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Thoroughbred #5
Ambers Droom
Can Samantha ride Fleet Goddess to victory?
When Ashleigh's horse, Wonder, gives birth to a beautiful foal, Ashleigh is thrilled. She's raising Wonder's colt, racing as an apprentice jockey, and she's even looking out for young Samantha McLean. Samantha moved to Townsend Acres with her father after her mother died in a riding accident. When Ashleigh buys a filly named Fleet Goddess, Samantha helps train the horse.
Samantha loves horses, but since her mother's death, her father has forbidden her to ride. Then Ashleigh is injured, and Fleet Goddess can't train. Samantha is desperate to take over. Is there any way she can convince her father to let her risk riding again?
When Ashleigh's horse, Wonder, gives birth to a beautiful foal, Ashleigh is thrilled. She's raising Wonder's colt, racing as an apprentice jockey, and she's even looking out for young Samantha McLean. Samantha moved to Townsend Acres with her father after her mother died in a riding accident. When Ashleigh buys a filly named Fleet Goddess, Samantha helps train the horse.
Samantha loves horses, but since her mother's death, her father has forbidden her to ride. Then Ashleigh is injured, and Fleet Goddess can't train. Samantha is desperate to take over. Is there any way she can convince her father to let her risk riding again?
159 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 7, 2024
This one was just okay. It felt very stilted and slow at first but by the middle to the end it picked up and got better.
The introduction of the next arc’s main character Samantha was done well and we even get her POV a couple times, though once there is a head hopping moment where we leap from Samantha to Ashleigh but it’s done in a way that was smooth rather then jarring like that normally would be.
Not much else to say, it was okay but not my favorite.
‼️Content‼️
Language: heck; my God (2); gosh; dang; God (2); darned; oh my God; oh my gosh
Violence: horses fall and throw riders in a race resulting in one rider and both horses getting injured (not detailed)
Sexual: a couple kisses (not detailed)
Other: mention of a past training accident that led to a rider’s death by a broken neck (not detailed); grief; mention of a past horse death; a horse has to be put down due to a broken leg (not shown)
The introduction of the next arc’s main character Samantha was done well and we even get her POV a couple times, though once there is a head hopping moment where we leap from Samantha to Ashleigh but it’s done in a way that was smooth rather then jarring like that normally would be.
Not much else to say, it was okay but not my favorite.
‼️Content‼️
Language: heck; my God (2); gosh; dang; God (2); darned; oh my God; oh my gosh
Violence: horses fall and throw riders in a race resulting in one rider and both horses getting injured (not detailed)
Sexual: a couple kisses (not detailed)
Other: mention of a past training accident that led to a rider’s death by a broken neck (not detailed); grief; mention of a past horse death; a horse has to be put down due to a broken leg (not shown)
June 20, 2018
Let me admit right up front that this gets four stars more for sentimental reasons than for being in any way an accurate portrayal of a Thoroughbred stud farm or life in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky. The Thoroughbred series is more of a Fantasy Island for my mind and battered spirit. I was not too impressed with this particular book the first time I read it in my 20s but quite enjoyed it now in my late 40s.
I particularly liked that this book refers to Campbell's first book about a racehorse, Battlecry Forever! It's not absolutely essential that you read that book before Ashleigh's Dream but it sure fills in a few gaps.
This book continues in the grand Thoroughbred series tradition of having titles that are less than accurate or downright puzzling. Just what is Ashleigh's "dream"? That's never gone into. The reader just has to make his or her own mind up what the "dream" should be.
Very little information is given about Wonder's first foal except for the act of foaling. Wonder then fades into the background as Fleet Goddess comes into the foreground. I did find Wonder's sudden departure from prominence in the series a little bothersome but I did enjoy Fleet Goddess as a character. She's got a lot of class but is nowhere near the perfect racehorse.
This book introduces Samantha who winds up taking over as the series' focus from Ashleigh in the next book, Wonder's Yearling. Ashleigh's point of view still dominates the book, but there are short passages where we get to peek into Samantha's mind. Samantha is much more of a troublemaker here than later on in the series.
Some minor mistakes are made in this book, showing that Campbell isn't quite an expert on Thoroughbred racing. The late great Alydar is mixed up with a fictional daughter called Alidame that races against Fleet Goddess. Alidame is also not to be confused with real racer and top broodmare Alidiva, one of the matrons featured in the excellent non-fiction book about life in a Bluegrass stud farm Kentucky Derby Dreams by Susan Nussar.
I particularly liked that this book refers to Campbell's first book about a racehorse, Battlecry Forever! It's not absolutely essential that you read that book before Ashleigh's Dream but it sure fills in a few gaps.
This book continues in the grand Thoroughbred series tradition of having titles that are less than accurate or downright puzzling. Just what is Ashleigh's "dream"? That's never gone into. The reader just has to make his or her own mind up what the "dream" should be.
Very little information is given about Wonder's first foal except for the act of foaling. Wonder then fades into the background as Fleet Goddess comes into the foreground. I did find Wonder's sudden departure from prominence in the series a little bothersome but I did enjoy Fleet Goddess as a character. She's got a lot of class but is nowhere near the perfect racehorse.
This book introduces Samantha who winds up taking over as the series' focus from Ashleigh in the next book, Wonder's Yearling. Ashleigh's point of view still dominates the book, but there are short passages where we get to peek into Samantha's mind. Samantha is much more of a troublemaker here than later on in the series.
Some minor mistakes are made in this book, showing that Campbell isn't quite an expert on Thoroughbred racing. The late great Alydar is mixed up with a fictional daughter called Alidame that races against Fleet Goddess. Alidame is also not to be confused with real racer and top broodmare Alidiva, one of the matrons featured in the excellent non-fiction book about life in a Bluegrass stud farm Kentucky Derby Dreams by Susan Nussar.
August 17, 2025
4.5
I've always enjoyed the Thoroughbred books, which turned into a rather epic saga spanning more than one generation and more than 70 books. This book reminds me how much I enjoyed the series, and I'm now going to try and track all the books, so I can finally read the entire series in order, with no gaps!
I'm pretty sure Thoroughbred gives us a fantasy version of horses and horse racing, though it seems fairly accurate in the areas that count (Joanna Campbell does know her horses, so there aren't any clunky errors dragging things down) and it's a fictional series, so it works. Ashleigh is a great character, but this book features the introduction of Samantha, who goes on to be the 'main' character -- Thoroughbred has a few of those over the course of the series, allowing for more growth and the option to take the books in various directions without it feeling out of place.
I'm not sure anything tops the books that were just Ashleigh and Wonder, with a healthy dose of Charlie, but I appreciate the way the series evolved and kept things interesting for so long. I'm excited to get reacquainted with this world and it's cast of characters!
🏇
I've always enjoyed the Thoroughbred books, which turned into a rather epic saga spanning more than one generation and more than 70 books. This book reminds me how much I enjoyed the series, and I'm now going to try and track all the books, so I can finally read the entire series in order, with no gaps!
I'm pretty sure Thoroughbred gives us a fantasy version of horses and horse racing, though it seems fairly accurate in the areas that count (Joanna Campbell does know her horses, so there aren't any clunky errors dragging things down) and it's a fictional series, so it works. Ashleigh is a great character, but this book features the introduction of Samantha, who goes on to be the 'main' character -- Thoroughbred has a few of those over the course of the series, allowing for more growth and the option to take the books in various directions without it feeling out of place.
I'm not sure anything tops the books that were just Ashleigh and Wonder, with a healthy dose of Charlie, but I appreciate the way the series evolved and kept things interesting for so long. I'm excited to get reacquainted with this world and it's cast of characters!
🏇
October 22, 2012
I loved all the books in this series! Seriously. I devoured them when I was a preteen and teenager. I recently revisited them when I was cleaning boxes of books out of my parents basement. They were pretty much as I remembered. Although there is some "people stuff" that is great, these are largely about horse-human relationships and racing. For a horse-crazy girl (and now grown woman) these were/are great books. Highly recommend for horse-hungry preteens, teens,and even young adults.
July 31, 2016
I loved it! I love horses, especially thoroughbreds! I love horse racing. but most of all I love the horses.
Even though this book is fiction, I learned a lot.
For anyone who loves horses, you would enjoy this series!
Even though this book is fiction, I learned a lot.
For anyone who loves horses, you would enjoy this series!
August 11, 2017
I am currently reading this book, so far so good. I enjoy reading books about animals. This book is very interesting and adventurous. I feel like I am actually in the book and not just reading it. I am looking forward to finishing it.
October 3, 2008
It was so good, and I like how they keep introducing new characters each book! Fleet Goodness sounds adorable and so does Wonders Pride!
January 17, 2009
this is a great book for any and all horse lovers
Want to read
June 24, 2012I know this is a great book, but how can you start reading? I don't really understand this site.
December 24, 2015
yeah, ok I am going back to my favourite series growing up to make my goal.... no regrets
April 30, 2015
A great series for tweens that love horses and/or are interested in horseback riding or racing. Teaches about the struggles of working with animals and the benefits.
March 22, 2016
Loved these when I was obsessed with horses as a kid.
July 11, 2024
No power for the second day due to Hurricane Beryl… great chance to read!!
Read this in one day, short easy read. Still great, love to get back into it with all these characters! Some big surprises here, a new girl at the barn 🫶🏻 sammy 🫶🏻 , track accidents!, new horse, and MOVING!!
what! i was really surprised at that last one! Like what the heck! You have a daughter in college and a high school senior… COMMUNICATE with your kiddos! Moving is a huge change! Especially seeing Ashleigh grow up and into racing at this barn and you just spring it on her that ur just gonna leave in a month… no okay.
Ok sorry, rant over… 😅 just annoyed lol. Im excited to see how she copes in the next book!
Read this in one day, short easy read. Still great, love to get back into it with all these characters! Some big surprises here, a new girl at the barn 🫶🏻 sammy 🫶🏻 , track accidents!, new horse, and MOVING!!
what! i was really surprised at that last one! Like what the heck! You have a daughter in college and a high school senior… COMMUNICATE with your kiddos! Moving is a huge change! Especially seeing Ashleigh grow up and into racing at this barn and you just spring it on her that ur just gonna leave in a month… no okay.
Ok sorry, rant over… 😅 just annoyed lol. Im excited to see how she copes in the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2024
Ok here’s the thing, was this book good yes would I read it again also yes, But, I just don’t think it was as good as the others. Don’t get me wrong I loved this book but it just didn’t make me cry. Basically I loved this book but I just don’t think it is as good as the others BUT you should still read it.
November 28, 2018
I distinctly remember that once Wonder got retired the books did not make me as happy.
January 9, 2020
Totally amazing!
This is my fav series like ever!
This is my fav series like ever!
May 23, 2024
these books just make me so happy. loved them as a kid, love ‘em now!
January 2, 2025
I love this book!!!!!! I am re reading and it is still one of my favorites.
October 6, 2025
Childhood favourite series (haven't read in a long time) giving all four stars unless it was a favourite as a child.
June 2, 2018
Fortsatt nostalgi, men begynner å vannes ut bittelitt.
January 30, 2024
Almost two years have passed since Wonder won the Breeder's Cup. Her fourth year was cut short after only two wins. In the horse's third race, she fractured a cannon bone. Wonder, now a brood mare on the Townsend Acres Farm, is about to deliver her first foal. Soon after the colt is born, Ashleigh purchases a two-year-old filly at auction. The first time Ashleigh tries Fleet Goddess on the oval, the horse runs off the track and jumps the rail. Samantha McLean and her father, the new assistant trainer, watch in horror as Ashleigh fights for control. Samantha's mother was killed in a similar incident. Luckily, Ashleigh and Fleet Goddess come out of the experience unscathed. Ashleigh starts the filly back on the basics, and Samantha becomes the horse’s groom. The girls work hard, and Fleet Goddess takes second in her first race. As Ashleigh sets her sights on the next race, she hurts her neck while jockeying for Charlie. Under Samantha loving care Fleet Goddess is readied for the race, a race that she easily wins.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
June 27, 2020
Samantha is ok, kind of an Ashleigh clone, but some interesting conflict with her father. Fleet Goddess is a bit more complicated than Wonder, I like that she’s not absolutely perfect. I do miss Wonder, and wish she got more attention other than mentioning brief visits not that she’s a retired broodmare.
As always in these books, there are injuries as plot contrivances, and things always seem to work out in the end.
As always in these books, there are injuries as plot contrivances, and things always seem to work out in the end.
January 28, 2015
Grade: A
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews