Review: The Bridegrooms

My Synopsis:

The Bridegrooms by Allison Pittman

(For review from Waterbrook Multnomah)

In the Spring of 1898 the Brooklyn Bridegrooms come to town to play the Cleveland Spiders. Vada Allenhouse has no idea how that one baseball game will change her life. Vada had to grow up overnight when her mother mysteriously vanished over 17 years ago. Vada who lives with her father, Doc Allenhouse was given the charge of helping bring up her three younger sisters.

Doc Allenhouse completely lost himself in his work when his wife disappeared and didn't seem to realize the amount of responsibility he placed on Vada's shoulders. But, now a mysterious patient lands on the Allenhouse doorstep when a line drive during a baseball game hits the spectator and knocks him unconscious. Doc Allenhouse is frustrated with the case but his daughters are giddy with all of the attention they are receiving from the patients visitors. A flashy reporter, a guilt ridden ball player any many other men suddenly appear for the Allenhouse girls to talk to even Vada is lost in the romantic opportunities. Will her passionless beau fall by the wayside? Will Vada finally find a love all her own? What will happen in that fateful week in the Allenhouse home?

My Thoughts:

Allison Pittman does a wonderful job describing Cleveland, Ohio in the late 1890's. She gives the reader a sense of really being there and being able to attend a ball game or go to the orchestra. Pittman's research into the customs of Cleveland during the time period as well as her attention to detail where the baseball of the time was concerned was in depth and concise.

Vada was a character that was easy to relate to. Many people have had to deal the loss of a loved one under whatever circumstances and the responsibilities they leave behind. Vada has been selfless in caring for her younger sisters to the point of not looking to her own needs. Suddenly she has the opportunity to find the romance that is lacking between her and Garrison. It's almost like Vada is waking up from a dream as the reader see's her begin to blossom.

I really enjoyed the angle of the baseball teams and how the figured into the story. I have been a baseball fan for years. I loved the Braves when they lost every game... LOL! So, this was a great idea for historical fiction. Most romances of that time don't involve the nations past time.

Check back tomorrow when I post a new contest for a copy of this book!

I give this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag! Great concept!

You can find out more about The Bridegrooms and purchase the book here.

Want to know more about Allison Pittman? Check this out!

Allison Pittman is the author of Stealing Home, the Crossroads of Grace series, and her nonfiction debut, Saturdays With Stella. A former high-school English teacher, she serves as director of the theater arts group at her church. Allison makes her home in Texas with her husband and their three boys. Learn more about the author at www.allisonpittman.com.