All That Was by Tanya E. Williams. Thanks to the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review ⭐️⭐️⭐️
As her first legal job, Emily begins to work through the archives of a local historical church. As she does, she finds diaries from the 1920’s of a woman named Elisabet. As Emily reads through the text, while grieving her parents’ deaths, she may realize the diaries are of help not only to save the church but also herself.
This was a historical fiction true and true, but it was also a story about grief and the dangers of not working through ones grief. Both characters are stuck, but they show differing responses to their grief. From each other they are able to grow and learn to process their grief. While a beautiful, lovely and well-told story, I unfortunately did not enjoy this one as the previous book I read by the author (A Man Called Smith). I felt there was a bit too much descriptive text that didn’t add to the story. It was less action and more emotion, which while not for me, I believe many will enjoy. If you enjoy heartfelt stories, dual timelines with a common tie, and emotional growth through bonds, you’ll want to pick this one up.
“All things are possible if you are willing to alter your perception of a situation.”
“I should have lived each day instead of fearing it.”
All That Was comes out 10/20.
As her first legal job, Emily begins to work through the archives of a local historical church. As she does, she finds diaries from the 1920’s of a woman named Elisabet. As Emily reads through the text, while grieving her parents’ deaths, she may realize the diaries are of help not only to save the church but also herself.
This was a historical fiction true and true, but it was also a story about grief and the dangers of not working through ones grief. Both characters are stuck, but they show differing responses to their grief. From each other they are able to grow and learn to process their grief. While a beautiful, lovely and well-told story, I unfortunately did not enjoy this one as the previous book I read by the author (A Man Called Smith). I felt there was a bit too much descriptive text that didn’t add to the story. It was less action and more emotion, which while not for me, I believe many will enjoy. If you enjoy heartfelt stories, dual timelines with a common tie, and emotional growth through bonds, you’ll want to pick this one up.
“All things are possible if you are willing to alter your perception of a situation.”
“I should have lived each day instead of fearing it.”
All That Was comes out 10/20.