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Allison Pittman
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All for a Song Paperback – February 1, 2013

by Allison Pittman (Author)
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 153 ratings
See all formats and editions
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?
Previous page
  1. Print length
    368 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
  4. Publication date
    February 1, 2013
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 1 x 8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1414366809
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1414366807
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In Pittman’s latest historical tale of young women of faith, everything seems to be falling into place for Dorothy Lynn Dunbar as romance blossoms between her and the man who is to assume the role of pastor following her father’s death. As she contemplates the life that seems to be perfectly mapped out before her, she is troubled by the small inkling that she might be missing out on something. It is during a trip to St. Louis that Dorothy Lynn finds herself facing all that life might hold for her when she is forced to make decisions that will forever alter her future. By alternating perspectives between the young Dorothy Lynn of the Roaring Twenties and the now-centenarian Lynnie more than 90 years later, Pittman skillfully paints the complete picture of this bold female character who is willing to take risks in order to discover the life that she truly is meant to live. Readers of inspirational fiction will be stirred as this story of longing unfolds, revealing testimony to true contentment. --Elizabeth Ponder

Review

In Pittman’s latest historical tale of young women of faith, everything seems to be falling into place for Dorothy Lynn Dunbar as romance blossoms between her and the man who is to assume the role of pastor following her father’s death. As she contemplates the life that seems to be perfectly mapped out before her, she is troubled by the small inkling that she might be missing out on something. It is during a trip to St. Louis that Dorothy Lynn finds herself facing all that life might hold for her when she is forced to make decisions that will forever alter her future. By alternating perspectives between the young Dorothy Lynn of the Roaring Twenties and the now-centenarian Lynnie more than 90 years later, Pittman skillfully paints the complete picture of this bold female character who is willing to take risks in order to discover the life that she truly is meant to live. Readers of inspirational fiction will be stirred as this story of longing unfolds, revealing testimony to true contentment. (Booklist)

In All for a Song, Dorothy Lynn Dunbar seems contented with her family, her small community and her fiancé, the young minister who took the place of her late father at the pulpit. She can think of few moments more idyllic than stealing to the meadows with her guitar and lifting her voice to God with the songs she writes.

When she visits her sister in St. Louis, Dorothy Lynn is confronted with a way of life completely fresh to her: a world where moving pictures boast the handsome visage of Rudy Valentino, where greasy spoons serve Chinese food, and where a riveting and riling woman named Aimee Semple McPherson is intent on leading sinners to Jesus.

Tantalized by the words she hears at one of Aimee’s crusades, and enticed by the prospective career she might have spreading the gospel through the pure notes of her songs, Dorothy Lynn decides to leave small-town life behind. But, what seems romantic and adventurous on the surface will reveal a dark undertone, and she comes to realize that sometimes God works as deeply on small scales as He does on grand stages.

All For A Song proves Allison Pittman is not only one of the most talented and literary writers in the CBA but also an author with a tremendous writing range. Never afraid to confront subjects that have a bit of edge, Pittman sets the coming-of-age story of innocent Dorothy Lynn against the Evangelical fervor strummed up by charismatic speaker Aimee Semple McPherson. The result is an engaging and unique experience that reads like a breath of fresh air in a market filled with many similar historically influenced tales.

The 1920’s setting of All For A Song will be familiar for readers who read and enjoyed Pittman’s earlier novel, Lillies in Moonlight. The colorful and saucy world of flappers, of bobbed hair and fast automobiles, of rouged lips and frayed skirts are well-paired here against the excitement of the crusades held to bring those fallen back to the purity of God’s love.

Readers who want to find comfort within the pages of their Christian novels will surely find it here, but not without first being challenged by the effervescent hype Dorothy Lynn experiences. A beautiful story of a prodigal finding her way back to grace and forgiveness is told with Pittman’s customary wit and keen observation. All For a Song exhumes an important figure in our Evangelical past and brings her to life in a way that is thought provoking rather than saccharinely sweet and happy.

If you are looking for an intelligent read that will encourage you to think deeply, feel greatly, and offer more than a few challenges, then All for a Song is the read for you. (Rachel McMillan @rachkmc)

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.; Reprint edition (February 1, 2013)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1414366809
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1414366807
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 153 ratings

About the author

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Allison Pittman

Allison Pittman

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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!

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
153 global ratings
Described as new..
1 Star
Described as new..
The book was described as "New", but arrived with a ThriftBooks sticker, a Goodwill sticker, the remnants of another sticker on the front, and a "bookmark" inside. Very disappointed as this was a gift for my mother-in-law.
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Top reviews from the United States

Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging and Fresh - Wonderful Storytelling!
Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2013
Verified Purchase
Great storytelling from Pittman, both engaging and fresh! Pittman brings life to both her characters, the story and the time period. I eagerly poured over the pages, looking for hints as to the outcome of Dorothy Lynn's choices. Where would Dorothy Lynn end up? And with whom? Is she vainly chasing after the wind or is there a bigger purpose being served in all of this?

This is a story of faith, love, and hope. One where our heroine questions life, her purpose, her dreams and the desires that tug at her inside. She seems to be always hoping and eager for more; all the while craving the safety of the known world she lives in. As you progress through the story there are many interesting things to ponder. One good example being the choices we make or the paths we choose. Some paths seem to be clearly lite and some seem to be dark (right and wrong), however there are some paths that are not as easy to discern. When facing these multiple choices, what do we do? Do we pray and go to God's Word? Do we go where our desires are? The bible does say that the heart is deceitful. So what or in Whom do we trust?

We are gifted with abilities and talents but how we use them is part of what this story is about. We can be faced with choices that both seem to be good. Both can be used of the Lord. However, God knows the purpose He created us for. Is our longing from Him? Or is our longing pride wrapped up to look nice? These are all wonderful truths that this story pulls out to examine.

I have to say that I am still thinking about this story a day after finishing it. Thinking about not just the main characters but some secondary ones as well. I would love for this story to continue. I am starting Pittman's book, All for a Story next and wondering if any of these other characters will make an appearance! I would be delighted ... if not could there be another book?! May I just suggest - All for a Dance, has a nice ring to it!
4 1/2 Stars
2 people found this helpful
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Miranda Atchley
4.0 out of 5 stars An Emotional Story of the Roaring Twenties
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2018
Verified Purchase
What to say about a book like this? It’s been a long time since a novel stirred my heart the way All for a Song did, different portions affecting me in different ways. From the first page, this book defied my expectations and it was definitely not what I was expecting, in good ways, and sometimes in not very good ways. The subject matter is much more serious than I had anticipated, but at times the storyline was lighter than I thought it would be. I liked Dorothy Lynn Dunbar, as well as her family. I had mixed feelings about Brent; going into the book, I was expecting to not like him, that it would be revealed that he was not good for Dorothy Lynn, but that was not the case. I could. not. stand Roland. Ugh! I wish he had not dominated so much of the book because he got on my nerves so bad.

What I did enjoy about the book is the setting. I love the 1920s! And I also love the small town setting. Allison Pittman can write about small southern towns the way many authors can’t. Heron’s Nest reminds me of the places where my grandparents grew up in the ‘40s and ‘50s and reading about it reminded me of their stories. I liked that Dorothy Lynn was spunky but sweet and that even through her time of wandering, she still held faith in God and that she turned to Him when she made mistakes. And I love that at times we got a peek at Dorothy Lynn on the final day of her 107 years. I’ve always enjoyed reading stories like that; that switch between a person in their advanced age and their younger years. It was so sad to see how she had outlived those that she loved most and was left with people that seemed like little more than acquaintances to her. This is one of the reasons I felt like crying at the end of this book.

While All for a Song left me a little conflicted, I still think it was a well written novel and had moments that I loved. This is a book that I do believe will stick with me for quite some time.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
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PassionwithHeart
5.0 out of 5 stars Another stunning and poetic tale by Allison Pittman
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2013
Verified Purchase
All for a Song is a long awaited treasure that has proved to be much more than a stunning success! Allison Pittman is a master at her craft and I am in awe at how each book just gets better and better. When I read one of her books, I expect to be taken on an adventure, an adventure that will stir my heart and soul and leave me breathless. All for a Song does not disappoint in the least! Once again she has weaved together a story that more than touched my heart, but gave me a completely new outlook on life altogether. This reaction, I was not surprised at. She has a way of putting together simple words that create this beautiful, poetic tale that will no doubt leave you stunned. With the way Allison Pittman connects Dorothy Lynn's story, from when she was a young girl to an old woman is just marvelous. You will be touched by this character greatly, and perhaps even find bits and pieces of your own heart in the pages of this book. All for a Song is by far one of my favorite books from this author, and I highly recommend it.
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WRB
3.0 out of 5 stars Not what I expected ...
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2013
Verified Purchase
The author weaves the past with the present in a unique way. The story begins at the end of Dorothy Lynn's life at the age of 107, in the present time, but flips back to the Roaring Twenties when she is just 19. This was very cleverly done and I was easily submerged into this era with the descriptive writing and the historical details.

Unfortunately, the storyline fell flat for me. I found myself skimming through many pages, hoping it would get more interesting, but it just lacked any kind of real emotion and I never connected with the characters. On a positive note - the book has a strong message that deals with temptation, faith, forgiveness, and grace. Also, I must comment on the cover of the book - absolutely beautiful. I think that is what drew my attention to this book.

An interesting passage from the book: "Sometimes you need a good dose of what you don't want before you can know what you truly do."

This is the first book I've read by Allison Pittman and I found it to be rather disappointing, but I will try another.
4 people found this helpful
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