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Baseball Novels
The Bridegrooms
It Only Takes an Instant for Love to Strike
Tragedy hits the Allenhouse family on a hot summer night in Ohio when a mother of four vanished. Eight-year-old Vada virtually grew up overnight and raised her three younger sisters while her father lost himself in his medical practice in the basement of their home.
Now, Vada is a grown woman, still making her home with her father and sisters. Her days are spent serving as an errand girl for Cleveland’s fledgling amateur orchestra; her evenings with Garrison Walker, her devoted, if passionless, beau.
Dizzying change occurs the day the Brooklyn Bridegrooms come to town to play the Cleveland Spiders and a line drive wallops the head of a spectator. The fan is whisked to the Allenhouse parlor, and questions swirl about the anonymous, unconscious man.
Suddenly, the subdued house is filled with visitors, from a flirtatious, would-be sports writer to the Bridegrooms’ handsome star hitter to the guilt-ridden ballplayer who should have caught the stray shot. The medical case brings Dr. Allenhouse a frustration and helplessness he hasn’t felt since his wife’s disappearance. Vada’s sisters are giddy at the bevy of possible suitors. And Vada’s life is awakened amid the super-charged atmosphere of romantic opportunity.
Tragedy hits the Allenhouse family on a hot summer night in Ohio when a mother of four vanished. Eight-year-old Vada virtually grew up overnight and raised her three younger sisters while her father lost himself in his medical practice in the basement of their home.
Now, Vada is a grown woman, still making her home with her father and sisters. Her days are spent serving as an errand girl for Cleveland’s fledgling amateur orchestra; her evenings with Garrison Walker, her devoted, if passionless, beau.
Dizzying change occurs the day the Brooklyn Bridegrooms come to town to play the Cleveland Spiders and a line drive wallops the head of a spectator. The fan is whisked to the Allenhouse parlor, and questions swirl about the anonymous, unconscious man.
Suddenly, the subdued house is filled with visitors, from a flirtatious, would-be sports writer to the Bridegrooms’ handsome star hitter to the guilt-ridden ballplayer who should have caught the stray shot. The medical case brings Dr. Allenhouse a frustration and helplessness he hasn’t felt since his wife’s disappearance. Vada’s sisters are giddy at the bevy of possible suitors. And Vada’s life is awakened amid the super-charged atmosphere of romantic opportunity.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
7 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Allison Pittman
32 books655 followersAllison Pittman is the author of For Time and Eternity, Stealing Home, the Crossroads of Grace series, and her nonfiction debut, Saturdays With Stella. A high-school English teacher, she serves as director of the theater arts group at her church. She is also the co-president of a dynamic Christian writers group in the San Antonio, Texas area, where she makes her home with her husband and their three boys.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 20, 2018
This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.
10/9/2015-
"I promise, y'all, I don't like giving one-star reviews. I've been iffy on this author's books for a few past books now, but this one sealed the deal that I'm not a fan of some comments and characters in her books. Vada really frustrated me. A guy would just look at her and she would start lusting over him. Lisette was boy-crazy. Now, I know all about sister squabbles, but Lisette was so spiteful, petty, and mean. LaForture(spelling?) was a creep and when he tempted Vada into bed with him, I wanted to hit him...with a baseball bat."
*Main Content-
Besides what was already mentioned: Kisses (barely-above-not-detailed to very detailed); Being alone in a room with a man and kissing (stops before anything could happen); Comments about bodies (some in a sexual regard); Many, many mentions of lust & temptations;
Many mentions of weight and calling a sister or one's self fat; Mentions of busts & bosoms.
10/9/2015-
"I promise, y'all, I don't like giving one-star reviews. I've been iffy on this author's books for a few past books now, but this one sealed the deal that I'm not a fan of some comments and characters in her books. Vada really frustrated me. A guy would just look at her and she would start lusting over him. Lisette was boy-crazy. Now, I know all about sister squabbles, but Lisette was so spiteful, petty, and mean. LaForture(spelling?) was a creep and when he tempted Vada into bed with him, I wanted to hit him...with a baseball bat."
*Main Content-
Besides what was already mentioned: Kisses (barely-above-not-detailed to very detailed); Being alone in a room with a man and kissing (stops before anything could happen); Comments about bodies (some in a sexual regard); Many, many mentions of lust & temptations;
Many mentions of weight and calling a sister or one's self fat; Mentions of busts & bosoms.
April 21, 2010
This is my first time reading anything by Allison Pittman, though I have her other books on my bookshelf, just waiting to be read. I must say that I have very mixed emotions about The Bridegrooms, and the baseball aspect did nothing to help that--it seemed a little random to me. The first half or so was really hard for me to get thru, but the second half moved a little quicker. It has the potential to be a great story, but I'm thinking it would have been a lot better had it been a series, or even an anthology.
Each of the Allenhouse daughters deserve their very own story, with plenty of time to flesh out their foray into falling in love. Each story would have been completely different, just as each daughter is different. Let me try to explain...
Vada Allenhouse is the oldest daughter, and has pretty much been a mother to her three youngest sisters since the disappearance of their own mother when Vada was only eight. She has been in love with Garrison Walker for over three years, but he doesn't seem to be in any hurry to ask for her hand in marriage. Vada is starting to feel as though he doesn't love her, and she herself is beginning to doubt if she really loves him. Her and Garrison's story is the most prominent in this book, so their story could have been the start of a series. Perhaps it is, and we were only given glimpses of the other three sister's love interests in preparation for the rest of the series.
Hazel Allenhouse is the next daughter, and she despairs that she will never marry because she doesn't feel as pretty as her other sisters. She thinks that she is 'fat' and no man will ever find her attractive, so she has decided to take matters into her own hands, so to speak. She wants to move to Wyoming, where she will have the ability to vote (she is a suffragette), and is in the process of looking for potential suitors via correspondence. In my opinion, Hazel's "book" would have a "Mail-Order Bride" theme.
Althea Allenhouse is the silent sister. She hasn't spoken a single word since being told that her mother had disappeared; she instead uses a notepad, suspended with string around her neck, to communicate anything that can't be said using either her facial expressions, or her hands. She is completely innocent when it comes to love, but is very talented at penning amorous poetry. Althea falls hard for a patient of her father's who is lingering at death's door. I would classify her "book" as a heartwarming Historical Romance. Althea is my favorite sister and I would love to read a more detailed version of her story.
The baby of the family is Lisette (Lissy) Allenhouse, and she is a true spoiled brat! She made me want to paddle her behind, or just slap her, more than once. I couldn't believe how rude, even heartless, she was at times toward her sisters. At first, Lisette is completely surrounded by boys--falling all over themselves to get her attention. The girl is only seventeen, but seems to think she deserves to be fawned over and even encourages it. She finally has a change of heart towards one of the young men, quite quickly I might add, after treating him like the dirt under her dainty shoes. I don't rightly know how I would classify her "book", but I don't see it as one I would bother reading. I didn't like her at all.
Though God is mentioned quite frequently throughout the story, I didn't feel that the characters had a very close relationship with Him. It seemed almost like he was added as an after-thought since this is a Christian Fiction romance. I don't mean to sound harsh at all, I'm just trying to be honest with my review.
If you enjoy Historical Romance, or baseball, perhaps this is just the book for you!
Each of the Allenhouse daughters deserve their very own story, with plenty of time to flesh out their foray into falling in love. Each story would have been completely different, just as each daughter is different. Let me try to explain...
Vada Allenhouse is the oldest daughter, and has pretty much been a mother to her three youngest sisters since the disappearance of their own mother when Vada was only eight. She has been in love with Garrison Walker for over three years, but he doesn't seem to be in any hurry to ask for her hand in marriage. Vada is starting to feel as though he doesn't love her, and she herself is beginning to doubt if she really loves him. Her and Garrison's story is the most prominent in this book, so their story could have been the start of a series. Perhaps it is, and we were only given glimpses of the other three sister's love interests in preparation for the rest of the series.
Hazel Allenhouse is the next daughter, and she despairs that she will never marry because she doesn't feel as pretty as her other sisters. She thinks that she is 'fat' and no man will ever find her attractive, so she has decided to take matters into her own hands, so to speak. She wants to move to Wyoming, where she will have the ability to vote (she is a suffragette), and is in the process of looking for potential suitors via correspondence. In my opinion, Hazel's "book" would have a "Mail-Order Bride" theme.
Althea Allenhouse is the silent sister. She hasn't spoken a single word since being told that her mother had disappeared; she instead uses a notepad, suspended with string around her neck, to communicate anything that can't be said using either her facial expressions, or her hands. She is completely innocent when it comes to love, but is very talented at penning amorous poetry. Althea falls hard for a patient of her father's who is lingering at death's door. I would classify her "book" as a heartwarming Historical Romance. Althea is my favorite sister and I would love to read a more detailed version of her story.
The baby of the family is Lisette (Lissy) Allenhouse, and she is a true spoiled brat! She made me want to paddle her behind, or just slap her, more than once. I couldn't believe how rude, even heartless, she was at times toward her sisters. At first, Lisette is completely surrounded by boys--falling all over themselves to get her attention. The girl is only seventeen, but seems to think she deserves to be fawned over and even encourages it. She finally has a change of heart towards one of the young men, quite quickly I might add, after treating him like the dirt under her dainty shoes. I don't rightly know how I would classify her "book", but I don't see it as one I would bother reading. I didn't like her at all.
Though God is mentioned quite frequently throughout the story, I didn't feel that the characters had a very close relationship with Him. It seemed almost like he was added as an after-thought since this is a Christian Fiction romance. I don't mean to sound harsh at all, I'm just trying to be honest with my review.
If you enjoy Historical Romance, or baseball, perhaps this is just the book for you!
December 28, 2011
I enjoyed this one for a large, ensemble cast of characters and slightly less predictable-type of hero and heroine.
November 14, 2011
Allison Pittman follows up Stealing Home, her first baseball-themed novel, with The Bridegrooms and the story of one week that changes the lives of the Allenhouse sisters forever. Left bereft of their mother’s care as children, when the woman chased the promise of excitement and romance with a handsome stranger, the girls and their loving, if prickly, father have made an art of survival. The eldest, Vada, has especially sacrificed much in order to step into her mother’s shoes at the tender age of eight – as the de facto mother figure, she has sacrificed a lifetime of girlish dreams in the name of responsibility. The arrival of a dashing star baseball player and a wounded spectator bring a bevy of heretofore unimagined romantic possibilities to the Allenhouse home, leaving Vada questioning her future. Is true romance the giddy feelings elicited by a handsome stranger, or the constant – if boring – faithfulness of a long-time local suitor? Startlingly different yet fully realized, Vada and her sisters only commonalities are blood and a desire to be loved for who they are. The journeys they take to realize the hope of romance are as varied as their personalities, and therein lies the charm and power of The Bridegrooms.
With The Bridegrooms, Pittman proves that her gift for rendering small town Americana and all its accompanying charm on the page is unparalleled. From the excitement surrounding an amateur orchestra’s performance to the thrill of a baseball game to sister Hazel’s involvement in the burgeoning women’s suffrage movement, Pittman captures the heartbeat of small town, turn-of-the-century life. I loved how Pittman explores the ramifications of the mother’s abandonment on her daughters' lives – this is not an issue I can recall seeing often explored in Christian historical fiction, and I applaud her for the raw honesty with which she explores the fallout vis-à-vis the daughters’ relationships with their father, each other, and how they view themselves. Each sister’s personality, hopes, and dreams are unique and well-drawn, bringing to life the mores and conventions of a forgotten era and reminding the reader with startling clarity that the more things change, the more one constant – human nature – remains predictably unpredictable.
The heart of the novel is an examination of romance and romantic ideals – it is perhaps ironic to find such an honest exploration of such in a story whose appeal lies largely in its nostalgic charm. Against a backdrop that a 21st-century reader such as myself is too often tempted to idealize, Pittman balances her charming depiction of the minutiae of the era with an unflinchingly honest look at four very different women and their heartbreakingly honest desire to love and be loved. Whether you see yourself in one or all of the Allenhouse sisters doesn’t matter, for each woman’s journey is a sheer delight to watch unfold. Youngest Lisette’s obsession with the trappings of status nearly blinds her to the true treasure of unfettered adoration, while Hazel’s good nature masks a fear of rejection that leaves her hiding behind letters, hoping her spirit will capture a man’s heart where she fears her looks fall short. Althea, silenced by her mother’s abandonment, is the steadiest and most loyal sister, but she must decide if her faith can speak louder than the fears that keep her silent.
And then there is the centerpiece of the novel – the gloriously conflicted Vada, caught between her dreams and her reality. Through Vada, Pittman reminds readers of the blunt truth of the fact that emotions can lie, and true romance is not simply a giddy feeling or a handsome face (that’s nice, not gonna lie), but a decision made anew every day and walked out in attitude and action. Vada’s beau Garrison may *seem* staid and boring, at first blush not fitting the ideal hero of a romance – but his faithfulness and loyalty will melt your heart. In each character’s story, Pittman reminds us that true romance SHOWS UP every day, no matter how one feels or is tempted to respond in a fit of pique. The love that each Allenhouse sister discovers during the tumultuous week the Brooklyn Bridegrooms come to town mirrors the faithfulness of a God who longs to meet us where we are and will catch us when we fall. Pittman’s tale is rich in nostalgia and timeless in the truths it reveals about our desire to be known and loved, and that love lies often where one least expects it – right in front of our eyes.
With The Bridegrooms, Pittman proves that her gift for rendering small town Americana and all its accompanying charm on the page is unparalleled. From the excitement surrounding an amateur orchestra’s performance to the thrill of a baseball game to sister Hazel’s involvement in the burgeoning women’s suffrage movement, Pittman captures the heartbeat of small town, turn-of-the-century life. I loved how Pittman explores the ramifications of the mother’s abandonment on her daughters' lives – this is not an issue I can recall seeing often explored in Christian historical fiction, and I applaud her for the raw honesty with which she explores the fallout vis-à-vis the daughters’ relationships with their father, each other, and how they view themselves. Each sister’s personality, hopes, and dreams are unique and well-drawn, bringing to life the mores and conventions of a forgotten era and reminding the reader with startling clarity that the more things change, the more one constant – human nature – remains predictably unpredictable.
The heart of the novel is an examination of romance and romantic ideals – it is perhaps ironic to find such an honest exploration of such in a story whose appeal lies largely in its nostalgic charm. Against a backdrop that a 21st-century reader such as myself is too often tempted to idealize, Pittman balances her charming depiction of the minutiae of the era with an unflinchingly honest look at four very different women and their heartbreakingly honest desire to love and be loved. Whether you see yourself in one or all of the Allenhouse sisters doesn’t matter, for each woman’s journey is a sheer delight to watch unfold. Youngest Lisette’s obsession with the trappings of status nearly blinds her to the true treasure of unfettered adoration, while Hazel’s good nature masks a fear of rejection that leaves her hiding behind letters, hoping her spirit will capture a man’s heart where she fears her looks fall short. Althea, silenced by her mother’s abandonment, is the steadiest and most loyal sister, but she must decide if her faith can speak louder than the fears that keep her silent.
And then there is the centerpiece of the novel – the gloriously conflicted Vada, caught between her dreams and her reality. Through Vada, Pittman reminds readers of the blunt truth of the fact that emotions can lie, and true romance is not simply a giddy feeling or a handsome face (that’s nice, not gonna lie), but a decision made anew every day and walked out in attitude and action. Vada’s beau Garrison may *seem* staid and boring, at first blush not fitting the ideal hero of a romance – but his faithfulness and loyalty will melt your heart. In each character’s story, Pittman reminds us that true romance SHOWS UP every day, no matter how one feels or is tempted to respond in a fit of pique. The love that each Allenhouse sister discovers during the tumultuous week the Brooklyn Bridegrooms come to town mirrors the faithfulness of a God who longs to meet us where we are and will catch us when we fall. Pittman’s tale is rich in nostalgia and timeless in the truths it reveals about our desire to be known and loved, and that love lies often where one least expects it – right in front of our eyes.
September 24, 2024
I know the title sounds cheesy, but this was such a cute book! I would have loved a few more chapters though:)
May 14, 2017
I love God and baseball and this book is a good combination of the two. Throw in a little historical fiction and you have an enjoyable read.
This book is set in Cleveland in 1898 around the Allenhouse family. In 1881 the mother mysteriously left her four girls and her husband and never returned. This put the oldest daughter Jada in the position of being the other girls mother. Dad went to the basement to work as a doctor and didn't come up much. There is a gruff housekeeper, Molly, but Jada is in charge of raising the girls.
Each girl is a well developed character with issues of their own. Hazel is a little overweight, self-conscious and insecure. Althea has been mute since their mom left. Lisette, the youngest, is very good looking and she knows it. She has a flock of men following her around.
Throw into this mix a fan who is hit by a batted ball and knocked unconscious. No one knows his identity and he won't wake up. He is taken to Doc Allenhouse where he stays in his unconscious state. The batter, from the Brooklyn Bridegrooms, comes to visit as does the fielder who missed the ball from the Cleveland Spiders.
How will the Allenhouse girls deal with all the men hanging around? What relationships will develop? The title of the book is ironic since it is the nickname of the visiting baseball team and the four single girls are looking for relationships, or at least improvements on the ones they have.
This book is set in Cleveland in 1898 around the Allenhouse family. In 1881 the mother mysteriously left her four girls and her husband and never returned. This put the oldest daughter Jada in the position of being the other girls mother. Dad went to the basement to work as a doctor and didn't come up much. There is a gruff housekeeper, Molly, but Jada is in charge of raising the girls.
Each girl is a well developed character with issues of their own. Hazel is a little overweight, self-conscious and insecure. Althea has been mute since their mom left. Lisette, the youngest, is very good looking and she knows it. She has a flock of men following her around.
Throw into this mix a fan who is hit by a batted ball and knocked unconscious. No one knows his identity and he won't wake up. He is taken to Doc Allenhouse where he stays in his unconscious state. The batter, from the Brooklyn Bridegrooms, comes to visit as does the fielder who missed the ball from the Cleveland Spiders.
How will the Allenhouse girls deal with all the men hanging around? What relationships will develop? The title of the book is ironic since it is the nickname of the visiting baseball team and the four single girls are looking for relationships, or at least improvements on the ones they have.
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August 10, 2024I’ve always been the kind of person who can usually guess what will happen at the end of a book or movie. With “chick flick” books (as I like to call them) it’s usually pretty easy to know who is going to end up with who, and you wouldn’t like it if it ended differently. One of the things I really, really love about Bridegrooms is that the entire book I had no idea how it would end, and really couldn’t decide how I wanted it to. The main character, Vada, is so conflicted that you as a reader feel the conflict right along with her! Of course it being historical fiction made it win big brownie points as well, along with the unique aspect of a family who’s mother had left. I love that it follows the story of each of the four girls in the family, and that each ends up with her own version of happily ever after. Another factor I really enjoyed was all the different kinds of forgiveness that were shown, and how it reflects the way God forgives us!
I really, really enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it to anyone! Happy reading!
I really, really enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it to anyone! Happy reading!
May 24, 2018
I love Allison Pittman.
I've already written about this 3 book baseball-themed "series" but, I'll say it again---these aren't typical historical/romance storylines! In fact, I wasn't sure who the hero was for most of the book.
This story was about 4 sisters and *could* have been a drawn out 4 book series, instead it almost felt like a rom-com with this family having their life turned upside down in just one week.
I thought it was a lovely, fun, quick summer read.
ps: adding again to anyone who has anything to do with the cover art that it is MOST unfortunate.
I've already written about this 3 book baseball-themed "series" but, I'll say it again---these aren't typical historical/romance storylines! In fact, I wasn't sure who the hero was for most of the book.
This story was about 4 sisters and *could* have been a drawn out 4 book series, instead it almost felt like a rom-com with this family having their life turned upside down in just one week.
I thought it was a lovely, fun, quick summer read.
ps: adding again to anyone who has anything to do with the cover art that it is MOST unfortunate.
September 8, 2020
Entertaining romance
April 28, 2021
This story was just "ok " to me. I thought it was a little slow at times .Seems to have a lot of characters to keep track of and needed more developed.
January 14, 2025
This was a boring book. I kept reading thinking it would get better It never did
April 21, 2010
Four very different sisters grace Allison Pittman's "The Bridegrooms," a book that analyzes what love is -- and what it isn't. Vada, the oldest, has an understanding with sensible Garrison but longs to be swept away by passion. Ungainly Hazel writes letters to men she's never met in hopes of securing a husband. Quiet, elegant Althea writes her heart out in poetry she shares with an unconscious man. And Lisette, far too spoiled and beautiful, tells off the young ball player who follows her around like a smitten puppy.
Lurking in the background is the shadow of the mother who abandoned them as children. Unspoken hurts lie at the heart of this small family. Very much in the foreground is the servant, Molly, a strident Irish woman who each weekend drinks her paycheck away and seems as given to blister the girls with verbal abuse as to bless them. Their father, "Doc," a physician, although kind-hearted, seems a bit clueless in a household of girls.
The plot revolves around an event which occurs when the Brooklyn Bridegrooms, a baseball team, comes to town to play the Cleveland Spiders. During a game, a line drive knocks out a spectator and the unconscious man is placed in Vada's bed to regain consciousness or die.
With memorable characters and an exquisite writing style, Bridegrooms entertains well. Still, I question some of its concepts. The characters are sometimes quite harsh with one another, and Molly's tirades, while meant to amuse, did not. The book seems to confuse love and infatuation while attempting to define them as separate. Also, telling four separate stories within the limitations of a single book proves problematic. Its author did well at weaving the stories together, but there simply wasn't enough space to delve too deeply into each character's emotional complexities.
Beyond these quibbles, this story will stay with me. I was sorry when the book ended. Women who enjoy historical romance will enjoy "The Bridegrooms."
*This book was provided to me by the publisher for purposes of review.
Lurking in the background is the shadow of the mother who abandoned them as children. Unspoken hurts lie at the heart of this small family. Very much in the foreground is the servant, Molly, a strident Irish woman who each weekend drinks her paycheck away and seems as given to blister the girls with verbal abuse as to bless them. Their father, "Doc," a physician, although kind-hearted, seems a bit clueless in a household of girls.
The plot revolves around an event which occurs when the Brooklyn Bridegrooms, a baseball team, comes to town to play the Cleveland Spiders. During a game, a line drive knocks out a spectator and the unconscious man is placed in Vada's bed to regain consciousness or die.
With memorable characters and an exquisite writing style, Bridegrooms entertains well. Still, I question some of its concepts. The characters are sometimes quite harsh with one another, and Molly's tirades, while meant to amuse, did not. The book seems to confuse love and infatuation while attempting to define them as separate. Also, telling four separate stories within the limitations of a single book proves problematic. Its author did well at weaving the stories together, but there simply wasn't enough space to delve too deeply into each character's emotional complexities.
Beyond these quibbles, this story will stay with me. I was sorry when the book ended. Women who enjoy historical romance will enjoy "The Bridegrooms."
*This book was provided to me by the publisher for purposes of review.
April 24, 2010
Fro my blog...[return]The Bridegrooms By Allison Pittman is a beautifully written novel about the Allenhouse sisters and how one week can indeed bring about significant changes. The Allenhouse sisters are an extraordinary group of young ladies, abandoned by their mother when the youngest sister, Lisette, was a baby, and 8-year-old Vada had to grow up quite quickly. As adults, the reader learns, 24-year-old Vada works in a music hall and is courting a lawyer who is also a 3rd chair violinist as she had once dared to dream of being a concert violinist. Hazel, now 21, has blossomed into a fiercely independent woman who has taken out an advertisement for a husband, as she longs to move from Ohio to live in Wyoming. 19-year-old Althea works in a telegraph office and has not uttered a word since the day her father announced their mother was never returning home. Finally, the youngest sister, 17-year-old Lisette is a silly girl who attracts numerous suitors on a daily basis, much to the dismay of her sisters. Their father appears to do the best he can maintaining his medical practise and raising four girls mostly on his own, although he does have the assistance of Molly Kegan, their fiery Irish cook, who keeps the household in check. The Bridegroomsis filled with loveable characters, each with their own strengths and idiosyncrasies, making them quite realistic. The Bridegrooms is a beautifully written novel which focuses primarily on one week in the spring of 1898 which greatly affects each of the family members in ways unexpected, including a mystery, baseball players, reporters, an unconscious patient and a few romantic pursuits for good measure. The Bridegrooms is a delightfully charming and innocent novel that will capture the readers' attention and easily draws the reader in with well-written characters, a sweet innocence tied into the romantic notions of the sisters as well charming plots, making for a delightful afternoon of reading.
April 21, 2010
Allison Pittman's story based on the Brooklyn Bridegrooms and the Cleveland Spiders and a group of four sisters had a lot of promise and it was for that reason I opted to join in on this blog tour.
The premise was interesting enough for me to want to read this book. Four sisters, abandoned young by their mother, each with a story and personality that was prominent and interesting (and the characters were the best part of the book, but I'll address that in a bit). An introduction to the baseball theme which was something different and I thought could be exciting.
I did enjoy the sisters, don't get me wrong. I thought they were interesting, their personalities were intriguing and I wanted to get to know them better.
But let me tell you how I was disappointed. It was too rushed. Each girl was larger than life but there wasn't enough time devoted to them. Instead we're rushed through these miniature love stories and the girls are herded into marriages with men we hardly know. Decisions that are life-affecting are made so quickly I actually had to turn back a few pages just to reassure myself that yes, it did happen that quickly. This book should have been the first of a series of four, each one devoted to a sister. There was so much going on I felt like I didn't actually have a grasp on each character until I was already half way into the book because there were so many names and events occurring - it almost felt like I was thrown into the middle of an established story and I'd missed a part somewhere.
I really wanted to enjoy this book and have been looking forward to reading it ever since it came in the mail. I'm hoping that in her future books, Pittman won't throw so many characters at us and, instead, spend time really flushing out the story of one or two.
The premise was interesting enough for me to want to read this book. Four sisters, abandoned young by their mother, each with a story and personality that was prominent and interesting (and the characters were the best part of the book, but I'll address that in a bit). An introduction to the baseball theme which was something different and I thought could be exciting.
I did enjoy the sisters, don't get me wrong. I thought they were interesting, their personalities were intriguing and I wanted to get to know them better.
But let me tell you how I was disappointed. It was too rushed. Each girl was larger than life but there wasn't enough time devoted to them. Instead we're rushed through these miniature love stories and the girls are herded into marriages with men we hardly know. Decisions that are life-affecting are made so quickly I actually had to turn back a few pages just to reassure myself that yes, it did happen that quickly. This book should have been the first of a series of four, each one devoted to a sister. There was so much going on I felt like I didn't actually have a grasp on each character until I was already half way into the book because there were so many names and events occurring - it almost felt like I was thrown into the middle of an established story and I'd missed a part somewhere.
I really wanted to enjoy this book and have been looking forward to reading it ever since it came in the mail. I'm hoping that in her future books, Pittman won't throw so many characters at us and, instead, spend time really flushing out the story of one or two.
April 7, 2010
Set in the late 1800's this lovely book is the story of the four Allenhouse sisters. Abandoned by their mother when Vada, the oldest was just eight years old, and Lisette the youngest was just a baby. Now grown, the sisters have all developed into beautiful young women. Each sister is unique in her interests, and her career choices and in their choices of romance.
Vada, a music lover and accomplished violinist is a secretary for a conductor, and has a long time beau who is a lawyer on his way up.
Hazel is an assistant to her father in his physician's practice and she is a women's right activist, and she is looking for love via the want ads.
Althea, works at the telegraph office and she has never spoken a word since their mother abandoned them. She loves to write poetry and finds herself falling in love with an unknown patient in a coma.
Lisette, is the baby and is still in high school, at only seventeen she is destined to be a heartbreaker, with boys following her around all the time.
Doc, their father has done his best as a single father, with the help of faithful Molly the day cook and maid.
This story centers around an accident that happens at a baseball game, where a fan is conked on the head with a fly ball and is in a coma, each sister helps to care for the patient in their home, while their father tries to figure out why he is in a coma. A wonderfully fun and quirky story of four sisters, who will find love no matter what. Allison Pittman has written a lovely story that is perfect to curl up and read on a quiet afternoon. 338 pages $12.99 US 4 stars
This book was provided by Multnomah for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
Vada, a music lover and accomplished violinist is a secretary for a conductor, and has a long time beau who is a lawyer on his way up.
Hazel is an assistant to her father in his physician's practice and she is a women's right activist, and she is looking for love via the want ads.
Althea, works at the telegraph office and she has never spoken a word since their mother abandoned them. She loves to write poetry and finds herself falling in love with an unknown patient in a coma.
Lisette, is the baby and is still in high school, at only seventeen she is destined to be a heartbreaker, with boys following her around all the time.
Doc, their father has done his best as a single father, with the help of faithful Molly the day cook and maid.
This story centers around an accident that happens at a baseball game, where a fan is conked on the head with a fly ball and is in a coma, each sister helps to care for the patient in their home, while their father tries to figure out why he is in a coma. A wonderfully fun and quirky story of four sisters, who will find love no matter what. Allison Pittman has written a lovely story that is perfect to curl up and read on a quiet afternoon. 338 pages $12.99 US 4 stars
This book was provided by Multnomah for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
April 25, 2010
My Thoughts: I loved this book from the very first chapter. I grew up with a little brother, who I was always dressing up as a girl when he was little. I think it would've been grand fun to have three sisters, so I was able to live vicariously through the girls in this book. I was drawn to Vada immediately, probably because we're both first-born and with that comes expectations and responsibilities. Vada took over being a mom to her sisters when their mother left them and their father for another man. She never really was allowed to enjoy her teens and now she wonders if Garrison, her beau, really loves her. She wants passion and desire in her life and for a fleeting moment she may have found it in one of the baseball players from The Bridegrooms team. Each girl has her struggles and need for love. It's interesting to see just how different their personalities are, but how similar in their quest for real love. I've decided that I'm not going to categorize these books as "Christian" fiction. Instead, I feel that they are "gentle" reads. Don't write this one off as being a Bible thumping style of read...it is far from it. Instead, I think the author brought to life some terrific women who struggled with their wants, needs, and desires in the late 19th century. A time period when women were starting to be outspoken in their need to be heard and the right to vote. A time period when religion still played a huge role in the life of families. If you're looking for a great gentle read...then look no further. Pittman is an author I will certainly read again!!!
May 24, 2010
Vada Allenhouse became a mother at eight years old. That’s when her mommy found a new lover, abandoning her husband and four little girls to fend for themselves. Vada, as the oldest, took on the responsibilities her mother left behind, and did her best to raise her three younger siblings. As a physician, it was all too easy for their father, Dr. Allenhouse, to bury himself in his medical practice while his daughters survived with the help of a loyal, if slightly temperamental housekeeper.
Seventeen years later, Vada is still living at home, still mothering her siblings. Dr. Allenhouse continues to hide out most of the time in his basement, caring for patients. But with the arrival of a visiting baseball team, The Bridegrooms, the Allenhouse home is about to be turned upside down.
Four young ladies, hungry for love and aching for romance. A gentle, slightly staid suitor. An injured spectator, hidden away in the Allenhouse home. A handsome Cajun hitter. A flirtatious sportswriter. A lovestruck, guilt-ridden catcher. A series of love letters. All of these elements will combine to make emotional waves the Allenhouse sisters will be hard-pressed to ride out with their integrity and their virtue intact.
The Bridegrooms is a wonderful depiction of sibling devotion, rivalry, and ultimate loyalty. A bevy of emotions, from deep-seated hurt to barely tethered passion to laugh-out-loud humor. Allison Pittman hits a homerun with this riveting historical romance. Definitely one for the keeper shelf.
Seventeen years later, Vada is still living at home, still mothering her siblings. Dr. Allenhouse continues to hide out most of the time in his basement, caring for patients. But with the arrival of a visiting baseball team, The Bridegrooms, the Allenhouse home is about to be turned upside down.
Four young ladies, hungry for love and aching for romance. A gentle, slightly staid suitor. An injured spectator, hidden away in the Allenhouse home. A handsome Cajun hitter. A flirtatious sportswriter. A lovestruck, guilt-ridden catcher. A series of love letters. All of these elements will combine to make emotional waves the Allenhouse sisters will be hard-pressed to ride out with their integrity and their virtue intact.
The Bridegrooms is a wonderful depiction of sibling devotion, rivalry, and ultimate loyalty. A bevy of emotions, from deep-seated hurt to barely tethered passion to laugh-out-loud humor. Allison Pittman hits a homerun with this riveting historical romance. Definitely one for the keeper shelf.
June 18, 2010
Review by Jill Williamson
This book is about Vada and her sisters in the year 1898. The four girls live with their doctor father in Ohio. Vada is engaged to a sweet man named Garrison, who loves music and the violin as much as she does. But Garrison still hasn’t set a date for their marriage and Vada is starting to feel like he never May.
She comes home one day to find a baseball team, the Brooklyn Bridegrooms, in her home. A spectator was hit with a pitch and Vada’s father is seeing to the man. Vada and her sister’s lived are turned upside down by all these new, strange visitors, including a flirtatious reporter looking for a big scoop on the injured man. Vada falls into much confusion with so many male suitors hanging around.
I was drawn to this book by the cover. It reminded me of Little Women, and in a way, it quite similar. Both books are about four sisters living in the 1800s and their romantic opportunities. The Bridegrooms was an interesting and fun read. Vada is confused about her relationship with her boyfriend and gets herself into a lot of mischief. I couldn’t help but feel bad for poor Garrison, even if he is a little slow on the proposal. Pittman’s characters are unique and fun. Each sister, especially, was so different from the other, I felt like I knew this family well. This is a fun story for girls who like historical fiction with some romance in it.
This book is about Vada and her sisters in the year 1898. The four girls live with their doctor father in Ohio. Vada is engaged to a sweet man named Garrison, who loves music and the violin as much as she does. But Garrison still hasn’t set a date for their marriage and Vada is starting to feel like he never May.
She comes home one day to find a baseball team, the Brooklyn Bridegrooms, in her home. A spectator was hit with a pitch and Vada’s father is seeing to the man. Vada and her sister’s lived are turned upside down by all these new, strange visitors, including a flirtatious reporter looking for a big scoop on the injured man. Vada falls into much confusion with so many male suitors hanging around.
I was drawn to this book by the cover. It reminded me of Little Women, and in a way, it quite similar. Both books are about four sisters living in the 1800s and their romantic opportunities. The Bridegrooms was an interesting and fun read. Vada is confused about her relationship with her boyfriend and gets herself into a lot of mischief. I couldn’t help but feel bad for poor Garrison, even if he is a little slow on the proposal. Pittman’s characters are unique and fun. Each sister, especially, was so different from the other, I felt like I knew this family well. This is a fun story for girls who like historical fiction with some romance in it.
May 4, 2010
A book with so much potential. All the parts are here, but the sum of all those parts misses the mark. Oh, I enjoyed it; it's a lovely, light diversion. Vada and her sisters all have so much potential, but the story seemed rushed to me and there were many missing elements.
The entire story takes place over the course of one week, and we don't have time to see the sisters' character development. Each girl's situation is briefly touched upon and all too rapidly and happily concluded. I wanted more background on their mother and her situation, and their father was a secondary, often shadowy character. We never find out anything significant about Althea and that was so disappointing to me.
Each sister has the potential for her own story and I was sorry to see that this wasn't the beginning of a series. I think the Allenhouse sisters would make a terrific series about strong women.
Fans of historical fiction and fans of Allison Pittman will no doubt enjoy this. And, I liked it, but I didn't love it. It seemed more like a missed opportunity than a satisfying novel.
The entire story takes place over the course of one week, and we don't have time to see the sisters' character development. Each girl's situation is briefly touched upon and all too rapidly and happily concluded. I wanted more background on their mother and her situation, and their father was a secondary, often shadowy character. We never find out anything significant about Althea and that was so disappointing to me.
Each sister has the potential for her own story and I was sorry to see that this wasn't the beginning of a series. I think the Allenhouse sisters would make a terrific series about strong women.
Fans of historical fiction and fans of Allison Pittman will no doubt enjoy this. And, I liked it, but I didn't love it. It seemed more like a missed opportunity than a satisfying novel.
April 19, 2010
Allison Pittman has done it again, The Bridegrooms is a sweet, fast paced novel of four sisters living at the turn of the century. While at times it seemed to move a little bit too fast, it was altogether enjoyable especially for a girl like me who loves sports and romance! It's not as heartwrenching as her previous "baseball" novel, Stealing Home, but this book had it's share of tender moments especially those between Vada's sister, Althea and Eli, their father's patient. The relationship between each of the Allenhouse sisters, very different but loyal to each other, reminded me of Little Women. Vada is the serious, mother hen, Hazel the suffragette, Althea the poetic mute and Lizette is the flirtatious heart breaker and together they make for an interesting story. The Bridegrooms isn't quiet a home run but is most definitely a base hit I recommend for Christian historical fiction and romance readers.
I received my free review copy from the publisher.
I received my free review copy from the publisher.
January 2, 2016
I will start by saying that I was quite pleased with the way the story ended. Based on that alone, I almost gave the book a higher rating! But, I found this book slow to really get going. It wasn’t a chore to read, but it didn’t have me wanting to read more until I got to the last half or third (it’s hard to know when I got sucked in) of the book. In short: It took me FIVE DAYS to read this book. If a book really grabs me, I will finish in half that time – if not less.
The characters were OK. Vada was mostly likable, but I was really wanting her to put Lisette in her place a few times. I couldn’t believe the rudeness and abuse she took from her! Hazel was sweet, and I was really hoping that Althea would say something by book’s end.
One big plus was that the Christianity in the book was very natural. No preachy religion, which I greatly appreciate. Overall, it was an enjoyable read! I would recommend it to fans of Christian fiction.
The characters were OK. Vada was mostly likable, but I was really wanting her to put Lisette in her place a few times. I couldn’t believe the rudeness and abuse she took from her! Hazel was sweet, and I was really hoping that Althea would say something by book’s end.
One big plus was that the Christianity in the book was very natural. No preachy religion, which I greatly appreciate. Overall, it was an enjoyable read! I would recommend it to fans of Christian fiction.
March 16, 2011
Wow, I really don't know what to make of this one. Sure, it was an enjoyable read but it really didn't go in the direction I thought it would. I expected more regarding the mother's disappearance than what we got, and the "frustration and helplessness" Dr Allenhouse was described as having on the back cover didn't particularly come through.
Nor did I care much for Veda, the oldest of the Allenhouse sisters. Her actions, even at the end, were terrible and not particularly Christian. I felt sorry for her suitor, Garrison Walker, who appeared to be simply a poor communicator of his feelings. Which is common in a lot of men. Veda just wanted love and attention, and at times it seems it didn't matter who gave her that. Ultimately, my favorite sisters were the middle two, Hazel and Althea. Even though Hazel was trying to find a husband out west by mail, she was at least honest. Althea may not have spoken a word, but she was't silent.
Nor did I care much for Veda, the oldest of the Allenhouse sisters. Her actions, even at the end, were terrible and not particularly Christian. I felt sorry for her suitor, Garrison Walker, who appeared to be simply a poor communicator of his feelings. Which is common in a lot of men. Veda just wanted love and attention, and at times it seems it didn't matter who gave her that. Ultimately, my favorite sisters were the middle two, Hazel and Althea. Even though Hazel was trying to find a husband out west by mail, she was at least honest. Althea may not have spoken a word, but she was't silent.
April 26, 2010
Historical Fiction is my favorite genre to read, but I have to be honest and say that I could not connect with this book. I felt my mind wandering as I attempted to read it. Normally, I become so engrossed in a book that I just lose myself in it and can envision the scenery and characters.
Not so with this title.
I think that for me personally, there were too many characters and dilemmas to keep track of. I couldn’t seem to figure out who the main character or storyline was. It reminded me of a soap opera where there’s a lot of confusion and crisis to keep up with, and quite honestly just didn’t appeal to me. The addition of the baseball team was a little odd – being that I’m not a sports fan, it was hard for me to put it all together and make sense of the book.
April 27, 2010
I have to say I was rather disappointed with this book. Vada and her sisters were such bland characters. I found them to be silly and self centered. The romance between the two main characters was so tepid and boring and really did not pick up until the end. I actually struggled to finish reading this book. While there was a message of faith, the cardboard characters in this book did nothing to advance the message the author was trying to get across. Not a book I would recommend to someone who is searching or a baby Christian. I would suggest the author work on developing the characters for her next book and make them more likable as well. While I appreciate the opportunity to read this book, I was disappointed by the poorly developed characters.
June 27, 2013
Picked this up at the Christian bookstore while on vacation. I wasn't familiar with the author, but I was intrigued by the summary on the back cover.
It was a great read! I really enjoyed the multiple layers of plot and stories woven together. And how I could still ask questions about the characters after it was over....
"Would Vada ever play her violin professionally?"
"What would Lissete do when she finds out who her betrothed REALLY is related too?"
"How was Hazel going to enjoy being in Wyoming?"
And the biggest question "Will Althea ever speak again?"
It is a very good read and I recommend it to anyone enjoying a good Inspirational Fiction!
It was a great read! I really enjoyed the multiple layers of plot and stories woven together. And how I could still ask questions about the characters after it was over....
"Would Vada ever play her violin professionally?"
"What would Lissete do when she finds out who her betrothed REALLY is related too?"
"How was Hazel going to enjoy being in Wyoming?"
And the biggest question "Will Althea ever speak again?"
It is a very good read and I recommend it to anyone enjoying a good Inspirational Fiction!
May 24, 2010
This was the type of Christian fiction I especially enjoy--Christians working out their lives in the context of their beliefs.
The main character, Vada, has her story told in an especially true-to-life approach. The other storylines are rather silly or over the top. But, what Vada works through seems to be a realistic muddle of personal & family baggage, the struggle of self-esteem, understanding of self, living with her choices, and the incongruency of what she needs from others and what they acturally give her.
It has a satisfying end. It must be--I've read it three times.
The main character, Vada, has her story told in an especially true-to-life approach. The other storylines are rather silly or over the top. But, what Vada works through seems to be a realistic muddle of personal & family baggage, the struggle of self-esteem, understanding of self, living with her choices, and the incongruency of what she needs from others and what they acturally give her.
It has a satisfying end. It must be--I've read it three times.
April 27, 2010
I won this in a First Reads giveaway and while I don't particularly enjoy sports or historical romances, I must say that I really liked this book. The main characters (four sisters: Vada, Hazel, Althea, and Lisette, abandoned by their mother when Vada was only eight) were all very interesting to read about and definitely very well developed. I did think that it moved too slowly in the first half and got a bit boring at times, but it definitely picked up in the second half. All in all though, it was great book, and I would recommend it to anybody!
May 10, 2010
I received this book for free from Goodreads First Read. The story was fairly well written, but in some instances the plot what somewhat weak - and really strange. I think the "drama" created by Eli getting hit in the head with a baseball was overly exaggerated. And in the end the story is just a little too "and they all lived happily ever after..." even though none of these characters really discovered who they truly were and were just willing to grasp on to the first seemingly good thing to come along.
May 28, 2010
I received this as a First Reads Giveaway. The story begins with the disappearance of a mother of four. I continued reading to see what happened to her and the story began to lull a bit. Then it gets more interesting as you learn more about the daughters and their struggles finding love. Towards the end the girls reflect on how their missing mom impacted their lives and how that created personal struggles for each of them. I liked the ending and think it was a good book although I feel the storyline could have been a little more developed.
May 2, 2010
A delightful story of four sisters in the late 1800s of Cleveland, Ohio. Their Mother left them when the oldest of the four was only eight and so they grew up under the eye of their Father the town Doctor. His newest patient brings a stir about the family and sets the scene for the rest of the book.
This was a light and quick read and easy to follow along. It was enjoyable and entertaining.
This was a light and quick read and easy to follow along. It was enjoyable and entertaining.
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