The Secret Horses of Briar Hill

A young girl named Emmaline lives at Briar Hill Hospital in 1941 England during World War II. She discovers she can see winged horses in the mirrors of the hospital, though no one else seems able to perceive them. When one of the mirror horses appears wounded in the hospital gardens, Emmaline must find a way to protect it from a dark force she calls the Black Horse. Her efforts lead her through the hospital grounds and into confrontations with both real and supernatural threats. Emmaline's quest to save the injured horse intersects with the daily realities of wartime Britain, including rationing, air raids, and the struggles of the other children at Briar Hill. Her connection to the mirror horses becomes entwined with her relationships with the hospital staff and fellow patients. The story explores themes of hope and imagination as survival tools, particularly for children facing harsh circumstances. Through its blend of historical fiction and fantasy elements, the novel examines how people find comfort and meaning during times of crisis.

Readers describe this book as a bittersweet wartime story that blends reality with imagination. Many reviewers note similarities to The Secret Garden, with the hospital setting replacing the manor house. Readers praise: - The ethereal black and white illustrations - The main character Emmaline's determination and resilience - The balance between magic and harsh wartime realities - The emotional depth that appeals to both children and adults Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the first half - Some found the ending too sad for middle-grade readers - A few readers wanted more development of side characters Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (3,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (180+ ratings) BookBrowse: 4/5 (12 ratings) One reader noted: "The prose reads like a classic fairytale but tackles serious themes." Another said: "The winged horses provide hope without sugarcoating the realities of illness and war."

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🐎 The winged horses in the novel were inspired by the mythical Pegasus of Greek mythology, but author Megan Shepherd gave them unique abilities, including the power to only be visible in mirrors. 💫 The story takes place during World War II in a children's hospital in England, reflecting the real experiences of many children who were evacuated from cities or hospitalized during wartime. ✒️ The black-and-white illustrations throughout the book were created by acclaimed artist Dan Burgess, who purposely used a dreamlike style to blur the line between reality and fantasy. 🏰 Briar Hill Hospital, the book's setting, was inspired by real English manor houses that were converted into hospitals during WWII to treat tuberculosis patients. 🌹 Author Megan Shepherd wrote the first draft of the book in just six weeks while staying in a cabin in the mountains of North Carolina, drawing inspiration from the misty, isolated setting.