Popular

Canterwood Crest #14

by Jessica Burkhart

Pressure threatens Lauren’s popularity as she shines in the spotlight of the Canterwood Crest series.

Popular is Lauren’s status, at last. She’s fitting in at Canterwood Crest Academy, dating a très cute boy, and working hard as she prepares for her first show since the horrible accident that nearly ended her riding career. Maybe too hard…

Genres: Horses, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Animals, Contemporary, Fiction, Realistic Fiction

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2012

About the author

Jessica Burkhart is the author of the best-selling Canterwood Crest series which has sold over 1.6 million copies in multiple languages. She has also written the Unicorn Magic series, the YA novel Wild Hearts, and edited a YA anthology--Life Inside My Mind.

Reviews

[Mattie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was probably one of the worst books I've read in a long time..and I read a lot! It was basically about..well, I'm actually not really sure. There was no plot whatsoever so I couldn't follow it. Khole irritated me, like one moment she was all "Lauren I'm your BFF!" and the next "I don't know what to think about you." She's known Lauren for what, a week, and no they're already fighting and acting like they've known each other forever. The dialogue was hard to follow as well from Khloe and she really seems kind of moody. That Cole kid is a little strange too and gets on my nerves. One more thing I didn't get was the fact that Lauren thought that her friends would be mad about her "big fall". I've fallen off horses a couple of times and my friends couldn't care less whether or not I told them. Why would they be mad? It's not affecting them at all.

I'm really disappointed in the new additions to the CC series, I really am. I thought Lauren would have more dimension to her than worrying only about boys and popularity and looking like a model. I thought maybe there would be a lesson like "Don't worry about being popular" or something, but instead it was like Jessica Burkhart was encouraging the readers to fight over popularity. I expected Lauren to be more focused on riding and schoolwork like she said, but she wasn't. The Canterwood Crest books are about RIDING, not fighting over friendships. A little drama is good, but make it horsey at least. I could only recall maybe 3 riding scenes total and 114324352 scenes of Khloe and Lauren fighting.

The ending was awful. I thought Khloe and Lauren were friends. Now they're fighting! What?! The "plot" went WAYYY too fast and left gaps. If they're already fighting by the second book, what's the rest of the series going to be about? These books are really really getting worse and worse. Sasha's books made sense and were fun to read. Lauren's books are making me laugh it's so bad. I'm really sad that the books are getting boring. I liked Lauren and Whisper. Now, Lauren seems to have left her riding behind.

[Carina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mostly liked it, but I don't really see the point of writing this. It seemed like kind of a filler. Nothing really happens. And she's only known Klohe a week, how is she her so-called "bestie"??? I think Jessica Burkhart was trying too hard to fit in this new character. And, what's up with her friend Cole? Somethings off about him, I just can't figure out what. Also, she made Khloe too much like Paige.
I also just realized this- why is she so worried her friends will hate her about her fall? She's only known them a week, and she is stressing too much about it.

[Bethany Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal response:
I really liked this book because it had to deal with horses. I liked how this book showed how hard it was to keep up with school and riding. I also liked how Lauren felt whenever she talked with Drew.

Plot:
In the beginning of this book, Lauren just walked into the common room to find out all of her friends found out her secret that she had been trying to hid for a while. Lauren had answered all of the questions her friends had. After everyone left, Lauren and Khloe went back into their room and talked about what just happened. The next day, everyone who had found about the accident started to tell their friends.
One day after their lesson, Lauren and Cole went to The Sweet Shoppe to get some snacks. While they were eating, Cole had told Lauren that her and Drew should date because he was always looking at her in the lessons. The next couple of days, Lauren noticed that Khloe had seemed off so she asked Lexa if she wanted to tack up with her. While they were tacking up, Lauren had asked if Khloe seemed off to her. Lexa had told Lauren that she did not want to get in the middle of it.
After their lesson, Lauren was hand walking Whisper to cool her down. While she was walking Whisper, Drew had walked over to her and had asked her for her number so that they could talk to each other and to help each other with homework. After a couple of sleepless nights, Lauren decided that she needed to drop a class. She decided that she was going to drop into normal social studies instead of advanced social studies.
One day during lunch, Drew had asked Lauren to go to The Sweet Shoppe to get something to eat with him. They ate and talked for the entire lunch period. When they checked the time, they realized that they had talked all the way through both of their next classes.
With the show that was coming up, both Lauren and Khloe thought they needed to practice so they asked one another to coach each other. While they were helping each other, they got really competitive and started to ruin their friendship. One day before a lesson, Lauren had overheard Khloe talking to Drew about her. Lauren was furious and burst into the tack room and accused Khloe of talking behind her back. At the very end of this book, Lexa had brought Lauren and Khloe up in the hayloft to talk about what was going on between them instead of going to her about it.

Characterization:
The main character in this book was Lauren. Lauren had fair skin and brown hair. Lauren really liked this guy named Drew but Riley always tried to make her feel bad about it. Lauren was roommates with Khloe. Another main character was Riley. Riley was an overall rude person. She acted as if she was better than anyone else. Riley had always competed with Khloe in acting and in riding. Riley was very jealous of Lauren because all of the guys were talking to Lauren instead of her.


Setting:
This book took place in September because that was when school first started. This book took place during the day because that was when school took place. It also took place in the afternoon, because that was when lessons were scheduled. This book would have took place in the present because the characters used cell phones to talk to their friends.

Recommendation:
I would recommend this book to kids who have read the other books in the series. I would also recommend this book to middle schoolers who like horses. This book would be a good fit for girls, because there was some drama that girls like to read about. This book would be a good fit for middle schoolers, because the book was an easy read and was written for younger kids.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Ugh! I hated this! This was so not me. I didn’t get tongue-tied or flustered around guys. The last thing I wanted was to turn into one of those guy-obsessed giggly girls who twirled their hair and thought acting dumb was cute.”

Absolutely love the journey LT is on as she settles into CCA and finds out where she falls into the ranks… secrets out and all!

[Mehsi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow, this book wasn't as good as the first book. I expected lots of horse riding, boarding school stuff, fun friend things.

Instead it was 55% drama (either between Khloe and Lauren or Lauren/Khloe/Riley), 25% Drew, 5% horses, 5% homework and 10% friendship. I really can't give it more than 2 stars. I was just shaking my head at a lot of things. For instance the whole Khloe and Lauren situation? I don't get what all the drama is about. They have known each other for like a week, Lauren kept a secret (which I wouldn't even call a secret, considering what horse riding is all about) and the whole book they are hot, cold, hot, cold, and we don't even understand why. Lauren keeps running to her other friends to talk about Khloe, instead of going to Khloe and just confront her. Khloe is acting all sorts of weird for some magical reason, that we don't even find out in this book.
But, at times they are besties and buddies and love each other a lot, and then the next day, BAM weirdness again. Seriously, can you two just work it out, or figure out what you want? Thanks!

Luckily, unlike the previous book, Lauren has a favourite shade of blue, and she sticks to that. Thankfully, because the next book that colour changed with each chapter. Light blue, sky blue, ice blue and many more. At times I felt like I was reading 50 shades of blue instead of a book about horses.

And that is what I missed from this book so much, the whole riding and horses part. There are some parts, but they are sparse and I really wish we had more. This book is (I may hope) about horses and boarding school. I love the parts with the horses and it is so much fun to see Whisper getting better and better at things, to see her react to Lauren and her instructions. They make such a good pair! I am sure they they can only get better and will win a lot of competitions.

Riley, urgh, I so hate that girl. Can we just get rid of her? With her stereotypical popular mean girl bitchiness? It is just ruining the book.

The parts with Drew were adorable and I really enjoyed reading those, I hope that we will have some more Drew in the next books.

Also no offence, but is Cole really a guy? Or is he a girl? I have to keep going back and forth to see if he was a guy or not. Sorry, but guys don't squeal when girls tell them about hot boys and going on dates. They just don't. Believe me, they don't. And telling they would have died if they were in the same situation (the whole picture making thing). What? What is up with Cole? Again no offence, but it just was weird, and I thought he was a she until well, this book. Yes, even with the constant he and his stuff, I just didn't process those I think.

I will still keep on reading this series, hoping this silly drama will leave the building in the next book, and otherwise I will just read the first part of the series (books 1 to 12) and hope that part is better.

Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Emily M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Popular By Jessica Burkhart
Realistic Fiction
262 pages

Lauren Towers is the new girl and she is finally fitting in. She has made the intermediate riding team. She is flirting with very cute boys, and trying to make sure her new best friend, Khloe, is still a friend. The girls found out about her accident on horses and Lauren thought they were extremely mad at her. Lauren worked out all the kinks and now is pretty sure she can trust her friends. Lauren was nice enough to help Khloe get ready for he date with Zack. Lauren gets Drew’s number and stares at his contact picture, nonstop. The list of potentials comes out! Drew: Most likely to be swim team captain, Zach: Most likely MVP, Khloe: Most likely Broadway star, and Lauren: Most likely to be popular! Lauren is learning her way around, how to study, and work was to hard and too much so, she dropped her advanced social studies class. She is making good decisions, getting good grades and bonding with her horse! The busy lady is learning to make time for friends and potential boyfriends. I gave this book a five star rating because it is a great book, funny, dramatic, and just a little sweet.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really into this series last summer, when I first discovered Canterwood Crest. However, I had read all of the existing books and had forgotten about the series until I walked into the library and realized there were 4 new books I hadn't read yet! I was thrilled.

I picked up this book and really enjoyed it. Although I am not enjoying the Lauren storyline as much as I enjoyed the Sasha storyline, I really like how the author is starting to incorporate texting, BBM, Chatter, Blogs, etc so that the story is truly contemporary. I felt like some of the technical dressage got a bit lost - I would have preferred it if the dressage moves were actually explained and more emphasis was on the riding instead of on the back story, but I still really enjoyed this book and really look forward to continuing the series.

[Thomas M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay so I liked the book a lot actually. I'm a girl despite what my dumb name says *makes face*. Anyway, this book is wayyyyyyy below my reading level so I rip through the pages like a piece of cake. Although what bothers me is the spacing. It says 300 and something, when really it probably is barely 100 pages. To me it looks like Mrs. Jessica was trying to make a think book, but couldn't so she spaced it too much to make the book seem bigger.
But really the story is pretty good. However, Lauren does annoy me sometimes. And so does Clare and Khole. I mean if your best friends it shouldn't matter what Riley thinks, or anyone for that matter. But other than that I really like it. I do.

[Lexie Shumate · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay. I don't think after only a few weeks that Lauren and Khloe would already have this drama and weirdness between them. Seriously. That's a bit hard to believe........
Also I found a part that I think had Heather and Alison in. At first I thought it was Alison and Julia, but then I remembered Julia got expelled. :) It was the part where she saw two girls with blonde hair (one had chin length bob and other had shoulder length) on a purple blanket drinking Diet pepsi. I thought there was too much description for it to be normal people. I'm glad the author put a bit of Sasha's story in there.

[squish ˳ ׄ ⟡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

i don't even know what is happening.

as i read these books, these... aren't really good like the writing and the pacing is just... off and this books seems to be serious about the problems sometimes, so i don't know...

but on the other hand, these books shouldn't be taken seriously and just be a fun read. and if you want that, go for it!

lauren is very boy crazy (stacy is boy crazy!) the goodreads book description is very misleading because she isn't dating drew???

oh my god, and her obsession with saying trés something. i thought it was spanish, but then i read it like it was french and then i was oh so very confused because then she said some other spanish things. (it's spanish) i don't know anything about french.

i can't even remember what this book was about even though i literally read it like 30 minutes ago. these books are really quick read, so if you want a quick reading spree, these are the books for you.

lauren and khloe needs communication because this book was not it. like it was trying to be "drama," but it was really dumb. but also reasonable for their age (12!) so i guess it makes sense in a way???

bottom line: no trés estrellas

[ErinTurnsPages · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as the last, I think because there was so little that moved the overall plot along. I am, however, so very glad that Lauren decided to take care of herself at last and lighten her load, by what half a class? It feels like the plot is moving along a lot faster on the boy front than it did with Sasha and I can't wait to see what miscommunications are in store for Lauren and Drew.

I'm excited to see what this book is setting up for, between the prep for the first show, the list, and the revelation of Riley's visit to New York, I'm really not sure what to expect other than a lot more drama. But really, what is Canterwood Crest without drama?

[Emilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book! I felt like I was in the characters shoes, and was in the middle of all the action. There was more drama and gossip than there usually is, but it was still as interesting. Part of it though does not make sense, Lauren Towers has really only known Khloe for a week and she is already calling Khloe her "bestie". Other than that it was really good. I would recommend this boo to someone who like's drama and enjoys a bit of horses.

[Olivia Noack · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book focused a little too much on popularity and not enough on the horseback riding element (which should be the main focus). I couldn't accept Khloe being rude to Lauren for not telling her right away about her riding accident, and all the stupid misunderstandings between them in this book were exhausting. I don't get why they can't just talk to each other and ask what is happening, rather than going to the middle friend Lexa. She is the best person in these books honestly.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

the new class of canterwood and it is full of drama and secrets.

[Erin Doolittle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, a wonderful second book to Lauren's story!!

[Zanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

lexa is the only real mfer here good god

[Laiba Basit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly? Not bad but not good.

Book 417

[Hayley (hayleys.little.library) · Rating 3 out of 5]

recently I decided to take a trip down memory lane and pick up this horsey series that I loved to bits when I was 13-14 years old 🥰 such a cute, horsey and gossipy filled book that depicts girls living at an equestrian boarding school. Due to the corona craziness and some pretty content heavy uni classes I’m feeling myself drifting towards books that are smaller and easier to read. Does anyone else return back to their old favourites every now and then for the feels? 🐎 • 3/5 stars 🌟 •

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended for gr. 5-9, especially for the horse-loving girls. Although part of a series, this book stands alone fairly well (until the cliff-hanger at the end). Some brand-name dropping felt a little out of place.

Lauren’s big secret has just been revealed to her friends at her exclusive boarding school. She is a former dressage champion just returning to horses after an accident. She has lots of internal drama – will her roommate and best friend still like her after finding out she had been withholding this big secret? Did mean girl Riley reveal the secret on purpose? Will cute boy Drew still like Lauren? Can she handle her advanced course load? In between the drama, Lauren is planning hair, makeup and outfits with her friends, and enjoying bonding with her horse, Whisper. But all may not be well in her friendship with Khloe. A wise mutual friend sits the two of them down to talk it out, and there the book ends. Stay tuned for the next book in the series!

[Jan-Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was ok because I love that Lauren is in to Drew and dating him but I thought this would be more interesting. I feel it only restated what we knew. I think there could have at least been more drama because in that area it felt dry. I normally have no trouble writing reviews but there is nothing to write about. I love Lauren but we already know she and Drew would date it's obvious. I am disappointed in this book because it seems to bring everything back down but I'm going to read the next book I hope it will bring more juicy details about what happens. I don't really recommend this book but I can say to read it and get it over with sorry but it was that bad.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

The suspense heats up as Lauren takes on more in her new life as a Canterwood 7th grader. After her secret spill, things between her and her BFF Khloe seem slightly off... But how can that be? They're best friends. Lauren struggles to ignore that, until the end of the book, when it all comes spilling out in a suspenseful cliffhanger.
Can Lauren survive between drama, friends, guys, school, AND riding? I can't wait to find out more in August, when Comeback is released!

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!! Lauren's an amazing character and I wish canterwood was real!!

[Camryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

ámazing

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read from July 29th 2014-July 31st 2014.

[Jannie Huang · Rating 5 out of 5]

:):):):):):):):)

[Sophia Smithstanza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was good but ended at a weird part.It lasted me some time. It was sort of hard to understand because you could read her thoughts and what is going on. If you get what I mean.

[Kristi Weigant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

it was great it tells a true story about communication and jealousy and how it can ruin a great frendship

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

See the first book in the series for a full review.

[Reba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books. Why Jessica Burkhart switch from Sasha to Lauren I don't know.