Shelby’s Season of Surprise
An Old Quarry Lake Farms Tale
by Marty Kay Jones

Shelby Simone is a regular city girl who is obsessed with horses. Even though she’s never really had a chance to spend time with horses, she’s been curious about all things horse since… forever!

When her parents’ jobs take them to a new small town in a rural area, Shelby’s life changes forever. Not only does she have to get used to a new way of life, but her parents have treated her to riding lessons at one of the best barns around.

Starting something new is scary, so Shelby has her hands full with a brand new activity, new friends, and a new school. While she experiences many challenges, Shelby discovers two very important things: Not only does she love horses just as much as she thought she would, but she’s found the best friends possible along the way.

Join Shelby and her friends Katherine, Rose, and Agate as they navigate pre-teen friendship and the challenges of riding. Share in their tears and triumphs as they learn about horses, friendships, and being a good friend.

This book is perfect for:

  • Girls ages 9-12
  • Teachers in elementary school through seventh grade
  • Parents and grandparents with girls who love horses
  • Anyone looking to teach children about empathy, friendship, and compassion
  • Any child struggling with learning challenges (ADHD, Autism Spectrum) and mental health (Anxiety)


Readers can relate to issues experienced by the characters in this book, including:

  • Body image concerns
  • Bullying
  • Self-image and self-esteem
  • Starting a new grade at a new school
  • Learning challenges and neurodivergence

For young readers, pre-teens, tweens, and teens, the Old Quarry Lake Farms Tales are not just warm-hearted stories about girls and their horses, but provide information and insight about horses and the world of riding.

This is the third book in The Old Quarry Lake Farms Tales Series.

5 out of 5 fairies

This was such a heart-warming story, set in the midst of winter. Shelby and friends are gearing up for the month-long winter festival in town, and the special party at the barn. It’s all new for Shelby, and I loved her enthusiasm, and reading her diary entries along with the story itself. I realized while reading this, that this series has taught me more about horses than I ever knew, and you don’t even realize you’re learning because the facts are all woven into the story so well. This one really focused on friendship, and supporting your friends through tough times and unexpected things. It’s a great thing for kids to see, and so important. Highly recommend for middle graders and horse lovers of all ages!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Like Old Quarry Lake’s newest resident, Shelby Simone, author Marty Kay Jones grew up obsessed with horses. She also lived in the city and had to wait until her teen years to experience them for herself.

Today, Marty Kay Jones is still obsessed with horses, but now she gets to see them every day. She runs a small boarding stable in the Appalachian foothills and loves teaching new generations everything there is to know about horses.

Ms. Jones believes learning never stops and extends her equine knowledge to readers of the Old Quarry Lake Farms book series. While the books are written about 11-year-old Shelby Simone and her sixth-grade friends, readers of all ages will appreciate and identify with the challenges and triumphs that come with the major life changes Shelby experiences.

When not playing with her own horses, Chip and Mango, Ms. Jones can be found hiking with her Australian Sheep Dog Petey, tinkering around with her project hot rod, or curled up with a good mystery.

Shelby and the First Ride
Amazon | Goodreads

Shelby’s Horse-Filled Summer
Amazon | Goodreads

Shelby and the Back-to-School Blues
Amazon | Goodreads

Shelby’s Season of Surprise
Amazon | Goodreads

Shelby Becomes a Horse Girl
Amazon | Goodreads