WHERE THERE'S SMOKE

A sixth grader deals with challenges stemming from her first crush and the threat of local wildfires near the horse ranch where her family lives.

Fans will enjoy seeing 11-year-old Carolina Aguasvivas, the ranch manager’s daughter, mature in this third series installment. Having learned valuable life lessons in the previous books, a self-aware Carolina is excited to welcome Rockwell Richards, the newest scholarship recipient, to the ranch’s riding program. But misunderstandings arise when Carolina unexpectedly develops a crush on Rockwell and isn’t sure how to act around him. Suddenly, Chelsie, the ranch owner’s daughter and one of Carolina’s closest friends, begins avoiding her and spending more time with bully Loretta, who makes fun of Rockwell for being chubby. Rockwell is very protective of his little brother who has Down syndrome and private about his life in general, making Carolina, who cares about him, feel guilty that she’s crossing the line between trying to get to know Rockwell better and gossiping to find out more about him behind his back. Meanwhile, dry conditions and an increasing number of local fires concern everyone. From accidentally burning cookies to inquiring about Rockwell’s school absence, it feels like any well-meaning act is capable of potentially sparking a destructive blaze. But, with kindness and a heartfelt desire to do the right thing, Carolina and her friends learn to own up to their mistakes and move forward together.

A touching, entertaining read about caring for others—human and horse alike.