An Unexpected Catch

Adventurous Hearts #2

by Abbey Downey

Can she count on the pitcher to save her dream, or will his secret destroy their futures?

Bea Curran has forged a career as an umpire in Chicago’s semi-professional baseball league, and now she’s ready to move toward her dream of leading the women’s athletic department at Western College. With her reputation on the line, the last thing she needs is a romance with a player known for his womanizing ways. But when her women's baseball team desperately needs help, she can't ignore the one man who could save them.

Emmett Worland, a talented new pitcher in the Chicago City League, has been keeping a painful secret that could threated to end his baseball career for good. While he tries to hide his worsening illness, Emmett agrees to help coach Bea’s struggling team in hopes that it will be a step toward redeeming a bad reputation he didn’t earn.

Bea and Emmett’s undeniable attraction deepens the more time they spend together, but with so much at stake, can they afford to let their hearts lead the way? Or will the shadows of the past and the uncertainties of the future destroy their chance at a happily ever after?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Audiobook

297 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2024

Reviews

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great story! I loved how it was centered around baseball in 1907. It also involves a female umpire named Bea, and a pitcher named Emmett. Emmett had it pretty rough in this story. He had to deal with his reputation not being accurate, a head injury and trying to win Bea over. Bea is a female umpire but she also wants to be in charge of the Women’s athletic department at a college. Emmett helps Bea with the women’s team at the college and they grow closer. I really loved watching them interact but I felt a little bad for Emmett. I really loved this entire story! It was so interesting, especially if you like baseball, which I do! It was cool to see how baseball was back then. There is also a lot of great Christian content. Overall, this was a great story and if you love sports romances, and even if you don’t, I recommend this wonderful Historical Sports Romance!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A female umpire in turn of the century Chicago for a men’s semi-professional baseball league? How intriguing – sign me up! I always love reading about women throughout history who defied society’s norms because they set the groundwork for me to have the relative freedom I have as a woman in 2025. And Bea’s job is just so much fun to read about, even with the struggles she faced to prove herself as being above reproach professionally and personally. She is pretty good at holding her own though and standing up for herself (and refusing the frequent marriage proposals lol). Her affable and genuine personality also serves her well, and she’s someone I would enjoy being friends with if she were real or I were a fictional character.

But Bea isn’t just an umpire for the city league. She’s also the coach/manager of the women’s baseball team at Western College, with her heart set on eventually leading the women’s athletic department. To say that this team is a hot mess when we first meet them would be an understatement, and I really enjoyed watching them grow and develop their skills under Bea’s tutelage. And Emmett’s. Ah, Emmett. He’s such a good guy, despite his (false) reputation as a womanizer. He truly cares for Bea, and watching him fall head over heels for her was both sweet & swoony. (Side note: I’ve never especially considered golf to be a swoony sport but the golf scene in An Unexpected Catch certainly was!) My heart went out to him as he struggled with not only a debilitating illness but with hiding it as well. The author conveyed well Emmett’s emotions as his dreams of finally playing professional baseball seemed in reach… only to be threatened if his health issues are discovered.

Bottom Line: Grab yourself some peanuts and cracker jack! From its so-pretty cover to the layered characters and engaging plot, An Unexpected Catch by Abbey Downey takes us out to the ballgame with an entertaining story that also inspires. Not only did I enjoy meeting Bea and Emmett – and the delightful supporting characters – on these pages, but I also appreciated the spiritual journey both our protagonists (but especially Emmett) walk throughout this novel. And, let’s face it, Emmett’s charm and that slow grin of his, aimed solely at Bea, didn’t hurt either. This fascinating look at what it was like to be a female umpire for a men’s semi-professional league in 1907 Chicago is also a tender romance, a tribute to teamwork, and a reminder that God cares about the details of our lives and the dreams He places in our hearts. It’s very easy to root, root, root for the characters in An Unexpected Catch (are you humming a certain song, yet?), and I look forward to the adventurous hearts Downey introduces us to next.

(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS


An Unexpected Catch is book two in the Adventurous Hearts series that is written by
Abbey Downey. This is the first book that I’ve read by this author and it will not be my last. I was drawn in within the first few pages.

A league of their own has always been one of my favorite movies. When I saw the cover for this I was super excited. I was even more excited when I saw Bea as an umpire in the beginning of women in baseball. She’s confident and has a full knowledge of the game. She’s has the dream to manage the women’s athletic department and she can see it getting close. She’s in need of funds to help raise money for the equipment that the team needs.

Enter pitcher Emmett Worland. He plays in the Chicago City League. He doesn’t have the greatest reputation and finds out that if he doesn’t get his act cleaned up his grandma will take away his inheritance.

Bea and Emmett become friends. The attraction is strong. Bea sees a different side of him that everyone else does. He helps Bea and even stands up to her when one of the alumni association tries to bully her to do it his way.

This is a well written story. It’s a story with careful research to bring the time period to life. It’s a story of Gods forgiveness and how we can start fresh.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a sports fan, the blurb of this story caught my attention right away. The heroine, Bea Curran, is based off of an actual female umpire from the early 1900s. Her own God-given athleticism and interest in promoting women’s sports and physical education spurred her toward a goal of becoming an employee of the local college. I love the way she handled being a trailblazer in this regard, often treated with skepticism, derision and unwanted attention from her male counterparts. Her introduction to Emmett Worland, top-rated baseball player and grandson of a wealthy socialite, would cause Bea’s world to turn upside down. While he tried to restore his reputation, Bea was constantly trying to protect hers and it was very interesting to read how this delicate dance played out between them. Personal faith threads were a natural part of this story and it was inspiring to read how both Bea, Emmett and even his grandmother progressed in these areas. I found this absorbing book to be informative, uplifting and a pleasure to read!

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher. A positive review was not required and these are my honest opinions.

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a well written story about the struggles that women had as they tried to be included in sports especially baseball. I liked seeing the strength and courage of Bea and how through out this story she had to try and find a balance between her love of baseball and her desire for a family. I thought the author did a great job of showing that struggle and how it was possible for women to have both even if it wasn’t traditional. I also liked seeing the relationship between Emmett and his grandmother improve and that they started to understand each other. I also liked how Bea started to see the real Emmett and learned to love him as he is. I thought this was a good book and would recommend.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

[Melissa LaShure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abbey Downey adds to her Adventurous Heart series with a charming romance set in the world of baseball. Readers are introduced to another woman who successfully juggles her athletic passion and romantic relationships.

Bea not only participates in baseball, but she also umpires for the men’s semi-pro games, which presents numerous challenges. While serving as umpire, she meets the handsome pitcher, Emmett Worland. He faces his own challenges with women, his reputation, and the demands of his grandmother.

The love story between Bea and Emmett is charming and heartwarming. Readers will connect with Bea and become enamored with Emmett. This exquisitely crafted romance is a page-turner that I highly recommend.

[Allyson Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very fun and engaging read! It surprised me with how much I really did enjoy it. The characters were both strong in their own ways and very engaging.

I loved Bea and the strength she possessed to thrive in a what was a man's field at the time. Yet her strength was complimented beautifully with a gentleness that made her a very admirable character. I appreciate it when an author finds this lovely balance with female characters! Too often they either go too far one way or the other.

Emmett complimented her well! He was such a sweetheart and I adored his character. And his grandmother of course... I think she was the life of the entire story.

Overall, a very enjoyable read that I would recommend for someone who enjoys this genre and type of book. <333

[Audrey Colman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bea & Emmet

I’m definitely in my baseball era! I loved the history and imagery that Abbey incorporated into this one.

Bea and Emmet’s story is one of learning to trust God with your dreams, and realizing that sometimes He has a different plan than what you intended. Both emmet and Bea had to be flexible, overcome adversity—sometimes physical, sometimes from other people.

I loved Mrs. Buchanan, Emmet’s grandmother. Watching her interact and in a way redeem herself in Emmet’s eyes was a delight!

If you’re a fan of baseball, and enjoy a delightful historical slow burn romance this is the book for you!

Thank you Abbey for the chance to read and review early! Releases 11/19

[Dee Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Race cars and baseball

Abbey is a first-time author for me. I really did like both books in Adventurous Hearts series. I liked the characters and felt I knew them but the stories could have been shorter if there wasn't so much rehashing their angst all the time. I enjoyed learning about women in early car racing and baseball.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first heard of An Unexpected Catch by Abbey Downey, I was anxious to get my hands on it and read it! An Unexpected Catch is the second book of Ms. Downey’s Adventurous Hearts Series and transports readers into the world of baseball during the early 1900s. Readers meet Bea, a umpire for a Men’s Semi-Professional Baseball League and the Manager of Women’s Baseball at Western College, and Emmett, a semi-professional pitcher that has a reputation as a “womanizer”. Bea is trying to move up in the male dominated world of her favorite sport (baseball) while trying to achieve being the next head of the Women’s Athletic Department at Western College when her best friend Marjorie retires. Emmett was born with a silver spoon, but instead of following his Grandmother’s wishes and taking over the Family Business, Emmett eats and breathes baseball, being a pitcher in the semi-professional league in which Bea is a umpire. For Bea to have the best chance at getting the job to achieve her goals, she must maintain a reputation without blemish. Emmett’s Grandmother warns him to clean up his act or she will stop supporting Emmett’s Baseball career, despite Emmett telling his Grandmother that he doesn’t have the reputation that people think he does. But Emmett’s secret health issues may stop him from playing Baseball before anything else does. Bea enlists Emmett’s help with the Western College’s Women’s Baseball Team to help improve Emmett’s reputation. But when sparks start flying between Emmett and Bea both believe it does nothing to help their reputations, but to hinder them.

I love everything about Abbey Downey’s An Unexpected Catch! An Unexpected Catch thrilled me like no other for the simple fact that I love baseball and sports history! I thought it was a unique twist to choose the 1900s as the time period for a story about Women’s Baseball. I also love that Ms. Downey is a lover of baseball too because it showed through her writing and in how it inspired Ms. Downey to write An Unexpected Catch. I love how vivid the baseball scenes were. I love that baseball stayed front and center all the way through An Unexpected Catch. Sometimes when you read a book that centers around a sport, the sport itself will take a backseat in the plot and that’s not the case in An Unexpected Catch. I love meeting Bea and Emmett! I love how Bea took her responsibilities and reputation seriously. I just felt bad for Bea that she had that much more pressure on her to do well in Baseball mainly due to her gender and not because she was good at the rules of Baseball (which unfortunately is still true today in some aspects). I love the way Ms. Downey wrote Bea’s umpire skills because of the history and unique way umpiring was done in the early days of baseball. (Read An Unexpected Catch for the details!) I love Emmett and felt for him regarding what happened when Emmett was young and the unwanted events Emmett had to deal with in his professional baseball life. I love how Emmett and Bea saw each other. I love how firm Bea was in her beliefs and standing her ground. I love how respectful and compassionate Emmett was despite his “womanizing” reputation. I love how Emmett and Bea’s relationship was paced over the course of the book–from Umpire to Pitcher to Co-Workers to eventually more. I love the growth that Bea and Emmett had in their relationship with the Lord and the lessons they learned because of Him. I love the Faith elements that were woven in the story of An Unexpected Catch and how the Reader sees through Emmett and Bea that sometimes God gives us our dreams and sometimes God rearranges the pieces of our lives to build a dream for us better than we even imagined. If you are looking for a sweet, fun escape that takes you on a journey unlike any other full of Faith and sweet notes of Baseball, then I highly recommend An Unexpected Catch by Abbey Downey!

Have you read An Unexpected Catch? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank the Publisher and Celebrate Lit Blogging Tours for giving me a copy of An Unexpected Catch to review, for letting me be a part of the An Unexpected Catch Celebration Tour, and for providing the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My review is also on Amazon and my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second book in Abbey Downey's Adventurous Hearts series. When I first learned about An Unexpected Catch I was intrigued by the thought of a story of women's baseball in the early 1900's. And I really enjoyed the first book, An Uncertain Road. So I jumped at the chance to be on the launch team.
This story is told from both the point of view of Bea Curran and Emmett Worland. Bea is working as an umpire in Chicago's city league though she has dreams of working in the women's athletic department at Western College where she hopes to expand physical education. She needs to keep herself above reproach and prove that she can make something of the women's baseball team at the college.
Emmett has unfairly gotten the reputation of being a womanizer and his grandmother demands that he change his reputation if he wants to continue receiving her support. I felt awfully bad for him because he didn't feel like he had the love of his grandmother, the woman who raised him. Plus he was dealing with a malady that threatened his career in baseball, where he really wanted to prove himself.
Bea and Emmett are thrown together both in the city league games where he is pitcher and she is the umpire, and at the college where it is suggested he help with the women's baseball team. While trying to remain professional and keep their reputations on the up and up, there might just be some feelings developing. But can Bea get past the stories of Emmett being a womanizer? She can't risk losing her future and isn't sure if she can chance any kind of relationship.
This story sure made me realize how far we have come with women's rights. Imagine worrying about not being able to have your dream job just because you want to fall in love. And also watching poor Emmett suffer made me so thankful for the advances in medicine in the past century. I just loved how the author brought this time period to life. And I loved getting to know Emmett and Bea and Emmett's grandmother, and their friends and colleagues. This was an intriguing story and I loved the way the characters overcame adversity and how they trusted in the Lord.
I highly recommend this story.
I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unexpected Catch
(Adventurous Hearts Book 2)
by: Abbey Downey
@abbeydowney

“She was a vision. And she had no idea."

⚾️📚•Book Release Date: Today, Nov. 19, 2024!
-I give 4.5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

“Don’t miss the good placed in your life. You will regret it if you do.”

~Can she count on the pitcher to save her dream, or will his secret destroy their futures? Bea Curran has forged a career as an umpire in Chicago’s semiprofessional baseball league, and now she’s ready to move toward her dream of leading the women’s athletic department at Western College. With her reputation on the line, the last thing she needs is a romance with a player known for his womanizing ways. But when her women’s baseball team desperately needs help, she can’t ignore the one man who could save them…

-Friends, you will enjoy this story, whether you read it for the baseball or the romance!✅📚🥰
⚾️Strong heroine who isn’t into baseball players (so she thinks)
⚾️Injured hero who falls in love first despite his best efforts
⚾️Woven in with Christian elements that will encourage your faith
⚾️Side characters who will steal your heart
⚾️Historical settings all around Chicago
⚾️Vintage baseball
⚾️Sweet romance

-This is a delightful historical romance between a female umpire who doesn’t intend to marry a baseball player and an injured pitcher who falls for her right away. It’s the second book in the Adventurous Hearts series that has women moving into fields that have been male dominated. It’s a historical glimpse into the history of women’s sports and the in-depth characters. I loved the heartfelt romance with beautiful themes of family, forgiveness and the importance of not giving up, even when faced with life’s troubles and unexpected curve balls along the way! This fascinating story, is worth the time to read!🙌🏻📚⚾️

“You’re one of the bravest women I’ve ever met to stay in the midst of chaos.”

#anunexpectedcatch
#abbeydowney
#allaboutthebestreads

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

“If people don’t want to change their minds, nothing you do will make them. And most don’t.”

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been such a fun story to read. The author does a great job of doing research to give us a look at a sport where women struggled to be accepted. Baseball has always been a man sport but that is about to change.

Bea is one of very few female umpires for baseball. I loved her confidence when she walked onto the field. Her fierce attitude of proving that women are capable of umpiring causes a stir in the baseball league. Her dream to manage the women’s athletic department is so close she can see it. Now she needs to find a way to raise funds so the team can have equipment. Will she be able to see her dream come true?

Emmett is a well known baseball player who has gotten a bad reputation that he is trying to get away from. He meets with his grandmother who threatens to take away his inheritance if he continues to cause her embarrassment. I liked how he was willing to help Bea and her team raise money and start winning games.

As the two main characters start to become friends Bea sees a side of Emmett that others don’t report. He is a kind gentlemen who wants to help her and even comes to her rescue when a nam with the alumni association tries to press her to do things his way.

One thing is evident as Bea and Emmett struggle with their feelings for each other. God is definitely who they both turn to for guidance. Emmett does have a grandmother he can go to as well for guidance. Their relationship is rocky at times but when Emmett allows his grandmother to express how much she cares for him, his knows he need to confide in Bea about his illness.

The story is filled with surprises, forgiveness and a new beginning for several characters. I loved how women’s baseball was introduced and how they had to prove themselves to the league. Emmett and Bea each seek God when they struggle emotionally. The ending is sweet and I appreciated how the author had them go through trials so they could see how God answers prayers.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unexpected Catch is a fun historical fiction novel that’s a different turn from what I normally read. It’s about baseball! I’m really not a fan of sports. I don’t see the draw of them. I didn’t play sports in school and I don’t watch them now. My kids aren’t into organized sports either.

So, why would I read a book about it? Because of the history of course! I’m a huge lover of history. And Bea is a pioneer. A female catcher! Of course, I needed to read this novel.

And it did not disappoint. The characters came to life. I could see them in my mind and hear them talking in my ear. This was such a fun book!

Bea is an umpire. Emmett is a pitcher. Emmett suffers what we now call a concussion and the after-effects of that. But medicine was not where we are today during the time period of this book. And so he’s threatened with the loss of his career because obviously he needs time off to recover.

Can Bea use Emmett to help her and an all-women’s team at a college? She wants them to succeed and he could truly help that. But he has a reputation that isn’t exactly stellar. I loved grandma and her demands thrown in as well.

You’re going to love this book! It’s also the second book in a series so bonus books to read!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baseball might be America’s favorite past time - but it’s certainly not mine.

Yet, I was pulled into this story right from the first chapter. And despite my distaste for baseball, the story earned 5 stars from me!

Bea is strong and independent as an esteemed female umpire in Chicago’s semiprofessional baseball league. Her dream is to start a women’s athletic program at Western College so that women throughout the country can learn how to teach physical fitness to the next generation.

Emmett is a pitcher for the semi-pro league who is fascinated by Bea. However, he’s working hard to overhaul his tarnished reputation as a womanizer.

Soon they find themselves working together to help coach the college women’s baseball team. Bea is frustrated with the idea of working with Emmett and he’s trying hard to hide a past baseball injury that could jeopardize his future.

The book is based on historical events and provides a fascinating look into women’s sports. Bea is an interesting combination of strength and vulnerability as she attempts to advance in her career. And Emmett is just the perfect combination of confident and caring. Add in a meddling grandmother and you have a fun cast of nuanced characters.

I loved the story, the history, the romance, and the interaction between characters.

And don’t worry if you are not a fan of baseball (me either!) - you won’t get lost in baseball jargon or boring facts about the game. The book is focused on the characters and their struggles to create a women’s baseball team and athletic program. The swoon-worthy romance doesn’t hurt either!

You’ll love this historical glimpse into the history of women’s sports and the in-depth characters that make this book a delightful and interesting read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of the book and all opinions are my own.

[Barbara Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC for this book in exchange for my honest review. This review contains no spoilers.

“An Unexpected Catch” by Abbey Downey is set in the early 1900’s in Chicago. It’s the story of a young woman, Bea, who bucks traditional female roles while she searches for independence and opportunities only afforded to men of this era. She leaves home and moves to Chicago where she overcomes prejudices to become a well-respected baseball umpire. She also coaches a women’s baseball team at a local college and has dreams of being hired to replace the retiring head of the women’s physical training department.

Emmett is the grandson of an overbearing Chicago socialite. He has no desire to take over the family fortune but dreams of a career as a professional baseball player.

When their two worlds collide, sparks fly. Can they overcome their preconceived ideas of how they think love would derail dreams and trust God’s plan for their futures?

I gave this book 4 stars. I wish there was a way to have given it 4.5. It’s a great story with a good plot and interesting characters and character development. I don’t think the author hit the ball out of the park, but she certainly hit a shot off the wall. I think if you understand this baseball reference you, too, will enjoy reading this baseball themed book.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Historical Romance books are a favorite genre to read. An Unexpected Catch Abbey Downey is Book 2 in the Adventorous Heart series. I have been anxiously awaiting this release as I read Book 1 in this series!


WOW, I am truly impressed by this storyline. The book is set in 1907 and is focused on Baseball for both Women and Men. The 2 main characters are Bea Curran and Emmett Worland and both have a connection to Baseball. I think Bea being hesitant about entrusting Emmett with helping bring the Women's team up to par, is a good decision on her part. Emmett is a pitcher on a Baseball team and has had some issues in the past that Bea knows about that makes her hesistant. I think one of my favorite parts of this story is seeing Bea go from being an Umpire to be director of Women's Athletic Dept at a College. The relationship that develops between Bea and Emmett as they begin spending time together is so sweet and heartwarming. I LOVE that it is also set in Chicago and the Midwest. I am a Chicago Girl and LOVE stories that are set in Chicago. The author does a GREAT job at bringing the history of Baseball and Women Coaching Baseball in the early days as a highlight of the Book. The story is one of Preserverence, Forgiveness, Faith and Romance. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romance. AMAZING BOOK!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the spring I read Uncertain Road and really enjoyed it. You can read my review here. These books give a beautiful glimpse into the past featuring strong women who pursued what they loved way ahead of their time.
In this second installment, we meet Bea Curran a woman who loves baseball and sports. She is an umpire in the Chicago men's league and a coach of a women's college team, hoping for a promotion to head the entire women's athletic department and add a certification program for physical education. Bea is determined and focused, commited to do what she needs to do to meet her goals.
Meanwhile, Emmett wants to make his way to professional baseball despite rumors of womanizing ways and battling a secret health condition. The two are thrown together in multiple ways and each is drawn to the other despite everything in them saying its a bad idea.
I love these characters, and I was rooting for them individually and together. The historical early 1900s setting was the perfect backdrop for a woman paving trails for those who came after her. I read this one quickly and thoroughly enjoyed it. I look forward to more!
I recieved a free copy of this book. All thoughtss shared in this review are my own honest opinions.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unexpected Catch by Abbey Downey is a Christian Historical Romance centered around a female baseball umpire. This book drew me in from the very beginning. Bea Curran paved a pathway as a female umpire for the Chicago semi-professional baseball league. But now, she wants to move on to her next dream of leading the women’s athletic department at Western College.

Meanwhile, Emmett Worland, a talented new pitcher in the Chicago City League, encounters Bea at a game. However, he tries to keep a painful secret that could affect his baseball career. The two are forced to work together at both baseball games, and when Emmett’s wealthy grandmother forces him to help Bea with the women’s college baseball team, they begin to realize their ideas for the future may be changing.

The author builds terrific characters and an engaging storyline that kept me reading. I loved the ways the story took twists and turns. While I do not typically enjoy sports, I definitely enjoyed this book.

So, if you want a Christian Historical Romance centered around baseball, check out An Unexpected Catch by Abbey Downey. I definitely recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐀𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 is so unique! The first few paragraphs paint a great display of Beatrice’s personality and makes me want to know more. This buoyant story of women’s surfacing into baseball. It’s a one-of-a-kind story that makes quite an impact.

As with most Christian fiction I read, I enjoy the elements of faith sprinkled throughout the pages most of all. The reliance on God is inspiring and rewarding and make the flawed characters easy to relate to, empathize with, and root for.

Bea and Emmit have become so real to me, and I love their journeys of new beginnings. This is a great addition to the Adventurous Hearts series, where heroines soar into unconventional roles for the time period. (The first book in the series is a fascinating read as well, focusing on a female auto racer.)

First Line: “Miss Curran, say you’ll be my wife.”
Series: Adventurous Hearts, book 2
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction, Western
Author: Abbey Downey
Page Count: 294

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
Opinions are 100% mine.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew baseball could be so romantic? I must admit, I am not a big sports fan so I was not sure of what kind of adventure this story would take me on. It was fun. I enjoyed reading about Bea's time as a female umpire in an era where women had very limited opportunities. The fight she fought just to earn the respect of her male counterparts and teammates.

Let's not forget about the womanizer Emmett Worland. Or is he? He also had to fight for respect and for his reputation that he certainly did not deserve. Unfortunately, there are all kinds of unscrupulous people out there who do not see anything wrong with bringing down another's career, opportunities, or reputation.

I enjoyed seeing the game of love being played out on and off the baseball field with Emmett and Bea. This was a great romantic sports novel with tension and secrets thrown in just for good measure. A home run, wink, wink.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories about trailblazing, courageous women who are also vulnerable and human! Bea Curran is inspired by a real historical figure. I appreciated the author's attention to detail in her research regarding baseball during this time in history both for women and men. It showed in the authenticity of the story. Bea is the first woman to umpire in the men's baseball league. I enjoyed learning more about that. She had to earn the respect of the men, and it was tough for her and they didn't always agree with her calls. She also had to live by a higher moral standard "off the field" than the men did. I fell in love with Emmet Worland from the first time he jumped off the page! He was by far my favorite character! He has a secret that he is hiding because he doesn't want to jeopardize his playing baseball which is his dream. As soon as he meets Bea, he can't stop thinking about her. I loved how he was her champion and always lifted her up and supported her. This story was superb! It took a couple chapters to find its flow but then I couldn't put it down!

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreams still come true.

A new author to me but her writing style is enjoyable, the plot flows very nicely, and the characters are well-developed. I’m in no way a sports person of any kind, and I hesitated to read this, but I’m so glad I did. There is no technical jargon that distracted me, just a wonderful story to get lost in.

The difficulties that Emmett faced were heart breaking, especially in a time when sports injuries to the head was so misunderstood. But his journey to rediscover his faith in God and his relationship with his grandmother was so endearing. Bea was a gentle yet very strong woman living in a male dominated area; the demands placed on her were a bit stressful at times. There were scenes where I wanted to jump in, shake them both, and tell them to wake up and see how well they fit together. I’m glad they got their HEA. Their dreams did come true, just in God’s way, not theirs.

I received a complimentary copy and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baseball is my favorite sport and I loved reading this historical romance of a female umpire and a semi-pro pitcher. Bea Curran was an amazing woman. She stood up to men who heckled her; debated the calls she made; didn’t respect her role in officiating, and she had to turn down men’s marriage proposals nearly every game. She was a determined young woman who wanted to see physical education become a degreed college program and was willing to do whatever it took to see it succeed. She really didn’t have any intention of pursuing a romantic relationship, but things changed when Emmett Worland came to help her with the ladies’ baseball team.

Emmett had a lot to prove to his grandmother and the world that he was not what he was seen to be by the media. I loved how he helped Bea with the team and came up with ways to fundraise as well as get the ladies to see they could win games.

I highly recommend this book for its plot, the history of the game, and the romance. It is the second book in the Adventurous Hearts series, but can be read as a standalone.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main character in this book, Bea Curran, has an unusual occupation for a lady in the year 1907. She’s a female baseball umpire for professional baseball games. She’s quite knowledgeable about baseball and knows rules that sometimes the players don’t always understand. The fact that she’s also beautiful is not lost on the players themselves and Bea has gotten quite a few marriage proposals from individual players. However, Bea intends to be completely professional and she vowed to never marry a baseball player. None of the players have ever captured her attention except for Emmett Worland, a successful pitcher for the Lincoln Parks baseball team.

I loved reading Bea and Emmett’s story. They were both good people trying to find the path God had for them. While I wanted Bea to be recognized for her professional accomplishments, I also wanted her to find personal happiness. This was an engaging story, and one that all readers, whether or not they are baseball fans, will enjoy.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the Adventurous Hearts series and is just as engaging as book one. Bea is a strong female character in 1907 who is an umpire for semipro baseball. She is formidable and impressive as she forges the way not just for herself but others as she coaches a college girls baseball team and seeks the position of athletic director. High ambitions in a male dominated world. Emmett is a character you care about from the beginning as he faces struggles with an untrue reputation and a head injury that could cost him his career. As their paths intersect can they learn to trust and rely on each other or will obstacles sidetrack what God has in store for their lives. I am looking forward to more by this author as she brings a fresh perspective with her writing. I especially enjoyed the historical aspect and how she enlightened us. An inspiring historical novel that knocks it out of the ballpark.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit/Publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all the characters! This is a great read with not only baseball but a blossoming romance that will only cause trouble for the main characters. In a world where men dominated Beatrice has what it takes to stand her own. I love her strength and smarts to keep pushing forward. When a secret Emmitt is keeping that can change his whole world and Beatrice’s fight to keep her reputation in tact for a position at Western College their worlds collide in chaos. I’m not much of a baseball fan but the dynamics of this story and the commraderie the characters have with each other kept me enjoying this story to the last page. This is a fun story with many twist and turns that not only captured my heart with the romance, but was well written and leaves you smiling. You will celebrate the triumphs and find yourself rooting for the characters!
Was give a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unexpected Catch is the second installment from Abbey Downey's Adventurous Hearts series. I enjoyed the first book, An Uncertain Road, and was looking forward to getting my hands on this one. I was far from being disappointed. I adored Bea and Emmett’s story so much and loved their chemistry together. I wanted to see would happen between the two and had no issue reading the whole book in one sitting. I thought the faith element was a perfect touch to it.



I am giving An Unexpected Catch five stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean historical romance. I am hoping there will be a third addition from the Adventurous Hearts series to see where Abbey Downey takes her characters.



I received a paperback copy of Abbey Downey's An Unexpected Catch from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I think about women's sports, whether college or professional, I fail to think of a time when women had to fight for a place in sports. Downey's novel is based on an actual historical character, we learn in the Author's Note. How brave women had to be to break into the man's world of sports.

I appreciate learning a bit about concussions and the subsequent struggles as the condition was not understood then as it is now. Downey also gave us information on how baseball was played early on, such as the one umpire stationed behind the pitcher. We also get an idea about the possible beginning of PE teacher training.

This is a well written historical novel with engaging characters. There is a good romance too. Whether you are a baseball fan ot not, this is an entertaining and informative novel.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. Mu comments are an independent and honest review.

[Psusan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Unexpected Catch by Abbey Downey is the second book in the Adventurous Hearts series that has women moving into fields that have been male dominated. Each story stands alone so can be read in any order. Bea Curran has the goal of becoming an employee of the local college after being an umpire. Now her baseball team needs help but the first question she much answer is does she take help from a male baseball player with a reputation for being a player off the field as well as on it.

It was interesting to see the sport of baseball in 1907 even sports in general. As Bea allows Emmett to help the team a friendship forms from the working relationship. Both has goals, both are serious about those goals and yet God has plans even better. This is a faith based solid read. Thumbs up for sports fans, historical fiction fans, and Christian fiction fans. All will enjoy this story.