Rachel Spangler Bücher

Fencing prodigy Jess Kidman has always excelled, making the varsity team at thirteen, winning a state championship, and falling for her team captain, Lauren Standish. After being gently rejected by Lauren, Jess vows to return as an Olympian when their age difference is no longer a factor. Eleven years later, Jess fulfills her promise, returning to Buffalo just before the Olympics, only to discover that Lauren could be the coach she needs to win gold. However, Lauren is no longer the vibrant captain she once was; after a successful collegiate career, she has settled into a quieter life running a fencing club and coaching kids. When Jess reenters her life, Lauren is drawn to her confidence but also sees her as a threat to the stability she has created after a traumatic loss. Reluctantly, Lauren agrees to coach Jess, insisting they focus solely on the sport and avoid the growing attraction between them. As they prepare for the Olympics, the pressure intensifies, and both women grapple with their feelings, questioning whether Jess is competing for gold or for love.

Exploring the theme of regret and the desire for change, the narrative delves into the complexities of choices and their consequences. It poses thought-provoking questions about the impact of our past decisions and the potential for altering them. The story invites readers to reflect on the notion of fate versus free will, emphasizing how circumstances can shape our lives in unexpected ways.

Set in the picturesque seaside village of Amberwick, a heartbroken and reclusive author becomes the focus of a community plot orchestrated by the locals and their bartender. As they attempt to coax her out of isolation, both the author and the bartender confront their own fears and desires, leading to unexpected emotional connections and a journey of self-discovery. This full English romance explores themes of love, vulnerability, and the transformative power of community.