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Canterwood Crest #2
Chasing Blue
Now that Sasha Silver and her horse, Charm, have proven that they're worthy competitors for the Canterwood Crest equestrian team, Sasha's psyched to get back to school...until self-proclaimed It girl, queen bee, and owner of the I'm-so-way-better-than-you-are attitude, Heather Fox, is assigned as Sasha's riding partner.
Not. Good.
And when Heather starts spending a little too much QT with Sasha's almost-boyfriend, Jacob, their partnership is put to the ultimate test
Not. Good.
And when Heather starts spending a little too much QT with Sasha's almost-boyfriend, Jacob, their partnership is put to the ultimate test
266 pages, Paperback
First published March 24, 2009
119 people are currently reading
973 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Burkhart
135 books628 followersJessica 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
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February 20, 2023If you see me rereading preteen favs as a 20 something, MIND YOUR BUSINESS!
September 20, 2011
This book was a great book. The author put a lot of details about horseback riding, which is something that I love to do. For example, the author described how to prepare for a horse show and how not to be scared of the jumps and whatever else might happen. She also explained how not to be tense when riding or being near a horse because it makes a horse tense, too. I loved these details because I never knew many of the explanations that she gave.Sasha knew about participating in horse shows, but the people at Canterwood Crest taught her techniques that she had not known.
One character that I liked, Sasha, had a lot in common with me. She had the type of horse that I would like to get, a chestnut thoroughbred that is fifteen hands. One character at Canterwood Crest who I really liked was Sasha's roommate and best friend, Paige. Paige was funny and loved to cook by making up new recipes. She was a good horseback rider, but she was not as good as Sasha. This did not make their friendship any different. The whole story was about horses, but it was about their friendship also. I recommend this book if you love any kind of animal and if you love secrets. (Now you know there is something else going on in this book!!)
One character that I liked, Sasha, had a lot in common with me. She had the type of horse that I would like to get, a chestnut thoroughbred that is fifteen hands. One character at Canterwood Crest who I really liked was Sasha's roommate and best friend, Paige. Paige was funny and loved to cook by making up new recipes. She was a good horseback rider, but she was not as good as Sasha. This did not make their friendship any different. The whole story was about horses, but it was about their friendship also. I recommend this book if you love any kind of animal and if you love secrets. (Now you know there is something else going on in this book!!)
July 8, 2009
Abousolute Drama!!!!!! In a good way, first it starts out intersting then it gets rough (for the character) then BOOM! instant problem covered in absolute drama! But, the character has to find a way out of the situation right? But you won't know untill you get the next book, once you do that, you'll find out what her decision is, no matter how it pains her, or even, you. My explanatin of the book may not seem good, but, the authors words are goning to wow you. This book is absolutley WONDERFUL! and i truly can't find any other way to explain it besides, good, fantastic, amazing, perfect, terrific, super, unbelivable and so many more great things ,so........ READ THIS BOOK!
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May 18, 2022callie is kind of a loseresque friend to sasha
March 23, 2017
Personal response:
I really liked this book because it was about horses. I really like how Jacob treats Sasha in the beginning of the book. Just like the first book in this series, I liked it because it kept me in suspense. I also liked how Eric was a nice friend to Sash while she needed a friend.
Plot summary:
In the beginning of this book Callie, Heather, Julia, Alison, and Sasha have all their horses lined up and they race each other. Sasha got cocky and thought that she was going to win until Callie came galloping by and ended up winning. Sasha took an elective class called film. She got really excited when she figured out that her crush -Jacob is in there. After a few film classes they got assigned to create a short film that has to be informational. Sasha thought it would be a good idea to do a documentary on how smart horses are. She shared this idea with Jacob and he liked it. When they started to get Charm ready Jacob was acting all strange at the stable. Sasha thought that he didn’t have the same feelings as he did before. After they finish recording the video Jacob rushes out of the stable as fast as he can and Sasha really starts to think that he doesn't like her anymore. One day after Sasha was done with her lesson she notices that there is a guy who looks lost at the stable. Sasha being who she is gives the guy her number and tells him to text her if he needs help getting to his class or if she can help he get used to Canterwood. As the year goes on Heather starts to hang out with Jacob more because he is helping her in math but nobody know that she is just getting help because she is the “princess” of the school. At one of their lessons Heather starts bragging to Sasha about how she see Jacob more than she does and Sasha starts to get jealous and tries to let it go but she can’t. Sasha starts to hang out more with Eric because he doesn’t really know anyone around the school but her. Later in the book Sasha goes to the media center to get a movie for her and Paige to watch. When she is there she sees people and hears laughter. She goes to check it out, she walks into the room and see the Trio, Callie, and Jacob are there watching a movie. Sasha gets upset and leaves. In about the middle of the book Sasha and the rest of her team who is Callie and the Trio- Heather, Julia, and Alison. They are all practicing really hard for a show. While at the show Heather see a girl that she knows her name is Jasmine or people call her Jas. While at the show Sasha competed in show jumping and in cross country. She took first in show jumping and fourth in cross country. Near the end of this book there is a dance called the Sweetheart Soiree. Sasha and Paige got to the dance. While they were at the dance Heather invites Eric, Jacob, Alison, Julia, Ben, Paige, Callie, and Sasha all into this room to play a game. The game was called two truths and a lie. While playing it was Heather's turn to pick a card. She chooses a card and starts accusing her that was her car. In the middle of the dance everyone got half of a heart and they got paired up with each other and have to slow dance. Sasha got paired up with some 8th grade guy and when she looked over to see who was partners with Jacob she saw Heather. Sasha got all mad and walked up to him and started saying about how he doesn’t like her anymore and that she was done trying to be with him. She then walked out of the building and Callie followed after her she told her that it was going to be okay but she didn’t listen. Eric came out and started walking her home when Jacob came out with Sasha coat. Jacob looked at them and walked inside mad. Eric walks Sasha home in the pooring rain. After they get back to the dorms Sasha changes and Eric waits for her to get done. He ends up staying with her until Paige gets there.
Characterization:
Sasha is one of the main characters. Sasha transferred to Canterwood form Union. She owns a horse and his name is Charm.Charm is a Thoroughbred Belgian mix. Sasha had a crush on Jacob but not she doesn’t like him anymore.
Recommendation:
I would recommend this book to anyone who read the first book in the series. I gave this book 5 stars because it was and all around good book. I would also recommend this book to anyone who likes reading about horses and about drama.
I really liked this book because it was about horses. I really like how Jacob treats Sasha in the beginning of the book. Just like the first book in this series, I liked it because it kept me in suspense. I also liked how Eric was a nice friend to Sash while she needed a friend.
Plot summary:
In the beginning of this book Callie, Heather, Julia, Alison, and Sasha have all their horses lined up and they race each other. Sasha got cocky and thought that she was going to win until Callie came galloping by and ended up winning. Sasha took an elective class called film. She got really excited when she figured out that her crush -Jacob is in there. After a few film classes they got assigned to create a short film that has to be informational. Sasha thought it would be a good idea to do a documentary on how smart horses are. She shared this idea with Jacob and he liked it. When they started to get Charm ready Jacob was acting all strange at the stable. Sasha thought that he didn’t have the same feelings as he did before. After they finish recording the video Jacob rushes out of the stable as fast as he can and Sasha really starts to think that he doesn't like her anymore. One day after Sasha was done with her lesson she notices that there is a guy who looks lost at the stable. Sasha being who she is gives the guy her number and tells him to text her if he needs help getting to his class or if she can help he get used to Canterwood. As the year goes on Heather starts to hang out with Jacob more because he is helping her in math but nobody know that she is just getting help because she is the “princess” of the school. At one of their lessons Heather starts bragging to Sasha about how she see Jacob more than she does and Sasha starts to get jealous and tries to let it go but she can’t. Sasha starts to hang out more with Eric because he doesn’t really know anyone around the school but her. Later in the book Sasha goes to the media center to get a movie for her and Paige to watch. When she is there she sees people and hears laughter. She goes to check it out, she walks into the room and see the Trio, Callie, and Jacob are there watching a movie. Sasha gets upset and leaves. In about the middle of the book Sasha and the rest of her team who is Callie and the Trio- Heather, Julia, and Alison. They are all practicing really hard for a show. While at the show Heather see a girl that she knows her name is Jasmine or people call her Jas. While at the show Sasha competed in show jumping and in cross country. She took first in show jumping and fourth in cross country. Near the end of this book there is a dance called the Sweetheart Soiree. Sasha and Paige got to the dance. While they were at the dance Heather invites Eric, Jacob, Alison, Julia, Ben, Paige, Callie, and Sasha all into this room to play a game. The game was called two truths and a lie. While playing it was Heather's turn to pick a card. She chooses a card and starts accusing her that was her car. In the middle of the dance everyone got half of a heart and they got paired up with each other and have to slow dance. Sasha got paired up with some 8th grade guy and when she looked over to see who was partners with Jacob she saw Heather. Sasha got all mad and walked up to him and started saying about how he doesn’t like her anymore and that she was done trying to be with him. She then walked out of the building and Callie followed after her she told her that it was going to be okay but she didn’t listen. Eric came out and started walking her home when Jacob came out with Sasha coat. Jacob looked at them and walked inside mad. Eric walks Sasha home in the pooring rain. After they get back to the dorms Sasha changes and Eric waits for her to get done. He ends up staying with her until Paige gets there.
Characterization:
Sasha is one of the main characters. Sasha transferred to Canterwood form Union. She owns a horse and his name is Charm.Charm is a Thoroughbred Belgian mix. Sasha had a crush on Jacob but not she doesn’t like him anymore.
Recommendation:
I would recommend this book to anyone who read the first book in the series. I gave this book 5 stars because it was and all around good book. I would also recommend this book to anyone who likes reading about horses and about drama.
July 6, 2020
Sasha Silver is back at Canterwood Crest and she loves being back at school after the winter break.
Her punishing schedule begins immediately as she is part of the Advanced Riding team with her much-loved horse Charm. She must study hard to achieve the grades required to stay at the school and on the team. The training is hard, especially when she is put in a pair with Heather, who always makes disparaging remarks about her riding. They are on the same team though and they must work together.
Life is exciting and complicated when she meets up with Jacob again, she is sure he'll be dancing with her at the Sweetheart Soiree for Valentines Day. Things don't turn out the way she plans and Eric takes her back to the dorm after she breaks down. Heather, the girl who's made Sasha's life difficult from the start, makes out she's Jacobs girlfriend. Sasha must decide if she has ruined her chances with Jacob, and to explain to Eric, she just wants to be friends.
I find this school very elite and snobbish and I much preferred 'Starlight Stables' series as it was more realistic, written by a New Zealand author in a more humble setting. Perhaps in America, such schools do exist, and the demands on the students, very much reach this level or you're out.
This is the second in the series I've bought to give to my granddaughter, who is a horse-loving girl. I know every scene with the horses are what she loves.
Her punishing schedule begins immediately as she is part of the Advanced Riding team with her much-loved horse Charm. She must study hard to achieve the grades required to stay at the school and on the team. The training is hard, especially when she is put in a pair with Heather, who always makes disparaging remarks about her riding. They are on the same team though and they must work together.
Life is exciting and complicated when she meets up with Jacob again, she is sure he'll be dancing with her at the Sweetheart Soiree for Valentines Day. Things don't turn out the way she plans and Eric takes her back to the dorm after she breaks down. Heather, the girl who's made Sasha's life difficult from the start, makes out she's Jacobs girlfriend. Sasha must decide if she has ruined her chances with Jacob, and to explain to Eric, she just wants to be friends.
I find this school very elite and snobbish and I much preferred 'Starlight Stables' series as it was more realistic, written by a New Zealand author in a more humble setting. Perhaps in America, such schools do exist, and the demands on the students, very much reach this level or you're out.
This is the second in the series I've bought to give to my granddaughter, who is a horse-loving girl. I know every scene with the horses are what she loves.
March 10, 2024
““Okay, but,” Callie folded her arms. “Maybe you should wait for someone to walk you back.” “I’ll walk her.” Eric stood beside me—I hadn’t even seen him coming. He had a coat in his hand. He slipped it over my shoulders and nodded at Callie. “Go ahead, I’ll go with her,” he said.”
The detail compared to the first book, the riding drama, everything, mwah - perfect. The flashback I had to the end of the last chapter and remembering how obsessed I was over it in my younger years (am I aging myself??)… oh to be Sasha Silver!
The detail compared to the first book, the riding drama, everything, mwah - perfect. The flashback I had to the end of the last chapter and remembering how obsessed I was over it in my younger years (am I aging myself??)… oh to be Sasha Silver!
July 16, 2020
*4.5 bitch it’s a riot and that ending
April 8, 2023
*2.5 i dock points for the absolute ridiculousness of alloromantics (sasha...girl...) but it stays in my good graces because of the inherent homoeroticism of riding your rival's horse
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October 18, 2025Just look the other way. Don’t mind me.
May 15, 2017
These books are a bit dramatic but enjoyable in the whole!
October 26, 2017
I love the author so much! She tells you what stable phrases mean and makes sure you understand what your reading. I love the thought of reading because of Jessica Burkhart. I think it's cool that she adds all of these different elements so that the reader doesn't put the book down. I'm glad she added another character. It gives the whole book a different outlook on it. I'm glad that she makes reading interesting for me. Her writing style is so easy to understand. I never liked reading before, but with this series I can't find enough time to read! I can't wait to read the next book!!!
December 12, 2014
I think this is one of the best Middle Grade series I've read. It is a very realistic and relatable portrayal of life at that edge, and the story is fast-paced and exciting, with lots of ups and downs.
I like that although Heather is the "mean girl" to our MC, the reader still sees other sides to her: Her hopes and dreams, her being nice, her being a strong team mate. We also see why Heater might lash out towards Sasha and other people way at times - She feels insecure because her father puts so much pressure on her not just to succeed, but her entire future relies on her doing well or else she will be pulled out of school.
I also like that things aren't clear cut and perfectly resolved - They're messy, like how life actually is. People don't always tell Sasha what they mean, she doesn't know if the two boys like her, she doesn't realize that one of her best friends is mad at her over something she can't control. (the boy she likes has a crush on her)
Sasha is an excellent heroine. She is smart and believes in herself, but also, most importantly, she falters. She does poorly in some riding competitions, she gets drawn into petty fights, she fails tests that she has worked hard for. She makes mistakes which pays for, but she also learns from them. This seems like it will be an ongoing theme throughout the series: her problems aren't magically solved and her life isn't perfect at the end of the book. I think it's so refreshing to read a story about an imperfect heroine, instead of reading about the bravest, strongest, smartest, or about the kid that does mess up, but things still work out in the end.
I find Sasha is a very realistic 14-year-old, and I would have loved these books at that age. She acts like a fourteen-year-old, though she is one with a bit more responsibility because of being at Canterwood. I can still enjoy them now because I think the story telling is very strong and the twists and turns keep you reading. It also helps that I can see some of myself in Sasha.
I can't recommend this series enough, to any age group!
I like that although Heather is the "mean girl" to our MC, the reader still sees other sides to her: Her hopes and dreams, her being nice, her being a strong team mate. We also see why Heater might lash out towards Sasha and other people way at times - She feels insecure because her father puts so much pressure on her not just to succeed, but her entire future relies on her doing well or else she will be pulled out of school.
I also like that things aren't clear cut and perfectly resolved - They're messy, like how life actually is. People don't always tell Sasha what they mean, she doesn't know if the two boys like her, she doesn't realize that one of her best friends is mad at her over something she can't control. (the boy she likes has a crush on her)
Sasha is an excellent heroine. She is smart and believes in herself, but also, most importantly, she falters. She does poorly in some riding competitions, she gets drawn into petty fights, she fails tests that she has worked hard for. She makes mistakes which pays for, but she also learns from them. This seems like it will be an ongoing theme throughout the series: her problems aren't magically solved and her life isn't perfect at the end of the book. I think it's so refreshing to read a story about an imperfect heroine, instead of reading about the bravest, strongest, smartest, or about the kid that does mess up, but things still work out in the end.
I find Sasha is a very realistic 14-year-old, and I would have loved these books at that age. She acts like a fourteen-year-old, though she is one with a bit more responsibility because of being at Canterwood. I can still enjoy them now because I think the story telling is very strong and the twists and turns keep you reading. It also helps that I can see some of myself in Sasha.
I can't recommend this series enough, to any age group!
November 7, 2016
Going back home to Union is great and all but Sasha can’t wait to see her horse Charm at Canterwood. When she comes back Sasha finds out there is a new kid Eric and it happens to be that both him and Jacob like her. Only Sasha is in a on-off relationship with Jacob and her best friend Callie likes Eric. Last trimester Sasha got a C in biology and is determined to get a better grade this time and that means a lot more studying. On top of that Sasha is on the equestrian team so she has a lot more riding on her hands. Sasha gets partnered with Heather to be her riding partner. So. Not. Good. With that Valentine's Day is coming up and the school is holding the Sweetheart Soiree and Sasha hopes Jacob will be there! In drama/film Sasha is partnered with Jacob to create a mini film and they decide to do it on horses. But something fishy has been going on lately between Jacob and Sasha’s greatest enemy Heather. She has a sneaky suspicion that Heather is trying to take Jacob from her and she won’t stand for it. Will going to the Sweetheart Soiree be a dream from above or will it be a nightmare that Sasha will be reminded of constantly? This book is just as great as the first one. I will definitely be waiting for an availability for the third book.
March 18, 2023
This series is just fun. Is it the most well written thing ever? No. Is the plot the most exciting? No. But I had a pretty good time.
It’s a middle grade novel, so it’s easy to fly through. Sasha very much feels like a real seventh grader in the way she acts and talks. Paige is still iconic and I love her. The riff forming between Sasha and Callie doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me, but it’s adding to the tension of the story. Heather continues to act like a stereotypical mean girl, and I’m here for it. Jacob is bland, boring, and I don’t see his appeal for Sasha at all. Eric, on the other hand, I’m really hoping we get more of as the series progresses.
The drama could’ve been better in this one, but whatever. I honestly couldn’t remember what really happened in the first book, but the overall plot of this one felt familiar.
I will definitely be picking up the third book in the Canterwood Crest series soon!
It’s a middle grade novel, so it’s easy to fly through. Sasha very much feels like a real seventh grader in the way she acts and talks. Paige is still iconic and I love her. The riff forming between Sasha and Callie doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me, but it’s adding to the tension of the story. Heather continues to act like a stereotypical mean girl, and I’m here for it. Jacob is bland, boring, and I don’t see his appeal for Sasha at all. Eric, on the other hand, I’m really hoping we get more of as the series progresses.
The drama could’ve been better in this one, but whatever. I honestly couldn’t remember what really happened in the first book, but the overall plot of this one felt familiar.
I will definitely be picking up the third book in the Canterwood Crest series soon!
January 10, 2024
i finished this at like 3:30 in the morning and have no recollection of what i read
May 24, 2009
a fun and quick YA read - I'm trying to convince myself that this is 'research' for my novel ;) Jessica is a fun person, very active on the internet, and I love supporting authors that I hear of. Her horse knowledge is right-on, the scenes are realistic, right down to the detail. I was a barn manager for my first year out of college, and have ridden since before I could walk, so I'm pretty nit-picky about horse books. This one doesn't disappoint! The only thing I haven't liked is the 'text-speak' that the characters use (you know... like C U L8R stuff), but that's the journalism-school-me coming out. I recommend it to ANY person, young or old, that loves horses =)
June 16, 2012
i really really love those books thay are the best anyone who reads these books freind me and we cam talk about them if u need help
July 3, 2012
i LOVED it was awsome. i have fallen in LOVE with these books they are awsome. ;) i really LOVED it. it really had some sad times and some really funny times but most of all i LOVED it. ;)
February 22, 2024
Chasing Blue by Jessica Burkhart
Synopsis, Content/Trigger Warnings & Book Review
Synopsis:
Chasing Blue is the second book in the eighteen-book Canterwood Crest series (only the first twelve feature Sasha Silver as the main character). To me, each Canterwood book feels like another episode of a binge-worthy horsey TV show. So far the pattern in each book has been mostly a mixture of studying, riding practice, and drama (friendship drama, boy drama, mean girl drama, you name it), with a big horse show and school dance at the end. Book number one, Take the Reins followed this pattern, and Chasing Blue is no exception. The show is regionals and the dance is the Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Soiree. We also get to meet Eric, the new transfer student! If I were to summarize the plot, it’s essentially Sasha being insecure and getting duped repeatedly.
Content / Trigger Warnings:
Sex: Middle school girls sit in the same chair with their boyfriends, occasionally hold hands. Sasha and Paige watch a movie that features a shirtless celebrity.
Violence: None.
Language: Oh my God/Thank God, etc.
Substances, Alcohol, Crime: None.
Spirituality: None.
Other: None.
Book Review:
The Boy Drama:
Look, I am SUCH an Eric stan. Eric is my ride or die and I’ll say that for the rest of TIME (yes, I’m way too invested in this series, LOL)! Quick spoiler for the end of the series: I’ve genuinely spent over half my life loving Eric as a character and I only wish him the best. Eric is so down bad for Sasha and that is the energy she DESERVES! The cliffhanger ending was so good, but Sasha, girl-- Jacob just doesn’t care enough about Sasha to stand up to Heather or be that involved in the relationship.
The Callie Drama:
Callie acts super weird in this one and her relationship with Sasha begins to crumble. My current theory is that it’s because she likes Jacob, not Eric. I can’t remember if I remember this from when I last read it eight years ago or if I’m just a genius. But maybe I’m wrong and Callie likes both Eric andJacob. Callie is a bit of a snake, I’m calling it now. Obvi they’re gonna make up eventually but it’s awful to pretend to be someone’s friend when you’re not.
The Heather Drama:
Heather and Sasha’s relationship went through a lot of ups and downs in this book, but the ups made me so happy. I really, really want them to be friends. I adore Heather with my whole heart. She is so genuinely herself and is the best rider at the school.
Sasha’s Goals:
Sasha mentions in Chasing Blue that in the future she wants to both audition for a movie and run her own breeding and training farm. I wish these goals had been mentioned earlier and played more a part in her character arc. I’m curious to see if they come up again in later additions to the series. Sash made a school film in this book and she barely seemed to like it, so the movie part came out of nowhere to me.
Everything Else:
-All of the characters act like them returning from winter break is the HUGEST deal ever. But, considering their age (all of them are twelve), it’s understandable.
-Isn’t it weird that in the last book Sasha and Jacob watched Titanic in film class? Maybe I remember wrong, but weren't there several sex scenes and the part where Rose gets naked? These details weren’t mentioned in the book, I was just wondering about how appropriate this would be to show to students in the narrative.
-I find it unrealistic that Paige is cooking so much. Where is she getting all of the containers for the food? Who is eating all these dishes? How much is being wasted? Who is buying all of the ingredients? She’s making dozens of recipes several times each. It’s insane.
-My favorite character? That random eighth grader at the ball who wore a fedora “jauntily” (My favorite character is actually Heather).
-When did Callie get all that info about Jacob in the final scene? I didn’t understand the pacing there.
-I’m not sure if I’ll continue the series once I get to Lauren, but until then I’m SAT.
5 stars.
Lip Glosses Mentioned:
We got way less lip gloss mentions in this one :( sad face
-Bonnie Bell Dr Pepper
-Mint
-Lemon
-Strawberry shortcake
-Bonnie Bell cookie dough shine
-Shiny clear gloss
Synopsis, Content/Trigger Warnings & Book Review
Synopsis:
Chasing Blue is the second book in the eighteen-book Canterwood Crest series (only the first twelve feature Sasha Silver as the main character). To me, each Canterwood book feels like another episode of a binge-worthy horsey TV show. So far the pattern in each book has been mostly a mixture of studying, riding practice, and drama (friendship drama, boy drama, mean girl drama, you name it), with a big horse show and school dance at the end. Book number one, Take the Reins followed this pattern, and Chasing Blue is no exception. The show is regionals and the dance is the Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Soiree. We also get to meet Eric, the new transfer student! If I were to summarize the plot, it’s essentially Sasha being insecure and getting duped repeatedly.
Content / Trigger Warnings:
Sex: Middle school girls sit in the same chair with their boyfriends, occasionally hold hands. Sasha and Paige watch a movie that features a shirtless celebrity.
Violence: None.
Language: Oh my God/Thank God, etc.
Substances, Alcohol, Crime: None.
Spirituality: None.
Other: None.
Book Review:
The Boy Drama:
Look, I am SUCH an Eric stan. Eric is my ride or die and I’ll say that for the rest of TIME (yes, I’m way too invested in this series, LOL)! Quick spoiler for the end of the series: I’ve genuinely spent over half my life loving Eric as a character and I only wish him the best. Eric is so down bad for Sasha and that is the energy she DESERVES! The cliffhanger ending was so good, but Sasha, girl-- Jacob just doesn’t care enough about Sasha to stand up to Heather or be that involved in the relationship.
The Callie Drama:
Callie acts super weird in this one and her relationship with Sasha begins to crumble. My current theory is that it’s because she likes Jacob, not Eric. I can’t remember if I remember this from when I last read it eight years ago or if I’m just a genius. But maybe I’m wrong and Callie likes both Eric andJacob. Callie is a bit of a snake, I’m calling it now. Obvi they’re gonna make up eventually but it’s awful to pretend to be someone’s friend when you’re not.
The Heather Drama:
Heather and Sasha’s relationship went through a lot of ups and downs in this book, but the ups made me so happy. I really, really want them to be friends. I adore Heather with my whole heart. She is so genuinely herself and is the best rider at the school.
Sasha’s Goals:
Sasha mentions in Chasing Blue that in the future she wants to both audition for a movie and run her own breeding and training farm. I wish these goals had been mentioned earlier and played more a part in her character arc. I’m curious to see if they come up again in later additions to the series. Sash made a school film in this book and she barely seemed to like it, so the movie part came out of nowhere to me.
Everything Else:
-All of the characters act like them returning from winter break is the HUGEST deal ever. But, considering their age (all of them are twelve), it’s understandable.
-Isn’t it weird that in the last book Sasha and Jacob watched Titanic in film class? Maybe I remember wrong, but weren't there several sex scenes and the part where Rose gets naked? These details weren’t mentioned in the book, I was just wondering about how appropriate this would be to show to students in the narrative.
-I find it unrealistic that Paige is cooking so much. Where is she getting all of the containers for the food? Who is eating all these dishes? How much is being wasted? Who is buying all of the ingredients? She’s making dozens of recipes several times each. It’s insane.
-My favorite character? That random eighth grader at the ball who wore a fedora “jauntily” (My favorite character is actually Heather).
-When did Callie get all that info about Jacob in the final scene? I didn’t understand the pacing there.
-I’m not sure if I’ll continue the series once I get to Lauren, but until then I’m SAT.
5 stars.
Lip Glosses Mentioned:
We got way less lip gloss mentions in this one :( sad face
-Bonnie Bell Dr Pepper
-Mint
-Lemon
-Strawberry shortcake
-Bonnie Bell cookie dough shine
-Shiny clear gloss
July 30, 2022
Personally, I think the books lack imagination. Most of it was about a Valentines day dance and romance, horses being a fallback plot. Sasha is just too perfect for my liking- perfect hair, clothes, horse and she was bummed that she got a second place rosette in a competition. The plot is very simple too, a nervous wreck goes to a new school, makes friends and enemies, falls in love and gets into the advanced team. Tbh, I don't understand how she even made it into that team. She acts like the 'perfect' little rider, when really she messes up her riding when thinking about boys etc. Although this occurs in the other books, most of this book was about Jacob and new boy Eric. In the rest of the series, Jacob is so stupid and turns into a jerk and Sasha is the same old same old, 'perfect' dull, doormat.
I gave this four stars, only because I love Charm and how he comforts Sasha. It is also a sweet way to introduce younger readers to equestrian fiction and longer-ish books. (Please keep in mind that these books are for 9/12 year olds, which I think is personally quite stupid as throughout the series loads more romance kicks in and too much drama.) Happy reading (i hope) and good luck, because you'll need it to stop your eyes closing!
I gave this four stars, only because I love Charm and how he comforts Sasha. It is also a sweet way to introduce younger readers to equestrian fiction and longer-ish books. (Please keep in mind that these books are for 9/12 year olds, which I think is personally quite stupid as throughout the series loads more romance kicks in and too much drama.) Happy reading (i hope) and good luck, because you'll need it to stop your eyes closing!
December 22, 2022
This is only book 2 in the series, but I already can't wait to get to the next ones (although I will have to because I'm away for the next few months and didn't think to bring book 3 because I was sure I wouldn't have time to get to this one).
I loved this story, and I'm glad I finally found a book about horses that I enjoy. I will for sure read this around June of next year. Maybe sooner. I'll see what my TBR for the next few months will look like soon enough.
This book, this series, is recommended by me, and I'm sure by many others considering the rating...
I loved this story, and I'm glad I finally found a book about horses that I enjoy. I will for sure read this around June of next year. Maybe sooner. I'll see what my TBR for the next few months will look like soon enough.
This book, this series, is recommended by me, and I'm sure by many others considering the rating...
July 6, 2024
3.75/5⭐️
Again, nostalgic. And again, I’m rating this taking into consideration that it’s middle grade. I’m 24–of course this wouldn���t be a 4 star read if it was geared for readers my age, but—similar to the first book—I loved this when I was in middle school.
Sasha boomerangs between thinking people hate her, between her opinion of guys, etc. I think I have whiplash. But this is right on the nose for a middle schooler’s diary and what they’d write in it. So 3.75⭐️ for what it is. I liked the first book better, thus the reason this rating is slightly lower.
Also, Eric <3
Again, nostalgic. And again, I’m rating this taking into consideration that it’s middle grade. I’m 24–of course this wouldn���t be a 4 star read if it was geared for readers my age, but—similar to the first book—I loved this when I was in middle school.
Sasha boomerangs between thinking people hate her, between her opinion of guys, etc. I think I have whiplash. But this is right on the nose for a middle schooler’s diary and what they’d write in it. So 3.75⭐️ for what it is. I liked the first book better, thus the reason this rating is slightly lower.
Also, Eric <3
March 24, 2019
I read this whole series in year 7 and I thought it was the best thing ever and now I'm rereading it hmmmm....
hahaha omg it's so dramatic and dumb to me now lol, such young drama. I could obviously relate as a year 7 as the characters are also in year 7 but as an adult, it's all so stupid tbh but realllyyyyy funny. But I looove the characters and their horses, which are well written. It's just super funny to read, love it
hahaha omg it's so dramatic and dumb to me now lol, such young drama. I could obviously relate as a year 7 as the characters are also in year 7 but as an adult, it's all so stupid tbh but realllyyyyy funny. But I looove the characters and their horses, which are well written. It's just super funny to read, love it
June 13, 2018
Here’s the deal - I like the idea and am interested in the story, but this kind of drama in seventh grade is too much. If this were set in high school or even better, college, maybe, but then it would probably get into stuff I wouldn’t like to read. Anyway, I’m not actively reading this series. Not to say I’ll never read more, but it’s not really my thing.
March 18, 2021
I’ve read the Canterwood Crest series many times and I saw it at the library and I just had to read it again. This series is amazing, the cliffhangers at the end of each book will leave you begging for more. The plot is clear and easy to understand, and the characters are well written and sympathetic.
May 7, 2024
This series is so good. I love all of them but I’m not sure it was as good as the first. If you like drama and a sweet young romance, then this was made for you. I love listening to and watching drama so I love for this. It is also really relatable because the main character has a lot of realistic problems. 4.5 stars
February 23, 2021
Greatly enjoyed all the horse parts - the girls have to compete against another school so they've got to bond as a team, which isn't quite a picnic when all of them are so different.
Four stars because the teenage boy drama was a bit much for me but a very enjoyable series nonetheless.
Four stars because the teenage boy drama was a bit much for me but a very enjoyable series nonetheless.
April 16, 2018
it was good and it is very interesting
March 23, 2020
I think this book was great. I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
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