All For a Sister by Allison Pittman (Review)

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (July 1, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-1414366821

In Hollywood during the Roaring Twenties, Celeste DuFrane has it all. Her father’s work with color movie film opens doors that lead to the stardom she’s always aspired to. But after losing her mother, she discovers that half the estate has been left to a woman accused of killing Celeste’s baby sister before Celeste was even born.

Dana Lundgren arrives on the steps of the DuFrane mansion having spent most of her life imprisoned for a crime that never happened. After accusing her of murder so many years ago, why did Marguerite DuFrane leave her a sizeable inheritance?

As Celeste and Dana learn each other’s stories, they come up with more questions than answers. Then a surprising discovery begins to fill in the missing pieces: Marguerite DuFrane’s written confession, penned shortly before her death. Uncovering the treachery and deceit that changed the course of countless lives—most of all, their own—the two women find more than they ever dreamed of.

My Review:

I have mixed feelings about the book overall. I thought the story and characters were well written although an odd topic. There was not enough of a faith aspect for me. Marguerite DuFrane is easy to dislike. Dana I felt bad for from the beginning. Celeste gives off the roaring twenties air that makes it hard to really like her even though she really is innocent in the whole mess. She is as much a victim of Marguerite's deceptions as Dana. There is plenty of drama and kept my attention. It is told from Celeste, Marguerite, and Dana's point of views. It cuts from present time to Dana's time in prison to Marguerite's journal to Celeste growing up which can be confusing at times. I like the ending and thought it was satisfying.





 As far as I know, I have always been a writer. Before I could put words to page, I would dictate stories to my mother. I have always lulled myself to sleep by crafting stories--a new chapter each night. When God called me to write, I was thrilled to answer His prompting. And so it was, after a long conversation with my husband, I left a 20-year teaching career to pursue a new direction. It called for a HUGE step of faith, but God has kept me and our family safe.

I count every single one of my readers as one of God's blessings in my life, and I like to think of my stories as being the first step in a conversation. Please visit my website, www.allisonpittman.com and send me an email. It is one of my greatest joys to hear from you.

Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

All for a Story by Allison Pittman (Review)

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (October 1, 2013)
• ISBN-13: 978-1414366814

Monica Bisbaine loves being a modern girl in the Roaring Twenties. Her job writing a gossip column allows her access to all the local speakeasys in Washington, D.C., where she can dance the night away—and find fodder for her next article. But when the owner of the Capitol Chatter newspaper passes away, Monica wonders what will happen to her job, and the lifestyle she loves.

Max Moore may hold the title of editor-in-chief for evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson’s paper, The Bridal Call, but Aimee calls all the shots. So when Max learns that his great-uncle has passed away, leaving him all his earthly possessions, Max resigns and heads to D.C. Determined to take over the Capitol Chatter, infuse it with his values, and turn it into a respectable paper, Max is soon bumping up against the equally determined Monica Bisbane.

Under Max’s direction, Monica embarks on her most challenging assignment yet: infiltrating and reporting on the Anti-Flirt Society. Though reluctant at first, as Monica meets and mingles with the young women of the club, she begins to question the innocence of her flirtatious lifestyle. And when romance begins to blossom between Max and Monica, she must choose where her loyalties lie: with the young women of the society or the alluring pull of the speakeasy and its inhabitants.

 My Review:

I thought this book had more potential. It just did not work for me. Monica is not really likeable and seems more like a current day loose party girl. Way too much time is spent on the bad parts of her life like drinking and sleeping around. Max never really engaged me either. The best part literally was the last fifty pages. The secondary characters were interesting and the plot picked up.The actual ending could have been better written. It is set in the roaring twenties which is interesting. It did not have a Christian fiction feel to it though. It was almost not present at all even subtle. This is not my favorite book by this author but I will read the next one All for a Sister.



 About the author:

As far as I know, I have always been a writer. Before I could put words to page, I would dictate stories to my mother. I have always lulled myself to sleep by crafting stories--a new chapter each night. When God called me to write, I was thrilled to answer His prompting. And so it was, after a long conversation with my husband, I left a 20-year teaching career to pursue a new direction. It called for a HUGE step of faith, but God has kept me and our family safe.

I count every single one of my readers as one of God's blessings in my life, and I like to think of my stories as being the first step in a conversation. Please visit my website, www.allisonpittman.com and send me an email. It is one of my greatest joys to hear from you! 

All for a Song by Allison Pittman (Review)

Binding:

Softcover

ISBN:

978-1-4143-6680-7

List Price:

$13.99

Release Date:

February 2013

Page Count:

368

About the book:

Dorothy Lynn Dunbar has everything she ever wanted: her family, her church, her community, and plans to marry the young pastor who took over her late father’s pulpit. Time spent in the woods, lifting her heart and voice in worship accompanied by her brother’s old guitar, makes her life complete . . . and yet she longs for something more.

Spending a few days in St. Louis with her sister’s family, Dorothy Lynn discovers a whole new way of life—movies, music, dancing; daring fashions and fancy cars. And a dynamic charismatic evangelist . . . who just happens to be a woman. When Dorothy Lynn is offered a chance to join Aimee Semple McPherson’s crusade team, she finds herself confronted with temptations she never dreamed of. Can Dorothy Lynn embrace all the Roaring Twenties has to offer without losing herself in the process?

My Review:

Overall I thought this book was okay. It took place mostly in the 1920s as flashbacks. I was confused in several parts. The modern setting was a nursing home where Dorothy Lynn resided. I never fell in love with Dorothy or really any of the characters except the young teen girl relative in the present who is with her at the nursing home. I thought Dorothy was selfish and her decision making skills poor with no redemption. The author really brought the time period alive though. Some readers may like it especially fans of historical fiction. Personally I like this author's other books better. I really enjoyed Stealing Home.



About the author:

As far as I know, I have always been a writer. Before I could put words to page, I would dictate stories to my mother. I have always lulled myself to sleep by crafting stories--a new chapter each night. When God called me to write, I was thrilled to answer His prompting. And so it was, after a long conversation with my husband, I left a 20-year teaching career to pursue a new direction. It called for a HUGE step of faith, but God has kept me and our family safe.
I count every single one of my readers as one of God's blessings in my life, and I like to think of my stories as being the first step in a conversation. Please visit my website, www.allisonpittman.com and send me an email. It is one of my greatest joys to hear from you!

The Winner of Stealing Home by Allison Pittman

And the winner for Stealing Home by Allison Pittman is ...

Carolynn W.


Congratulations!

Thank you to everyone who entered. :)


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Timestamp: 2009-06-13 13:31:14 UTC

Stealing Home by Allison Pittman (AND GIVEAWAY)

***Leave a comment to be entered to win a copy. Deadline is Wednesday June 10 at midnight.***

About the book:

It’s 1905 and the Chicago Cubs are banking on superstar Donald “Duke” Dennison’s golden arm to help them win the pennant. Only one thing stands between Duke and an unprecedented ten thousand dollar contract: alcohol.

That’s when sportswriter David Voyant whisks Duke to the one-horse town of Picksville , Missouri , so he can sober up in anonymity. He bides his time flirting with Ellie Jane Voyant, his unofficial chaperone, who would rather hide herself in the railway station ticket booth than face the echoes of childhood taunts.

Ned Clovis, the feed store clerk, has secretly loved Ellie Jane since childhood, but he loves baseball and the Duke almost as much–until he notices Ellie Jane may be succumbing to the star’s charm.

Then there’s Morris, a twelve-year-old Negro boy, whose only dream is to break away from Picksville. When Duke discovers his innate talent for throwing a baseball, Morris might just have found his way out.

Four individuals, each living in haunted isolation, each harboring a secret passion. Providence brings them together. Tragedy threatens to tear them apart. Will love be enough to bring them home?

My Review:

I loved this book. It is going on my top favorites of the year and my keeper shelf. I read it in one night. I was turning pages as fast as I could to see what happened next. The characters and plot are interesting. I was transported back in time in a good way. The words are lyrical. It captivated me and would not let me go until the end. Just when I think I have the ending fixed in my head a twist is thrown in that leaves me breathless. Don't miss this book. I highly recommend this book. :)

About the author:

Allison Pittman spent seventeen years as a high school English teacher, and then shunned the advice of “experts,” quit her day job and set out to write novels that bring glory to God. She relishes inspiring other writers and leading the theater arts group at her church. She and her husband and three sons live in Universal City , Texas .

Amazon Link:

http://www.amazon.com/Stealing-Home-Allison-K-Pittman/dp/1601421362/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243995555&sr=8-4

Random House Link:

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601421364&ref=externallink_mlt_stealinghome_eaj_0408_01

Saturdays with Stella by Allison Pittman(AND GIVEAWAY)!

***Leave a comment on this post to be entered to win a copy of this great book. Deadline is Monday September 15 at midnight.***

Summary:
Sometimes your best four-legged friend is also your best teacher. When you bring a new dog into your home, a wash of great joy can become a trial of perseverance as your furry pal chews, digs, yaps, and yes, piddles her way through every room in the house. Allison Pittman learned this all too well when she adopted a “tiny, shiny puppy of indefinable breed(s).” Stella wasted no time in turning her home upside-down as only a pup can. As could be expected, six weeks of obedience school covered the much needed basics–sit, stay, come, and down. What Allison didn’t expect was the spiritual benefit she would receive as each Saturday lesson revealed a fascinating metaphor. In this heart-warming, thoughtful, and often hilarious tribute to her beloved Stella, Allison Pittman shares how she came to understand what it means to follow the ultimate Master, including how to:

Sit!–at the feet of Jesus and listen for His voice

Drop It!–and let go of personal agendas

Come!–when it’s time to run in the right direction

Stay!–in God’s presence

In Saturdays with Stella, a slightly neurotic yet curiously adorable canine will not only capture your heart–she’ll show you how captivating you are to God.

My Review: I loved this book. It is a quick read at 166 pages but it will leave you thinking. I am not a dog lover but reading about Stella and Allison's analogies on our relationship with God really made sense. It touched me and I am not a huge animal lover. My sister and her cats live with me so I have become a lover of her cats but dogs have always scared me for some reason. My stepfather has a dog kinda like Stella and I will be making him read this book too. :) I highly recommend this book to animal lovers and not. Be ready to learn and laugh. :)

Purchase the book at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1601421397

Author Bio:
Allison Pittman is the author of the three books in the popular Crossroads of Grace series. Before her life as a novelist, Allison spent sixteen years teaching high school English. A founding member and co president of the Christian Writer’s Group of the Greater San Antonio area, she devotes her time inspiring other writers to work toward their goals and sharpen their skills. Allison lives in Universal City , Texas with her husband Mike, their three sons, and Stella.