6 Books Found

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Based on your description:

"A book that retells the story of Tam Lin, though his name doens't appear anywhere in the title. It's a YA book, I think-- appropriate for teens. It's a very straightforward retelling of Tam Lin, with a plucky Janet as our main protagonist. The cover has a picture of a girl riding a horse."

August 2, 2026

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Likely answer

Young Adult Fantasy Novel Retelling the Ballad of Tam Lin

The book you are looking for is An Earthly Knight by Janet McNaughton. Published in 2003, this young adult historical fantasy is a faithful retelling of the Scottish ballad Tam Lin. Set in 12th-century Scotland, it follows the plucky Jenny (Janet) as she encounters the mysterious Tam Lin in the woods of Carterhaugh. The cover features a girl on a horse, matching your description of the protagonist.

Confirmed match: Earthly Knight, An by Janet Mcnaughton