A Star is Born by Sable Hamilton

Title: A Star is Born – Stardust Stables #1

Author: Sable Hamilton

Publisher: Stone Arch Books– Capstone Young Readers

Published March 2nd, 2015

Rating: 4/5

Thirteen year old Kami Cooper is staying at Stardust Stables for six weeks this summer. She was invited to do so by Lizzie Jones, one of the owners, who had spotted her winning a barrel racing contest. She’s going there to learn how to do stunt riding and is initially in awe of the riders there and their abilities. As she starts to makes new friends, learns how to do stunts (sometimes falling off and ‘eating dirt’ as she does so), Kami also has to overcome feelings of homesickness. With auditions and filming, meeting young film stars, a saboteur and travelling to new movie sets, nothing will be the same for Kami!

This is another great story, with strong characters, realistic interactions and, of course, horses! I have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who loves stories involving horses, stunt riders and teens, complete with egos, misunderstandings, fears and jealousy. The target audience is 9 to 12 years old but I know some younger – and older – readers who will relish immersing themselves in this story.

Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is available from a variety of sources including

amazon.co.uk    amazon.com     barnes and noble

If you enjoy stories like this, you may also be interested in Riding for the Stars by Maggie Dana  which I reviewed here in December: https://splashesintobooks.wordpress.com/2014/12/01/riding-for-the-stars/