Winter’s Gift by Jane Monroe Donovan (Sleeping Bear, 2004). In years past, the old man would celebrate Christmas with his wife, put a star on the top of the tree. But during this year’s holiday blizzard, he decides there is to be no tree, no star, because his wife has recently died. He’s surprised to find a mare that night though, fallen in the storm, and brings her into the barn for care and safekeeping. What surprise will she have for him come morning? Will there ever be another star? Ages 5-up; highly suitable for adults.