Emma's Birthday Surprise, A Story of Trust, Magic & Ponies

The first in the Emily series, book 1, by me, Claire Hall
A magical, heart warming pony series, for ages 8–12 — filled with laughter, courage, family, and the unforgettable bond between a girl and her pony.

On a frosty January morning, nine-year-old Emma wakes with a feeling she can’t explain. Something is different. Something is waiting. But nothing prepares her for the moment she walks up the lane with Mum, Nan, and Granddad Terry… and discovers a little black pony with a white star on her forehead standing in the stable.

It’s Emily — the same pony Emma fell in love with months earlier at the school fair.
And today, Emily is her birthday surprise.

From that very first star-kissed moment, Emma’s life changes.
But owning a pony isn’t all soft noses and dreams come true. As winter settles over the village, Emma and Emily begin a journey full of real challenges, true learning, and magical beginnings.

Emma quickly finds out that Emily is clever, opinionated, and full of surprises. One day she’s gentle and affectionate. The next she’s opening gates, causing chaos, or deciding that the grass is far more interesting than whatever Emma had planned. With every new adventure, Emma discovers that trust isn’t built in a moment — it grows slowly, breath by breath, hoof step by hoof step.

Alongside Emily, Emma is supported by the loving, funny, chaotic people who shape her world:
• Mum, whose bedtime mantra — “I’ll love you as long as the three stars shine in a row” — becomes their guiding promise.
• Granddad Terry, calm and steady, offering wisdom when things wobble.
• Nan, dramatic and hilarious with her mobility scooter and sharp opinions.
• Charlie, full of enthusiasm, energy, and poorly timed theatrics.
• Ben, quietly wise, patient, and grounding.

Together, they turn every challenge into a lesson and every moment into a memory.

Through runaway ponies, windy-day spooks, herd friendships, snowy hacks, and a hilariously chaotic first show, Emma learns what it means to truly love an animal — not just the magical parts, but the messy, muddy, wonderful reality of it all. And Emily learns that Emma is her safe place, her person, her constant in a world full of surprises.

At the heart of the story lies the Three Stars Promise, inspired by Orion’s Belt — a tender thread weaving through every chapter. It becomes the symbol of Emma’s bond with both her mother and her pony, reminding readers that love, once given, shines steadily even through life’s wobbles.

Emma’s Secret Birthday is a gentle, emotional story about courage, responsibility, family, and the extraordinary friendships that change us forever. Perfect for young readers who adore pony adventures, heartfelt moments, and stories filled with warmth and wonder.

This is the first book in a beautiful new series following Emma, Emily, and the people who love them — a cosy, comforting read that will stay in children’s hearts long after the last page.