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Abundance of Wisdom

Dr. Allison Brown Author Interview

Heart Horse is a moving anthology that weaves together twenty deeply personal stories about the bond between humans and horses from all walks of life who have found meaning, recovery, or transformation through their connection with these gentle, powerful beings. Why was this an important book for you to write?

Although I am not a typical “horse person,” horses had been attempting to get my attention over the past few years. These “pings” came in a variety of ways. For example, in 2021, my husband and I purchased a piece of land in the Virginia mountains that, unbeknownst to us, happened to be in the middle of horse country, with horse trails running up and down the mountain. This automatically opened up our social network to these beautiful animals and their people. In our metaphysical practice, we found ourselves working with a plethora of clients seeking to connect more deeply with their horses. It was during those conversations—between the equine and their human—that we realized these majestic beings held an abundance of wisdom for humanity. I knew that their stories needed to be told.

Do you have a favorite story in the book, and if so, why does it hold special meaning for you?

Each story is meaningful in its own right, and it would be impossible to select a favorite. What I will say, however, is that I didn’t expect to be brought to tears over and over again, as I worked with the stories during the editing process. Even during a second or third pass, I found myself tearing up. Our authors wrote with such heartfelt authenticity that their words convey not only a literal account but an energetic message, as well. So, while the reader’s mind processes the words, the soul resonates with the deeper wisdom.

What was the biggest challenge you faced in putting together this collection?

The biggest challenge for an anthology editor, in my experience, is working with multiple authors—specifically, compiling a wide range of writing styles and voices into a cohesive project. As with any collaborative effort, the diversity of participants is its strength. But at the same time, it requires an editor to navigate with sensitivity, respect, and aplomb.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be published?

I currently have three books in the works: an investigative project about Mars, another that presents a unique perspective on angels, and a third that will dive into a new approach to Astrology. In each of these, I am taking off my editor’s hat and co-authoring the books with three other subject-matter experts. Palm and Lotus Publishing, the company I founded with my husband, Will, is the publisher for each of these exciting new projects! Look for the first to debut in mid-2026.

Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon

The term Heart Horse is used to describe the deep bond—a soulmate-like relationship—between a horse and its human, special enough that many equestrians believe there is only one heart horse in a lifetime. Because this connection is so powerful, the potential for profound transformation is high. Exploring universal and poignant themes, such as grief and joy, illness and recovery, death and rebirth, Dr. Allison Brown presents a magnificent collection of life-changing, often life-saving stories, each scribed by a human author but inspired by their equine partners. These twenty, gifted writers are an esteemed and accomplished group, including an award-winning author and animal communicator, the 2024 Equus Foundation Humanitarian Award winner, and a NASCAR retiree, brought together for a common goal: to remind humanity about what’s possible when we connect with The Horse.


Life-Changing Journeys

Dr. Allison Brown Author Interview

Awakening Stories is a collection of personal essays written by twenty-three individuals who share their spiritual and emotional transformations. What was the inspiration behind putting together this collection of stories about personal awakening?

After navigating my own spiritual transformation over the past ten years and listening to the stories of others, I recognized a pattern. People often felt alone, sometimes crazy, as if no one else could possibly understand what they were going through. Since these types of experiences are so unique— deeply personal and often traumatic—it is important that we break the stigma and mystery surrounding spiritual awakenings. This anthology covers a variety of themes and experiences in the hope that readers will find at least one story that resonates, realizing that they are not alone and are always supported.

What was your process to collect the stories, and how did you decide what to include in this anthology?

For this anthology, I sought out authors from diverse demographic backgrounds who had successfully navigated a variety of life-changing journeys. I wanted readers to see themselves in those stories, to know that they are not crazy, not alone, and that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The authors who said “yes” to this project recognized the importance of sharing; they were willing to be vulnerable in order to assist others. They felt called to this project, and I am in gratitude for their contribution.

Did you find anything in your research of this book that surprised you, or that you found especially moving?

What surprised me, truly, was the authors’ courage—their willingness to tell their stories boldly and revisit sometimes painful memories. Even those who didn’t experience a “dark night of the soul” had navigated events that were challenging for them to integrate, such as an NDE, UFO encounter, or out-of-body experience. As the anthology editor, I was moved by their strength and tremendously grateful for their gift to humanity.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Awakening Stories?

My hope is that readers who have navigated (or may, in the future), their own spiritual transformation will find advice, refuge, and strength in these stories…that they will recognize themselves in the words of our authors and know that, though the ride might be bumpy, the outcome will be beautiful.

Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon

The world as we know it, as we have always known it, is in the throes of an increasingly rapid and profound change, an evolutionary shift, the likes of which we have never experienced. This process will be challenging, but the rewards for humanity are great! Tapping into deep reserves of inner strength and courage, we will awaken into this new world and embody new ways of being. Within these pages, Dr. Allison Brown presents twenty-three gifted authors who magnificently recount their own journey of awakening. Through these Awakening Stories, which span a variety of compelling and universal themes—betrayal, death, trauma, addiction, religious deconstruction, illness, and more—we will, together, navigate this uncharted territory and find our way home, back to ourselves and the divinity within.

Heart Horse: Soulful Stories of Equine Healing, Grace & Companionship

Heart Horse is a moving anthology that weaves together twenty deeply personal stories about the bond between humans and horses. Each chapter opens a window into a different life, people from all walks of experience who have found meaning, recovery, or transformation through their connection with these gentle, powerful beings. From stories of illness and survival to redemption and rediscovery, the book explores the spiritual and emotional resonance that horses bring to human lives. It’s not a how-to manual about horsemanship. It’s about how horses become mirrors for our hearts, showing us what we hide, helping us heal, and calling us to live more honestly.

The writing, contributed by a mix of scholars, healers, riders, and ordinary horse lovers, is heartfelt and honest. Some stories are written with elegance and restraint, others with raw emotion that catches you off guard. The tone shifts from tender to fierce to reflective. I found myself slowing down to reread sentences that hit deep. The horses in these pages are not props or metaphors; they are partners, teachers, even saviors. The language is simple but carries weight. There’s something about the way these writers describe touch, breath, and stillness that pulls you right into the moment.

What I liked most was the humility threaded through the stories. The humans come to the horses broken, unsure, seeking something they can’t name. The horses meet them without judgment, offering lessons about patience, presence, and love that asks for nothing back. At times, I found myself tearing up, not out of sadness, but because the honesty felt so pure. There were passages that made me smile, too, small, funny details about stubborn horses or awkward first rides that reminded me how life’s lessons rarely arrive gracefully. Editor Allison Brown curates these voices with care. Her introduction adds warmth and context, explaining how this collection came to be, and why horses, with all their mystery and grace, continue to reach into our souls.

I’d recommend Heart Horse to anyone who’s ever loved an animal deeply, whether or not they’ve ever ridden one. It’s for readers who crave real stories about growth, grief, and gratitude. If you’ve ever felt lost, lonely, or uncertain of your own footing, this book will meet you there.

Pages: 256 | ASIN : B0FLQFB8F5

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