“I pray for those who are overwhelmed and feel alone. I pray for those who are in sorrow and pain. May God give you beauty for the ashes at your feet. May he restore your joy and give you peace during your time of mourning.”
– an excerpt from the book
ARPress is honored to publish “Heart of Leadersheep 2015: Protector of All Things Small” by Cheri Magnuson. This book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the ARPress website.
Heart of Leadersheep 2015: Protector of All Things Small by Cheri Magnuson is a heartfelt and deeply personal narrative that blends memoir, animal story, and quiet life reflection. Set on a working sheep farm, the book introduces readers to an extraordinary animal named Heart—a sheep whose role goes far beyond what anyone expected.
What begins as a simple farm story evolves into something more meaningful: a meditation on purpose, identity, and the unexpected ways leadership can appear. Through the lens of everyday farm life, the book captures how even the smallest lives—and the quietest roles—can hold profound significance.
Cheri Magnuson is a former aerospace engineer turned shepherd who pursued her passion for farming by establishing Coldstream Icelandic Sheep Farm in Maine. Her transition from a technical career to a life rooted in nature informs her writing, offering a unique perspective that blends precision with heartfelt observation.
Her work reflects a deep appreciation for animals, rural life, and the lessons that emerge from close relationships with both. Through her storytelling, she captures moments that might otherwise go unnoticed, transforming them into meaningful reflections on life and purpose
The story centers around Heart, a unique sheep living on Coldstream Icelandic Sheep Farm. For years, the author tries to understand why Heart never produces lambs, assuming she is simply waiting or unable for unknown reasons. Despite this, Heart is constantly present during the birth of other lambs, showing a deep connection and care for them.
Over time, it becomes clear that Heart’s purpose is not to give birth, but to protect and nurture. She watches over newborn lambs, plays with them, and becomes a beloved figure on the farm—earning the affectionate title of “Auntie Heart.” Her presence brings comfort, safety, and even joy, as she energetically interacts with the young lambs in ways both amusing and touching.
The turning point comes when a veterinarian reveals that Heart cannot reproduce due to an undefined gender condition. What initially seems like a limitation becomes a revelation. Instead of being defined by what she cannot do, Heart is given a new identity—one that reflects her true role: protector of the small and vulnerable. From that moment on, her place on the farm is no longer questioned, but celebrated.
Ultimately, this is more than a story about a sheep. It is a story about finding one’s place in the world, even when that place looks different than expected, and discovering that sometimes, the smallest roles carry the greatest impact.
“Heart of Leadersheep 2015: Protector of All Things Small” by Cheri Magnuson is now available for purchase via ARPress Bookstore: