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The Silver Heart

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The Silver Heart was penned by Samantha Sheridan in the 1990s, using a computer equipped with a floppy disk and a glowing green screen. What began as a simple endeavor to express her passions for music and horses soon blossomed into something much greater. A hopeless romantic at heart, Samantha effortlessly wove pieces of her own upbringing in Ohio into Sue’s world — from afternoons spent by the creek beneath a towering oak tree, to adventures with her faithful pony, Mack, and countless cherished visits to the Ohio State Fair.

At first, it was just a few pages, a quiet reflection of the life she loved. But the story grew organically, almost taking on a life of its own, eventually becoming the full-fledged novel readers hold today.

Samantha Sheridan never adheres to a rigid outline for her books; instead, her stories unfold organically, as if they are guiding her rather than the other way around. She often says that the stories write themselves — she simply follows their lead, putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.

While editing The Silver Heart, Sheridan found herself deeply moved, even shedding tears alongside her readers at the story’s most pivotal moments. Despite knowing the overall plot and its ending, she became so immersed in the characters' journey that their struggles, hopes, and heartaches resonated deeply with her. It’s this emotional connection that breathes life into her writing, allowing readers to feel every step of the way.

Sue's
Story

Sue’s journey begins on a modest farm in Ohio, where her love for horses first blossoms. Life takes an unexpected turn when she begins working at the Ohio State Fair for the Ohio Quarter Horse Association, promoting their events and initiatives. It’s there, amid the excitement of the fair, that she encounters a captivating man singing from the grandstand — a meeting that sparks a profound connection.

Driven by love and new opportunities, Sue makes the bold decision to relocate to Texas, accepting a position with the American Quarter Horse Association. Yet one question lingers in her heart: will Mike, the man who captured her soul, follow her across the miles?

Upon arriving in Texas, Sue finds herself living in a guest house on the Morgan Ranch, trading her marketing expertise for a place to call home. As the story unfolds, Sue navigates her new life, meeting new families, exploring new possibilities, and finding herself drawn into the rhythms of ranch life — and romance.

Follow Sue's journey as she grows from her Ohio roots into a Texas dream, where her involvement in Morgan Ranch’s marketing opens doors she never expected. Dive into the vibrant world of quarter horses, and watch as Sue's own ranch rises to become a beacon of excellence in the industry.

Book was written
with real characters
and organizations

The narrative of The Silver Heart beautifully intertwines individuals and real life organizations, adding layers of authenticity to the story. The American Quarter Horse Association granted permission for their name, events, and organizational details to be featured in the book, lending credibility and depth to the storyline.

Pete Oen, a renowned barrel horse trainer from Oklahoma and a proud member of the prestigious Million Dollar Trainer Club, shares a special connection to the story — in earlier years, he trained several horses for the author herself, weaving a personal thread into the fabric of the novel.

The captivating young woman on the front cover is Jaime Quellhorst, pictured with her Quarter Horse, Trooper, both from Wapakoneta, Ohio. Trooper’s appearance in the story mirrors his real-life spirit, adding even more heart to the narrative. Jaime’s other horse, Red, a sorrel mare, also makes her way into the pages, further enriching the story's authentic feel.

Music that was written into book or used in marketing. 
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La Donna Brewer-Capps recorded the beautiful song "All I Can Do," and it fits the heart of the story perfectly. The song captures the emotions Sue feels — the uncertainty, the longing, and the hope. There are quiet moments when she sits by the window, wondering if Mike is home or still out on the road performing another show. She wrestles with whether to pick up the phone, leave a message, or just drive by and hope to catch a glimpse of him. "All I Can Do" becomes the soundtrack of her heart — a reflection of waiting, wishing, and holding onto love even when everything feels unsure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjS0IbHhh0k
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When Samantha penned The Silver Heart, she crafted a poignant chapter where Mike escorts Sue to a dance venue. In this scene, Sheridan artfully weaves in Lee Gibson as the performer on stage, with his soulful ballad "Long Slow Night" setting the perfect mood as the couple glides onto the dance floor. Notably, "Long Slow Night" is an original composition by Lee Gibson, adding an extra layer of authenticity and heartfelt emotion to the story.
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