From the moment I saw this cover, I absolutely was drawn into the book. Honestly, I don't know why. For one thing, I know that we're not supposed to judge books for their covers (but clearly do not listen) and for another thing, I really have no interest at all in baseball. So, why this one appealed to me, I couldn't say... but I was intrigued nonetheless.

Lately, I've found that it's been much tougher for me to get into historical reads than it used to be. As such, as much as I was looking forward to reading this one, I did worry that I wouldn't be able to get into the story... I was actually really surprised at just how quickly it drew me in. I found myself really enjoying these sisters' and their family. While it was certainly a bit slower paced than the stories I'd been reading and enjoying most lately, and while it did take me a little bit to figure out who was who in the changing POV once I got it sorted in my brain I found myself really enjoying this story. Yes, baseball fans will really appreciate that aspect of the story, but more than anything this was a beautifully written story about family and growing up and one that I found I really enjoyed.

If you're looking for your next great historical read, this is certainly one worth checking out!

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.

Bravo! No pun intended, but Ms. Finkbeiner has hit a home run with her newest book, The All-American. With an original storyline, the author has blended two different historical events into one fantastic story of coming of age and family. Readers will be delighted by this thought-provoking story, full of nostalgia and what it means to be 'All-American'.

Set in Michigan, this layered story centers around both the Red scare and the women's professional baseball league of the early 1950's. Told from the point of view of two characters, Bertha and her younger sister Flossie. I went into the story thinking it was going to mostly tell Bertha's story, but was pleasantly surprised at how Flossie's point of view took over. With a twist near the end that I did not see coming, I felt a roller-coaster of emotions from the first page to the last.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Susie Finkbeiner knocks it out of the park in The All American, this will be my only baseball reference, mainly because I don’t really know too much about the subject. Which is fine since this novel has more than baseball, they face hardships, false accusations, starting over while never giving up on your dreams.

Sisters Bertha and Flossie Harding are both charming and I loved following their story. It wasn’t always easy for their family but their lives were filled with love, books and of course baseball.
I loved the finely crafted characters, the time period, and the story is perfectly paced. This is one of my favorite books this year.
I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

"The All-American" is a coming-of-age story set in 1952 in New York. The story actually has two points-of-view: 16-year-old Bertha, who wants to play baseball professionally, and her 11-year-old sister, Flossie, who's a drama-queen who loves to read. Frankly, it sometimes felt more like Flossie's story than Bertha's, especially as the epilogue only explained what happened to Flossie and not the rest of the family. Flossie kept making comparisons between her life, with all it's unexpected disappointments and unfairness, with the novels she reads. She doesn't like sad novels.

The characters were likable and came across as real people who might really have lived though those events. The historical details were woven into the story and vividly brought it alive in my imagination. The main themes were women's baseball and how being accused of Communist leanings affected individuals and communities.

Since this isn't a genre-typical story, I do rather wonder why talented-at-sports Bertha had to be portrayed as hopeless as a homemaker, even though she's trying. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this historical novel.

Emotional and well written. This book was a fantastic read, the characters were lively and fleshed out and the plot was interesting. The time that it was setting in also felt well researched and understood by the author. Overall, a very good book with fresh characters and a plot that kept me hooked.

5/5 stars.

Wow! This book is so good!

I'd never read this author before, but _The All-American_ definitely won't be my last. A wonderful introduction to her and her writing style!

Finkbeiner did a wonderful job at juxtaposing the two sisters' stories, and equally bringing both to life. I could relate so much to Flossie and her love of books (but perhaps not her love of performing, haha!), and Bertha's love of baseball (though as a viewer myself). And the history element was (sad and) fascinating. I love that more and more fiction books about the post-WWII/Cold War eras are being written/published; of course, I studied them in school, but fiction has a way of illustrating the time period in a much more interesting way than <ahem> textbooks, haha!

An excellent read, and a great reminder to me, too, that younger MCs can make for equally compelling reads as adult MCs.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This is an absorbing story of 2 sisters, Bertha and Florence (or Flossie) growing up in 1952 small town America. Bertha, the 16 year old, is level headed but from an early age has a dream of one day playing professional baseball in the all girls American league that has been operating for almost a decade. She's very good and matches it with the boys she plays with.

Flossie is a precocious 11 year old. At times, she acts a little younger than her age, but she is blunt and in your face in such a charming way that she's hard not to fall in love. Flossie has a lovely relationship with her dad, William Harding. Dad happens to be a very well known author with a number of bestselling books under his name. He spends most of his time writing in the shack in the backyard, inspired each day by a bust of Shakespeare watching over him. Dad is very restrained, mild-mannered and devoted to his daughters and their mother, Mam.

The Harding family's stable life is uprooted as a vengeful neighbour publicly accuses William of being a Communist. This makes the news and the family are effectively run out of their Bonaventure Park home. Fortunately, for them William's brother, Matthew lives alone in a big house about an hour's drive away and is happy to accommodate them.

Finkbeiner has a wonderful way of writing an engrossing story when not a lot happens. It's very much character-driven and the manner in which the various characters interact with each other keeps you turning pages. These are tremendously drawn characters, all very realistic in their portrayals.

I enjoyed the baseball scenes, not just the games, but pre-and post-game interactions between the various players. Once again, very realistic and absorbing.

But it's Flossie who will linger long in the memory. She's such a character, playful, loves hard and has a fun sense of humour. Her willingness to learn, to sit with her Dad and listen to his restrained wisdom and insight is beautiful to behold. I especially enjoyed how Flossie closed the story with a snippet of her in the future.

I was fortunate to receive an early ebook copy of the story from Revell via NetGalley. This had no bearing on my review.

The All-American was pure pull on your heartstrings enjoyment! It’s my first novel by Susie Finkbeiner and won’t be my last. She completely drew me into 1950’s Michigan when baseball was king and the Red Scare was at its height. Through the delightful narration of the two young Harding sisters, we experience their highs and lows in this heartfelt coming of age story.

Sixteen year old Bertha Harding’s classmates all dream of dating and marrying, but Bertha loves baseball. She plays with the boys and writes to a famous pitcher for the Sweet Peas, part of the All-American Girls Softball League. When her friend Leo begins to take an interest in her, she begins to awaken to the idea of first love.

Flossie’s eleven years old going on twelve, a bit small for her age, and a complete bookworm. As she struggles to find friends who appreciate her intelligence and wit, she finds comfort in her family and books. When her famous writer father is accused by a neighbor of being part of the Communist Party during the House Un-American Activities Committee hearings, the whole family’s world is turned upside down.

Facing threats, ostracism, and financial ruin, the family moves to the small town of Bear Run and stays with shy, Uncle Matthew. It’s the opportunity for second chances, new friends, and a tryout for the Sweet Peas softball team. But, when tragedy strikes, will their dreams survive?

I absolutely adored Bertha and Flossie! Their POV’s were so fun to read. I highly recommend the audiobook because the narrators do a fantastic job bringing both of these girls to life. The Harding sisters and their family are so charming from their proper English mother to the creative, fun-loving father, and caring older brother Chip. I loved getting to know them all including the quiet Uncle Matthew. Also loved Bertha’s loyal friend Leo.

Bertha shares her nostalgic view of 1950’s American baseball complete with CrackerJacks, Coca-Cola, and hotdogs. Flo shares her love of classic literature including Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, and even the Catcher in the Rye. I loved her take on Shakespeare.

It’s a fantastic juxtaposition of what it is to be quintessentially American with the Salem Witch Trial-like atmosphere of the Red Scare. The ending was at once tragic and hopeful. I loved the inspirational messages of faith subtly woven throughout the story. Definitely recommend to historical and Christian fiction fans. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are completely my own and voluntarily given.

I loved the Harding family. Flossie was a hoot who said almost everything that popped into her head. Bertha’s passion for baseball and genuine confusion about household tasks were also entertaining.

What I enjoyed most of all were the lessons this family learned during the novel. Ms. Finkbeiner did a great job of showing readers a peek into their family.

The All-American will remind readers that not all stories have happy endings. Bad times are as necessary for our growth as the good ones.

I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publisher through NetGalley and the Revell Reads program; a positive review was not required.

With a stunning cover which could not but drew my attention to pick up this story, I enjoyed my introduction to this author’s work. The POV from Flossie and Bertha was entertaining.

I did not expect the story to be from the POV of a teenager and almost teenager, but it made the story different, realistic, and emotional.

Flossie was a vibrant, innocent, and energetic character and loved the ending!

Through these two sisters, the readers will experience hope, fear, loss, and happy endings.

This one really appealed to me with the baseball element as I am a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. This book combines two of my favorites-Bertha loves baseball and Flossie loves books. These two characters made this quite an enjoyable read for me. The story moves well and intrigued me from the very beginning. My only complaint is I would have liked more in the epilogue about the different characters then just the couple of characters mentioned. Great read!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher but also purchased my own paperback and audio copies. All thoughts are my own.

Having recently finished “The All-American” by Susie Finkbeiner, I am happy to have had the chance for the Advanced Reader’s Edition e-copy; thank you NetGalley and Revell.

For me, this book was all about the baseball glove on the cover, initially. It quickly became a coming of age story of sisters, their interests, their dad, and the changes their tight-knit family endured during a tumultuous time.
Each of the five parts of the story began with a memorable excerpt from one of their dad's novels. Such a unique and powerful way to connect his stories and wisdom to theirs. And, all the daisies! They were fun to find scattered throughout this heart-warming story, from the dedication, straight through to the final pitch.
🌼❤️🌼

"Maybe it was more important to be a good daughter than a good American."

The All American by Susie Finkbeiner is fantastic feel-good historical fiction. The setting is Detroit, Michigan, the year, 1952. A Best Selling "All American" author/father, a teenage girl/daughter with dreams of playing the All American sport, Baseball. Susie paints beautiful word pictures with fantastic descriptions and uses verbiage authentic to the decade. With fabulous family dynamics and friend relationships mixed in with the political tension of the era. Susie knocks it out of the park with this book, but it's not without a few balls to keep it interesting! Truly, a home run book⚾️ 📕❤️

Susie Finkbeiner's new release is a home run bursting with baseball, apple pie, and family. The year is 1952. Bertha and Flossie Harding are sisters with very different interests. Their father William S. Harding has been heralded as an All-American writer. Their mother Louisa is from Great Britain. While Bertha has her sights set on playing baseball with the Worthington Sweet Peas in the All-American Girls Baseball League, Flossie would absolutely love to be on stage -- Shakespeare, if possible. The Harding family will warm your heart and have you reaching for your tissues. I absolutely adored this book and will most definitely be seeking out more books by Susie Finkbeiner. Question for those who have already enjoyed this book: did you visualize Tom Hanks from "A League of Their Own" when you were reading about JuJu, the Sweet Peas manager?

Thank you to Revell and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

No matter what twentieth century decade Susie Finkbeiner sets her midwest novels in, I instantly feel at home. And if the words all American, bring to mind baseball and family, you will feel the same when you read THE ALL-AMERICAN set in small town Michigan during the early 1950's. Sisters Bertha and Flossie could not be more different, one tiny, shy, impulsive with her nose always in a book and the other a tom boy who has played baseball with the boys since she was in elementary school. Now a teenager Bertha has discovered that Leo, a fellow ball player, just might mean more to her than the other teammates. From the first pages I chuckled as I read the baseball scene. As a kid, I was more of a Flossie, but I always wanted to be a Bertha because my brother, my only sibling, was a talented player. Every spring I was sure that I'd finally be able to connect with the ball solidly. I finally did a couple times, but unfortunately it was my nose, not the bat that connected with the hardball. But back to the story, Finkbeiner carefully crafts the light-hearted opening, then takes a serious turn as a false accusation against their father causes the family to leave their hometown for the safety of their uncle's rural home. Thanks Susie Finkbeiner for this awesome read. You've hit another home run! I received a copy of this novel from Netgalley. All opinions are mine.

Susie Finkbeiner‘s books are unique. The All-American is the third one I have read by her, and every time, I’ve come away saying, “That was a good book – but what was the plot?” She has a way of drawing her readers in and creating a memorable book, without a clear end point to the plot.
In Michigan in 1952, all the high school girls dream of and prepare for getting married as soon as possible. Bertha has no interest in that. All she dreams of is baseball. She lives and breathes baseball and spends her spare time playing the game with the local boys. When the opportunity arises to join the girls’ team, the Sweet Peas, she knows this is where she belongs. But then life changes suddenly.
Bertha’s father, a famous author, is accused of being a member of the Communist party.  When the family is shunned and mistreated, they escape secretly to a small town some distance away, where no one knows them except shy Uncle Matt. There, Bertha and her younger sister, Flossie, who is only interested in reading, build their lives all over again.
All the way through The All-American, the point of view shifts back and forth between Bertha and Flossie. It’s quite interesting to see each event from each girl’s perspective. The family dynamics are interesting to read about, as well. I have never read a book that had to do with the investigations of the House Un-American Activities Committee and their hunt for communists in the United States, and it was rather unreal to see how neighbors and friends turned on each other. I really enjoyed this book—although, as I said already, there wasn’t much of a plot. It’s more of a psychological story, about what happened inside the girls and their family throughout the year.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
WARNING: There was a lot more language than I am used to in Christian fiction. Words that were repeated over and over are: doggone, darn, gosh, golly, gee whiz, heck, dickens. A baby’s death is described, and a man is killed in an accident. There is also a scene in which bricks are thrown through a window at night.

Title: The All-American


Author: Susie Finkbeiner


Ch: 63 plus epilogue


Pg: 368

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction


Rating: 5 stars


Publisher: Revell

As soon as I saw The All-American by Susie Finkbeiner, I knew I had to read it. I love all things baseball and one of my favorite movies is A League of Their Own. So, a book I that included The All-American Girls baseball league was right up my alley. And I wasn’t disappointed. I loved every minute of the book. From the lesser-known aspects of American history I sure didn’t learn about the Red Scare in my high school history class. As well as the closeness between the sisters Flossie and Bertha despite the age difference.


I found myself relating to both sisters though with Flossie it was her reading that I related to. With Bertha wanting to play baseball and the whole having to be better than the boys as that hasn’t really changed. And if my high school has had a home economics class, I would have definitely failed it.


But as a reader book lover and library assistant I know that the real hero of the book was Mrs. Maxwell the town librarian the way she stood up to bullies both the boys and the book banners she’s a real hero. And she did remind me of my own elementary school librarian.


The All-American was my first Susie Finkbeiner book but it will not be my last.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

"The All-American" is the superb tale of two girls, Bertha, age 16, and Flossie, age 12, in 1952 Michigan. Bertha is failing at all the "womanly arts" all her friends are succeeding in. She would rather be on the ball field with the boys than in Home Ec mastering pie crusts. She dreams of playing for the Sweet Peas as part of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Flossie is a percocious bookworm that longs for a friend. Their world seems to come crashing down when their father, a prominent author, is accused of being a Communist by a neighbor. They are forced to flee their home while trying to prove his innocence to live with their Uncle Matthew, a reclusive bachelor in the backwoods of Michigan. However, this move becomes the chance for Bertha and Flossie to make their dreams come true.

This novel will keep riveted until the very last page. Bertha and Flossie are wonderfully complex characters as they navigate the difficulties of the teenage years. Even the background characters add beautiful depth and sophistication to the book. Finkbeiner does a marvelous job of world building between the experiences of the fear of Communism and the world of Woman's baseball. The novel is an amazing snapshot of the complicated reality of a time that is too often misportrayed as "simple."

Without a doubt, "The All-American" is one of the best releases of this year. I received an advanced reader copy as part of the Revell Reads blogger team. All opinions expressed are my own.

I've loved Susie's books since her first one, Paint Chips, came out so of course I knew I'd love it! I didn't read too much about it ahead of time, only knowing it was about The All American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) (Yes, like "A League of Their Own") and I was in! I didn't expect the tie in with Detroit's Red Scare in 1952 which was a fascinating add. I also didn't expect to love the family as much as I did, especially Flossie, the youngest in the family, who has a story of her own to tell. I read this book in less than 24 hours, and loved it so much.

*4.5 stars rounded up. This is my first taste of Susie Finkbeiner's writing and I am totally hooked. Her latest story is set in the Detroit suburbs in 1952 and features the Hardings, a warm, loving, close-knit family. William, the father, is a successful author, often compared to Steinbeck. The mother, Louisa, is an English immigrant who keeps the family and household humming along. They have three kids: the oldest, Patrick, is married to Peggy; then there's Bertha whose big dream is to play baseball; and finally there's Florence, who is 12, a big reader, and quite the outspoken chatterbox. Is that why she has few friends? She is that kid who gets picked on in school.

The story is told by Bert and Flossie, in alternating chapters. Things begin to fall apart rapidly for the family when their father is named as a Communist party member by a neighbor. When the very safety of the family is threatened, they move to live with Uncle Matt in northern Michigan.

The term 'all-American' can have many meanings. What comes to mind immediately is the jingle 'baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet' but Finkbeiner explores other meanings in her rich and evocative story. The Red Scare was a dark moment in our country's history which brought out the worst in some people. Finkbeiner's characters are so real, as are the misfortunes that come their way but their faith and love seem to help them cope.

This was a trip down memory lane for me. Having grown up in a Detroit suburb in that era myself, I felt right at home with these characters. They could have been my own neighbors but I hope we wouldn't have treated them so badly. I was a big Tigers baseball fan and all the neighborhood kids played ball together on a vacant lot--no sexual discrimination there! And most of the books Flossie reads and enjoys, such as Anne of Green Gables, Jane Eyre, Little Women, and of course, Nancy Drew, were my very own favorites. So many sweet memories!

I received an arc of this new novel from the author and publisher via NetGalley. Many thanks for the opportunity. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own. I'll look forward to reading more of this author's work.