Cowgirl Dreams

Cowgirl Dreams, a fine drama of life as it was ninety years ago on a ranch in Montana, is especially recommended for young adult readers. Most girls of today could not picture the circumscribed existence that was prevalent in the 1920's. Basically, there were few options except to learn the skills of cooking, cleaning and sewing in preparation for life as a traditional housewife. Rebelling, as did the heroine Netty Brady, took gumption. She's a fine role model for any girl who has dreams. Norma Tadlock Johnson, author of DONNA ROSE AND THE SLUG WAR. DONNA ROSE AND THE ROOTS OF EVIL (Jan. 19, 2009) BATS ON THE BEDSTEAD, SOLDIERS OF THE MOUNTAIN

Cowgirl Dreams by Heidi Thomas was a most enjoyable book. She took me to the Montana of her grandmother's time with her clear character developments and descriptions of the area. The story brought tears to my eyes at times and I really felt for Nettie as she tried to plan a wedding her way in spite of family pressures. I am looking forward to more stories from this talented new author

"Cowgirl Dreams" by Heidi M. Thomas is beautifully written. It takes the reader into Big Sky country on the back of a strong horse flying over the rugged terrain. I felt that I was there with Nettie experiencing her life and adventures. The descriptions are vivid, detailed, and heart breakingly real as evidenced in the story of little baby Esther. The rodeos and bronc busting found me holding my breath. Nettie overcomes many obstacles to achieve her dreams. This book not only puts you on the back of a horse with her, but also in the kitchen and in the barn or at the rodeo where we watch other women becoming real cowgirls, too. I'm looking forward to the sequel. This author joins the ranks of other Montana writers such as Ivan Doig and Norman McLean. Well done!

Mrs. Thomas' book is an absolutely wondeful read. Whether you are a "Montanian", a horse person, a young adult or teen fighting the battles of rules, this book will warm you inside. The story line takes us from Nettie's 15th birthday, through rebellion against her mother, the loss of her baby sister to killer flu, her first bucking steer ride in a rodeo to learning what the strange feelings inside were when she met and worked with Jake, who she called her broad shouldered, slim hipped cowboy. I'm not a horse person, but the vivid descriptions of Nettie sailing over pastures and hills on her horses put me right there. To experience the courage of this young woman as she challenges the 1920's world of rodeos re-ignites the determination I, myself, had as a young girl. Riding and roping steers, riding bucking broncos and winning, well, as Nettie said. "I'll show 'em." And she did! This book definitely will not disappoint.

Heidi has truly captured the heart of the early days of Montana. She brings to life Nettie and her dreams for the rodeo despite the opposition of a woman in an exclusive man's arena. As I read this authors first novel it was a sweet reminder of the Jan Karon Mitford series. I look forward to reading the sequel in what appears to be a Montana series in the making! Stephanie H.