All Is Swell: Trust in Thelma's Way

Trust Williams Trilogy #1

by Robert Farrell Smith

Elder Trust Williams was born a member and grew up singing "I Hope The Call Me on a Mission." But nothing at the MTC could prepare him for the mission call to Thelma's Way, a backwater town in Tennessee. And nothing could prepare him (or you) for the hilarity that ensues - or for the fact that he would grow to love this big bunch of misfits, one of them in particular..... Two years never flew by so fast or so fun.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Fiction, Humor, Lds, Romance, Young Adult, Church

293 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

aka Obert Skye

Reviews

[Konnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Now I have to say that the plot is . . . well, it reads like a fisherman's tale--a fisherman who is practiced in the art of storytelling. In fact, sometimes I felt I was reading a verbal comic strip. While the plot has some pretty ridiculous events (intentionally so), the writing, and especially the similes and analogies, are so fresh and so funny, I promise you'll laugh out loud. You'll have to! And I fell in love with the unique, and quirky characters in Thelma's Way.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robbert Farrell Smith is amazing! I have read all of his books and the Trust Trilogy is probably my favorite. I re-read them last time I visited home and remembered how great they are.

I haven't read many books funnier than anything by Smith. I'm talking laugh out loud, actually have to put the book down and wipe your eyes you are laughing so hard. This guy is FUNNY and he hits the nail right on the head in so many ways. Go ahead and buy one or two or all of his books...they are well worth the money and worth reading over and over again.

[Patrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Received this as an audiobook several years back. LDS fiction, light reading, amuses me while working on the dishes.

A young Mormon missionary is called to serve in rural Tennessee (author inserts almost every stereotype here) town called "Thelma's Way." Ends up staying there almost his entire mission (when does that ever happen?), wanders around town often without his companion and falls in love with a local girl. But it's all funny, so that's okay?

This story continues with two sequels, but I think I've outgrown it.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was an interesting book. it was definitely different from the others in a special sort of indescribable way. but it didn't lose it's grip on you for one second. it would help if you understood everything about it but it's really not that difficult to figure out. (go to www.lds.org for general details.) but it was very sweet and very sad at some parts. the ending was definitely one of my favorite parts. this is an amazing trilogy, and this is the perfect book to start it off.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dig the quirky sense of humor of author Robert F. Smith and the Trust Williams Trilogy is full of it. From the garden with the paved paths so the gardener can use his office chair, to the food storage fanatic who has food stored away in every inch of his trailer home, I found a lot to laugh at...and sadly because these insane characters were echos of people I've lived near throughout my life.

[Franziska · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought Robert Farrell Smith's first book (Baptists at our Barbecue) was funny and witty, but it went downhill from there. This book seemed too much of a re-hash of former stories, trying to repeat the same idea and humor. Not funny. It wasn't the worst I've read, but all his other books are just repetitive in idea, and just not interesting anymore.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was light read. Comic funny. The characters are just a little beyond normal life--a bit warped. Although most of our lives have a few characters like these in them, hopefully we don't have that many at one time! Trust is a missionary sent to serve his mission in Tennessee--in a forgotten little "town."

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute story about Trust Williams. He's on a mission to Tennessee and spends the entire two years in a small community named Thelma's Way. He hates the place at first, but eventually gets to know and love the people, although some of his companions leave a lot to be desired. It's a funny book, but also has some good insights.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious-at some points I was laughing on every page. Totally light reading material, but completely entertaining. I've not read too much LDS fiction in the past, but I have to say I enjoyed this series.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good one by this author but I didn;t love it as much as "Baptists at our Barbecue". F.Y.I. The first two books in the Trust Williams trilogy are now contained in one volume called "Bitten", just released this year.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this when I was pregnant with my first and I could not wait to get home from work for my lunch break or after work because this book was so hilarious!
I need to read it again because it's been too long!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the name Trust. He's a really good man to not only serve his entire mission in the backwoods town of Thelma's Way, but to fall in love with its wacky out of the ordinary people. It's a great missionary story.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book on tape! Listened to it as a family on a trip. Book wouldn't be nearly as funny, I'm sure. Read by the author and it's about a missionary in Thelma's Way, Louisinna. So funny, witty and surprisingly well written. We'll listen to this again, I'm sure.

[Shelly Baird · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books is humorous to anyone who has served a mission. It is a quick read. Three stars is probably pushing it a bit, but I'm glad I read it.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun series of a missionary that finds himself in a very out of sorts town. Full of love, laughs and entertainment!

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typically I'm not a big reader of LDS fiction, but we read this book for our YW/YM reading program one summer. It cracks me up, as do the two sequels.

[Karina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny...in the typical mormon corny way

[Joleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this one, but can't find #2 so I have never finished the set.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this series right after returning from my mission. I was literally laughing out loud and couldn't wait to find the next one.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for a quick entertaining read. Loved reading these together on a road trip! Have the series to loan if you're interested.

[Jana Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are really quirky and funny books. If you just want something easy and entertaining, this is it!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. I have read it a couple times, so it has kidna lost it's appeal, but it is hilarious and you just keep reading it.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny! I still haven't read the 3rd book yet.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and inspiring. I came to love the quirky characters of the book by seeing them through Trust's eyes. Predictable but fun.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the funniest series I've ever read. Seriously witty jokes...you have to be paying attention!

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read, especially for someone who is about to or has gone on a mission.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

all is well is the first book in the series. robert farrell smith is one of the funniest authors ever

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed and laughed at this one. What a feel-good read!!

[Charity · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was just fun!

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for a great laugh! try the whole series!