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@kayla-skywriter

I read it! FINALLY. I’m sorry it took me so long.

Great job. It’s a very interesting story, and unique from most foster stories. I like how she’s Christian. I think that’s super unique and a neat perspective.

My family has been fostering for years, so I know quite a bit about some of this. However, my knowledge is completely different from @katy-walker‘s. I read her notes and its really interesting, but it was kind of weird, too, because I realize how strange our foster system is. Let me explain. We foster children that come off the Native American reserves. Our foster care system DOES NOT allow ANY adoptions whatsoever. One boy is staying with us – eight years old – who’s been back and forth in care his whole life. And all his siblings. So this entire family (he has older siblings, so the family has been going through this for around fifteen years) has been bouncing back and forth. None of the siblings are in the same home. Sometimes the parents will start doing better so the agency gives them a second (which then turns into third, fourth, fifth etc.) chance. The kids go home, stay for a bit, then everything goes bad again and the kids again go into care. So this poor guy will probably be in the foster system until he turns sixteen, then he pretty much can do what he wants. Its so hard for us to watch because we just want to adopt them all, but we can’t and probably never will be able to.

Anyway, here are some of my general thoughts.

1. It was great and cool to see how her faith helps her, but I agree with Katy Walker that she doesn’t seem to be traumatized or affected AT ALL.

2. I was kind of surprised when Jane fell in love with the horses because I expected she would’ve thought that cliche. Just because all so often there are books and movies about a distraught girl coming to live with someone she doesn’t want to, then finds out they have horses and is totally changed by the horse and wala! The girl loves her life with her horse. Now, I’m not saying what you are doing here with Dreamer is completely cliche or bad. In fact, its so relatable that she finds freedom and joy in the horse. I’d just say be careful not to base her character development too much around the horse. But I do love Dreamer. Horses are amazing. 😍

3.  I love Danica. She’s relatable and awesome.

4. You have a very strong and defined voice in your story, and I love that. Great job.

So yeah! That’s all I can think of right now. 🙂 You are doing great. Can’t wait to read the rest. 🙂