ACFW Book Club Review: In All Things
Title: In All Things
Author: Shawna Williams
Publisher: Desert Breeze
Date: October 2010
ASIN: B004A14PPQ (Kindle)
Reviewed by: Nora St. Laurent
In May, the ACFW Bookclub will read two books. One of them is In All Things by Shawna Williams. Join now to read this book with Nora St. Laurent and other bookclub members.
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 another 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 her goal of winning an Oscar.
Williams delivers a story with believable characters who pull at your heartstrings.
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. Williams 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.