Overview
Jenni L. Walsh captures the thrill of being on the court in a vivid and detailed portrayal of Alice Marble’s rise to sporting greatness, as well as her struggles to fulfill her dreams both on and off the court. Ace, Marvel, Spy is a smashing success!” –Billie Jean King, sports icon and equality champion
“All’s fair in love and war–and tennis!–in Jenni L. Walsh’s latest page-turning historical novel . . . Readers can’t help but be inspired by this unflinching portrayal of a true American icon.” –Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times Bestselling author of A Happier Life
Trailblazer, superstar, activist, and spy: Alice Marble is a true American icon.
Alice strives to have it all.
At seventeen, Alice Marble has no formal tennis skills and no coach. What she does have is an ability to hit the ball as hard as she can and a strong desire to prove herself. With steadfast determination and one sacrifice after another, Alice plays her heart out on the courts of the rich and famous, at national tournaments, and—the greatest of them all—at Wimbledon, rising to be one of the top-ranked players in the world.
But then her world falls apart.
With the outbreak of war with Germany, Alice’s tennis career and life come to a screeching halt, and for the first time, she is forced to confront who she is without tennis. As she seeks to understand her new place in the world and how she can aid in the war efforts, a telegram arrives with devastating news from overseas. Heartbroken and lost, she feels like she can only watch as the war wreaks havoc in every area of her life.
Until an unexpected invitation arrives.
Alice is given the chance to fight back when the US Army sends her a request: Under the guise of playing in tennis exhibition games in Switzerland, she would be a spy for them. Alice aches for nothing more than to avenge what the war has taken from her and to prove herself against this new opponent. But what awaits her might be her greatest challenge yet.
From her start as a promising athlete with worn-out shoes to her status as a glamorous international star, Alice Marble’s determination to control her own life and destiny fuels a story of achievement, discipline, loss, and love.
Jenni L. Walsh’s Ace, Marvel, Spy brilliantly showcases the life of Alice Marble, a real-life tennis sensation known for her extraordinary talent and indomitable spirit. This fast-paced and action-packed historical novel spans multiple international settings and is enhanced by discussion questions that prompt readers to reflect on Alice’s challenges and triumphs, making it an ideal choice for book clubs.
Review
I love a book based on a real person. And y’all, I had no idea that this woman existed. And what a life she led!
Alice is raised very poor. But she has a talent. She is extremely talented in tennis. She is strong and fierce on the court! When the war breaks out and tennis is at a standstill, Alice ends up as a spy…but there is a lot of life in between you do not want to miss.
This book is fascinating because Alice is one unique lady. I love her strength and her intelligence. She is an Ace tennis player, then she is a Marvel because she comes back from several traumas and illnesses, then she is a Spy. I love the way her life unfolded and Jenni L. Walsh expertly led me through all the twists and turns.
I am going to do more research on Alice. I feel like there is more to learn.
This novel releases January 14. Add it to your list today!
I received this novel from the author for a honest review.
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