The Long Ride (Pine Hollow, Book 1)
Grade 6-8?This first installment in the "Pine Hollow" series picks up where "The Saddle Club" books (Bantam) left off and continues the adventures of the three best friends, who are now in high school. Carole is working at the Pine Hollow stables for the summer, and Lisa is preparing to visit her dad in California. Stevie has just gotten her driver's license and a job at Pizza Manor. The story focuses on their last few days together before Lisa leaves. They plan a last enjoyable ride before other responsibilities and activities take over. The arrival of Callie Forester and her spirited new horse changes that plan. Carole and Callie get off on the wrong foot and Lisa's attention seems to be more and more focused on her new boyfriend. Stevie is excited about her license and wants to drive anywhere, anytime. That enthusiasm, unfortunately, leads to a horrible accident one stormy night. Readers who want to continue their literary friendship with this group may find this installment in the girls' lives pleasant. There is, however, no strong tension or conflict in this book. In addition, the action is minimal. A supplemental purchase for libraries with high demand for horse stories.?Roxanne Burg, Thousand Oaks Library, CACopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.