Oh my goodness, I’m absolutely bursting with joy and disbelief! I’m beyond ecstatic to announce that “Gelvira the Visigoth” has galloped its way to victory, winning in the international category of the prestigious USA Winnie Awards! This is an international competition that attracts participants from around the world, celebrating everything from horsey tales to film, books, poetry, and art. To be recognised among such incredible talent is truly humbling, and this win feels like a validation of the deep passion and unique story I poured into Gelvira’s world.

When I first considered entering Gelvira, I admit I had my doubts. Would “real horsey people” truly want to delve into the decline of the Roman Empire and the barbarian tribes that shaped its downfall? I wasn’t sure. But Gelvira’s story, at its heart, is universal.

When Roman soldiers storm her village and capture her father, Gelvira’s world crumbles in an instant. Her fierce instinct is to race after him, to rescue him, to fight! But her mother, with other ideas, forces her to stay with their tribe as they become refugees, fleeing their lands in southern France towards the Spanish peninsula.

The journey is agonisingly slow, moving at the painfully deliberate pace of the slowest ox and cart, leaving Gelvira furious and frustrated beyond measure. But this brave girl is relentless. Again and again, she slips away from the tribe with her wild, unstoppable stallion, Hawk, determined to rescue her dad. And every single time, she’s caught, and Hawk is confiscated, her hopes dashed.

This isn’t a tale of empires or grand wars; it’s the raw, gripping story of a daughter’s unwavering love and courage, set against a backdrop of ancient upheaval.

I’ve always loved writing books for horse lovers like me – stories I yearned to read as a youngster, especially when the world around me became overwhelming and I sought refuge in tales of adventure.

Marketing my books so others will enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed writing them is still a journey I’m navigating with much innocence. This incredible recognition from the Winnie Awards, however, shines a brilliant light on Gelvira, and I hope it encourages more readers to discover her epic journey.

So, if you are passionate about horses and would like to read a gripping adventure about a girl and her loyal horse, don’t hesitate. Buy Gelvira the Visigoth and embark on an unforgettable journey!

Buy now on Amazon in ebook, paperback and hardback.