This is a very well written second-chances sports romance where the MCs are geographically placed across continents (Australia and USA) from each other.
At fourteen and fifteen, Australian Hannah Clark and
American Angie Thomson (respectively) are the youngest in their teams. Shy and
introverted Hannah is accosted by Angie during a meal time and they form a
close friendship which continues via letters. When Angie’s father has some work
in Melbourne, Angie jumps at the chance to visit Hannah and the two girls spend
an idyllic two weeks together. Two weeks that change their lives as their
friendship becomes more. Their relationship thrives till the day Angie
vanishes. No more letters. No more calls. Hannah is heartbroken. Many, many
years later, Hannah (who’d ‘retired’) is making a come-back and trying for an
Olympic Gold – one that she’d lost to Angie the last time they’d seen each
other. She has a shock when she learns that Angie is an assistant coach for the
Australian swim team.
There is something about Bette Hawkins’ writing that gets
you thoroughly involved in the story. We’re not able to put our finger on this
but though the story is a simple second-chances romance with very little angst,
it is very, very involving and readable. We love the hark-back in time when
letters and short (and very rare) long-distance calls were the means of being
in touch. Those days of penpals.
The story is narrated from Hannah’s PoV, but Angie is the
more interesting character. The past, Angie’s background and the reasons for
Angie disappearing on Hannah are unfolded at a perfect pace. Hannah is a
steady, rather stolid person while Angie is rather like a celebration – open,
vivacious, fun. But are very authentic. The chemistry between them is great
which makes this a lovely read.
Definitely recommended.
⭐⭐⭐☆★
