Review: “Moving North”
This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because I was in the mood for a good YA read, and I usually enjoy books featuring horses.
The Premise
After her mother died, Perry has been trying to keep her old horse North healthy and happy, while also struggling to balance caring for her four-year-old brother Lief and being a good, supportive daughter to her stepfather Justin.
But living in the city is costly and it’s wearing everyone down, even North. When she inherits her mother’s childhood home in Perryside, she knows it is the best decision to make for the whole family — even if it means leaving the only place she has memories of her mother.
Can she find happiness in a new place, far from her mother’s memory?
The Pros & Cons
This was a beautiful novel with rich descriptions that take you right there to the peaceful scenes of rural Canada. I loved that it showed a young, admirable protagonist who was very mature for her teenage years — spotting her stepfather’s financial distress, stepping in as a maternal substitute for her brother, and realising when she had outgrown her friends and not reacting poorly to certain situations. It was refreshing to see strong female characters like this.
I especially enjoyed her relationship with her stepfather, because despite the lack of blood ties, it is clear they love each other deeply. Lief also jumps off the page with his innocence, and even the dialogue used reflects his adorableness. There is also an undercurrent of a romantic relationship with Gil, which was sweet and age-appropriate for young readers. The horse theme and her relationship with North were also lovely and heartwarming.
My only con with the novel was that it was a bit simple in terms of conflict, so there isn’t a huge pay-off in drama or relationship angst. However, as the first in the series, I expect there may be more of this to come.
Conclusion
While the book is about “moving North” as he has had issues with his health between stables, it is clear that it goes much deeper — about moving the entire family forward after her mother’s death. This is an excellent book for anyone to enjoy, but I particularly recommend to teenage girls. With realistic characters, diverse families, the flutters of first love, beautiful horses and an idyllic countryside setting, it all combines to make a rich novel about grief and healing after loss, and a journey to maturity. I look forward to more in this series, and more from this author.
