Review of Cowgirl Dreams by Heidi Thomas

Title :               Cowgirl Dreams

Author:            Heidi M. Thomas

Publisher:        Sundowners

                        Treble Heart Books

                        1284 Overlook Dr.

                        Sierra Vista, AZ 85635-5512

                        http;//http://www.trebleheartbooks.com

ISBN:              978-1-932695-83-0

From the moment Cowgirl Nettie Brady mounts her first rodeo steer, readers will find “Cowgirl Dreams” a pleasing western romance with a realistic bent. Author Heidi M. Thomas dedicated this novel to her grandmother, since the book is based loosely on her life.

Nettie isn’t your average 1920’s school girl, she dreams of being a rodeo star and bucking the traditional role women play in the household. Set on a Montana ranch, “Cowboy Dreams” introduces readers to many of the difficulties that people faced during those times. Readers learn about schooling, horses, ranching and the early forms of rodeos put on by neighboring ranches throughout the seasons. Nettie’s chores are an education in life on the prairie.

“Cowgirl Dreams” has a touching coming of age plot line with an unusual romance angle. Nettie and her mom don’t get along very well. Her mother wants her indoors cooking and cleaning while Nettie much prefers the outdoors work. Nettie is amazed that her mother has so many children and doesn’t want to be tied down despite her love for brothers and sisters. When influenza hits, Nettie and her mother connect on an inner level but still find themselves at odds, especially on the subject of marriage and the safety of rodeos. Most readers will find tears in their eyes.

But all is not sad, or boring for Nettie. A rodeo rider named Marie takes Nettie under her wing and nurtures her love for rodeos. Then she gets a job breaking horses with the neighbor rancher. As Nettie fights challenge after challenge in a fast-paced plot set in the wilderness and at home, readers root for her indomitable spirit. Always the reader wonders will Nettie survive, will she find love, will she and her mother ever come to an understanding, and will her dreams come true?

Overall, women young and old will find Cowgirl Dreams a fun read with lots to offer in terms of excitement, history, and romance. Whether readers like Western’s or not, this book is sure to please because Nettie isn’t your average heroine and her dreams are not your average schoolgirl dream.