All for a Story by Allison Pittman

Overview: Monica Bisbaine loves being a modern girl in the Roaring Twenties. Her job as a gossip writer takes her to the best speakeasies in Washington, DC, where she can dance the night away—and find fodder for her next column.

Max Moore may hold the title of editor-in-chief for evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson’s magazine, but Aimee calls all the shots. So when Max inherits his uncle’s tabloid newspaper, he heads to DC, determined to revamp the Capitol Chatter with positive, uplifting stories. His new staff is skeptical, especially one Monica Bisbaine. Max isn’t sure whether he and Monica can work together, but one thing is certain: she’s the most fascinating female he’s ever encountered.

Monica is willing to give Max’s ideas a try. But she’s not prepared for the way Max’s challenges—and his uncomplicated faith—threaten to unravel the very fabric of her life.

ISBN-13: 9781414366814

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Publication date: 10/1/2013

Series: All For Series , #2

Pages: 384

Read my review of All for a Song

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My Review: I was a little disappointed with this story. While the plot was interesting and the dialogue was humorous at times, I feel like the ending was kind of rushed. I wished for more time to develop Monica's faith and Max's place in her life. That being said, I did enjoy the story overall. 

Monica Bisbaine is a rare character in the Christian fiction world. Most books I've read, at least lately, focus on the guy being the one that's "loose" and "fast," but not this one. I liked that the author did not try to sugar coat Monica's lifestyle and her choices. I also enjoyed Max Moore's character. He was written with the mind of a real life man. The author didn't try to gloss over his imperfections and his human nature, in favor of making Max a "larger than life" hero, which I truly appreciate. It makes the characters easier to relate to.

The theme, I think, was based on Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." The author does a good job of bringing this point home, especially in Monica's life. We can see, throughout the story, her mind slowly but surely changing. 

Despite the fact that I feel the ending was a little rushed, I appreciate the author not wrapping everything up in a neat little package, but giving us enough of a hint to know what would eventually happen. It gives the story a more realistic feel. Overall, I enjoyed the story and will definitely be reading more by this fabulous author!

About the Author: Award-winning author Allison Pittman has penned more than twelve novels, including her series set in the Roaring Twenties—All for a Song, All For a Story, and All for a Sister. Allison resides in San Antonio, Texas, with her husband, Mike, their three sons, and the canine star of the family—Stella.

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