Star of Shadowbrook Farm

Ashleigh's Thoroughbred Collection

by Joanna Campbell

Evening Star, a potential champion jumper who was mistreated by his former owner, comes to Susan's horse farm, making her wonder if she can ride again after the terrible accident that has made her afraid of the idea. Reissue.

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

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

See Jo Ann Simon

Reviews

[Rhianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WAS THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely not an unbiased review, and it's all from memory since I read the book so long ago and can't find my copy (but I know I have it around somewhere).

I remember this was my favorite book for a very long time. I took riding lessons as a kid and it was always my biggest fear that I would fall and be afraid to get back on. This book combined that fear with the awkwardness and low self-esteem that plagues every preteen girl, and made a wonderful heartwarming story about a girl and a horse who helped each other to heal.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story. I enjoyed watching Susan and evening star gain confidence in themselves together. Of course you love watching the bad guys lose. And it was nice seeing Susan make such a good friend in Whitney.

It was also interesting seeing as I live in the same state as Susan, To see which places they mentioned. Some more real and some more made up. I’m curious if Ledyard and Groton really are huge horse show destinations. It was weird that when they got to Groton, that they said they arrived all the way from Connecticut when grown as a Connecticut town LOL

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a re-release of a standalone novel Joanna Campbell wrote before the Thoroughbred series, which was then published with the "Thoroughbred: Ashleigh Collection" label.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the many horse books I read growing up. This one really stood out for me.

[Jaclyn B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick nostalgic read my mom found in her high school library. While it wasn't quite as dear as the Thoroughbred series, starting with Ashleigh, it was an exciting look back into this horse world.

Following an eventing and jumping stable, Susan faces recovering from a fall and loss of confidence. Along the way, she deals with an ultra competitive student/school mate, who takes her taunting to a bullying level. Susan thinks about giving up all together, until her new neighbor convinces her to keep riding. Especially when Susan forms a bond with Evening Star, and risks losing him if she doesn't find her bravery and spot in the saddle again.

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really enjoyable story of overcoming fears, being brave, and finding yourself. I love the realistic horses and horse people, the eventing scene, and the happy ending. One of my favorites from childhood that I recently reread.

[Kati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mukavasti etenevä hevos-/tyttökirja. Tämä oli aikoinaan yksi lempi hevoskirjoistani enkä ole lukenut tätä kymmeniin vuosiin. Teos on edelleen yhtä hyvä kuin aikoinaan. Osa hyvyydestä saattaa olla myös nostalgiaa, mutta suurin osa on selvästi hyvän tarinankerronnan ansiota. Loistava teos.

[ੈ✩‧₊˚ faithreads *ೃ༄ (inactive) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, but it was cheesy and didn’t have a great ending…

[Deborah Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a lot of these books growing up and always loved them. This one was no different. Predictable but still good story. Great characters.

[Anna McLynskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books growing up. A brilliant story, one of the few I can read over and over again and still enjoy it as much as I did the first time I read it.

[Hildegart · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was reading this book, I don't think I realized the author was Campbell. I enjoyed the reading the book last year as an adult.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grade: B+