Mac Macready met Jewel Whitelaw while attending Camp LittleHawk, a camp for children with cancer and other illnesses, when they were children. An intense friendship was formed that the passage of time, failed relationships with others, and painful injuries (to both body and spirit) has not weakened. When Mac is faced with a career ending injury he returns to the soothing comfort of the Hawk Ranch and his friendship with Jewel. But times and, more importantly, feelings have changed. Though neither Mac or Jewel want to destroy their friendship, both cannot deny the attraction they feel for one another. Things get even more sticky when they discover the feelings are mutual. And there is that painful trauma in Jewel's past that needs help being overcome. A deceptively brisk read that packs a bigger emotional punch than you would expect. Recommended.
Readers of the Hawk's Way series will remember Mac by his given first name Pete. Pete was one of the sick kids that came to Camp LittleHawk in The Disobediant Bride. Mac as he is now called is a great big football hero with a career ending injury. Mac comes back to Hawk's Pride to 'recover' because he is sure he will play again. Mac also wants to spend time with his best friend Jewel.
Mac learns that Jewel has still not recovered from the attack. Jewel will not let any man near her, but is somehow comfortable with Mac. Jewel hopes Mac can help her overcome her anxiety around men, you know as a 'friendly' favor. Mac wants to help Jewel, but is afraid that she will find out his horrible secret-this stong football hero is also a virgin.
It is a wonderful story and it is great to see Jewel and Mac help each other in lots of different ways. So many questions are raised. Can Jewel help Mac realize his football career is over? Can Mac help Jewel get over her anxiety of men? That is just the tip of the iceberg when they both realize that they have feelings for one another.
This is a great addition to the Hawk's Way series. I was disappointed that this book along with Cherry's story did not include more of the rest of the Whitelaw family. It is still a great read.