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Editorial Content for Shadow of a Doubt

Book

Shadow of a Doubt

Contributors

Katherine Szabo

Reviewer (text)

Katherine Szabo
In SHADOW OF A DOUBT --- Skylar James’ debut novel about friendship, family and perseverance --- plucky protagonist Fyfe Flynn and her best friend Shadow the horse dream of racing in the Kentucky Derby, even though Shadow was bred to be a workhorse. With the help of her father and all the animals on Flynn farm, Fyfe and Shadow must overcome a number of trials and tribulations in order to achieve their dreams. If they don't, they might lose Flynn Farm for good. 
A fun, compelling tale sure to please any animal-loving reader. 
Fyfe is a great protagonist for kids to look up to. She's brave, spirited, open, caring (especially about her animal friends), a little stubborn and learns to overcome mental and physical disabilities in order to achieve her goals. She's a bit of a tomboy and doesn't have many (human) friends, but everyone still accepts her for who she is. I really admired her tenacity in the face of all the hardships she and her father have to contend with. Fyfe and Shadow also have a great relationship, and though they can't exactly communicate with each other, they understand one another on a level that anyone who has ever had a beloved pet can relate to. 
 
My favorite aspect about the story is the relationship between the farm animals. The animals can communicate with each other, similar to stories like CHARLOTTE’S WEB, and there is quite a cast of characters on Flynn Farm. I appreciate that the animals' story ran along with the main plot, and I looked forward to all of the animals’ interaction and development. Oats, the brooding, downtrodden pony who never quite had a "real job" to do on the farm, particularly stood out. 
 
I also enjoyed how the author uses the colloquial language of the Kentucky countryside setting --- it really immerses readers into the story. Overall, SHADOW OF A DOUBT is a fun, compelling tale sure to please any animal-loving reader. 

Teaser

 

When a new foal is born but loses his mother, Fyfe gains a loyal best friend in the colt she names "Shadow of a Doubt." Though Shadow was bred to be a work horse, Fyfe and Shadow dream that one day he'll become the greatest racehorse the world has ever known by winning the Kentucky Derby. At first, few believe in Shadow's prospects-especially when the neighbor next door, Colonel Epsom, uses his great wealth to produce racehorses of the finest caliber, and he will do whatever it takes to see them win. But Fyfe and Shadow, with the help of their animal friends, refuse to give up on their dreams.

Promo

When a new foal is born but loses his mother, Fyfe gains a loyal best friend in the colt she names "Shadow of a Doubt." Though Shadow was bred to be a work horse, Fyfe and Shadow dream that one day he'll become the greatest racehorse the world has ever known by winning the Kentucky Derby. At first, few believe in Shadow's prospects-especially when the neighbor next door, Colonel Epsom, uses his great wealth to produce racehorses of the finest caliber, and he will do whatever it takes to see them win. But Fyfe and Shadow, with the help of their animal friends, refuse to give up on their dreams.

About the Book

Fyfe Flynn lives on a modest farm near the world famous horse track Churchill Downs, where she spends more time around horses than she does around other kids. That suits her father, the acclaimed jockey Roscoe Flynn, just fine.

When a new foal is born but loses his mother, Fyfe gains a loyal best friend in the colt she names "Shadow of a Doubt." Though Shadow was bred to be a work horse, Fyfe and Shadow dream that one day he'll become the greatest racehorse the world has ever known by winning the Kentucky Derby. At first, few believe in Shadow's prospects-especially when the neighbor next door, Colonel Epsom, uses his great wealth to produce racehorses of the finest caliber, and he will do whatever it takes to see them win. But Fyfe and Shadow, with the help of their animal friends, refuse to give up on their dreams.

SAHDOW OF A DOUBT is a heartfelt book about family, friendship, taking risks and believing in those we love. Shadow and Fyfe are sure to win the hearts of anyone lucky enough to share their inspirational story.