The A Circuit

Author: Georgina Bloomberg and Catherine Hapka

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Pages: 239

Summary:  Zara, Tommi, and Kate are three very different girls with one thing in common- they are exceptional equestrians.  At Pelham Stables, only the best of the best riders make the show jumper circuit, a prestigious honor above all else.  Born with a silver spoon in her delicate mouth, Tommi is accustomed to riding the best horses, wearing the most expensive gear, and getting virtually anything she wants.  Anything, that is, except her politician father's blessing to pursue a career as a profession  equestrian.  On the opposite end of the spectrum lies Kate, a blue collared beauty who works hard for every minute she spends in the saddle.  Unlikely friends, Tommi and Kate bond over their passion for the sport, and their mutual dislike for stable newcomer, Zara Trask.  A certified barn brat and spoiled daughter of rock star musician Zack Trask, her recent move from L.A to the East Coast brings plenty of unwanted attention from the paparazzi.  Meanwhile, Kate has caught the sights of resident hottie Fitz Hall, a notorious player and the only male jumper in the Pelham show circuit.  In the highly competitive world of show jumping, will these girls be able to put aside the drama and band together in time for the big event?

Review: Georgina Bloomberg makes the transition from equestrian to author with grace and ease, infusing bits of her high class world into this novel about the A circuit of show jumping.  With the help of co-author Catherine Hapka, Bloomberg crafts an imaginary luxury stable whose inhabitants are as different as night and day.  Unfortunately, as likeable as this cast of characters may be, they have a tendency to fall into clichés.  There's Kate, the hard working poor girl with a heart of gold; Zara, the spoiled celebutante; and rich girl Tommi.  However, Bloomberg makes a point to put parts of herself into each girl, making their unusual friendship work.  This novel features all of the horse terminology and barn time that horse enthusiasts will appreciate, and the juicy gossip that hooks fans of books like The A List.   This Gossip Girl-esque drama is an ideal combo for anyone who loves horses and YA catty female fiction, I expect great things from Georgina in the near future.