When high school teacher Coral Wood returns to her grandfather's ranch in Emerald Valley, California, the last thing she expected was to find herself involved in a heated public controversy, a sizzling romance and a dangerous mystery, all at once. Coral's political, romantic, and at times, sinister journey is the heart of Maryann Davenport's latest novel, "The Park." This is an exciting and educational book that raises the issue of land rights and demonstrates democracy in action, with an adventure-packed story of romance and intrigue.

iUniverse (2007)
ISBN 9780595445264
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (8/07)


Maryann Davenport takes the reader of “The Park” on an adventure-packed journey of romance, mystery and intrigue while introducing important social and political issues which will impact future generations.

Coral Wood returns to Grand Valley, California to join her grandfather, Fred Clay, on his ranch and to take an assignment as social studies teacher at Grand Valley High School.  In her high-school social-studies classes she incorporates lessons into the curriculum relating to the conflict between Grand Valley’s local ranchers and an environmentalist group who want to transform Grand Valley into a public park. Coral uses the concern to help the students determine for themselves the rights and freedoms provided by our nation’s founding fathers in our country’s constitution.  Coral joins forces with a group of landowners led by the biology teacher, Mac Maclane, in backing the ranchers in their battle to maintain ownership of their land. A romantic link develops between Coral and Mac in a surprising plot twist.

Bigotry, bias, prejudice, and intolerance create distrust, hatred, and malice as the townspeople take sides in the growing schism and the threat of violence.  A college professor is found dead.  Coral, Mac, and Fred become involved in a tug-of-war between the ranchers, the sheriff, the rangers, and the Emerald Park boosters, while pursuing the killer. They discover background evidence that brings the case to an unexpected closure.

Political pressures, personality clashes, and family divisions continue to mount as the school year nears an end.  Students have taken their lessons seriously and are discovering the wisdom of finding alternate choices.

Davenport brings her characters to life through a careful combination of descriptive narrative and lively dialog.  She has skillfully used the platform of fiction to present the reader with an important lesson in recognizing our rights and freedoms as citizens and how to use the democratic process properly to protect these rights.

“The Park” is designed for the reader who enjoys novels that are both informative and entertaining.