FIVE FALL FAVORITES Blog Hop Day 1: Vintage!

 

Hey everyone!  I'm excited to be participating in the Five Fall Favorites Blog Hop and Party, hosted by Rebekah A. Morris.  This is the first day, and I'll be posting all week through Saturday.  There are book reviews, recommended reading, fun themes, giveaways, and book sales going on all week, so make sure to follow along on Rebekah A. Morris' blog HERE!

Today's theme is VINTAGE!  AKA, books that are older, but not necessarily classic; books that are dear old friends.  With the crisp scent of fresh-picked apples wafting from the bushels we've picked for the party, let's settle down in the grass and check out some great books -- some of my favorite reads, in fact!  My choices actually come from an entire series, so I've listed them in order for your convenience.  You can click on each title in order to visit the Goodreads site.  To keep this post from getting too long, I'm not including the synopses for each book, but they're definitely worth checking out, especially for fans of realistic horse books.  (Gasp -- yep, it's realistic!  Equestrians, rejoice!) 

The Sweet Running Filly by Pat Johnson & Barbara Van Tuyl (Bonnie #1)

This is the first book in the series, and it follows the main character Julie as she dives from the life of an antique-store clerk who collects injured animals (including a racoon) while her father collects antiques, to being a horse owner -- and the mayhem that follows is nothing short of extraordinary.  As the main characters realize that the sickly filly Julie found at a tumbledown property is actually an incredibly well-pedigreed Thoroughbred whose former owners were deeply involved in a racing/insurance scandal, the stakes heat up quite a bit. Stakeouts, action, and a girl bent on saving her horse -- sounds like my kind of book.

And the interesting thing about this book is that it actually sheds light on some of the scandals that go on in the racing business.  It's crazy out there, folks.  This book is short and sweet; perfect for the fall weather (this whole series is, actually).  

A Horse Called Bonnie by Pat Johnson & Barbara Van Tuyl (Bonnie #2)

This is the next book in the series, following Julie and her horse Sunbonnet/Bonnie as they prepare for her racing debut.  This book is probably the slowest out of the whole series, but certainly no less gripping.  When another attempt to steal Sunbonnet rises, the gang has to get to the bottom of the mystery -- and fast.  By now, you're sure to fall in love with the characters.

Sunbonnet: Filly of the Year by Barbara Van Tuyl (Bonnie #3)

After a grueling race and an injury caused by a hateful jockey, which that threatens to put Sunbonnet's racing career on hold, Julie, Monty (her owner and Julie's lifelong friend), her jockey Beau, and the crew fight to achieve justice for Sunbonnet.   

  Meanwhile, Julie considers the idea that maybe Sunbonnet is better off as a broodmare out of the spotlight.  Again, this is another fascinating installment of the series, and it sheds light on some of the mean tricks folks are willing to commit in order to win a race, plus some of the devastating injuries that horses can suffer from thanks to racing.  By now, you'll also notice a distinct change in the chemistry of Julie and Monty's friendship, too -- and you'll definitely be cheering for the light, sweet side-plot romance.

Bonnie And the Haunted Farm by Barbara Van Tuyl (Bonnie #4)

Julie's attention is off of racing for now, as Sunbonnet recovers from her injuries in book 3, (plus, spoilers) - but that just means she's got more time to get in trouble.  While she contemplates starting an animal shelter, Monty gifts her a gorgeous stallion to work with -- and with the new neighbors taking over the Croydon farm, she decides to give jumping a try with her new stallion.  But not everything is as it seems with the mystery surrounding the Croydon farm and its new occupants, Dirk Markham and his sister, Alexis...and when accidents start piling up, Julie decides to get to the bottom of the mystery -- regardless of the peril.  

While this one isn't centered around racing, it's one of the more fast-paced stories in the series, and it definitely keeps you guessing.  Great suspense elements!  

The Betrayal of Bonnie by Pat Johnson & Barbara Van Tuyl (Bonnie #5)

Sunbonnet is finally back in the racing circuit -- but just as soon as she returns, she's flagged, along with Julie, Monty, and Beau, thanks to accusations of drug use.  It's a dangerous game to play in the racing world, but Julie's innocent -- and there's more going on below the surface.  After Julie suffers a tragic accident, Monty takes the reins on Sunbonnet's career and puts her in two more races, which they win easily...and again, they're flagged for drug use.  The third strike means that all of them are banned permanently from racing, and everyone begins to think that Monty's drugging Sunbonnet just so she wins and makes Julie happy.  Will their names be cleared in time, and will Julie recover?  Hands-down my favorite book in the series (aside from the first book, of course), and it keeps you turning pages right down to the wire.  

Basically, if you enjoy realistic horse books, you must read the Bonnie series by Barbara Van Tuyl.  I read these as a kid, but didn't discover the entire series until I was in my teens -- and my appreciation for all of them has only grown.  They're timeless, funny, gripping, page-turning, sweet, and the perfect addition to your shelves.  The original Signet versions are a bit harder to find, having been published in the 70s, but it seems as though they were re-released in the mid 2010s.  Plus, they're all very clean, very sweet books -- so they're great for all ages. 

(Also, I'm pretty sure that between Monty Everett is one of the original reasons why I'm still single.  Gotta hold out for that adorably awkward, caring, horse-loving dude, after all...hah.)

And as of right now, I learned that there is actually a sixth book in the series, which was published independently in 2013 by Van Tuyl.  I can honestly say that I haven't been that excited in a long time...so if you'll excuse me, I've got a book to order! 

AND *drum roll* there's also a giveaway associated with the blog hop!  Make sure to keep following along for details on how to enter the giveaway.  For now, though, here's a peek at the grand prize! 

And you can enter HERE! 


Do you plan on reading any of the Bonnie books?  What are some of your favorite "vintage" reads -- and what are some of your favorite animal books?