Disclaimer: I received this arc and e-arc from the publisher for a tour! Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: The Wild Path

Author: Sarah R. Baughman

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 5/5

Recommended For...: middle grade, people who like horses

Publication Date: September 1, 2020

Genre: YA Middle Grade

Recommended Age: 12+ (alcohol, broken family)

Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers

Pages: 336

Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Claire Barton doesn't like the "flutter feeling" that fills her chest when she worries about the future, but she knows what she loves: the land that's been in her family for three generations; her best friend Maya; her family's horses, Sunny and Sam; and her older brother Andy. That's why, with Andy recently sent to rehab after a DUI, and her parents planning to sell the horses, Claire's world feels like it might flutter to pieces.

When Claire learns about equine therapy, she imagines a less lonely future that keeps her family together, brother and horses included. But, when she finds mysterious wild horses in the woods behind her house, she realizes she has a bit more company than she bargained for. With this new secret-and a little bit of luck-Claire will discover the beauty of change, the power of family, and the strength within herself.

Review: I thought this was a very sweet book and I really liked how the author created the story. The plot was very engaging to the reader and even though it is a sad book I think that it will connect with a lot of middle grade readers. The book is also a classic horse girl book and I am here for it LOL.

The only issue I had with the book was that I wish that the world building was a little bit better and that we spent more time with the side characters from the book.

Verdict: It was a sweet book!