I've read and loved "The Bear and the Nightingale," the first in this series and was thrilled when I saw the second one would be published so soon! Like that one, this cover is beautiful, both speaking to the overall tone of the story (lush and fully drawn) and the topic (a girl, on her own, with her horse, ready to face the world). This except has simply reinforced my impression that Arden is a new author to keep an eye on. To write one beautiful story is impressive enough; to write what seems to be an excellent sequel? Rare indeed.