Magpie Fall

 

The second in the Magpie Ranch series features Allie in her sophomore year of high school. At 16 in the fall of 1967, Allie becomes heavily involved in sports – karate, rodeo and basketball.

With a mix of old and new friends, Allie’s social calendar overflows. Allie and her friends deal with a serial date rapist, with attempted suicide and with teen pregnancy. The Viet Nam war also impacts their rural community.

Allie’s closest friend and mentor Bill is a neighbor ten years Allie’s senior. The bond they forged during the summer is threatened as they begin romantic relationships. A misunderstanding fueled by jealousy and fed by misplaced trust threatens their friendship.

Allie’s dad deals with the loss of his helper as Allie’s interest revolves more and more around sports. Tensions increase until self interest puts unbearable strain on the family.