I wanted a guide that would really guide and this is it. Neighborhood maps, sights, and just enough description to be helpful not tedious. I thought the shopping suggestions were unique and the maps that fold-out saved me from looking like a lost tourist.

More Than a Game

a book review

by Kathy Maloney

More Than a Game is Mike Gaherty's second novel for Avalon Books. Set in Minnesota, this novel traces some of the trials of young, first-year teacher Lisa Dawson as she struggles to establish herself as a competent history teacher at Parkview High School. At the same time, Lisa must confront the problems of making a winning team out of her girls soccer players. She quickly learns that girls' athletics take second place to boys' athletics at the school. The best practice field is the territory of Brad Reynolds, a hunky football coach. Lisa quickly earns the affection and loyalty of the girls on her soccer team, especially that of Maria Vencenzi. Maria's lack of agressiveness would have resulted in her being cut from another team. But, because Maria's father has provided a practice field for the team outside his plant, and because Maria is a hardworking team member, Lisa doesn't want to cut her from the team. When two other girls unexpectedly have to quit the team, the problem is solved. The school year gets underway with its mix of lesson plans and soccer practice, and her on-again off-again romance with Reynolds. The weeks go by until several strands of the story cross each other. First, Lisa's team is ready for soccer play-offs for the state championship. At the same time, a local news reporter named Claris Lane who has dated Brad in the past, puts together a misleading story about Lisa's involvement in encouraging football players in her class to take part in activities which would result in eligibility violations. Furthermore, the reporter's story suggests other coaches (Reynolds) were aware of the infractions but failed to report them. If the accusations are proven, the football team coached by Reynolds will have to forfeit games ruining their standing. It is a blatant attempt by the jealous reporter to embarrass Lisa publically. Claris' television report succeeds also in creating additional problems for Reynolds. Reynolds initially, believes the reporter's story to be true which crushes and angers Lisa. How the two coaches solve the teams' problems and their personal ones brings the novel to a satisfying conclusion. This novel, like his first, shows again how Gaherty knows his characters inside and out. Lisa is just the right mix of assertiveness and naivete so characteristic of first year teachers. Brad Reynolds is believable as a coach whose athletes come first in his life. However, he is a coach with intelligence too. Claris Lane is a perfectly drawn as a self-centered, manipulative blonde. Several supporting characters come to life as well. One is Dodie, Lisa's irrepressible roommate, who is an elementary teacher. Principal Woolery who seemed out of touch with his teachers, comes round with support exactly when Lisa needs it. Maria's father, Alberto Vincenzi, also is believable as a single father running a business and caring for his teenage daughter, Maria. Gaherty creates genuine characters whom readers care about. The events of the story are never forced nor gratuitous but reflect true-to-life situations. The characters behave, talk, and think the way real teachers would. Also, it is refreshing to read a sweet love story. This novel is satisfying because it shows people who, even if they occasionally have childish moments, are able to solve problems in adult ways.

If you want to read a good mystery, then be sure to check this one out. From the moment that Dan sees Teri in the water swimming he takes her in and helps her all the way to the end. Now what kind of good guy is that? Dan is your good guy. The chemistry is sensational between the two. It may not be like a chemistry should be but theirs is cute. When they have to share a bed for comfort and their feet meet, it was just delightful to read little moments like that. Then towards the end where she sees his feet again, and at the end where they are gripping each other's hand. A wonderful, wonderful story with little chemistry of moments that make the story such a delight to read. The intensity of the downpour of rain at the end with the way the cops grip hold of one little female like she is going to jump ship. The story made you feel as if you were there. This is a great book!!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery. Very well written. Very enjoyable. I would recommend reading it.

The Lavene's score another hit with this one! They manage to put romance into working class lives with wit and honesty! I look forward to their next book!

This is only one of Kent Conwell's books that I have read. There are many others that I have read. And I give them all a 5. He leaves you laughing and smiling throughout the day when you read one of his books. I really enjoyed the one about the wagon train and all the women going out west. I laughed, I cried. I love his books. He puts so much emotion into his books. If no one has ever read a Kent Conwell book, they are missing a golden opportunity. He is a great storyteller.

If you have yet to read any of these books, you should hesitate no further. This is an absolute great series of books by Mr. Blair. Jim and Prudence will stick in your heart and will make you remember how it first felt to be in love. They are great. The action is wonderful, the banter if fun! This is a two thumbs up book!!

Annette Mahon has written an absorbing mystery that combines the atmosphere of the Southwest, the musical theater, and the skill of quilting in the search for a murderer. Her Miss Marple-like main character is both astute and likable, with a supporting cast of charming-to-quirky women quilters who together arrive at the solution of the mystery. Fans of the cozy mystery will find themselves transported into this story, and will be both satisfied and sorry to come to its end.

This is a classic jennifer gray book. When the gray's nanny, Emma takes a writing course she discovers she can write her novel very well. while Emma leaves the town in suspence about what will happen next in her book an anonymous person sends her clues written in the format of Emma's novel. the whole town is desperate to find out if emma has discovered a dead body burried somewhere in calico and if there was a murder in calico's past.

Although the characters are not developed in detail in the one story, if the whole series is read the reader can feel comfortable with the main characters. The story is fairly light-weight, no gruesome descriptions of the murder. As always, Georgette Livingston shows that an entertaining story can be written without the vulgar language so many authors contrive to use to sell their books.