To place bestselling author Janet Dailey’s THE GLORY GAME (originally released in the 1980's) in the romance category without an asterisk beside it, indicating more information forthcoming, would be like saying that Van Gogh is just another painter: while both are accurate, more information is needed for a complete description. THE GLORY GAME is a romance, but devoid of the tried and true formula so many modern romances employ. This story weaves together drama, family dynamics, tragedy, and insights into human nature, as well as a glimpse into the lifestyle of one wealthy family.

Luz Kincaid Thomas, of the well-known and well-bred Kincaid family, is a woman in the fourth decade of her life. Not only was Luz born with a silver spoon in her mouth, but also she has held it there ever since. Luz is a stranger to unfulfilled yearnings of any nature; secure in her twenty-one year marriage, proud of her two grown children, and comfortable with her solid place in high society. But, as has been said many times, money cannot buy happiness—and this is a lesson that Luz learns for herself in THE GLORY GAME. 

Other characters in the story include Luz’s mother, Audra, the now-widowed matriarch of the Kincaid clan; Rob Kincaid Thomas, Luz’s son who wants to take his avocation of polo to another level; Trisha Thomas, Luz’s intelligent and beautiful daughter; Drew Thomas, Luz’s spouse of twenty-one years, who, although an attorney of some fame, was not born into the same social ranking as the Kincaids. Adding color and depth to the story of the Kincaid Thomas family, enter Claudia Baines, a young and intelligent woman who is the new partner in Drew’s firm; Jimmy Ray, the grizzled groom of the Thomas stables, and Raul Buchanan, a professional Argentine polo player who has something to offer many members of the Thomas family.

Ms. Dailey has woven a rich and vibrant tapestry in THE GLORY GAME. Her attention to detail offers the reader just enough information to enable him/herself to feel part of the story without overwhelming him/her with unneeded information. The characters are true-to-life, the dialogue smoothly flowing. The plot takes both some expected and unexpected turns throughout the story, keeping the reader turning page after page.  A great read for getting away from the daily grind of one’s own life and becoming immersed in reading instead.