Reading “The Hearts of Horses” is like discovering a secret place.

Fictional Elwha County hunkers down in the heart of Northeast Oregon, somewhere between Umatilla, Union, Baker and Grant counties. Molly Gloss’s historical novel, set during World War I, follows shy, strong-willed Martha Lessen. The tall, big-boned, rangy 19-year-old wears fringed batwing chaps and a wide-brimmed hat as she makes a journey of discovery in the man’s world of horse training.

What the book lacks in plot it makes up in sense of place. Any longtime resident of this kingdom of mountains, pines and rivers will feel at home as Martha escapes a trying childhood. She pursues dreams of being independent, preferring the company of horses to people.

Horses are the centerpiece of the book. While the common method of “breaking” a horse in the day was beating out the wild, sometimes leading to severe injuries and death, Martha is the original horse whisperer. She “gentles” wild horses by getting inside their heads, becoming an ally, not an adversary.

Horses, she finds, have personalities as varied as people. Her gift is to transform wild equines into saddle horses and willing partners with their humans.

Martha begins her business at the George Bliss ranch, sleeping in a barn. News of her prowess grows. Soon she begins circuit training, riding from ranch to ranch in a circle, with many clients along the way.

In the world of people, though, Martha is as comfortable as a fish wearing clothes. Not wanting to seem totally eccentric, Martha is persuaded to take time away from the training she loves to attend dances and ice skating parties. Eventually, she finds love. The ranchhand she falls for understands her need to work with stock and not be a full-time cook and house servant.

Some people she meets — ranchers, farmers and townsfolk — are hospitable and friendly. Perhaps threatened by a strong woman character, others are nasty. Martha considers moving on but has fallen in love, not just with the ranchhand, but with this beautiful slice of the Clarks Range and Whitehorn Mountains.

“The Hearts of Horses” not only gives a strong sense of place but also a sense of the times. The millions of humans and horses sent to war are subject to bombs, grenades, shrieks of wounded and the sight of dying. Those who return home face crippling injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The reader is swept away in this world of long ago. Cars are coming on scene. Rural areas are lit with kerosene lamps. Movies are accompanied by piano players and require reel changes. People can their food and sometimes fall victim to their handiwork.

“The Hearts of Horses” is a book for anyone who loves historical fiction, strong female characters and the equine’s role in settling the West.