ALL SHE EVER WANTED

Author: Lynn Austin ISBN: 0764228897 10/2005 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: BETHANY HOUSE

Thirty-five years ago Kathleen fled her home, desperate to cast off weights of poverty and shame. But an unexpected invitation from her sister unwittingly draws her back to that sleepy New York town, her own daughter in tow. A trip meant to salvage her relationship with her daughter changes course as Kathleen reexamines her own childhood. But even more enlightening are the stories of Eleanor, her once-vibrant mother, and Fiona, the grandmother she barely knew. The more Kathleen learns, the more answers she seeks concerning her family’s mysterious past. Yet with the past exposed, Kathleen is torn between her need to forgive and the urge to forget.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

ALL SHE EVER WANTED is a powerful, wonderfully written book that had me laughing and crying at the same time. It is one of those books that pulls on the heartstrings and makes you reevaluate what you have and what you want.

When Kathleen fled Riverside, New York, 35 years ago, she never thought she would go back. She didn't want to remember her horrible life, her no good brothers, her thief of a father, or the horrible secret that she has kept hidden for many years. Kathleen is successful—she has a good job, handsome husband, beautiful daughter, and perfect house. But, she soon learns that you can't hide from the truth for long. An invitation to a party reluctantly draws her back to that little nothing of a town where she grew up. Along the way, the story of Kathleen's past is retelling itself and it is almost as if the story takes on a life of it's own, like there are actors on a stage portraying these characters. Moving is not a strong enough word to describe this book. I watched as Kathleen opened doors to a past that even she didn't know about, and along the way she mended so many broken relationships, it brought tears to my eyes.

ALL SHE EVER WANTED is a wonderful story that shows how God can work in a family to bring back even the loneliest straggler, reaffirming their faith and belief in Him along the way.

Kristal Gorman