The year is 1952 and the Harding family is living in a suburb of Detroit. Sixteen-year-old Bertha is admittedly a failure at all domestic chores. She excels at playing baseball. Her eleven-year-old sister, Flossie, is considered odd by her classmates. She has tried to make friends, but all attempts have failed. Books play a very important part in her life. The Harding's are a close-knit family, just trying to live a good life. A vicious lie, in the form of an accusation that the father is a Communist, upends their life. Fearing for their lives, the family moves to a remote town where they are not known. It is there that their lives change in ways they never expected.
The story is alternately told in the voices of Bertha and Flossie. They are so well depicted that readers will come to know them quite well. The entire family is basically shunned once the accusation is made, and each member has to find their own way to cope, and this is when the strength of this family becomes evident. It is in their new surroundings that Bertha is given the opportunity to try out for a woman's baseball team and where Flossie finds a friend. There are new possibilities and a hope for a better future.

This is a beautifully told story that is ultimately about the power of family. All the characters are three dimensional, but it is Flossie who makes the biggest impact. Bright, outspoken and perhaps precocious-she steals the show. Engrossing and packed with emotion, this book is well worth reading. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I just finished reading The All American by Susie Finkbeiner. I will say that I was not anxious to start this novel because I just didn’t think the synopsis showed that it would be a book that I would enjoy. I was SO wrong on all counts.

This is a terrific novel, easy to read and so interesting. Taking place in the McCarthy Era of seeing a Communist around every corner, this novel brought the real politics of the era to the forefront for me.

The characters in the Harding family were so realistic that I could see myself in that family. Each character brought different qualities to the novel and each one kept me reading long into the night.

Because A League of Their Own was partially filmed in my hometown in Indiana, I enjoyed the idea of a girls’ baseball team. These teams were very in vogue during the Second World War and people came from miles around to watch their games. While the Girls’ Baseball Clubs weren’t around for very long, their games provided much needed entertainment to the public during a very trying time.

I was also glad to see that the House Un-American Activities Committee were not very successful in hunting out suspected Communists in our towns, but dix make ordinary citizens suspicious of their neighbors, sometimes to dire consequences.

Ms. Finkbeiner is a fantastic writer and I will definitely be reading her other books. I was so excited about this book that I can’t wait to open the covers of her other books.

Oh my goodness! This should be a must read for this year. I love the way Susie Finkbeiner transports us back in time to when life was simpler and families loved each other and stayed together through thick and thin. I loved the way the story went back and forth between the two sisters and how different they were. But, through it all, they were family first and that was my favorite part of this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This was my first Susie Finkbeiner novel, and the story hooked me right away. I felt invested in the Harding family, cheering them on and sympathizing with them in their hard times. I would definitely recommend this book if you enjoy small towns, baseball, and a look at what it means to be family.

(My only critique is that the ending felt abrupt. I was hoping for a bit more, but it was still an excellent novel!)

I’m a big fan of this author. This is a good book, but not one of my favorites by her. The subject matter was refreshing. But some of the dialog, especially in the first half, that was meant to reflect the language of the 1950’s came off a little childish at times. Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

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.