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??!

Moonlit Series ~ Jadie Jones

"Eighteen-year-old Tanzy Hightower knows horses, has grown up with them on Wildwood Farm. She also knows not to venture beyond the trees that line the pasture. Things happen out there that can't be explained. Or undone. Worse, no one but she and the horses can see what lurks in the shadows of the woods.

When a moonlit ride turns into a terrifying chase, Tanzy is left to question everything, from the freak accident that killed her father to the very blood in her veins. Broken and confused, she turns to Lucas, a scarred, beautiful stranger, and to Vanessa, a charming new friend who has everything Tanzy doesn't. But why do they seem to know more about her than she knows herself?"  ~Amazon description

Brittney Joy's Review ~ Horses + freaky monsters + time travel + back-stabbing queens + gladiator-style fighting . . . this book was not what I expected and I loved it! A friend recommended Moonlit to me and I was drawn in by the gorgeous horses on the cover. I'm not usually attracted to paranormal stories, but this one changed my mind! First of all, the prologue is the BEST prologue I have ever read . . . BEST!! It immediately sucked me in to the story and made me wonder what happened to these characters ... "I refused to blame her when she raged above me on our staircase that night, drunk, sad and angry. When she made me promise I'd never ride again. When she hurled a half-full bottle of vodka at my face and it exploded on the stairs at my feet. I hadn't tried to get out of the way. She had just missed." How can you resist lines like that?! I had to read on.

The main character, Tanzy, is immediately likable and I rooted for her through all the twists and turns of this story. And, let me tell you, there are a lot of twists and turns! Moonlit is like a puzzle that reveals itself one piece at a time, slowly giving you the full picture, yet  it keeps you guessing. The action sequences are non-stop and leave you wanting more! Not to mention, Jadie Jones writes beautifully . . . there were lines and paragraphs of description that I had to read over a few times just because I loved them so much. Looking forward to the sequel!

Moonlit's Sequel ~ WINDSWEPT!...

"Tanzy’s journey continues in Windswept, the second installment of the Moonlit Trilogy...Tanzy Hightower is the key in an ancient prophecy pivotal to the existence of all beings, both Seen and Unseen. Unseen who have waited a millennium for her birth are relentless in their efforts to see the prophecy fulfilled--whether for good or evil, depending on which side of the conflict one stands. Others have sworn an oath to end Tanzy’s existence, permanently. Already, Tanzy’s body has been compromised by her enemies, her veins now home to the blood of a wild horse whose instincts are becoming impossible to control. While Tanzy’s Unseen enemies work to draw her out of a remote safe house, her friends beg her to stay in hiding. She is torn, wanting to reunite with Lucas, who has loved Tanzy since her first incarnation, yet unsure whether fulfilling the ancient prophecy will protect those she loves or destroy them."  ~GoodReads Description

Brittney Joy's Review ~ Never did I expect to get wrapped up in a world of Seens and Unseens, but Jadie Jones sucked me in again with the sequel to Moonlit! In Windswept, Tanzy's world is further revealed and nothing is as it seems. Seriously, trust no one! The action scenes fall together in a way that brings them to life ... every punch, stab, flip and fall. And, once the action scenes started, I couldn't stop reading. It was like I hopped on a rollercoaster and there was no chance of getting off until the end!