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First Serve: Acing Life
A novel about perseverance, fair play and human decency.
When Lucie Sampson's best friend disappears at the end of fourth grade, she finds herself defenseless against her bullies. Born with hip dysplasia, Lucie's unusual gait has made her a target for teasing most of her young life. But the first time she sees a tennis match, a whole new freedom appears on the horizon.
Encouraged by her father, Lucie heads to college with the hope of playing competitive tennis. But before she can set foot on campus, a debilitating accident derails her dreams. As she learns to contend with injury and prejudice, Lucie finds strength in new friendships as she fights for a place back on the court.
When her father's most closely guarded secret comes to light, Lucie is exposed to dangers she never anticipated. With more than tennis on the line, the spirit of sportsmanship rewards her with an unexpected finale and, quite certainly, a winning set.
When Lucie Sampson's best friend disappears at the end of fourth grade, she finds herself defenseless against her bullies. Born with hip dysplasia, Lucie's unusual gait has made her a target for teasing most of her young life. But the first time she sees a tennis match, a whole new freedom appears on the horizon.
Encouraged by her father, Lucie heads to college with the hope of playing competitive tennis. But before she can set foot on campus, a debilitating accident derails her dreams. As she learns to contend with injury and prejudice, Lucie finds strength in new friendships as she fights for a place back on the court.
When her father's most closely guarded secret comes to light, Lucie is exposed to dangers she never anticipated. With more than tennis on the line, the spirit of sportsmanship rewards her with an unexpected finale and, quite certainly, a winning set.
366 pages, Hardcover
Published January 8, 2024
1 person want to read
About the author
Cynthia Suzanne Sauer
1 book1 followerCynthia Suzanne Sauer is an educator who enjoys teaching students from diverse backgrounds and is inspired by their willingness to seek their own voice. She is also a former ranked tennis player and certified teaching pro. In addition, Cynthia is an avid hiker, bicyclist and photographer and created the documentary, "Remembrance and Reconciliation" based on Carl Sandburg’s poem, “Grass.” She also serves as a volunteer for the Disabled American Veterans and is a member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild. When she’s not spending time with her family and friends, she’s on the look-out for the best coffee ice cream anywhere.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 4, 2024
If you like tennis, you'll enjoy First Serve
I grew up playing tennis, and First Serve brought back so many memories of the sport.
Lucie Sampson is bullied as a young girl because she is different. After her best friend moves away unexpectedly, sadness overtakes her. This book is about how she overcame multiple life challenges and found solace in the world of tennis. It is about her experiences in tennis across her lifetime. It touches on loss, friendship, physical and emotional hardships, determination, life surprises, resilience and hope. And tennis of course.
This book took me back to my own experiences growing up and the part that tennis played in my life. Her journey was very different from my own, and yet it brought me back to the valuable experiences and lessons I learned from tennis growing up. It was easy to become involved in Lucie's world, and this was a hard book to put down. I found First Serve to be a good and memorable read, and one that left me thinking long after I finished it.
I grew up playing tennis, and First Serve brought back so many memories of the sport.
Lucie Sampson is bullied as a young girl because she is different. After her best friend moves away unexpectedly, sadness overtakes her. This book is about how she overcame multiple life challenges and found solace in the world of tennis. It is about her experiences in tennis across her lifetime. It touches on loss, friendship, physical and emotional hardships, determination, life surprises, resilience and hope. And tennis of course.
This book took me back to my own experiences growing up and the part that tennis played in my life. Her journey was very different from my own, and yet it brought me back to the valuable experiences and lessons I learned from tennis growing up. It was easy to become involved in Lucie's world, and this was a hard book to put down. I found First Serve to be a good and memorable read, and one that left me thinking long after I finished it.
January 12, 2025
Cynthia's debut novel is a total smash. A gifted storyteller, she weaves a heartwarming tale of overcoming adversity with fascinating tennis and historical detail. You will not want to put this book down! Chapter after chapter, you will root for the protagonist Lucie as she makes her way through the tennis world. In the end, sad that it's over, you'll leave inspired to serve others like Lucie. Thank you Cynthia for writing and sharing such a wonderful story with the world. It's a true ace.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews