Sometimes kids need a savior -- they come in all types and sizes. For Sam Leavitt the school football coach turned out to be his savior. Coaches have the reputation for being tough and demanding -- expectations rather high which only means they expect their guys to do their best -- bring their A game and along the way learn respect, teamwork and the value of hard work. In HOMECOMING as well as in the boys of falls series Shannon Stacey tackles the subject of new beginnings. HOMECOMING is the third book that takes place in a small town facing difficult problems forcing it to make difficult decisions. Shannon Stacey's forte is contemporary romance and HOMECOMING is a wonderful example of her talent.

Sam grew up understanding that especially in his life there was nobody to turn to. When his drunk father was set to beat mode -- his mother beat her own retreat into a bottle. No one to rely on and certainly no role models to emulate until Coach McDonnell.

Sam's now back in Stewart Hills New Hampshire far from Texas currently home. Being completely honest it wasn't exactly home but a good job and place to live -- and most important away from Stewart Hills. Sam was beckoned home for the second time in a few years. The first to help raise money to prevent the town from losing its high school football program. May not sound important but in small town America you'd be surprised. Stewart Hills was a town in crisis plain and simple. But now it was truly personal. The Coach had a heart attack and Sam was recruited by his mentor to take on the job of coach. Big huge shoes to fill and yet everyone seems to believe Sam can do it. The Coach, team, town, friends and most important Jen Cooper believes in him.

Jen the girl he left without any word. Sam is surprised in Jen's albeit reluctant willingness to work with him. Their lives are worlds apart especially in Sam's eyes so no future there. Coming from a very dysfunctional abusive family Sam was always dubious concerning his future. For Sam Stewart Hills held no future for him and his attraction to Jen was equally a dead end.

Returning to Stewart Hills Sam is swamped with difficult memories, mistakes and doubts. But in his mind this was temporary -- he could do temporary. But when temporary started to feel less imperative Sam question whether what he stood to gain by staying was worth dealing with old issues he had planned to leave in the past-- on a perhaps daily basis.

There just may be some opportunities back home. But it's going to take a big man to take that leap of faith and put his heart on the line. Going for a touchdown with a bunch of big guys blocking the way to the goal post is nothing compared to chasing a dream that he never dared to dream. Jen is way too good for the likes of Sam. But isn't that the way love works. The heart doesn't judge on your past or parentage. If it's real than all bets are off the table as to whether it will work or not. But not trying. Well I don't see Sam throwing in the towel that easy. Shannon Stacey continues the story of this group of friends who somehow manage to find their way back home despite of the many roadblocks. It's a great little series that absolutely reads like independent stories. HOMECOMING reminds me why I rarely if ever pass up anything by Shannon Stacey.