All In

A Novel

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Pub Date 27 Aug 2019 | Archive Date 31 Mar 2020
Morgan James Publishing | Morgan James Fiction

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Description

A woman’s empty pursuit of happiness leads to a crisis before finding redemption in the Lord in this challenging and gritty Christian novel.

Twenty-nine-year-old novelist and blackjack dealer Cami Taylor seems to have it all—but just underneath her confident exterior and newfound celebrity is a young woman in trouble. Cami’s boyfriend, Joel, wants to get married, buy a house on Long Island, and raise a family—a life that’s a million miles from Cami’s idea of happiness. Her therapist suggests compromise and trust, but Cami would rather bolt like a deer.

Breaking things off with Joel, Cami launches herself on a new quest for happiness. But her pursuit of pleasure only takes her further from herself—and toward a harrowing new reality unlike anything she’s faced before. What follows for Cami is a fight to the death that can only be waged with God’s love.


A woman’s empty pursuit of happiness leads to a crisis before finding redemption in the Lord in this challenging and gritty Christian novel.

Twenty-nine-year-old novelist and blackjack dealer...


A Note From the Publisher

Kindle release date May 7, 2019.

Kindle release date May 7, 2019.


Advance Praise

"Cami is twenty-nine and enviously successful. Her first novel was a sleeper hit, turning Cami into a best-selling author and minor celebrity. Based on outward appearances, Cami has it all, but underneath the façade, she's fading fast....Cami's character is more in line with the gritty female protagonists found in mainstream fiction, reminding me closely of Gillian Flynn's Camille Preaker or Amy Dunne from Sharp Objects and Gone Girl, respectively. Further, Simonds' writing is equally raw and uncompromised, not shying away from Cami's promiscuity and substance abuse. Again, All In feels more like the mercilessly-honest styles of current literary stars like Ottessa Moshfegh and Celeste Ng, and not at all like a Christian fiction novel."

Excerpt, Online Book Club Review



"Cami is twenty-nine and enviously successful. Her first novel was a sleeper hit, turning Cami into a best-selling author and minor celebrity. Based on outward appearances, Cami has it all, but...


Marketing Plan

About 300 copies of ALL IN have been donated to women incarcerated in Texas Department of Criminal Justice prisons through the nonprofit Bookmates4inmates. The reviews from these women, who do not have internet access have been overwhelmingly positive, and each of them noted they would recommend ALL IN to a friend.

About 300 copies of ALL IN have been donated to women incarcerated in Texas Department of Criminal Justice prisons through the nonprofit Bookmates4inmates. The reviews from these women, who do not...


Available Editions

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ISBN 9781642792911
PRICE $15.99 (USD)

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Featured Reviews

I am impressed by L.K.Simonds writing. This gal really knows how to quickly pull the reader into her story-world and keep him there until the very end.

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I woke up at 3:30 a.m., started reading All In on my phone, and stayed up to finish. Here's why:

Everything in author Cami's life looks beautiful. She's young, successful, and on the cusp of being a really big deal. But there's this thing. A few things actually...

This book surprised me in the best of ways. It was like this: you're browsing Netflix and settle in for something that looks mild and not-provocative. But halfway through you're on an emotional roller coaster yelling at the screen: Hello, Netflix? This description is canceled. Write a new one immediately.

In all seriousness, Cami's journey was raw and real and much grittier than what I'd expect to see shelved in the Women's Christian Fiction section.

Let author L.K. Simonds pull you into Cami's world. You wont be disappointed.

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The biggest message that L.K Simonds expressed throughout her novel is that of hope, inspiration, and ambition. Throughout reading this book, I continuously felt myself rooting for Cami despite her many faults because it shows how you can always find what you need and fix what you don’t like with your life. In the last few years it has been my mission to achieve my goals and get our act together so it was so easy to relate with the character. The connection was real and before I knew it there I was immersed in Cami’s story and genuinely enjoying the roller-coaster ride.

All the many bumps in the road made the story entertaining because that is what real life is and as a reader it does leave an impact when you find yourself completely sucked into the character’s drama. Without a doubt this story is not for the light hearted and is a bit of a heavy read with real deep human issues at the forefront. Cami is a train wreck but as a reader it is easy to chuckle at her and love the personality of this troubled woman. She is very difficult to describe but when truly searching what comes to mind is admirable, strong, and stubborn. Cami does have a lot going for her with the attitude and the want to succeed. The struggle is one I know all too well. Loved seeing it play out in Cami’s mind. This kind of character is one you don’t forget easily.

L.K Simond’s has a very nice writing style, one that isn’t too quick and also doesn’t drag on. The book flowed smoothly and the dialogue fit well. One thing I hate sometimes when reading books for review or just because I love reading is when the author begins at a crawl but before the reader knows it, the pace is now at a full run with no room to think or breathe. It is off putting but the rhythm of this novel was extremely fluid and well done. The surprises and twist of the novel were pleasantly unexpected. Going into this novel I wasn’t expecting such a dark tale and absolutely couldn’t get enough!

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An incredibly well woven story of hope, pain, emotion and redemption. Seamlessly told by the author this book was so very real, there were times I felt like a voyeur in Cami's life and the trials she faces as we get a front and center seat in her personal journey that runs from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows and back again. It's a story of surrender and a deep longing for something other than.
It is captivating, beautiful and often painful, as you watch her make her way through her life and along the way is met with people who help her get to where she, in her heart deeply desires to be.
It's a story of belonging, becoming and beginning again. Absolutely breathtaking.
I cannot wait for this authors next book. This is a stellar read, her style and development are perfect.

arc from NetGalley and publisher

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All In by LK Simonds is a great debut novel. I had heard that there was some pushback on the novel being Christian Fiction, and I can see why it was different than some might have expected. All In is a gritty book, and the protagonist is not particularly likable. She has found "success" as a writer, has a loving boyfriend, and what many would see as a good life, but she keeps getting in her own way. Honestly, I worried that Cami would keep digging herself into a hole that she wouldn't be able to get out of. As Christian Fiction is not a genre that I often read because it can feel heavy handed, I also worried that it would not fit into the story. Kudos to LK Simonds, however, for finding a way to blend the grit and redemption into a detailed combination.

This was a somewhat difficult story to read because it shows a side of life that many like to pretend doesn't exist. I can see where it would be a turn off for readers looking for a more traditional Christian Fiction. Instead, LK Simonds addresses selfish motives and poor choices -- irresponsible and meaningless sex, drug and alcohol use and abuse, deception and desperation. But there is also redemption and forgiveness, caring for others with no ulterior motive, all tied together in descriptive language and excellent storytelling.

Good work by a promising author.

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I LOVED the premise that L.K. Simonds wrote her first novel about a young writer in the aftermath of her own breakout novel. It is hard to write a character like this and not be turned off with how stuck up and arrogant they are, but Cami was beautifully portrayed written right on that border of dislike that actually became a source of empathy towards her and was very realistically portrayed. My favorite part of this book was how well she was portrayed. As much as I loved Kate, Cami was just so gritty and real. I enjoyed the contrast between this strong independent woman and the fear she had in emoting. I loved her trouble past, her denial and bitterness, and her pessimistic views of the world. I loved the honest look into therapy and the internal dialogue in those first few sessions. She originally was only going to please others in her life and slowly realized she wanted to continue going for herself. It was very real wondering why you are there, thinking that you don't need this, and the awkwardness of those first few conversations.

I'm always nervous picking up a Christian fiction thinking I'm going to be drowned in religious references and hammered with an overwhelming evangelical presence and the author is going to forget to focus on the story. I've encountered that many times before and this was not it. This is the best balance of a great fiction intertwining with religious elements that I've ever read and the two actually complemented each other very well. Since the author focused so outstandingly on this story and its development having the small glimpses into religion actually made them stand out and made them have more of an impact.

I did feel like the book was running out of time though getting into the last few chapters to have this revival I had envisioned. I wish it would have ended at the dining room table with Kate and left the reader with all kinds of warm fuzzies and the ability to ponder all the possibilities of her future, but instead almost decided it for us and took things a little too far. The only thing that prevented this from being a perfect rating for me was almost everything after the dining room table in that last chapter or two when the story was extended into the church scene. That scene was a little too unexpected for me not really fitting in with the rest of the story. I was happy to see at that dining room table the title finally making an appearance, but I think the cover with that title seemed very deceiving. I almost didn't pick this book up because I know nothing about gambling and knew I wouldn't understand any references, but the title and cover are far from a good representation. Gambling is briefly mentioned being the subject matter or her first book, but it is a background element to what is really going on. All In is truly about tragedy, redemption, hope, and a selfless love that saves.

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I buy all the Fiction and Romance titles for the library system where I work, including Christian Fiction ("CF"). CF readers know to expect certain things from that genre: character-driven and faith based to some degree, with no profanity, graphic violence or sex contained therein. These stories are sometimes referred to as "gentle reads."

All In by L.K. Simmonds is classified as Christian Fiction, but it does not fall within the expectations of the genre. And so long as readers know that going into this well-written and engaging novel, there shouldn't be too much of a shock to the system. The author's approach to the way God lives and moves in our world today is different in some ways from my own, so other than an ending that was not quite what I was expecting, I enjoyed watching a character struggle with life in an often inexplicable world and find some hope and redemption in the end.

Cami Taylor is an author living in New York City who has recently published a very successful debut novel. She is living the dream: has a nice apartment, a loving boyfriend, and is close to finishing a second book. All that starts to fall apart when her boyfriend pushes her for a commitment and she realizes she doesn't want the life he does. He accuses her of being closed off and removed in their relationship and encourages her to see a therapist to try to figure out some of her "issues." She doesn't appreciate that (who would?) but goes anyway.

The scenes with the therapist are very realistic based on my own experiences, and we get to know a little more about Cami through them. She was an afterthought to her parents life, spent a lot of time alone, and was wasn't nurtured. She learned early on not to depend on anyone and to seek satisfaction in her life on her own. And boy, has she! She has had many lovers and casual one night stands, and her moral compass is far from what one usually sees in this genre. The sex scenes are tastefully written; but the point of them is that we begin to see the negative effects Cami's lifestyle is having on her, both physically and mentally. When she receives a shocking diagnosis, she escapes to Texas to stay with a recently discovered distant relative who is an evangelical Christian. Through her interactions with multiple characters in the second half of the book, Cami comes to grip with the mistakes of her past and begins to want a different life for herself.

There a few places in the book that I did find unrealistic, but I cannot go into details without spoiling the story for future readers. And, as a Christian myself, I do have different beliefs about how God interacts with his creation in our contemporary world; so the ending was not as satisfying to me as the first 3/4ths of the book.

What kept resonating with me is this: life is messy; we can be very selfish; we make mistakes, daily, and are not always sorry for them. Yet God loves us in spite of ourselves, and created a way of redemption for us all. Cami Taylor personifies this in her behavior and thoughts, and I could relate to her because she is very human. Not all Christian fiction readers may enjoy this one for the reasons I mentioned at the beginning of the review. But I am glad I got to witness Cami's journey as, in the end, she went All In.

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This was an incredibly good book. It is a message of hope and is well paced. I cheered for Cami on her journey and feel that we have all been there in one way or another. Well done.
Many thanks to Morgan James Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

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When I finished this book I say to myself “wow”. Cami has quite a life. A wild life. She is a writer and her book reflects her life. I really got involved in Cami character.

This book had me really involved and I was able to get things off my mind while reading it. Not very books does that. Lately it has been hard for me to keep my mind on the story. This book kept my attention.

This is one of those books that is hard to write a review. I have to be very careful not to give spoilers. I definitely recommend reading it.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. This review is my own opinion.

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Title: All In
Author: L.K. Simonds
Publisher: Morgan James Fiction
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"All In" by L. K. Simonds

My Rationalization:

I will say I really enjoyed this read by L. K. Simonds even though it was not meant to be a pleasant or a comfortable read. When you are dealing with 'Human Immunodeficiency Virus' nothing can be said to be great about that!

This author really gives the reader something very important to think about during the realistic read. Yes, we will find Cami quite a mess but her road to redemption was a class act to follow with a storyline that will keep you quite engaged as you are turning the pages to see what was coming next.

Now when I said this was beautiful what I meant by that was how well this author delivers the story for all to understand. This was a read in how the story was so captivating and well written all the way to the end with descriptions that are simply amazing to read along with some very interesting characters. And I loved how the author presented this story in the t-person present tense. I will say as I read through the story I found it quite a tear joker for me with what was going on that the church visit. I especially loved this part of the story!

I will say the main reason I loved the read was because I was brought up in a church with both of my parents being ministers and I realized what was happening to Cami sounded so very real to me. Yes, it was raw and could have been something that could have happened. Yes, I do believe this could be exactly what can happen as we go through our daily lives with those who are having 'recreational sex with just anyone from ones past to one-night stands and seduction.'

By the end of the read, I do believe a lesson was learned whether it was a miracle or not. Definitely, it
is for you and you alone to decide to note that it is not for us to decide what is a horrible sin but let God show them the love and therefore letting God do the work of changing their lives as it was in the story. Now, I will also add I believe this novel will benefit the adult in the room rather than the teens, with the truth smacking us in the face with it as we see how Cami journeys to the correct transformation that for her she did not expect to happen. I can only leave the reader saying thank God Cami surrounded herself around the right people [Kate] as she was beginning to spiral out as the story brings us though 'the relationships, struggles, self-discovery, to final redemption!' Yes, again I loved the read.

Thank you to NetGallery and Morgan James for the read and my voicing my honest opinion of the read.

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Reflections From My Bookshelves
REFLECTIONS FROM MY BOOKSHELVES
All In by LK. Simonds
All In by LK. Simonds
Cami Taylor: a blackjack dealer, a bestselling author, and a fraud. Cami’s boyfriend, Joel, loves her in spite of her flaws. He wants to marry her, buy a house on Long Island, and raise a family–a life that’s a million miles from Cami’s idea of happiness. Her therapist suggests compromise and trust, but Cami bolts like a deer. She breaks off the relationship and launches on a new quest for happiness, not knowing that a nasty surprise waits around the corner. What follows is a fight to the death. Who will be the one left standing?





PURCHASE LINKS: Amazon: All In
My Review
When I first started this book I was not sure if I would like it. It is about a women who is living life to the fullest in today’s standards. Within the first five chapters is a sex scene that is not explicit but more discriptive then I liked. There was only one other. Overall, the book is clean in that regards.
I decided to keep reading and found myself more drawn into the story. Cami was an interesting person to get to know. Written through her perspective, I found it to be a fresh look at someone searching for Truth. Many questions even Christians struggle with were mentioned. She also is a writer and that was cool to read about. References to the book she wrote about a blackjack dealer is sprinkled throughout the boon. I found her to be realistic and relatable to readers.

This story has a wonderful redemptive message. It was a little more charasmatic then I’m used to but that is ok. The message of Christ’s love & forgiveness is clearly shown and that’s awesome.

I think the reader can learn along with Cami valuable truths.

I recommend this book to most everyone.

I received this book from the publisher to read and give my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.

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This ain't your mama's Christian Fiction book.
THANK. GOD.
As the person in charge of ordering Christian Fiction at my public library, I am sick of ordering silly and fluffy Christian Fiction novels that always seem to be trite and saccharine. (And with bonnets on the cover... what's up with that???)
This is a gritty novel that sucks you into Cami's carefully controlled and self-constructed world. I love the fact that Ms Simonds doesn't pull any punches (promiscuity, casual sex, alcohol and drug use and HIV/aids). I adore the fact that Cami is an accurate portrayal of humanity - excessive cynicism and all.
My favourite part though? The lyrical and gentle way that Cami gets exposed to the concept of Jesus, and how organically she is introduced to Him.
Now - the ending where it all wraps up neat and tidy in a shiny bow (healed of HIV, life together, new home in Texas with a great job) is a bit cookie cutter for me, but I find myself ruminating on Cami and how unabashedly honest Ms Simonds is with portraying her life.
Thank you for writing something so refreshing and new! I look forward to reading her next novel.

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Oh my this book is quite the read. This is a tough book to review. Not that the book was bad on the contrary. it has a lot of depth and deep topics worth pondering on. This is a cautionary tale that shows that all decisions have consequences.

The MC, Cami, is self-absorbed and has a ton of issues she dealing (or avoiding) with. She is truly a flawed character. There was one point in the book that I just wanted to give her a purse whoppin’ and to tell her to get a grip. Yes she got on my nerves that much.

What I did like about this story was getting to see Cami mature and grow as a person throughout the story. Especially the last third of the story. Amongst the difficult issues going on in the plot, this story also touched on hope, compassion, and redemption.

The character are well written and the plot overall was well done. It’s the kind of story that was hard to put down once I had started it. I did enjoy delving into this one.

All this being said, I must warn. This is a more mature book (18+ audience) mainly because of the subject matter and issues discussed are tough topics. Though it is fairly clean (not squeaky clean though) and does not go into too many graphic details.

I still recommend this book and belief it should be on everyone’s TBR list, because it gives a realistic look into the lives and struggles a lot of modern people outside of the church deal with.

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My Thoughts on All In:
All In is a debut novel that hits it out of the park. Prepare to be captivated and not leave the pages of the book until you’ve devoured every word.

Okay, honest time. I started this book. And then I put it down and read another. It wasn’t that it wasn’t written well. Because it is wel written. It’s a really really good book once you get past the first few chapters.

Cami is very self-absorbed. And there are some words and scenes and things within the covers of this book that I’m not on board with. But, despite those, or because of them, this is still a wonderful book.

All In shares about the deep soul-saving redemptive love of God. It challenges us to look deeper and go deeper. While Cami matures and becomes less self-absorbed we get new ideas and new thoughts on her as a person but also on us as individuals and as followers of Christ.

Do I recommend All In as a good book? Yes, I do. But, I do want people to go into it with eyes wide open. There are some scenes that I truly think could have been left out. Words could have been left out(yes I’m talking curse words) and some activities like drugs/alcohol could have been left out. They’re in here though. Know this when you start reading.

I did not know this and that’s why I did take a break from the book. I came back, I restarted the book, and I finished the book. But while reading the book I did have to dig deep. It made me think and it challenged me. That is why I recommend it and think you might want to give it a read.

This is not one I would recommend for teens. In fact, my copy was a physical copy and I’m passing it on to other adults to read so that it does not stick around in my house for a teen to pick up. My teens are 14 and under and this is not something I want them reading at this point in their lives.

Gambling. All In shows you a parallel between life and cards. I’m not a card player. In fact, if it’s not solitaire chances are I have no clue what you’re talking about. This did leave me a little lost to the connection a few times, but I muddled through it.

So in conclusion. I’m not sure what genre I’d classify this book besides Christian fiction. I would classify it as an adult only book.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

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This was a heavy read. Not in that it was boring or without merit, far from it, actually, but in that Cami’s character is so agnostic, and her behavior so deeply ingrained in acts that gamble her very life, made the reading uncomfortable.

Cami’s spiritual journey doesn’t quite begin until halfway through the book, and even once it does begin, it’s a plodding pace. Which it should be. Cami is not one who will be led to Christ through any old means, and her concerns take many pages to iron out. I don’t hold that against her.

What’s important is the journey itself. And what a journey.

This is not your average book, and that is a blessing.

Cami is dealing with a lot of problems relevant to today’s society. Combining a mixture of alcohol, drugs, and sex, along with the consequences of those three, into a Christian Fiction book could have gone horribly wrong. L.K. Simonds keeps your mind out of the gutter while forcing you to see the deep hurt within Cami.

Every decision has a consequence, as Cami is about to learn.

The truth hurts. While she might write herself a new story, only God can erase the pain harbored deeply in Cami’s soul. Cami is the type of character who breathes with real life. Her actions are heartbreakingly familiar and something I’ve seen in person.

While I might have had a few headbutts with some of the theology, I certainly don’t begrudge All In for the viewpoints expressed. We’re all allowed an opinion.

And although I cannot recommend this book for everyone as it would be too difficult for some younger readers to understand, if you don’t mind a little hard truth about the darker side of life, I encourage you to read this one.

I requested a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

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I found All In by L.K. Simonds was an excellent book that showed how one person, Cami, lost her way in life and her journey brought her from drugs, sleeping around, and keeping at arm's length to finding Christ and finding an honest and fruitful balance to her life. All In demonstrated that no matter how lost in the dark one is, there's always light and God at the end of the tunnel if we're willing to work for it. I loved how read this book was and that no matter what, faith in oneself and Christ/God will always raise you up and bring you joy and hope. Thank out NetGalley for introducing me to a new author. This was my honest opinion.

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"What's it like to want all the right things?"

ALL IN by L.K. Simonds is a literary wonderland of metafiction, symbolism, and imagery. Cami Taylor is almost 30, hails from Phoenix, lives in New York City, and is writing her second novel on the heels of her first bestseller. Cami is like everyone else on the planet. She is both ordinary and unique. She is a successful author, an only child of parents who were not young when she was born, an ex-blackjack dealer, and promiscuous. She currently loves Joel and enjoys their relationship, but unlike him, she is not ready to attach those strings. What's a girl to do? Cami warily heads into therapy but without the open-minded conviction that it will do any good.

Cami Taylor is also an agnostic. Her spiritual journey throughout ALL IN may not fit the mold of the standard Christian Fiction or imitate what many Christians have experienced in their own journey, but her sojourn is a valid one—slow and subtle before becoming completely chaotic and frenetic. L.K. Simonds brilliantly illustrates through Cami that there certainly must be more than one road to Damascus. Cami's experience is raw and laden with wreckage and heartache, but it is hers and hers alone and thus beautifully authentic.

When a distant relative contacts her and wants to connect, Cami reluctantly agrees. Kate is an older cousin who is warm and inviting, and she is an integral part of the overall story. When Cami receives some life-shattering news, she retreats to Dallas, Texas, and into Kate's welcoming, unconditional embrace. While Cami is the protagonist here, Kate must not be overlooked for what she represents. She is a wife and mother, but she also epitomizes the very essence of Christianity—faith, hope, love, tolerance, patience, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Moreover, Kate embodies the dichotomy of the biblical Martha and Mary in that she both serves and listens. With Cami, Kate easily knows when to advance and when to retreat, always with open arms and gentle hands that soothe, guide, and catch Cami when she dramatically falls and steady her when she rises from the ashes.

The dynamic Christian conversion story is weaved throughout this highly entertaining novel, and the ending may catch readers off guard and leave them wide eyed and filled with whatever emotion they are willing to receive—wonder, skepticism, acknowledgement, disbelief, or perhaps even hope.

For a debut novel, Simonds knocks it out of the literary park. The pacing is moderate, and the prose lures you into Cami's edgy existence. While all the characters are intricately portrayed, Cami is, of course, the main attraction. She is agonizingly flawed, cynical, and often infuriating, yet she is also touchingly vulnerable, especially when her internal protective barrier begins to crumble, and her proverbial path to spiritual enlightenment becomes illuminated.

If you appreciate evocative literary fiction that sparks conversation, debate, and maybe even some self-reflection, then ALL IN by L.K. Simonds is the perfect book for you.

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4.5/5 STARS. It is a rare occasion when I know much about a book before I read it. With ALL IN, I knew there was some controversy over the book being categorized as Christian fiction – gritty, realistic, Christian fiction. Who wouldn’t be interested in exploring that? With my interest piqued, I read the book description and just like the book’s title, I was ALL IN.

“Manhattan lays out a daily smorgasbord of humanity. Old and young, rich and poor, bourgeois and Bolshevik…all together, they form a single living organism, a New York amoeba, shaping itself to the sidewalk container, shrinking from the overflowing wastebaskets and ubiquitous vendors.”

The strength of ALL IN is in the vivid descriptions of people and places. Author L.K. Simonds writes with panache; her use of figurative language and carefully selected word choices (she bussed his cheek) ensnare and hold captive the reader. Truly, Simonds’s sentences are some of the most well-written I’ve read in some time. The writing is cerebral, and sentences are heavy with meaning, each giving readers more insight into main character Cami’s mind and heart. But much is also said between the lines, and while the story is a page-turner, there is much to be gained by mindful reading.

“Jackie wasn’t just a dealer. She was a gambler too. Always laying it all on the line, hoping for the big payoff.”

The cover image of ALL IN, which also piqued my interest, is highly representative of Cami’s life, but it’s nuanced. Sure, there is an obvious connection: Cami took a job as a blackjack dealer in a casino in order to research and accurately write Jackie, the main character of her bestselling book. But it goes much deeper than that. In writing Jackie, Leona Camille Lingo becomes author Cami Taylor – who lives vicariously through her character, Jackie. Sound complicated? It is. Gambling is an apt metaphor for Cami Taylor’s life.

Readers need to be aware that ALL IN is not a book about a struggling Christian finding God: Cami is not a believer. She is self-aware, pragmatic even, about her lack of faith and self-destructive behavior and doesn’t worry about her soul. Does she sin? Well, yeah. She is human, and humans, whether they call themselves Christian or not, are sinners. Readers know Cami’s is a redemption story, and despite the divine intervention of having Kate dropped into Cami’s life, it takes the whole book to get there (seriously - to the final twenty pages). Truly, the book’s structure itself reflects the never-too-late religious narrative.

Regardless of one’s personal beliefs, I recommend readers be open-minded and remember that we all worship differently. Admittedly, the Pentecostal way in which Cami finally accepts Jesus Christ as her savior is outside my comfort zone. And while I believe in Jesus’ power to heal, I struggled to suspend my disbelief with how Cami’s conversion ultimately unfolded, and I think this could have been written a little differently to not alienate some readers.

For me, it took effort to step back here and not let the ending negate from the experience of reading the book. But step-back I did, and I am left with a book that I would easily recommend to others who can be non-judgmental about belief systems other than their own. The writing is stunning, the story is enthralling, and ALL IN is a powerful, realistic, story that gloriously builds to one life-changing, lifesaving, defining moment.

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All In delves into the human psyche and digs deep for the truth.  A truth that is revealed by the actions of Cami and those around her.

This is not your typical Christian fiction book, so if you are opposed to nitty gritty situations in your books, then you won't want to read this one.  BUT if you like to see how faith in God can change a person from the lowest depths to the highest levels, then you will want to read this novel.  Cami is the kind of character that many will be able to relate to because her life is not picture perfect.  She may have achieved success as an author, but something is missing.  It takes connecting with distant family and a life altering event before Cami realizes the destructive path she is on and if she doesn't change her life will not be what she wants.

I will admit that the first half of this book was slow and I wondered if Cami was going to find her way or she was going to keep floundering with her writing, her family, or her life.  But about halfway through the book, there is a revelation that changes everything and from that point on I was hooked on the book and had a hard time putting it down.  How was Cami going to handle this situation?  What about her new relationship with Kate (a distant cousin)?  How was she going to handle this news?

Chapter 23 is one of the best chapters, in my mind, because it centers around a discussion between Cami and Kate about faith, God, life, and the direction Cami is headed.  I could have quoted most of the chapter because I felt so much of it was poignant. I think it was also a turning point for Cami and Kate was instrumental in facilitating the new path despite Cami's reluctance to open her heart and life to others.  Cami hides so much of her life from everyone and, in a way, she is much like the character Jackie in her book.  Living life on the edge but without a real purpose.  Is what she missing faith and God?  Only Cami can discover that and it isn't an easy sell.

A large portion of this book is set in Dallas where Kate lives and Cami visits.  I was surprised to discover that Christ for the Nations Institute is a real place in Dallas.  It is a charismatic non-denominational church and I'm not sure I believe what was described in the book, but I can't say it couldn't happen either.  The bible is full of miracles so anything is possible.  The only question that wasn't answered is why Kate and her husband left one church for this one.  Kate tells Cami she will tell her later but I do not remember that being answered.

These are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

"...but it seems like you're kinda dead emotionally.  Your characters feel all kinds of things, but do you?  It's almost like you're putting up a front all the time."

"In the half hour or so between first light and daybreak, the desert holds its breath.  Nothing moves. Not air. Not cactus flower. Not thermometer. Then the sun, in full bloom, crests the lumpy red mountains, and the birds abandon their night roosts with trills as clear as the air itself. By noon, you can grill tortillas on any sunny sidewalk, but the early mornings are perfect."

"A mother bear's protective instinct. Actually, more like wolverine."

"There's only one reality. Any other ideas on the subject are just existential crap."

"There's a big difference between hoping something will happen and arranging your life in such a way that it will happen, inevitably."

"We're all one bad hand away from disaster."

"That's an important thing about fiction, not only telling a story, but helping the reader see and feel things. Maybe even understand things, they wouldn't - couldn't - otherwise."

"At the time I wrote the book, I thought she played it well.  I still believe she played it well, but I'm not so sure I should've let her walk away unscathed. The game always costs us something."

"Cami, the end of your story haunts me. It breaks my heart to think about a young woman who's determined to go after a life that will destroy her."

"I used to think life would all make sense one day and have, you know, a beginning, a middle, and an end. But it won't. It never will because there's just one day on top of another until you have a whole string of them, a lifetime of them."

"This is Texas, the weather here turns on a dime." 

Overall I really enjoyed this book, especially the last half and felt that the story concluded and closed all storylines with no unanswered questions (other than the one I mentioned above).  We give this 5 paws up.

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When I first read the synopsis for this book, I was instantly "all in." I love my fiction dark, swathed in danger, and that leads readers into the exploration of all the shades of gray that life has to offer within the safe confines of the book's pages. As a Christian myself, I was excited to see this story introducing "gritty" aspects that are not typically found within the genre and how it would navigate bleaker themes while keeping its audience in mind. This is a difficult read, but one that needed to be told. Life can be devoid of hope. People can experience a crisis of faith. And it's okay to discuss those concerns within the Christian fiction community in a respectful and open-minded way. Beautifully written and emotionally engaging, this is an example of the kinds of faith-based stories I would like to see more of; however, as long as you can remember that even within the Christian faith we all worship differently, the ending may seem less shocking and more of a direct acknowledgment to the miracles we believe are reflected in Christ's work.

"When I examine the situation in the cold light of day, I see precious little to look forward to as far as relationships go. Apparently, the road to happiness must be traveled in vehicles I loathe: Sacrifice. Compromise. Surrender."

For the most part, Cami's character is not very likable. As a debut bestselling author, she has a bit of a chip on her shoulder. She has commitment issues and intimacy is only a self-serving moment for carnal pleasure. While her future is primed for more novels, more money, more fame, more lovers, there is this lingering sense of loneliness and a lack of fulfillment that casts a shadow in the background. Though she admits early on that she needs to concentrate on feeding her soul, she has no idea what that means or how she would even know where to look for it. She is not a struggling believer or even someone looking to find faith, yet her slow progression to salvation is a testament to the religious narrative that proudly proclaims deliverance is never too late.

"I think people are the same no matter where you go. And frankly, a little undeserved kindness goes a long way to softening up the hard ones."

While redemption stories are always something to root for, I must say that Kate's character was the pièce de résistance to the awe-inspiring tale. As a distant relative, she enters Cami's life in an act of almost divine intervention. Kate embodies the spirit of Christ, modeling the idea of Grace that Christians should strive for every day. Exhibiting an aura of humility, connectedness, elegance, and charisma, she fully embraces the less fortunate with open arms, casts no judgments, or ever utters an ill word about anyone, even those who disappoint her greatly and frequently. She is not naive to the strife that affects the world, rather her confident and constant devotion is a direct foil to Cami's indifferent demeanor and flighty behavior. Her character and the relationship that is built with Cami is incredible to witness and every reason to give this book a chance.

You more than likely will step out of your comfort zone while reading this book; however, it might not be such a bad place to land. We all have different ways of looking at the world, and this story may put those views to the test. In much the same way that Cami eventually begins to look beyond herself and consider the perspectives of others, readers may have to open their minds a little to enjoy the uplifting message found by the end. This is raw. This is real. And it's definitely worth talking about.

Many thanks to Lone Star Book Blog Tours and the author for providing me with a free copy of the book. This is my honest and thoughtful review.

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All In reminds me of a coming-of-age story, but it’s not. As a matter of fact, the main character has already been “around the block” more times than most. However, this story is more about self-discovery in the face of adversity.

This story is labeled as Christian Fiction - and that is certainly true, particularly near the end - but it is nevertheless a story that can and will raise emotions in a reader. Although slow in the beginning, Simonds finds a nice pace around the middle of the book, and she continues that through the end of the story.

**Meet Cami - All In’s Main Character**

Cami is definitely not a mild-mannered protagonist that will melt your heart. Actually, it’s likely that some of her life choices and mannerisms will clash with those often found in main characters. But that’s precisely what makes Cami such a marvelous protagonist.

Cami is flawed in so many ways. She’s a successful author, currently working on her second novel, but her personal life leaves more to be desired. She seems to have it all, but is it really what she needs? After a breakup with her boyfriend, she seems to question what she wants in life and how to attain it. She then gets some life-altering news, and she has a very difficult time accepting it.

Along Cami’s journey, she meets Kate. A distant relative, Kate is the complete opposite of Cami. She seems to have life all figured out. When she offers Cami refuge from her life, at Kate’s Dallas home, Cami eventually accepts. Cami’s time in Dallas changes everything.

I think Cami is a main character I won’t easily forget.

**Technically Speaking**

This book was very well edited. I didn’t note any SPAG errors.

Cami’s character arc, as you can imagine, is huge. (But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to predict where it goes. You might be surprised.) This character arc - the changes in Cami - really drives the story.

I’d love to tell you more about how this story made me feel, but I couldn’t do so without dropping spoilers. I will say, though, that it definitely moved me.

This is a great story, and I highly recommend it.

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ALL IN does not have not your typical Christian fiction protagonist. Successful author Cami Taylor is not sweet, nor gentle. She has hard edges, smokes, drinks, and is emotionally detached. On the surface, actually, she’s a pretty unlikeable character – and as this book is billed as Christian fiction, it didn’t mesh with my expectations right from the start.

I was intrigued.

Author L.K. Simonds drops tidbits all around that provide insight on WHY she is so detached, jaded, and (dare I say) emotionally damaged, and when her boyfriend suggests therapy – and Cami actually goes – we get the hint that she really doesn’t want to be this way either, and I was drawn even further into the story.

“When I examine the situation in the cold light of day, I see precious little to look forward to as far as relationships go. Apparently, the road to happiness must be traveled in vehicles I loathe: Sacrifice. Compromise. Surrender.”

The plot maintains a moderate pace as the story unfolds, and Simonds does an excellent job of developing the world that Cami lives in. The strength of the book, however, was its characters. Each one provides an opportunity to reveal a little bit more insight into Cami, and each is well crafted. Kate is very much everything that Cami is not – gentle where Cami is all sharp edges, forgiving and open vs guarded. Her scenes with Sam – however brief – are impactful and a turning point for her.

“Oh man! What I wouldn’t give to believe something that wonderful. I wish I had such a safety net to catch me as I’m falling, as I’m falling even now. Some belief – I don’t care what, it doesn’t matter – into which I could trust myself to plunge without harm. But I’m a skeptic tottering on the edge of a dark, bottomless pit, with no safety net, no lifeline, and nothing below to break my fall.”

Cami’s relationship with her faith does change and grow as the book progresses. I loved how her connection starts with words – as a writer, she first connects with the flow and the beauty in a bible passage, and it draws her in and provides her with peace. The manner in which her faith progresses was another area that diverges from my usual experiences with Christian fiction – this is no gentle series of God reaching through. Staying consistent to the book, her journey is explosive and abrupt.

Cami gets dealt a pretty terrifying, life-changing blow midway through the novel, and her response to it was in line with her character. However, as the story reaches its culmination, it goes in an unexpected direction (no spoilers) and I was admittedly initially a bit disappointed with the way it was handled because it felt like the easy way out. Or, perhaps, because the author HAD dragged me in, I was hooked, and things kind of spun out in a direction that I couldn’t connect with.

But, this is the author’s tale, not mine, and the path Cami travels is reflective of the charismatic church that Kate worships at. It was difficult at the onset to separate out my differences in faith with those in the book, and how I felt about the direction it took. Also, while some books either gently edge around faith, working it in seamlessly or are in your face and preachy, this story comes from a place of total lack of faith at all and then turns a corner and punches the gas, hard. It’s not a smooth progression – it’s jarring and overwhelming, reflective of Cami’s journey.

However, this book is ultimately about one woman’s journey – one that is wrought with jagged emotion, raw and real. It was refreshing to see Christian fiction depicting a fully flawed, complicated, imperfect person on their path to faith. It is a powerfully written tale.

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