Shelley Peterson is the best-selling author of nine young-adult contemporary coming-of-age novels set in a rural landscape, complete with horses and dogs. Her heroines are strong, independent young women who learn to control their circumstances in the face of daunting hardship and difficult societal issues. These novels are fast-paced and full of adventure and mystery, and deal with current issues like alcoholism, opioid addiction, bullying, homelessness, incest, death, abandonment, mental illness, rejection, betrayal, and old age, which are each well researched and finely drawn. There’s also young love, success, accomplishment, humour, and joy. The target age group of the books is twelve to fifteen, and the category for film is family.

Shelley’s first novel was published in 1996 by The Porcupine’s Quill, and the most recent was released from Dundurn Press in November of 2017. They have sold tens of thousands of copies, and are all in print. Dancer, Abby Malone and Stagestruck are translated into German, and are in their third printing with Loewe. All nine of her titles are available on Amazon, Barnes&Noble and Indigo internationally – Japan, Great Britain, Australia, India, Germany, Ireland, etc. -- and are available in independent bookstores across the country. They are in demand in numerous public libraries and schools.

These novels are set in the equestrian neighborhood of Saddle Creek in rural Ontario, where fox hunting and English horse shows take place. There are mysteries to solve, challenges to face, adventure to be had, and assistance to be found in unexpected places. Although each book stands alone, they are all connected within an eccentric and delightful community. Each one examines difficult issues, family problems, and the human connection to animals, as her characters build personal confidence through accomplishment and necessity.

Shelley Peterson writes about what she knows. She has ridden horses since childhood, and owns and operates a horse farm in Caledon. She breeds Canadian Sport Horses, handling them from birth and then selling them on to fulfill their potential. Over the years she’s bred several champion eventers and show jumpers.

Shelley has served on the board of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair since 2013, currently as President and Chair, bringing her knowledge of horses and her commitment to rural industry to bear.

Married to David Peterson, the former Premier of Ontario, she has three grown children and seven grandchildren.