Sherborn Author's First-Time Novel Appeals To Kids And Adults

 First time author Bill Miller of Sherborn, MA has hit the ground running with his new novel, "Heroes and Hounds." In the first month since publication more than 500 copies have been sold. The book is receiving high marks from educators, parents and avid readers.

"Heroes and Hounds" is a wonderfully charming story about a young girl's adventures with her pony and her friend as she seeks to fulfill her dream of riding "to the hounds" with the hunt. Although the story is written for young audiences, it has multi-generational appeal as it touches on such issues as the plight of families with parents in military service and the welfare of veterans. Anyone who loves horses, dogs and other animals will enjoy this book. The illustrations are beautiful and create a nostalgia of their own in their old-style look reminiscent of children's books decades ago.

Carly is 11-years-old and lives with her grandfather on a 200-acre Virginia farm while both parents serve in the military overseas.  She loves the farm, and befriends all of the animals including a sneaky red fox that stalks her grandfather's prize chickens. Her best friend is her pony, Monroe, who shares her enthusiasm for adventure. Carly's constant dream is to ride with the Riverdale Hunt Club that passes through her grandfather's property.

On one particularly rainy Saturday, Carly watches from her front porch as the finely dressed ladies and gentlemen ride to the hounds.  Later in the day, Carly finds out that a young hound named Hampton has become lost and Carly is determined to find him and by so doing endear herself to the hunt's Master; perhaps to be asked to ride Monroe in an upcoming meet. Carly enlists the help of her friend, Freddie, but the adventure is just beginning. Carly, Monroe, Hampton and the red fox have no idea what’s dangers await them.

“While the book is primarily for elementary school readers, most adults really get into the story and have given it high marks,” says Miller. “The book is dedicated to Mrs. Jane Sheldon, long time Dover resident, who inspired the story.”