The Sweetheart of Prosper County, by Jill Alexander

As a small-town girl from Texas, Jill S. Alexander made me feel right at home with the ups and downs of country girl, Austin Gray, in The Sweetheart of Prosper County. Like most High School freshman Austin is in dire need of a clique. However, it seems that all of her friends have deserted her during the move from eighth to ninth grade, which has left her searching for something, someone, anything...then she saw the sweetheart. Much as the 3 wise men were guided by a star, Austen found her guide in the form of the Future Farmers of America (F.F.A) sweetheart in the Christmas Parade. There's only one catch, you have to have a prize winning animal in order to even have a shot at being the "head ornament" of truck in the parade. People knowing you as something other than "that girl" is nice too. Austin's best friend and Mom are quick to come to the rescue.

First on the list is an animal. This problem is soon remedied with the help of her Mom and a sweet Cajun man who help to make Charles Dickens, a rooster, her very own. Next, to find some friends. Joining FFA helps in that area and a lanky boy offers up another dish of reputation help. If Austin's mamma would just give her a little more breathing room she would have it made in the shade. This is easier said and done since the passing of her Daddy years ago.

Austin owes a lot to others for her help with her sweetheart makeover, but others owe a lot to her too. This story is full of characters with personalities as big as Texas and relationships as sweet as apple pie. If you're from the south you'll find yourself reminiscing. If not, you'll find yourself wondering what in the world is going on down there. No matter where you're from you'll find your heart warmed.