The story behind the novel: Joanne Anderson’s “A Noble Spirit”
BLACKSBURG – Two years ago, a novice senior rider and a senior Thoroughbred blind in one eye competed in the American Competitive Trail Horse Association (www.actha.us) Competitive Trail Challenge in Lexington, Va. The judges and director were so impressed with this partnership that they spontaneously awarded a blue ribbon to Joanne Anderson and Noble.
The Lexington, Va., ACTHA ride takes place in June and October each year, and judges now keep an eye open for someone who has overcome personal and equine obstacles to participate. The recipient of what has become the Noble Spirit Award receives the blue ribbon and a copy of the book, A Noble Spirit, centered on horses and the concepts of courage and self-confidence.
The 192-page book (also available in digital format) tells the story of people in a small town who struggle with common issues like self-esteem, friendship, estrangement, personal loss and agoraphobia. You’ll meet a family who lost a young son, as well as a couple whose daughter died in her teens. The family was torn apart, and the couple drew closer together. How these folks dealt with their losses is not uncommon in contemporary life.
A wounded Afghanistan war veteran manages the newly renovated horse farm in the center of the story. The book itself is dedicated to Staff Sgt. Brandon Eggleston, 29, who was killed April 26, 2012, when his team’s vehicle hit an IED in Afghanistan. Though not especially seeking public knowledge, the author’s 50-year battle with agoraphobia and panic disorder is displayed in a main character, a single mom raising a teen daughter, bringing awareness to this emotionally crippling condition. Illegal immigrants and a lawyer with a mysterious past make appearances in a tale that revolves around horses, trust, confidence and patience.
Readers move along from chapter to chapter, discovering what happens next. And, at the end, well, you will wonder what happens next. A sequel is assured, and readers have been pleasantly surprised that you don’t need to love or know anything about horses to enjoy A Noble Spirit.
More information for the press and public, along with an event schedule, can be found at www.anoblespirit.com. Joanne is available for phone or video interviews at her Noble Spirit Farm outside Blacksburg, Va., with Noble. NOTE TO PRESS: This is NOT a POD (print on demand). It is distributed nationally through Baker & Taylor with inventory at Perry Creek Publishing headquarters. Photos on request.
– Submitted by Joanne Anderson
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