Separated by a century. Bonded by loss. Will examining all that was invoke comfort or calamity? Seattle, 2015. Emily Reed refuses to dwell on her emotions. When the first-year attorney is assigned a church archival project, she dives into the records to hide from her own heartache. But when she discovers her parents were married in this very chapel, she is forced to confront the grief she buried a decade ago. After she died in 1935, Elizabet Thomas was devastated when her beloved husband wasn't waiting for her on the other side. A lost soul, she's wandered their church for the past eighty years, desperate to find him. And now she must persuade a young, living lawyer that the historic building needs to be preserved rather than sold and torn down. Discovering a diary among the disarray in the building's basement, Emily is first engrossed and then moved by the dead woman's words. And as the fate of her home unravels, Elizabet realizes she and the grieving archivist have more in common than she ever would have guessed. Can Emily and Elizabet save themselves and their cherished sanctuary? All That Was is an uplifting standalone women's literary fiction novel deeply woven with historical elements. If you enjoy dual-perspective storylines, complex female characters, and the rekindling of lost hope, then you'll love Tanya E Williams's soul-stirring tale.
Reviews with the most likes.
This is a perfect book for historical fiction fans. I loved the dual perspectives as you learn a little more about Elizabet and her past, while participating alongside Emily in the present.
Emily is such a wonderful character. It was easy to stay present with her as she struggled with the grief of her parents' death and tried to find out how move forward without guilt.
I also loved the history of the women of Seattle and reading about how strong and resilient they were. Very well written and engaging book. Definitely one to add to those lists!
I received the ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.