Another masterpiece by Susie Finkbeiner. Beautifully written. Believable characters. Nostalgic. Authentic. Heart wrenching. Heart warming. Five stars.

Finkbeiner again introduces me to a time in history I've never read about. She masterfully tells the story of a family that struggles to send their son/brother/friend off to war. This book allowed me to imagine conversations and fears my own grandparents must have had sending my dad off to war. I felt like I knew my own family better after reading this book.

Annie Jacobson is eighteen, the middle child with an older and a younger brother. The Vietnam War is in full swing, and her older brother, Mike, is about to enlist in the army rather than waiting to get drafted. As predicted, their mother isn’t happy with the idea because their father fought in Korea and was never the same. He abandoned them twelve years ago, when Annie was six, without saying goodbye.

All Manner of Things isn’t a typical novel. There’s no big drama, just a lot of smaller dramas. It’s a story about life, family, and love, set against the backdrop of an idyllic version of 1960s small-town America. It’s almost too idyllic—Annie and her family watch war protests and hippies and race riots on television, but nothing like that comes to their town. Their war hero is welcomed home (although David, who has just moved into town, does experience some racism).

The story is told in first person from Annie’s point of view, interspersed with letters to and from Mike and other characters. The writing style is tight and understated. There are no excess words. And that’s the strength of the story: it’s experienced, not told.

It’s a strong and profound novel that touches on various themes: love, family, healing, reconciliation, loss.

There’s no obvious plot, no noticeable three-act structure, no big stakes, no major conflict, no significant character change. Annie starts the story as a well-raised, hard-working, sensitive teenager, and she finishes the story the same way. She grows, but not in a way that can easily be put into words.

The writing is outstanding, but it’s not one of those books with lots of quotable lines. There are flashes of insight, but they only make sense in the context of the story. Outside the story, they’re just words. Yet it’s compelling. It took me a while to pick up and begin All Manner of Things, but once I got to Chapter Two, I didn’t want to put it down.

I think the story is best summarised by the Julian of Norwich quote at the beginning:

All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

(Julian was a fourteenth-century mystic—a woman, despite the name.)

Recommended for those looking for a novel set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, or those looking for understated yet powerful historical fiction.

Thanks to Baker Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book for my honest review. This book was on my to be read pile for way too long and I'm so glad I moved it to the top of the list. I haven't read many Vietnam War era books so this was a good primer. The story follows the Jacobson family during the late '60s. I liked that it stuck to the family and how they dealt with the events rather than be only about the war. I did feel there were a couple of places that dragged and the ending felt a bit rushed, but maybe that lends itself to a sequel, maybe? Overall a solid 4 star book.

There really are not enough words to accurately explain how much this story moved me and touched my heart. I sobbed dearing parts of it - and that can be kind of embarrassing when you're in the lunch room, but oh well! It was so well written, beautifully thought out, and I personally found it so easy to connect with the characters. Finkbeiner has truly outdone herself with this one.

Families are complicated, even in the 1960's they were complicated. The Jacobson's were certainly no exception to this. They dealt with heartache, loss, brokenness, and so much more. Annie, Mike and Joel had such difficulties in their young lives, Annie especially. I knew something would have to happen to bring this family together, but I was surprised at how deeply I was moved while reading the road they traveled. Finkbeiner cuts right to the heart of their emotions and doesn't hold back. I loved the letters amongst the chapters, that give you a glimpse into each character. It was the perfect way to include their POVs without writing a whole chapter and possibly confusing the readers. It made it more real, almost as if I was reading someone's diary with these little letters taped inside.

War is difficult, and I think sometimes we forget how hard it is on the families left behind. I personally don't have experience in this, however I could easily see myself responding like Annie's mother did. But through it all, you see little glimmers of hope. I think one of the more intriguing storylines was that between Annie and David. Annie saw David as a person - which is not only how we should see each other, but how God sees each one of us. In a time were races were still divided, this was a beautiful reminder of that. Everytime they conversed I just smiled inside. Cheering for this unlikely pair, knowing the world was against them.

Make no mistake though, this really isn't a love story. It's more of a family survival story. How does a family survive all that the Jacobson's go through? With help from above. I hope that is what everyone gets out of this book. To know that if we just look up, we can make it through anything. Even the tough parts of life. Forgiveness can occur. Second chances are real. There is light everywhere, you just have to look for it.

I highly recommend this book. I think it will appeal to all different types of readers. Have your tissues nearby - you'll need them. And prepare yourselves - the Jacobson's will become your family. They will be in your thoughts even after you finish. Probably long after.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was my first Finkbeiner book and it definitely won’t be my last. Fiction is a special treat for me as I usually read non-fiction most of the time, so I’m pretty picky about what I spend my time reading for my ‘treat.’ I fell in the love with the characters of this story right away and thus was compelled to finish the book to see what happened to them all. The writing style just pulls you in and is effortless to read. Highly recommend!

The author does an amazing job of showing how a family and community deals with the Vietnam war through the Jacobson family who live in a small town-Michigan, mid-60’s. This family is also dealing with the aftereffects that the Korean war had on the father of the family. This makes for a fascinating family dynamic.

The author shows how Annie, the only girl in the family, deals with different changes in her life as the war goes on. I enjoyed how the author put letters between the different characters. It made the story a more in-depth read as the reader saw a different side to these characters and how they interacted with one another.

I enjoyed how each character dealt with the same situation. Each was determined to be better for their family’s sake. They gave each other hope in the middle of the storm.

This is a sad but hopeful story that depicts this slice of life in American history in this community. This story is told by Annie who is a brave, faithful, sweet, thoughtful, hopeful girl. She loves her family, books and works hard at the dinner with her uncle Bernie who an endearing, encouraging character. Everyone has done their best to “live” life in the middle of heartache. Annie and her friend Jocelyn shared the love of books that was fun to read about. There was a good blend of humor, tender moments in the middle of the drama.

I felt for this family and I enjoyed getting to know them, but I would have liked the story to have ended a different way. I’m sure all the families who sent loved ones off to war felt the same way. to be involved in the war wished the same thing.

This is a compelling story with characters I cared about. I liked the fact that Annie wasn’t hung up with getting married but was concerned about her family. The author did give Annie a few choices where she could have ended up with a few different men. The thing that got me was with one gentleman who ate at the dinner every day. Everyone seemed to like him (I did too) but the romance would have been complicated if you consider all what would be involved at that time period. This was not simple relationship decision. If she went in that direction, I think it would involve another book.


I enjoyed the natural faith message throughout. I liked this quote, “Just remember, there’s a light in the darkness. The darkness cannot understand it. But that light isn’t for the darkness, it’s or you. It’s so you can find your way home.” This story will touch your heart, and have you look at things a little differently. This makes for a good book club pick as there is so much to talk about.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Catalogue front page www.bookfun.org

Susie Finkbeiner has completely captured the emotions of this time period, and did it in a grace-filled way. I grew up in a small town and I would have been a year or two younger than the book’s main character, Annie, during this time in our nation’s history. I remember the uncertainty; watching the protests on TV; and all the while, praying several times a day for the young men who were serving in Vietnam. Even though we went about life in as normal a way as possible, there was always this underlying thought that a friend or family member might not be coming home. I felt all of this again as I read this through this book.

I loved the fact that we viewed these events through Annie’s viewpoint. Her compassion, humor, and faith were the heart and soul of this story. The letters between Annie and her brother, Mike, were the most emotional points of the book for me. This is a wonderful family drama that never strays away from the hope that only God can give. This book is a shining example of just how good Christian historical fiction can be.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

All Manner of Things is a heartfelt book seen through the eyes of Annie Jacobson during the Vietnam War. Wonderfully written and thought provoking, It's a story of forgiveness, second chances and hope. I loved how we see the world through Annie's eyes. The letters sent home from her brother scattered throughout the story gives the readers glimpse of the war. It is not a fast paced story but one that ebbs and flows like life does. I really enjoyed this book. I don't know a lot about the Vietnam War so this story made me more interested in what happened. Susie Finkbeiner writes stories that will capture your heart and keep you thinking of the characters long after you read it.

In 'all manner of things', Susie Finkbeiner creates a beautifully drawn portrait of a family during wartime. They're far from perfect, but the character she's created are real and warm and absolutely life-like.

WHAT I LIKED:

-The writing style was clear, direct, and just the tiniest bit poetical.
-So many of the characters were great. Annie herself, Joel, Mike, their mom, David, even Jocelyn. I felt like I knew them very well by the end of the book. (With the possible exception of David, who didn't get as much page time as I expected.)
-The historical setting was developed super well - I felt like the author really had a grasp on what the Vietnam war-era was like. (I also dug all the references to books that Annie made. Like The Outsiders!)
-It made me cry. Like, tears running down my face cry. No spoilers, but even though I saw A Certain Thing coming, I still bawled.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:

-Some of the plot stuff seemed thrown in? Like the thing with Walt kinda went nowhere, even though quite a bit of the book was devoted to his and Annie's letters/experiences. And I expected there to be a lot more focus on racial tensions during this time because of certain scenes with David but that petered out too. :P
-'all manner of things' wasn't really Christian fiction, in my opinion. It was clean, for the most part, but God was hardly ever mentioned. I feel like this book could have been more inspiring if the story had been more faith-filled.

Overall, 'all manner of things' is a wonderfully written book that's perfect for fans of clean historical fiction. Highly recommended.

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing through Interviews & Reviews.

There are okay books, good books, and great books. And then there are books that surpass them all and stay with you for life. All Manner of Things by Susie Finkbeiner is such a book. With emotional, deep characterization and a gritty portrayal of war and it’s consequences, All Manner of Things has rawness, realism, and still a strong sense of hope. The author’s ability to use description and symbolism to support the story was truly remarkable. I highly recommend this book. I read many, many books each year. This is one of only two books that I have insisted that my husband also read at some point. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

There are a lot of things I love about Susie’s books. One is the fact that they take place in Michigan (my state), another is the fact that her last series actually took place in my home town (under a slightly different name) and this book makes mention of that town and several others that I am familiar with, like Lansing and Grand Rapids. I also love they way she paints the picture of the town we are in, I believe the town in which the story takes place is very important to the characters as well in Susie’s writing. In addition, her voice is so unique and her plots engaging.

She an author who when I see her name I don’t read the back cover I just click yes to review. I know I won’t be disappointed and I wasn’t 🙂

There is a lot going on with Annie and her life and family. So many tensions and worries but Annie pushes through and grows stronger throughout the book.

There are also racial tensions at this time. You would think in Michigan it wouldn’t be a big deal, but even as I grew up my dad had some very old ideas about race that I don’t agree with, but that was how he was raised here in Michigan even.

This book easily captured my attention and I didn’t want to stop reading so I could see what would happen next and how everything would work out.

A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own.

This book was so good! This is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

I was drawn into this story right away and I couldn't put it down. This was so well written, the characters were easy to relate to and felt real.

I would recommend this book to anyone.

Beautifully written story! Must read!
Not a book full of fluff but a book about real life. I really enjoyed it
One of the best I have read in a while. This is the first I have read by this author and I will
Be looking for more.

The story is written in first person, the main character is Annie. she is 18 yo, she lives in Fort Colson with mom and brothers.
During the story, set in year 1955, you can feel the emotion, like a diary.
You can 'see' and feel the Vietnam war through the eyes of young boys: "Being out here and seeing what I do,makes you think about things".
And Annie thinks "As much as Uncle Sam thought he needed Mike, we needed him more."
Annie has a best friend to speak with, confort, enjoy, say silly things together.
"But what am I going to do with all of these (books)?" "you can leave them here, can't you?" "But they'll be lonely."
I feel exact the same! the boos are kind, good friends.
This story is very nice, easy to read, original, twisted.

I really enjoyed this book. Taking on the Vietnam war as the main storyline is a tough task but Finkbeiner did a great job of it. It is clear that she did her research of the war and that turbulent time in the 60s, whether it was hair styles, music, and race relations.

The book was also one of family and love...coming together during difficult times, forgiveness, and laughing and crying together. I love the character of Mike and enjoyed the closeness of his relationship with his sister Annie. I loved the letters from Mike to the various members of his family, describing his Vietnam experiences. But I especially loved the depth of his letters of Annie, being real and honest about his fears. And of course, it was easy to not like Aunt Rose and Walt, but easy to love David and the cantankerous Bernie.

Rating: 5 out of 5

This book was provided by Revell Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

What a great book. A great plot set during the Vietnam War. I could relate to the characters in this book. I had just finished high school and lost a dear friend to that conflict as well as other members of my family serving there. The author portrays this time period fantastically. I highly recommend this book.

This book left me with the feeling that I'd just stepped back in time. Gotten to know some new friends from the 60s, and felt a tiny bit of the heartache they faced.

I loved meeting Annie. Her life hasn't been an easy one. When she was only a young girl, her father walked away from their family. He just couldn't deal with who'd he become since his return from the war.

And now, in these days in the sixties, Annie's beloved older brother Mike enlists, too.

This is the story of what they face as Mike leaves, as they face other hard times, it's a very difficult season in their lives.

It is a simple story of a 'common American family'. And yet, in it's simplicity, it blessed and challenged, and reached out to something deep within me.

Their daily life, their struggles. Their fears.

In spite of all the hard things Annie has faced (or rather, because of them), she's become a beautiful young lady. One who knows how to be strong and stand up for herself and the ones she loves.

This story touches on many issues, including racism, PTSD, and much more.

If you take the time to read this one, I believe you will also be touched in ways that will surprise you.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

I'm not going to lie I didn't make it past the first chapter of this one. I couldn't connect to any of the characters and i didn't have any desire to found out what happened to the characters.

Once again, Susie Finkbeiner has captured both place and time with a fine, almost poetic brush stroke. At the same time, it is absolutely realistic. In ALL MANNER OF THINGS, the time is 1968 and the place is small town Michigan. Then she has peopled the novel with a family that has held onto love and hope, despite their father's leaving a decade earlier. In 1955, Frank Jacobson left his wife and three children, knowing that the dark shadows that followed him home from Korea made it impossible for him to be a father and husband.
But when his oldest son signs up for the army and is sent to Vietnam and then Frank's father dies,
he makes an appearance. At the heart of this story is 19 year old daughter, Annie. While others leave for college, Annie works at a nearby diner. It is through her letters to her soldier brother Mike that much of the family's story unfolds. Will the horrors that Mike sees as a medic lead him down the same dark emotional path traveled by his father? Can Frank be a comfort to the family now or has his time to be a father passed? As I said earlier, Finkbeiner is spot on in her portrayal of small town 1968, especially in her depiction of Annie, who despite abandonment, disappointments, and loss remains positive and hopeful. For me, that depiction of a 19 year old in 1968 has special meaning -- for I was a small town 19 year old, for real, in 1968; and despite, the horrific daily death counts, the never ending protests, and more, each day for me was another day I moved closer to adulthood, just as Annie did. Susie Finkbeiner not only wrote another spellbinding novel, she gave me a chance to revisit a specific time in my past.
I received a copy of ALL MANNER OF THINGS from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine.