[Secrets in the Snow 04] • The Racer Trials

After Ben Dalton's Olympic ski racing dreams were shattered by a serious injury, he fled back to Scotland and a job as a trainee instructor with White Cairns Ski School. With time and therapy he's able to ski again, but his near-miss with what he thought he wanted has left him isolated and confused.

Working with a promising young racer only adds to his confusion, making him question if leaving the racing circuit was the right decision. But at least Ben finds a new friend in her chaperone, Neil, who seems more at home in the world than Ben ever was. Having someone he can open up to for a change is a revelation for Ben, who has never felt comfortable anywhere--even with himself.

He faces hard decisions. He can fight for a coaching position which might convince him to stay in Scotland if he's selected, but he's torn by the lure of a gold medal. Afraid that either choice will leave him feeling disappointed and hollow, just like always, Ben is forced to look deep within himself and explore why nothing ever fits. But at least this time, he has a good friend to help him.