Mr. Congeniality

A drunk driver deprived Dean Sheffield of his dreams when a shoulder injury took him from major league baseball and leads to the end of his relationship with the woman he loved. The continual agony of his shoulder serves a reminder of his loss; one he will not discuss with anyone. His consequential gloomy dispossession often earns him the misnomer of Mr. Congeniality. The arrival of Annie Holladay, who accepts a position as his ranch's summer cook, aggravates the situation even more.Annie does not know she looks like Dean's former fiancé, or that her mannerisms serve as an unpleasant reminder of the woman he lost. She does recognize the spark between them, and determinedly tries to reign in her emotions. With his struggle to make a success of his fledgling business, her need to rebuild her life following the destruction of her marriage and the upcoming shift of household for her teen daughter, Annie knows neither she nor Dean need to start a relationship right now. But her heart disagrees. Author Sherry Lewis deftly captures the challenges of life and love in MR. CONGENIALITY. Lewis explores the essence of the conflict between those in the midst of divorce as Annie struggles to make career and family decisions. She also explores the related lost dreams and disillusionment, as well as the need to create a new life with new goals, as shown by both Annie and Dean. Indeed, Dean's challenge of chronic pain, family relationships and his need to reevaluate the past mirrors Annie's struggles. In addition, Lewis' remarkable understanding of the tumultuous teen years adds yet another level of depth. This character driven romance comes highly recommended.