Playing By Heart by Anne Mateer
Lula Bowman has finally achieved her dream: a teaching position and a scholarship to continue her college education in mathematics. But when she receives a shocking telephone call from her sister, Jewel, everything she’s worked for begins to crumble.
After the sudden death of Jewel’s husband, Jewel needs Lula’s help. With a heavy heart, Lula returns to her Oklahoma hometown to do right by her sister. But the only teaching job available in Dunn is combination music instructor/basketball coach. Neither subject belongs anywhere near the halls of academia, according to Lula!
Lula commits to covering the job for the rest of the school year, determined to do well and prove herself to the town. Reluctantly, she turns to the boys’ coach, Chet, to learn the game of basketball. Chet is handsome and single, but Lula has no plans to fall for a local boy. She’s returning to college as soon as she gets Jewel back on her feet.
However, the more time she spends in Dunn, the more Lula realizes God is working on her heart–and her future is beginning to look a lot different than she’d expected.
Thoughts:
Playing by Heart is a charming tale, rich in history! Written from dual points of view, Anne Mateer expertly shares this story through both Lula’s and Chet’s perspective. I really enjoyed these endearing characters and this unique way of storytelling.
I always love finding interesting facts in fiction and adored the history of this story, especially the bits from Anne’s own family. With her beautiful writing voice, Anne Mateer plucked my heartstrings and struck a perfect chord with Playing by Heart!
Bethany House Publishers is sponsoring a fun giveaway to celebrate the release of Playing by Heart. Click the graphic to be taken to the official entry page. Good luck!
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts expressed are my own.
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