Meadowstride and the Burden Carried: Book TEN (Painted Path Series 10)

Greg knows all the shortcuts. He knows how to dodge blame, how to charm adults with a grin, and how to leave behind the messes he makes. But when a single reckless decision leads to damage that can’t be undone, Greg finds himself facing something he’s never met before: a silence too heavy to outrun.

That’s when he meets Meadowstride. A Mustang with a steady gaze and unmoving hooves, the horse doesn’t chase or scold—he simply waits. And in that quiet, Greg begins to hear something louder than blame: the call of responsibility. Not the kind that’s forced on you, but the kind you choose when you know it’s the only way forward.

The Painted Path isn’t made of signs or maps. It’s a path a child steps onto when they’re ready to face themselves. In this tenth installment of the acclaimed Painted Path series, Trudy Myrland delivers a powerful, emotionally resonant story about truth, repair, and the courage it takes to stand still and own what you’ve done.

Each chapter leads deeper into Greg’s reckoning. From the broken fence to the silent foal, from the whispered lies to the heavy truth, he is tested—not by punishments, but by the quiet weight of what’s right. And as Meadowstride walks beside him, the boy who once ran from everything begins to walk toward something real.

Written with tenderness and grit, Meadowstride and the Burden Carried is a story for anyone who has ever wanted to make things right, no matter how late it feels. It’s not a tale of perfection. It’s a journey through mistake, consequence, and ultimately, healing.

Perfect for readers ages 8–17, this standalone book can be read independently or as part of the full Painted Path series. With timeless themes and unforgettable characters, it invites young readers—and the adults who love them—to reflect on the power of accountability, and the strength that comes from choosing to carry what truly matters.