Squiers has a deep passion for horses and enjoys researching and highlighting specific breeds in her stories and especially found the Andalusian horse both fascinating and beautiful and wanted to highlight them in her latest book. The characters in this book are also faced with challenges from which they overcome with faith and she hopes to inspire others to handle similar issues they may be facing with grace.
I had a chance to interview the author to learn more.
Why did you write “Carolina Dream”?
I wrote Carolina Dream because I love horses and think Andalusians are a particularly beautiful and strong breed of horse, especially when you see them perform the airs-above-ground. They prance like they are proud and know how beautiful they are. I've written about many different breeds in my books, but this horse shines as it goes through its paces with grace and extreme strength and discipline. I enjoyed researching the genesis of the breed in Spain and exploring the culture of horse people in Granada. What a wonderful gift, and peace offering, this grandfather gave his son and granddaughter. Their mutual love for Andalusians brought them together, despite the deep rift of unforgiveness that had been between them for years. My book also shows how the Catholic religion has changed over time, by acknowledging the core belief that Jesus' amazing sacrifice on the cross, and his ultimate resurrection, unite all Christians. The book was a pleasure to write.
What do you love most about horses?
I think horses are not only beautiful, majestic, and strong, but they gladly bend to our will if they are treated with firmness and respect. They are truly God's gift to mankind. They bridged the gap between traveling on foot to the automobile. It's no wonder an engine's strength is measured in horsepower.
What surprised you most about writing this book?
My books are always a surprise to me because I don't outline them before I start writing, but let God put ideas in my head as I write. That makes the process a daily adventure for me as well. I enjoy the research, because different breeds have unique strengths we may not realize. One surprising thing I learned while writing "Carolina Dream" is, though the Andalusian horse is very powerful, not every Andalusian stallion is strong enough to perform some of the movements we see in the show ring. And though very strong, sensitive, and intelligent, this particular breed is gentle and loves to please its master. However, like most of us, if they feel they are being treated with disrespect, they can become stubborn and uncooperative. I thought that was interesting, but not really surprising.
Available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. To learn more about “Carolina Dream” and Squiers additional collection of horse stories, please visit, www.horsetales4u.com.
About the author
Connie Squiers is a former attorney who lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma and began a second career as an author. She has written and published 11 books, with “Carolina Dream” being her latest. Each of her books are family friendly and follow the story of a specific breed of horse.
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