The Little League Series

Jenny, like any good pitcher, knows when to throw at a batter. When to throw a fastball. And when to drop and cover. Like now. Especially as big, meaty Lacey glares at her. Hands the size of bear paws, and the entire softball team saying in pretty clear words: Go. Home. The short story that inspired the novel, "Swing Away." A story of friendship, finding your own place, and just maybe, a date to the prom.

For the girls on the Sunny View softball team, senior year means one thing: college scholarships. And with competition so fierce and cutthroat, not all will succeed. But success means something different for Heather... If she finds the courage to stand up, and follow her heart. Another story in the popular Little League Series. Where friendship comes in strange places, courage lays a heartbeat away, and a possible love... right before you.

Who needs a stupid prom date? Not Lacey. Not ever. Unlike the rest of her squealing, screaming softball team, Lacey needs no one. Certainly not some mousey nerd she bowls over in her rush to leave the field. Because for girls like Lacey, the perfect date... Never exists. Another story of love and understanding, and of finding yourself. In the popular Little League series, where dreams and second chances... come true.

The softball world considers Elizabeth as royalty. Her dad, a professional baseball player, and her adopted mom, a softball legend. For Elizabeth, and college, nothing but stars in her future. If, she even wants it. If, she looks deep within herself to reach those stars. When it comes to dreams and taking chances, no story beats the Little League Series. If you love, "Fly Away," then check out the novel, "Home Run," to see how Elizabeth and her parents found each other and renewed their love of the game.

Sally huffs up the narrow, dusty stairs leading to an even dustier church choir. No time for this. No time to find one stupid boy and get this wedding started. Missing her first big softball game? Missing her chance as lead-off batter? Not an option. Regardless of the best laid plans, life chooses its own path. Especially when the wrong kind of distraction (or the right one) falls into your lap and learn there is: "More to Life than Softball."

Christmas, a time of joy and giving, of cuddling up with loved ones, and decorating school lockers in brilliant, shimmering wrapping paper. Mandy wants nothing to do with Christmas. Just dumped by her jerk, ex-boyfriend, she wants to forget and move on. But Christmas, and her best friend, refuse to let her. A little Christmas magic goes a long way in, "A Catcher's Christmas." The next story of friendship and finding yourself in the popular Little League Series.

Life on the softball circuit means games and practices and tournaments, with just enough time to eat and sleep. But Alice wants more. A real life involving real friends and boys and God forbid... Going on a date. When all seems lost and life lets you down, hope finds you in the most unlikely of places. And, in the most unlikely of people. Don't miss, "Fireworks Wait for No One," the next installment in the popular Little League Series.

Laurie plays softball. Lots of softball. Her weekends, booked solid. Dating, all but impossible. Every reasonable Date Day... also a Game Day... also a Practice Day... also a Pitching-Lesson Day. If Laurie cancels one more date, Mark will walk. But the real problem: her dad. "Stolen Bases, Stolen Kisses," a story of grabbing life by the (soft)balls, digging your cleats in, and sliding headfirst into home plate. (Or a really big daddy-daughter argument.) The character who inspired the novel, "Home Run."

The words "someone" and "pregnant" spread through the gymnasium like a Southern California wildfire. Julie finds herself surrounded by the gossip, the tightly pressed bodies of her classmates. Everyone wondering. Everyone wanting to know the unlucky girl. And, as Julie discovers, the girl no one ever expected. A story of two friends and the unbreakable bond between them. "Softball Baby," a story in the Little League Series, offers hope even in those darkest of moments.

Jess catches the softball. A puff of dirt, sweat, unwashed leather spraying her face. The spikes of her cleats digging into the hard-packed field. A field that, once upon a time, meant everything. No longer. Anger in her every step. Disappointment in her every breath. Because now she knows the truth. To reach the dream, new or old, you must first stand up and speak your truth. Even if you find yourself a little, "Off-Balance."