Sixth grader Carter Jones, opens the door to find a portly butler during a frantic first day of school morning for the four children.  In the vein of Mary Poppins, sans magic, he arrives at the most needed time.  Carter’s father has been deployed for many years, leaving his mother to hold the family together after Carter’s younger brother recently died. The butler worked for their late grandfather and arrives to deliver a Bentley and support to the family when Carter’s father decides he no longer wants his family and stays overseas.  The butler is properly British and helps each child shine by encouraging their interests while teaching proper etiquette and behavior and for Carter, he introduces cricket.  At first glance, cricket is the focus of the book when the butler teaches Carter how to play, it spreads through the school culminating in a cricket match with the entire community supporting.  Beneath the cricket, is a story of being your best, accepting loss, and moving on.  A charming story that maybe is full of magic. The magic of the right person coming along at the right time.  Highly recommend.

eGalley review                                                 Publication date 2.5.19