Rachel and Tom had a business together, painting murals, which used their creativity well and made them enough to raise a family on - until the housing bubble burst. With their modest dreams shattered, they didn't need another burden. So when FLASH the donkey stood in their driveway one night, homeless, thin and injured, what should they do?

Flash was put in the Texas pasture overnight, with difficulty since he didn't want to co-operate. Next day the extent of his injuries became apparent. The sheriff said dumping donkeys was common in times of financial stress or drought. He thought it unlikely that an owner would be found. The rescue centres were swamped. Rachel didn't mind Flash being in the pasture and barn for a little while, but her kids asked to keep him, saying donkeys were low maintenance. How could she shoulder another responsibility?

Well, Flash got his home and Rachel called him yard art, and the short book tells of the bonding process and family togetherness which arose from owning him. A hardy creature with a sweet nature, except where dogs were concerned, Flash came to understand that nobody would hurt him and grew plump and sleek.

Rachel, our narrator, came to understand through her ownership of the donkey that the downturn in her work did not mean that she was a failure. She was not washed up, unattractive, unwanted or unloved, as she had half begun to believe. She reconnected with her faith in her spiritual life and faith in herself. Rachel bravely lets us in to personal and distressing times in her life, in order to show us that we can come through these challenges. I particularly like how, when presented with a brand new business challenge, the timid Tom and Rachel researched the matter and discovered how well they could run this project if they stopped telling themselves that they could not do it.

FLASH taught Rachel Anne Ridge many lessons, which she passes on to us, including to take on challenges, blaze trails, make a good home for others and embrace change. The amusing adventures of this little donkey who thrived on no feed, broke out repeatedly and romanced tall mares, are given greater depth by Rachel's insights. This enjoyable book is suitable for readers of any age.