The Bridegrooms-A review

I recently had the opportunity to read and review The Bridegrooms by Allison Pittman. It is a story about four sisters living in the late 1800s. The sisters live with their father, a doctor. Here is a brief synopsis:


"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."

I was pleasantly surprised and enthralled with this book. The story sucks you in and keeps the pages turning. It is historical fiction, but also full of humor, romance, suspense, broken hearts and hope. All the right ingredients for a good read. And a quick one at that. 

The author does a great job of developing each character and really bringing them to life. I found myself relating to their various emotions and feelings. I couldn't help but root them on. 

A main theme throughout the book is the sisters' faith in God. They are faced with many challenges (and celebrations) and their faith in God shines through and supports them. But it is in a quiet and personal way that I found humbling. 

This was a great read and I definitely recommend it! 

(Image thanks to Amazon.com)