I’m not sure I’m going to do justice to Lacie Waldon’s engaging novel, The Only Game in Town. It’s amusing, relaxing, and the little bit of conflict in this story is easily handled. I like the people of Redford, Georgia, and it’s just fun to watch them compete for one week.

Jess Reid loves her small hometown. Nothing changes. That’s one reason she returned home after college, to be close to her father, Ross. He was a single father who raised her after her mother left, and they enjoy spending time with each other. But, Ross hasn’t looked too good lately, and Jess worries.

She hadn’t worried about Jasper Wilhelm, the town’s eccentric benefactor who always made life fun in Redford. He kept the town going with his events and made-up holidays. Now, that Jasper’s dead, he has one last surprise in store for the town.

Jasper’s grandson, Carter Barclay is finally in Redford. He and his grandfather had been close, and Jasper had a way of bringing out the less-stodgy side of Carter. But, Carter couldn’t ever bring himself to visit the town his grandfather loved. Now, he’s stuck here for at least a week, due to his grandfather’s plan.

Jasper Wilhelm devised one last game for the residents of Redford. He has multiple challenges for them, and the winning team will split ten million dollars. The town’s already planning their teams, until Jasper’s lawyer announces that the philanthropist matched the teams himself. Why would he form teams made of people who were feuding?

Jess wants that money to help her father. Carter thinks his grandfather intended him to win so he could continue to help the town secretly. They may be on opposing teams, but from the evening Carter rescued Jess from three of the mean girls in town, they can’t see enough of each other. Jess’ joy in life lights up the community. Carter, a stick in the mud, needs that spark in his life. But, this game may be their downfall.

There are several narrators in this charming story, but it works. Those narrators add depth, bringing the characters to life, with all their pettiness and flaws. And, the game itself! Jasper Wilhelm had a devilish streak when he invented those challenges. The Only Game in Town is entertaining. Just a refreshing change of pace.

Lacie Waldon’s website is https://www.laciewaldon.com/

The Only Game in Town by Lacie Waldon. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2023. ISBN 9780593540800 (paperback), 416p.

FTC Full Disclosure – Library book