Surrender of the Heart — Sally D. John

Kendall O'Reilly, who prides herself on being the consummate fifth grade teacher, is perplexed that a new transfer student, Caitlin Zukowski, does not respond to her. When Caitlin's pastor father Jade visits the classroom, Kendall is shocked to learn Caitlin does not like her and does not want to return to the classroom at all. Determined to win Caitlin over, Kendall begins spending time with both the child and her father and soon grows to love both. Religion, though, remains an obstacle as Kendall doesn't have a firm belief in God, something Jade considers vital. Although readable, this lukewarm romance from John (Play the Sonata, LJ 11/15/98) is marred by predictable situations and cardboard characters. Libraries can safely pass.