What a gorgeous book written by the very talented J.P Rose. I've read her previous book, Birdie and purchased it for the library, so was keen to read this.
Read Paddock Grove in one sitting, and what a bright read it was. Full of friendship and wonderful horses and ponies. The readers at my library have often asked for pony books so this series will be wonderful and very welcome. The writing was superb and drew me completely in, even though I've never been a rider but found myself wishing I was! The sense of place and friendships crackled with authenticity. The storyline was pacy and interesting with great characters. Tremendous fun with lots of emotion. It's certainly going to be a popular series.

J.P. Rose is one of the masters of making of a reader fall in love with a fictional animal. Still to this day I tell people about Birdie, and how much I adored her pit pony, and here I am to tell you how much affection I have for Bear. From liability to loveable rogue to hero, Bear stole my heart from his first adventure in the mud after George had spent so much time cleaning him. To make a reader fall in love with a character with no human voice is magical and J.P. Rose harnesses that magic effortlessly.
 
Whilst George is the protagonist of this novel, all four of the roommates at Paddock Grove shine flawlessly in this first novel as we get to know them. Katie is a great introduction into Paddock Grove and someone the reader can trust to guide them around this new environment alongside George. Lili’s the unserious one, or so Tabitha will have you believe, with a mystery of her own that unfolds throughout. And Tabitha is the cautious friend, but most importantly she is that… a friend. Her delivery and action may not always come across the best, but you can tell she has a massive heart. All four of them make this opener to this new Paddock Grove series so enjoyable, and I cannot wait to hear more from them as the series progresses!

One thing I must commend about this book is the storyline weaving. There’s one point in the book where I think there are five or more storyline strands in play and J.P. Rose delivers in such an air of brilliance that you don’t notice. You’re simply along for the adventure in Paddock Grove! Whilst not all of these are completely wrapped up by the end of the novel (it is a series after all!), they come to a wonderful conclusion that’ll have young readers happy and excited for the next release.
 
My final point is this… In basic terms… I wish Paddock Grove was real, and I could attend! The scenery described and showcased beautifully by @maxillustration on this majestic cover are divine, regal, and the type of school I’m certain all readers irrespective of age will be wishing they attended by the time they finished reading! Even though I cannot ride horses, my younger self would’ve found a way if it meant attending Paddock Grove!
 
All in all, this is an absolute fantastic opener to what’s certain to be a sensational equestrian series from J.P. Rose and a new shining star to add to Rose’s already dazzling bibliography! Perfect for all readers aged 8+, especially any animal lovers out there, this is the ideal adventure for those summer holidays on the horizon! So, while I go investigate time travel and horse-riding lessons, you should get preordering Paddock Grove: A Pony to Own!

What a lovely start to a series. Paddock Grove: A Pony to Own should go onto every pony mad child’s reading list. The story of Georgia (George) and her friends at a prestigious boarding school for riding is full of fun and hard work. The usual dynamics of a girl’s school come across well and the horses are gorgeous. How George learns to love Bear, her mischievous pony, is told beautifully. I highly recommend this to 9 to 12 year olds. I can’t wait to read the next one.

What a beautiful new series for young readers that love horses and adventure: perfect if TV ey are fans or spirit or unicorn academy. Highly enjoyed this lovely story and beautiful illustrations