Christmas at Saddle Creek — Shelley Peterson

Bird returns to Saddle Creek and her beloved horse Sunny for Christmas.


Bird always dreads Christmas. For as long as she could remember, her mother Eva goes into a tailspin of selfishness and drama as the holiday approaches. This one will be no different, as Bird is once again dumped at Saddle Creek Farm with her Aunt Hannah while Eva parties.


At midnight on Christmas Eve, in the midst of an ice storm, Cody (the loyal coyote) alerts Bird that elderly Laura Pierson is in danger down the road. Bird mounts her champion show jumper Sundancer, and with Cody they head out to save her. The family's plans change because of the storm, but everyone finally gathers for Christmas dinner. Then, while the after-dinner bonfire burns, a Christmas miracle unfolds, but at great cost to a loved one.


In Christmas at Saddle Creek, Bird beholds the magic of the universe and the circle of life, and learns the true meaning of Christmas.