Gentle Persuasion — Veda Boyd Jones

Julie Russell holds athletes in contempt. Not only does she think they are overrated, but she's spent her life having her academic achievements overshadowed by the athletic accomplishments of her sister and brothers. As a teacher, Julie has seen sports steal valuable time from the classroom.

Then Julie meets Dallas Stone. The former major league pitcher represents everything she despises, yet she is strangely drawn to him. While appreaciating his willingness to enter her world of arts and literature, Julie is wary of Dallas's plans to start a high school baseball team. Is he simply one more person in her life to be consumed by sports? Or can gentle persuasion help both Julie and Dallas find room for each other's gifts?