The Golfer's Carol
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4.6 • 21 Ratings
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- $13.99
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
An inspirational and heartwarming novel for lovers of Mitch Albom and Andy Andrews, blending elements of It's a Wonderful Life and Field of Dreams into a moving story all its own.
Four rounds. Four heroes. Four life-changing lessons.
On the morning of his fortieth birthday, Randy Clark believes the only way he can help his family is to end it all. Standing on the Tennessee River Bridge in Decatur, Alabama, with his dreams of a pro golf career long gone, his marriage struggling, and facing financial ruin, Randy sees no other alternative to help his wife and daughter but to jump, which he plans to do in the next twenty-four hours.
But his plans are put on hold when the ghost of his best friend--who did live out the fantasy of playing the PGA tour--reveals to Randy that he will be given a wonderful gift: four rounds of golf with his four heroes, the champions he's looked up to his whole life, each with a life-changing lesson to impart.
For anyone who has ever dealt with tragedy, adversity, or failure, The Golfer's Carol will bring grace that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A dejected man gains a new perspective on his life's challenges in this sentimental golfing parable from Bailey (the McMurtie and Drake Legal Thrillers series). On his 40th birthday in 1986, Alabama insurance lawyer Randy Clark intends to kill himself. Still grieving his young son's leukemia death three years earlier and embittered about giving up his professional golf dreams, he hopes his life insurance will wipe out his debt, provide for his wife, and let his daughter attend college. After the ghost of his best friend, pro golfer Darby Hays, appears with the news that he'd just died while driving drunk, Randy postpones the plan. Later, Darby's ghost informs Randy he will have a chance to play four rounds of golf with his greatest heroes. Over the next several days, Randy is mystically transported to a series of famous courses. He plays golf with Bobby Jones, who teaches him about self-control; Ben Hogan, who encourages resilience; and Arnold Palmer, who pushes him to overcome his self-doubt. As Randy prepares for the final round promised by Darby, the hero who appears is not who he expects. While the lessons are a bit shallow, Bailey wrings genuine emotion from Randy's tragedies. This life-affirming sports odyssey will appeal to fans of uncomplicated inspirational yarns.
Customer Reviews
Another Great One!
This book has a different focus than his previous trial books, but is just as wonderful! Robert Bailey is a gifted wrier and great story teller. I have counted myself lucky to have met him several times in Cullman and when my daughter worked for Barnes & Noble. This tale was especially meaningful to me as I was familiar with so many places described in Huntsville. In my early married days, my husband and I frequented both restaurants, Boots Steakhouse and Terry’s Pizza, in Huntsville! I am also an avid Golf fan, though I play very little. I am from PA and have always been an Arnold Palmer fan since my youth. If you have an interest in any of the things I have mentioned, or just want a great read, give this book and Robert Bailey’s earlier books a try. I promise Alabama fans will be in for a great treat!
Elta Shormaker