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Dearing Family #2
Pitchin' A Fit
Book 2 in the Dearing Family Series (Southern Contemporary genre)
The wedding for Ben Dearing and Christina Day is planned to be picture perfect, and the boisterous family has gathered for the big event. What could possibly go wrong?
Christina's estranged mother, that's what. The alcoholic, abusive mother who wasn't invited.
Two days before the ceremony Edna Day crashes the bridal shower and insists she's staying in town for the ceremony. What's Christina to do? After her abusive childhood, standing up to her parent calls for strength she's not sure she possesses. Besides, if she tells her mother to leave, the woman could get madder than she already is--not to mention drunk--and shame the Dearing family in front of the whole town.
Edna wastes no time making enemies. Highly opinionated Jess Dearing is set on running her out of Justus. Ben wants her gone, too. Even Lady Penelope, the Dearings' uppity Yorkie, will have nothing to do with her. Meanwhile Mama Ruth is trying to keep the peace. And feed everybody.
Blending pathos and humor, Pitchin' a Fit portrays the constantly shifting emotions between an abusive parent and grown child. How does a Christian forgive someone who doesn't seem repentant? What is the balance between forgiveness and maintaining healthy emotional boundaries?
God is there to guide everyone through this mess of a weekend. But certain people may have plans of their own.
The wedding for Ben Dearing and Christina Day is planned to be picture perfect, and the boisterous family has gathered for the big event. What could possibly go wrong?
Christina's estranged mother, that's what. The alcoholic, abusive mother who wasn't invited.
Two days before the ceremony Edna Day crashes the bridal shower and insists she's staying in town for the ceremony. What's Christina to do? After her abusive childhood, standing up to her parent calls for strength she's not sure she possesses. Besides, if she tells her mother to leave, the woman could get madder than she already is--not to mention drunk--and shame the Dearing family in front of the whole town.
Edna wastes no time making enemies. Highly opinionated Jess Dearing is set on running her out of Justus. Ben wants her gone, too. Even Lady Penelope, the Dearings' uppity Yorkie, will have nothing to do with her. Meanwhile Mama Ruth is trying to keep the peace. And feed everybody.
Blending pathos and humor, Pitchin' a Fit portrays the constantly shifting emotions between an abusive parent and grown child. How does a Christian forgive someone who doesn't seem repentant? What is the balance between forgiveness and maintaining healthy emotional boundaries?
God is there to guide everyone through this mess of a weekend. But certain people may have plans of their own.
- GenresChristian
Audiobook
First published December 8, 2014
22 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Brandilyn Collins
49 books636 followersBrandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®--fast-paced, character-driven suspense with myriad twists and an interwoven thread of faith.
Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is a sought-after teacher and speaker at writers' conferences.
Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is a sought-after teacher and speaker at writers' conferences.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 18, 2015
In a world of novels that seem to be the same, Brandilyn Collin's latest series branches out in a new and fun direction. These books have no connection to her seatbelt suspense genre, instead they focus on matters of the heart and healing internal wounds.
Christina has to deal with her mother showing up only a few days before her wedding. Ordinarily you would have your mom at your wedding, but not Christina's mother who stood by and let her husband abuse Christina when she was a child, who was always so drunk out of her mind, who chased after anything that male that moved. She was and is a disgrace to her daughter and Christina can't hide the fear and shame she feels, certain that her mother is going to ruin everything and the family she is marrying into, the Dearings, will hate her now that they know just how dreadful her mother really is.
Jess and Tamel play a big role in the 2nd installment of the series, which made me happy because I love them both, despite Jess's brutal honesty. Hey, someone has to mention the elephant in the room if no one else will. Despite the serious tone of Christina's abusive childhood, Ms. Collins still manages to include humorous encounters and loving moments, just like always.
I waited over a year for this book and it was worth every moment of the wait. I even bought it because I wasn't willing to wait for my library to purchase a copy. For people who love Ms. Collins' work but just aren't sure about this new series, give it a try anyway. Give her a chance to impress you with this new venture. I supported this series from the very beginning and have yet to regret it.
Christina has to deal with her mother showing up only a few days before her wedding. Ordinarily you would have your mom at your wedding, but not Christina's mother who stood by and let her husband abuse Christina when she was a child, who was always so drunk out of her mind, who chased after anything that male that moved. She was and is a disgrace to her daughter and Christina can't hide the fear and shame she feels, certain that her mother is going to ruin everything and the family she is marrying into, the Dearings, will hate her now that they know just how dreadful her mother really is.
Jess and Tamel play a big role in the 2nd installment of the series, which made me happy because I love them both, despite Jess's brutal honesty. Hey, someone has to mention the elephant in the room if no one else will. Despite the serious tone of Christina's abusive childhood, Ms. Collins still manages to include humorous encounters and loving moments, just like always.
I waited over a year for this book and it was worth every moment of the wait. I even bought it because I wasn't willing to wait for my library to purchase a copy. For people who love Ms. Collins' work but just aren't sure about this new series, give it a try anyway. Give her a chance to impress you with this new venture. I supported this series from the very beginning and have yet to regret it.
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February 2, 2021While full of humorous moments, Pitchin' a Fit also deals with some serious topics—addiction and overcoming child abuse—and they are handled realistically (no easy answers or quick fixes). And the days leading up to a wedding aren't easy under the best of circumstances. Toss in the fun-loving Dearing family to the mix and Ben and Christina's wedding was certain to be filled with unexpected situations. I enjoyed this second book in the Dearing family series and look forward to another.
October 29, 2016
Pitchin' A Fit (Dearing Family Series Book 2)
Brandilyn Collins
Book Summary: The wedding for Ben Dearing and Christina Day is planned to be picture perfect, and the boisterous family has gathered for the big event. What could possibly go wrong? Christina’s estranged mother, that’s what. The alcoholic, abusive mother who wasn’t invited. Two days before the ceremony Edna Day crashes the bridal shower and insists she’s staying in town for the ceremony. What’s Christina to do? After her abusive childhood, standing up to her parent calls for strength she’s not sure she possesses. Besides, if she tells her mother to leave, the woman could get madder than she already is—not to mention drunk—and shame the Dearing family in front of the whole town. Edna wastes no time making enemies. Highly opinionated Jess Dearing is set on running her out of Justus. Ben wants her gone, too. Even Lady Penelope, the Dearings’ uppity Yorkie, will have nothing to do with her. Meanwhile Mama Ruth is trying to keep the peace. And feed everybody. Blending pathos and humor, Pitchin’ a Fit portrays the constantly shifting emotions between an abusive parent and grown child. How does a Christian forgive someone who doesn’t seem repentant? What is the balance between forgiveness and maintaining healthy emotional boundaries? God is there to guide everyone through this mess of a weekend. But certain people may have plans of their own.
Review: I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun storyline and yet quite serious. When Christina’s mother shows up it changes everything. It is quite easy to go through this book without having read the previous book. I really enjoyed the characters and storyline. In many cases it was easy to empathize with Christina. It was a real pulling on the heart strings at some points. There was humor scattered within the story which gave me a break from the tears. Made me want to read the whole series.
I would like to thank Brandilyn Collins for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Brandilyn Collins
Book Summary: The wedding for Ben Dearing and Christina Day is planned to be picture perfect, and the boisterous family has gathered for the big event. What could possibly go wrong? Christina’s estranged mother, that’s what. The alcoholic, abusive mother who wasn’t invited. Two days before the ceremony Edna Day crashes the bridal shower and insists she’s staying in town for the ceremony. What’s Christina to do? After her abusive childhood, standing up to her parent calls for strength she’s not sure she possesses. Besides, if she tells her mother to leave, the woman could get madder than she already is—not to mention drunk—and shame the Dearing family in front of the whole town. Edna wastes no time making enemies. Highly opinionated Jess Dearing is set on running her out of Justus. Ben wants her gone, too. Even Lady Penelope, the Dearings’ uppity Yorkie, will have nothing to do with her. Meanwhile Mama Ruth is trying to keep the peace. And feed everybody. Blending pathos and humor, Pitchin’ a Fit portrays the constantly shifting emotions between an abusive parent and grown child. How does a Christian forgive someone who doesn’t seem repentant? What is the balance between forgiveness and maintaining healthy emotional boundaries? God is there to guide everyone through this mess of a weekend. But certain people may have plans of their own.
Review: I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun storyline and yet quite serious. When Christina’s mother shows up it changes everything. It is quite easy to go through this book without having read the previous book. I really enjoyed the characters and storyline. In many cases it was easy to empathize with Christina. It was a real pulling on the heart strings at some points. There was humor scattered within the story which gave me a break from the tears. Made me want to read the whole series.
I would like to thank Brandilyn Collins for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
October 13, 2022
Absolutely adored Brandilyn Collins' second installment of the Dearing family. The family is such a close knit cast of characters that fit perfectly in their little town. I loved to watch everyone grow throughout Pitchin' a Fit, especially Christina and all the strides she made despite her upbringing. The antics leading up to their wedding and the struggles they face will draw you in and make you wish there was more by the time you reach the end.
May 6, 2017
Cristina consented to marry Ben but he knows she is keeping something from him.
Can you marry with with things in your past standing between you? Especially your alcoholic and abusive parents. Christina confesses and the wedding is days away when her uninvited mother shows up at her bridal shower.
Can you marry with with things in your past standing between you? Especially your alcoholic and abusive parents. Christina confesses and the wedding is days away when her uninvited mother shows up at her bridal shower.
August 17, 2020
Reconciliation - how do you handle it when the person says they want to reconcile, but their actions prove otherwise?
March 12, 2017
Wonderful book
Brandilyn is a masterful story teller. This book is no exception. It is well worth reading. Ben and Christina fall in love and so many obstacles stand in their way...will they make it to the wedding without a mess? Read more to find out.
Brandilyn is a masterful story teller. This book is no exception. It is well worth reading. Ben and Christina fall in love and so many obstacles stand in their way...will they make it to the wedding without a mess? Read more to find out.
June 10, 2016
Pitchin’ a Fit by Brandilyn Collins
True confessions of this reviewer: I love Brandilyn Collins’ books and would probably read the phone book if she rewrote it. It’s no exaggeration though, that Pitchin’ a Fit is fabulous!
Ms. Collins never fails to deliver a fantastic story and book two of the Dearing Family Series is another great example. Although I’d not read the first book, I was able to enjoy the story from the beginning without any issues and all it did was reinforce the fact that I will be reading book one.
I absolutely loved the characters and found them to be endearing and downright detestable at times. All facets of a great writer.
Edna Day is the most awful mother! And her only child, Christina, has finally escaped the wretched woman. Unfortunately, Edna has other ideas in mind and in her obnoxious ways, she’s come in and attempted to ruin the happiest day of Christina’s life.
Christina has found a wonderful new family in the Dearings and she longs to enjoy them without the presence of her mother. Plagued by the awful memories that accompany Edna, Christina finds herself in the position of facing the things she’s run away from. She’s also faced with the decision of forgiveness. Does it mean her mother too?
Jessica Dearing is one of my favorite characters because she’s outspoken and not afraid of anything or anyone. She says what everyone else is thinking…and not too subtly. I loved her.
I received the audiobook of Pitchin’ a Fit from the author and have provided my honest review here.
https://wordynerdyblog.wordpress.com/...
True confessions of this reviewer: I love Brandilyn Collins’ books and would probably read the phone book if she rewrote it. It’s no exaggeration though, that Pitchin’ a Fit is fabulous!
Ms. Collins never fails to deliver a fantastic story and book two of the Dearing Family Series is another great example. Although I’d not read the first book, I was able to enjoy the story from the beginning without any issues and all it did was reinforce the fact that I will be reading book one.
I absolutely loved the characters and found them to be endearing and downright detestable at times. All facets of a great writer.
Edna Day is the most awful mother! And her only child, Christina, has finally escaped the wretched woman. Unfortunately, Edna has other ideas in mind and in her obnoxious ways, she’s come in and attempted to ruin the happiest day of Christina’s life.
Christina has found a wonderful new family in the Dearings and she longs to enjoy them without the presence of her mother. Plagued by the awful memories that accompany Edna, Christina finds herself in the position of facing the things she’s run away from. She’s also faced with the decision of forgiveness. Does it mean her mother too?
Jessica Dearing is one of my favorite characters because she’s outspoken and not afraid of anything or anyone. She says what everyone else is thinking…and not too subtly. I loved her.
I received the audiobook of Pitchin’ a Fit from the author and have provided my honest review here.
https://wordynerdyblog.wordpress.com/...
January 8, 2015
Pitchin’ a Fit speaks the truth with a humorous spin regarding Adults of childhood abuse
Book two of the Dearing Family series is as captivating as book one That Dog Won’t Hunt. As in the first book humorous scenarios help cushion the theme of childhood abuse. In the first book Christine Day struggles to let herself become part of her fiancé Ben Dearing’s family. Now that the Dearings have welcomed her as one theirnown her past meets her future in the form of her alcoholic mother. After crashing her daughter’s bridal shower Mrs. Day is determined to attend her daughter’s wedding.
I love the consistent response of all of the Dearing siblings I’d come to know in the first book. And watching the family join together with the community to best Christine’s mother’s efforts were both hilarious and inspiring.
Collins is not afraid to tackle hard subjects. Like her mysteries this family story takes you to the edge. And rescues the heroine in the nick of time. Childhood abuse colors adult thinking and is difficult to overcome. This story speaks the truth of God’s ability to heal and bring forgiveness and reconciliation. But the ending here is not all sugar and spice. That’s what makes this book such a great read. Can’t wait to see what the Dearing family does in the next book.
Book two of the Dearing Family series is as captivating as book one That Dog Won’t Hunt. As in the first book humorous scenarios help cushion the theme of childhood abuse. In the first book Christine Day struggles to let herself become part of her fiancé Ben Dearing’s family. Now that the Dearings have welcomed her as one theirnown her past meets her future in the form of her alcoholic mother. After crashing her daughter’s bridal shower Mrs. Day is determined to attend her daughter’s wedding.
I love the consistent response of all of the Dearing siblings I’d come to know in the first book. And watching the family join together with the community to best Christine’s mother’s efforts were both hilarious and inspiring.
Collins is not afraid to tackle hard subjects. Like her mysteries this family story takes you to the edge. And rescues the heroine in the nick of time. Childhood abuse colors adult thinking and is difficult to overcome. This story speaks the truth of God’s ability to heal and bring forgiveness and reconciliation. But the ending here is not all sugar and spice. That’s what makes this book such a great read. Can’t wait to see what the Dearing family does in the next book.
December 14, 2014
This book is laugh out loud funny!
All Christina and Ben want is to have a beautiful wedding weekend. Those plans get sidetracked when Christina's mother shows up determined to be apart of the wedding festivities, in doing so she manages to alienate most of Ben's family, and embarrass Christina to tears. Ben's family is full of characters, his nephew Pogey brings laughter to the wedding with his dance.
This book brought enlightenment to me, I have step-kids who have experienced abuse at the hands of their mother. In reading this book, I understood how hard it can be for them to trust and feel completely safe because that isn't something they are familiar with.
Learning to forgive and start over is the thread that weaves it's way throughout the book.
Highly recommended!
http://frommipov.blogspot.com/2014/12...
All Christina and Ben want is to have a beautiful wedding weekend. Those plans get sidetracked when Christina's mother shows up determined to be apart of the wedding festivities, in doing so she manages to alienate most of Ben's family, and embarrass Christina to tears. Ben's family is full of characters, his nephew Pogey brings laughter to the wedding with his dance.
This book brought enlightenment to me, I have step-kids who have experienced abuse at the hands of their mother. In reading this book, I understood how hard it can be for them to trust and feel completely safe because that isn't something they are familiar with.
Learning to forgive and start over is the thread that weaves it's way throughout the book.
Highly recommended!
http://frommipov.blogspot.com/2014/12...
April 3, 2016
I enjoyed this book so much. Brandilyn Collins pulled me in from the first page of this story to the last. I couldn't figure out how the obstacles could be overcome, and I was moved to tears more than once by the love these characters showed each other.
I'm so glad I read this story, and I think you'll enjoy it, too.
I'm so glad I read this story, and I think you'll enjoy it, too.
January 24, 2016
This book was so full of fun little bits. I LOVED all the wedding stuff. I also loved how Brandilyn wove examples of God's love for each of us. How that no matter what we've done God can and will still love us if we reach out to Him and desire to change.
December 23, 2014
It was fun catching up with old friends. I look forward to reading more from the Dearing family.
September 29, 2015
Hilarious books 1-2 Can't Wait for 3!
I laughed so long and hard all of my family kept looking at me! Waiting to see series made into a movie for sure - Barbie
I laughed so long and hard all of my family kept looking at me! Waiting to see series made into a movie for sure - Barbie
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews