The Silver Heart

The Silver Heart was written by Samantha Sheridan in the 1990s, on a computer that ran with floppy disks and glowed with a soft green screen. What began as a quiet attempt to capture her love for music and horses soon evolved into something much more—a heartfelt reflection of dreams, courage, and the timeless pull of love.

A hopeless romantic at heart, Samantha naturally wove pieces of her Ohio upbringing into Sue’s world—afternoons spent by the creek beneath a towering oak tree, adventures with her loyal pony Mack, and treasured days exploring the Ohio State Fair. Every page carries a whisper of her real-life memories, stitched together with imagination and emotion.

At first, it was only a few pages—a personal story never meant to be shared. But as the words poured out, the story took on a life of its own, growing into the novel that readers hold today. Decades later, The Silver Heart continues to capture hearts with its message of love, loss, and second chances—a story born from one woman’s dream and written from the heart.

Samantha Sheridan never writes from a strict outline. Instead, her stories unfold naturally, as though they are guiding her rather than the other way around. She often says the stories “write themselves”—she simply follows their lead, letting the characters reveal their paths one chapter at a time.

While editing The Silver Heart, Samantha found herself deeply moved—laughing, crying, and reflecting alongside her readers. Even though she knew the plot and how the story would end, the emotions still swept her away. The struggles, hopes, and heartaches of her characters became her own, reminding her that the most powerful stories are those that come from a place of truth and vulnerability.

It’s this deep emotional connection that breathes life into Samantha’s writing. Every page she creates is infused with sincerity and heart, allowing readers to feel, dream, and heal right alongside her characters.

Sue's
Story

Sue’s journey begins on a modest farm in Ohio, where her lifelong love for horses first takes root. Surrounded by rolling fields and quiet mornings, she dreams of a life that blends her passion with purpose. That dream begins to take shape when she joins the Ohio Quarter Horse Association, promoting their events and traveling to the Ohio State Fair. Amid the excitement of the fairgrounds, she meets a tall, dark singer performing from the grandstand — a chance encounter that forever changes her path.

Guided by love and ambition, Sue takes a leap of faith, accepting a position with the American Quarter Horse Association in Texas. But one question lingers: will Mike, the man who captured her heart, follow her across the miles?

In Texas, Sue settles into a guesthouse on the sprawling Morgan Ranch, trading her marketing expertise for a place to call home. Life on the ranch introduces her to a new circle of friends and families, long days under the Texas sun, and unexpected moments of romance that test her courage and faith.

The Silver Heart follows Sue’s transformation from an Ohio farm girl to a confident woman carving her place in the world of quarter horses. Through love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, she learns that the road to her dreams isn’t always easy — but it’s worth every step.

Discover a story of passion, perseverance, and the enduring power of love set against the rich backdrop of the American Quarter Horse industry — where one woman’s journey becomes a testament to chasing dreams and following your heart.

The Real-Life Inspiration Behind The Silver Heart

Pete Oen

The narrative of The Silver Heart beautifully weaves together fiction and reality, drawing on real people, organizations, and experiences that bring authenticity and depth to the story.

The American Quarter Horse Association graciously granted permission for their name, events, and organizational details to be featured in the novel—adding genuine credibility to Sue’s journey and grounding the story in the real world of Quarter Horse competition and camaraderie.

Renowned barrel horse trainer Pete Oen of Oklahoma, a proud member of the Million Dollar Trainer Club, shares a special bond with the story. Years ago, Pete trained several of the author’s horses, making his connection to The Silver Heart a heartfelt and personal one woven into the spirit of the book.

The striking young woman featured on the cover is Jaime Quellhorst, photographed with her beloved Quarter Horse, Trooper, both from Wapakoneta, Ohio. Trooper’s appearance in the novel mirrors his real-life personality and strength, while Jaime’s other horse, Red, a spirited sorrel mare, also finds her way into the pages—infusing the story with warmth and authenticity straight from the heart of the Midwest.

Through these real-life connections, The Silver Heart transcends fiction, offering readers a deeply personal glimpse into the people, places, and horses that inspired it.

When Stories Meet Song: The Music of The Silver Heart

La Donna Brewer-Capps recorded the beautiful song “All I Can Do,” a piece that perfectly captures the heart of The Silver Heart. The lyrics echo Sue’s emotions — the uncertainty, the longing, and the fragile thread of hope that keeps her heart connected to Mike.

There are quiet moments in the story when Sue sits by the window, wondering if he’s home or still out on the road performing another show. She wrestles with whether to pick up the phone, leave a message, or simply drive by, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.

“All I Can Do” becomes the soundtrack of her heart — a song of waiting, wishing, and holding onto love even when everything feels uncertain.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjS0IbHhh0k

When Samantha Sheridan penned The Silver Heart, she crafted a poignant and unforgettable chapter where Mike escorts Sue to a local dance. In this tender moment, Sheridan brings the scene to life by featuring country artist Lee Gibson performing on stage, his soulful ballad “Long Slow Night” filling the air.

As the couple steps onto the dance floor, the heartfelt melody wraps around them, capturing the quiet intensity of love, hesitation, and connection. “Long Slow Night,” an original composition by Lee Gibson himself, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the story — blending real music, real emotion, and the timeless rhythm of romance that beats at the heart of The Silver Heart.

Samantha Sheridan