Playing by Heart
Lula Bowman is living her dream in circa 1918 Oklahoma. She is teaching mathematics and has won a scholarship for advanced studies. She plans to be the first woman Ph.D. in the state. When she is called home to assist her widowed sister, Jewel, and Jewel’s soon-to-be five children, Lula is devastated. She will fulfill her family responsibilities, but her own bright future seems ruined. When she is hired by the local high school to teach music and girls’ basketball, she does her best, but is determined to get back to her own ambitions as soon as possible. Even the handsome, principled Chet cannot change her mind about returning to her chosen career. Lula gradually realizes that her intense pursuit of a math career has pushed other worthwhile life choices aside. By story’s end, Lula’s future looks bright, although different than her original plan. This novel has a strong moral tone but is not “preachy.” Multifaceted characters face truly troubling obstacles, causing readers to care about them. Christian readers would like this book, as would anyone who enjoys a good family saga seasoned with a love story.
