Hometown Favorite

Revell
ISBN: 9780800719142
Released September 2008
www.revellbooks.com

HOMETOWN FAVORITE is a football themed book that carries a strong emotional edge. According to information presented in the book, Tennessee Titan's former wide receiver, Chris Sanders, helped the authors capture the ins and outs of a football star's life. I'm not a big football fan, so at times I found myself racing to get back to the very emotional storyline involving one man and the challenges he faced off the field.

From high school, Dewayne Jobe showed incredible talent as a linebacker. It doesn't surprise people that he ends up in the NFL. Along the way, he meets his future wife, a woman from a completely different background. She's used to luxury, while Dewayne's single mom worked hard to keep food on the table. Yet, Rosella fits perfectly in Dewayne's life. As his career is taking off, Rosella becomes pregnant. The pair also move to adopt Rosella's niece and nephew whose addict mother must complete a rehab program before the kids may see her again. Now a family of four with one on the way, their life seems perfect.

Unfortunately, things are not meant to be rosy for long. Tragedy strikes Dewayne and Rosella testing their faith in God and each other. Just when their lives looked perfect, it seems that everything Dewayne achieved will be yanked out from under him.

I have to say. I knew there was a "tragic event" that would shape the story. When it hit, I was floored. The story takes a dramatic turn and evoked a few tears. It's incredibly powerful and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I love that the characters reacted in a human manner. Despite this being a Christian story, the reactions were genuine and easy to empathize with. HOMETOWN FAVORITE is a fine novel and one that will get most people really thinking about life.