THE SHOWDOWN

Young competitive rider Abby faces social media bullying from an equestrian rival as she grapples with the consequences of a mistake that haunts her.

In this sequel to Sweet & Bitter Rivals (2023), Abby continues to struggle with her new stepfamily, especially when stepsister Emery doesn’t stand up for her after classmate Nina distributes a video showing Abby in a negative light. When her dad can’t make it to the competition she’s been diligently preparing for because of work, she is devastated, believing his career has yet again taken priority over her. Seeing Emery’s mom, who is Abby’s stepmom, is painful, as Abby laments the absence of her own mother from her life. Her spirits brighten when she starts crushing on Mila, the cute new girl auditioning for the team. Meanwhile, the conflict with archnemesis Nina continues to intensify, leading to an argument at the meet that goes viral on TikTok and may have a destructive effect on the whole team. The book ends with a bit of a cliffhanger, setting readers up for the next volume. Abby and Mila are White; the previous book established that Abby’s two best friends are Black and Korean. Abby’s father ultimately plays a supportive role in her journey. Though slow paced at times, this story holds appeal as it deftly explores middle school family and friendship challenges.

A quick and appealing read focusing on second chances.