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Paula Benge, author and personal trainer, was inspired to write her YA sports romance At the Heart of the Game after years spent keeping score for fastpitch softball and providing off season training for athletes. Her romantic fantasy novella A Neapolitan Fairy Tale at Lake Okoboji was an Oklahoma Romance Writers Guild Heart Award Finalist. Paula lives in Oklahoma with her husband and fun-loving Airedale.
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
At the Heart of the Game by Paula Benge captivates readers with a heartfelt exploration of teenage ambition, friendship, and family within the competitive world of high school softball. The story centers around River Harte, a dedicated and talented pitcher navigating the challenges of athletic pursuits, personal growth, and the deep ache of her father’s mysterious absence. Set against the backdrop of softball championships and collegiate dreams, River’s journey is one of resilience and self-discovery. The novel’s themes extend beyond sports, touching on family bonds, the weight of expectations, and the bittersweet reality of growing up. River’s determination to honor her father's legacy and her dreams resonate with universal themes of love, loss, and perseverance.
As a former softball player who now cheers on her catcher granddaughter, this story is so well executed and portrays the game and all the intricacies so realistically that it makes me yearn for spring. Paula Benge’s writing captures the intensity of the game and the subtleties of River’s relationships to life. She perfectly captures the physical and emotional demands of softball, immersing readers in each high-stakes game. Additionally, the dynamics between River and her friends add genuine richness, highlighting the importance of camaraderie and support in the face of obstacles. At the Heart of the Game is a moving tribute to youthful aspirations and the strength that comes from pursuing one’s passion, making it a compelling read for young adults and anyone who appreciates the beauty of sport and the power of dreams. Benge knocked it out of the park.
