All She Ever Wanted
by Lynn Austin
Published by Bethany House Publishers
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Reviewed by Marty Medley
All she ever wanted was a loving husband, a close family, and a beautiful house in the suburbs. And Kathleen is living out her dream, or so she believes, when her daughter Joelle is arrested for shoplifting. As a part of her reconciliation with Joelle, Kathleen finds she must let go of her current dream life and face the reality of her past. Even as a Christian, she finds this too painful to bear.
Kathleen receives a homecoming invitation from her sister, and encouraged by her husband and daughter, she agrees to revisit her hometown. Kathleen and Joelle take the trip together, and together they begin to understand the mysteries of the past--not only Kathleen's but also her mother Eleanor and her grandmother Fiona. In this light, Kathleen is able to truly forgive and live anew.
All She Ever Wanted is the first book that I have read by Lynn Austin, but I will go back and read her previous releases. I found her style to be an easy read--her story is compelling and draws me into her characters. Her message about understanding and forgiveness makes me to consider my own life.
"Let what we suffer teach us to be merciful--let our sins teach us to forgive."
Armchair Interviews says: Lynn Austin provides a thought-provoking yet entertaining read for everyone.