Sweet & Bitter Rivals (1) (Saddlehill Academy) Paperback – May 30, 2023

It is so refreshing to see another LGBTQ middle grade equestrian series on the market! The writing is solid, and I loved the complexities of the relationships.I feel it is vitally important that youth see themselves in the stories they read. Additionally, it is equally essential that they be exposed to literature that embraces all walks of life. Understanding the view points of others breeds tolerance and love.Who doesn't want their child to come away with that? To have big, fierce hearts like Abby and her friends. The world would be a better place if we opened our minds and understanding to others.I for one cannot wait to introduce my daughters to the Saddlehill Academy world. Reading gay doesn't make you gay. Surprise!Queer. Here. Without fear. GO ABBY! (and Ms. Burkhart)#RepresentationMatters

As a huge fan of the Canterwood Crest series, I couldn't wait for Jessica Burkhart's newest series! Horse girl drama with some boarding school hijinks and family tension between step-sisters mixed in? Count me excited!Sweet and Bitter Rivals did not disappoint! What I love about Burkhart's characters is she allows her girls to be competitive and it's not a bad thing. Abby is such a fun character to follow as she's focused on proving herself after choking during her last competition. Her rivalries, friendships and bonds shine as she ferrets out a mystery and tries to work through her complicated family dynamics. If you've got a reader who loves drama, boarding schools or horses, this is a book for you! I can't wait for the next in the series!

After choking at the biggest competition of the year last season, Abby St.Clair has something to prove—to her team, to her dad, and to herself. Except this season, she's also dealing with a new stepsister (who may or may not be a better rider than her) and a string of mystery texts from someone trying to take her down.This is the first Jessica Burkhart book I've read, and it was *wonderful*. It was so easy to become fully immersed in Abby's life at Saddlehill Academy. This first book in the series has mean girls, a friend group you can't help but fall for, boarding school drama mixed with *competition*, and complicated family dynamics—and a dash of mystery! I adored it!! Highly, highly recommend!

My daughter and I LOVED all the previous books from this author (bought the entire set). Fantastic and fun read. Has horses, has young-relatable tween and teen drama, girls and boys dating/crushes, a boy is a “he” and girls are known as “she” as expected:)Sadly, this new book has strayed from the rest. I have nothing against “personal preference, or choice” in ones lifestyle. However, I feel the author should have given a better summary on the back so readers would know the storyline is nothing like the rest of her books. This one is geared toward LGBQT readers. None of her other books had they/them pronouns, gay characters, etc. The Character in this book is gay, and readers get zero warning of that until after they buy the book and start reading. As a parent I like to know what is inside the book before giving it to my child and this gave no indication of that. It was unexpected and disappointing as my daughter had loved the previous books. Will not be finishing this book, nor buying future books from this author…... But, I would absolutely recommend the previous set “Canterwood Crest” …..it was wonderful.

I’ve loved Jessica Burkhart’s writing since I was eight years old. Now I’m 23 and I’m a die hard fan still. Sweet and Bitter Rivals was so great, with enough references to Canterwood to make my heart super happy! Can’t wait for The Showdown🥺

About halfway through and i am LOVING this book! I grew up with Canterwood and I am loving that Jessica is back. the modern touches are funny and perfect to continue the story. Fantastic read for all ages ❤️

If you are passionate about horses, please read this book! I heard few people were complaining about this book because of the LGTBQA+ theme for a middle grade novel. I honestly don't think the author pushed it that hard and don't see this as an issue. I grew up reading Canterwood and looking back on that series I like how this book isn't as love relationship focused. In Canterwood, sometimes Sasha and Jacob's relationship seemed more of a high school relationship and not so much a middle schooler, which felt unrealistic back when I read it in middle school. Saddlehill is more real with the idea of having a blended family and dealing with the pressure of being your best. I absolutely loved the Canterwood series and used to clock down the days for its release. Now, 10+ years later I did the same with Saddlehill. I wish more equestrian books and TV shows like this existed. Jessica, I hope you never stop creating these beloved series!

This book pushing the LGBTQ agenda onto readers without any warning when this was not the case in the prior series - Canterwood Crest is very disappointing.Age range 9-13 - also not appropriate - was totally caught off guard when my daughter told me this after reading it…

Great new American horsey boarding school series from the author of the Canterwood Crest books, with added cross-over guest appearances from favourite CC characters - err, Sasha Silver! - and LGBT representation. Second book in the series has already been bought and the third is on pre-order. And absolutely gorgeous covers!