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Steal Away Home
“This is a powerful story of grief, love, forgiveness, and holy mystery, and I loved it. Billy Coffey is a master storyteller.” —Lauren Denton, USA Today bestselling author of The Hideaway
Owen Cross grew up with two one a game, the other a girl. One of his loves ruined him. Now he’s counting on the other to save him.
Owen Cross’s father is a hard man, proud in his brokenness, who wants nothing more than for Owen to succeed where he failed. With his innate talents and his father’s firm hand guiding him, Owen goes to college with dreams of the major leagues—and an emptiness full of a girl named Micky Dullahan.
Owen loved Micky from the first time they met on the hill between their two his middle-class home and her troubled Shantytown. Years later he leaves her for the dugouts and the autographs, but their days together follow him. When he finally returns home, he discovers that even peace comes at a cost. And that the hardest things to say are to the ones we love the most.
From bestselling author Billy Coffey comes a haunting story of small-town love, blinding ambition, and the risk of giving it all for one last chance.
“In one evening, a single baseball game, Coffey invites us into a lifetime. With lyrical prose and aching description we join Owen Cross on a journey of love, loss, faith, the unexpected—and America’s favorite pastime.” —Katherine Reay, author of Dear Mr. Knightley and The Austen Escape
Owen Cross grew up with two one a game, the other a girl. One of his loves ruined him. Now he’s counting on the other to save him.
Owen Cross’s father is a hard man, proud in his brokenness, who wants nothing more than for Owen to succeed where he failed. With his innate talents and his father’s firm hand guiding him, Owen goes to college with dreams of the major leagues—and an emptiness full of a girl named Micky Dullahan.
Owen loved Micky from the first time they met on the hill between their two his middle-class home and her troubled Shantytown. Years later he leaves her for the dugouts and the autographs, but their days together follow him. When he finally returns home, he discovers that even peace comes at a cost. And that the hardest things to say are to the ones we love the most.
From bestselling author Billy Coffey comes a haunting story of small-town love, blinding ambition, and the risk of giving it all for one last chance.
“In one evening, a single baseball game, Coffey invites us into a lifetime. With lyrical prose and aching description we join Owen Cross on a journey of love, loss, faith, the unexpected—and America’s favorite pastime.” —Katherine Reay, author of Dear Mr. Knightley and The Austen Escape
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2018
27 people are currently reading
850 people want to read
About the author
Billy Coffey
12 books266 followersBilly and his wife, Joanne, live with their two children in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. A product of his small-town locale, Billy counts as assets his rural authenticity, unwavering sense of purpose, and insatiable curiosity--all of which tend to make his front porch a comfortably crowded place.
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January 2, 2018
!! NOW AVAILABLE !!
Baseball and religion have at least one thing in common: devotion. A very focused, and driven devotion to something pure and holy. A devotion held by those whose lives revolve around baseball. Or religion. Baseball really is more like a religion, than anything else. A core group of people with a somewhat single-minded devotion who believe in one way being the right way, more often than not. It is a religious experience to hear that sound, the sound of a ball being hit in just that perfect way and you know it is heaven-bound. Rapture!
”I wonder how many steps I have taken to arrive at this place. Years of fear and doubt and trying flood me, the faces of those I’ve lost along the way, but as I move from dirt to grass so thick and soft my spikes sink to the ankles, I know I belong here.
“I have always belonged here.”
Baseball. The love of the game, and how it shapes you from childhood on, becomes an integral part of you, a love that defines you. A love that drives you, makes decisions for you, requires discipline from you. Beyond baseball, this is a coming-of-age story, a story of second chances, a story of the expectations of parents and the weight of these expectations inherited by their children, especially when their parent’s failed dreams become theirs by proxy. Born to fulfill their parent’s failed dreams. A story of first love, of a town divided, of the haves vs. the have-nots. A story of the healing power of forgiveness, given and received.
Through lyrical prose, this story is shared through Owen’s narration, as both a young boy in a small town near Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Later, as Owen draws near to the end of his 20s, on a day he is brought up from Double-A for a shot in the Major Leagues. While he waits for his turn, his mind wanders back to his younger years, reminiscing about the young girl, Micky, that he has never forgotten, the place and time where both of their lives changed.
”All our lives stood before us, magic as unrecognized as water to a fish because the magic was everything.
“Then she came, and everything changed.”
There’s a darker and mysterious side to this story, as well, in an area where Southern spirituality abounds, this was somewhat reminiscent of some of Wiley Cash’s This Dark Road to Mercy another novel where baseball is a theme, and A Land More Kind Than Home with a dash of the hauntingly beautiful prose and sense of place in Christopher Swann’s Shadow of the Lions.
I really loved this, Coffey’s writing is heartbreakingly lovely, his words flow as if they were heaven-sent, and his story reads as if it were Destiny’s design for it to be shared. We all need to have dreams; we all need to believe that we are a part of something bigger than our lives. One of the things I loved in this book wasn’t even in the story, itself, but rather in the Publisher’s Note at the beginning:
”I need to think something lasts forever, and it might as well be that state of being that is a game; it might as well be that, in a green eld, in the sun.”
Amen.
Pub Date: 08 Jan 2018
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Thomas Nelson Fiction
Baseball and religion have at least one thing in common: devotion. A very focused, and driven devotion to something pure and holy. A devotion held by those whose lives revolve around baseball. Or religion. Baseball really is more like a religion, than anything else. A core group of people with a somewhat single-minded devotion who believe in one way being the right way, more often than not. It is a religious experience to hear that sound, the sound of a ball being hit in just that perfect way and you know it is heaven-bound. Rapture!
”I wonder how many steps I have taken to arrive at this place. Years of fear and doubt and trying flood me, the faces of those I’ve lost along the way, but as I move from dirt to grass so thick and soft my spikes sink to the ankles, I know I belong here.
“I have always belonged here.”
Baseball. The love of the game, and how it shapes you from childhood on, becomes an integral part of you, a love that defines you. A love that drives you, makes decisions for you, requires discipline from you. Beyond baseball, this is a coming-of-age story, a story of second chances, a story of the expectations of parents and the weight of these expectations inherited by their children, especially when their parent’s failed dreams become theirs by proxy. Born to fulfill their parent’s failed dreams. A story of first love, of a town divided, of the haves vs. the have-nots. A story of the healing power of forgiveness, given and received.
Through lyrical prose, this story is shared through Owen’s narration, as both a young boy in a small town near Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Later, as Owen draws near to the end of his 20s, on a day he is brought up from Double-A for a shot in the Major Leagues. While he waits for his turn, his mind wanders back to his younger years, reminiscing about the young girl, Micky, that he has never forgotten, the place and time where both of their lives changed.
”All our lives stood before us, magic as unrecognized as water to a fish because the magic was everything.
“Then she came, and everything changed.”
There’s a darker and mysterious side to this story, as well, in an area where Southern spirituality abounds, this was somewhat reminiscent of some of Wiley Cash’s This Dark Road to Mercy another novel where baseball is a theme, and A Land More Kind Than Home with a dash of the hauntingly beautiful prose and sense of place in Christopher Swann’s Shadow of the Lions.
I really loved this, Coffey’s writing is heartbreakingly lovely, his words flow as if they were heaven-sent, and his story reads as if it were Destiny’s design for it to be shared. We all need to have dreams; we all need to believe that we are a part of something bigger than our lives. One of the things I loved in this book wasn’t even in the story, itself, but rather in the Publisher’s Note at the beginning:
”I need to think something lasts forever, and it might as well be that state of being that is a game; it might as well be that, in a green eld, in the sun.”
Amen.
Pub Date: 08 Jan 2018
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Thomas Nelson Fiction
December 22, 2017
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December 30, 2017
Unfortunately, not all books are for everyone. One person may love a book while another may read the same book and feel that book is not for them. That was the case with this book. I really wanted to like it. The premise sounded interesting:
"Owen Cross grew up with two loves: one a game, the other a girl. One of his loves ruined him. Now he’s counting on the other to save him."
Owen loved Micky from the moment he saw her. They were kids from the opposite side of the track. He was from a middle-class family and she lived in shantytown. He is a baseball star destined for the big leagues and eventually he leaves Mickey for the dugouts and fame. Again, sounds great right? When you give up one dream, what happens to the other?
I found the writing to be all over the place and hard to keep track of at times. This really hindered my ability to enjoy the book. One thing that I liked was the Author's unique way of having "chapters" but called them "innings" in keeping with the baseball theme.
I also think this book tried to be too many things all at once - a coming of age story, a love story, a baseball story, a story of faith/religion, a story of losses. I think if it would have just dedicated itself to one or two issues I would have enjoyed the book better.
There were several times I almost put this book down and did not finish. It was just hard to get into, keep my attention and at the end, I really felt meh about it. There were some beautifully written passages but not enough to win me over.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson-Fiction and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
"Owen Cross grew up with two loves: one a game, the other a girl. One of his loves ruined him. Now he’s counting on the other to save him."
Owen loved Micky from the moment he saw her. They were kids from the opposite side of the track. He was from a middle-class family and she lived in shantytown. He is a baseball star destined for the big leagues and eventually he leaves Mickey for the dugouts and fame. Again, sounds great right? When you give up one dream, what happens to the other?
I found the writing to be all over the place and hard to keep track of at times. This really hindered my ability to enjoy the book. One thing that I liked was the Author's unique way of having "chapters" but called them "innings" in keeping with the baseball theme.
I also think this book tried to be too many things all at once - a coming of age story, a love story, a baseball story, a story of faith/religion, a story of losses. I think if it would have just dedicated itself to one or two issues I would have enjoyed the book better.
There were several times I almost put this book down and did not finish. It was just hard to get into, keep my attention and at the end, I really felt meh about it. There were some beautifully written passages but not enough to win me over.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson-Fiction and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
February 14, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
The house looked wrong somehow, on some deeper level. Like sadness had distorted it as despair can a person. It spoke of a life beyond mere want, worse than disease. Shantytown was like a bruise on an apple that reached all the way to the core.
She offered a smile that reminded me of a bright ribbon tied to a broken gift.
The value in spending most of your Sunday morning having to sit still and listen to the most boring person you have ever known go on about your own badness was always lost to me.
A siren called in the distance. Horns blaring. It sounded as though every law enforcement officer in four counties was on its way, even though it was but one old Crown Vic traveling a little over two blocks from the sheriff’s office. Clancy stopped the car at an angle to the sidewalk. He parted the crowd like Moses, calling each man and woman he passed by name.
So much of my childhood was spent in such dreaming. The past was unchangeable, better forgotten, the present often boring toil. Yet my tomorrows shone like lights on some far hill, offering me guidance and direction.
You never know what to do when a parent dies. Doesn’t matter how old you are, you feel four years old again and lost inside some huge department store where bright lights shine in your eyes and everywhere are strangers that look like they’re one bad choice away from grabbing you.
My Review:
This was a challenging read for me for many reasons, and I adored and begrudged it in equal measure. I remain conflicted even now while writing this review and am struggling in how to rate and classify this genre-straddling story as there were interesting and original elements of so many to chose from; Sports, Coming of Age, Small-Town, Southern, Christian, Fantasy, Paranormal, YA, Romance, and Contemporary and Literary Fiction.
The wisdom, dialogue, and inner musings were often comprised of the peculiar and compromised grammar of the Appalachians and required additional thought to fully absorb, however it was more than worth the effort. Having been reared also in the South but further west by overly rigid and strict Bible banging hypocrites who forced me through the church doors every time they opened, I generally eschew Christian religious themes as narrow-mindedness greatly annoys me, and this proved to be more than a bit of a problem for me as I read. However, the unusual twists to this story kept me reading despite my bias as the petty and small-minded tendencies were well affirmed and part of the tale.
There was a highly skilled, well-crafted, and pervasive heaviness or emotive heft to Owen’s narrative that continually squeezed my heart as if his recounting of events was actually a heartfelt confessional of his regrets, anguish, and childhood discomfitures. Mr. Coffey’s unique and cunning writing style was new to me and while I found some of his story threads tediously repetitive, I also found myself frequently struck by hot licks of brilliance, thoughtful and deeply moving insights, and a poignancy that stung my eyes and constricted my throat. There were five pages of favorite passages and saved quotes on my Kindle once I finished. All in all, it was oddly, unevenly, and annoyingly luminous.
The house looked wrong somehow, on some deeper level. Like sadness had distorted it as despair can a person. It spoke of a life beyond mere want, worse than disease. Shantytown was like a bruise on an apple that reached all the way to the core.
She offered a smile that reminded me of a bright ribbon tied to a broken gift.
The value in spending most of your Sunday morning having to sit still and listen to the most boring person you have ever known go on about your own badness was always lost to me.
A siren called in the distance. Horns blaring. It sounded as though every law enforcement officer in four counties was on its way, even though it was but one old Crown Vic traveling a little over two blocks from the sheriff’s office. Clancy stopped the car at an angle to the sidewalk. He parted the crowd like Moses, calling each man and woman he passed by name.
So much of my childhood was spent in such dreaming. The past was unchangeable, better forgotten, the present often boring toil. Yet my tomorrows shone like lights on some far hill, offering me guidance and direction.
You never know what to do when a parent dies. Doesn’t matter how old you are, you feel four years old again and lost inside some huge department store where bright lights shine in your eyes and everywhere are strangers that look like they’re one bad choice away from grabbing you.
My Review:
This was a challenging read for me for many reasons, and I adored and begrudged it in equal measure. I remain conflicted even now while writing this review and am struggling in how to rate and classify this genre-straddling story as there were interesting and original elements of so many to chose from; Sports, Coming of Age, Small-Town, Southern, Christian, Fantasy, Paranormal, YA, Romance, and Contemporary and Literary Fiction.
The wisdom, dialogue, and inner musings were often comprised of the peculiar and compromised grammar of the Appalachians and required additional thought to fully absorb, however it was more than worth the effort. Having been reared also in the South but further west by overly rigid and strict Bible banging hypocrites who forced me through the church doors every time they opened, I generally eschew Christian religious themes as narrow-mindedness greatly annoys me, and this proved to be more than a bit of a problem for me as I read. However, the unusual twists to this story kept me reading despite my bias as the petty and small-minded tendencies were well affirmed and part of the tale.
There was a highly skilled, well-crafted, and pervasive heaviness or emotive heft to Owen’s narrative that continually squeezed my heart as if his recounting of events was actually a heartfelt confessional of his regrets, anguish, and childhood discomfitures. Mr. Coffey’s unique and cunning writing style was new to me and while I found some of his story threads tediously repetitive, I also found myself frequently struck by hot licks of brilliance, thoughtful and deeply moving insights, and a poignancy that stung my eyes and constricted my throat. There were five pages of favorite passages and saved quotes on my Kindle once I finished. All in all, it was oddly, unevenly, and annoyingly luminous.
December 27, 2017
This book moved at the pace of a baseball game—slow. While I’ve never been a baseball fan because the sport moves so sluggish after a season of watching the speed of hockey players on the ice, I can appreciate what athletes pour into their sports.
But Steal Away Home was difficult to get into. During the course of Owen Cross’s first major league game, he reminisces about the girl he once loved. Instead of chapters, the book has “innings”—top and bottom with too many flashbacks throughout.
None of the characters (with perhaps the exception of Owen’s mother) were very likable. I could blame that on the fact most of them were teenagers but even the adults felt selfish and self-serving. While Own and Michaela had a decent start, as I got further in the book, I liked them together less and less.
I made it to the end of the book, wanting to know the mystery of what exactly happened to Michaela (which was never answered) only to be confronted by another mystery and an ending that was less than satisfying.
Yet, Billy Coffey’s descriptions of small-town life in an Appalachian community and the divide between poor and poorest are spot-on. There is some depth of insights into humanity and the realization that giving up one dream for another sometimes leads to regret. That ordinary people can do extraordinary things and that our heroes can disappoint us.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
But Steal Away Home was difficult to get into. During the course of Owen Cross’s first major league game, he reminisces about the girl he once loved. Instead of chapters, the book has “innings”—top and bottom with too many flashbacks throughout.
None of the characters (with perhaps the exception of Owen’s mother) were very likable. I could blame that on the fact most of them were teenagers but even the adults felt selfish and self-serving. While Own and Michaela had a decent start, as I got further in the book, I liked them together less and less.
I made it to the end of the book, wanting to know the mystery of what exactly happened to Michaela (which was never answered) only to be confronted by another mystery and an ending that was less than satisfying.
Yet, Billy Coffey’s descriptions of small-town life in an Appalachian community and the divide between poor and poorest are spot-on. There is some depth of insights into humanity and the realization that giving up one dream for another sometimes leads to regret. That ordinary people can do extraordinary things and that our heroes can disappoint us.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
April 25, 2018
I was recently talking with another writer about Billy Coffey's work.
She said, "He writes pretty sentences."
I totally agree.
Not only that, he writes in a way that seems effortless, those pretty sentences drawing you in and holding you spellbound until you look at the clock and realize hours have gone by. You realize you have to get things done - but you want just another few minutes to keep reading, because he's a doggone good story teller too.
I loved STEAL AWAY HOME the way his main character, Owen Cross, loved baseball, and the way Owen loved Michaela Dullahan. The story in some ways was like a modern day Romeo and Juliet. You have the son from a respected middle class family whose talents in baseball just might see him to the big leagues. You have a beautiful young girl - Coffey snuck in another nod to baseball by giving her the nickname "Micky" - who is from the wrong side of the tracks. Strangely, it's the railroad tracks where something miraculous happens to these two - and while one acknowledges it, the other does not. This is when their forbidden love story begins to unravel, like a baseball that's been hit one time too many.
This mesmerizing story is about the strength of family, faith, and love. It's about believing in what you can't see, about having your eyes opened to the impossible. With it's touch of magical realism, and an ending that is perfect, in my opinion, here you have a story to warm your heart.
Highly recommend!
She said, "He writes pretty sentences."
I totally agree.
Not only that, he writes in a way that seems effortless, those pretty sentences drawing you in and holding you spellbound until you look at the clock and realize hours have gone by. You realize you have to get things done - but you want just another few minutes to keep reading, because he's a doggone good story teller too.
I loved STEAL AWAY HOME the way his main character, Owen Cross, loved baseball, and the way Owen loved Michaela Dullahan. The story in some ways was like a modern day Romeo and Juliet. You have the son from a respected middle class family whose talents in baseball just might see him to the big leagues. You have a beautiful young girl - Coffey snuck in another nod to baseball by giving her the nickname "Micky" - who is from the wrong side of the tracks. Strangely, it's the railroad tracks where something miraculous happens to these two - and while one acknowledges it, the other does not. This is when their forbidden love story begins to unravel, like a baseball that's been hit one time too many.
This mesmerizing story is about the strength of family, faith, and love. It's about believing in what you can't see, about having your eyes opened to the impossible. With it's touch of magical realism, and an ending that is perfect, in my opinion, here you have a story to warm your heart.
Highly recommend!
January 7, 2018
I wasn’t expecting Billy Coffey’s Steal Away Home to work the kind of number it did on me. Reading it was like sitting on the church pew, thinking the preacher wrote his Sunday sermon especially for me because it was exactly what I needed to hear that day. It brought me back to my childhood. It brought me back to the pain and agony I felt watching my brother strike out at bat one too many times. It’s a miracle anybody hits a fast pitch. Turns out my brother never loved baseball and only played because he was chasing something bigger. This book brought me back to that boy on the wrong side of the tracks that I kissed once because I’d be damned if I kissed him again. It brought me back to Guns N Roses, Poison, Def Leppard, and high school parties in some poor farmer’s field. It also made me reflect on my current day and age and question why I do what I do. It made me think about what I’m teaching my children.
Steal Away Home is a story about classism and true love. It’s about the ghosts that haunt you. It’s about chasing dreams that don’t chase you back. It’s about miracles and believing in them. It’s about home. It’s about want. And I suppose it’s a little bit about baseball too.
Thank you Billy Coffey for writing such a beautiful book and for preaching a sermon I needed to hear.
Steal Away Home is a story about classism and true love. It’s about the ghosts that haunt you. It’s about chasing dreams that don’t chase you back. It’s about miracles and believing in them. It’s about home. It’s about want. And I suppose it’s a little bit about baseball too.
Thank you Billy Coffey for writing such a beautiful book and for preaching a sermon I needed to hear.
January 4, 2018
This is tough book to review, I'll get right to it. I found it difficult to read. By that I mean the author took us from past, to present, to past/present and thrown in maybe a thought about the future but rarely. It was difficult to follow.
The story between Micky and Owen equally as difficult. I liked Micky. I liked that she told him things he didn't want to hear. But again, we get glimpses of her, the church, the father. His parents.
For lack of better word the book lacked cohesiveness. I've read many books that run from past/present and in multiple directions but were easier to follow.
Owen wasn't very likable. I can add that to the difficulty. He didn't hold my interest. I like sports books, but ... again. At risk of being redundant.
I felt like I was being generous with the 3 stars, that because of the interesting timing of the authors insertion of short biblical lines.
I really wanted to like this book. But I'm afraid it fell quite short.
**arc from NetGalley and publisher in exchange for a fair review**
The story between Micky and Owen equally as difficult. I liked Micky. I liked that she told him things he didn't want to hear. But again, we get glimpses of her, the church, the father. His parents.
For lack of better word the book lacked cohesiveness. I've read many books that run from past/present and in multiple directions but were easier to follow.
Owen wasn't very likable. I can add that to the difficulty. He didn't hold my interest. I like sports books, but ... again. At risk of being redundant.
I felt like I was being generous with the 3 stars, that because of the interesting timing of the authors insertion of short biblical lines.
I really wanted to like this book. But I'm afraid it fell quite short.
**arc from NetGalley and publisher in exchange for a fair review**
February 22, 2018
Steal Away Home is a beautifully written novel. There are two stories intertwined in the pages.
Owen Cross makes it to the big leagues for one night. Each chapter is the top or bottom of an inning from that game. As a baseball fan, I very much enjoyed seeing a major league baseball game through the eyes of a minor league player called up for his chance to prove he has what it takes be a major league baseball player.
As Owen sits on the bench in the dugout waiting to go into the game he reflects back on the life that led to where he is on that momentous day. His father loves baseball even more than Owen creating pressure to succeed. The girl he loves highlights the disparities between the haves and have nots. And then there is a turning point event.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. My gratitude to publisher Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
Owen Cross makes it to the big leagues for one night. Each chapter is the top or bottom of an inning from that game. As a baseball fan, I very much enjoyed seeing a major league baseball game through the eyes of a minor league player called up for his chance to prove he has what it takes be a major league baseball player.
As Owen sits on the bench in the dugout waiting to go into the game he reflects back on the life that led to where he is on that momentous day. His father loves baseball even more than Owen creating pressure to succeed. The girl he loves highlights the disparities between the haves and have nots. And then there is a turning point event.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. My gratitude to publisher Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
September 7, 2017
During the course of one fateful night--his first game in the Major League--Billy Coffey's main character, Paul Cross, is confronted by his childhood love, aspirations, and regrets. Baseball fans will love the behind-the-scenes peek into a night game in the Major Leagues, but even non-baseball fans will be pulled into the beauty and tension of Coffey's writing, the lovely and tragic Blue Ridge Mountain settings, and his compelling characters who make both selfless and heartbreaking choices. This is a powerful story of grief, love, forgiveness, and holy mystery, and I loved it. Billy Coffey is a master storyteller.
March 15, 2018
3.5
. . . .faith comes hardest for those who have much to lose."
Folks in Shantytown had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Isolated from the fine, upstanding citizens of Camden, Virginia, they eked out an existence on the fringes of life in general. Except for Michaela Constance Dullahan, daughter of the meanest drunk in Camden; Micky dared to become herself; befriending a newcomer, Owen Cross, and falling in love with friendship.
Owen Cross has been raised up as a baseball player, and for good reason, he is extremely talented. His father has made sure that Owen's life goal is to play at the highest level, having had his own ball career cut short by a debilitating shoulder injury. Besides baseball, there is nothing in Owen's life worth more than Micky Dullahan. Their secret rendezvous on top of the hill between their homes, sharing their innermost thoughts and dreams, is a lifeline for both of them.
Sadly, everything changes on the night of their senior prom, when life and death pass before their very eyes, leaving Michaela with a pure sense of her own destiny, while Owen continues to wish that what he thought was worth everything, was at least worth something.
The context of this story is brilliant, the author using baseball as a means of delivering his own sermon about life. The weakness lies in the sheer volume of his musings, so much so that it may leave readers scratching their heads, wondering what they have just read. Crystal clear however, is the deep desire within all of us to claim a "love everlasting", illustrated so beautifully in the somewhat tragic characters of Michaela and Owen.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
. . . .faith comes hardest for those who have much to lose."
Folks in Shantytown had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Isolated from the fine, upstanding citizens of Camden, Virginia, they eked out an existence on the fringes of life in general. Except for Michaela Constance Dullahan, daughter of the meanest drunk in Camden; Micky dared to become herself; befriending a newcomer, Owen Cross, and falling in love with friendship.
Owen Cross has been raised up as a baseball player, and for good reason, he is extremely talented. His father has made sure that Owen's life goal is to play at the highest level, having had his own ball career cut short by a debilitating shoulder injury. Besides baseball, there is nothing in Owen's life worth more than Micky Dullahan. Their secret rendezvous on top of the hill between their homes, sharing their innermost thoughts and dreams, is a lifeline for both of them.
Sadly, everything changes on the night of their senior prom, when life and death pass before their very eyes, leaving Michaela with a pure sense of her own destiny, while Owen continues to wish that what he thought was worth everything, was at least worth something.
The context of this story is brilliant, the author using baseball as a means of delivering his own sermon about life. The weakness lies in the sheer volume of his musings, so much so that it may leave readers scratching their heads, wondering what they have just read. Crystal clear however, is the deep desire within all of us to claim a "love everlasting", illustrated so beautifully in the somewhat tragic characters of Michaela and Owen.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
October 24, 2017
Billy writes books that defy expectations, and Steal Away Home may just be the most defiant. When we encounter something that doesn't give what we expect it to give, our natural reaction is to attack it or to dislike it. Would you berate a cook for giving you a filet mignon when you asked for a plain burger patty? Maybe, but it'd be pretty stupid. Steal Away Home is that filet.
I think Billy wants to make us uncomfortable because he's writing to make us think, not just to give us a thin piece of entertainment. And boy does this book make you think. Go into it with an open mind (Billy's books bend genres like no one's business), expecting that it will demand work to read, but that in return it will give such depth and richness that everything will be well worth it. Then, I think, you'll be much more free to enjoy it. Billy's writing is gorgeous. It's stratified with so many layers of poetic meaning you might as well call it literary tiramisu. It's bittersweet and complex.
It's "literary" in style. Not "popular." But it should be both, because it deserves it.
I think Billy wants to make us uncomfortable because he's writing to make us think, not just to give us a thin piece of entertainment. And boy does this book make you think. Go into it with an open mind (Billy's books bend genres like no one's business), expecting that it will demand work to read, but that in return it will give such depth and richness that everything will be well worth it. Then, I think, you'll be much more free to enjoy it. Billy's writing is gorgeous. It's stratified with so many layers of poetic meaning you might as well call it literary tiramisu. It's bittersweet and complex.
It's "literary" in style. Not "popular." But it should be both, because it deserves it.
October 31, 2017
2.5/5 stars.
I liked the fact that a big part about this was about baseball. I really enjoy watching baseball, so I thought I would like reading this book. And I did like the baseball parts of this book. Besides the baseball I liked Micky in the beginning of the book, but that was about it.
I did not really like Owen. The story line of his past was really confusing, I didn’t get nor like the story of Micky.
While reading this book I thought I was reading 3 different times. But now I think you were reading about his past, him now and sometimes the him now thought about the past. Or something. It was confusing. Sometimes I wasn’t sure if I was reading about his current baseball game or one in the past.
I do think people can like this, but it just wasn’t for me.
*I was provided with an ARC via netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.*
I liked the fact that a big part about this was about baseball. I really enjoy watching baseball, so I thought I would like reading this book. And I did like the baseball parts of this book. Besides the baseball I liked Micky in the beginning of the book, but that was about it.
I did not really like Owen. The story line of his past was really confusing, I didn’t get nor like the story of Micky.
While reading this book I thought I was reading 3 different times. But now I think you were reading about his past, him now and sometimes the him now thought about the past. Or something. It was confusing. Sometimes I wasn’t sure if I was reading about his current baseball game or one in the past.
I do think people can like this, but it just wasn’t for me.
*I was provided with an ARC via netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.*
December 19, 2017
Owen Cross’s father is a hard man, proud in his brokenness, who wants nothing more than for Owen to succeed where he failed. With his innate talents and his father’s firm hand guiding him, Owen goes to college with dreams of the major leagues—and an emptiness full of a girl named Micky Dullahan. Owen loved Micky from the first time they met on the hill between their two worlds: his middle-class home and her troubled Shantytown. Years later he leaves her for the dugouts and the autographs, but their days together follow him. When he finally returns home, he discovers that even peace comes at a cost. And that the hardest things to say are to the ones we love the most. From bestselling author Billy Coffey comes a haunting story of small-town love, blinding ambition, and the risk of giving it all for one last chance.
If you’re a fan of baseball, this might be the book for you. It’s about playing baseball in the South, and the era of segregation. The Major League descriptions are pretty neat – gives you a behind the scenes look – but that’s the best thing I have to say about this novel that focuses on life choices, grief, and forgiveness. The love story element was confusing, and the main character was unrealistic and unlikeable. I’ve read another book by Billy Coffey (can’t remember the title off-hand), but I don’t remember it being this difficult to get into and enjoy. The timelines are all over the place, and it’s difficult to keep the perspectives straight.
If you’re a fan of baseball, this might be the book for you. It’s about playing baseball in the South, and the era of segregation. The Major League descriptions are pretty neat – gives you a behind the scenes look – but that’s the best thing I have to say about this novel that focuses on life choices, grief, and forgiveness. The love story element was confusing, and the main character was unrealistic and unlikeable. I’ve read another book by Billy Coffey (can’t remember the title off-hand), but I don’t remember it being this difficult to get into and enjoy. The timelines are all over the place, and it’s difficult to keep the perspectives straight.
October 2, 2017
Steal Away Home by Billy Coffey turned out to be more than I expected. When you go in to this book, do it with an open mind, consider it as an open genre book, feel more and objectify less. It turns out to be a whole lot more once you start reading it without any preconceived notion or mindset.
I have a thing for second chances, I believe in them, I believe in forgiveness and giving people a chance. I believe in the goodness of humans. This book let’s that shine, be it baseball, the romance or going back to one’s roots.
I have seen some reviewers not liking the mixing of genres and pace of the story, but for me, going in knowing that it isn’t just a romance, or a book about baseball, helped me to realize Billy’s approach and intention behind the story. The characterization is on point and goes well with the setting and pace of the story and having baseball knowledge equal to that of a squid, sometimes it did get too much to understand what was going on, I had to keep my “google app” ready at all times, and it did take away from the concentration and focus one has as a reader but it wasn’t a deal breaker for me.
Oh, and the cover and title just garner an additional thumbs up.
I was provided with an ARC via netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
I have a thing for second chances, I believe in them, I believe in forgiveness and giving people a chance. I believe in the goodness of humans. This book let’s that shine, be it baseball, the romance or going back to one’s roots.
I have seen some reviewers not liking the mixing of genres and pace of the story, but for me, going in knowing that it isn’t just a romance, or a book about baseball, helped me to realize Billy’s approach and intention behind the story. The characterization is on point and goes well with the setting and pace of the story and having baseball knowledge equal to that of a squid, sometimes it did get too much to understand what was going on, I had to keep my “google app” ready at all times, and it did take away from the concentration and focus one has as a reader but it wasn’t a deal breaker for me.
Oh, and the cover and title just garner an additional thumbs up.
I was provided with an ARC via netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2017
*I received this ARC from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson, Inc. in return for an honest review*
Steal Away Home is everything you could possibly want from a Billy Coffey book. Not since Snow Day and Paper Angels has he written such a meaningful, life changing page turner. Its setting, unlike the majority of his other offerings, is not Mattingly, but a near by seemingly similar locale, thus making it seem somewhat a fresher environment. Coffey also used the technique of intertwining two different time periods which gave the story deeper meaning to the reader.
Although this story is heavy on baseball, you do not have to be a fan of the game to read this book. If you liked Paper Angels and Snow Day, then this is definitely the book for you. If you have never experienced the life changing effects of Coffey's books, then this is definitely the place to start. This is one of those books you want to buy for everyone you know!
Steal Away Home is everything you could possibly want from a Billy Coffey book. Not since Snow Day and Paper Angels has he written such a meaningful, life changing page turner. Its setting, unlike the majority of his other offerings, is not Mattingly, but a near by seemingly similar locale, thus making it seem somewhat a fresher environment. Coffey also used the technique of intertwining two different time periods which gave the story deeper meaning to the reader.
Although this story is heavy on baseball, you do not have to be a fan of the game to read this book. If you liked Paper Angels and Snow Day, then this is definitely the book for you. If you have never experienced the life changing effects of Coffey's books, then this is definitely the place to start. This is one of those books you want to buy for everyone you know!
December 20, 2018
3.5 Stars actually, but of course Goodreads doesn't have the half-a-star option.
Full review is live! Visit http://fromthelibraryofmrsgardner.blo...
Summarized version: I would recommend this book to anyone who likes unique story-telling. The language is beautiful, and I found the characters similar to those of Nicholas Sparks' works. I likely will not re-read this, but I will be happy to keep it on my shelf at home to recommend and loan out to friends/family who otherwise might not hear of it!
Full review is live! Visit http://fromthelibraryofmrsgardner.blo...
Summarized version: I would recommend this book to anyone who likes unique story-telling. The language is beautiful, and I found the characters similar to those of Nicholas Sparks' works. I likely will not re-read this, but I will be happy to keep it on my shelf at home to recommend and loan out to friends/family who otherwise might not hear of it!
April 22, 2018
I like baseball. It's the one sport I actually watch from time to time. So when I found out this book was centered around baseball I was thrilled to read it. However, once I started reading the book I realized it was so much more than baseball and not really in a good way. And quite honestly, if this wasn't the book I chose to take to read while waiting at the doctor's office I probably would have quit reading after the first 30 pages. But alas, the doctor was running behind and I kept reading until I passed the point of no return.
I found myself alternating between confused and bored while reading this book. The story seemed simple enough to understand but the author took us on flashbacks that weren't in chronological order. He jumped around between Owen in high school and then college then back to high school. I found myself puzzled at times and wondered why he did this. I think the book would have been so much better had the story been told from beginning to end. I didn't mind one bit that it was told in flashbacks while Owen waited to play in his first major league game. I was just puzzled at all the jumping around during the flashbacks. Also after having struggled through the book, I would have liked a better ending. I'm still a bit confused about the ending, to be honest.
The characters in the book were just kind of meh for me. I really didn't find a bond with any of them. Owen was somewhat likable but I just didn't feel that strong pull to him like I should with the main character. The same with Micky. I liked her well enough at the beginning but I found myself liking her less and less throughout the book. And I'm still puzzled as to what happened to her. While reading I felt like since the author knew what happened to Micky he thought readers should know what happened to her but this one didn't. If you read (or have read) this book and you know please enlighten me.
There were a couple things I really enjoyed about the book. The chapters aren't really chapters. They are innings. Pregame, seventh inning stretch and postgame included. While it didn't really add anything to the story I found it unique and fun. Also, the major league game that Owen is attending was an actual game. It was neat to see names of actual major league players. I also enjoyed all of the baseball factoids added in. The size of the plate, the spacing of the bases. These items made reading the book bearable.
Some readers may enjoy this story but I just didn't. That's not saying the author did a bad job it's just that this book was probably just not for me. I don't know that I would recommend it because I don't often suggest books I don't like. This was my first book by this author and even though I didn't enjoy it I am willing to give the author another try.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
I found myself alternating between confused and bored while reading this book. The story seemed simple enough to understand but the author took us on flashbacks that weren't in chronological order. He jumped around between Owen in high school and then college then back to high school. I found myself puzzled at times and wondered why he did this. I think the book would have been so much better had the story been told from beginning to end. I didn't mind one bit that it was told in flashbacks while Owen waited to play in his first major league game. I was just puzzled at all the jumping around during the flashbacks. Also after having struggled through the book, I would have liked a better ending. I'm still a bit confused about the ending, to be honest.
The characters in the book were just kind of meh for me. I really didn't find a bond with any of them. Owen was somewhat likable but I just didn't feel that strong pull to him like I should with the main character. The same with Micky. I liked her well enough at the beginning but I found myself liking her less and less throughout the book. And I'm still puzzled as to what happened to her. While reading I felt like since the author knew what happened to Micky he thought readers should know what happened to her but this one didn't. If you read (or have read) this book and you know please enlighten me.
There were a couple things I really enjoyed about the book. The chapters aren't really chapters. They are innings. Pregame, seventh inning stretch and postgame included. While it didn't really add anything to the story I found it unique and fun. Also, the major league game that Owen is attending was an actual game. It was neat to see names of actual major league players. I also enjoyed all of the baseball factoids added in. The size of the plate, the spacing of the bases. These items made reading the book bearable.
Some readers may enjoy this story but I just didn't. That's not saying the author did a bad job it's just that this book was probably just not for me. I don't know that I would recommend it because I don't often suggest books I don't like. This was my first book by this author and even though I didn't enjoy it I am willing to give the author another try.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
March 21, 2024
This book was strange. Coffey’s writing is beautiful, how he describes life in an Appalachian town, poverty, hopelessness, a baseball game, a blossoming relationship between two friends, small town religion, and relationships with parents. That got it to 2 stars instead of 1. But it was boring. 😴 And hard to get into. There were so many genres going on. Is it a sports book? A YA love story? A come to Jesus testimony? A religious cult book? A mystery/suspense? I was sort of confused most of the time, but the mystery of what happened that night after prom kept me listening, even tho the actual train track experience was a little too psychedelic for me to follow. After all this back and forth from past to present, we come to the edge of finding out what exactly happened to Micky, what I’ve suffered this whole book to find out. But we never really find out? 😡 I mean, she just disappeared and only her nightgown was left? Did Micky get raptured? Should we add her to the list with Elijah and Enoch? And at the end, did Owen go back home to finally accept Jesus? Or to kill himself on the mountain top? If you’re writing a book about a holy experience and a true salvation, just be clear about it. Don’t sugar coat it by talking about “being loved and seen for the first time”, or feeling “full”. Use the words: Jesus, Christ, salvation, Holy Spirit, repentance, conversion, etc. Be clear about it, because the last 10 minutes sounded a lot like him admitting God had been chasing him for the last 7 years and becoming a believer, but then he ends up crying out/praying to Micky? 🥴🤷🏼♀️ I was just so confused by this whole book. The narrator had an awesome voice, which is prbly what kept me going. But if I could go back, I would DNF. 🤷🏼♀️
January 5, 2018
Before you remind me that I don’t like sporty things and of course I wouldn’t care for a book centered around baseball I have to tell you. Baseball is what saved this book for me. Yes, I don’t do sports. I don’t mind going to a stadium and watching a game. I don’t understand the game or really even care about the game but there’s something about the energy and spirit (if you will) about a crowd come together for something they are passionate about. And cuties. You are NEVER too old to appreciate cuties. That goes for almost any sport, almost. You will never see me curling up on the sofa to watch a sporty thing on TV, outside maybe like figure skating or gymnastics. Oh and diving, I really like platform diving. I picked up this book with the idea of a coming of age story between a love of baseball and a childhood sweetheart. I picked up this book thinking it was about leaving the game to come home and try to make things right. I didn’t get one whit of that.
I got a lot of baseball. A whole game intermingled with these weird random flashbacks to one summer a decade or so ago. The intermingling of here and now didn’t begin to make sense. Not only were they awkward and cut deeply into any flow the story could have developed I kept wandering where his head was. If you are in a big league, major league sorry to the ballers out there, game then why aren’t you focused on the game? Why aren’t you thinking about the game? Why aren’t you wondering if you will get your shot on the turf? That alone was awkward for me but then the back story didn’t even go with the game at all. Nothing made sense!
I didn’t get a feel for the characters. I got some interesting information about some name dropped players (I think they might be real players? I’ll have to ask Daddy). I got some interesting information about the logistics of baseball like the size of home plate and the dimensions of the infield. All things I didn’t know. But I have no idea what really happened with Micky. Throughout the story, at the train, or even at her end. I haven’t the faintest idea why Owen went back to the hill. I didn’t understand his motivation for a lot of things. This book left things so oddly open that I’m not sure if he was like an old dog going home to die on the hill or to commit suicide or just to live there under the tree in seclusion. There was not one bit of connection for me with this story. I desperately wanted there to be, the synopsis was so deeply intriguing. The truth is, baseball saved this book for me. And if that ain’t an oxymoron I don’t know what is.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.com/steal-....
I got a lot of baseball. A whole game intermingled with these weird random flashbacks to one summer a decade or so ago. The intermingling of here and now didn’t begin to make sense. Not only were they awkward and cut deeply into any flow the story could have developed I kept wandering where his head was. If you are in a big league, major league sorry to the ballers out there, game then why aren’t you focused on the game? Why aren’t you thinking about the game? Why aren’t you wondering if you will get your shot on the turf? That alone was awkward for me but then the back story didn’t even go with the game at all. Nothing made sense!
I didn’t get a feel for the characters. I got some interesting information about some name dropped players (I think they might be real players? I’ll have to ask Daddy). I got some interesting information about the logistics of baseball like the size of home plate and the dimensions of the infield. All things I didn’t know. But I have no idea what really happened with Micky. Throughout the story, at the train, or even at her end. I haven’t the faintest idea why Owen went back to the hill. I didn’t understand his motivation for a lot of things. This book left things so oddly open that I’m not sure if he was like an old dog going home to die on the hill or to commit suicide or just to live there under the tree in seclusion. There was not one bit of connection for me with this story. I desperately wanted there to be, the synopsis was so deeply intriguing. The truth is, baseball saved this book for me. And if that ain’t an oxymoron I don’t know what is.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.com/steal-....
February 21, 2018
Billy Coffey sucked me into Steal Away Home with his description of baseball and small town romance. I found myself immersed in the life of Camden, Virginia and what I thought was a coming-of-age tale. But like all of Coffey’s books, this one has a twist, a bit of magic, and a message that made me stop and ponder. Steal Away Home is a book to be savored and is definitely a recommended read.
Steal Away Home is told from the first person perspective of former high school baseball star Owen Cross. The book’s framework is wonderfully creative, as it shifts from the action of a major league baseball game to recollections of his life. Each chapter is an inning of the game and a look back at what formed Owen’s life. Owen’s life was ordained by his father, and no one had doubts that he would one day be a major league player. But one night of mystery and wonder changes that forever.
Characterization is strong in Steal Away Home. Owen’s narrative allows the reader to know first hand his hopes, dreams, and motivations, but also gives a clear picture of the other characters. Owen’s pure Virginia mountain cadence is a joy to read and adds greatly to the reading experience. As I said, the story itself takes over the reader’s imagination — first with its small-town charm and promise of young love between Owen and Micky Dullahan, and then with an abrupt spiritual journey for the characters. There is a definite supernatural element in this book, but with different effects. It sets Micky free and paralyzes Owen with fear. A number of parallels can be drawn between Camden and the message Micky brings to both the shanties and the townspeople and the ministry of Christ. But as one character puts it, Micky is not Christ come back to life. But she does ask the same question — what do you love? This is the question the reader ponders for himself as well.
Steal Away Home is a complex novel in characterization, structure, and message and would make a good choice for a book club. It is not a book to be hurried through, so make sure you have ample time to pause and think. Another winner from Coffey, it gets a highly recommended rating from me.
Highly Recommended.
Great for Book Clubs.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Thomas Nelson and TLC Book Tours for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Steal Away Home is told from the first person perspective of former high school baseball star Owen Cross. The book’s framework is wonderfully creative, as it shifts from the action of a major league baseball game to recollections of his life. Each chapter is an inning of the game and a look back at what formed Owen’s life. Owen’s life was ordained by his father, and no one had doubts that he would one day be a major league player. But one night of mystery and wonder changes that forever.
Characterization is strong in Steal Away Home. Owen’s narrative allows the reader to know first hand his hopes, dreams, and motivations, but also gives a clear picture of the other characters. Owen’s pure Virginia mountain cadence is a joy to read and adds greatly to the reading experience. As I said, the story itself takes over the reader’s imagination — first with its small-town charm and promise of young love between Owen and Micky Dullahan, and then with an abrupt spiritual journey for the characters. There is a definite supernatural element in this book, but with different effects. It sets Micky free and paralyzes Owen with fear. A number of parallels can be drawn between Camden and the message Micky brings to both the shanties and the townspeople and the ministry of Christ. But as one character puts it, Micky is not Christ come back to life. But she does ask the same question — what do you love? This is the question the reader ponders for himself as well.
Steal Away Home is a complex novel in characterization, structure, and message and would make a good choice for a book club. It is not a book to be hurried through, so make sure you have ample time to pause and think. Another winner from Coffey, it gets a highly recommended rating from me.
Highly Recommended.
Great for Book Clubs.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Thomas Nelson and TLC Book Tours for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
March 5, 2018
I'm hard pressed for words to describe this book. There's romance between Owen and Micky, the girl from the wrong side of town. There's family drama with his family and with Micky's as the town is very much segregated between have's and have nots.
We see parts of the story told through Owen's memories as he is playing is likely one time game in the major league.
This book is weird. Its good, but oh is it weird. I often found myself thinking "This is why men don't write much good romance." Then I thought, but this isn't a real romance, at least not in the conventional sense. I
I loved seeing Owen and Micky through the years and how their relationship progressed and what happened after the prom. There's a certain amount of mystery there, as you learn about the events of their prom night and graduation.
I've finished the book, and truth be told, I'm not exactly sure what happened.
This is more than boy meets girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Its more than a book that through some strange turn of events ends up rooted with some sort of spirituality. Its more than a book about a boy that loves a girl and baseball.
Perhaps that's what this book was about, "something more."
This book was beautifully written and an easy read. It left me puzzled more often then not, especially the ending, but I think that was really what Mr. Coffey intended.
We see parts of the story told through Owen's memories as he is playing is likely one time game in the major league.
This book is weird. Its good, but oh is it weird. I often found myself thinking "This is why men don't write much good romance." Then I thought, but this isn't a real romance, at least not in the conventional sense. I
I loved seeing Owen and Micky through the years and how their relationship progressed and what happened after the prom. There's a certain amount of mystery there, as you learn about the events of their prom night and graduation.
I've finished the book, and truth be told, I'm not exactly sure what happened.
This is more than boy meets girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Its more than a book that through some strange turn of events ends up rooted with some sort of spirituality. Its more than a book about a boy that loves a girl and baseball.
Perhaps that's what this book was about, "something more."
This book was beautifully written and an easy read. It left me puzzled more often then not, especially the ending, but I think that was really what Mr. Coffey intended.
January 22, 2018
This is on my planned re-reads because I feel like I stepped into this book at the wrong time. It is something that based on the summary on Amazon I should just absolutely enjoy this.
Good:
You get a feel of the people and consistent feel of the book. It is well written.
Bad:
This took me awhile to get into to. I kept having to go through and re-read the first chapter to try to get my bearings.
I enjoy sport themed stories one of my favorites is about a kid on a wrestling team. But this was hard to get into and feel at home in the story. It was a decent read nonetheless.
Three stars simply because this was either the wrong time or I wasn't the right person for this book.
Blog post
Good:
You get a feel of the people and consistent feel of the book. It is well written.
Bad:
This took me awhile to get into to. I kept having to go through and re-read the first chapter to try to get my bearings.
I enjoy sport themed stories one of my favorites is about a kid on a wrestling team. But this was hard to get into and feel at home in the story. It was a decent read nonetheless.
Three stars simply because this was either the wrong time or I wasn't the right person for this book.
Blog post
February 11, 2018
Do you ever come across a book where you pray and hope that it will be a good one and maybe even exceed your expectations? Well sadly, this book did neither for me. Not that I didn't try to like this book.
I got lost in the alternating switchbacks of storylines. There was never really much time spent in one time period; therefore, not allowing me to get grounded in any of the storylines. Additionally, I could not grab hold and connect with the characters within this story. Also, the beginning felt like slow reading. I had to take a break and walk away for a while. When I came back, I was hoping that the story would pick up for me. It never did. After reading for a while and only getting a third of the way into the story, I personally could not continue on. Yet, this does not mean that this book won't strike a cord with another reader as it seems it did with other readers.
I got lost in the alternating switchbacks of storylines. There was never really much time spent in one time period; therefore, not allowing me to get grounded in any of the storylines. Additionally, I could not grab hold and connect with the characters within this story. Also, the beginning felt like slow reading. I had to take a break and walk away for a while. When I came back, I was hoping that the story would pick up for me. It never did. After reading for a while and only getting a third of the way into the story, I personally could not continue on. Yet, this does not mean that this book won't strike a cord with another reader as it seems it did with other readers.
March 5, 2018
*Thank you to the publisher/Netgalley for for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my opinion.*
Ik heb het écht geprobeerd, maar dit boek is niks voor mij. Het klonk allemaal zo lieflijk. Een jongen die twee liefdes heeft, een meisje en baseball. Ik verwachte een lief verhaal met een beetje een voorspelbaar plot. Maar het begin was zo ontzettend traag! Vage terugblikken her en der en daartussenin allemaal, voor mij, onbekende baseball termen. Nee, dit was niks voor mij. Ik kwam maar niet in het verhaal en na 100 bladzijden heb ik het dan ook opgegeven.
Op naar een beter boek :) (hopelijk)
Ik heb het écht geprobeerd, maar dit boek is niks voor mij. Het klonk allemaal zo lieflijk. Een jongen die twee liefdes heeft, een meisje en baseball. Ik verwachte een lief verhaal met een beetje een voorspelbaar plot. Maar het begin was zo ontzettend traag! Vage terugblikken her en der en daartussenin allemaal, voor mij, onbekende baseball termen. Nee, dit was niks voor mij. Ik kwam maar niet in het verhaal en na 100 bladzijden heb ik het dan ook opgegeven.
Op naar een beter boek :) (hopelijk)
March 29, 2018
Owen Cross is a young boy from a lower middle-class family who just happens to have superior natural talent when it comes to the game of baseball. His father is a hard-working but embittered man nursing a broken spirit after a career ending injury brought his own professional sports dreams to a screeching halt. Now the father puts all the hopes on the son to bring pride and fame back to the family name. From an early age, Owen shows laser focus when it comes to his MLB dreams. That is, until the fateful day he comes face to face with Shantytown girl Michaela "Micky" Dullahan. From that day forward, professional baseball and Micky will play a constant tug-o-war on Owen's heart and mind.
The time period of Steal Away Home alternates between grown Owen as a Minor League player in the early 2000s and his childhood spanning the 1980s and 90s. In the retrospective chapters, or "innings" as Coffey playful titles them here, we follow Owen from the first meetings with Micky, through junior high and high school up to the day he leaves his hometown of Camden, Virginia to attend college in Ohio.
Owen always has to keep his relationship with Micky as secret. Though they go to the same school, they avoid any acknowledgement of each other beyond furtive glances. It's explained that because Micky is from Shantytown, socially she's basically considered the town's unclean, untouchable, too-poor-to-be-anything-but-pitied/reviled-from-a-distance population. Hard to make sense of this though, when you consider that Owen's economic situation wasn't really ALL that much better: his school clothes primarily come off the JC Penney clearance racks, his mom makes minimum wage at the town library and his dad works as the janitor at Owen's school. Owen flatly points out that his baseball skills are literally the only thing that keeps him from being socially ostracized himself. Still, he's all about keeping his seat at the cool kids' table.
It took me about half the book to realize it, but at that point it dawned on me that I did not like Owen. The guy was pretty selfish when you get down to it. It seems like Owen never hesitated too much to throw Micky under the proverbial bus whenever his social standing was even slightly at risk. Yet Micky continued to profess love for this kid! When Micky finds a dream she wants to pursue for herself and the good of her fellow Shantytown residents, he harps on her to drop it and do what HE wants if she TRULY loves him. Nope, this reader was not having it. Micky was clearly the better soul in my book.
With the novel starting in the millennial era and periodically looking backwards, there is a mystery / possible crime story hinted at, clues to which are only given to the reader in the tiniest portions until at least the halfway point where the action on that front picks up a bit. Once Owen leaves Camden for college, we see that some characters from earlier in the story have gone missing in his time away, and certain clues hint that possible criminal activity may be linked to these characters. Be patient though, because Coffey's holding some cards up his author sleeve and he's not going to let you make sense of it all til the closing moments!
Of all of Billy Coffey's novels that I've read to date, this has not been one of my favorites. Many of the elements felt pretty underdeveloped, at least with the home drama storylines. It certainly can't be said he skimped on the baseball game sections, those portions actually dragged a bit for me. Just a lot of Owen in the dugout with his thoughts for pages on end, least until it was his turn at the plate... but it felt like he spent a lot of time on the bench for a catcher! LOL Speaking of the game though, Coffey notes at the beginning of the book that the game described here (the opening game, I think he's referring to) is actually inspired by an actual game that went down between the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees in the summer of 2001.
The romantic relationship between Owen and Micky did, at times, have a charm to it that I enjoyed. Theirs was a young relationship that was full of sweet, naive, intense promises that most of us can probably relate to on some level, remembering back to our first loves. But something there fell short for me, didn't quite hit maximum heartstring tug.
One thing I will give this book though -- even if the plot had some missed opportunities (IMO), there were some undeniably great lines of prose I would tip my hat to, if i wore one while I read. If you're familiar with Coffey's previous books and wonder about his trademark light fantasy / magical realism touch he tends to weave into his stories, it is still present here but it's much more faint than in his previous novels.
FTC Disclaimer: TNZ Fiction Guild kindly provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions above are entirely my own.
The time period of Steal Away Home alternates between grown Owen as a Minor League player in the early 2000s and his childhood spanning the 1980s and 90s. In the retrospective chapters, or "innings" as Coffey playful titles them here, we follow Owen from the first meetings with Micky, through junior high and high school up to the day he leaves his hometown of Camden, Virginia to attend college in Ohio.
Owen always has to keep his relationship with Micky as secret. Though they go to the same school, they avoid any acknowledgement of each other beyond furtive glances. It's explained that because Micky is from Shantytown, socially she's basically considered the town's unclean, untouchable, too-poor-to-be-anything-but-pitied/reviled-from-a-distance population. Hard to make sense of this though, when you consider that Owen's economic situation wasn't really ALL that much better: his school clothes primarily come off the JC Penney clearance racks, his mom makes minimum wage at the town library and his dad works as the janitor at Owen's school. Owen flatly points out that his baseball skills are literally the only thing that keeps him from being socially ostracized himself. Still, he's all about keeping his seat at the cool kids' table.
It took me about half the book to realize it, but at that point it dawned on me that I did not like Owen. The guy was pretty selfish when you get down to it. It seems like Owen never hesitated too much to throw Micky under the proverbial bus whenever his social standing was even slightly at risk. Yet Micky continued to profess love for this kid! When Micky finds a dream she wants to pursue for herself and the good of her fellow Shantytown residents, he harps on her to drop it and do what HE wants if she TRULY loves him. Nope, this reader was not having it. Micky was clearly the better soul in my book.
With the novel starting in the millennial era and periodically looking backwards, there is a mystery / possible crime story hinted at, clues to which are only given to the reader in the tiniest portions until at least the halfway point where the action on that front picks up a bit. Once Owen leaves Camden for college, we see that some characters from earlier in the story have gone missing in his time away, and certain clues hint that possible criminal activity may be linked to these characters. Be patient though, because Coffey's holding some cards up his author sleeve and he's not going to let you make sense of it all til the closing moments!
Of all of Billy Coffey's novels that I've read to date, this has not been one of my favorites. Many of the elements felt pretty underdeveloped, at least with the home drama storylines. It certainly can't be said he skimped on the baseball game sections, those portions actually dragged a bit for me. Just a lot of Owen in the dugout with his thoughts for pages on end, least until it was his turn at the plate... but it felt like he spent a lot of time on the bench for a catcher! LOL Speaking of the game though, Coffey notes at the beginning of the book that the game described here (the opening game, I think he's referring to) is actually inspired by an actual game that went down between the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees in the summer of 2001.
The romantic relationship between Owen and Micky did, at times, have a charm to it that I enjoyed. Theirs was a young relationship that was full of sweet, naive, intense promises that most of us can probably relate to on some level, remembering back to our first loves. But something there fell short for me, didn't quite hit maximum heartstring tug.
One thing I will give this book though -- even if the plot had some missed opportunities (IMO), there were some undeniably great lines of prose I would tip my hat to, if i wore one while I read. If you're familiar with Coffey's previous books and wonder about his trademark light fantasy / magical realism touch he tends to weave into his stories, it is still present here but it's much more faint than in his previous novels.
FTC Disclaimer: TNZ Fiction Guild kindly provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions above are entirely my own.
May 25, 2018
Loved this book but I was confused by the ending.
December 19, 2017
Billy Coffey gives us a profound story of love and loss in a town where discrimination and intolerance are as natural as breathing in Steal Away Home.
Owen Cross loves baseball. He has since he was a small boy, but then again he doesn’t have much choice. His father Paul, a real contender for professional ball, lost his chance when an injury cost him his pitching arm. Paul lives through his son Owen and is determined to have his son succeed where he has failed. Owen is happy enough to pursue his father’s passion and make professional baseball his dream until he meets Michaela (Micky) Dullahan. Owen has never met anyone quite like Micky. Micky is beautiful, independent and wise beyond her years and Owen is immediately smitten. When anxious to meet up with Micky again she explains to Owen their friendship must be kept a secret. Micky is from Shantytown and shanties don’t mix with the town people. Their relationship would be considered taboo from the people in Shantytown as well as the folks in town, so a secret they remain.
As time goes by, Micky and Owen grow closer and their relationship stronger. Owen and Micky count the moments when they can be together on the hill, their secret meeting place. As graduation closes in, it looks as if Owen will get a baseball scholarship to YSU. It’s everything he and his family have ever wanted. The only part that they are unaware of is Owen’s plan to whisk Micky away when he leaves for college. Everything seems to be going as devised until the night of their class graduation party. Held at an old farm on the edge of town everyone is there, even the shanties. As long as the shanties and town grads are divided by an invisible line that neither will cross a general peace is kept. When a dangerous challenge to play chicken involving a speeding train is thrown down Micky jumps at the bait. As the speeding train approaches Owen moves in to save her, but a spiritual phenomenon transpires changing both Micky and Owen’s lives forever. Owen refuses to acknowledge what has occurred, but Micky is so changed from the experience that her life will never be the same. Micky has a new found faith in God and wants to share that faith and love with the world. No longer afraid to invade the town territory Micky is on a mission to spread love and joy to anyone who will listen. But her faith alone will not allow her to be accepted. She is a shanty in their eyes and always will be. When Owen refuses to accept this new version of Micky their lives are forever changed. Improvising a plan, Owen takes matters into his own hands culminating in disastrous results. What really happened on the night of the graduation party Owen will continue to deny until his and Micky’s past and future collide.
Told from the bench of an Oriole’s game where Owen is given an opportunity to sub for one game, Steal Away Home is a story about the painful reality of love and the lengths some will go to find happiness. Steal Away Home is a book that shows the prejudices of a world where the poor and downtrodden are not accepted and only those who have a future made for the stars have a chance. It’s about using people for gain, without a shred of guilt and assuming knowledge of someone without walking a mile in their shoes. It’s about the courage to stand for someone and something without fear of the consequences. Steal Away Home will steal your heart and make you think about who you are and what you want to be. It’s the story about one boy and one girl, but so much more.
I want to thank Thomas Nelson – Fiction via NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of Steal Away Home by Billy Coffey for a fair and honest review.
Owen Cross loves baseball. He has since he was a small boy, but then again he doesn’t have much choice. His father Paul, a real contender for professional ball, lost his chance when an injury cost him his pitching arm. Paul lives through his son Owen and is determined to have his son succeed where he has failed. Owen is happy enough to pursue his father’s passion and make professional baseball his dream until he meets Michaela (Micky) Dullahan. Owen has never met anyone quite like Micky. Micky is beautiful, independent and wise beyond her years and Owen is immediately smitten. When anxious to meet up with Micky again she explains to Owen their friendship must be kept a secret. Micky is from Shantytown and shanties don’t mix with the town people. Their relationship would be considered taboo from the people in Shantytown as well as the folks in town, so a secret they remain.
As time goes by, Micky and Owen grow closer and their relationship stronger. Owen and Micky count the moments when they can be together on the hill, their secret meeting place. As graduation closes in, it looks as if Owen will get a baseball scholarship to YSU. It’s everything he and his family have ever wanted. The only part that they are unaware of is Owen’s plan to whisk Micky away when he leaves for college. Everything seems to be going as devised until the night of their class graduation party. Held at an old farm on the edge of town everyone is there, even the shanties. As long as the shanties and town grads are divided by an invisible line that neither will cross a general peace is kept. When a dangerous challenge to play chicken involving a speeding train is thrown down Micky jumps at the bait. As the speeding train approaches Owen moves in to save her, but a spiritual phenomenon transpires changing both Micky and Owen’s lives forever. Owen refuses to acknowledge what has occurred, but Micky is so changed from the experience that her life will never be the same. Micky has a new found faith in God and wants to share that faith and love with the world. No longer afraid to invade the town territory Micky is on a mission to spread love and joy to anyone who will listen. But her faith alone will not allow her to be accepted. She is a shanty in their eyes and always will be. When Owen refuses to accept this new version of Micky their lives are forever changed. Improvising a plan, Owen takes matters into his own hands culminating in disastrous results. What really happened on the night of the graduation party Owen will continue to deny until his and Micky’s past and future collide.
Told from the bench of an Oriole’s game where Owen is given an opportunity to sub for one game, Steal Away Home is a story about the painful reality of love and the lengths some will go to find happiness. Steal Away Home is a book that shows the prejudices of a world where the poor and downtrodden are not accepted and only those who have a future made for the stars have a chance. It’s about using people for gain, without a shred of guilt and assuming knowledge of someone without walking a mile in their shoes. It’s about the courage to stand for someone and something without fear of the consequences. Steal Away Home will steal your heart and make you think about who you are and what you want to be. It’s the story about one boy and one girl, but so much more.
I want to thank Thomas Nelson – Fiction via NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of Steal Away Home by Billy Coffey for a fair and honest review.
March 18, 2018
** “Mom was right, the mob will always crucify Christ. We praise Him for His holiness and wisdom but cannot bow to His message. He stoops low for us, yet all we see is how the gods we fashion for ourselves stand taller. We would rather remain slaves to ourselves.” **
Billy Coffey once again takes us to the small, rural life in the South with “Steal Away Home,” a novel of following one’s dreams, the haves and the have nots, finding faith, love and, oh yeah, baseball. Lots and lots of baseball.
Owen Cross has big dreams — to one day be a Major League player. Urged on by his father who was a star pitcher until suffering an injury, Owen works day in and day out to be the best catcher and hitter that he can be. He dreams of moving on to college and then the big league one day.
But when Owen stumbles upon the mysterious and beautiful Micky Dullahan from Shantytown, a forbidden relationship develops that affects everything he has ever thought about his future.
“Steal Away Home” takes place in 2001, when Owen is 29 and still playing in the Minors for the Baltimore Orioles. When he gets called up to play one game in the Majors … and against the New York Yankees no less! … Owen finds himself reflecting upon his life.
Written in a back-and-forth format, Owen’s story jumps between the current game (which according to the author is taken from an actual game played on June 5, 2001, under a Strawberry Moon) and times from his past — during high school, the summer after graduation, time playing baseball at college, and time in the Minors.
It is a deeply introspective piece, really diving into the nitty gritty of life. It reveals the highs and the lows, and the moments to be lauded and the moments to be ashamed of that Owen faces, and that in all honesty we each face.
Besides being an interesting tale of baseball, and youth, and following one’s dreams, and life in small-town rural America, “Steal Away Home” is so much more. It is a story of redemption; seeking and realizing that we all deserve love; believing that you are special and making your mark in life; finding our worth, and knowing that we have worth; “faith comes hardest for those who have much to lose;” and ensuring that we don’t remove Jesus from our dreams.
Coffey is a master at developing deep and enigmatic, yet relatable characters. Owen is so beautifully written because, as the author notes, he most relates to Owen more than any other character he has written. Coffey is also an amazingly descriptive writer, pulling his readers deep into the scene with descriptions of New York City like “The only mountains are made of concrete and windows.”
His novels usually contain some aspect of the supernatural. Coffey’s latest novel has less of this than usual, although there is an incident with a train that will deeply impact the characters and their choices that does have a slight supernatural vein.
A very small disclaimer: there are a few incidents of mild cursing.
Fans of baseball stories and life in small-town Americana will enjoy “Steal Away Home.”
And an extra little goodie? Musician Eddie Heinzelman composed and performed an original song for “Steal Away Home” called “Dandelion.” Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmLOW....
Four and a half stars out of five.
Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.
Billy Coffey once again takes us to the small, rural life in the South with “Steal Away Home,” a novel of following one’s dreams, the haves and the have nots, finding faith, love and, oh yeah, baseball. Lots and lots of baseball.
Owen Cross has big dreams — to one day be a Major League player. Urged on by his father who was a star pitcher until suffering an injury, Owen works day in and day out to be the best catcher and hitter that he can be. He dreams of moving on to college and then the big league one day.
But when Owen stumbles upon the mysterious and beautiful Micky Dullahan from Shantytown, a forbidden relationship develops that affects everything he has ever thought about his future.
“Steal Away Home” takes place in 2001, when Owen is 29 and still playing in the Minors for the Baltimore Orioles. When he gets called up to play one game in the Majors … and against the New York Yankees no less! … Owen finds himself reflecting upon his life.
Written in a back-and-forth format, Owen’s story jumps between the current game (which according to the author is taken from an actual game played on June 5, 2001, under a Strawberry Moon) and times from his past — during high school, the summer after graduation, time playing baseball at college, and time in the Minors.
It is a deeply introspective piece, really diving into the nitty gritty of life. It reveals the highs and the lows, and the moments to be lauded and the moments to be ashamed of that Owen faces, and that in all honesty we each face.
Besides being an interesting tale of baseball, and youth, and following one’s dreams, and life in small-town rural America, “Steal Away Home” is so much more. It is a story of redemption; seeking and realizing that we all deserve love; believing that you are special and making your mark in life; finding our worth, and knowing that we have worth; “faith comes hardest for those who have much to lose;” and ensuring that we don’t remove Jesus from our dreams.
Coffey is a master at developing deep and enigmatic, yet relatable characters. Owen is so beautifully written because, as the author notes, he most relates to Owen more than any other character he has written. Coffey is also an amazingly descriptive writer, pulling his readers deep into the scene with descriptions of New York City like “The only mountains are made of concrete and windows.”
His novels usually contain some aspect of the supernatural. Coffey’s latest novel has less of this than usual, although there is an incident with a train that will deeply impact the characters and their choices that does have a slight supernatural vein.
A very small disclaimer: there are a few incidents of mild cursing.
Fans of baseball stories and life in small-town Americana will enjoy “Steal Away Home.”
And an extra little goodie? Musician Eddie Heinzelman composed and performed an original song for “Steal Away Home” called “Dandelion.” Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmLOW....
Four and a half stars out of five.
Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.
February 2, 2018
I've been in love with Billy Coffey's ability to weave a story so well, that you are instantly transported from wherever you are to wherever he decides to take you. He has a way with words that goes beyond what one can describe except to say that it is a true gift to spin such a story, it make you wonder if there isn't a nugget of truth in there somewhere and he is taking you back to one of his memories so you can see it like he did. I've had the delight to read each and every single novel he has written and they all come with a uniqueness that you are picking up something sacred. I've been reading his short stories through his blog for years and was thrilled when he began to write novels.
You can sense that good ol' boy charm gleaned from the words that spill forth from the pages of his latest, Steal Away Home. I knew at some point in time we would see a story about Billy's love of baseball and feel this one is definitely a home run. One needs to understand something when you read one of his novels. They are all different in a sense that he is taking readers to often times, unexplored places within the character's mind to see things the way they did. In this novel it is through the eyes of Owen Cross, who like most young boys dreamed that one day he might make it to the big league spending childhood summers playing ball in sandlots with his friends. His natural ability is captivated upon by his father who watched his own dreams of making it into major league baseball slip away with a shoulder injury and now pushes Owen to the big dreams.
The one thing competing with Owen is a young girl who has captured his heart much like baseball did. He hopes that when it makes it big, he will be able to pull Micky along with him and rescue her from the life of being a less-than living among the small community of Mattingly, mostly being what the upper classes would consider plain white trash. But Owen sees the same thing in her that his dad sees in him, the opportunity for so much more than they could even dream. The novel toggles back and forth from Owen's childhood and his time with Micky, to the current day where he is making a debut of sorts in the big league, filling in if needed. The story is magical in the sense that you feel like you're Owen, the struggles he faces when people try and keep him and Micky apart, the differences in their upbringing and the outcome of the future for them both.
I received Steal Away Home by Billy Coffey compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and TLC Book Tours. This is such a beautiful story and I wasn't sure how receptive I would be of one involving a baseball player, but then movies like A League of Their Own and For the Love of the Game. It reminds you that times were simple in those days. Baseball was the epitome of technology and it is what drew people together for a common cause, to root for their team. I love the way Billy crafted this story in taking me back to those days of his childhood and how the decisions he made affect his future in ways no one could predict. Once again this one will sit like a priceless treasure in my own personal library and I can say it is getting full. Well down for hitting a grand slam in this novel and deserving of all 5 out of 5 stars in this reader's opinion.
You can sense that good ol' boy charm gleaned from the words that spill forth from the pages of his latest, Steal Away Home. I knew at some point in time we would see a story about Billy's love of baseball and feel this one is definitely a home run. One needs to understand something when you read one of his novels. They are all different in a sense that he is taking readers to often times, unexplored places within the character's mind to see things the way they did. In this novel it is through the eyes of Owen Cross, who like most young boys dreamed that one day he might make it to the big league spending childhood summers playing ball in sandlots with his friends. His natural ability is captivated upon by his father who watched his own dreams of making it into major league baseball slip away with a shoulder injury and now pushes Owen to the big dreams.
The one thing competing with Owen is a young girl who has captured his heart much like baseball did. He hopes that when it makes it big, he will be able to pull Micky along with him and rescue her from the life of being a less-than living among the small community of Mattingly, mostly being what the upper classes would consider plain white trash. But Owen sees the same thing in her that his dad sees in him, the opportunity for so much more than they could even dream. The novel toggles back and forth from Owen's childhood and his time with Micky, to the current day where he is making a debut of sorts in the big league, filling in if needed. The story is magical in the sense that you feel like you're Owen, the struggles he faces when people try and keep him and Micky apart, the differences in their upbringing and the outcome of the future for them both.
I received Steal Away Home by Billy Coffey compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and TLC Book Tours. This is such a beautiful story and I wasn't sure how receptive I would be of one involving a baseball player, but then movies like A League of Their Own and For the Love of the Game. It reminds you that times were simple in those days. Baseball was the epitome of technology and it is what drew people together for a common cause, to root for their team. I love the way Billy crafted this story in taking me back to those days of his childhood and how the decisions he made affect his future in ways no one could predict. Once again this one will sit like a priceless treasure in my own personal library and I can say it is getting full. Well down for hitting a grand slam in this novel and deserving of all 5 out of 5 stars in this reader's opinion.
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