Top Ten Tuesdays: Favorites Series

 This week's topic is all about finished favorite series. Here are some YA series.

For me a series is five books or more. 

We did this topic 15 years ago, take a look at my thought then. I have a number of series I'm still reading.

Princess Diaries 

The Selection

Throne of Glass series 

Gallagher Girl series 

Vampire Academy and the spin-off Bloodlines 

Angus Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging 

Grave Mercy 

I feel like I'm missing some. There are so many great trilogies and 4 book sets, but not as many finished series that I've read.

Middle Grade:

Canterwood Crest

Lightning Thief 

What kinds of series books do you read?

Author Interview: Jessica Burkhart

 

I'm so excited to be talking with Jessica Burkhart today. 

I loved her Canterwood Crest series and I was so happy to learn about the Saddlehill Academy books.

Currently there are four books out in the series AND I will tell you that there are mentions of Canterwood Crest characters! 

Read my reviews of all four books here. 

How many books could there be in the series?

Right now, I’m contracted for four books, but if readers pick it up and it sells well, there could be more. I’m hopeful there will be, but I don’t have any answers yet about the series continuing. It’s sad not to know already because with Canterwood, there were 20 books, and that’s what I’d hoped for Saddlehill Academy. But I’m afraid pushback from some bigots about the main character being queer in a sport that’s historically been incredibly straight and white has impacted the sales. Plus, It’s a really rough climate to be writing LGBTQ+ middle-grade novels. 

Still, I hope there will be additional novels, and I’ll write as many more as my publisher wants! 

I hope there are many more because I NEED to know what happens next! 

How much fun was it to go back to the Canterwood Crest characters?

So. Much. Fun. It’s a lovely blast from the past to see these characters that I’ve lived with in my head for so long. They’re all adults (!) now, which is wild. Returning to Canterwood Crest and some of my favorite characters has been a dream, and I hope OG Canterwood readers are having fun with their cameos in Saddlehill!

I am loving hearing about favorite characters. 

Is it hard or fun to write a mean girl scene? And why?

It’s…shockingly easy for me. I don’t know what that says about me as a person, haha. But I love writing mean girls and coming up with the sabotage and their arguments is such a fun part of the job. 

Are you the type of person who holds a grudge? 

Not usually, no. If a person wrongs me and apologizes, I’ll typically give them another chance. Most of my mean girls in Canterwood and Saddlehill sure do hold grudges, though! 

How do you come up with all the wonderful ideas for the drama?

 

I try to ask myself “what’s the worst that could happen?” within the framework of a scene and go from there. I pull ideas from media I’ve consumed and then put my own spin on them to fit the scene. 

The drama is so good. I never want to put these books down. 

Thank you so much for interviewing me, Jen! And happy Pride Month to all! 

Happy Pride everyone! 

Top Ten Tuesday: If You a Fan

 This week's topic is if you're a fan of X. I'm choosing horse books as my X because I'm SUPER EXCITED that Jessica Burkhart has a new book coming out on May 30th.

If you're waiting for it like me, here are some books you might want to read in the meantime.

Obviously the Canterwood Crest series

Children's Books:

Graphic Novels:

Middle Grade:

YA:

Old School Children's Book:

Tween Tuesday Review: Home for Christmas

 * Final book in the Canterwood Crest series *

LT convinced her best friends to join her in Union, CT to help retired racehorses find a new home. Even her non-riding friends are coming too. She hopes this Christmas will be magical from the decorations to helping others to enjoying the holidays with her friends - LT can't wait.

Sasha had the time idea for her friends. They run into Lauren and Company at Briar Creek Stables. At first, it's a little awkward between the two groups, but soon the tension disappears. Sasha's dedicated to helping find new homes for the horses but she's also happy to show her friends and her boyfriend her hometown. 

My Thoughts: I love the dueled perspective of this book as I"m always happy to read more Sasha. While I'm sad that the series is over, I LOVED it. I loved learning more about horse-riding and competitions. I loved the bond of the friendships formed -and sometimes how they didn't start off as friends. I loved that they all spent the holidays together helping a cause that they strongly believe in. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: My Library

Tween Tuesday Review: Famous

 *Book 18 in the Canterwood Crest series*

Lauren's BFF from home surprised her by transferring to Canterwood.  Now both Brielle and Taylor will be at school with her. Lauren's beyond happy. Brielle's rooming with Clare and things couldn't be better.

Until Clare catches Brielle acting strange. She mentions it to Lauren, but Lauren dismisses it. Clare mentions her fears to Khloe. Khloe talks to her roommate until Lauren has no choice but to bring it up with Brielle.

What she learns changes EVERYTHING. Now, Lauren's shell-shocked and buries herself in school work and riding. There's a new girl from Sweden who could rule the upcoming riding competition. Can LT get her emotions under control in time for the competition? 

My Thoughts: This is the last book that take places at Canterwood before the Super Special that ends the entire series. It's set up perfectly for the next book, which will take place in LT's hometown. I loved the ending of this book and the moment between Lauren and Sasha Silver. I liked the addition to Brielle to the group - even though it forced Lauren to work through some major issues. I wasn't all that surprised when the secret came out, but she handled it pretty well.  As sad as I am that this series will be ending, I can't wait to read the final book!

Cover Thoughts: Amazing as always
Source: My Library

Tween Tuesday Review: Jealousy

 *  Canterwood Crest Series #17 *

**Tween Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted at GreenBeanTeenQueen to highlight great reads for tweens. Join the fun! **

LT had the surprise of her life at her masquerade birthday bash when an old friend from home showed up. LT wasn't expecting her ex-boyfriend. She certainly wasn't expecting to hear that he's a new student at Canterwood Crest. 

Even though they broke up, Taylor and LT have done their best to remain friends. LT doesn't want to that to change, but neither does she want to make her new relationship with Drew strained.

On top of all her relationship drama, she's dealing the pressure of Parents Weekend, horse lessons, Khloe's play, and her own performance. Can't a girl catch a drama free moment?

My Thoughts: I adore this series, it's fresh, funny, and full of relationship and friendship drama. The last book ended on a wicked cliff hanger as does this book. While this installment of the addictive series centers around boy drama, LT and Khloe have their bonding moments. I love how loyal these girls are to each other and how their friendship has become so close in such a short time.  I can't wait to see what happens next when LT's worlds collide.

Cover Thoughts: Charming - as usual
Source: My Library

Teen Book Character's Outfits

Earlier in the year, the Otis Library hosted a contest on Pinterest, posting pins of character's outfits from Polyvore. I've made several of these and quite enjoy it. I hope to start making more. In the mean time, here's a look at the ones I created.

Bright Young Things 

Hermoine Granger 

Lauren Towers 

Princess Mia

If you want to see more from the board - check it out. If you want to make your own and be added to the board, let me know!

Tween Tuesday Review: Masquerade

**Tween Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted at GreenBeanTeenQueen to highlight great reads for tweens. Join the fun! **   

* #16 in the Canterwood Crest Series*

Lauren can't wait to turn 13 on Halloween. Not only is it her favorite time of year, but she'll finally be a teen. Plus Khloe and their friends are planning a massively awesome party. Lauren and Khloe decide to make the party glam by creating a formal masquerade. 


Before the night of the big party, LT has to finish her first competitive horse showing with Whisper, continue working hard during lessons, keep up with her studies, start running with Drew, and have time for a little bit of fun.


She also has a secret wish for her birthday - a kiss from a certain boy. Will her birthday wish be granted?

My Thoughts: Holy Cliff Hanger Ending!  I'm addicted to this series for the drama, the friendship, the horses, and small doses of romance. I love how Khloe plans the party, with LT knowing some details, but also surprised her with others. I love the idea of the party. Mostly, I just love the characters, including the horses, and following their lives. I can't wait to read the next installment!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Up Next: Jealousy out Feb 19th

 

Tween Tuesday Review: Comeback

 * Book 15 in the Canterwood Crest series*
**Tween Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted at GreenBeanTeenQueen to highlight great reads for tweens. Join the fun! ** 

Lauren and Khloe have been having doubts about their relationship. They've both gone to their mutual friend Lexa for advice. Lexa makes them sit in a room and share their feelings. She's not letting them out until they solve their issues. Lauren and Khloe start talking, seriously talking about the things that hurt them and explanations of their past events. Together they make sense of the situation and swear not to jump to conclusions and jeopardize their friendship again.
Now, Lauren needs to start focusing on the upcoming show. Now that she has her school work under control and her friendships sorted out, she needs to spend quality time with Whisper.  Will she and Whisper be ready for their first event together?

My Thoughts: I'm addicted to this series. I love the moments between Whisper and Lauren. I really like reading about their time together before class. I enjoy reading about the classes. It makes me want to go horseback riding myself! I find their time together fascinating. 
I love the friendship drama and seeing the girls become closer. I like the moments between Drew and Lauren - they're sweet. I'm happy to see Lauren regaining her confidence and taking a new stand at what it means to compete with horses.

Cover Thoughts: Fabulous (as always)
Source: My Library

Tween Tuesday Review: Popular

Tween Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted at GreenBeanTeenQueen to highlight great reads for tweens. Join the fun!  

* book 14 in the Canterwood Crest series *

Lauren Towers needs to come clean about her past. She's not the same girl. She's grown both as a person and as a rider. However, now that her secret's out, she must deal with the consequences.

Mostly everyone's ok with her news. After all, she's only been at Canterwood Crest for a week. Most people wait longer than that to spill their deepest darkest secrets.

The one person who's still acting strange is Khloe. Khloe says she's fine, but something feels off. Could she secretly be mad at Lauren? Could their relationship be in jeopardy? Lauren doesn't know what she's do if she didn't have Khloe's friendship!

My Thoughts: Oh - those pesky cliff hangers! 


I'm so addicted to this series for the friendship drama, the small touches of romance, the fashion, and most of all, the horses. I love reading about riding classes, training with the horses, and even grooming the horses.


I like how Lauren handled the situation. I admire how she explained to her friends and also to the rest of her teammates. She made it clear that she puts riding for fun and her horse first and foremost. Competition comes second.


I loved Drew and Lauren's first date. It was simply perfect! I can't wait to see how their relationship progresses. 


I enjoyed delving deeper into Lauren and Khloe's relationship. They bonded really quickly, but it seems as though there's some cracks in the foundation of their friendship. 


Can't wait to read more about Lauren and Khloe as well as Lauren's first showing since her accident.


Cover Thoughts: Fabulous


Source: my Library


Fun Fact: Jessica once again mentioned me in the acknowledgments! How sweet is that?


Up Next: Comeback - out August 7th

Pinterest: I created this Lauren Towers pin:
 http://pinterest.com/pin/147281850284155380/

Tween Tuesday Review: Initiation

Lauren was so excited at being accepted into Canterwood Crest - now that she's here, she's nervous about fitting in. She has doubts the moment she meets her new roommate.

Quickly, she learns that her roommate's first words were an act. Khloe quickly becomes her new BFF and tour guide. She helps Lauren navigate through the buildings and more importantly the stables.

Soon, Lauren's meeting new friends. While she loves the social aspect of Canterwood, she still has her placement test to take.

One girl Lauren meets keeps trying to intimidate her. Lauren's not falling for Riley's mind games. She'd sooner not hang out with Riley at all, but she doesn't have much choice. Lauren's not about to become a doormat. She's not going to change. She's not ready to share her secret.

Can Lauren survive at Canterwood - with all the classes and homework, the riding lessons, and friendship drama. Will the pressure become too much for her to handle?

My Thoughts: I love Lauren's first few days at Canterwood! I loved getting to a whole new group of girls. I love the fashion and room descriptions. Canterwood seems like a cozy school - it makes me want to apply. I love how this new set of girls is so different than Sasha Silver's friends. I love how this new chapter continues and I can't wait to read more about Lauren Towers, especially after the cliff hanger ending!

Cover Thoughts: Cute!

Source: My Library

Fun Fact: Check the post here about my surprise inside the book!

Up Next: Popular - out May 1st - Luckily it's not long to wait until this one comes out

A Special Thank You

goes out to Jessica Burkhart. She's the author of the Canterwood Crest series, which I adore. They're such addicting books and I'm so happy they come out every few months because it's hard waiting for the next installment.

Yesterday I opened my the book on my lunch break. Isn't the cover gorgeous? I adore these covers



It just came up from the processing department. As always, as soon as the book has been ordered and the record made, I placed a hold on it. That way it comes to me first!

I opened the book and read the acknowledgements. I don't always do this, but sometimes it's really fun to see who's thanked in putting a book together. Imagine my surprise when I saw:

THANK YOU JESSICA FOR MAKING MY DAY, YOU'RE SUPER SWEET!!!
And I hope that one day, we'll meet.

I'm still reading the book, but so far, it's Fabulous! Look for a review soonish

Cover Reveal: Popular

This is the 3rd book in the Lauren Town series (or 15 in the Canterwood Crest series) It comes out May 1, 2012

I really LOVE this series - and all the covers are gorgeous!

Have you read them yet?

Tween Tuesday Review: Chosen

Lauren loves riding - again.

She's had a hard time adjusting after her massive fall. Her family's moved to Connecticut - the home town of Sasha Silver. Lauren starts riding at Sasha's old stable with Kim. Kim's helping her regain her confidence and love of riding.

With Kim's support, Lauren applies to Canterwood Crest. She has no idea if she's good enough to be accepted. She's not sure she wants to give up her two BFFs or her amazing boyfriend. While she waits for the answer, she's going to try to enjoy life as best as she can.

My Thoughts: The start of a new era with Lauren. While she made an appearance at the end of Unfriendly Competition, Chosen is a prequel to her days at Canterwood Crest. I liked hearing about her life before boarding school and the pressures of life versus riding. I can't wait to see how she adjusts to life at Canterwood.

Cover Thoughts: Love it - as usual

Source: My Library

Up Next: Initiation - out in December

Review: Unfriendly Competition

When the headmistress of Canterwood Crest calls Sasha, Julia, Alison, and Heather into her office, they have no idea why they're signaled out. They soon discover the hp address for the blog is coming from one of their dorm rooms.

If one of them doesn't come forward with the truth about writing the blog - they will all be expelled within the week.

Sasha's dumbfounded. She can't believe one of the trio is writing the blog, especially when the blog writes up a nasty post about her talking with Eric. She's trying to not to focus on the blog and enjoy things.

She's loving her time with Jacob, getting along with the trio, enjoying her new roommate, attempting to heal the friendship with Paige, and doing her best with riding.

My Thoughts: The end of the series featuring Sasha. As usual, I loved the book. However, I didn't feel like the title/summary meshed well with the book. There's not much discussion of the new girl until the end of the book. While I hate saying goodbye to Sasha, I'm curious to see where Lauren will take Canterwood Crest. Plus I feel like we're leaving Sasha in a great place right now.

Cover Thoughts: I love the covers of this series - they're beautiful and eye catching and just perfect.

Source: My Library.

Up Next: Sasha passes the torch to Lauren - coming in May

Review: Elite Ambition

*Warning: as this book is 10th in the series, it will contain plot spoilers of the previous books. Stop reading if you haven't read the series and want to do so*

Sasha and Heather return from their fall break. Sasha's nervous about talking to Jacob after she's found out Heather's been e-mailing him pretending to her Sasha all week. Still, she can't deny her feelings for Jacob. She goes to meet him and to discover if they can slowly take a chance on dating each other.

Sasha's also uneasy about her relationship with Paige after their fight and her refusal to talk with Paige during vacation. Although they apologize to each other, there's still tension in the room. As time goes on, Sasha just wants things to return to normal with her BFF. Something's lurking beneath the surface. Will they actually hash out their feelings?

Sasha's trying not to get caught up in all the drama as she focuses on riding. There's a new girl in the YENT lessons. Sasha really likes Brit, they get along great and have fun hanging out together. Sasha knows what it's like to be the new girl and she's more than happy to have a new friend.

Can Sasha finally relax and focus on her riding or will her friendship drama reach a boiling point and cause her to mess up everything?

My Thoughts: I'm so addicted to this series and the cliff hanger endings make me want the next book immediately.

The Cover: Amazing, I love all of them in this series.

Source: My Library

Review: City Secrets

*INCLUDED SPOILERS FROM PREVIOUS BOOKS*

After Sasha and Paige's massive fight, Sasha decides to spend break with Heather in New York. Sasha relates her fight with Paige to Heater - including the worst comment from Paige. Sasha still can't believe that Paige could be so cruel. She knows they both need some cooling off time.

The first night they have dinner with Heather's parents. It's a disaster. Sasha can't believe how parents could act so cold and uninterested. After dinner, the two relax with a movie.

Over the next few days, they shop, eat at amazing places, explore the city, and continue with their riding. Sasha loves seeing New York City through Heather's eyes. They aren't best friends, Heather still orders Sasha around and makes snarky comments, but the comments have changed from hurtful to snarky.

Before Sasha knows it, it's almost time to go back to Canterwood. Will she be able to work out her issues with Paige?

My Thoughts: I love this series, but I hate (love) how each book ends leaving me drooling for the rest of the story. I love seeing this new side of Heather and her home life. It makes me understand her a little better.

The Cover: It's very cute - but I didn't see this scene in the book

Source: Inter-Library Loaned