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Vinnie's Diner
Something big and black crashes against the windshield, and an explosion rocks the car. Turn into the skid!
I
see a flash and something in front of me. Something tall with black
material flapping around it like the tail ends of an old-fashioned
duster. Long, straw-colored hair. A scraggily goatee. A man? What’s a
man doing at the side of the road in the middle of nowhere? Why’s he
just standing there? Why doesn’t he get out of the way? I yank the wheel
back the other way, and the car swerves around him.
And heads straight off the road.
When
the world stops bouncing and the car settles, I try to keep my eyes
focused, but everything blurs around the edges. The waves ebb, and I
hear a crunching sound, like boots on gravel. Straining to see, I barely
make out . . . What is that? A flag? No, it’s that flapping black
material. I think it’s the man I swerved to miss.
A sweet, melodious voice makes its way through the undulating roar in my ears. “Let me help you.”
Help. Yes, I need help.
I
see a flash and something in front of me. Something tall with black
material flapping around it like the tail ends of an old-fashioned
duster. Long, straw-colored hair. A scraggily goatee. A man? What’s a
man doing at the side of the road in the middle of nowhere? Why’s he
just standing there? Why doesn’t he get out of the way? I yank the wheel
back the other way, and the car swerves around him.
And heads straight off the road.
When
the world stops bouncing and the car settles, I try to keep my eyes
focused, but everything blurs around the edges. The waves ebb, and I
hear a crunching sound, like boots on gravel. Straining to see, I barely
make out . . . What is that? A flag? No, it’s that flapping black
material. I think it’s the man I swerved to miss.
A sweet, melodious voice makes its way through the undulating roar in my ears. “Let me help you.”
Help. Yes, I need help.
299 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2015
16 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer AlLee
33 books153 followersJennifer AlLee was born in Hollywood, California, and spent the first 10 years of her life living over a mortuary one block away from Hollywood and Vine. An avid reader and writer, she completed her first novel in high school. That manuscript is now safely tucked away, never to see the light of day again.
She has worked in numerous fields, including as a church secretary and as an administrative assistant at a cable company, but wherever she works, writing always becomes part of the job description.
Her first novel was published in 2007. Since then, she's published 11 novels and quite a few novellas with five different publishing houses. While she's thrilled to be living her dream as author, Jennifer considers raising her amazing son to be her biggest creative achievement.
She lives in southern Nevada with her husband, Nic, who is a hunky Englishman and the best cabbie in Las Vegas.
She has worked in numerous fields, including as a church secretary and as an administrative assistant at a cable company, but wherever she works, writing always becomes part of the job description.
Her first novel was published in 2007. Since then, she's published 11 novels and quite a few novellas with five different publishing houses. While she's thrilled to be living her dream as author, Jennifer considers raising her amazing son to be her biggest creative achievement.
She lives in southern Nevada with her husband, Nic, who is a hunky Englishman and the best cabbie in Las Vegas.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 23, 2015
Wanting to win the grand prize money for her Aunty's medical bills, Allie decides to hit the road and enter a trivia contest in LA. Growing up Allie learned more unknown and useless facts than anybody as she spent more time with her Aunt Bobbie whom was a trivia buff. On her way to the contest, Allie has a car accident and she finds herself rescued and taken to a diner known as Vinnie's Diner. This diner though , seems normal from the outside but on the inside things are a bit odd as the people inside the diner remind her of the past - of old writers, celebrities and inventors. The waitress is called Norma Jean - getting the hint ? . Turns out that Vinnie's Diner is almost like a purgatory stop and that Vinnie has been sent by God to show Allie about her past and to help her come to the decision of which road she will want to take ? This was a really fun novel and reminded me of the christian film - The Encounter where a group of cars get stranded in a storm and have to take refuge in a diner only to discover that the owner of the diner is in fact a representation of God and the bad cop is a representation of the Devil or in the case of Vinnie's Diner - the bad guy is known as Ba'al and God is known as Joe. The other show that the book reminded me was of the episode on NCIS where Gibbs was shot and he went to the Diner and was faced with people from his past which is what Allie is faced with but in photos and memories as she is presented with a treasure chest filled with baggage that she must get through and resolve before she can leave and make the decision to leave the earthly world or stay behind and live her life.
This is one book that readers will not be able to put down and it also gives readers the insight and wondering of if you were to die tomorrow, who would be in your past and would you still be holding onto unresolved baggage and issues ?
Find out in Jennifer Allee's new book "Vinnie's Diner".
This is one book that readers will not be able to put down and it also gives readers the insight and wondering of if you were to die tomorrow, who would be in your past and would you still be holding onto unresolved baggage and issues ?
Find out in Jennifer Allee's new book "Vinnie's Diner".
October 23, 2015
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
When a freak accident leaves Allie stranded in the middle of the desert, she s thankful to still be alive. Or is she? She s rescued from the wreck by Vinnie, owner of a roadside establishment filled with people who shouldn t be there. Or is it Allie who doesn t belong? Standing at the window, she recalls important events from her past and watches as EMTs pull her own body from her mangled vehicle. Suddenly, it becomes clear this is no ordinary pit stop. In Vinnie s Diner, Allie embarks on a harrowing journey of self-discovery, literally facing her demons and making the ultimate decision between life and death.
I had mixed feelings about this book - on one hand, there is a very interesting story (and moral) built into it. There is a great message for all people reading this (a friend of mine read it and got a completely different meaning from the messages, which is cool!) The characters are pretty well-rounded and the plot itself was above average.
The problem I had was the pacing. The first half of the book (roughly), meeting everyone at the diner, felt a little too much like You Know They Got A Hell of a Band by Stephen King (if you have ever read it then you will see the comparison) but it was slow and felt like it took too long to set up the story. The second half almost happened in a flash and it felt a little rushed and could have used just a little more time to develop totally.
In all, a pretty decent novel and, if you like something just a little different in your fiction, then give this a go!
Paul
ARH
When a freak accident leaves Allie stranded in the middle of the desert, she s thankful to still be alive. Or is she? She s rescued from the wreck by Vinnie, owner of a roadside establishment filled with people who shouldn t be there. Or is it Allie who doesn t belong? Standing at the window, she recalls important events from her past and watches as EMTs pull her own body from her mangled vehicle. Suddenly, it becomes clear this is no ordinary pit stop. In Vinnie s Diner, Allie embarks on a harrowing journey of self-discovery, literally facing her demons and making the ultimate decision between life and death.
I had mixed feelings about this book - on one hand, there is a very interesting story (and moral) built into it. There is a great message for all people reading this (a friend of mine read it and got a completely different meaning from the messages, which is cool!) The characters are pretty well-rounded and the plot itself was above average.
The problem I had was the pacing. The first half of the book (roughly), meeting everyone at the diner, felt a little too much like You Know They Got A Hell of a Band by Stephen King (if you have ever read it then you will see the comparison) but it was slow and felt like it took too long to set up the story. The second half almost happened in a flash and it felt a little rushed and could have used just a little more time to develop totally.
In all, a pretty decent novel and, if you like something just a little different in your fiction, then give this a go!
Paul
ARH
August 5, 2015
On her way to a trivia championship she's anxious to participate in, Allie has an accident. What happens next turns out to be more than a matter of life or death.
I don't know how many facial expressions I made while reading this engrossing novel. Wow. I've known people who were in comas, and I always wondered what they were experiencing as friends and family prayed for their recovery. I realize this is fiction, but I'd like to advise readers to take the story seriously. Angels are real. Demons are real. God is not dead. Jesus lives.
Jennifer Allee deals with serious issues, showing how dysfunctional some families can be, how holding on to past hurts can destroy lives, and how some who call themselves Christians have no light but are still in the darkness. According to the Bible, how can a Christian be recognized? Matthew 7:15-20 has the answer.
Vinnie's Diner is a must read for Christians and non-Christians, teens (there are important messages for young ladies, in particular) and parents. If this book isn't in every high school and public library and bookstore nationwide, it should be. Very well-written.
I don't know how many facial expressions I made while reading this engrossing novel. Wow. I've known people who were in comas, and I always wondered what they were experiencing as friends and family prayed for their recovery. I realize this is fiction, but I'd like to advise readers to take the story seriously. Angels are real. Demons are real. God is not dead. Jesus lives.
Jennifer Allee deals with serious issues, showing how dysfunctional some families can be, how holding on to past hurts can destroy lives, and how some who call themselves Christians have no light but are still in the darkness. According to the Bible, how can a Christian be recognized? Matthew 7:15-20 has the answer.
Vinnie's Diner is a must read for Christians and non-Christians, teens (there are important messages for young ladies, in particular) and parents. If this book isn't in every high school and public library and bookstore nationwide, it should be. Very well-written.
March 20, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Full review coming!
This book was so enjoyable. It's not a very long book, and I finished the majority of it in one sitting (that and I couldn't bear the thought of putting it down without finishing it...I kept saying "One more chapter. Just one more chapter" over and over again, and finally I realized I had almost finished the thing). Sure, I spent the better part of the day completely engrossed in this book, and the beautifully created story that lies within, but I regret nothing!
Full review coming!
This book was so enjoyable. It's not a very long book, and I finished the majority of it in one sitting (that and I couldn't bear the thought of putting it down without finishing it...I kept saying "One more chapter. Just one more chapter" over and over again, and finally I realized I had almost finished the thing). Sure, I spent the better part of the day completely engrossed in this book, and the beautifully created story that lies within, but I regret nothing!
September 13, 2015
This was a really good book. Totally different from what I thought it was going to be. "Choose Life"
April 27, 2020
It’s very much like A Christian movie, The Encounter. One bitter, sarcastic
young lady has a bad car accident, and her guardian angel leads her in deciding whether she will choose to live or die. The ending was very abrupt.
young lady has a bad car accident, and her guardian angel leads her in deciding whether she will choose to live or die. The ending was very abrupt.
March 14, 2019
Enjoyable
Fun read. Interesting concept. Enjoyed the characters. Well written and fast paced. A nice Christian novel, nice ending as well.
Fun read. Interesting concept. Enjoyed the characters. Well written and fast paced. A nice Christian novel, nice ending as well.
May 13, 2021
This was a really unique story with a great message and amazing heart. I loved it.
August 30, 2015
Jennifer Allee gives us another wonderful story that is heart warming and so very real to true life. In our story a young woman, Alexandria, is in a terrible car accident. She is rescued by a man named Vinnie, who pulls her out of the car and walks her across the road to his dinner. When they reach the diner Allie is in for the surprise of her life.
Allie is a trivia buff and she had been on her way to a Trivia Context in Las Vegas when she had her accident. When she gets to the diner she is taken back by the people that are in the diner. They all seem to resemble people from history, famous people whom she knows because of her studies of trivia. But why are they here.
Then there is Vinnie, he is warm, caring, gentle and such a Good Samaritan. He has taken care with Allie to pull her to safety and now brought her to his diner so that she can have something to drink, sit and relax and regain her strength.
But really what is all this? Bottom line is that Allie is in a place where all the people there have died and shouldn't be anywhere near Allie or this diner. So, why are they here? That is the question of the story.
Allie is facing a test, a test about her faith in God and how she has viewed him poorly because of the bad things that have happened in her life.
This book is one of those stories of a person who meets Jesus and comes to terms with her life's turmoils and struggles and discovers that she has to make a decision. Will she accept God for who He is or will she choose to ignore him and let her life spiral down to the depths of hell?
The story is well written, the characters are developed superbly and the plot is so interesting that you won't just read and enjoy, but you will stop and contemplate the truths that are being expressed. You will find yourself examining your beliefs in God and why it should make a difference in your life.
I believe that this book would be best to be read as part of a book club so that you can sit and talk about the story line, the truths detailed and how they are affecting you.
What a wonderful book.
Enjoy!
Allie is a trivia buff and she had been on her way to a Trivia Context in Las Vegas when she had her accident. When she gets to the diner she is taken back by the people that are in the diner. They all seem to resemble people from history, famous people whom she knows because of her studies of trivia. But why are they here.
Then there is Vinnie, he is warm, caring, gentle and such a Good Samaritan. He has taken care with Allie to pull her to safety and now brought her to his diner so that she can have something to drink, sit and relax and regain her strength.
But really what is all this? Bottom line is that Allie is in a place where all the people there have died and shouldn't be anywhere near Allie or this diner. So, why are they here? That is the question of the story.
Allie is facing a test, a test about her faith in God and how she has viewed him poorly because of the bad things that have happened in her life.
This book is one of those stories of a person who meets Jesus and comes to terms with her life's turmoils and struggles and discovers that she has to make a decision. Will she accept God for who He is or will she choose to ignore him and let her life spiral down to the depths of hell?
The story is well written, the characters are developed superbly and the plot is so interesting that you won't just read and enjoy, but you will stop and contemplate the truths that are being expressed. You will find yourself examining your beliefs in God and why it should make a difference in your life.
I believe that this book would be best to be read as part of a book club so that you can sit and talk about the story line, the truths detailed and how they are affecting you.
What a wonderful book.
Enjoy!
June 25, 2015
Vinnie’s Diner is one of those books that I really don’t know how to describe. You know that print of James Dean, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley in a late night diner? That’s what I was reminded of during the first half of this book. It read like a cross between that print and A Christmas Carol. Later, I was reminded of – and I’m showing my ‘geekiness’ here – a scene in an episode of Stargate: SG-1 where good battles evil, also in a diner. That first half was weirdly interesting. The appearance of famous people – including Judy Garland, Elvis, Marilyn, Mark Twain, and even Lassie – was bizarre. Thankfully, it wasn’t enough to make me throw my e-reader across the room, mainly because I expected there had to be something more. Not even the scenes from Allie’s life could make this part serious enough for me.
I found the second half of the book dramatically different. Everything changed in an instant. The famous dead people became minor background players. Allie’s insecurities emerged, as did the major two reasons for them. I discovered what contributed to her personality, and what her loved ones had experienced in order for them to impact her life as they did. Since her closest relatives are women, and since almost everything bad that happened to them was done by men, I’m surprised none of them became screaming feminists! But seriously, here is where the battle for Allie’s soul takes place. Vinnie from the diner represents good, and evil is represented by someone described as being like Keanu Reeves in The Matrix. Ultimately, it’s up to Allie to decide in which direction she wants to go.
And from there, I’m sure you can guess the ending.
Thank you to Abingdon Press for my complimentary copy of Vinnie’s Diner, which I downloaded from NetGalley. No review was required.
I found the second half of the book dramatically different. Everything changed in an instant. The famous dead people became minor background players. Allie’s insecurities emerged, as did the major two reasons for them. I discovered what contributed to her personality, and what her loved ones had experienced in order for them to impact her life as they did. Since her closest relatives are women, and since almost everything bad that happened to them was done by men, I’m surprised none of them became screaming feminists! But seriously, here is where the battle for Allie’s soul takes place. Vinnie from the diner represents good, and evil is represented by someone described as being like Keanu Reeves in The Matrix. Ultimately, it’s up to Allie to decide in which direction she wants to go.
And from there, I’m sure you can guess the ending.
Thank you to Abingdon Press for my complimentary copy of Vinnie’s Diner, which I downloaded from NetGalley. No review was required.
January 10, 2016
Something big and black crashes against the windshield, and an explosion rocks the car. Turn into the skid!
I see a flash and something in front of me. Something tall with black material flapping around it like the tail ends of an old-fashioned duster. Long, straw-colored hair. A scraggily goatee. A man? What's a man doing at the side of the road in the middle of nowhere? Why's he just standing there? Why doesn't he get out of the way? I yank the wheel back the other way, and the car swerves around him.
And heads straight off the road.
When the world stops bouncing and the car settles, I try to keep my eyes focused, but everything blurs around the edges. The waves ebb, and I hear a crunching sound, like boots on gravel. Straining to see, I barely make out . . . What is that? A flag? No, it's that flapping black material. I think it's the man I swerved to miss.
A sweet, melodious voice makes its way through the undulating roar in my ears. "Let me help you."
Help. Yes, I need help.
--My thoughts. This book will make you think. Not something you read on the beach. Something that sticks with you too. I always wondered what happened when people were in a coma -- When Allie's car crashes, she thinks she is alive and being rescued and taken to this diner, but it is really a crossroads of sorts. I agree with others, the first half was kind of okay and then the second half blazed by. That is why my choice of five stars. The second half sure made up for the first! I highly recommend this book. Will stay with me for a long time!
I see a flash and something in front of me. Something tall with black material flapping around it like the tail ends of an old-fashioned duster. Long, straw-colored hair. A scraggily goatee. A man? What's a man doing at the side of the road in the middle of nowhere? Why's he just standing there? Why doesn't he get out of the way? I yank the wheel back the other way, and the car swerves around him.
And heads straight off the road.
When the world stops bouncing and the car settles, I try to keep my eyes focused, but everything blurs around the edges. The waves ebb, and I hear a crunching sound, like boots on gravel. Straining to see, I barely make out . . . What is that? A flag? No, it's that flapping black material. I think it's the man I swerved to miss.
A sweet, melodious voice makes its way through the undulating roar in my ears. "Let me help you."
Help. Yes, I need help.
--My thoughts. This book will make you think. Not something you read on the beach. Something that sticks with you too. I always wondered what happened when people were in a coma -- When Allie's car crashes, she thinks she is alive and being rescued and taken to this diner, but it is really a crossroads of sorts. I agree with others, the first half was kind of okay and then the second half blazed by. That is why my choice of five stars. The second half sure made up for the first! I highly recommend this book. Will stay with me for a long time!
August 5, 2015
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
This was my first book by Jennifer AlLee and I have to say it was different. Not a bad different.. just different.
Blurb
When a freak accident leaves Allie stranded in the middle of the desert, she s thankful to still be alive. Or is she? She s rescued from the wreck by Vinnie, owner of a roadside establishment filled with people who shouldn't be there. Or is it Allie who doesn't belong? Standing at the window, she recalls important events from her past and watches as EMTs pull her own body from her mangled vehicle. Suddenly, it becomes clear this is no ordinary pit stop. In Vinnie s Diner, Allie embarks on a harrowing journey of self-discovery, literally facing her demons and making the ultimate decision between life and death."
Vinnie's Diner was definitely a book that you go to put down and you pick it right back up, needing to see what is going to happen next.
My emotions were everywhere with this book! Laughing, crying, screaming at the characters.
Vinnie's Diner is Christian Fiction, I don't read much of it. But I didn't find myself comparing it to other books.
It's a great read, definitely makes you think about your own life!
This was my first book by Jennifer AlLee and I have to say it was different. Not a bad different.. just different.
Blurb
When a freak accident leaves Allie stranded in the middle of the desert, she s thankful to still be alive. Or is she? She s rescued from the wreck by Vinnie, owner of a roadside establishment filled with people who shouldn't be there. Or is it Allie who doesn't belong? Standing at the window, she recalls important events from her past and watches as EMTs pull her own body from her mangled vehicle. Suddenly, it becomes clear this is no ordinary pit stop. In Vinnie s Diner, Allie embarks on a harrowing journey of self-discovery, literally facing her demons and making the ultimate decision between life and death."
Vinnie's Diner was definitely a book that you go to put down and you pick it right back up, needing to see what is going to happen next.
My emotions were everywhere with this book! Laughing, crying, screaming at the characters.
Vinnie's Diner is Christian Fiction, I don't read much of it. But I didn't find myself comparing it to other books.
It's a great read, definitely makes you think about your own life!
July 25, 2015
As Allie drives to her Aunt’s home, where she will stay while she competes in a trivia contest, she thinks lovingly of her aunt, for whom she is trying to earn the prize money. Her aunt is suffering from a disease, but she cannot afford the treatment. While lost in thought, a large, black tire tread from a passing truck flies off and into her windshield. To make matters worse, a man in black stands at the side of the road. Swerving to avoid the tire and the man, Allie crashes her car. Stunned, Allie finds that, after awhile, she can focus her eyes, get up, and leave the confines of the wreck of her car. The owner of the diner nearby offers his help, and she follows him. The diner is in the middle of nowhere and there are no cars parked outside. How can it be that the diner is bustling inside, filled with customers being served?
This is a fun and surprising story. The author really did a great job of developing her characters, giving her story more impact. This is Christian fiction, and although not my usual fare, I enjoyed it tremendously. It is truly about dealing with the hardships of life.
This is a fun and surprising story. The author really did a great job of developing her characters, giving her story more impact. This is Christian fiction, and although not my usual fare, I enjoyed it tremendously. It is truly about dealing with the hardships of life.
April 14, 2015
Wow! This tale will cause readers a large amount of self- and faith examination. This amazing book has so much spiritual depth that it’s not always easy to read, but if a person sticks with it, growth and understanding can definitely occur. A stellar tale — eye-opening in many ways.
As Allie is traveling from California to Las Vegas, she is involved in an accident. Pulled from the wreckage with only a few bumps, she enters Vinnie’s Diner, an old-fashioned establishment in the middle of nowhere. Things aren’t always as they seem, and Allie discovers that she is actually hovering between life and death. Will the things she learns about her past move her toward the right decision, or away from it? (ABINGDON, Apr., 304 pp., $24.99)
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...
As Allie is traveling from California to Las Vegas, she is involved in an accident. Pulled from the wreckage with only a few bumps, she enters Vinnie’s Diner, an old-fashioned establishment in the middle of nowhere. Things aren’t always as they seem, and Allie discovers that she is actually hovering between life and death. Will the things she learns about her past move her toward the right decision, or away from it? (ABINGDON, Apr., 304 pp., $24.99)
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...
March 18, 2015
I was excited to receive a copy of this book after reading the blurb as it sounded really different. Well I have now finished the book and I did enjoy it and it does deserve the 4 stars that I have given it but for me it did get a bit too heavy with the religious aspect about 70% through, I know what the author was looking to achieve with this but I think less of this would have made the book more and I would have happily given it 5 stars as I was looking for a more fun read. That said the book flows very well, the decriptions of who Allie meets are great and my comments shouldn't put anyone off as it may be more of what they are looking for. I was given a copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
May 1, 2015
An accident on the highway puts Allie in a life and death situation. She is given the chance to review her life through the eyes of Vinnie and a mysterious stranger. Vinnie takes her to the diner near the crash site and encourages Allie to sort through her personal history. Meanwhile, Allie must face her past and make important decisions about her future. For a twenty-something woman, she has a lot of history. She has a rough relationship with her mother and that needs to be examined and understood here, too. Will Allie choose the right path? Will she make the easy choice?
Thanks to Abingdon Press for providing me a copy to review in my own words.
Thanks to Abingdon Press for providing me a copy to review in my own words.
May 4, 2015
I ordered this book from my local library because the premise sounded promising. And it was a wonderful book until Jesus and God and demons made their entrance. After that, I lost all interest. I just wanted to get to the end to see what happened. It became too preachy, with all the God is good nonsense. Generations of this family were hurt, physically, emotionally and sexually, yet God is good? Sorry, I was able to suspend belief for the other characters in the book because they actually existed at one time.
And this benevolent god killed her dog! It's not bad enough she was in an accident and is fighting for her life, but did they need to kill her dog too?
And this benevolent god killed her dog! It's not bad enough she was in an accident and is fighting for her life, but did they need to kill her dog too?
April 12, 2015
I loved it! It's fast paced, the main character has a lot of baggage, but she's a hoot, filled with sarcasm that made me laugh out loud.But don't make the mistake of thinking this is a lighthearted book. It's deep and in one area, suspenseful. AlLee did a fabulous job with this story, and I could see it as a movie. It's a must read!
October 13, 2015
I read this in a little over a day. Great look at possible Christian experience when people have near death experiences. Well done. I'll read Ms Allee again.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews