Showing results by narrator "Natalie Budig" in All Categories

It's been two years since Blackie, the horse Sam raised from a foal, threw her in a near-fatal accident. She's been separated from her family, her ranch, and the wild mustangs she loves. Now she's home again, but her beloved Blackie has been missing since the day Sam was injured. Then, on the night she returns, a mustang comes to Sam. Is it Blackie, grown up and gone wild? Is it the legendary stallion known as the Phantom? Or could it be both?

Sam discovers a lost palomino in a spooky ghost town. The horse looks like a mirage, but also looks well cared for, and even familiar. Could it be the missing horse from her best friend's ranch? Sam needs to get the mare back home safely, but there might be something trying to stop her - her other best friend, the Phantom Stallion.

Spend a day in the life of a star! Bella the Jack Russell terrier was born for the stage - she never misses her mark, and her bark is always on cue. But her dog brother, Chewy the German shepherd, always gets the big roles. Will Bella ever get her time in the spotlight? Told from the dog's perspective, this story also includes back matter about the breed and role of the working dog.

What does a three-pound brain have to do with one’s sex life? A lot, actually. Hooked is about what’s happening to your brain when you’re having sex. Learn about your brain, the positive effects of sex within permanently committed relationships, and how you can protect yourself (especially your brain) from the dangers of casual sex.

When Sam rescues an abused mare from outlaw horse rustlers, she knows she's done the right thing. But the ranch already has a full corral, and a long drought means the cattle are running out of grass. Of course her dad refuses to allow her to adopt another mustang. The frightened and dangerous mare is just beginning to trust Sam when the rustlers learn Sam is the one who told the authorities about their illegal wild horse trap. Now, it's up to Sam to keep the mare - and herself - safe.

Sam and the mysterious mustang known as the Phantom have become friends, and Sam is determined to defend his freedom on the open range. But the mustang has been accused of stealing tame mares from local ranchers. Sam knows the Phantom isn't to blame, and she races to prove his innocence. Then, a local rancher offers a reward to anyone who can capture the wild stallion. A price on his head means it's not just the Phantom's freedom Sam is fighting for - it's his life.

When Sam finds a home for a group of "unadoptable" mustangs, she feels like a hero. But when she promises to help care for the horses - especially the blind filly among them - she's overwhelmed with responsibilities. Then the filly wanders off alone in a snowstorm. Will Sam be able to find her in time? Or will the Phantom be the one who saves the day?

The Phantom's lead mare is missing from the herd, and Sam's worried she may have been captured. When Sam finds the mare safe - in government custody - she's desperate to set her free. But the horse is badly injured, and setting her free on the range could slow down the mare's entire herd, putting them at risk in the dangerous winter months. How far should Sam go to help the horses she loves?

Cougars have been spotted nearby, but they haven't hurt the ranch horses - yet. So Samantha is outraged when a neighboring rancher vows to kill the mountain lions on sight. Her family's horses may be safe, but out on the range, Sam spots a wild young stallion without a herd. Being alone puts this horse in danger. Sam is determined to protect the rebellious mustang and still save the cougars.

When an ambitious rodeo contractor comes to town, Sam's worried. The contractor wants to buy tamed mustangs from local ranchers, including Sam's dad, and doesn't seem to like taking no for an answer. Then Sam spots the Phantom's herd - without him. She's sure he's been captured by the rodeo, but how will she find him? And even if she does, how can she set him free?

This bundle includes I am Jax, Protector of the Ranch, I am Ava, Seeker in the Snow, I am Sammy, Trusted Guide, I am Bella, Star of the Show, I am Tucker, Detection Expert, and I am Skye, Finder of the Lost.

Spend a day in the life of a search-and-rescue dog! Skye the border collie has spent her life comforting people after disasters. Lately, she’s also been training to help find people who have gone missing in her national park. But is she ready to make her first rescue? Told from the dog’s perspective, this story also includes back matter about the breed and role of the working dog.

As Samantha and her friends prepare for a charity horse race, they're very excited. Sam is riding Ace, and her race partner, Jake, plans to train a pinto filly running free on reservation lands. But the wild pinto has other plans. When the filly escapes and runs off with the Phantom, Sam is torn. If she helps Jake, she's taking the filly away from the Phantom. Will she betray her friend or her wild horse?

Sammy the golden retriever has a big job. Because his owner is visually impaired, Sammy needs to keep a constant watch of their surroundings. And in the city, there is a lot to notice - and a lot of potential distractions, too. Told from the dog's perspective, this story also includes back matter about the breed and role of the working dog.

What if your phone truly helped you connect with the people more than disconnect with those around you? Author and youth-culture expert, Jonathan McKee, and his daughter Alyssa McKee, uncover 40 random realizations they've discovered over the last five years. Screens provide fun platforms to connect with faraway friends; and sometimes the people we love the most are the people we ignore all day. Jonathan and Alyssa help young adults navigate face-to-face communication in a screen-to-screen world.

Samantha and Jen are out camping when they meet Nicholas, a boy traveling cross-country on a beautiful Gypsy Vanner mare. His caravan also includes a young colt. Nicholas says it's a stray, but the colt looks a lot like a missing mustang. When people start getting suspicious, Sam blames discrimination. She sticks up for her new friend and hopes she’s right.

A movie star horse and his trainer are coming to River Bend Ranch, and Samantha can't wait. But when Bayfire shows up, something is obviously wrong. The famous stallion has lost his sparkle. Bayfire has to get ready for his biggest, most dangerous scene of his new movie. If Sam can't help bring back the stallion's fiery spirit, his career could be over - and someone could get hurt.

Spend the day in the life of a detection dog! Tucker the beagle is more than just a friendly face at the airport. As part of the “beagle brigade”, he helps keep out invasive species that could hurt the environment. It’s a job that would be almost impossible for humans - but for the beagle brigade, it’s all in a day’s work. Told from the dog’s perspective, this story also includes back matter about the breed and role of the working dog.

When a pack of vicious hunting dogs is found running loose on the range, Samantha is worried they might attack the Phantom Stallion's new foals. But the Phantom is busy protecting his herd from New Moon, a rival stallion and the Phantom's fully grown son. If Sam can't help the horses, will the stallions learn to band together in time?

When a hard-luck horse named Jinx comes to River Bend, everyone thinks he's a curse. Samantha knows he's not, but he is unruly, skittish, and the fastest horse she's ever seen. Then there's a runaway in the middle of the night, and someone gets a snakebite. Is the bronco really a jinx? Or could he be the good luck charm Sam needs to save the day?