Summer of Silence — Janet Mary Tomson

Maisie is a source of frustration to all around her. A bright girl, she rarely speaks, living in a fantasy world of ballerinas and gymkhanas. But the reality is very different as she and her mother inhabit a world haunted by a tragedy of which no one speaks. When a gas explosion takes the rest of Maisie's family, she retreats into silence, accepting a job on a remote farm. At a farm sale, her boss makes an impulsive bid for a job lot and in the process acquires Duke, an elderly and much neglected gelding. When Duke and Maisie meet, a strange and healing alchemy develops between the two damaged creatures. A powerful story of secrets, love and compassion.