Third Time at Bat: A Memoir of Marriages

by Leigh Davis

From the back cover: "Third Time at Bat" shares one woman's journey of languish, love and loss through marriages both failed and cherished.

274 pages, Paperback

Published June 22, 2021

About the author

There is more than one author with this name

Leigh Davis (1955–2009) was born in Wanganui and completed an MA Hons in English at Auckland University. Further study at Victoria University led to a career in business and the founding of his private equity firm Jump Capital. His writing career got off to a dramatic start in 1983 when he co-edited the highly innovative magazine AND with Alex Calder and Roger Horrocks, founded Jack Books, and published his first volume of poetry, Willy's Gazette, which won Best First Book of Poetry in the New Zealand Book Awards. As a poet, Davis went on to create a series of book-length works that were ambitious and innovative, with an unusual physical form that was an extension of their content. He was increasingly involved in collaborations with other artists. In the late 1990s, he produced a major visual installation, Station of Earth-Bound Ghosts, and published a related book Te Tangi a te Matuhi. In 2000 came a collection of poetry and visual art, General Motors, that is available as both a physical and a virtual book on the www.jackbooks.com website. A trilogy, The Book of Hours, followed in 2001, also published as a physical and virtual book. Anarchy, a multi-media text presented in 2006 at the Starkwhite Gallery, was later developed as a book under the title of Nameless (forthcoming). A Trustee of the Arts Foundation, Leigh Davis maintained strong interests in literature and the visual arts. He also gave talks, wrote essays and published widely as a critic.

Reviews

[Jordan Alexander]

Third Time at Bat - A Memoir of Marriages by Leigh Davis is a bit like Goldilocks and the three bears, taking readers through the too hard, too soft and then ‘just right’ relationship. Now happily married, the author shares her marriage ups and downs with cute references to baseball: strike outs, new pitchers (husbands) and the grand slam. Third Time at Bat also delves into the collateral damage of broken families, and how Davis grows with each relationship ‘lesson’. A mother to three babies that love being born on the twenty-second of each month, Davis repeatedly makes choices for the good of her children, even though those around her (including her parents) may not approve or fully understand her reasons why. Goodbye to husband number one was with deep sadness, as Davis finally surrenders to what she knew all along: “Jon would always put his alcohol and pot before his family”. Just as well since Jon had tattooed ‘Eula Lee’ (the name of his new girlfriend) on his arm. Davis commits to a healthier existence and to “never again live in the middle of a rural, poverty-stricken county”, so when husband number two, the ten-years younger model, steps up to the plate, she gets what she wanted. Marriage two was in a ‘healthier’ environment complete with a beautiful Victorian mansion, great schools for the kids and a doting husband. It looks like Davis finally hit a home run. Unfortunately, what started well with the small-town trial attorney, ultimately ends with alcoholism yet again destroying the marriage. In the years of her marriage hiatus, the single mother defines her ‘ideal’ husband: Christian, sense of humor, ideally a father. The memoir takes a turn when Davis plucks up the courage to go a Third Time at Bat. Her prayers are answered with Ryan, the pilot, whom she marries just eighty-seven days after meeting. Davis and Ryan together are just right - the proof to keep trying in life and marriage and your ‘shooting-star wishes’ will come true.

Third Time at Bat - A Memoir of Marriages by Leigh Davis is a relatable story for those who have made difficult choices in love for the good of their children. At times humorous and sad, it is never dull and always encouraging. Third Time at Bat is a welcome tale for those that may have struck out, and need some inspiration to step back up to the plate. A home run memoir worth reading.

[Connie Darnell]

Leigh Davis, “Third Time at Bat” though not always an easy read is, indeed, a good read. Other memoirs I have read were by people I did not know personally and, because I had recently met this author (on one of her many travels) and consider her a new friend, at times it felt almost too personal. The book is real and raw and draws a gamut of emotions. The character development from the very beginning sets the reader up nicely for what is to come. I laughed, I cried, I smiled, and felt the vulnerability of a woman fighting for a better life for herself and that of her children. I also felt her strength and persistence. This book is not only a memoir, but also a self help book and a book filled with hope and love. The book leaves you rooting for both Leigh and Ryan and their entire family. At the core of the book is a strong Christian faith and a love of life. This book should be in the reading room of every rehabilitation facility and counseling center that deals with addiction and family relationships.

[N C]

I found Leigh Davis's book, Third Time at Bat, a true inspiration. I went through a gamut of emotions while reading it, from laughing out loud, tearing up, actually crying, anger at some of the ways she was treated by those she loved, compassion for what she went through with her failed marriages and empathy for the challenges she experienced with her adult children. There's probably not a woman out there who has not shared at least some of her experiences and can't relate to her pain, sense of loss, heartbreak, feelings of inadequacy, etc., etc. Kudos to Leigh for being willing to reveal her inner self to a world of readers and for letting each one know that whatever it is they have been through, are currently going through or will be facing in the future that they are not alone and that there is hope for the future. I loved reading throughout the book about her faith in God and about how that faith saw her through so many struggles. Truly a book all women can relate to!

[S. dhruva' Stephenson]

Leigh Davis has lived a unique live and written a unique memoir. Utilizing baseball metaphors as the framework for her life story, she shares intimate details of her live, loves, children, travels and creative pursuits. Blessed with a sharp memory, an aptitude for honest reflection, and a strong faith, Davis demonstrates her "oak tree strength" as a survivor of early marital disappointments, varying challenges with the six children she and her third husband share, and the final chapter in her aging parents' lives. Embellishing her story are vignettes from her extensive travels with her airline-pilot partner. Davis has pursued theatre, visual arts and now writing; we'll look forward to hearing more from her as she continues sharing lessons learned from her life's journey.

[Greg Paxton]

From the mind of Leigh Davis comes a memoir so personal and filled with detail that her voice rings out from every page. It is one of survival filled with love.
Her relationships with detached parents fuel her quest for approval and affection as an adult. Her love for her three children propels her through demoralizing experiences with two abusive husbands afflicted by drug addiction and alcoholism.
Third Time At Bat is frank, contains distinct portraits of key characters, and reads smoothly. There are tragedies and triumphs and an especially poignant conclusion with insights about complicated parental emotions. Highly recommended.

[J Blanton]

Third Time at Bat by Leigh Davis is an emotional and at times, funny book. Leigh's writing style is such that you travel the journey with her, feeling all the emotion that she puts into writing this book about her own life. I was in awed by her story and how much she could remember! She is real and tells it all, whether good or bad. More than anything it shows just how strong someone can be when push comes to shove. It shows how it is possible to not only survive after multiple hardships and tragedies but also how to thrive.

[Angie Knight]

This is a fast paced,heartwarming story of a woman's emotional,mental and spiritual
journey and her resilience in the face of adversity. Third Time at Bat offers a poignant
and touching look into the heart of Ms. Davis that is sure to inspire.
Her courage, fortitude and faith in this compelling and at humorous snapshot of the
difficulties life brings should encourage us all.

[Jill Bowman]

What a good, honest, and powerful memoir. The author doesn’t hide behind platitudes, nor is she overly kind to herself. She’s unsparingly honest about herself, her family, her loves and her reactions to having to deal with the addictions of those around her. I feel like her story could be told by many - and many would want her happy life with that third husband, God, and the wonderful ability to fly around the world; both to visit family, and to relax and enjoy life.

[Sarah White]

A beautifully honest and deeply personal portrait of strength and renewal on the journey of life.

Most women can only wish for Ms Davis's strength of character if faced with a similar litany of hardships and heartaches. With every setback this incredible woman becomes stronger and wiser- yet never bitter. Her resilience, unwavering faith and unique artistry shine as a reminder of the grace and compassion we all strive for but rarely achieve. She so deserves her happy ever after.

[Kathy Lindert]

What a great book. Leigh Davis takes you along her journey of life and shows us how through all her ups and downs, she doesn’t give up. Except, she shows us how she takes each lesson and grows. Her story shows the reader to never give up, that there’s also a way to make things better and to enjoy life.

[Maria Frizzell]

This is an open and honest story of Leigh’s life from a young girl to the woman she is today. There are moments of joy, sadness, laughter, hope and inspiration. It takes a strong soul to not give up and keep trying to better life for herself and her children. The story is inspirational and full of hope for many who are in a bad marriage or surviving thereafter.

[Jeffrey Heintz]

Thoroughly enjoyed this good as I went through the trials and tribulations with the author. As I am in a 2nd marriage and very happy, it is a reminder that there is the perfect person out there for you that you can grow old with. Thank you so much for sharing your journey.

[Melinda Mervosh]

Leigh Davis wrote a poignant depiction of the human experience relative to parental and romantic relationships. Twice divorced and three times married, is not for the faint of heart. Still, the author writes with authenticity which holds the reader's attention.

[Jade Beaver]

This was a great book and I couldn't put it down. Really enjoyed reading and learning about Leigh's life. I related to alot of the book from my own life. Thank you for sharing!