Project Solomon - by Jodi Stuber & Jennifer Marshall Bleakley (Paperback)

About the Book

Jodi Stuber wasn't looking for another horse for her struggling therapy ranch;let alone one like Solomon. After losing his herd, he was solitary and sad, spending his days standing near the plastic deer in his yard for company. No stranger herself to loss and heartache, Jodi knew she had to give Solomon a home. The road to recovery wouldn't be easy. As Solomon struggled to fit in with his new herd and Jodi continued to navigate her own grief, the two developed a deep bond. But just as Jodi and Solomon were both beginning to heal, an unthinkable tragedy struck the therapy ranch. And Solomon was about to teach Jodi the greatest lesson of all. Written by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley, author of Joey: How a Blind Rescue Horse Helped Others Learn to See, Project Solomon is a powerful story of resilience, sacrifice, and love that reminds us all how much we matter―to each other and to God. -- Back cover.

Book Synopsis

"It's hard to be lonely, isn't it? To miss someone who should be here?"

Jodi Stuber wasn't looking for another horse for her struggling therapy ranch--let alone one like Solomon. After losing his herd, he was solitary and sad, spending his days standing near the plastic deer in his yard for company. No stranger herself to loss and heartache, Jodi knew she had to give Solomon a home.

The road to recovery wouldn't be easy. As Solomon struggled to fit in with his new herd and Jodi continued to navigate her own grief, the two developed a deep bond. But just as Jodi and Solomon were both beginning to heal, an unthinkable tragedy struck the therapy ranch. And Solomon was about to teach Jodi the greatest lesson of all.

Written by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley, author of Joey: How a Blind Rescue Horse Helped Others Learn to See, Project Solomon is a powerful story of resilience, sacrifice, community, and love that reminds us all how much we matter--to each other and to God.

Perfect for horse lovers, this inspirational true story features:

• An uplifting and heartwarming message about healing and laying down the masks we hide behind
• A photo gallery to immerse readers in the world of Jodi and Solomon
• A list of resources for those struggling with mental illness, trauma, or PTSD
• Discussion questions for book clubs

A portion of the proceeds from this book will benefit HopeWell Ranch's veteran program.

From the Back Cover

When a promise from God is all you have, then you live like it's all you need.

Standing in the middle of the field watching the other horses eat was Solomon. Jodi grabbed two handfuls of hay from the box she had just filled and walked over to him.

"Oh, sweet boy," she said, "I'm sorry you're not a part of the group yet."

As Solomon took the hay from her hand, the whiskers on his chin tickled her palm, while a memory of her own loneliness surfaced.

"Can I tell you a secret?" Jodi quietly asked. "I know how much it hurts to be rejected. It makes everything feel dark. Hopeless."

Horses are so much easier to talk to than people. Jodi whispered, "You are loved, Solomon. Whether you feel it or not, and whether or not the herd shows it, I promise you are loved. You are wanted. And your presence here matters."

Jodi let her hand trail down Solomon's back and rested her head against his neck. As she breathed in the scents of horses, hay, and morning air, she felt the words she had just spoken to Solomon being whispered to her own heart.

You are loved.

You are wanted.

You matter.

Adapted from Chapter 4