This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Diana Tuorto is a Buffalo, NY-based children's author. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in English Writing and History, Diana is also an active horse rescue volunteer. She shares a small farm with her husband, two horses and six cats.
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Luck of the Draw by Diana Tuorto reminds readers that every living creature has a purpose, although sometimes it’s difficult to find that purpose. Luck of the Draw, or Lucky as everyone called him, was bred, born, and raised to be a racehorse. The only problem was that Lucky was undoubtedly the slowest racehorse in the world. He never won a race. Sold and trained in jumping and dressage, he discovered something else he didn’t do very well. Then he met Kerry, who had to face her fears after a serious riding accident that took the life of her special horse. Not only did Lucky have to prove himself as a hunter pace horse, but he also had to help Kerry recover her nerve and restore her passion for riding – and, yes, for winning.
Diana Tuorto’s young people’s novel, Luck of the Draw, is a classic horse story that will bring tears to readers’ eyes. Lucky is anything but lucky, at least, until the end of the story. Told in first person narrative, from Lucky’s point of view, this story has the classic feel of a good horse story, like Anna Sewell’s Black Beauty. The mother-son communication between Lucky and his mother is as compassionate and compelling as it had been for Black Beauty, and the important lessons imparted to the young foal can be transcribed to any young person: always be caring and do your best at all times, no matter what obstacles bar your path. As for a purpose? This kind-hearted racehorse that couldn't win a race attracted considerable love and attention both from other horses and his different handlers, too. The story is a touching and engaging read.
