Canterwood Crest - Background

Background

Burkhart was inspired by a combination of equestrian experience during her youth and a fondness for writing as she grew older. After much of her freelance work was published by numerous magazines, she entered 2006's National Novel Writing Month and completed a first draft of Take the Reins. In January 2007, a literary agent offered to read the story after viewing the author's blog. Burkhart was later signed by the agent, which eventually led to a four-book deal with Simon & Schuster.

While promoting the first novel, Burkhart maintained an online presence throughout 2008, blogging and vlogging with regard to the production of her work and the publishing process. In April, the author reported that photoshoots for her covers had been set in motion. By September, Burkhart had received an advance reader copy of Take the Reins while working on the subsequent novels.

In December, it was announced that an additional four novels would gradually follow the fourth book, Triple Fault. Later in the month, an online video trailer for Take the Reins was released, featuring photos of scenery and the character models. Trailers for other releases followed.

Sasha Silver- a girl who comes to Canterwood Crest. Sasha used to ride at The Union. She has a horse named Charm.

Callie Harper- Sasha's friend, who befriended Sasha in book one (Take the Reins). Before Callie started at Canterwood, she rode for the elite New England Saddle Club. She has a horse named Black Jack.

Heather Fox- a spitfire of a girl who dislikes Sasha at first, but begins to like her throughout the series. Leader of the clique called 'The Trio'. She has a horse named Aristocrat.

Julia Myer- 2nd member of 'The Trio'. Friendships come second to her, riding being the first. Her and Alison are somewhat "sidekicks" of Heather. She has a horse named Trix.

Alison Robb- 3rd member of 'The Trio'. She's very quiet, but she observes everyone and everything around her with great detail. Her and Julia are somewhat "sidekicks" of Heather. Alison is a lot kinder to Sasha and her friends than Julia. She has a horse named Sunstruck.

Paige Parker- another friend of Sasha. She is also Sasha's roommate. She loves to cook and wants to be on the Food Channel for Kids. She does not own a horse.

Jasmine King- a mean girl that Sasha and the Canterwood gang met one day at a show. She takes great delight in insulting students from Canterwood Crest. She has a horse named Phoenix.

Jacob- a boy that Sasha meets at Canterwod Crest. She has a very big crush on him. He is afraid of horses. Sasha dates him for a little bit.

Eric- another boy Sasha meets at Canterwood Crest. She also has a crush on him, and she dates him for awhile. He doesn't own a horse, but he always rides a horse that belongs to Canterwood Crest named Luna.