Joey's eyes and Joey became a faithful companion.
I would highly recommend reading the Joey book and Jennifer may you continue to be led further with your writing success.
In his life of suffering, Joey remained trusting, gentle and warmhearted to each who met him. He brought new life to Speckles who became Joey's eyes and Joey became a faithful companion.
I would highly recommend reading the Joey book and Jennifer may you continue to be led further with your writing success.
April 16, 2018
I read the whole book in one night because I couldn't put it down! This is not just a "feel good" book; it's a true story about a ministry that God is using right now. The thing about this book that drew me in the most was the honesty. It's not a story where everything goes smoothly and everything works out in the expected way. God asks us to trust Him when we are full of fear and worry and doubt. It's hard to remember that He is good and in control when we think everything is failing and no good will come of it. Jennifer Bleakley did a good job portraying that!
Note: I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher.
Note: I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher.
April 12, 2018
I started to read Joey on a rainy Sunday afternoon and just could not stop. Yes, I will admit I was emotional many times throughout the book. Ok so I was crying! Jennifer did an amazing job of describing what goes on behind the scenes. How each day decisions are made for the benefits of these precious children and horses. Joey was special and Jennifer captured how God does not make mistakes. How he takes bad circumstances and makes Hope and true healing possible! This book is a must read it will give you joy, sadness and hope all in one story! I was given an advanced copy by the publisher.
April 9, 2018
First, let me say that you definitely don't have to be a horse person to really enjoy this book. Yes, it's about a horse. Kinda. Really, Joey is the center piece of a tapestry of stories about a good and loving God who weaves lives together to bring healing and hope to just about everybody who was ... and still is ... involved with Hope Reins. Joey is a gentle read. It's a book to help you unwind from a hectic day -- just make sure you have a box of tissues nearby ... Because what God does through a blind horse once left for dead is pretty amazing. Joey will remind you that God is still working in our lives, and we are not forgotten or beyond forgiveness. Highly recommend!
May 8, 2018
What a beautiful story of love and hope!!! JOEY is the story of healing through relationship. It is the beautiful story of a rescue horse and the people he loved and who loved him. Never would I have thought that I would enjoy a book about a horse so much, but it is so well written and I feel as though I know Joey, even though I never met him. I laughed reading the stories of the antics of Joey and his horse friends. I cried reading the pages of loss and grief and even happy tears at the triumphs of both horse, trainer and child. I highly recommend JOEY to anyone who is looking for a feel-good story!
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from the publisher.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from the publisher.
May 2, 2018
I was excited to receive and read Joey because, let’s face it, horse books were my favorite type of books growing up, and even today I still get excited to read one. And it seemed intriguing–a blind horse? Horse-centered therapy? Count me in!
However, I rated this book low for a reason, though it didn’t have anything to do with the horses. In fact, the horses were the best part of the book, though admittedly it did confuse me a bit when the first part of the book focused more on Speckles than on Joey. But I enjoyed reading about the training and the innovative ways the trainers helped Joey overcome his blindness. The interaction of the horses and the children was sweet; Bleakley definitely shows how an animal-centered therapy works, as well as its effectiveness overall.
So, it wasn’t the horses that I had a problem. It was the rest of the book–the humans, basically, and the overly preachy and sentimental tone. I had an incredibly difficult time telling the three main characters apart (Kim, Sarah, and Lauren), as their voices all sounded the same. I soon learned to differentiate by various traits always brought up–Lauren and her knee, Sarah and her inner monologues about her inadequacies. However, what also confused me was the voice of the characters. I initially thought Sarah was a teenager until she brought up a husband, which really threw me for a loop. Her voice just sounded like something more akin to a teenager’s than an adult’s to me. There was also a random romance thrown in with her that came out of nowhere; I understand that this is more nonfiction, but at least hint that she’s getting into a relationship with the vet before suddenly mentioning them holding hands when they rarely appear “on page� with each other and exchange conversation. Lauren also sounded younger, but she mentions a husband and kids earlier on so it was easier to adjust.
I also didn’t much like the sentimental, preachy tone of the book, and this is definitely more reflective of my personality than of anything really wrong with the book itself. I hate preachiness, especially extended preachiness that sounds scripted, and I’m not fond of sentimentality. If a grief scene stretches for longer than a paragraph, I already think it’s overdone. I recognize the sadness of the book, and what losing horses means to the people who work at Hope Reins, but I’d prefer not to linger on one particular scene for pages at a time.
I really didn’t like the tone or the confusing characters who blended into one another, but the book is focused on the horses, and the horses really do shine. This is a great advertisement for Hope Reins, if nothing else.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
However, I rated this book low for a reason, though it didn’t have anything to do with the horses. In fact, the horses were the best part of the book, though admittedly it did confuse me a bit when the first part of the book focused more on Speckles than on Joey. But I enjoyed reading about the training and the innovative ways the trainers helped Joey overcome his blindness. The interaction of the horses and the children was sweet; Bleakley definitely shows how an animal-centered therapy works, as well as its effectiveness overall.
So, it wasn’t the horses that I had a problem. It was the rest of the book–the humans, basically, and the overly preachy and sentimental tone. I had an incredibly difficult time telling the three main characters apart (Kim, Sarah, and Lauren), as their voices all sounded the same. I soon learned to differentiate by various traits always brought up–Lauren and her knee, Sarah and her inner monologues about her inadequacies. However, what also confused me was the voice of the characters. I initially thought Sarah was a teenager until she brought up a husband, which really threw me for a loop. Her voice just sounded like something more akin to a teenager’s than an adult’s to me. There was also a random romance thrown in with her that came out of nowhere; I understand that this is more nonfiction, but at least hint that she’s getting into a relationship with the vet before suddenly mentioning them holding hands when they rarely appear “on page� with each other and exchange conversation. Lauren also sounded younger, but she mentions a husband and kids earlier on so it was easier to adjust.
I also didn’t much like the sentimental, preachy tone of the book, and this is definitely more reflective of my personality than of anything really wrong with the book itself. I hate preachiness, especially extended preachiness that sounds scripted, and I’m not fond of sentimentality. If a grief scene stretches for longer than a paragraph, I already think it’s overdone. I recognize the sadness of the book, and what losing horses means to the people who work at Hope Reins, but I’d prefer not to linger on one particular scene for pages at a time.
I really didn’t like the tone or the confusing characters who blended into one another, but the book is focused on the horses, and the horses really do shine. This is a great advertisement for Hope Reins, if nothing else.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
April 1, 2018
To start things off I have to say this book isn't my usual go-to genre. So reading it was a new experience for me, and it was definitely a delightful one. Jennifer Bleakley has a gift with the way she writes, in that she beautifully conveys the heart behind Hope Reins and the relationships formed because of it.
In this book you will experience the stories of three different women and their own unique relationship with Joey; and the way Joey's relationship with the children who go to Hope Reins, builds bridges to healing. It's amazing to see how an organization designed to help children in crisis, also helps the people who work and volunteer with in it. This book shows how God's redemptive power never stops and is never out of reach. Sometimes it takes reflection with a blind horse to see it.
I'm so grateful to have received a copy of Joey from the publisher to read early. This will be an eye-opening read for anyone who picks it up.
In this book you will experience the stories of three different women and their own unique relationship with Joey; and the way Joey's relationship with the children who go to Hope Reins, builds bridges to healing. It's amazing to see how an organization designed to help children in crisis, also helps the people who work and volunteer with in it. This book shows how God's redemptive power never stops and is never out of reach. Sometimes it takes reflection with a blind horse to see it.
I'm so grateful to have received a copy of Joey from the publisher to read early. This will be an eye-opening read for anyone who picks it up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.