The Longest Ride ~ Nicolas Sparks

"Ira Levinson is in trouble. Ninety-one years old and stranded and injured after a car crash, he struggles to retain consciousness until a blurry image materializes beside him: his beloved wife Ruth, who passed away nine years ago. Urging him to hang on, she forces him to remain alert by recounting the stories of their lifetime together - how they met, the precious paintings they collected together, the dark days of WWII and its effect on them and their families. Ira knows that Ruth can't possibly be in the car with him, but he clings to her words and his memories, reliving the sorrows and everyday joys that defined their marriage.

A few miles away, at a local bull-riding event, a Wake Forest College senior's life is about to change. Recovering from a recent break-up, Sophia Danko meets a young cowboy named Luke, who bears little resemblance to the privileged frat boys she has encountered at school. Through Luke, Sophia is introduced to a world in which the stakes of survival and success, ruin and reward -- even life and death - loom large in everyday life. As she and Luke fall in love, Sophia finds herself imagining a future far removed from her plans -- a future that Luke has the power to rewrite . . . if the secret he's keeping doesn't destroy it first.

Ira and Ruth. Sophia and Luke. Two couples who have little in common, and who are separated by years and experience. Yet their lives will converge with unexpected poignancy, reminding us all that even the most difficult decisions can yield extraordinary journeys: beyond despair, beyond death, to the farthest reaches of the human heart." ~Amazon Description
 

Brittney Joy's Review ~ So, this is my very first Nicolas Sparks novel! I've seen quite a few of the movies based off of his books ... and loved them all! I mean, who didn't bawl watching The Notebook, Safe Haven, A Walk to Remember, etc, etc?! And, with every best-selling romance novel that Sparks pumps out (and then turns into a movie), I've always pondered "how the heck does he come up with that many great love stories?" And, I've always wondered how his stories read ... what makes them so great?

So, when I started seeing movie trailers for "The Longest Ride," I knew this HAD to be my first dive into a Sparks book. A cute cowboy, rodeos, and a love story? Ummm ... YES, PLEASE!! And, I wanted to read the book before I gathered up my girlfriends, popped a bottle of wine, and soaked in the movie itself. Cause the book is always better than the movie, right? Well, this movie has Clint Eastwood's son cast as Luke (the cowboy) ... so, this may be the first time the movie is better than the book ... we'll see. ;)

Anyhow, the plot of "The Longest Ride" really took me by surprise. I actually started the book without reading the synopsis (I had only watched the movie trailer) and I didn't realize there were two separate storylines - Luke & Sofia and Ira & Ruth. While the storylines eventually intertwine, this doesn't happen until much later in the book.

Initially, the story of Luke & Sofia grabbed me (the bull rider and the city girl) and I really only wanted to hear about their story. I wanted to follow them around as they rode horses, as Luke introduced Sofia to his ranch, as they played kissy-face and their relationship grew. However, the second plotline (the story of Ira & Ruth -  a 90 year old man who just sustained a car crash and talks to the ghost of his wife) really grabbed my heart strings in the second half of the book.

Overall, I was amazed at the way Sparks built his characters, introduced me to their pasts, and made me care about their relationships ... to the point that I was stifling tears and sniffles (multiple times) while finishing this book on an airplane. I'm sure the guy next to me thought I was a whack-job!

Sparks has a beautiful way with minimal description that sucked me right into every scene and every character ... making me feel cozy, warm, excited, and nervous ... all while yanking at my heart strings. I can see why his books are best-sellers ... and I'm looking forward to reading more of Spark's love stories!

And, now, I'm ready to rent the movie as soon as it comes out on DVD! 
 

P.S. -- I'm not sure about the movie (as I haven't seen it yet), but the book is a very clean, sweet romance. Clean enough for a teen to read. :)
 

Dare to Dream ~ Kate Lattey

"Saying goodbye to the horses they love has become a way of life for Marley and her sisters, who train and sell show jumpers to make their living. Marley has grand ambitions to jump in Pony of the Year, but every good pony she’s ever had has been sold out from under her to pay the bills.

Then a half-wild pinto pony comes into her life, and Marley finds that this most unlikely of champions could be the superstar she has always dreamed of. As Marley and Cruise rise quickly to the top of their sport, it seems as though her dreams of winning the Pony of the Year might come true after all.

But her family is struggling to make ends meet, and as the countdown to Pony of the Year begins, Marley is forced to face the possibility of losing the pony she has come to love more than anything else in the world. Can Marley save the farm she loves, without sacrificing the pony she can’t live without?" ~Amazon Drescription
 

Brittney Joy's Review ~ Dare to Dream is truly a horse-lover's novel! From page one through the end of this book, the equine adventures never quit - whether they involve riding bareback & barefoot to the local pond for a swim, the view from the back of a pony galloping through the show jumping arena, or the every day details of loving & caring for horses. But, what I loved most about this book is the characters Lattey created - especially the three main characters! The three main characters are the Carmichael sisters - Marley, Van & Kris. All three are strong, spunky, hard-working, truly passionate girls. And, even though they face hard times and massive debt, they preserver and stick together, fighting for what they love - each other and their horses. Seriously, I want to be the fourth Carmichael sister! That's how much I enjoyed these characters ... looking forward to reading the sequel. :)
 

Appaloosa Summer ~ Tudor Robins

"Sixteen-year-old Meg Traherne has never known loss. Until the beautiful, talented horse she trained herself, drops dead underneath her in the show ring.

Jared Strickland has been living with loss ever since his father died in a tragic farming accident.

Meg escapes from her grief by changing everything about her life; moving away from home to spend her summer living on an island in the St. Lawrence River, scrubbing toilets and waiting on guests at a B&B. Once there, she meets Jared; doing his best to keep anything else in his life from changing.

When Jared offers Meg a scruffy appaloosa mare out of a friend’s back field, it’s the beginning of a journey that will change both of them by summer’s end." ~Amazon Description

Brittney Joy's Review ~ When I started the first chapter of Appaloosa Summer, my stomach sank a little, thinking "oh no, this is going to be another show jumping book." While I enjoy reading about lots of different riding disciplines, it seems like a large portion of equine-fiction revolves around the jumping world...and, frankly, I get tired of it. BUT, I quickly realized this book was different. In the first chapter, the main character's horse dies - he collapses underneath her, just strides before a jump. THAT, I did not see coming!

Instead of taking us into the world of show jumping, Appaloosa Summer takes us on a sweet journey of a teenage girl dealing with loss, deciphering family relationships, growing up, and falling for a boy - all in one summer....and on a quaint country island. Tudor Robins writes so beautifully simple that the characters, scenery, smells, and feelings come to life on the page, without extensive descriptions. Here are a few of my favorite lines..."Wow - happy and sad will just about knock you over when they hit together." And..."I fill my lungs with the scent of lightening-born ozone, and cool air pushing out the heat, and the earth, opening up, releasing everything that's been baked into it by the searing sun. Dirt. Life. Country. Summer." How can you not gasp when you read that? I know I did.

I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet, well-written story and actually wanted to hug my IPad after reading the last page. I'm looking forward to reading more of Tudor Robins' work ... And, I would recommend you do as well!

Jump Girl ~ Leigh Hutton

"SHOW JUMPING IS AN EXTREME SPORT WITH A DRESS CODE, ONE THIS GIRL DOESN'T FOLLOW . . .

Imagine being dumped by your mother as a newborn and shifted between foster homes your entire childhood. Imagine being taken in and offered hope for your future by a kind, loving show jumping socialite. Imagine falling in love with some of the most gorgeous horses in the world, and making a life in the thrilling and glamorous sport of international show jumping.

Now imagine it all being taken away.

Ebony Scott Harris is painfully close to making her dreams a reality when the only mother she has ever known mysteriously dies. She’s forced from their home to live with the gold-digging aunt, who takes her in only to ride the prized show jumpers she claims are now hers. Teetering on the edge of a hopeless depression, Ebony is saved by the discovery of a forgotten horse nearly starved to death, and an unlikely partnership with a handsome stranger, whom she must learn to trust if she is to uncover the truth about her mother’s death and reclaim her home.

But with the evil aunt selling her best and beloved horse, a maniacal ex-coach out for revenge and more savage competitors than she can count, Ebony has a lot more at stake than proving the truth, saving her horses and jumping for gold at the World Equestrian Games . . ." ~Amazon Description

Brittney Joy's Review ~ First of all, I have to admit I didn’t start out liking Ebony, the main character in Jump Girl. The teenager’s punky, angry streak made it difficult for me to relate. BUT, as Ebony’s world unfolded, I began to understand how she got to be that way. And, let me tell you, author Leigh Hutton created some wicked characters (down-right-evil antagonists) to challenge Ebony’s dreams. Most of the antagonists in this book should probably end up in jail – and some actually do. With Jump Girl’s dramatic ups and downs, don’t pick this book up expecting to experience a light, fluffy horse-read. This story has a lot of dark aspects – murder, abuse, betrayal, cut-throat competition.

Even though some of the darker aspects of this novel made me gasp (I tend to gravitate towards more of a “rainbows and butterflies” type of horse story), Leigh Hutton’s action scenes are tremendously written. She is quite the wizard with fast-paced dramatics. The action and adrenaline practically “jump” off the page (no pun intended) and it’s obvious that Hutton was a competitive rider herself, as she accurately (and beautifully) describes the athletic technicalities of riding – for both equine and human characters. And, Ebony’s love and commitment to her horses is obvious. Although, I sometimes wondered what she enjoyed more – the horses or the sport itself?

Very interesting twist(s) on a horse story. And, having said I thoroughly enjoyed the action/riding scenes, I can imagine Hutton’s first book, Rev Girl, accomplishes the same adrenaline-induced reading for the dirt-bike girls out there!

What to get your Horse-Crazy-Book-Loving Friends for Christmas!

THE SHOW DIVA ~ Where can you find your friend at 9:00 on a Friday night?? At the barn washing her horse until he gleams, of course! The Show Diva can band and braid in less time than most women take to curl their hair, her fingernails sport the lingering effects of purple-whitening-shampoo, and she owns at least five different sleezie-hoods ... all with varying prints and colors.

The Dressage Chronicles

By Karen McGoldrick

Book-Gift Recommendation for The Show Diva ---> The Dressage Chronicles by Karen McGoldrick! This is a four book series that will keep your Show Diva friend flipping pages late into the night ... after a long day at the show, while she's curled up in the goose-neck bed of her trailer.

THE HOPELESS ROMANTIC ~ This is your friend that believes every story deserves a happy-ending! She tears-up at Hallmark commercials and drags you to every Jennifer Aniston movie ever made. Her book shelves are stacked with Nicholas Sparks novels and I guarantee her horse's name is Romeo ... but she tends to call him her "Boo."

Book-Gift Recommendation for The Hopeless Romantic ---> Cut & Run by Amy Elizabeth! And In the Reins by Carly Kade! Both books will make The Hopeless Romantic swoon! Wrap up these pretties with a cute coffee mug, a pack of hot chocolate, and a baggie of marshmallows ... and tell your friend to get cozy by the fireplace for these reads!

Cut and Run (Aspen Eyes Book 1)

By Amy Elizabeth

In The Reins (In The Reins Series) (Volume 1)

By Carly Kade

THE TWEEN ~ This is your niece who has not quite hit the boy-crazy stage (and probably never will - thanks to horses!). In fact, she LIVES and BREATHES horses. If allowed, The Tween will spend every waking minute in the barn. She doesn't care what she is doing, as long as she is doing it with her pony. Her bedroom floor is covered by Horse Illustrated magazines and she owns a HERD of Breyer model horses.

Headed for the Win (Nadia and Winny Book 1)

By Rachael Eliker

Book Gift Recommendation for The Tween ---> Headed for the Win by Rachael Eliker! The Tween will DEVOUR this book before the sun sets on Christmas day! And then, the next day, she will create a make-shift jump course for her and her pony.

THE PARANORMAL PRINCESS ~ The Paranormal Princess camped out in front of the movie theater for the midnight premiere of all five Twilight movies -- and, she lives for the battle scenes! She has her Halloween costume picked out a year in advance and was "Xena: Warrier-Princess" more times than you can count. THE PARANORMAL PRINCESS lives for speed and adrenaline. Her horse's name is "Thunder" and, together, they can round three barrels in 14 seconds flat. And, she has decided mounted-shooting is not enough of a challenge ... so she prefers to use a bow.

Wildwood (The Hightower Trilogy) (Volume 1)

By Jadie Jones

Book Gift Recommendation for The Paranormal Princess --> Moonlit by Jadie Jones! The Paranormal Princess will get lost in the time-travel, gladiator battle scenes, and wicked characters ... and, after she finishes the last page, she'll swear the "unseens" are real.

THE FACT-CHECKER ~ You refuse to play Trivial Pursuit with this friend ... because she knows everything! Her mind is like a trap for random tidbits. She can rattle off the the name of every Triple Crown winner ... and then  she will continue on by noting the year they won, the jockey who was riding, and the the winner's preferred treat. How does she know Secretariat preferred sugar cookies??

The Eighty-Dollar Champion: Snowman, The Horse That Inspired a Nation

By Elizabeth Letts

Book Gift Recommendation for The Fact-Checker --> The Eighty Dollar Champion by Elizabeth Letts! This heart-warming true-story is surrounded by a plethora of equine-factoids from the 1950s. Wrap this book up with a set of new highlighters and your Fact-Checker friend will have hours of fun noting her favorite equine-tidbits!

Deck the Stalls: Horse Stories for the Holidays

By Jessica Burkhart, Natalie Keller Reinert, Mary Pagones, Brittney Joy, Mara Dabrishus, Kim Ablon Whitney, Kate Lattey, Maggie Dana

AND FOR EVERY HORSE PERSON ~ Deck the Stalls: Horse Stories for the Holidays! Get in the holiday spirit with this Christmas-themed set of short stories! Best-selling authors in the equestrian genre have banded together to share Christmas stories from the heart. And in the true spirit of the holidays, all proceeds will go to benefit Old Friends, a Thoroughbred retirement home providing life-long homes for former racehorses.

So grab a mug of hot cocoa and curl up by the fire with these heart-warming Christmas Horse Stories!

Which books fit your horse-crazy-book-loving friends?? I loved all of these books ... so I must be a mix of all five equine-personalities.

happy holidays!  ~brittney Joy

The Eighty Dollar Champion ~ Elizabeth Letts

"Harry de Leyer first saw the horse he would name Snowman on a truck bound for the slaughterhouse. The recent Dutch immigrant recognized the spark in the eye of the beaten-up nag and bought him for eighty dollars. On Harry’s modest farm on Long Island, he ultimately taught Snowman how to fly. Here is the dramatic and inspiring rise to stardom of an unlikely duo. One show at a time, against extraordinary odds and some of the most expensive thoroughbreds alive, the pair climbed to the very top of the sport of show jumping. Their story captured the heart of Cold War–era America—a story of unstoppable hope, inconceivable dreams, and the chance to have it all. They were the longest of all longshots—and their win was the stuff of legends." ~Amazon Description

Brittney Joy's Review ~ "The horse vans parked along Seventh Avenue came loaded up with dreams." The first line of The Eighty Dollar Champion gave me goose-bumps and it also did a great job of setting the story’s tone - that big dreams can come true, with hard work and a little good luck.

The Eighty Dollar Champion is a heartfelt story of two underdogs with an undeniable connection: Harry, the Dutch immigrant horse trainer struggling to make ends meat for his young family, and Snowman, the ex-plow horse headed for the slaughter house - before Harry laid eyes on him. Even through the open slots of the packed stock trailer, Harry recognized the horse’s kind eye and strong body and, when Harry brought Snowman home to his family, he hoped to nurse the gelding back to health and add him to his small string of lesson horses. Snowman was intended to teach small children how to ride (which he willingly did), but Harry had no idea of the impact "Snowy" would eventually have on him, his family, and even the hopes of the Nation.

This is a touching story, particularly because it is true. While sometimes the author went into too much detail on the history surrounding the story (I was much more interested in Snowman's story rather than the details of the industrial revolution), the core of the story touched my heart. Plus, a bonus of the book is that the author includes many black and white pictures of the real Snowman and Harry. All and all, a great read for any horse lover and I cannot wait for the movie to come out next year!

Cut & Run ~ Amy Elizabeth

"Raised in the crime-ridden neighborhood of South Boston, Rebecca Sheehan has learned the hard way that people can't be trusted. So when her unscrupulous boyfriend turns up without a pulse, she knows she needs to get out of Southie. Fast.

She seeks refuge in the last place anyone would think to look for her–the picturesque town of Jackson, Wyoming. The locals in this small community live by a different set of standards, as Rebecca discovers when she finds work on a horse ranch. For once in her life, she’s surrounded by genuine, respectable people–with one exception. Her arrogant new boss, Alec Westin, appears hell-bent on making her employment term as short as possible. With his self-righteous attitude, she’d gladly grant him his wish, if she wasn’t so desperate for the job–and if he wasn’t so easy on the eyes.

But after a chance encounter with his quadriplegic father, Rebecca learns the truth behind Alec’s callous façade. Suddenly he is no longer a tyrant, but a diligent man risking his entire livelihood to provide for his family. Moved by Alec's fortitude and his father's warmth, Rebecca finds herself increasingly drawn into their personal affairs–and to Alec. Just when she starts to lower her guard, however, she discovers that her past is catching up with her. A series of sinister threats confirms her greatest fear–she's being hunted. It's only a matter of time before her stalker finds her. And when he does, she’ll discover just how much her new friends are willing to risk–and sacrifice–to protect her."  ~GoodReads Description

Brittney Joy's Review ~ There was so much I enjoyed about this book...the well-developed characters that pulled at my heart-strings, the beautifully described backdrop of a Wyoming ranch, a mystery that made me read so fast I could barely comprehend the words, and a simmering romance that I wasn't certain would end in a love story. I picked this book up because it involved horses, but it was so much more than a horse-story. The author swept me away with her story of Rebecca and of Alec- with how she unraveled their past, their mistakes, and their choices.

The only reason I put down this 337 page book was because I was forced to - forced to go to work, cook dinner, correspond with anyone or fall asleep. This book is now in my top-ten of all-time favorite reads. And, I read a sample of the sequel and I literally gasped. I can't even wait to continue on with Rebecca and Alec's story. Beautiful work, Amy Elizabeth!

Headed for the Win ~ Rachael Eliker

"Nadia Wells has spent her life trying to convince her parents that horses are a necessity but despite her best efforts, they see them only as an extravagant luxury. After landing her dream job mucking stalls in exchange for riding lessons, a wealthy philanthropist recognizes Nadia’s talent and decides to invest in her. Purchasing a mare nicknamed Winny, Nadia is sure she’s bound for equestrian greatness but on the cusp of their most challenging three-day event yet, Winny bucks Nadia off in front of a crowd of her peers. Humiliated and fuming, Nadia makes a birthday wish that she could better understand her horse. The next morning, she wakes up to discover she has four hooves and a tail swishing between her legs: she and Winny have switched places! If life as a teenage-girl-turned-show-horse wasn’t hard enough, Nadia has to figure out a way to tell the dashing Mike how she feels or risk losing him and the competition to the talented, gorgeous and spoiled Gretchen. Will the pair concede defeat or work together to overcome the impossible and be headed for the win?"  ~GoodReads Description

Brittney Joy's Review ~ Nadia and her new horse, Winny, switch places - what a fun horse story with a fantastic plot twist! Right from the beginning I connected with the main character, Nadia. Nadia is so "head-over-heels" in love with horses that she literally faints when she finally gets one. She's a hard worker and a natural rider, but when she doesn't immediately understand her horse, an old "wives tale" forces her to switch places with Winny. I love this twist because the author really shows how a horse feels, what they see, and why they act the way they do. I would categorize this book as a tween-read, but a horse-lover of any age will enjoy! And, I'd especially recommend it to a new horse owner as the story will actually give the reader real insight into a horse's thought process! Fun read and I could completely see this story as a Disney movie! Tons of action and a great lesson!

Keeping the Peace (Aspen Valley Stables, book 1) ~ Hannah Hooton

"London waitress, Pippa Taylor has no interest in horses or country-living. But when she inherits Peace Offering, a hopeless racehorse, she embarks on a career change in order to see her late uncle’s wish to run him in the Grand National come true.

But having talked her way into a job as racing secretary to champion National Hunt trainer, Jack Carmichael and moved to the West Country, Pippa finds herself faced with more daunting obstacles than even the Grand National can throw at her.

Most take the form of Jack, her moody boss. Although easy on the eye, he's certainly not easy on the ear. And after a Christmas they would both rather forget, danger and deception threaten Pippa’s life in the country. As her time at Aspen Valley Racing Stables draws to its conclusion she discovers Peace Offering is not the only thing she  must fight to keep." ~Hannah Hooton's website

Brittney Joy's Review ~ Pippa, the London waitress turned (inherited) racehorse owner, quickly became one of my favorite protagonists! She's a cheery ray of sunshine who's not afraid to lay down a four letter word...when absolutely called for. Author Hannah Hooton created a character that I wanted to hang out with - Pippa (and her wonderfully naughty bestie Tash!) are my kind of girls. 

As the story played out, I found myself rooting for Pippa and her long-shot race horse, Peace Offering, to win the Grand National - a gritty British steeplechase that sounds scary as all heck! "Helping" Pippa along the way is Peace Offering's grouchy but attentive trainer, Jack. There were a few times I wanted to shake Jack to alert him of his unnecessary grouchiness, but the contrast between Pippa and Jack made for some great banter.

The only negative was that I wish there were more horse scenes and that Peace Offering was a bit more "fleshed out" as a character. However, the sequel (Giving Chase, Aspen Valley book 2) revolves around a new protagonist ... a female JOCKEY at Aspen Valley Stables! Book 2 is bound to have more horse scenes and I'm looking forward to reading it!

**Note: Contains a few mature scenes suited for those that consider themselves an "adult."

The Shadows Breathe ~ Kathleen Marentes

"Kara Springs has a knack for horse training and, at twenty years old, lands her dream job with the opportunity to train a magnificent horse that others couldn't. But when her beloved mentor suddenly leaves, and she confirms his replacement is abusing the horses in his care, her world takes a drastic turn.  When the abuse threatens to end the life of a beautiful mare, Kara steals her to save her. The result is an adventure that will test Kara's loyalty to the animals she loves, her courage in the face of danger, and her heart, when she must decide who it really belongs to."  ~Amazon Description

Brittney Joy's Review ~ When you sit down to read "The Shadows Breathe," know that you are sitting down to consume a ten course meal – not a burger off the dollar menu! This 602-page novel is a full-on horse saga that begins with Kara, the main character, at the age of eight and her first introduction to horses. The story then follows Kara as she develops into a knowledgeable horsewomen willing to (literally) take battle to defend her beloved equine.

This story was obviously written by a rider as the details of the barn, horses, riding, and training techniques are realistic and highlight both the good...and the truly ugly of the horse show industry.  Thankfully, Kara represents the "good" and I immediately related to her strong love of horses as well as her gentle approach to training them. I thoroughly enjoyed following Kara through her adventures and my favorite scenes included tons of riding and action - which is basically the last half of this book! Great summer read!  

Racing Savannah ~ Miranda Kenneally

"They’re from two different worlds.

He lives in the estate house, and she spends most of her time in the stables helping her father train horses. In fact, Savannah has always been much more comfortable around horses than boys. Especially boys like Jack Goodwin—cocky, popular and completely out of her league. She knows the rules: no mixing between the staff and the Goodwin family. But Jack has no such boundaries.

With her dream of becoming a horse jockey, Savannah isn’t exactly one to follow the rules either. She’s not going to let someone tell her a girl isn’t tough enough to race. Sure, it’s dangerous. Then again, so is dating Jack…" ~GoodReads Description

Brittney Joy's Review ~ This was a weekend read for me! Loved it! It actually reminded me of my favorite series growing up- The Thoroughbred Series by Joanna Campbell ... but Racing Savannah is much more "grown-up!"

Savannah, the main character, captured my heart with her sass, strong work ethic, and passion for horses. I also enjoyed how the author showed Savannah's confidence progression throughout the story. For me, it captured the "finding yourself" stage in high school.

The love story was sweet yet full of tension! I burned through the pages wanting to find out what would happen to Savannah & Jack ... And the horse, Star! As a horse-person myself, I have to say, Miranda Kenneally did a fabulous job submerging me in to the world of racing and horses. Usually, it is painful to read a novel involving horses when the author is not a horse-person, but Miranda did a great job with the horse lingo, action, and descriptions - she definitely did her research!

And, the other characters in this story were really well developed, quirky, and warmed my heart! I loved Rory ... And Mr. Goodwin! I would recommend this novel to anyone who aches for a good love story! And/or loves horses! Just a little note though - I would recommend the reader to be 16+. The story gets a little "racier" than I initially thought it would - no pun intended! :)

The Secret of Blackwatch (Blackwatch Stables #1) ~ Amber Cavalier Spiler

"THE SECRET OF BLACKWATCH explores the magical relationship between owner and pony as they conquer phenomenal life-changing events. Following the death of her mother, eleven-year-old Maggie dreams of owning her own pony. Her dream comes true when her father surprises her with a trip into the mysterious world of Blackwatch Stables. Led by the intriguing Ms. Cavalieri, Maggie learns that owning a pony is a bit different than she imagined. Guided by other girls at the barn, she learns that caring for her pony, Bella, is hard but rewarding work. As her adventures at Blackwatch Stables begin, she and Bella develop a magical relationship based on love and trust that carries them through an extraordinary adventure." ~Amazon Description

Brittney Joy's Review ~ Perfect Middle-Grade Pony Novel! If I had a daughter, she'd be reading this book ... I would say "The Secret of Blackwatch (Blackwatch Stables, #1)" is perfect for middle-grade girls ranging from 8-12 years (but I also enjoyed it). :)

Very fun concept combining the love of horses with the mystery of magic! My favorite parts include the action scenes -- especially the battle scene at the end. And, of course, I love the horse-talk and the special bond shown between the girls and their ponies. Looking forward to seeing how this story evolves in future novels ... and don't you just love the cover??!