About the Book

After fighting with her sister, thirteen-year-old Spupaleena bolted from their Arrow Lakes pit home into the dead of winter. Spupaleena didn’t know where she was going but knew she could no longer live at home. Haunted by the deaths of her mother and baby brother, Spupaleena ran until she’d run too far.

Upon discovering Spupaleena’s body, Phillip Gardner, a trapper, brings her home to his cabin. His wife, Elizabeth, does her best to help heal Spupaleena, although with a broken heart and a mangled body, she is not likely to survive. But when Phillip doesn’t return from a trip into town, a pregnant Elizabeth and a weak Spupaleena are forced to find strength not only in each other but in God as well. In this story of hardship, grief, and eventual hope, Spupaleena learns all she needed was a Change of Heart.

You can see the Change of Heart book trailer on You-Tube or on Facebook, AuthorCarmenPeone.

“For I know the plans I have fore you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”       Jeremiah 29:11

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Spupaleena was not about to back down.  Knowing she encompassed the skills to race against young men, Spupaleena would begin her intense training.  However, Rainbow, her trusted middle-aged mare, would only carry her so far. She would need to find a new horse, but where? She was tired of her fellow racer’s cruel insults, one boy’s in particular.  She was determined to not only race him, but to win.  She drew her strength from God and exhibited a Heart of Courage.  But at times, wondered if that was enough. Spupaleena’s father was against her. Would she have the spirit to compete and win?  If so, would her father ever learn to accept her dreams of training and racing horses?

…an adventure of survival, culture, assimilated beliefs and horsemanship.  -Luanne Finley, Colville Tribal Descendant; Lifetime Reservation Rancher

Rich in culture and backdrop, the narrative is warm, engaging, and indeed breathtaking at times.  -Sue Jacobsen,  4-H Leader

… Love of God, Love of horses, and desire to fulfill her own dreams of life.  -Rosalie J. Heath, Retired Educator