Game of Sails: an Olympic Love Story

by Carol Newman Cronin

Casey Morgan was just about to qualify for the national sailing team when Spencer Harding capsized on top of her. Desperate for a secret weapon, she steamrolls into his casual small town life to get dibs on a fast new sail. As even Casey's singleminded determination is tested by treachery, divorce, and serious injury, the two sailors their opposite approaches to work toward a lofty goal—a berth on the Olympic team.

Carol Newman Cronin crowned a lifetime of competitive achievement by winning two merge races at the 2004 Olympics. Game of Sails offers a fresh perspective on teamwork, competition, and what winning really means.

284 pages, Paperback

First published July 4, 2011

About the author

All of my novels share three common elements: a coastal setting, boats, and a happy ending. In other words, #coastalfiction! I’m represented by April Eberhardt Literary, and my next book, Ferry to Cooperation Island, comes out in June 2020.

I’ve also written several award-winning stories about boating adventures and waterfront personalities. To learn more, and to receive a weekly post about Where Books Meet Boats, visit http://www.carolnewmancronin.com. Thanks for reading!

Reviews

[Christine Kling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the joy of reading Game of Sails comes from the insider look at the world of one-design small boat sailing and the pulse-thumping excitement of rounding the marks in a fleet of world-class sailors. Olympian Carol Newman Cronin writes with the same commanding authority whether describing what it’s like to fly from wave-top to wave-top on a screaming spinnaker run or the dance-like choreography of a tack on the line at super high-stakes start. But what I enjoyed most about this novel was getting to know her endearing characters, Casey and Spencer, the unlikely duo whose worlds collide, quite literally. As I turned the pages, I found myself hoping I'd meet them in some sailor's bar someday because I felt I knew them like old friends. In the end, I was rooting as much for their budding romance as for the success of their Olympic dreams.

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

I nearly gave up on this one but I’m glad I didn't.

A serious sailor, I came to this novel looking for a story filled with the beauty and excitement of sailboat racing put on the page. The author’s bio looked impressive, Olympic sailor! I'm a believer in write what you know and had high hopes.

In spite of competent, voicy prose, the story opened with a technical description of a sailboat race that seemed more like a how-to manual more than a sensory experience. Low level youth angst of money woes and romantic failures generated little heat or interest.

The book consists of three parts. Part one and two muddle along. But things pick up in part three where the male and female protagonists ditch a boring cast of characters and arrive at the Olympic games. Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about! This is where a real story tacks off. The author uses her inside knowledge to craft something interesting. Even the tepid romantic triangle works when buoyed by sailing races that bring the protagonists closer and closer to medal range.

Part three can stand alone. For those who want a solid three star read, skip parts one and two and enjoy. So, using my book star math *+*+***=**

[Paula Margulies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting and well-written, Game of Sails offers a fresh perspective on a world that not many get to experience. There are three point of view characters in this book: scrappy female sailing competitor, Casey Morgan, sail design specialist, Spencer Harding, and Spencer's employer, sailmaker John "Gordo" Gordon. Cronin divides the book equally among all three characters, but the story revolves mainly around Spencer and his desire to make it to the Olympics. The relationship between Spencer and Casey seems unlikely at first, but ends up being believable, and the story provides great insights into what it's like to compete for and participate in an Olympic event.

Note: If you like books that explore sailing and history, check out Carol's excellent young adult novels, Oliver's Surprise and Cape Cod Surprise.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it isn't a book I would normally read not knowing anything about sailing, but the author did a fabulous job describing everything that it made you feel like you were there watching. I feel in love with the main characters of the story and quite honestly didn't want the story to end. It was a lively upbeat book, the author did an amazing job with letting the reader know about the characters lives. If you like sailing, romance and some revenge, you will like this book.

I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.

Thank you

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book through Goodreads First Reads!

This is the first book I've read by this author.

I'd actually give it about a 3.5.

It was interesting and exciting to see all that Casey and Spencer and the other characters go through to prepare and race. The main part of the book is conversational. I like the witty banter back and forth between Spencer and Casey! It was very real! Yet I would've liked a little more descriptive detail about where they are so you can picture in your mind what it's like! I know the basics but a little more detail would've been nice! I didn't even know where they were at the beginning!

The chapters where Gordo was speaking were fun! Got to see Casey and Spencer from his view!

It was hard for me to understand all the sailing technology, especially at the beginning, even though I have boating experience. I try to picture what's happening as I read and it was hard to do that if I didn't know what they were talking about!

A nice break from the traditional mushy romances. The competition and teamwork perspectives were very well written!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to win this book as part of a GoodReads Givaway but that's not why i gave it 5 stars. It deserves them.

Great story that grips you from the get-go. I did wonder if i'd understand the sailing lingo but by half way through i felt like i knew the words and what they meant (although i still don't) and i felt i was a sailing pro.

A very fitting read with the Olympics this year, thoroughly enjoyed it. You can tell it was written by someone with passion that has taken the trouble to think through the plot and style carefully.

It does have a few typos so would benefit from a proof reader.

Would recommend to all who like a)sailing and b)well written enjoyable books

x

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive this book from first-reads.

The story revolves around the life and challenges of a sailor trying to be the best in her sport and reach the Olympics.

The first thing that I will say is that you don't have to know anything about sailing to enjoy this book. The author has created some very real and interesting characters who will win you over by the end of the book. The way that the author changed perspectives between the characters gave a fresh view on events in the story. It is a fun story that I would recommend.

[Icia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I also won this book. I love this book. I'll prolly end up re-reading it. Its a beautiful story about hard work, friendship, and love. I think if you like this type of book then you should read it. its deffy not one to pass up.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an Advanced Readers copy from Goodreads. I enjoyed this book. It was a light easy read. Great book for young people about working hard and how some people try and cheat but it will come back and bite them.

[Ponch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. I didn't really understand all the sailing lingo at the beginning but I caught on quickly.

I received a free copy of this book from GoodReads.