Allison Pittman ~ Interview + Giveaway!

**I have recently changed the rules for entering my giveaways and there are new ways to earn extra entries, so be sure to read that section at the bottom of this post. =)**

Today author Allison Pittman is telling us about her new book, The Bridegrooms. She has offered an autographed copy of her book to one lucky commenter. She will also be stopping by throughout the week to answer your questions! So if you have anything you want to ask her, you can include it in your comment for entering the contest. If you are only leaving a question in the comment and not entering the giveaway please say so.

Welcome, Allison! Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a writer, and a mom to 3 great boys, and a wife to the best guy in the world. Obsessions include Gilmore Girls, facebook, Dateline and DinsneyWorld.

How long have you been writing? How many books do you have published?
I’ve been writing full time for about 5 years. The Bridegrooms is my 5th novel, and I have another great little book called Saturdays with Stella.

If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be? Also, how would you rate the romance in you books?
My writing style? Hmm… that might be a better question to ask readers! But, I’ll go optimistic and say that I compare to Lynn Austin (only because she’s my favorite!) As for romance rating…I love the tension that comes with unresolved consuming passion, so a lot of my romance happens in the characters’ heads, rather than with their bodies. I will say, though, that the Bridegrooms runs a little more PG than my other books…several passionate kisses and some compromising situations.

In your own words tell us a little about The Bridegrooms.
The Bridegrooms tells the story of the 4 Allenhouse sisters, led by the eldest, Vada, and their quests for romance and marriage. I like to think of it as what would happen if Jane Austen had a shot at writing a modern-day sit-com set in 1895. It’s a much more whimsical, light, fun story than my earlier works.

Blurb:

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.

What made you want to write this story?
It was such a small thing…when I was researching for Stealing Home, I came across this team called The Bridegrooms. (they eventually became the Dodgers) And I just thought “cool.” Then, I had an idea of a “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” type of story, but couldn’t quite fall in love with that. I wanted a story about a strong woman, and one that takes into account the healthy romantic passion a woman feels when she is in love, as well as how even good women can be derailed.

What research did you have to do for this book?
I had to be sure to set the story in a time when these two teams (the Bridegrooms and the Cleveland Spiders) actually played a series of games. I also touch on the Suffragette movement. Most fun, though, was studying turn-of-the century Cleveland. They had the first indoor shopping mall. What could be more girly than that!

What are you working on now or going to write next?
I’m working on the final book in my “baseball” books…moving into 1925—the romance between a flapper and a WWI vet. Also, in October, I have a book releasing called For Time and Eternity which deals with the issue of polygamy in the early Mormon church.

How can readers get in contact with you?
They can email me through my website (www.allisonpittman.com) – plus, I connect with a lot of readers on facebook.

What are you currently reading?
I’m reading Until We Reach Home by Lynn Austin—loving it! I’m also reading Alice, which tells the fictional story of the girl (now, woman) who inspired Lewis Carrol’s story. ‘meh? Not so great…I’m giving it 20 more pages.

Tell us something surprising about yourself that readers may not know.
I’m so boring! I’ve never touched a fish.

If you could be any animal, which would you choose? Why?
Not a fish! I’d want to be my dog, Stella. Her life is pretty good.

FAVORITES:

Color?
green

Childhood memory?
Riding my bike everywhere! Just hop on Saturday morning and ride all over post (we lived on an army post)…especially to the school playground to play hopscotch for, like, 4 hours.

Era to write about?
Loving the 1920’s!

What is/was this book’s release date?
April 13, 2010

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**USA residents only, please**

Okay readers, here is your chance to win an autographed copy of The Bridegrooms!


TO ENTER:

*Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win). The comment is mandatory. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment.

*If you leave a comment you will be entered unless you specify that you would not like to be entered.

*Here are the ways to get entries:

(First entry) The mandatory comment saying you would like to be entered with your email address.

+1 Become one of my followers OR subscribe to my blog by email.

+2 Read and leave a comment on one of my recent book reviews.

**You can earn a total of 4 entries if you do all of the above requirements. Make sure to tell me in your entry comment on this post which of the things you did to get extra entries.**

*The contest will run from today (May 24) until 6:00 CST on Thursday (May 27). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner on Friday the 28th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner.

Good luck! Thanks for visiting.