Book launched in face of crisis

Cancer can strike a person right out of the blue and come at a very inconvenient time, too. That is what happened to author Jean Nave two weeks ago.

Just as she finished up last-minute details for the launch of her newest book, "The Lost Filly" (juvenile fiction), she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her plans for a fall promotional roll-out were suddenly replaced with a fight for her very life, beginning with a scheduled double-mastectomy on September 15.

As with all the books she has written in the past 12 years, a big portion of the author's royalties will be given to a worthy cause. In this case it is Freedom Hills Therapeutic Riding Program, a charitable organization that transforms the lives of disabled individuals by helping them find freedom from their incapacities through riding horses.

The Lost Filly's protagonist, Josie, a 12-year-old girl, knows about tragedy and overcoming difficulties.

"Coming home from the last day of school Josie thought about hanging out with her friends at the mall during summer vacation. As she opened the door to her apartment she heard moaning coming from her mom's bedroom. Critically ill, her mother's subsequent death turned the 12-year-old's world upside-down.

"Overnight Josie found herself living with her aunt and uncle near a small town in rural Central Oregon.

"Seeking solitude, Josie hiked down a steep canyon and came face to face with a young filly standing next to its dead mother. Two orphans ... how would they change each other's lives?"

A comment from Barb Dickson, one of the early readers of the book, calls the book "A delightful read. The filly helped Josie face challenges all young people need to understand."

The Lost Filly is available in print or as an e-book at www.amazon.com/dp/1495403254. It is also available locally at Mackenzie Creek Mercantile.

To learn more about Freedom Hills Therapeutic Riding Program visit www.freedomhills.org.