Dark Delta Deep, Blue Goodbye — George Harmon Smith

Kimberly Kincaid, sixteen, had to move from the Delta town of Crossroads when her father died in a logging accident, but when Venus Bolton, all-state center on the Crossroads championship basketball team dies giving birth, Kimberly insists in going to her funeral even though she has no car. "Hot" Haliday, carefree, strong, and basically good, gladly takes her in his Z-300 to Sweet Lily Church. Kimberly, the point guard on the basketball team sees her many admirers. She is blessed not only with physical beauty, but with a kind heart, high morals, courage, and common sense.