Telling the stories of those who cannot speak for themselves.
Coming in March 2025 from 12 Willows Press The Loneliness of Horses
Available Now
A Message from Andrea
Discover The Loneliness of Horses
The Loneliness of Horses is a multigenerational narrative focusing on two women, Evie and Belle, whose lives intertwine across two centuries. In 1972 Northern Arizona, Evie, a young mother escaping her troubled past, finds solace in rescuing a wild horse during a historic drought. Her journey leads her to Nova Scotia, where she becomes an equine therapist and forms bonds with Vietnam War draft resisters. Years later, she meets Logan, a troubled boy haunted by his father's death, who claims to be guided by his imaginary grandmother.
In 1778 New Scotland (Canada), Belle, a Highland Scot displaced during the Scottish Clearances, defies her father to journey across the Atlantic with her beloved horses. Landing in a tumultuous British North America, Belle challenges her husband's authority and forms an unlikely friendship with Acadian locals, despite political tensions and tragedy.
Evie's life parallels Belle's through shared connections to horses and themes of displacement and resilience, culminating in Logan's story where past and present converge through shared spiritual connections. The novel explores themes of survival, kinship, and the enduring spirit of women across time and place.
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Advance Praise for The Loneliness of Horses
“Bidding farewell to the characters of this enchanting novel left me with a tinge of heartache, a testament to their profound impact on my heart and imagination. Their presence was a gift, one I cherish deeply. This beautifully crafted narrative delves into the intricate relationship between humans and horses, alongside women's significant role as their advocates through the ages. The resilience and bravery of these characters touched me deeply, stirring emotions so strong that I found myself pausing often, overwhelmed by tears."
— Julia Huffman, TEDX speaker and Executive Producer of Medicine of the Wolf
"From the first page of this book, the story captivated me. It's more than a tale about the magical connection between people and horses. It's also a unique tribute to the indomitable spirit we both share. Told with excellent voice and perfect pacing, The Loneliness of Horses is the story of two women separated by centuries, and the choices they must make to ensure not only their survival but also that of their families and animals.
The characters are multidimensional and intriguing. The settings are interesting and perfectly portrayed. But it is the horses, with their deep wisdom and trusting nature, who managed to capture my heart. This book demonstrates a truth we all know, but sometimes don't express. Humans, horses, and other animals have souls. And sometimes, when the soul of a human bonds with that of a horse, something very special occurs, and a deep and lasting spiritual attachment is formed.
The Loneliness of Horses is not only a wonderful story, but also a testament to the power of the spirit that unites us, and the incredible relationship we all share. "
— Abigail Drake, Award-Winning and Bestselling Author of Love, Chocolate, and a Dog Named Al Capone
"The Loneliness of Horses is a beautiful love story told through the eyes of generations of displaced individuals who each become connected with wild and displaced animals. The book begins with the story of Evie who, through various traumatic life events, finds herself and her son holed up on a ranch outside of Flagstaff, Arizona where they befriend (and tame) two wild mustang horses. Thalasinos captures the emotional attachment with the animals as well as brilliantly describing how the horses came to be there.
The Loneliness of Horses is told across four time periods, landing the readers in Arizona, Colorado, the Isle of Lewis in Scotland, Maine and Nova Scotia (New Scotland) in 1972-73, 1978, 1998, and 1778-79. This is a story of women making tough decisions. It's a story of emigration. Finally, this book will let its reader know that there is nothing quite so settling as finding real companionship. "
— Joanne Berg, Owner of Mystery To Me Bookstore, Madison, WI
"This spiritual and thoughtful exploration of life was a thought-provoking book which touched my heart. The character of Evie and her compassion for all life was a model for all advocates and reminds us all of the importance of empathy."
— Sandy Sisti, Wild at Heart Images, Wapiti, Wyoming
"I love Andrea's books. I always learn a lot about places, people and animals along with being totally engrossed with her stories. This new one is epic!"
— Patricia DeMark Knower, DJ for WDRT, Viroqua, WI
Andrea Thalasinos
Born and raised in New York, Andrea would secretly feed and care for stray dogs, hoping to keep them hidden behind the building away from her Greek parents who were not keen on animals.
After taking a creative writing class in high school, she began to skip class and hitchhike to the beach to sit beside the ocean and write.
Andrea completed her Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in Sociology of Art and remembers telling a friend, “Glad that’s over with, now I can learn to write fiction and get a dog.” She compares the excavation of history and forgotten peoples to “discovering diamonds in places where no one would suspect there are stories to tell.”
Currently, Andrea lives in Madison, Wisconsin along with her two Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers.
Making the connections between animals and people.
Evocative
Giving words to the emotional connection we have with our animals.
Genuine
Drawing on her own life experience as an owner and dogsled musher of 6 huskies.
Inspirational
Andrea’s characters overcome great challenges.