• Age: 8 to 13
• Grade: 4

A new adventure series for horse lovers. Sharon Siamon, the author of the widely successful Mustang Mountain series, introduces a set of brand new equine adventures -- the Saddle Island series. Set on the wild and windswept landscape of Nova Scotia's Eastern shore, the first title in this exciting series is packed full of suspense, intrigue, and adventure. Kelsie is the spirited protagonist who tries to rescue a rebellious horse named Caspar. Kelsie plans to swim this horse to Mackay's Island, a mysterious deserted island with a dark past, before the horse's owner, Hank Harefield, ships him off for auction. Along the way a violent storm puts Kelsie and Caspar in grave danger. Will they make it to shore safely? Will Hank discover and foil Kelsie's plan?

As a child Sharon Siamon had a passion for three things: horses, mountains, and books. Growing up in Southern Ontario with a family too busy for horses, Siamon pursued her dreams through books and make-believe. She says: “I never ran as a kid, I galloped, trotted, or cantered everywhere.” As an adult, she has spent her time pursuing an adventurous lifestyle, and sharing it in her writing.

The inspiration for her trilogy, Mustang Mountain came while participating in a five-day trail ride near Red Deer, Alberta. There she sat around an open fire at night listening to the wranglers talk. She was also inspired by conversations with young women who grew up on ranches.

Sharon Siamon’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University. Siamon is now one of Canada’s most prolific writers of fiction for young readers. She has published eleven novels in Canada, two series in England, and a series in Norway. Her Sleepover Series and five books she wrote in the Stage School series under the pseudonym Geena Dare are popular across Canada and Northern Europe.

A mother of three grown up daughters, Siamon now enjoys writing in the early morning hours and then spending the rest of the day outdoors. She and her husband Jeff currently reside in Toronto with their dog, Brio.

Sharon Siamon's profile page

Gallop to the Sea

This book, set in Nova Scotia, and the first in the new Saddle Island series is by the author of the popular series Mustang Mountain. There is mystery, a dangerous mission, a bad guy, friendship, new love, and of course, horses. Jen desperately tries to beat the incoming fog as she kayaks from deserted Saddle Island to the mainland where she must capture a runaway horse. The horse’s owner is mean Mr. Harefield. He decides that the horse is too much trouble and will be sent to auction, or possibly shot. Jen and friend Kelsie hatch a plan to kidnap the horse and hide him on Saddle Island. They enlist the help of Kelsie’s brother Andy and the handsome Gabriel. In the dark of night with a storm brewing they swim the horse to the island, only to be pursued by the evil Harefield.

Gallop to the Sea (Saddle Island)

Set in Nova Scotia, the first installment of this series introduces Kelsie, who faces danger as she tries to rescue a rebellious horse. Will they make it to shore safely?