Second Chances

Teachers of Diamond Projects School

by Cleo A. Lampos

Zoey Pappas grew up in a one-stoplight town. Now she's landed her dream job as the fifth grade teacher at the urban Diamond Projects School. But can she handle it? Her family laid odds that she won't. Zoey knows her cows, but she's never dealt with students from drug-infested, crime-ridden communities. Her Greek family wants her to work in the family restaurant and earn her M.R.S. degree. Zoey wants to prove herself, but she has met a muscled Irish cop who has been assigned to work with her as the Drug Awareness officer. He's too efficient, too cocky, and too... handsome. Ever since Officer Gavien Corrigan pulled Zoey's car over on her first day of school for driving on a one way street in a neighborhood known for violence, he's been captivated by her. Thoughts of the new teacher crowd in with the family responsibilities that overshadow his life. His bullet proof vest is lighter than the secret blame he carries on his shoulders. He believes that God is in control of lives, but sometimes wonders if God has forgotten him. As the two are thrust together in the concrete jungle where everyone needs second chances, will Zoey and Gavin find their own second chances...together? Zoey learns of unconditional love as she becomes friends with Carole Milner and her husband who is wheelchair bound with multiple sclerosis. As she watches the couple cope with MS, Zoey desires to fall in love like them. Multiple sclerosis does not define their relationship, love does. A deaf student is mainstreamed into Zoey's class, so she enters the world of the deaf and hard of hearing. It moves Zoey to deeper compassion for the parents and foster parents in her classroom. Anyone who has been a teacher, or loves children will enjoy this romance that brings the country girl into the urban scene. A fresh look at chaplains working in jail ministry, drug rehab and foster care are included in this novel set in the inner city. The influence of Greek immigrant ideas are also explored. Will Zoey make it in the big city?

175 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[big d · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart warming reminder that love and community can be found even when all seems bleak. Zoey draws you in from the first page and you can’t help but come to care for her. I found myself mourning with the adversity she faced, and celebrating her accomplishments as if they were those of a friend. Cleo guides you through Zoey’s first year of teaching with her masterful prose and storytelling ability. Each page left me wanting more, I couldn’t put it down. You’ve done it again Cleo!

[Becky Van Vleet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleo Lampos weaves together another great story where the components of disabilities, gangs, inner city travesties, a frightened young teacher, and romance all mingle together. The author draws on her personal experiences in an inner-city school, bringing real life and authenticity to a captivating story. I love this author!

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Zoey Pappas, a young woman of Greek decent from a small town, who wanted to make a difference in the lives of children, so instead of working in her family’s restaurant, she became a teacher in an urban Diamond Project’s School in Chicago.

It’s also the story of Chicago Police Officer Gavin Corrigan, who’s involved in the school’s drug awareness program, and in a drug rehab program for adults. In his spare time he’s a jail Chaplain.

These two unlikely people come together in their faith in God and their love for the underdog. It’s a sweet story of hopes and dreams, of fears and failures, and of second chances.

The author has a way of drawing you into each of their stories that keeps you turning the pages. Granted, there are some formatting issues with the ebook version, but they don’t detract from this wonderful story. And because it’s a book about Christian values, the characters do pray, and they also quote from the Bible, but it all blends in with the context of the story. This is another heartwarming novel from master storyteller, speaker, and author, Cleo Lampos.

[Susan Bisbing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Felt as i was right along side the author. Great book. Tense moments when the officer was injured and it was a surprise that Molly was his sister.