Samantha Van Holt - a clothing store assistant manager - collects male admires as avidly as she does trendy belts, while her under-appreciated beau Cedric tries to convince her tht marriage is a different kind of adventure. Throw in embezzling boss at her store, a married boyfriend, a spontaneous not-quite-honeymoon in the tropics, and a case of sudden lust for a night shift janitor, and you have A Year of Samantha. If she survives these twelve months, Samantha may never be quite the same.

A Year of Samantha is a delightful romp from the back rooms of quasi-couture to the waterfalls of Hawaii, as Cedric and Samantha swim upstream against the currents of life, wondering if they'll wash up on the same shores.

E-mail comments about the book to: webmaster@yearofsamantha.com

"Fabulous, confident main character." - Alison, New York, NY

"I was captivated by it" - Angela, Palm Bay, FL

"Couldn't put it down" - Hazel, Winnipeg, MB

"I'm very impressed" - Rebecca, Nashville, TN

"SO funny" - Amy, Washington, D.C.

"I loved the book." - Michele, OH, USA

"A really great book about realistic relationships!" - Melonie, Fayetteville, AR

"A 'must read' for anyone who loves Chick Lit." - Amber D., USA

"I am enjoying reading it - I just can't put it down." Karine, Van Nuys, CA

"I couldn't put it down for a minute!" - Sheila, Thornhill, ON

"A peachy beach read. A Year of Samantha is just the book to read. It is a light, frothy romance with just enough sizzle." - Ramona H., Dallas, TX

"I was very impressed with your work." - Ray, Cocoa Beach, FL

"I enjoyed A Year of Samantha. The main characters come to life on the page. Who will Samantha choose is the question. When will the author write a sequel?" - Pat K.

"My girlfriend gave me this book to read - it was very entertaining." - Brian A. - La Habra, CA

"It has a very intimate feel to it. Congratulations!" - Jan, Hendersonville, TN

"I love it. Buy this book, rebel against your average Chick Lit!" - B.L.G., Wilmington, DE

"I really, really loved it." - Elizabeth P., Richmond Hill, ON

"I just finished reading 'A Year of Samantha'. This book is so representative of real life dating it is almost scary (looking for something that is right in front of you). I think most of us have endured the roller coaster ride that Samantha experiences in her life. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to you all. The book will make you laugh and cry during your journey through Samantha's life." - Tina Lou, Hertford, NC

"A Year of Samantha is a really smart, funny and romantic work of fiction that is perfect for a summer day at the beach. I really enjoyed Samantha, but I have to say that Cedric was the true gem of this book for me. I really loved him and really rooted for him from the first page of the book. He was charming, sweet and really loving. I loved everything about this book - and find myself telling anyone and everyone to pick up a copy. B.D. Gardner is a really talented writer and I think he has a bright future ahead of him...who knows, maybe he could be the US's Nick Hornby. Give it a read - it's a good one. CHEERS!" - Carrie Hampton, Columbus, Ohio

"For sheer summer escapism, look to B.D. Gardner's 'A Year of Samantha'. This fast-paced romance centers on Cedric's adoration for Samantha - a clothing store assistant manager and proverbial Don Juan in a skirt. Cedric does all that's possible to woo Samantha; however, she strings him along as she basks in a shower of male attention. But Samantha is forced to reevaluate her feelings, especially when she discovers the selfish act of her ruthlessly ambitious boss. There are many twists in this novel. Gardner has created an endearing character in Cedric. The aforementioned hero has the sort of sensitivity that is seldom used in modern fiction. His infatuation with Samantha is quite realistic. Samantha's character development isn't as vivid as Cedric's, still I was able to relate to some of her plights. A Year of Samantha is sheer summer escapism...the perfect companion for a lazy afternoon in a hammock overlooking the sunset. Highly recommended." - Mini F., Holyoke, MA

"A must read! B.D. Gardner has brought such real life drama to this book. I related to the trials and tribulations of Samantha. Unlike most Chick Lit, the author has brought a good amount of supporting characters to this book. I would recommend it to all." - Jane, Manager, MSN Chick Lit Group

"Sam - you go girl! This is not your ordinary romance novel. The main character, Samantha, has beauty, strength, spirit, and is not afraid to go after what she wants. A refreshing change from the typical, predictable, boring novels of late. B.D. Gardner brings Samantha alive and makes you care about what is going to happen next in her life. I read the entire book in two days and can't wait for the next one! Bravo!" - An Amazon reviewer, FL.

"Samantha became my past young self in my imagination as I "tagged" along on her adventures. I personally have been to most of the locations in the book so the author's words, and old memories, brought the characters alive for me in these romantic settings. B.D. Gardner should start writing more books to satisfy the readers. One is not enough." - Gloria, Georgia

"If you are looking for a fun, entertaining yet meaningful book to curl up with this fall, I would strongly recommend B.D. Gardner's debut novel A Year of Samantha. A Year of Samantha tells the story of 27-year old Samantha Van Holt, an assistant manager in a clothing store who is currently undergoing a somewhat chaotic year of her life. Who knew 27 could be such a difficult age? Fortunately (or is it?) she has plenty of male admirers to choose from - there is the very married Gordon, and the sweet, marriage and commitment enthusiast Cedric, and the night janitor who Samantha suddenly finds exceedingly attractive. While trying to figure out her love life, Samantha's boss Guido appears to be up to a no good embezzling scheme that might get everyone (including her) in trouble. Add to that the usual family chaos and problems, and you have a recipe for a pretty difficult year of life. When Cedric asks Samantha to go away with him on a romantic trip to Hawaii, he figures it will be a great way for them to become closer. Samantha agrees, knowing she needs to get away from everything. But will the trip turn out to be a disaster? Will things end up going right or will the two of them end up even further apart? Pick up your own copy of A Year of Samantha and see. This is a delightfully realistic and well-told story that will be enjoyed by everyone. Samantha and Cedric are very well-defined and likeable characters, and the story line moves along smoothly and will keep you riveted. Don't miss this great book!"
Published Review by: Chicklitbooks.com (Rian Montgomery)

FOUR STARS (out of five). "This romantic novel offers its readers intelligence and a satisfying conclusion through its bright heroine who knows what she wants - except when it comes to love."
Published Review by: ForeWord Reviews.com (Angela Leeper)

"I think this is a 'must read book'. It has been a long time since I enjoyed a book so much. I could not put it down. I want to read more - do you have any more books?" - Tanja de Vries, PEI, Canada

"A really great read - I couldn't put it down!" - Mesotelioma, Detroit, MI

"Nice novel, but too short :)" - Alice, Belgium

"Would that every girl could have a Cedric...perhaps that's one of the appeals of the book, despite the years of feminism, it's fun to imagine a steadfast and patient prince for every Cinderella." - RC, Nashville, TN