I like them as well… I agree about Kate, it’s like she refuses to be happy no matter what is going on. We all know someone like that IRL.
I read the most recent one, but I feel like less and less happens over the course of each successive book. Not a huge fan after #3.
As someone already pointed out, a LOT of work goes into writing a book (I’m an author). But that being said, Georgina doesn’t write this series, nor was it her desire to write books. She was approached for the job and she’s the ‘technical expert’, so to speak, and as such I think she’s done quite a good job of describing the types of events and personalities you’d come across in those circles. The actual writing is done by Catherine Hapka, author of several horse-related novels.
I was in talks with Bloomsbury about my own book when they signed Georgina/Catherine. I got another publisher since Bloomsbury felt the novels were “too similar” to share a house, although I beg to differ, LOL!! I think to a publisher anything with a horse in it gets lumped into the same category 
[QUOTE=chillydc;6809231]
I like them as well… I agree about Kate, it’s like she refuses to be happy no matter what is going on. We all know someone like that IRL.[/QUOTE]
Exactly. I just hate that she’s the only working student, makes us look bad! :lol:
They say, “Write what you know”. That seems to be the case here, albeit in novel form.
I have not read GB’s book, so no critique from me ( not based on a few pages). Jilly Coopers books are hard to beat. Jody Jaffee also penned a few books which kept you guessing about who was really who… and of course , for mystery fans who want theirs with a touch of horse, there’s Dick Francis and Rita Mae Brown at the head of the pack.
My favorite ‘adult’ horsey novel, though, isn’t set on the circuit, although parts of it touch on jumpers. It’s called 'Horse Heaven ', by Jane Smiley. Lots of characters (both equine and human) keep you busy but somehow it all comes together . I re-read it at least once a year and always discover something I missed the previous go-rounds. Long but a great read with characters you’d really like to know.
I tend to get so frustrated with the inaccuracies of horsey fiction books that I give up because its just not fun to read when you’re rolling your eyes every other page.
I read the first 10 or so pages of Georgina’s book and couldn’t get past the labeling. Abercrombie and fitch clothes, etc. Ugh.
Hey! I’ve been on this forum before but decided to make a new account because I may have forgotten my log-in information. Oops. 
My friend let me borrow her copy of “The A Circuit” and, even though I’m in the age group that the book was aimed at, I didn’t like it. There was too much drama and girls being witchy and fake for me. The girls at my school who read series such as “The Clique” might enjoy it, but I’ll just stick with my well-loved copies of “The Monday Horses” and “Valley of the Ponies”, thank ya very much 
I also enjoy Jean Smiley’s books and “The Eighty Dollar Champion” :yes:
I read the first two books and they were really interesting! Most of the stuff in it was pretty accurate! I didn’t notice very many typos and they drive my crazy when I’m reading! If I’m paying for a book, words should at least be spelled correctly!
[QUOTE=Purepony;6811900]
My favorite ‘adult’ horsey novel, though, isn’t set on the circuit, although parts of it touch on jumpers. It’s called 'Horse Heaven ', by Jane Smiley. Lots of characters (both equine and human) keep you busy but somehow it all comes together . I re-read it at least once a year and always discover something I missed the previous go-rounds. Long but a great read with characters you’d really like to know.:)[/QUOTE]
Love Horse Heaven. Actually Jane Smiley’s are usually reliably good and well written. Lots of delicately twisted storylines that keep you guessing 'til the end. You might also check out Barn Blind…
[QUOTE=Event4Life;6812120]
I tend to get so frustrated with the inaccuracies of horsey fiction books that I give up because its just not fun to read when you’re rolling your eyes every other page.
I read the first 10 or so pages of Georgina’s book and couldn’t get past the labeling. Abercrombie and fitch clothes, etc. Ugh.[/QUOTE]
Event4Life, I felt the same way on both points! Though I suppose it’s risky for me to be venturing an opinion, lol.
[QUOTE=Purepony;6811900]
They say, “Write what you know”. That seems to be the case here, albeit in novel form.
I have not read GB’s book, so no critique from me ( not based on a few pages). Jilly Coopers books are hard to beat. Jody Jaffee also penned a few books which kept you guessing about who was really who… and of course , for mystery fans who want theirs with a touch of horse, there’s Dick Francis and Rita Mae Brown at the head of the pack.
My favorite ‘adult’ horsey novel, though, isn’t set on the circuit, although parts of it touch on jumpers. It’s called 'Horse Heaven ', by Jane Smiley. Lots of characters (both equine and human) keep you busy but somehow it all comes together . I re-read it at least once a year and always discover something I missed the previous go-rounds. Long but a great read with characters you’d really like to know.:)[/QUOTE]
Now don’t get me sniffling over Justa Bob again… I love that book but it tears me up! Jane’s writing takes a bit of getting used to, but if you hang on for the ride it’s worth it. The dry humor cracks me up, and thank goodness, the “horse action” is accurately written. No patience with crappy horse writing!
Adore Dick Francis, have read every one. Now his son is doing a fine job carrying the torch. Also thoroughly enjoyed Jody’s semi-autobiographical works very much.
I read the first book in the A-Circuit series, and thought it quite good. It’s always fun when the technical details are spot-on, as I said. Also an interesting peek into an A show barn (never been part of one) and the life of a working student (never was one)!
[QUOTE=mgarzon;6810920]
I got another publisher since Bloomsbury felt the novels were “too similar” to share a house, although I beg to differ, LOL!! I think to a publisher anything with a horse in it gets lumped into the same category :)[/QUOTE]
It is interesting to me that your book, Blaze of Glory was considered too similar to A Circuit, I have read both and did not think they were similar at all (except that there were horses). Blaze of Glory was a lot more mature and seemed geared to a more mature audience. A Circuit, not as mature. I enjoyed both books a lot. The sequel to Blaze of Glory is next on my list Congrats on writing a good book!
I think you mentioned way back in the thread that Blaze of Glory was not originally going to focus on the romance aspect but more on the horse aspect? I would love to hear what the original plan was. So interesting to me that authors have to change the stories in such a fundamental way.
I haven’t read any of these books! I feel out of the loop! I will have to get them!
Has anyone else read The Girl Who Loves Horses and its sequel The Boy Who Loves Horses? I just finished them both and they were wonderful! Eventing-focused (I’m a dressage rider who occasionally jumps), but I think they would appeal to any English rider. I recommend them!
http://www.amazon.com/The-Girl-Who-Loves-Horses/dp/1478389516/ref=pd_sim_b_1
I see some people have mentioned Fiona Walker - love her. And also Jilly Cooper’s Riders - which was good, Polo was my favorite and she has the newish one - bought it as soon as it came out “Jump”, wasn’t as good as the other two, but still all her books and Fiona’s are my guilty pleasure. Its like Real Desperate Housewives of the Barn.
Would love for both of them to come out with something new and horsey! Or find a similiar type of writer!
I read the 3 A Circuit books in a day and a half. Embarrassing yes but they were addictive and quick. I’m curious as to what comes next!
mgarzon, I too enjoyed Blaze of Glory. Well done.
For any of you reading this and thinking about self-publishing, it’s certainly an option, especially with eBooks, but PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF DOG make sure you have someone proofread your books. Someone who is picky and not afraid to make you cry. Especially the last chapters, which always seems to be where the proofreaders run out of steam.
Unfortunately, even the major publishing houses are skimping on this step (was it Rita Mae Brown’s book where the cover blurb was for the wrong book altogether?)… but nothing makes a book seem unprofessional like editing, formatting, spelling, or severe continuity errors. And nothing will kill your book quicker than a comment about crappy editing in an Amazon review.
I love good horse fiction and am always happy to have new entrants. http://www.ponydom.com/books/index.html
I have read all of Dick Francis, Rita Mae Brown, and have read Jane Smiley’s Horse Heaven (she won the Pulitzer prize for “A Thousand Acres”. It wasn’t horsey though). The others, I haven’t read.
Are they romance novel types? I’m not interested in the “real housewives” sort of book.
[QUOTE=InWhyCee Redux;5637834]
“Having the last name Bloomberg sucks?” Oh, poor YOU, indeed.
I give credit to GB for being an excellent rider and following her dreams, but does she really think she’d be as successful as she is today if she had to beg, borrow, and steal to get her GP mounts?
Seriously, I know an heiress who hated her family name so much that she changed it, moved to “flyover country,” and got a job. That sounds like a better book, IMHO! ;)[/QUOTE]
I totally appreciate your point, but I think it must suck to be growing up and to have all your accomplishments blown off with, “Oh, of course the horse did all the work” or “it’s all daddy’s money” and to have all your failures be all about “Wow, how could you screw up with that expensive horse” or “I can’t believe she messed that up when she has all that money.”
IE: she probably rarely heard, “wow, you really earned that and did a great job” and felt like it was honestly meant.
So I’ll say it: she is a lovely rider and a credit to the sport.
I don’t think it’s quite as easy as it sounds to be a famous rich person’s daughter.
[QUOTE=chillydc;6815028]
It is interesting to me that your book, Blaze of Glory was considered too similar to A Circuit, I have read both and did not think they were similar at all (except that there were horses). Blaze of Glory was a lot more mature and seemed geared to a more mature audience. A Circuit, not as mature. I enjoyed both books a lot. The sequel to Blaze of Glory is next on my list Congrats on writing a good book![/QUOTE]
Chillydc and Poltroon, I’m so glad you enjoyed my book!!! Having them read by horsepeople is the real test
There was romance in the original manuscript for ‘Blaze’, but I had focused more heavily on Tea’s emerging talent as a rider, her training techniques, the kind of tack she favored… you know, all the stuff that, as my agent put it, “Will make the average reader’s eyes glaze over.” She wanted the book to appeal to a more mainstream audience, and I suppose she was right because I’ve noticed that many of the Amazon reviews say things like “I don’t know much about horses”. I suppose my agent/publisher felt the romance would be the ‘hook’ for the non-horsey set. They don’t understand that a relationship between horse and rider can be just as intimate and powerful as between two people. I personally agree that there wasn’t much similarity between Blaze and the A Circuit, but I guess to a non-rider they might seem similar.
On the plus side, since the first 2 books are doing well, I’m going to focus a bit more heavily on the riding in Book 3 There probably still won’t be much technical language, but we’ll follow the main character to more shows etc. Book 2, “Look Twice”, is a bit less horsey than the other 2.
In other news, the books got optioned for TV (excuse me while I jump around the room for a minute!!), and the producer is a long-time rider who was also involved in the creation of Heartland, so I’m hoping we’ll finally have an accurate, non-racing-related, non-Western, horse-based series on TV
