The Big Shuffle

When the death of her father leaves her mother in a state of shock, card shark Hallie Palmer, the fiery protagonist from BEGINNER S LUCK and HEART S DESIRE, returns home from college to bravely deal herself in as head of a chaotic household and care for her eight younger siblings.  But even after the invasion of those well-meaning, casserole carrying purveyors of comfort the local church ladies, Hallie's in a downward spiral.  Thank goodness for old friends like Bernard and Gil who keep Hallie afloat as she discovers that life can indeed turn on a dime, and that every coin has two sides plus an edge.  Still, just because beginner's luck can't last forever doesn't mean you're out of the game.