This may not be a book readers would want to open in an airport or other public place, because of the emotional tug of many of the stories. But that same emotional release is what opens readers' hearts and minds to the powerful message of the book, that when hope and faith intertwine, life returns.

Meeder is no stranger to the life-giving elixir of hope.

Orphaned at age nine by a tragic event, Meeder found her life and faith restored by the companionship of a sturdy and faithful horse. She says she felt the loving presence of "the God of all comfort‚" particularly when spending time riding.

Meeder and her husband, Troy, founded Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch eight years ago. It is a non-profit entity which rescues abused horses and involves children, many of whom also suffer abuse, in their rehabilitation.

Once the horses are well, the suitable ones are put into the riding program which pairs "one horse, one rider, and one instructor, 100 percent of the time," according to Meeder.

This program is unique in that no child is ever asked to pay. Some will come only once; some would like to make Crystal Peaks their second home.

In the eight years of operation, "God has met our every need," said Meeder.

The stories in the book had been percolating in Meeder's head for many years. They are gleaned from years of watching horses return life to hurting and broken children. Often there is a ripple effect which heals entire families.

"I have known for years that I needed to write these down," Meeder said.

A chance meeting with former publisher Matt Jacobson 2-1/2 years ago put her on the path. Jacobson subsequently sold the publishing portion of his company to Multnomah Publishers, which was at first reluctant to take on Meeder's book.

All that changed as "Hope Rising" began to go through the editing process. Judy Morrow, who no longer works for Multnomah, was assigned the book and found it captivating. Her enthusiasm for the project fueled it, and the editing was completed in three weeks.

Meeder was asked to present the book at Multnomah's sales training meeting and at the end of her presentation, there wasn't a dry eye in the place, she said.

"I really didn't know what I was doing; I'd never done that kind of thing before. It was very intimidating," she said.

Meeder will be present at the launch of her book on Saturday, August 16, at Barnes and Noble in Bend.