In 1898, Baltimore Orioles star, Alex "Grizz" Cordova has a running dispute with New York Giants catcher Joe McGill. However, their rivalry turns ugly when Joe crowds Grizz as he swings the bat. Soon afterward, Grizz quits baseball.

Three years later, the new American League has formed to include a franchise, the Harmony Keystones, in Montana. The team owned by acerbic James Kennison loses its first thirteen games. Desperate for a win, James vows that anyone who can get Alex Cordova, a woodworker living in Harmony, to join the team will manage the Keystones. James' daughter Camille pulls off the coup. Alex signs a contract because he needs money to take his friend, Captain, to Buffalo for special treatment of a brain injury that appears to be worsening. She takes over as the manager, but her new star fails to produce because he seems reluctant to really throw the ball. As Camille tries to understand why, she begins to fall in love with Alex, who reciprocates her feelings. Will that be enough to overcome the tragedy that keeps him from making any commitment beyond the Captain?

HONEY is a fabulous historical romance that centers on a 1901 professional baseball team. The story is filled with authentic references to players like Cy Young, whose personalities seem as real today as those of Sammy, Mark, and Junior. Alex is a great character who takes full responsibilities for his actions. Until love for the team and Alex hits her, Camille wants to gain the respect of her father who sees her solely as a dumb beauty. The third novel in Stef Ann Holm's "Brides for All Seasons" series will gain the author an MVW (Most Valuable writer) award.

Harriet Klausner