Wow. Amy Harmon writes the type of historical fiction that will stick with you for years. This book blew me away, especially when I read the afterward and learned that the story was based off of true events!
The book follows Deborah, whose father abandons his wife and children for a "life of adventure." Her mother, with several mouths to feed, basically sells her children off as indentured servants, which was sadly not that uncommon during the time. The story begins when Deborah is taken in by the Thomas family, who have ten sons. They are kind to her, and Deborah is more or less raised as a sibling amongst the boys. She wrestles and races with them and is just as tough as they are. When the Revolutionary War begins and the boys start enlisting, she knows she is capable of becoming a soldier, and she believes in the ideals of the Revolution with her entire heart. She comes up with a plan to enlist by pretending to be a man, and the story takes off from there.
The book is incredible in that it gives a snapshot of what it was like to be a soldier during that time without bogging down the pacing of the story. Harmon and her editing team due their homework when it comes to historical accuracy, and as someone who has studied American history, that was so refreshing to see!
There is also a slow burn romance as a back story, and it was beautifully done. It's hard to imagine how a romance could develop that isn't tawdry or far-fetched, but the way it is written is so soft and subtle that it is easy to believe. Though the book is told from Deborah's POV, you can see the reasonings behind each character, even when you don't necessarily agree with them.
I will say that this is a fairly clean romance-- any eventual love scenes are more or less of the "fade to black" variety, but even if you typically read more spicy books, the love story in this is worth the read!
My first read of Amy Harmon was another historical fiction, What the Wind Knows (also a 5 star read) and I've since been working my way through her bibliography. I was so thankful to get an ARC of this book through NetGalley, and it's one I will be adding to my permanent shelves.

A girl called Samson is the story of a girl who wanted to do things like a man in a man's world.

Debora Samson spend a lot of her first years, working or doing things for others, and in the meantime, she spends her life dreaming of doing something rather more valuable until she enlisted herself to help in the army, pretending to be a boy, Debora forgets about her identity and starts a journey that will make her feel finally alive and valuable.

Debora Samson embarks on a war journey hidden from the world, all alone without anybody to care for Debora she decided she wants to do something for herself and her country even if that meant to pretend to be a man. during her pretending story, Debora started to write letters to Elizabeth someone who made her feel like she was seen and alive, but later after many years, Debora will find out who was the real person writing her letter and getting acquainted with her.

Debora manages to hide her true identity for a while until General John Patterson finds the truth, would he be able to hide her secret and continue these lies? Debora was an amazing character someone who will make you feel her strength and her determination to participate in the man activities, but also she will find her strength and determination to be able to help as any other person would in a matter like this.

This was a good story and a great book, I really enjoy the characters and the anxious moments where we always thought someone was about to finally find out the true identity of Debora Samson.

This was a great original story, I really love how Debora makes us feel strong and visible in a men's world, where we never get to do things outside of what the rules and laws were permitted during those times.

I really recommend this book, I did enjoy it so much

Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for the advanced copy of A Girl Called Samson in exchange for my honest review.

I would like to try to reread this book since the road, when I'm more in the mood for it. I love this author, and the reviews for this book are fantastic, but I just couldn't get into it!

Oh my... every time I get to read Amy's book I keep wondering to myself: " How she can do this so good everytime?" Another marvelous historical book of her and again, the author nailed it to the core! The well buitl universe, the characters deeply developed, all the historical research to make them profound and credible... Amy certainly deserves an award for being such a storyteller, for real!
As a work fiction, Amy Harmon did a marvelous job bringing the historical character by an fictional point of view, with an hard yet inspiring narrative about love, sacrifice, freedom and proactivity to fight not only for the country, but for her own destiny. Antoher masterpiece from Mrs. Harmon to the world.

5 ENTHUSIASTIC STARS!! I would give more if I could. Amy Harmon is a master! My absolute favorite read of the year so far. The history. The topic. But even more Deborah Samson could be one of my favorite main characters in a very long time! I have already bought extras and a given them to my mom and friends. Could not recommend this book more.

I really loved the story and plot of this book! I really love reading books with strong female characters, and Deborah Sampson is exactly that! I enjoyed all of the Revolutionary War details and descriptions. Any historical fiction lovers will definitely enjoy this book. I received a free copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

This is a beautiful story based on true events about Deborah Samson, a woman who wanted to make a name for herself and fulfill a bigger purpose in life. She dresses as a man to fight in the American Revolution. This is a hopeful and inspiring story of female empowerment and how we shouldn’t limit ourselves in what we can accomplish. I loved Deborah as a character. I also loved the friendships she formed and then her love story. Historical romance is becoming a genre I find myself reading more and more of lately!

I fell in love with Amy Harmon’s books once I read A Songbook of Benny Lament. There is something magical about her writing that wraps you in silence and takes you to another world where everything in your current environment ceases to exist for just a while.

I absolutely adored, A Girl Called Samson. Deborah Samson is the kind of female MC who inspires, challenges and definitely finds a way to occupy your heart and mind. Her story begins with her servanthood at the Thomas family. Although this is family of boys, Deborah manages to hold her own both physically and mentally and gain respect from all members of the household. When she comes of age and is finally free from her bond of servanthood, Deborah yearns for more. She is tired of being left behind at home while all the men go out to war and so she makes a daring move and enlists as a soldier, disguised as a man.

This book had my attention from the beginning to the end. Deborah is so strong willed and I enjoyed following her story though I was so nervous a couple of times. I kept holding my breath, nervous that her secret will be found out. Deborah’s thoughts and actions gave me plenty to also think about especially about the place of women in society. Times have changed but still, a lot has remained the same. In the end, Deborah’s search for independence, self-acceptance and growth is one that will resonate with many women.

This was a brilliant read. Enthralling, vivid imagery and a captivating storyline, I cannot recommend this book enough.

4.5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for my ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book was published April 1, 2023.

I am not a huge fan of historical fiction but I do love a story with a strong female lead, and in this case, Deborah Sampson was a real person. She was the first female soldier to serve and ultimately receive soldier pay.

This is a beautifully written fictional account of Deborah’s life from when she was bound to the Thomas family to her escape to serve as a soldier in the war. There is also a simultaneous plot line about her friendship with Elizabeth and her relationship with General John Patterson.

The war facts were of course necessary but that was actually my least favorite part. I really enjoyed learning about Deborah Sampson. It’s a name we should all know.

“The years have taught me that we never leave our battles, as worthy as they are, unscathed.”

Once again I am shocked by the history we are taught in school, or maybe it is the history we are not taught, that often surprises me as I had no idea about women serving in the American Revolution. I was really interested in learning more about this part of history, but have to admit the first half of the book was so slow to develop. Once Deborah enlisted I was much more intrigued in the story. I love stories of strong women chasing their dreams!

Unfortunately, the disappointing part of the story was the ending. Both General Paterson and Deborah are real people that served in the war, but they were not romantically involved. Including this romanticized “twist” in the story cheapened their storylines for me. Obviously, Harmon can tell the story any way she pleases, but I would have preferred a version closer to the truth.

A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon is one of those books that surprised me. I've seen it all over the place and not one to really dive into the 'everybody is reading it' pool myself, but the storyline really intrigued me. I know that in times of war that young men lied about their age to join making themselves older than they really were, but this particular storyline, a woman pretending to be a man to join the war, is even more intriguing. Especially in today's age, where we have several women who are currently enlisted.
Deborah Samson is a young lady who was indentured into another family because her dad left home behind, which included her as well as her mother and other siblings. Her mom couldn't afford to raise her, so she became whatever other families needed, eventually landing at the Thomas's home of ten sons. Deborah became their teacher, dance instructor, and whatever was needed, she was so willing to not only learn, but excel at any task.
This carried over to her joining the army as she watched one by one the Thomas boys sign up and leave. Knowing her own future was unknown, she attempted such a wild and crazy scheme, to dress up as a man, and sign up for the army. She was soon found out, and utterly humiliated, but not defeated, as she took off to another town to try once again, only to succeed. What happens next is an incredible journey that is bewildering and brave at every stop, even if a bit impulsive at times.
Amy Harmon has mixed real world events with her imagination to create a story that just plainly inspires one to go forth with all you have. Absolutely a fantastic journey!!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

Amy Harmon right now: "What can I say except you're welcome". What a great book that was!! As a former fan of historical fiction, I find it hard to be really in love with historical fiction romances nowadays, most of the time they feel lazy but this was anything but lazy.

It's my first meeting with Amy Harmon but the way she writes I feel like I might read more of her stuff in the future.

Deborah Samson is a true female warrior, not even in her need to become a soldier. Her hopefulness is something that many young women are having still even now. Her character was portrayed very realistically from the first page, I felt a real connection with her. Her letters to Elizabeth and John were an amazing addition to the book, it made me feel like I was right there with her.

The story is beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. I had a laugh sometimes but I also cried, especially towards the ending which was done very beautifully. It's hard to find 5* books for me but this one is no doubt a 5* book.

It's powerful and I hope many women will read it so they know that nothing is impossible, even if people say it is.

This is a difficult review. I have heard of Deborah Samson before. It was possible for girls or women to join the army undetected; at least until sickness, wounds, or death revealed their secret.
I struggle with how women feel called to do what is perceived a man’s job. I come from a patriarchal background and am the oldest of ten. I so understand Deborah in her feelings of being indentured and wanting hope, freedom, and more.
I was disappointed that with the untrue twist the author put in the story. I’ll let you read and make your own judgement.

Engaging story and generally a good pace, though a teeny bit slow in the middle. Very descriptive and empowering! Definitely would recommend and I’m waiting for my sister to finish so we can chat about it!

This book was fascinating. I was shocked at the end when I found out that Deborah Sampson was a real person. I learned so much about the revolutionary war (the battles, the people). I loved the themes of the book pertaining to women. I was nervous about if this book would be super feminist as a Christian this is a theme of books that I'm not always comfortable with. I loved how women were portrayed in this book. It was nice to see a strong and courageous woman who does hard things, physical things. But also can still be feminine and have traditional values. I liked how the book discussed how women are treasures and not possessions and that many people can take that too far. This book was very classy about displaying women. I did not enjoy the scene of intimacy before marriage and there were less than 10 counts of language. I loved Amy Harmon's writing style and am greatly looking forward to reading more books written by her.

It’s no secret I love historical fiction, but the Revolutionary War is not a time period I tend peruse. When I saw Amy Harmon listed as the author, I knew I would be fine. Harmon has a way of drawing the readers right into a story, and she writes fantastic characters.

Deborah Samson is a girl ahead of her time, who does not fit into her circumstances. Born to Puritan parents who tout their Mayflower lineage, they don’t live up to their good family names. Her father, in an unChristian-like manner, abandons the family, and her mother cannot support Deborah or her siblings. Bound to the Thomas family until she is eighteen, Deborah has little choice in her life or the direction it will take.

In a home with ten sons, Deborah, almost feels like a daughter with the Thomases, except she cannot leave if she wanted to and has little say so in her day-to-day activities. Regardless, Deborah, or Rob as the boys call her, fits right in. She helps with all the chores expected of her gender, but also finds time to run and play outside with the boys when she can.

Keeping up with the Thomas boys, prepares Deborah for her biggest leap of faith when she disguises herself as a young man and joins the Patriots fighting for freedom from the British, a cause she deeply believes in. Her tall and slim build, along with binding her breasts and creative bathroom breaks, allows “Rob” to fit in with her regiment. Always the hard worker, she makes a name for herself with her steadfast nature and ends up as an aide to the General. In this war, she faces starved and depressed soldiers who question what they are fighting for, and she discovers life as a man in this time period is not always what she imagined it would be. How long can she serve her country without being discovered?

Following Deborah’s life from a young girl to a grandmother, we see how women’s roles evolved as America herself gained her independence. A Girl Called Samson is a quick and interesting read about a real American woman who found a way to serve her country, when women were regulated to the home.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and of course Amy Harmon for the advanced copy of the book. A Girl Called Samson is out now. All opinions are my own.

I had never considered it a privilege to be a woman. Not even once. I had struggled at the bit of my sex, at the reins of society, at the saddle of tradition. It had not occurred to me that men had their own burdens, that they were bridled too. It was not women who died on the battlefield. I had been denied and barred entry to a world I wanted to experience, but had I been barred because I was disdained or because I was valued? I suspected it was both. Even so, I was less inclined to complain about my lot.

To be honest, I did not know that I had in my hands a true account of Deborah Samson. The first woman who had taken a bullet for an ideal of the ideal of liberty or give me death. There was some liberties of the author but I had liked where she had gone with those liberties. Samson's grandparents had sailed the Mayflower and it was her parents in a new world of birthing pains that her painful childhood took root. Abandoned by her father and a mother who could not care for her children passed those responsibilities to others. Maybe it was here where Samson grew in determination and grit. That God in his providence led to her family of all boys and a couple that cared well for her and her character. Samson is given an opportunity to write to a relative of the family that mentors her in being a woman, a mother, a wife. The wife of an upcoming general in Washington's army. I loved the insight of the patriot and the loyalist. A country where I reap the benefits of those that sacrificed greatly for my liberty and the ideal of what true sacrifice meant. You get a sense of how far we have come and will continue to go.

Of course there is more to the story but one that I do not want to give away. But know this-to be driven by purpose is a great thing. It can rooted in many things, love, acceptance and a truth greater than any one person. I think Deborah Samson exemplified that. There is a little bit of everything in this read. Love of humanity and country. It also shows God's extraordinary hand how God uses people for great things and for a greater purpose. Very well written!

A special thank you to Laken Union Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing. I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Amy Harmon and this definitely was no exception. I couldn’t put it down.

It wasn’t possible to not fall in love with Deborah. The story of her young like pulled at the heartstrings. Being shipped off from her family to become and indentured servant to a family with 10 sons. The Thomas’ loved her like a daughter and the boys all just loved her. She always wanted more out of her life than just being a woman and being a servant. She wanted to make her own choices and do as she pleased, not as someone else wanted her to. She runs away from home and pretends to be a man so she can become a soldier.
The second half of the book follows her life as a soldier and how she hides the fact that she’s a woman from everyone. There’s even a little romance thrown in.

Robert Shurtliff/Deborah Samson is one hell of a character. There’s so much depth to both sides of her. I want to be her friend.

What a great book! I love historical fiction because of the historical elements and this book was full of them. I once heard an HF author say it starts with “a seed of truth” and grows into a book. Thank you NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Amy Harmon for this wonderful read.

Deborah Samson was as sharp as a tack, dedicated to improving herself and proving herself as capable as any man. She didn’t have the best start in life and was sold into servitude, but her worked hard to make the best of any situation. When the Revolutionary War broke out and so many of the men in her village, including several from the family she worked for, enlisted she felt compelled to do so too. She successfully disguised herself as a boy for a year and a half until she became the aide to a general. The struggle was then her hope to contribute or her feelings for the general.

Obviously, well researched and written, but done so with a deft touch. What could have come off as strange or undignified was just the opposite. Well done
Amy Harmon.

This is my third Amy Harmon book and with each book of hers that I read, I continue to be amazed by how well she writes and how brilliantly she brings the characters in her story to life. She blends facts with fiction so well it's difficult to sift the two in her books. I usually turn to Wiki pages to become familiar with the historical characters and the time period that she sets her story around.

In 'A Girl Called Samson', Amy Harmon has brought to our attention the story of Deborah Sampson. Samson was born in 1760 and she worked as an indentured servant till the age of 18. Deborah, possessed a free spirit and she wanted to be liberated from the circumstances which she was born into. At the age of 22, she donned the costume of a man, cut her hair short and enlisted as Robert Shurtliff in the Continental Army and fought alongside men in the American Revolutionary War. Although in the book, we are given an insight into what lengths Samson went to hide her real identity, I can only imagine the actual hardships she had to face every day. You cannot help fall in love with Deborah and cheer for her as she not only fights the enemy in front of her but also battles with her daily struggles that comes with keeping her identity a secret while living in close quarters with her fellow soldiers. A small google search also left me amazed at the number of women during the 1700's who disguised themselves as men and joined the army. Some were unsuccessful and were caught but some served for a considerable period of time before being discharged. I enjoyed reading this book.

I always look forward to reading Amy Harmon's books because she writes about ordinary women who are put in extraordinary situations, be it Anne Gallagher in 'What the Wind Knows' or Daniela Kos in 'The Unknown Beloved' or Deborah in this book. I hope to read more of Amy's works from her previous books.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of the book.