This spinoff series from author Jessica Burkhart’s Canterwood Crest series follows seventh grader Abby St. Clair in her second year at an elite equestrian boarding school.
Abby isn’t sure how she feels, though, about her new stepsister Emery, who’s starting sixth grade at the school. Abby’s mother abandoned her and her father, and then he and Emery’s mother started dating. Emery is “not awful,” but is a clear reminder of Abby’s turbulent family life—and Emery just might be a better rider than Abby. Abby is determined to be the top rider on the circuit, however, and make her way to nationals.
But a leaked and altered video makes it look like Abby said some awful things about Emery, and throws their relationship into jeopardy. Meanwhile, Abby is trying to keep a lid on the secret that she accidentally cost another rival a shot at becoming team captain. Can she find out who made the video while also navigating the school’s competitive social circles? The story gives us lots of intrigue as well as details about the equestrian circuit; readers who love either will likely love this.
The book mentions in passing that Abby previously had a crush on a “cute girl” at her old stable, and one student at Saddlehill Academy uses they/them pronouns, but neither point forms a big part of the plot.
Abby and Emery are White; Abby’s two best friends are Black and Korean American, respectively.
