Samantha and the Cowboy [Paperback]

Lorraine Heath (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 30, 2002

Samantha

When she manages to get herself hired for the cattle drive, all of Samantha's prayers seem to be answered. The hundred dollars she'll earn will pull her family's Texas farm out of ruin and pay off their debts. But keeping the cowhands fooled that she's a boy becomes harder than she'd expected where one cowboy in particular is concerned.

The Cowboy

Matthew Hart wants two things: to forget the tragedies he witnessed on the front lines of the War Between the States, and to reclaim his cowboy life. The last thing he wants is the responsibility of a tagalong youngster on the cattle drive. His closed mind and hardened heart are territory best left unexplored, until a fateful moment turns his world upside down.

Matt discovers what and who "Sam" really is, and he is furious. But soon a stronger emotion takes hold, and bound by Samantha's secret, Matt is torn between revealing her identity and his own sudden and frightening love for her.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

When Lorraine Heath received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her create believable characters-characters that are often describedas "real people." Her stories have been recognized with numerous awards, including Romance Writers of America's RITA, a HOLT medallion honoring outstanding literary fiction, and three Texas Gold awards.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
  
• Paperback: 250 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (April 30, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064473414
• ISBN-13: 978-0064473415
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #617,313 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Lorraine Heath always dreamed of being a writer. After graduating from the University of Texas, she wrote training manuals, press releases for a publicist, articles, and computer code, but something was always missing. In 1990, she read a romance novel and became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since, for both adult and young adult readers (as Rachel Hawthorne). Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA(R), a HOLT medallion, a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, three Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards, and several Texas Gold Awards. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA Today, Waldenbooks, and most recently, the New York Times.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Young Adult romance, May 13, 2002

By 

"cowgirlwithagun" (In The South) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Samantha and the Cowboy (Paperback)

With Avon's eyes set on young teen girls, they are sure to attract some new fans, especially when they have wonderfully talented writers like Lorraine Heath in their court. Ms. Heath knows how to work a story, flesh out characters and bring together the right mix of romance and conflict. With SAMANTHA AND THE COWBOY, young Samantha has to take on the burdensome task of earning some money, but the only job she can find is that of a cattle drive hand - and they only will accept boys. Chopping her hair and shortening her name, Sam gets the job and begins to learn how to drive cattle from fellow rider Matt. You see the usual coming of age insecurities most girls face with their looks, their confusion about their feelings toward a boy and Heath does this remarkably well considering this book is set post-Civil War. I enjoyed this book and think it's quite reasonable young girls pre-16 would enjoy it if they enjoy historicals. And with this one, I'm sure Ms. Heath has just garnered herself new fans that will enjoy her all her books in the years to come.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet and compelling, May 10, 2002

By 

booksforabuck "BooksForABuck" (Long Beach, CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Samantha and the Cowboy (Paperback)

Samantha Jane Reynolds knows it's her only chance to help her family survive the brutal years after the American Civil War. Even though it means sacrificing her hair and pretending to be a boy, she determines to join a cattle drive from Texas to Kansas, and Samantha becomes Sam. The hundred dollars pay could get them through the winter. Of course, if anyone finds out she's a girl in disguise, she'll be in serious trouble. Matthew Hart survived the Civil War, but many of the boys he led did not. He swears he'll never make a friend again, take responsibility for another again. Yet there's something sympathetic about the new kid, Sam. Sam can't help falling for the handsome cowboy, but she knows that when he discovers her lie, he'll never forgive her.

Bestselling and RITA winning author Lorraine Heath has written a charming young adult romance. 16-year-old Samantha comes of age and discovers feelings of attraction toward that special boy. Matthew is a convincingly damaged hero, aged beyond his 18 years by his wartime experience, and afraid to develop feelings again. Sam's mixed feelings about being a boy lighten the novel's touch. The adventure of the cattle drive and the dangers that Sam finds herself in, add spice to the sweet sensual tension between the two characters (especially once Matthew discovers Sam's secret).

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A charming historical romance for teenage girls., April 30, 2002

By 

Rebecca Herman (USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Samantha and the Cowboy (Paperback)

It's 1866 in the small town of Faithful, Texas, and sixteen-year-old Samantha Reynolds is desperate. Every since her father died, the family has struggled to keep their farm running. They've fallen into debt, and her older brother, still bitter over the loss of an arm in the Civil War, refuses to find a job to help out the family. Samantha is determined to help her overburdened mother, but the scheme she comes up with is risky. She cuts her hair and disguises herself as a young boy, "Sam," and is hired for a cattle drive. She is put under the responsibility of Matthew Hart, who is supposed to show her the ropes. Like Samantha's brother, Matt fought in the war, and is haunted by his experiences. Samantha finds herself falling in love with Matt, but he thinks she's just a scruffy little boy. When Matt discovers the truth about what Samantha really is, he's furious, but he also finds himself falling in love with her. Can Samantha persuade Matt to keep her secret so she can help her family, and can she convince him not to despise her for her deception? I highly recommend this book, and the other Avon True Romances, to teenagers who enjoy historical romances. This book was a really sweet love story that I truly enjoyed.