The Home Team
“You don’t like football?!” Those were the incredulous words that greeted Dr. Jess MacLeod on her first day in Last Chance, New Mexico. Growing up, Jess dreamed of opening a medical practice in a little town. Now that she is doing that, small town life is nothing like she had imagined.
High school football has the heart and soul of this little community. Everyone turns out for football games whether they have children in high school or not, it is the town’s main social outlet. But Jess doesn’t know a football from a basketball, and doesn’t see the need to. As time goes on, she is amazed to find out her lack of interest in football becomes a stumbling block to community acceptance and romance!
Excitement is also running high with the recent return of their local boy who made good, Andy Ryan. Andy was part of the team during the glory days of football for Last Chance, when he led the Pumas on to victory after victory. Later, he was part of a professional team, and now Andy has returned to coach high school football at his alma mater. The pressure is on, too, since the team is many years past their glory days.
Does she need a hero?
Andy is one of the first people that Jess meets, but unlike the rest of the town, she isn’t star struck. She has never heard of him. Despite that, Andy is intrigued by Jess, and tries to help her settle in. Another local who befriends Jess is Elizabeth Cooley, a likeable senior citizen who seems to be related to most of the town. Elizabeth isn’t ready for a new doctor, but she is interested in who Jess is personally–and what she believes. Everyone says Elizabeth doesn’t believe in luck, and Jess would like to know what that means. 
This story takes place against the backdrop of gorgeous desert sunsets, spicy chilies, and a gruff talking waitress that is soon becoming the bane of Jess’s existence. There is also a small amount of the story devoted to the heart-break of an alcoholic parent, and the misery and regret that result from that.
I liked this tale and the characters a lot. It is well-written, entertaining, and done from a Christian viewpoint. I wish Last Chance really existed, because I would love to visit it, and meet the people.
Although this book is part of a series, it can be read without the earlier books. However, Last Chance Hero doesn’t end on its own. There are story-lines that don’t come to a complete end, and the reader is left hanging wondering what happened. I hope there is at least one more book that will bring those to a close, because I would really like to know how things end. Despite the hanging story-lines, this 4-star book was still enjoyable to read. With that in mind, I recommend this book.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of Last Chance Hero through Revell Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment.
Author’s Website: www.cathleenarmstrong.com
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