Dynamo Paperback – March 11, 2014

From the first book’s first pages, the reader is drawn into the fascinating world of show horses and the emotional journey of a man seeking answers to questions of the heart. His struggles, from despair to faith in the God of love and mercy, may get you thinking about your own relationship with Christ.The glossary is a helpful reference for those unfamiliar with vocabulary relating to horses.Note: I am thankful to have discovered Eleanor Gustafson’s books which inspire me as a fellow author.

I got the book mid-afternoon on 3/19/14 as part of Amazon's first shipment and it was not until about 8PM that I was able to pick it up. I tried several times to put the book down and go to bed but would lay there processing the story line up to that point. Finally about midnight, I got up, knowing that there would be no sleep until I was finished--at 3AM. It has been many years since I have been so gripped by a story and so anxious to see how the author would develop it from there. I tend to be one with many volumes being read at one time; not so with this one.So an ideal candidate for your favorite chair in your favorite inglenook for a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and evening.

. . . or for romance readers with a touch of equestrian blood. I’m not sure which aspect of Dynamo caught me the most: the realistic portrayal of training and showing horses—mostly jumpers, the spiritual awakening of the lead character, Jeth, or the roller coaster ride of a relationship that seemed shattered in the first ten pages. Jeth’s journey from falsely accused ex-con horse trainer to fully mature young man in the Lord makes for dramatic reading. Just when I thought I had the plot figured out, along came another twist in the story. A good read with a powerful message about love, forgiveness, and dependence on God’s grace.

I loved this book! I read it in two sittings! I know nothing about horses, their care, etc. so a lot of it was new vocabulary and concepts, but it was interesting. I learned a lot and not just about horses. An intricate knowledge of human nature and God's ways permeates this book. The twists and turns in the plot kept me trying to figure out what was going to happen. Eleanor's way of explaining the atonement blood of Jesus and other concepts regarding faith and salvation was original and enlightening. Thanks so much for writing such an entertaining, beautiful and meaningful story. Please keep writing!

Eleanor Gustafson wrote an incredible book, weaving in and out of various scenarios. The characters were very interesting and well written within the book. The leading character, Jeth, went through an amazing change by way of attending church and how he turned around his character through his boss and friend, Rob and more importantly the care and love of Maybelle through the church. Rob ended up making a very big mistake trying to ride Dynamo. Personally I was turning the pages quickly as the plot thickened. I highly recommend the book. Emily Watkins

Lots to ponder here in Eleanor Gustafson’s new novel DYNAMO. This not an easy-read, but certainly a MUST-READ. Whether or not you agree with the author’s intriguing portrayal of God’s active role in shaping our lives and relationships, this story will challenge your concept of God. (And, yes, everyone – from atheist to agnostic to believer – has some kind of “theology” about God!) You will find truth intertwined in Ellie’s skillful weaving together of the tapestry of characters – human and equine. This is a real-life drama wrapped up in a DYNAMO package.

Dynamo is a powerful book that revolves around a man, his horse, his dear Christian friends, his girlfriend and above all God. This is a story that should be made into a movie. It is very deep spiritually and exposes the wandering paths that a Christ follower might take throughout life, but God intervenes in most unique ways. A must read for young adults to seniors.Jackie Healy

Ellie was able to incorporate, man's love for animals, God's continuous love for man, and personal love with interactive relationships. It definitely was a page turner and hard to put down. I especially liked the way Ellie showed God in present time and His relevance today. She did not just mention God as some authors do.