There's a very good reason why Susan Elizabeth Phillips has a legend of devoted fans who are endearingly referred to as Seppies. Not every author has that type of following. I can't think of anything guaranteed to bring a smile to my face than a reference to the Chicago Stars -- Susan Elizabeth Phillips creation and source of joy in many of her books. I am a Seppie and proud of it.

I actually discovered the Chicago Stars in DREAM A LITTLE DREAM (book #4) and immediately fell in love. Then I did what any self-respecting Seppie would do: I read every book in this series totally ignoring any specific order. And guess what -- it didn't matter.

FIRST STAR I SEE TONIGHT comes with the requisite cast of characters common to this series. Tough ex- football players, smart, sassy somewhat off the grid women and a group of delightful neighbors and friends. A cast guaranteed to win your heart and tickle your funny bone.

It's all about self-image. In football the public wants to see the players as larger than life. Living that kind of life brings several challenges such as privacy and security. Cooper Graham decides to open The Spiral in what he hopes is the first to of a string of football themed clubs. After he proves its worth he hopes to entice other ex-football players to invest in more. Coop is rough and tough and definitely larger than life. In his heart he is determined to follow his dream.

And then there is Piper Dove a sort of counterpart to Coop in so many ways. Piper is trying to recreate her father's successful investigation service business starting at the absolute bottom. Piper is smart, creative and gutsy. She's a little bit of a woman in stature -- but don't discount her heart, her ambition and her fearlessness. Piper doesn't seem scared of anyone or anything. Well with one major exception. Piper is afraid of love. She doesn't see herself the way those around her do. So she puts barriers around her heart when it comes to men. But Piper is surrounded by people she loves and love her -- her friends.

Cooper is the target of her recent investigation. She is supposed to find out everything she can about this man to see if he is a good investment. Piper learns quickly that Coop is very aware of his surroundings and most especially this petite woman who seems to be on his tail. Well let the games begin. Piper's determined to do her job and attract more clients. Cooper is equally determined to stymy her intrusion into his life and club. Piper is one stubborn gal and Cooper begins to see her value -- personally and professionally.

Every Chicago Stars book is doomed to be dog-eared. They all hold a place of honor on my book shelves. FIRST STAR I SEE TONIGHT isn't actually as football driven as the previous stories. But not to worry. Susan Elizabeth Phillips graciously includes cameos of some of our favorite Stars. It's been several years since the last book in the series came out and Phillips is honest in her statement that FIRST STAR I SEE TONIGHT is a result of fans asking for more. Thanks goodness. You can never have enough Phillips books. Susan Elizabeth Phillips is the consummate entertainer and she has enriched all of us with an amazing book list.