the setup…
Kalista (Kal) Brooks is an Olympic medalist in training for her third Games when she’s called to come back to her family home in Atlanta because of devastating news about her father. His heart is failing and they just learned that “Coach” isn’t physically eligible for a heart transplant. Though she has a thriving and demanding business with her partner and fiancé in California, Kal makes the decision to spend this time with her father at their old family farmhouse in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
the heart of the story…
By the way, Kal runs into Calvin (Cal) Calhoun, a childhood friend, at the Atlanta airport who she hadn’t seen since high school. He triggers the beginning of some great memories of those times (and their special bond) so when her father wants to relive the best of the four seasons in one month, Kal and the town rise to the occasion. There was something magical and transforming about it all, awakening some repressed and endearing memories for Kal and giving Coach a reason to look forward to each day.
the narration…
Sarah Naughton is such a pro, her performance understated so as to not add drama to an extremely emotional story. I loved how she just let the writing shine through.
the bottom line…
I have a personal connection here as I had to make the same decision about leaving my home and spending time with my mother in her final year. Kal’s last dance with her father was extremely moving and symbolic, the scene beautifully orchestrated. I had my own moment with my mother and I felt this so deeply. Thanks for such a lovely story and I hope it might be the opening for more with these characters.
Book Info
- Release Date: January 1, 2026
- Narrator: Sarah Naughton
- Audio Length: 1 hour, 37 minutes
- Publisher: Brilliance Audio
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Blue Mood Café 
Wonderful review, Jo, this sounds lovely!
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Thank you, Nicki💜 It very much is.
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This sounds like a lovely story Jonetta and one I may decide to read sometime in the future. Great review.
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