Shawna Williams's In All Things ~ Reviewed

In All Things
By Shawna Williams
Publisher: Desert Breeze
ASIN: B004A14PPQ (Kindle)

Back Cover: Jakob and Meri's story continues...

Meredith Louis's Hollywood career is at a point of transition. No longer under Majestic Studios control, Meri is free to broaden her appeal as an actress and finally earn the recognition she desires.

Meri and Jakob return to their hometown for the holidays where Meri hopes to reconcile with her parents after a decade of silence. But after a disastrous encounter, Meri is plunged into turmoil as old fears resurface in unexpected ways.

Jakob, already dealing with unresolved family issues of his own, is further burdened by his inability to help his wife. Can he learn to step aside and trust God's plan. Will Meri recognize what she already has?

In All Things is a story of faith and restoration, cemented in the belief, "...that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.


REVIEW:

Shawna Williams’ novel, In All Things, depicts two imperfect people in pursuit of God and the desires of their heart. Meri desires movie stardom, and her husband, Jakob, wants to be an architect and provide for his family, all while raising twin boys. Can these parents stay on track to achieve their goals and yet make the sacrifices needed for their family’s greater good? Williams captures the movie business of the 1950s, when Hollywood studios seemed to own their stars. The nostalgia of that time period is intriguing and adds to the story’s enjoyment.

When Meri lands a five-year contract with a large movie studio, she’s thankful the studio helps Jakob get his degree and a few good jobs to launch his career. But, Meri eventually despises the studio’s control over her acting roles, and when her contract is nearing an end, she wants to call the shots in her career more than ever. After an actress confides to Meri that the success of getting the leading part and being the studio’s best is never enough, Meri, who has the same thoughts deep in her heart, but hasn’t wanted to admit it, questions whether her sacrifices have been worth it. Her life has been all about the success of winning an Oscar.

I read Christian fiction to experience the characters’ struggles and triumphs as they try to live out their beliefs. Often I’m encouraged and learn from the ways they apply God’s word to their lives. I enjoyed In All Things because of these likeable, blemished people in pursuit of a better life for themselves and their children through relationship with Jesus. She not only delivers a story with believable characters that pull at your heartstrings, she also brings passages of scripture to life. Her characters explore the possibility of letting God move in every aspect of life. I’m looking forward to this author’s next book, and you will too.

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network
Finding Hope Through Fiction