Double Header

by Clarice G. James

Casey Gallagher has it all together—a lucrative marketing career in Boston, a happy marriage, and a successful sports column she writes with her younger brother Griffin. She’s got a plan to save for a dream home in the suburbs and then have kids, even though her cop husband Sam doesn’t see the need to wait.

The memory of her father still looms large four years after his passing. He was the cop who let her shine his boots, and she’s idolized him since she was a little girl. Even Sam can’t live up to his legacy. Then Casey receives a letter that bursts her balloon. Could her father not have been all she believed he was, and if so, how can her mother, who recently remarried and found a new faith, so easily forgive her former husband? Even the Red Sox rookies Casey and Griffin have recently befriended seem to have an inner peace that puzzles her.

As Casey attempts to fit the changes life throws at her into her idealistic plan, she is challenged by the dialogue running in her head. Is it her conscience, her imagination, or the voice of the God she’s not sure she believes in?

312 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2015

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Header is a Touchdown!


You don't have to enjoy or even understand baseball to love this novel! While the characters lives and livelihood do revolve around the sport the real focus of this story are the relationships and the personal growth of the main character Casey.
Casey is the typical Type A older sister that hates change and takes control because, well, who else will? If we are not her, we all know and love someone just like her. Casey has life planned out until she gets thrown a curveball out of left field that shakes up her whole world. This news revels cracks in her perfect plan for life resulting in many subplots that help us relate to her even more. Because, let's be real, is it ever just one big life changing thing happening in our lives at once?
With an element of mystery this novel is one that has you thinking about it even when you put it down to go to work. It sparks questions and conversations about yourself and your own relationships along with reaffirming that families need many "types" of people to hold them together; especially when they're a little bit more scratched and broken than you realized.
Although Double Header is throughly engaging and so relatable that it will get you thinking! It really is a touchdown, or goal, or a home run, or whatever. I loved it!

[Jeremiah Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Who me?" That was my response when Clarice James asked if I'd review her new book, "Double Header", a work of Women's fiction. After all, I'm not a woman and didn't know if the story would appeal to me. But once I began the book, I can say beyond any doubt, I was happily surprised. Clarice is a gifted writer. The characters she dreams up are so real you wonder if they are people from her own life, or whether you'll run into them at the mall or your next trip to a Red Sox game. The plot of the book moved along at a good pace, keeping me engaged and interested until the very end. Anyone who reads this book will get caught up in the main character's (Casey) life, rooting for her as she faces her challenges and joys. Though the book has a Christian theme to it, the message won't slap you in the back of the head. Clarice skillfully weaves it into the story. ~ Jeremiah P., New Hampshire

[Susan Loud]

Double Header, a new novel by Clarice James, is a bit hard to categorize. It’s a fun read about family, friends and faith. It’s a really fun read if you are from the Boston area and/or a Red Sox fan. It’s also a bit of a mystery, which keeps you guessing until the end. The best part of Double Header for me is the characters. They are well developed and interesting. They are far from perfect, but I like them. They are the kind of people I would like to know and have in my life. Clarice James has hit a home run with Double Header. Here’s hoping that we’ll see more from her and her cast of characters in the future.

[Derinda Babcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

DOUBLE HEADER caught and held my attention from beginning to end. The characters are well-developed and real enough that I would recognize them on the street if we passed. Casey, the main character, struggles with others and with God in a believable way, and her search to find answers as to the identity of the half-brother she doesn't know about until she is almost thirty kept me turning pages. This is a satisfying, entertaining read. I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Double Header is a breezy romp narrated by a sassy young woman who is ambivalent about her work, her relationships, and her beliefs. Then an unexpected letter turns her world upside-down. Who’s the letter from? Who’s it about? This mystery dominates the end of the novel. All the characters are well-drawn and individualized, with realistic sibling banter. By the end of the book, the characters feel like family. The baseball setting is a refreshing change from the usual chick-lit backgrounds. (And, no, you don’t have to know anything about baseball to enjoy the plot or characters.) ~ Carol R.

[Cathy Tully · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Plot That Pulls You Into the Characters’ Lives: I loved it! The novel was very easy to read with a plot that pulls you into the characters’ lives and the struggles they are going through. It was very easy to relate to many of the circumstances and characters. It brings to life the fact that God is real and how faith plays a critical role in outcomes through all the twists and turns of the story. I look forward to the next one. ~ Cathy T., Georgia

[Stephanie Prichard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The loving sibling rivalry between Casey and her brother in Double Header is a hoot! I loved the honest portrait of Casey and was oh-so-able to identify with many of her foibles. The mystery undergirding the story was an emotional and spiritual challenge that realistically paved the way for changes—if Casey would only respond! While I’m not a baseball fan, I found that story element easy to follow and even enjoyable.

[Terrie Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarice James’ Double Header gripped me from its opening sentence. I couldn’t stop until I’d laughed every last laugh the book elicits and solved each mystery weaving its way through the story with tentacles that grabbed my heart and wouldn’t let go. If you’re a sucker for warm, hilarious sibling camaraderie, you’ll love this book. And if you’re also a sucker for baseball, you’re in for a double treat with Double Header. ~ Terrie T., Manitoba, Canada

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Header is an entertaining book about Casey Gallagher, marketing executive by day and sports writer by night. I was hooked at the first sentence and quickly became immersed in the story. The characters are well fleshed out, especially Casey and her brother Griffin, whose banter and pseudo-bickering show the closeness of their relationship. Author Clarice James builds the mystery to the very end and had me guessing the entire way. Highly recommended.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Little Bit of Everything to Enjoy: It was a fast-paced read with a little bit of everything. Good characters. Mystery. Romance. Sibling rivalry. Faith. Being a runner and a female sports fan myself, I could identify with the main character, Casey. (Don’t worry. You don’t miss anything if you’re not into sports.) The story is about a woman struggling to stay in control of her life. The author kept me guessing who the brother was to the very end. Loved it! ~ Erin H., Massachusetts

[Christy Brunke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Header is a compelling novel about faith, family, and forgiveness. The writing was so fantastic and the plot so deftly unfurled, I found it hard to believe this was James’s first published novel. Her characters stormed off the page into my head. I got a kick out of the relationship between Casey and her fun brother and grinned at the antics of their overbearing agent, Roberta. I’m not a sports fan, but I enjoyed the baseball imagery James used throughout the story, and absolutely loved the ending. With her humor, great voice, and words that spring off the page, James has won a fan for life. I recommend this book to baseball enthusiasts and readers who enjoy drama, mysteries, and realistic fiction.

[Deb Haggerty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deb’s Dozen: Baseball, Sibling Rivalry, Snappy Repartee, Mystery–Double Header Hits a Home Run!

Double Header by Clarice G. James is a most delightful debut novel that will be enjoyed by both guys and gals. Siblings Casey Gallagher and Griffin McGee write a sports column titled “Double Header” noted for their bickering back and forth as well as snappy repartee. Casey also works for a marketing company, and her husband, Sam, is a police officer. Griffin, a school teacher and coach, is married to Jillian, who is expecting their first child.

Off to their traditional stint at spring training watching the Boston Red Sox, Casey and Griffin are entranced by the pitcher-catcher team from South Boston, Mike Hennessey and Darin Flynn, dubbed by our trio, The Irish Twins. After the first day’s workout, the duo heads to a golf course to play nine holes. Griffin comes back with a tee time to Casey’s amazement and …with the Irish Twins themselves.

Back at work at both their day jobs and their columns, Casey receives a letter that spins her world worse than a close pitch. What should she do? The letter’s contents concern her family—how does she determine the truth—and does she tell them?

As Casey is working her way through the dilemma, she and Sam must come to grips with Casey’s unhealthy mourning of her dad’s death as well as the current state of their marriage and goals. Griffin and Jillian have the whole morning sickness what are we going to do now do we want to know the sex of the baby thing going on. On top of their day jobs and personal lives, their agent, Roberta, is nagging them about the future of “Double Header” … are they going to expand, do more TV and radio, write those sports biographies … or are they going to just keep schlepping along.

You’ll absolutely love Casey Gallaher—the story is told from her point of view—and her wacky wit. I giggled and laughed out loud several times while reading. And Griffin is a typical younger brother. The Irish Twins are a delight as are Casey’s husband, Sam, and his protégé, Tommy Colletti. If you happen to be a Bosox fan and know the area, you’ll love all the local references. If not, you’ll still love the story, the mystery, and the repartee. Clarice James has knocked it out of the park with Double Header—five stars! Buy it now!

Clarice James loves to read and write contemporary and historical women’s fiction (although Double Header is fun for both sexes). Years of writing for business and ministry have finally yielded to the fun of writing fiction. Clarice and her husband, David, live in southern New Hampshire. Together they have five married kids and ten grandkids. Find out more about Clarice at www.ClariceJames.com.

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t let the picture fool you, this is not just a book about baseball! This is a story about forgiveness, life choices, marriage, self discovery, and yes, baseball. It also has a glimpse of betrayal, and probably not the way you would think. Double Header is the first published novel by Clarice G. James, and I think she’s written a beautiful story.
Casey Gallagher is a woman who has idolized her father her entire life. So much in fact that she has a “shrine” in her home in honor of her father. I could only imagine how this made her husband Sam feel. While Sam was in the same line of work – police – he could never live up to her father throughout their marriage. Now, do not get the wrong impression, they do not have a bad marriage. But you get glimpses of how Sam must feel like second best to Casey, especially since her father passed away a few years ago.
Imagine idolizing someone like this, and then learning a terrible secret about them. Your whole world comes crashing down. Casey receives a note, and so I do not spoil the surprise, has learned something horrible about her father’s past. At first, you see her wrestle with denial versus truth. How could someone so perfect have done this to her and her family? I enjoyed watching Casey go through so many different emotions, including deciding whether or not she should tell her mother and brother.
Did I mention this book is about baseball too? Casey and her brother, in addition to their regular careers, write a successful sports column together. When Casey’s brother and wife are starting a family, the sports column may have to take a bake seat. This forces Casey to look at her own life, marriage, career, and determine what she wants out of the world. I could certainly empathize with Casey during this situation and can see a little bit of myself in her. I have a job that I love, however it may not be my dream. I find myself toying with thoughts of leaving to pursue my dream, but practicality hits me in the face and I find myself staying status quo. It was such an inspiration to watch Casey come to her decision, and learn to lean on her husband, as well as listen to his ideas. I think Casey struggles with being in control, and when it escaped her we saw this new side of her open up that I think readers will enjoy.
This book has a little something for everyone, as I mentioned before. I encourage you to try this first novel by Clarice. I am anxious to see what comes next for Clarice in her writing journey!

[Mary Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

When young career-woman Casey’s happy memories from childhood are fractured, she begins a tough journey to re-establish her equilibrium and forge a new plan for her life. While this task is deeply emotional and challenging for her, author Clarice G. James’s skill in writing and her witty style make the reader’s journey a delight.

Casey and twin brother Griffin are engaging, spar like experts but always good-naturedly, and draw the reader right into their world. James draws her characters with plenty of quirks to make them interesting, and finds fresh ways to describe them. For instance, Casey’s boss repeatedly misplaces personal items and is often seen patting his pockets, belt, or wrist. in search of glasses, cell phone, or watch. Her nickname for him? Macarena Man.

James is obviously a keen observer of human behavior, which allows her to portray concise but powerful character interactions with crisp, clever dialog. I especially enjoyed Casey’s cheeky observations, even of herself. Here she’s thinking: “I sounded like a freshman at Smart Mouth Prep. I didn’t usually talk that way in front of my mother.”

Adding to the enjoyment of reading Casey’s story is James’s ability to create vivid word pictures and effective metaphors. For example, on this occasion Casey and Griffin, along with their spouses, are discussing how to proceed. The twins are of opposite opinions:

“I froze. It never occurred to me that Griffin would move forward without me. “You would do that, knowing the way I feel?” I turned to Sam and Jillian for support. They slid their chairs back a few inches over the border into Switzerland.”

As Casey grapples with forgiving, and even wonders if God exists, the spiritual themes are handled in a realistic manner, and with the grace and humor that characterizes James’s writing.

DOUBLE HEADER opens with a curve-ball first line that hooked me, and continued to intrigue, surprise, and charm me to the very end. The story came alive, and I find myself thinking about who should be cast in the movie version~which would be delicious to see.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every woman struggles to keep her life in balance from time to time, and the very practical Casey Gallagher is no exception. Between her day job (which places her schedule squarely opposite her husband's) and the column she writes with her brother, Griffin (which takes her into the sports world she loves), she has no time for a mysterious revelation. But, when one arrives, in the form of a letter that divulges a secret, Casey must make room in her already crowded life for doubts that leave her questioning things she has always believed to be true. Clarice James’s Double Header is one part mystery, one part sports and one part family, with a sprinkling of business thrown in for good measure. James writes relationships with wit and sensitivity, balancing weighty matters with time at family gatherings and the ballpark, introducing the reader to a cast of characters as diverse as the Boston they inhabit. The relationship between Casey and her brother Griffin is a particularly well-written mix of honesty, witty repartee and sibling rivalry. Whatever decision Casey makes will come at a price, but as she struggles to come to terms with the revelation in the letter, she just might find the balance that’s been so elusive, and perhaps an unexpected assist as well. ~Lisa H. Pennsylvania

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Header, a new novel by Clarice James was a delightful read. The story entails a brother and sister who write a baseball column called Double Header. The interaction between siblings was warmhearted. Their humorous bantering made me smile every single time.

When a letter arrives for Casey, her life is turned upside down. What she had always known becomes an unknown. She strongly rejects the notion that her father could have faltered, failing to live up to the memory she has immortalized. Little by little Casey seeks and finds faith that helps her acknowledge she might be wrong once in a while. She finds believing in God brings her the inner peace she has long searched for.

Double Header is a well written novel that I think you would enjoy. Even among the conflict, Clarice James skillfully weaves emotions, faith, humor, and redemption.

Clarice James was one of the winners in the 2014 Jerry Jenkins Operation First Novel contest, Double Header is her first published novel. I received a copy of this novel for my honest review.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Double Header
The mark of a good book is feeling sad when I finish it. With “Double Header” Clarice James hit it out of the park. James does a good job writing believable dialogue and creating tension among and within her characters. Casey, the protagonist of the story is credible as a young, driven career woman struggling to have it all and realizing she can’t. Amidst those struggles she finds new faith in God. The gospel is presented in a gentle but godly manner with Casey approaching God tentatively but seeing His faithfulness even with her hesitant efforts. I would have liked to see the other characters fleshed out more, in particular Casey’s mother. It is her faith that stirs Casey so I would have like to have learned more of where that came from.
An added bonus to the book was a great travelogue of the Boston area. It makes me want to venture there!
The plot entertained me while the characters’ relationships piqued my interest, pricked my conscience and provoked some thoughts and prayers to God; something that Christian fiction should do.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Header
By: Clarice G. James

Wow, this maybe Ms James first published novel , but she has penned herself a winner that is a dramatic story. I could not read fast enough to see what was going to happen next. The story and the characters both were easy to follow and I really enjoyed them . I did not play baseball , but I did play softball . You do not have to be a fan of baseball to read and enjoy :”Double Header.” Siblings Casey and Griffin both write a sports column called “Double Header.” Casey has her life all planned out, but Griffin is different . Casey gets a letter that involves her deceased father and it turns her world up-side down . What should she do ? Who should she tell? All through the novel Casey hears a voice talking to her. She is not really into the God thing, but who is talking to her and telling her what to do ?
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.

[Elsie Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Casey, the main character, encounters a dilemma. How does she react to news that reveals someone she idolized had a hidden side? This news brings a mystery, circumstances that need to be dealt with, and Casey’s own hurts to deal with. Various subplots keep you guessing. The dialogue cleverly personalizes the various characters in Casey’s life, including her favorite baseball players whom she interviews for her sports column. Could you solve the mystery before the answer is revealed? If not, you can surely learn ways to deal with unwelcome news—and even meddling relatives.
I received a free advanced copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion. I find that Clarice has a very clever way with words, and I think she has many good stories to tell.
No wonder she is a winner in the Jerry Jenkins First Novel contest!

[Jim Hamlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! As a writer myself, I enjoy seeing good character development, a plot that does not plod, and good but concise descriptions of setting. Clarice James has put all three together in an entertaining and well-written story full of great one-liners that will leave you laughing and/or weeping. While her main character, Casey, tells the story extremely well, I found myself--as a man--identifying a lot with her husband, Sam, and her brother, Griffin. If you're a sports fan, especially baseball, you'll appreciate the effort Clarice put into making that portion of the story believable. I played on the Red Sox team in Little League, so I was an easy fan of the team featured. But even my wife, who is a die-hard Yankees fan, thoroughly enjoyed the story. You will, too. Well worth your time.

[Janet Grunst · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don’t have to be a sports fan or know much about baseball to enjoy Double Header by Clarice James. The author has written an engaging character driven story that will keep you reading on to the surprising finish. On the surface, Double Header is about Casey Gallagher and Griffin McGee, a sister- brother team who write a sports column. Their personalities are as different as their regular jobs of marketing and teaching. Casey is strong-willed and likes being in control of her life. Griffin is easy going and flexible. Casey has her life planned out until an unexpected letter throws her a curve she is not prepared to handle. Double Header is full of witty repartee, but it is a deeper story of family, changing priorities and finding forgiveness and finding faith. It also a mystery that will keep you guessing till the end.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful debut novel by Clarice G. James
Casey Gallagher is an introvert with her life all planned and in order.
Her brother Griffin is an extrovert and never knows a stranger.
Casey is going through many changes in her life and she is not enjoying the loss of control.
With God's help and her Mother's advice gives her life stability.
I loved all the characters and the backdrop of the book, baseball.
I am not a big baseball fan but my parents would have loved this book.
I look forward to more books by this author.
Thanks for the gift of a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.

[C.J. Darlington · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first line you're drawn in and need to know the identity of Casey's half-brother. I love how James plants clues about a few possibilities early on in the story--is he the rookie Boston Red sox player, the young cop her husband works with, or someone else? Dealing with past hurts is never easy, and Casey struggles like all of us. Readers will easily relate to her dilemma while enjoying the banter between her and her brother Griffin. You don't have to be a baseball fan to enjoy Double Header, but if you are you'll have even more to enjoy.

[Mike Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has appeal for a broad audience. It gets to the heart of the things that matter in life - faith, family, friends, and Fenway. I'm actually not a big sports fan, and you don't need to be one either to enjoy this. There is a richness that comes from vibrant characters dealing with real life challenges as a mystery unravels around them. The unexpected gems for me were the laughs from situations that are easy to relate to. It's a fun read, but also rewarding with a wisdom that reflects on what is a life well- lived.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

My profession requires a lot of clinical reading, so when an opportunity comes long to read simply for entertainment, I gladly welcome it. "Double Header" provided such a gift during the busy Christmas season. The story quickly grabbed me and I loved watching the characters develop.
I also enjoy guessing "who" in a story and this one had me guessing until nearly the end.
Clarice is a gifted writer and I would highly recommend this book.

[Sandra Lovelace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mysteries are my genre and Double Header knocks it out of the park!

The characters became instant friends and caught me wanting to resolve their predicament. Life in Boston appeared before me like a manicured diamond where suspects and clues made me want to peek at the playbook. No blood or bodies. Honest relationships, real dialogue, and vivid color attend this mystery of the heart. I’ll take more Clarice Gregoire James any day. ~ Sandra L., Maine

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read that made me laugh. But the lessons weaved throughout the story makes the takeaway value in this story high. Clarice James hit it out of the ballpark with this one!