Monday, July 30, 2012

Important! Not to be missed announcement!

Wow. This is perhaps the most difficult blog post I've had to write in a while.

Team Canterwood, I learned news today that is official as of a few moments ago. It's news that you, my readers who have stuck by my side since Take the Reins debuted in January 2009, deserve to hear first.


The Canterwood Crest series will end with the super special Home for Christmas. My publisher, the sales team, and many other people weighed in on this decision and thought carefully about it for a while. They love the series and it was a very hard decision, but they came to the conclusion that it was time to close the final chapter of Canterwood.

I JUST got off the phone call and learned the answer myself, so I'm in a state of shock/saddness/excitement about future projects. I'm feeling a million emotions!

But more than anything, I'm thinking about YOU. Each of you. I promise to give the last books all that I have and to make books that you will read and, hopefully, feel satisfied when you finish the final installment in this journey we've been on together.

I think back to Sasha. Jacob. Eric. Charm. The Trio. They hold such a huge piece of my heart. I will always be grateful to Alyssa Henkin who contacted me about Take the Reins and sold it and future books to Simon & Schuster.

I'm now thinking of Lauren, Drew, Taylor, Brielle, Ana, Riley, Clare, Cole and the New Class. Editor K and I will come up with the best possible send off for these characters. (Who knows--you might even see the old gang pop up.) :)

My deepest thanks to everyone at Simon & Schuster who went on this ride with me especially Bethany, Mara, Fiona, Alyson, Jess H, Nicole, Vanessa, Stephanie, Craig, Dawn, Lucille, Russell, Karin, Katherine, and Courtney.

Endless gratitude to Kate Angelella for wanting four books and ending up with waaay more! The series continued because of your vision and dedication. I would have been writing this letter long ago had it not been for you. <333

Okay. So, that's officially announced and we have books to embrace before it ends! I'm ready for COMEBACK to hit shelves within a week. Then we have PERFECT which is going to be awesome. And finally, we will say goodbye to the world of Canterwood in HOME FOR CHRISTMAS.

I love you all and thank you for supporting the series as much as you have.

xx


44 comments:

Unknown said...

we will definately miss Canterwood! i get into trouble at school for reading them bc im so deep into thought into them.. i have never had books that i love so much. u have got me in love with books (which is a good thing :)) so thank you so much for everything!

Unknown said...
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Kea said...

Wow. This is my favorite book series my friend told me about when I was in sixth grade, and now I will be saying goodbye to the BEST series in the world. These books have taken me through my dramatic middle school years and now it's going to end my sophomore year of high school. You are an amazing author Jessica, and I will always have team Canterwood in my heart.

Rhian said...

I read that post and I'm crying I came in kinda late and started reading early 2012 and I've read all of the books on lauren so far and I on behind the bit with sasha and co. Jessica you are awesome and I love you I'm still excited to read the lasr few books then start reading wellintogn prep if dominate ever comes out I know you and kate will get it out though canterwood crest and jessica burkhart will always have very special spot in my heart<3<3 GO CCA!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jess,
Wow! There is a more definite reason for this. You are the most hard working writer that has persevered through hard times. Now it is time to move on.....Love you lots!!!!

Adina said...

wow kinda sad that its stoping at 19, i wish it was an even 20 :(, but it would b awezome if the old gang popped up again :D

Anna said...

Oh gosh... I will miss this book series so much. :( These are the BEST books ever, I started reading about Sasha and Co. in 4th grade and it helped me through A LOT of teasing and hard times and now that i'm going moving to a new school (same grade that sasha went to CCA) I always think about sasha when i'm nervous and i always remind that if sasha could make it at CCA i could make it in my school. This series means so much to me and i was crying while reading this blog post and CCA will always, always have a special spot in my heart. And now that the series is almost over I will continue to read the series over and over, I would like to say thank you to you Jess! for writing the best books in the world. I wish i could tell you in person how much CCA means to me. I will probably send you a package ;) Thank you soo soo much again Jess! GO CCA <3

Emma said...

I noticed you didn't mention all the books that are supposed to come between Comeback and Perfect. Are those being cancelled? :( I was really excited for Masquerade!

Anonymous said...

At first I was very sad about ending Canterwood Crest because it was the best books I have ever read. Then I realized that you would *hopefully* write books based on horses and drama. I can't wait to read Dominate and hear about your new projects. But until then I can't wait to read the remaining books in the BEST SERIES EVER!!!!!! You are the best Jess and Kate!!!!!!<3 <3<3<3

~Ali

P.S. How Is Kate doing?? Did they find the problem or the cure yet??

Connie said...

Aw.....I'm so sad, Canterwood is one of the BEST series I've ever read next to HP. I have the entire series on my bookshelf and have read the books over and over and over and over......
Are you writing other books, after Canterwood and besides Wellington Prep?

Callie said...

I am pretty much in tears here!! Please make the next books as long as possible!! I love these books and can't wait to see what other books you write:)

Anonymous said...

I can't believe I will have to say goodbye to this awesome series! This is by far one of the best series I have ever read. When Wellington Prep releases, I will make sure to read it immediately. I've read this series since 3rd grade and, even as I now go into 6th and a different school, will continue to read this series until the very last word of Home for Christmas! Jess, even through good times and bad, you have continued to keep writing this great series and keep us fans updated on all thing CCA. I will never forget Canterwood and all the long nights I spent reading because it was so well written!I want you to know that you and Canterwood made a HUGE impact on me and I will treasure everything CCA taught me. My best wishes to you and Kate.

Rose said...

Oh my gosh!

I am so going to miss canterwood!

I've been reading it since the first books came out, and I have them all along my "FAVES BOOK" shelf under my breyers and other classic books.

Jessica: Thank you. Without you, I doubt I could have had the courage to do a lot of stuff. Its cheesy, but I would sometimes think to myself: What would Sasha do in a situation like this? Answer: Wouldn't give up.

This series has been a huge part of my child hood. THANK YOU for being a part of it and never stopping writing!

xoxoxoxo

Anonymous said...

Jess u have nooo idea how sad i am abt this i looooove ur books. Ive been a fan ever since take the reins. Ive reread all of them like a million times! I miss sasha & co, plz write abt how they r doing in the upcoming books! #longliveCCA

Anonymous said...

It's always sad when a series ends but I'll just have to keep reading them over and over and over and over and.... Well I kinda already did that with Sasha&Co. Do you have any ideas for another book or series to write? I would love if it's a YA novel cuz I love your books. I wrote sometimes too and I think I find making up new characters is the most fun part <3

Anonymous said...

I kinda figured that Home for Christmas will be the final CC book. So sad. :( But I hope you decide to do another series. But with Young Adults more at mind.

C. Alexi
(hopeful writer. Working on a series now)

Hannah said...

It is so sad to hear that the Canterwood Crest Series is coming to an end!!! Me and my bestie love this series and are so sad that is ending!!! I hope you come out with another series like it!!!

Lauren Turner said...

I'm pretty sure that they're all still coming out, because according to Barnes and noble, masquerade will be released in September!!

Anonymous said...

I am so sad that canter wood crest is ending u write the best books I have ever read I have read all of your booksat least 5 times including ur new one comeback the second I got up I bought the book and started reading I will be reading ur books all the time and will miss u writing such an amazing series I even got some of my friends to read it and they are obsessed with it too

Anonymous said...

I'm crying right now! I love these books so much and have every one that has come out.I always gets the book the first day it comes out.I have read all the books that have come out by now 9 times!Just in between the relese of popular and comeback I read the series 4 times! I am a true fan and adore these books.<3,Lauren (yes my name is the same as LT)

Sophie Foss said...

Wow big shocker! I will really miss this series because I ride horses and I have my own horse his name is Ace so i really relate to Sasha and Lauren and their love of riding and the love of horses. I started reading your Canterwood Crest series back in 2009 I was 9 and I instantly fell in love with the series! I even talked to my friends into reading this series! Thank you Jessica for the best books I've ever read!

Anonymous said...

What??? The series is ending???? i am sosososososososososososososo depressed!!!!! i love this series and i always thought it would keep going and going and going!!!!! what am i supposed 2 look forward to when no more cc books r coming out???

Abby Leigh said...

Wow, I remember the first time I picked up your very first book at a school book fair, it looked so interesting, this was about a month after take the rains came out. It was the first book I ever fell in love with. And ever since that book I would go to Barnes and Noble on the day the book came out and buy it and be done reading it in the same day. When my parents got me an e-reader for christmas I would wait until midnight everytime and read the books at midnight. And I swear I was the first person the finish Unfriendly Competition. I love the story line so much and your writing, Jessica, you have so much talent and I cant wait to see what you have in store next for us fan girlies!!!!
I would really love to talk to you so if you ever have time email me at abbyleigh2498@gmail.com
Thank so much for all your hard work!
Love, Abby aka #1 canterwood fan!!!

Angela said...

I'm going to miss Canterwood Crest sooo much! I already checked out like all of your old books from the library to reread again since I read your post about how Home for Christmas is going to be the last book in the series. I love how your books have a mix of horses/riding, friends, drama, and fashion/clothes. I love all of those things (well, not necessarily drama :P) and it's just so much fun to read your books!! I love them and I will miss them a lot. Good luck to you and I hope you will write other books in a new series or something like that once Canterwood is officially finished...

Allisa said...

WOW! I just teared up a bit :(( I have loved this series, and planned on reading them to the end! I'm upset but I know that a new idea will pop up into your head and you can write a whole NEW series! Equally as awesome as Sasha as Lauren I'm sure :) Thanks for spending endless hours, days, nights, months, years, etc. on this series. It will be greatly missed!

~Allisa

P.S. Hint, hint, I would LOVE for Sasha, Jacob, Eric, and the rest of the gang to MAYBE pop up in the last few books! hehe just a subtle hint thats all...

Jessie said...

I am going to miss this book series so much! I was crying when I read this!!! I have literally NEVER read a book series as good and as relatable as this one. I want to do EXACTLY what Lauren Towers did; go to a boarding school and ride there. It's my dream. This is the only book series that has ever understood me and related to me this much. I love the girl drama, the riding, the school, but mostly the characters. I will miss this so so so much, I loved reading these books. Its a shame something so great has to come to an end. I will never find a book series as amazing as this one :((((((((((((((((
~Jessie

Dappled Gray Girl said...

Some authors get sick of writing a series and put a lame blobert at the end of the series. But I can see you won't be like that! :3
Finally got to read Initiation and requested Popular and Comeback. Yay! I can't wait for Jealousy. :P :)
I'm sad because I loved Canterwood! I started reading it when I found a copy of Take the Reins that I never knew I had. I instantly fell in love with the series and have been reading ever since! I was a little disappointed because my library didn't have the 3 newest ones. But I finally found them and just cannot put them down!
Love, Dappled Gray Girl! (http://dapplegraygirlnews.blogspot.com) Yes, there is no 2nd D in Dapple.

Hafsa said...

I just finished reading chasing blue! I know I know I'm super late! CC is awesome!!! Is sad tat it's coming to an end but looking forward to read all the other books!!! Cant wait for Wellington prep (hello jasmine!). ❤❤❤

Anonymous said...

I am tearing up. These books made such an impact on my life. My parents and teachers would get mad at me because I would carry the books around everywhere. I pulled all nighters all the time too. Although I am very sad that you are stopping the series I understand that you want to move on to your next book. I will definitely read Dominate and finish out this series. I cant wait for you to make new books. And I cant wait for your last few Canterwood Crest books.


Your #1 Fan,
Shannon

Taylor said...

I started reading this series in fifth grade, and have continued to read them throughout the years! I have a open heart for horses, and a soft spot for these books. It's sad that there finally coming to an end, and I wish the best of luck for you Jessica! I love CCA and it will forever be in my heart! <3 Your an awesome author and we all love you, and your books, we will never forget CCA!

Anonymous said...

when i read that your going to stop writing the canterwood crest books i started crying this are the BEST BOOKS EVER!! Im so glad you wrote them though! Im going to miss reading these books! These books are the only books that i read over the summer i`ve alredy read the seires 2 times!! thank you for making these books i <3 them!!!!!!!!:)

Anonymous said...

OMG I am so sad about the last book!! I just finished Masquerade and it was amazing! I cant believe last summer I read through all the books until I couldn't because I had read up to the last book that had come out then and now I have to wait for the next book. I just read this post and I am so sad...when I read these books I get so drawn into them that nobodyy can talk to me until I finish. I love this series so much and after the last book I will reread the whole series until I find a series that I love just as much as this one!
I love this series so much!!!!!!!

Lily C said...

this is hard... and i only want the best but whats going to happen now? are you still gonna write? this is the only horse series out there that really relates to people, and so many people love it :( sad day for lily

Anonymous said...

im so upst this was my favorite book series. I wish it wouldnt stop :(. These have been the best books iv ever read . thx for writing them

Anonymous said...

Awww... i started late last year but i love them! I'm living in singapore and its really hard to find your books. Could you send canterwood crest to the Singapore bookstores?

Anonymous said...

I can't believe that the Canterwood Crest series are ending. I am going to miss them so much! They are the best books I have ever read and I hope that maybe they will continue if Jessica changes her mind someday.
Thanks for writing them!:)

Anonymous said...

Please think about going to continue writing. It would mean so much to me and your fans! If the Canterwood crest series really are done, it would be a tragic thing. When I heard you were done, I cried because those books made me really happy! Please, Please take it into consideration. I love the parts where Lauren and Sasha meet. Sasha has also become like my personal hero. It is amazing how small town girl Sasha become into a famous girl. She accomplished so much. I really miss her. I know it's crazy, but I want to start the Canterwood Crest movies. The books were the best thing that happened to me and I want them to continue. They give me like this hope that I can be like Sasha someday! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

When your last book comes out, can you put a copy of it in the San Jose Public Library-Evergreen so I can start reading it? I am so excited that the old group is going to mix with the new group. The old group will always be new to me!

Anonymous said...

No book will ever hit me like the Canterwood Crest series. I got so attached to them that I don't think I can let go.

Anonymous said...

How could u?? I really liked the books about Sasha and then you just change to Lauren. Then you say you're going to stop. I can't take it. I feel like I'm going to cry. When you started writing about Lauren, I was so sad because I missed Sasha. Then Lauren became okay. But, then you say that you're just going to STOP the Canterwood Crest Series. I'm sorry! I really needed to get that out of my system. I keep missing them everyday and I think I'm going crazy. I know its not your fault, but I feel like I have to blame someone. Sorry. I just need some more time. :(

Anonymous said...

I think that Sasha and Jacob are a great couple!

Anonymous said...

I was just wondering when did you start writing?

Anonymous said...

When did you start writing?

Anonymous said...

Hey Jess,
I'm sad that these books are coming to an end but I understand that no good thing can go on forever. :) So I just wanted to say thank you. I started reading these books when I was a new grade seven student (Like Sasha in Take the Reigns) and am now entering grade 10. But I've never stopped liking the books. I love them all and never get tired of the stories or characters (I read the first three books in a day) so thank you and keep on writing. I look forward to seeing what you do in the future.

Counting down to Saddlehill Academy!

  Hii, friends! I'm so very thrilled to remind everyone that NEXT MONTH (!!!) is the release of my first novel in eight years! Ahhhhh!!...

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