This very moment, she was probably standing in front of a full-length mirror, gorgeous as ever, checking the new highlights in her hair while playing out the evening’s events in her mind, enjoying every minute of it.

She probably looked more spectacular than ever, too – her smile brighter, her eyes prettier, and her sultry, shapely figure as sexy as a woman half her age. Downstairs, the man of her dreams was decked out in an expensive Italian suit and a fancy gold watch, with a gorgeous sunset behind him. A Josh Grobin song filled the air.

Kirb,

What a great read. I enjoyed it immensely as I know or have heard of most of the characters. It made me very nostalgic as I seemed to have grown up very similar to the way you grew up. Playing from daylight to dark, idolizing the varsity players, etc. The kids today are missing so much. If we could only go back and do it all over again. Looking forward to reading the Wildcat book. Well done!

SAG

Jeff,
Just wanted to tell you how much Gaye & I enjoyed your book. You brought back memories long forgotten.(not forgotten I should say, only remembering all the fun times we all had growing up!) You have a gift for writing, cant wait for your next book, keep up the great work!
Many thanks for the many entries of our school days & how the games were played out. Springboro was a awsome place for anyone to live in & be a part of.
The Dillon's
Dave & Gaye

Jeff, Wow, what a great book; I enjoyed it on so many levels: 1) I felt like I was growing up with you, sharing your dreams, your camraderie with your friends, and your highs and lows as a teenager; 2) As you told your story, it caused me to reflect back (something I seem to be doing more the older I get) on my childhood experiences and the people who were intertwined with my life; 3) At times it was like reading the TV show "Wonder Years" (a show I love and my wife makes fun of me for watching) and hearing the background voice telling the story;

I started your book Monday and finished it today. I was going to wait until vacation and take you with me for that but I ran out of reading material and found your book tucked away with my Frommers travel book. What can I say that you probably haven't already heard?

I really enjoyed the book. Two thumbs up! I remember the pick up basketball games at the park with Keith Crocker and Dave Young....the football games in Pepper Dills' side yard.....the wiffle ball games in the Kirbys' backyard..... the countless hours at Mitch Leisz's house playing everything......even big time wrastlin' at the pole vault pit with Leapin' Lanny Poffo (Dan Kruer) diving through the air on Haystacks Calhoun (Freddie Brown). Mitch and I were in tears from laughing so hard.

I am not from Springboro, but much of what you said about growing up in a small town I can relate to. Odon, Indiana (pop. 1500) was very much like just what you describe. Not being from Ohio, I was delighted that you included some of Springboro's history in your book. It is really a very interesting read even for someone who is not really into sports (like me). I couldn't put the book down and continued reading well into the night.

You should return those calls to Oprah. It's about time she had a really good book listed in her book club.

Jeff, I literally read your book in hours! I bought another copy for my parents who now live in Texas because I knew they would love the nostalgic read. My mom is reading it aloud to my dad a little bit each night. Even though I moved to Springboro in 1990, I could relate to every name and story in the book. I grew up out west in a little, farming town similar to the Springboro you wrote about, and almost a full generation later than the setting of the book. But your book and story definitely stand the test of time and distance because it could have been written about my youth.

I just finished your book, The Heart of the Panthers. I couldn't put it down once I started it. It is an excellent book. I know many of the people mentioned in the book. Gary Patton, Rod Dillon, and Gordy Gregg were colleagues of mine at the Warren County Career Center. I could picture them as young men as I read your book. The way you depicted Brother Delbert and Omalee Dawes was absolutely right on target. Your character Brutey was blessed to receive guidance from them. Your portrayal of Charlie Reedy, Jim Beavers, Ed Wade, your father, and Judge Fedders were accurate, too.

Shay and I both thought "The Heart of the Panthers" was one of the greatest reads we have come across and she has a mini library. It made for fantatstic reading by the poolside in Maui for me. We are both looking forward to the next book even if it is about my Franklin rivals!!!!!!!

- Craig Colston