Not just for horse lovers!

Please join us for Lew Sterrett's latest release. The blog tour will begin the 15th (schedule posted soon!)

ABOUT THE BOOK!
Distributed by Kregel Publications: A champion trainer and true horse whisperer, Dr. Lew Sterrett has used patience and a firm but gentle hand to earn the trust of more than 3,500 horses. In this book, Lew tells the stories of his work with these horses and the lessons each one has taught him. Sometimes heartbreaking and often uplifting, Lew has condensed his lifetime of learning into messages for the Christian life. Today, Lew shares these messages with more than 50,000 people each year through horse training presentations at Miracle Mountain Ranch and nationally through his Sermon on the Mount Ministry.

The author's engaging style and adroit mixture of well-tested anecdotes and thoughtful instruction make this a winning read-and not just for horse lovers. Read an excerpt!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A champion trainer and true horse whisperer, Dr. Lew Sterrett has used patience and a firm but gentle hand to earn the trust of more than 3,500 horses. Lew Sterrett (Ph. D) had little idea that his boyhood interest in horses would open doors internationally for speaking and training. During his years in 4-H, he savored many opportunities to train and show horses and earn national recognition. As a student leader at Penn State University he benefited from many mentoring relationships from which he received valuable training, experience and honors. This foundation provided a basis for an extensive horse career with a unique emphasis on training youth and community leaders.

Lew has served as the Executive Director of Miracle Mountain Ranch Missions, Inc. (MMRM) since 1977. MMRM, located in northwestern Pennsylvania, is home for a summer youth camp, and a leadership training center for youth, adult, and family groups. He has also promoted safety in public riding programs, serving as President of the Certified Horse Association for 7 years. A licensed pastor, certified Youth, Marriage and Family Counselor, he earned his PhD from North Tennessee Seminary in 2007. For more about Lew and Miracle Mountain Ranch visit his website.

Help us spread the word and win a $50 Amazon.com gift card and signed copies of Lew's book!

TWEET THIS: (must use hashtag #lewsterrett to be entered - no limit on entries! Tweet away!)

Life Lessons from a Horse Whisperer: not just for horse lovers! http://ow.ly/169ym RT to win $50 to @amazon #LewSterrett

The winner is: @haleymathiot who tweeted on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 - congrats Haley! (The winner was chosen at random via Random.org)

Schedule:

2/15
Kaylea at My Scrappy Life       
My first thought was  - I want to check out this book, because I'll bet my dad would like it. (He raises horses and I was sure he would find this very interesting.)

Surprise surprise, I enjoyed the book. I thought the stories related by Sterrett were great and related managed to relate a variety of Christian leadership principles in a non-threatening, easy to understand way.

I think you can read this book in two ways: The first, you'll find a nice, simple story, that will leave you feeling quite "warm and fuzzy" at times (even as Sterrett relates some tough stories and issues.) The second, you'll find something that will help you identify some ways to strengthen your leadership skills - especially if you work with students of all ages.

2/16
Amy at Girlfriends Get Real       
He gives a lot of credit to his success in life to the time others invested in him. He says, "I know that any success I have in life, I owe to the many people who invested their lives in me when I was growing up." That really made me stop and think of some the people in my own life that have helped shape me into the person that I am today. It also makes me think about the children that I have the opportunity to touch. This is a great book on leadership and faith.

Vicki at Reading at the Beach       
Drawing on his experience with horses, the author gives you examples of how to grow closer to God.

2/17
Diane at Diane’s Place
I liked the premise for the book and enjoyed all the horse stories and how the authors related them to similar human behaviors.

Molly Book Reviews by Buuklvr81       
This was a wonderful little non-fiction book. It's filled with one of the most prettiest creatures on earth: horses, and how one man spends his time on his ministry and training these wonderful creatures from God. The pictures in this book were just absolutely beautiful ... really capturing God in each one. The lessons that shine through the pages of this book are wonderful, the lessons can be applied to life in general. This book was a short and easy read. One that I would recommend with 4 stars to everyone as this book is God shining through the work of a wonderful man and his ability with beautiful horses!

Laura at Lighthouse Academy       
Profoundly engaging, Dr. Sterrett, and his co-writer, Bob Smietana, have managed to make a nonfiction book positively glisten in ways that most nonfiction works don’t.

Heather at Faith Family and Fun
After reading the story, I realize I needed to read the book, not because it had horses but because of Dr. Sterrett’s message—the importance of the Gospel, and a message that focuses on the importance of being a leader who leads by sharing hope and earning the trust of those around him. The story is artfully told with a gentle rhythm. Dr. Sterrett gracefully leads his reader through a wealth of experiences and shows the dignity of respect and hard work. As a mother and step mother, I found the book challenging…and enlightening. So many struggles we go through can be made easier and end more successfully with just a bit of grace and gentleness. I highly recommend this book.

2/18
Sandy at Lil Maddie's MeeMaw      
Life Lessons from a Horse Whisperer by Lew Sterrett is one of the best books I have read in a while. Of course, I love horses and the photos in the book are amazing. Dr. Lew teaches us that relationships, whether it be with horses or people, is about getting them to go from I can't, to I can. I really enjoyed this book, which was a total surprise, but I am so glad I read it. Training a horse, like having a relationship, are both about trust and hard work. That is what I got from this book. Highly reccomended.

Lorri at Jeanne's Ramblings       
A lot of non-fiction can be dull and long winded, but this was very easy to read and the stories were interesting. Who would have thought that horse training would be interesting and the things learned could be applied to your everyday life?

2/19
Phee at Pix-N-Pens       
The book is a refreshing change from the typical devotional or memoir. Horse lover or not, I think you’ll enjoy it.

Stacey at Word Up       
I was captivated by a story about trust and an animal named Spotlite that taught me sometimes we need to stop and be still and let Jesus untangle us from the trappings that threaten us. It is truly surprising how these animal anecdotes translate into life lessons for Christians. This book is easily read in large chunks or as just a few pages at a time. The stories entertain and enlighten and offer opportunities for growth in relationship with Jesus and others. I will recommend this engaging and inspirational book, loan it out to friends and re-read it myself.

2/20
Amy at The 160 Acre Woods       
I love how Lew related the horses to people and how to lead and guide them to Christ; how gentleness can go a long way.  He taught me a lot in this book and I enjoyed sitting in the quiet soaking it in.  The basics of the book is to give insight about how relationships work and the importance of having trust with one another and listening to each other.

Angela at Book Blogs       
Not only was the book filled with trivia pertaining to horses, it was filled knowledge on how we can have closer walk with the Lord. Growing up in the city, I was never exposed to horses, so I had no idea about their personality traits, it’s unbelievable how much we have in common with them. We as Christians often put up the same struggles with our Master as a horse does with his. Sometimes we are either too headstrong, or have simply be broken down by the events that have happened in our lives to place our trust in Jesus Christ. We have to slowly gain our footing and realize that He is there to love, and protect us, that he has given His life to redeem the unworthy. This book shows us how we can trust in the Lord. Defiantly a book I will pass along to my friends and family, I believe that everyone can benefit from reading this touching book.

Angie at God Uses Broken Vessels       
I really enjoyed the analogies drawn between training a horse and personal growth. When Lew shares his failures, I was right there with him learning from his admission and then the character choices he made from what he experienced. In the vulnerability of telling these life lessons, I was able to peek into what true humility and confidence look like in a godly man.  Now I can't end without mentioning the beautiful photos. They brought me into a personal connection with the horses and the storyteller. Do you want to be a better parent, spouse, or person? This book offers a gentle learning opportunity in patience and relational skills.

2/22
Betsy at Writer at Large       
I highly recommend it, and believe this is one even my husband would enjoy. Even if you're not horse crazy at heart, you could still greatly benefit from this collection.

Lori at Laurel's Reflections       
Dr. Lew Sterrett, in his easy writing style, will encourage your walk with God while sharing stories of the relationship between a trainer and his horse. Even though many of us are not horse trainers, Lew does a beautiful job in sharing his stories and making them relevant to our every day lives. Life Lessons From a Horse Whisperer was a difficult book to put down, I turned each page wanting more horse stories and how Dr. Sterrett applies them to every day life. Life Lessons From a Horse Whisperer is filled with heart warming stories that bring you closer to God. I would encourage people of all ages to read this book. If you have a young teen who loves horses, this book would be perfect. But the lessons found inside Life Lessons From a Horse Whisperer are for all ages!

Pamela at Live Laugh Love      
I loved this book, who would have thought that training horses could draw you closer to God, the lessons learned are truly heartwarming, this is a must read! I wasn't sure I would like this book since I don't know a thing about horses but I was truly surprised.

Melissa at Red Lily Café       
Lessons of faith, trust, hope and transformation, which are inspiring and motivational.  Some are deep and thought provoking – others are simple yet powerful.  This book made me laugh AND cry at times – some of the stories he shares of horses that have been broken in spirit by harsh trainers broke my heart……and yet at the same time it was easy to parallel those examples to people who have been broken in spirit by the harsh things in life. 

Andi at Radiant Light       
This book is encouraging and uplifting! I can't recommend it enough! I give this book a lighthouse and shine a light on it for pointing a path to God! 

2/23
Isabelle at Canadian Lady Bug Reviews       
This book is quite interesting and gives a new perspective on Christian relationships. Not only the author gives plenty examples about his training experience with horses but he also includes personal stories and real life examples as well. The anecdotes that Dr. Sterrett brings will keep you reading for more especially if you like horses.

Lynetta at Open Book       
More of a memoir than a "how-to" book, Dr. Sterrett's life is a series of sermons on the Christian walk. He addresses topics such as trust, restoration, and pride with illustrations from his college days, marriage, and ranch operation. This is an enjoyable read for horse lovers and even those who aren't. Lew's down-to-earth style and transparency engages over 50,000 people in his audiences each year.

Jane at Winning Readings       
I've been reading up on strong-willed children and the comparison to dogs - how you need to establish your dominance or they will continue to challenge you and disobey you much like dogs challenge each other to determine the alpha male. It's a little discouraging. Because I am definitely not an alpha male and have no desire to be one, but I REALLY wish my 2-year-old daughter would respect me authority and obey, especially in life-threatening situations! Well, this book kind of balances things out for me. It's not about child-rearing, per se, but there are lots of applications. And the concept of gaining the horse's trust rather than breaking its will - I like it! I'm trying to figure out its application in the child-rearing department - since that's where all my energies are focused right now.

2/24
Deirdre at JDaniel4's Mom           
It turns out that raising and a training toddler is not that different from working with horses. I recently read Life Lessons from the Horse Whisperer by Dr. Lew Sterrett with Bob Smietana and had a few ah -ha moments that really applied raising JDaniel. I love that the book is honest about the author’s successes and frustrations in life and his work with horses. It is these honest points about his life that add a depth of understanding for me as the reader. They let me see the horses in his care grow and change. Dr. Lew Sterrett also talks about how God has changed him through work with horses and the people placed in his life.

Sarah at An Ohio Reviewing Mom       
I wasn't sure what to expect when I began reading "Life Lessons from a Horse Whisperer" but this was a book that I read in one day!  Actually it didn't even take one day, it was only a matter of hours that I read this book from cover to cover.  The book drew me in with it's inspirational message and that of saving grace of a wonderful, loving God. 

Deirdre at JDaniel4's Mom           
It turns out that raising and a training toddler is not that different from working with horses. I recently read Life Lessons from the Horse Whisperer by Dr. Lew Sterrett with Bob Smietana and had a few ah -ha moments that really applied raising JDaniel. I love that the book is honest about the author’s successes and frustrations in life and his work with horses. It is these honest points about his life that add a depth of understanding for me as the reader. They let me see the horses in his care grow and change. Dr. Lew Sterrett also talks about how God has changed him through work with horses and the people placed in his life. 

2/25
Beth at Journey Bound       
Not being a horse person, I have to be honest, I haven't been terribly excited about reading this book. However, as soon as I started reading, I was taken into this story. Because it's not really about horses. It's about the journey each of us are walking as we try to successfully navigate this thing called life. Dr. Sterrett writes of lessons he has learned in working with horses that any of us can apply to our daily lives.

2/26
Keiki at The Vessel Project       
This is an inspiring book filled with genuine life lessons of encouragement, of rebuke, of leadership and of hope.  This was quite and enjoyable read suitable for an evening of reflection. I recommend this book highly for those who might struggle in leadership or in relationships. You’ll encounter God-granted insights and inspirations illustrated by Dr. Sterrett’s personal life lessons.

Andrea at Ponderings       
I was intrigued how a champion horse trainer would parallel horse training techniques to our relationship with God – but he pulls it off!  I have never seen such a powerful illustration.

Urailak at Living for God       
Have you ever read a book and then felt like you would love to sit down and have a cup of coffee and chat with the author of the book?  Well, I felt like that when I read this book.  The author offers many valuable insights.  Trust. Unconditional love. Humility. Healthy boundaries. Attitudes. Servant leadership. Respect. Hope.  I'm very pleased to see that he ultimately points readers to put their trust in and learn from the greatest trainer, the Lord Jesus Christ.

2/27
Carie at Carie's Coins & Cents       
Dr. Sterrett's patience and insight for these horses is amazing and he brings to life the stories of his past and how he has become to be known as a real life horse whisperer.  I was captivated by his understanding and gentleness and the way that he is able to help these horses and use that understanding in his everyday life as well.  His commitment to God and family shows through in his words.  The fact that this is a non-fiction read makes it all the better.  In today's world, it's great to know that there still are people in our world like Dr. Sterrett. As soon as I was finished reading this book I passed it on to a friend.  It's too good of a book to just put on a shelf.  It has to be shared!

Christi at Journey in His Steps       
Dr. Lew Sterrett has written a fascinating and insightful book about what he learned about human relationships from training horses.  It is more similar than you might think. Horse lovers will adore this book but you don’t have to love horses to enjoy it. Unless you are a hermit who avoids people and animals, you can learn something from Life Lessons From a Horse Whisperer. Dr. Sterrett style is engaging without being “preachy,” he shares what he has learned but doesn’t tell you what to do.

Sumasri at Books of Vajresh       
This is an inspiring book filled with genuine life lessons of encouragement, of rebuke, of leadership and of hope. This was quite and enjoyable read suitable for an evening of reflection. I recommend this book highly for those who might struggle in leadership or in relationships. You’ll encounter God-granted insights and inspirations illustrated by Dr. Sterrett’s personal life lessons.

Cara at Cara's Musings       
This book is an easy read and very enjoyable. If you love horses like I do, this book will be right up your alley. You'll be transported to the real world of horse training, with applications to daily life in a way that is an enjoyable read. I really enjoyed the way this book was written, and felt like I was listening to Dr. Sterrett spin his stories and his wisdom.

3/1
Deborah at Lyric Devotion       
I really enjoyed reading how Lew Sterrett applied his knowledge and experience with horses to other areas of life. Lew has learned a lot about leadership and working with people.

Jennifer at Rundpinne       
I was fortunate enough to read this book while watching a loved one die and the underlying theme of hope and inspiration helped bring me solace at a time when I did not think I could find much good in the situation I was facing. This compact book is filled with inspirational and uplifting tales as well as valuable lessons on how each person can live a better life. Whether looking for suggestions on how to have better relationships, an uplifting novel, or direction in life, Life Lessons From A Horse Whisper is an excellent choice.

Freda at Freda's Voice       
This book is not just about horses, it's an inspirational look at honesty, trust, patience and personal growth. All valuable qualities we should each strive for.

Janet at Along The Way      

This was a joy for me to review. In this powerful testimony to the grace of God, Dr. Lew relates his experiences with horses and the similarities with people. He uses these experiences to counsel kids and adults alike to be all that they can be in the will of God. I have nothing but praise for this man who has given so much and persevered in the face of adversity and found the life that God has predestined for him for the betterment for so many of God’s children. I give this easy to read book a 5 out of 5. However due the clear message to people in this book it should be rated 10 out of 5. 

3/2
Nicole at Ramblings by Nicole       
I enjoyed the practical applications he made in the book, and how he used more familiar examples such as sports to help explain his points.

Sheila at Book Journey       
Dr. Lew Sterrett shows life teachings (lessons) through this kind of “horse whisperer” mentality.  “Whispers are stronger than shouts” he says.  Am I intrigued?  Yes.    As I read this book I appreciated that the author not only shared what was working – but what wasn’t. The book  is relational and had some good advice about how to approach all our relationships not only with each other but also with God. An interesting take on how what we do, even in he training of horses, we can learn from and apply to our lives.  I appreciated the reminder that in order to do things – we need to get moving on them even if it mains messy, ugly, embarrassing  failure…. a beginning is a beginning and at least you (I) have started and we can learn from there. I was left with several life lessons that I can apply in leadership situations.  A wonderful reference book that I will refer to again in the future.

Tasra at Real Women Scrap       
This book is about life, faith, and leadership… who couldn’t use a few gentle lessons in each of those areas?

Rebecca at Rebecca Tyndall       
Determination, patience, faith and leadership radiate through the pages. And it even comes with gorgeous pictures! You’ll love the stories he shares, and those stories, if given the opportunity, may just change your life!

3/2
Kristina at Loving Heart Mommy       
This was a very interesting book to read. It's funny how Dr. Lew Sterrett says that he doesn't really "whisper" to the horses, he actually listens to them, its inspiring!

This book shows you not just with horses but also with people in your very own life how you can slow down and actually listen, trust, and forgive those around you. Like he says in the book about a horse named Top Cat: "What he needs,", "is to learn how to handle his fear, how to deal with his pain, and how to have hope." Those I believe are words not only meant for horses but for everyone.

Crystal at Finamoon       
This book is highly recommended and will help with building relationships on trust and motivation.

Kathryn at Home Spun Soul       
The Lord spoke to me through the author in a few ways, one was that if I am constanly saying "I can't do this...." then I am focusing on myself and my powers, my abilities.  God has called me to this, therefore I need to look to the one who called me, not myself.  He is my leader, my trainer. I enjoyed the easy to read nature of the book. It was a very enjoyable read and I recommend it to others. I found myself nodding my head in agreement to the many things he said.  I could see how some of the things would help me in rearing my daughter and son.  I encourage you to check this book out!