I am very impressed with this manuscript. It reads like a Hallmark Channel movie. It features some country scenes as a Christian family in Arizona deal with hardship but take on a rebellious girl named Marissa, whose mother has just been arrested and is headed for a long jail sentence. The family, featuring dad Kent and mother Terri, along with teen daughter Sarah, run a horse ranch. This setting, along with Sarah’s friendship, seems to be just what Marissa needs. Marissa is Kent and Terri’s niece and Sarah’s cousin. However, when a hardship strikes the family, Marissa makes a bad decision but for the right reasons, to help out her new family who are in danger of losing both Dakota, Sarah’s horse, and the ranch itself.
The conflict between Kent and Marissa is written very well and the hardships of this family due to today’s economy, is something most families can relate to. The characters are well fleshed out. I can see this one being appropriate for all ages if a film is based on this manuscript and no other content which could be construed as a concern is added. I like the fact a well written story does not feature strong language. I liked the ending very much. Well done.