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Sweetbriars #3
Finding Violet
Welcome to the yard! Come and meet the girls... Cate, Tabby and Violet.
The newest Sweetbriars book, Finding Violet follows on from Tabby's Big Year... which has received many 5-star reviews and been called a 'Must Read' from Horse & Hound.
This book series is particularly enjoyed by readers aged 8-14, those young at heart and each book can be read stand-alone.
Book three follows Violet: Violet’s life is torn apart when she stumbles on a family secret. Desperate to learn more, she convinces Tabby to help with her investigations and also to dig into her own troubled past. However, Violet’s quest for the truth takes its toll not only on her but on her friendship with Tabby.
Spot, her beloved showjumper becomes her guiding light, keeping her spirits high, and taking care of her when she needs it the most.
Will Violet be able to keep it together and find the answers she so desperately seeks?
Could you be our next cover star? Check out www.sweetbriarsfarm.com to meet our latest cover star Tyler, and find out more!
Some Reviews for Finding Violet
Children's Author, Deanie Humphreys-Dunne. "Hollie Anne Marsh has done it again! She's penned a wonderful, suspenseful story that will certainly appeal to young readers. In the third of her Sweetbriar series, "Finding Violet," readers will meet a young equestrian named Violet, who accidentally discovers she's adopted. Understandably, this knowledge upends her life. Violet loves her adoptive parents but she realizes several stressful events are affecting their lives and she doesn't want to add to the family's distress. But hiding her problem from her parents is affecting her health because Violet barely eats and her parents do not know the reason why. As in any fantastic book, the main character changes as the story develops. I know readers and horse-lovers and others will be enchanted and enlightened by this book. Does Violet succeed in competitions? Any horse lover will be completely enthralled from cover to cover. It has my highest recommendation."
Children's Author, Talon series, Gigi Sedelmayer. "This is the third book in the series of Sweetbriars and I recommend it to all horse lovers. It is a must-read and it reminds me of my time, a long time ago now, when I was riding and I was in heaven when I sat on a horse. This story follows Violet, as she stumbles on a family secret. Holding papers in front of her, her tears run down her face as she mumbles, 'That can't be'. The words went blurry as she tried to read them again. 'Who am I?' she asks herself. Only her beloved horse Spot can give her comfort during this hard time. Will she get the answer she is seeking? Find out in this amazing story."
Goodreads Review, from top reviewer, Kerri. "I have absolutely loved this series and I was looking forward to finding out what happens in the third book. I think this one might just be my favourite, although it's a close call since I have adored all three. As ever, I find the cover wonderful as well!"
The newest Sweetbriars book, Finding Violet follows on from Tabby's Big Year... which has received many 5-star reviews and been called a 'Must Read' from Horse & Hound.
This book series is particularly enjoyed by readers aged 8-14, those young at heart and each book can be read stand-alone.
Book three follows Violet: Violet’s life is torn apart when she stumbles on a family secret. Desperate to learn more, she convinces Tabby to help with her investigations and also to dig into her own troubled past. However, Violet’s quest for the truth takes its toll not only on her but on her friendship with Tabby.
Spot, her beloved showjumper becomes her guiding light, keeping her spirits high, and taking care of her when she needs it the most.
Will Violet be able to keep it together and find the answers she so desperately seeks?
Could you be our next cover star? Check out www.sweetbriarsfarm.com to meet our latest cover star Tyler, and find out more!
Some Reviews for Finding Violet
Children's Author, Deanie Humphreys-Dunne. "Hollie Anne Marsh has done it again! She's penned a wonderful, suspenseful story that will certainly appeal to young readers. In the third of her Sweetbriar series, "Finding Violet," readers will meet a young equestrian named Violet, who accidentally discovers she's adopted. Understandably, this knowledge upends her life. Violet loves her adoptive parents but she realizes several stressful events are affecting their lives and she doesn't want to add to the family's distress. But hiding her problem from her parents is affecting her health because Violet barely eats and her parents do not know the reason why. As in any fantastic book, the main character changes as the story develops. I know readers and horse-lovers and others will be enchanted and enlightened by this book. Does Violet succeed in competitions? Any horse lover will be completely enthralled from cover to cover. It has my highest recommendation."
Children's Author, Talon series, Gigi Sedelmayer. "This is the third book in the series of Sweetbriars and I recommend it to all horse lovers. It is a must-read and it reminds me of my time, a long time ago now, when I was riding and I was in heaven when I sat on a horse. This story follows Violet, as she stumbles on a family secret. Holding papers in front of her, her tears run down her face as she mumbles, 'That can't be'. The words went blurry as she tried to read them again. 'Who am I?' she asks herself. Only her beloved horse Spot can give her comfort during this hard time. Will she get the answer she is seeking? Find out in this amazing story."
Goodreads Review, from top reviewer, Kerri. "I have absolutely loved this series and I was looking forward to finding out what happens in the third book. I think this one might just be my favourite, although it's a close call since I have adored all three. As ever, I find the cover wonderful as well!"
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2019
15 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Hollie Anne Marsh
13 books24 followersHollie Anne Marsh grew up in Sydney and took off to London for a year or so in her twenties—and one year turned into more than a decade. Along the way, she worked in global marketing for big-name brands.
After living and working in cities around the world (and collecting enough life experience to fill a few novels), Hollie eventually returned to Australia. But it was in Barcelona where life changed most—she met her partner, had a son, and finally found the spark to write the stories she’d been carrying.
Hollie’s Sweetbriars equestrian series picked up awards and praise from Horse & Hound, the EQUUS Film Festival, and the Pony Magazine. Her latest novel, Tomorrow It Could Be You, was inspired by witnessing the shocking events of the 2017 Catalan referendum and its aftermath, in which Hollie wove real-life accounts and historical facts into fiction.
These days, Hollie lives on the Sunshine Coast in Australia. When she’s not writing, you’ll usually find her outdoors—whether in the paddock, at the beach, or planning her next adventure.
After living and working in cities around the world (and collecting enough life experience to fill a few novels), Hollie eventually returned to Australia. But it was in Barcelona where life changed most—she met her partner, had a son, and finally found the spark to write the stories she’d been carrying.
Hollie’s Sweetbriars equestrian series picked up awards and praise from Horse & Hound, the EQUUS Film Festival, and the Pony Magazine. Her latest novel, Tomorrow It Could Be You, was inspired by witnessing the shocking events of the 2017 Catalan referendum and its aftermath, in which Hollie wove real-life accounts and historical facts into fiction.
These days, Hollie lives on the Sunshine Coast in Australia. When she’s not writing, you’ll usually find her outdoors—whether in the paddock, at the beach, or planning her next adventure.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 2, 2020
As I suspected, this book, the third in the series, is about Violet, one of three friends who share a love of riding their favorite horses. And I was eager to learn about Violet, who is quite the character, as is seen in the opening paragraphs.
"Violet spun around the furniture ducking and weaving and kicking her long legs out to the beat of the music. She was doing a high energy dance aerobics class from YouTube with music from the eighties and nineties. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror; her turquoise lycras hugged her long legs and slim body, and she grinned. She just loved to run madly around when no one was home.
"Whitney Houston’s, ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody,’ came on and Violet sang along loudly, letting the music vibrate through her whole body as she shook her arms and legs to the beat. The song changed, and the instructor began to strut along to the ‘I’m too sexy,’ nineties song.
Violet jumped up onto the solid wooden dining table imitating her and flapped her arms around dramatically as she belted out the notes, adapting them to whatever was in her view, "I'm too sexy for my sofa, too sexy for my fridge, to sexy for my booooowl.""
Though I was looking forward to meeting Violet, it seems that these books appear to be migrating away from the magic as contained in the first in the series. Of course this may seem to be the logical progression, as the stories behind the characters unfold, but it just seems like something was missing. Don't get me wrong, I still thought it was a good read, and I don't want to say more without getting into spoilers.
The author provided me with the story in the hope I would crank out a review. Thank you, I enjoyed reading this and I am sure others will be too. So who will the next one be about?
"Violet spun around the furniture ducking and weaving and kicking her long legs out to the beat of the music. She was doing a high energy dance aerobics class from YouTube with music from the eighties and nineties. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror; her turquoise lycras hugged her long legs and slim body, and she grinned. She just loved to run madly around when no one was home.
"Whitney Houston’s, ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody,’ came on and Violet sang along loudly, letting the music vibrate through her whole body as she shook her arms and legs to the beat. The song changed, and the instructor began to strut along to the ‘I’m too sexy,’ nineties song.
Violet jumped up onto the solid wooden dining table imitating her and flapped her arms around dramatically as she belted out the notes, adapting them to whatever was in her view, "I'm too sexy for my sofa, too sexy for my fridge, to sexy for my booooowl.""
Though I was looking forward to meeting Violet, it seems that these books appear to be migrating away from the magic as contained in the first in the series. Of course this may seem to be the logical progression, as the stories behind the characters unfold, but it just seems like something was missing. Don't get me wrong, I still thought it was a good read, and I don't want to say more without getting into spoilers.
The author provided me with the story in the hope I would crank out a review. Thank you, I enjoyed reading this and I am sure others will be too. So who will the next one be about?
January 26, 2020
💖I have absolutely loved this series, and was looking forward to finding out what happens in the third book. I think this one might just be my favourite, though it's a close call since I have adored all three. As ever, I find the cover wonderful as well!
In this one, Violet is shocked to discover she is adopted. She feels unable to discuss this revelation with her parents, especially as her Dad seems so out of sorts now that he is unemployed and searching for a job. Soon she is eating next to nothing and doing a pretty decent job of keeping it hidden. I related quite strongly to this and think I would have found this book extremely valuable to read when I was younger. It can be so easy to feel out of control of 'bigger' things, so you turn your attention to something you feel you can control -- food. I thought this storyline was handled very well and I felt very connected to Violet throughout it.
On a horsey note, Violet's relationship with Spot is so sweet. I loved that this book focused on jumping, which was always my personal favourite when I was at Pony Club.
I highly recommend this series to any young horse fan (or young after heart horse fan!)
***I was provided a digital copy of the book by the author. This is an unbiased review.***
In this one, Violet is shocked to discover she is adopted. She feels unable to discuss this revelation with her parents, especially as her Dad seems so out of sorts now that he is unemployed and searching for a job. Soon she is eating next to nothing and doing a pretty decent job of keeping it hidden. I related quite strongly to this and think I would have found this book extremely valuable to read when I was younger. It can be so easy to feel out of control of 'bigger' things, so you turn your attention to something you feel you can control -- food. I thought this storyline was handled very well and I felt very connected to Violet throughout it.
On a horsey note, Violet's relationship with Spot is so sweet. I loved that this book focused on jumping, which was always my personal favourite when I was at Pony Club.
I highly recommend this series to any young horse fan (or young after heart horse fan!)
***I was provided a digital copy of the book by the author. This is an unbiased review.***
January 3, 2020
Another great story this time about Violet, who is a great character!
December 20, 2019
This is the third book in the series of Sweetbrears. As I have loved the previous book, i loved it again.
I recommend it to all horse lovers. It is a must read and it reminded me of my time, long time ago now, when i was riding and was in heaven, when i sat on a horse.
This story follows Violet, as she stumbled on a family secret. Holding the papers in front of her, her tears run down and she mumbled, that can't be. The words went blurry as tried to read them again. But she held the papers in her hand. I was adopted? Who i am? she asked herself. Falling into depression and not eating much, she tried to write to the adopting agency to find her real mum.
Only her beloved horse Spot is giving her comfort in that hard time for her.
Will she get the answer she is seeking? Will she find her real mum and dad? What will her parents, her adopted parents say, since she found out? Will she get to the truth she is seeking?
Find out in that amazing story.
I recommend it to all horse lovers. It is a must read and it reminded me of my time, long time ago now, when i was riding and was in heaven, when i sat on a horse.
This story follows Violet, as she stumbled on a family secret. Holding the papers in front of her, her tears run down and she mumbled, that can't be. The words went blurry as tried to read them again. But she held the papers in her hand. I was adopted? Who i am? she asked herself. Falling into depression and not eating much, she tried to write to the adopting agency to find her real mum.
Only her beloved horse Spot is giving her comfort in that hard time for her.
Will she get the answer she is seeking? Will she find her real mum and dad? What will her parents, her adopted parents say, since she found out? Will she get to the truth she is seeking?
Find out in that amazing story.
February 2, 2020
A great addition to the series and so far my favourite. This book follows violet who is endearing, fun and white quirky. As each book in the series has, this book teaches valuable lessons to young girls or teens and can give them guidance on how to cope with issues around family, separation, body image, friendship and adoption. Of course horses play a huge role... providing solace and lots of fun along the way. Totally recommend this book for horsey girls and I think that all girls / teens would enjoy this book and series. Looking forward to the next Sweetbriars book!
January 25, 2020
The third book revolves around Violet and a family secret that she discovers which turns her world upside down. She struggles with this information; turning to her horse and friends to get her through. This would be a must read for any teenage girl who is struggling. Wonderful lessons and coping skills. I am looking forward to reading the next books as these young girls grow up through the author’s eyes and words.
June 19, 2020
My favorite Sweetbriars so far! I've enjoyed each book in this series and they keep getting better. I can't wait for the next book in the series, so I can find out what the future holds for both Violet and Tabby. A very horsey read indeed.
March 22, 2020
I enjoyed the beautiful country setting and the details of a horse-dominated life. Violet's Spot is certainly a wonderful horse. The showjumping is especially well-described. I would have liked to hear more about that and about Violet's mother's permaculture project. The friendships between the girls and the minor dramas of their lives are interesting to read about. I look forward to Gilly becoming a Sweetbriars girl.
The major drama, though, I wasn't so happy with. Violet seems the most together and confident of the girls in the other books, but she is more fragile than she seems. I struggled to sympathize with her distress and resentment as I find adoption trauma difficult to understand. Also, although the resolution of this story is thankfully a happy one, it bothered me that it might give rise to false hopes.
The major drama, though, I wasn't so happy with. Violet seems the most together and confident of the girls in the other books, but she is more fragile than she seems. I struggled to sympathize with her distress and resentment as I find adoption trauma difficult to understand. Also, although the resolution of this story is thankfully a happy one, it bothered me that it might give rise to false hopes.
February 17, 2020
In this third book of the Sweetbriars series, Violet discovers she's adopted. This news coupled with her dad's loss of a job turns her world upside down and leads to her having an eating disorder. Violet must work through her problems. She does so with the help of her friends and her beloved horse, Spot.
Finding Violet is a coming-of-age story that will resonate well with young teenage girls who love horses. It is well-written with many compelling subplots that will keep the reader turning pages until the end.
Finding Violet is a coming-of-age story that will resonate well with young teenage girls who love horses. It is well-written with many compelling subplots that will keep the reader turning pages until the end.
December 19, 2023
Cliffhanger with the mystery guy, who could have been a psycho for all Violet knew....
September 7, 2020
A book to really enjoy!
I am an old retired show rider loved this book! It brought back many memories and yes continue the series! I will be looking for book 2!
I am an old retired show rider loved this book! It brought back many memories and yes continue the series! I will be looking for book 2!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews