Belly O'Leary was finally returning to his hometown in Saratoga Springs a little earlier than expected.  Belly was convicted of an illegal gambling charge.  His prison sentence was shortened to four years instead of six due to good behavior.  You almost have to laugh!  Good behavior is something that Belly rarely showed as one of his traits. 

When Belly arrived at his hometown, he was in for quite a surprise.  Things were very different from the time he left.  As he looked toward the area that once consisted of green fields, there were now glass office buildings in its place.  Where there once were great stretches of hillside along the highway, the only thing Belly saw now was traffic and stip malls.  The bar that Belly once owned in the town was also gone.  A Wal-Mart and Starbucks now stand in its place. 

Belly kept quiet in prison during the four years he remained there.  He was waiting for word from his old mistress, Loretta.  His colleagues at the New York Racing Association advised him not to talk.  They give him a gentle reminder that two of his three remaining daughters still lived in the town.  It seems that Loretta walked off with his $172,000 in her bag. 

What happens to Belly now that he is back?  Does he straighten up and go forward or does he fall back into his old habits?

Lisa Selin Davis has written a very touching story of someone who really ends up down and out and is forced to re-think everything about his life.  The story has several unforgettable characters and also includes a touch of humor throughout the book.  This is an excellent read and one you should add to your reading list. 

REVIEWED BY NANCY EATON

DO NOT REPRINT WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE REVIEWER, NANCY EATON