Laurel shadrach begins her second semester as a University of Georgia freshman with two clouds hanging over her head. First, her grandfather is dying ... and doesn't want to hear one word about getting his heart right with God. Second, she is in serious danger of being cut from the gymnastics team, which means she'll lose the critical scholarship money that would keep her at the prestigious university. But things aren't all bad. The mysterious "Charlie" whom she meets many evenings at a study table in the library finally asks Laurel on a charming and romantic date. Her roommate Payton Skky has found a great boyfriend. And her fellow sorority pledges, including suitemate Jewels, are settling into their new roles comfortably. This semester is destined to be one of victories and defeats for Laurel. She'll see death up close -- not once but twice. She'll have her dreams crushed, only to see a new dream sprout up out of the ashes. And she'll learn that her choices about how to handle each disappointment and each success will make all the difference in the world. Book jacket.

Stephanie Perry Moore is president of Soul Publishing, Inc. She lives in the greater Atlanta area with her husband, Derrick, and their two daughters