The Life of Riley – Back from the Brink

The second book in the Football Dream Series, football-fiction with a soul and aimed at 9-11year old children. Blends growing-up and football-excitement while at the same time sensitively exploring the painful subject of the loss of a parent.

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Riley Adams and his beloved Highfield Flyers FC are back for a new season, with the chance to erase the painful memory of his critical penalty miss the last time he pulled on the golden Flyers shirt.


However, Riley struggles to cope with football, the final year at primary school and, most of all, supporting his terminally ill Mum. When the dreaded day arrives, he is overcome by grief and devastated by the knowledge that she won’t be there anymore. Nothing seems worthwhile: not even football. Can anything bring him back from the brink?


With support from his aunt and uncle, teachers, loyal friends and teammates, and his incredible coach, Ted Bristow, Riley somehow finds the strength to face the world and get back on the pitch. Old rivalries are renewed, exciting opportunities arise, and the Flyers play themselves to the brink of glory.


Can Riley lead his team to the league title they so desperately desire? Can he truly come to terms with life without Mum? Ultimately, it’s her strength inside him that provides the answer…