Cotton Wood Adventures is a wholesome, heartfelt story centered around a young girl named Macy and her journey to find connection, responsibility, and confidence through the dream of owning her very own horse. Set against the wide-open beauty of ranch life, Macy’s world is full of playful dogs, best-friend mischief, and the deep yearning for a horse she can call her own. When she’s finally gifted Apollo, a majestic black gelding, what follows is a bumpy but beautiful ride, full of setbacks, fear, triumph, and love. This is not just a story about getting what you want, but learning how to earn it, care for it, and understand it.

I was pulled into the warm and nostalgic atmosphere of the ranch. The writing has a gentle rhythm, like a quiet afternoon breeze through the cottonwoods. It’s charming, uncomplicated, and filled with lovely imagery—sun-dappled rides, muddy mishaps, giggles over licorice treats. But what really got me was the emotional depth beneath the simplicity. The tension between Macy’s dream and the reality of responsibility was real and raw, especially when Apollo challenges her. I felt her joy, her embarrassment, her heartache. That moment she was bucked off was gut-wrenching. The rescue in the storm was absolutely gripping.

Some plot developments happened quickly, especially around Apollo’s early behavior. I would’ve liked a deeper dive into why he was so stubborn or how his past might’ve shaped him. Still, the emotional payoff in the end made up for it. The growth felt genuine. Macy learned not just how to ride a horse, but how to lead one, how to listen, how to grow up. Her friendship with Kate adds a lovely, grounding layer to the whole thing. Just the right mix of laughter and loyalty to carry Macy through the tough moments.

Cotton Wood Adventures: New Beginnings is a warm hug of a book. It’s perfect for young readers who are just beginning to grapple with responsibility and self-doubt. Horse lovers will be absolutely hooked, and adults reading alongside their kids might just find themselves unexpectedly choked up by the final chapters. If you’ve ever dreamed of having a horse—or a best friend who gets you inside and out—this book is for you. It’s a story about falling down, getting back up, and building a bond that can weather even the worst storms. I loved it.

Pages: 82 | ISBN: 1923163841