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As It Should Be
Andrew and his wife, Stephanie, thought they had bought their safety and freedom. Just as they had settled into an idyllic life in Norway, the table turns again into a living nightmare. They are forced to move back to Canada and run through yet another convoluted maze.
Upon arriving back to the country in which they met, a man in a blue Jetta begins following Stephanie and their daughters. Can Andrew protect his family from the looming threats? And who is following Stephanie? Even in the midst of difficult circumstances, Andrew and Stephanie stay positive and strong for their daughters, hoping that someday the curse will be lifted.
Upon arriving back to the country in which they met, a man in a blue Jetta begins following Stephanie and their daughters. Can Andrew protect his family from the looming threats? And who is following Stephanie? Even in the midst of difficult circumstances, Andrew and Stephanie stay positive and strong for their daughters, hoping that someday the curse will be lifted.
141 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2021
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Shawna James
4 books13 followersShawna James is an award-winning author & writer. Her debut novel “Despite the Devil” was released in audio, paperback, and hardcover in Spring 2021 as part of her “They Loved Collection” book series. She has received 5-Star awarded book reviews, including Readers Favorite, and is a winner of the Canada Book Awards, as she quickly began gaining reader fans from around the world.
She has released book two of this collection titled “As It Should Be” in the Fall of 2021, for all her readers. Books are available on Amazon Kindle, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and many fine bookstores for all her readers to enjoy.
Shawna, a Canadian author, holds a Masters' degree in Education and works as a university instructor, fueling the bright minds of her students. When she is not writing in her favorite coffee shop or instructing, she enjoys the great outdoors and loves hiking with her puppies.
She also enjoys traveling abroad, is an avid reader, and enjoys watching her favorite football games on Sunday afternoons. She continues to reside in the Vancouver, Canada, area.
The author welcomes readers, publishers, and agents to visit her Official Author Website for all her author news, updates, new releases and is open to interviews, a guest on podcasts, and radio shows.
She has released book two of this collection titled “As It Should Be” in the Fall of 2021, for all her readers. Books are available on Amazon Kindle, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and many fine bookstores for all her readers to enjoy.
Shawna, a Canadian author, holds a Masters' degree in Education and works as a university instructor, fueling the bright minds of her students. When she is not writing in her favorite coffee shop or instructing, she enjoys the great outdoors and loves hiking with her puppies.
She also enjoys traveling abroad, is an avid reader, and enjoys watching her favorite football games on Sunday afternoons. She continues to reside in the Vancouver, Canada, area.
The author welcomes readers, publishers, and agents to visit her Official Author Website for all her author news, updates, new releases and is open to interviews, a guest on podcasts, and radio shows.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 22, 2022
This novel is about Andrew and Stephanie, your average married couple who are trying to deal with Roberta, Andrew's extremely greedy ex-wife.
Andrew and Stephanie, and their two daughters, have moved from Canada to Norway, Andrew's homeland, to get away from Roberta's constant demands for more and more child support money. The two children involved, Kevin and Muffy, may not even be Andrew's children, but Roberta absolutely refuses to allow a paternity test.
In Norway, life is good. That is, until a large envelope of legal documents forces them to move back to Canada. Roberta alleges that Andrew has not paid any of his child support obligations for the past several years, despite the fact that he has paid them. After moving back to Canada, Andrew and Stephanie move back to Canada, they meet privately with Kevin, now in college. He shows them a brand-new truck, and property, that he has bought (with Andrew's money). He attends college on a government program that pays all of his expenses. He knows that Andrew is not his real father; they look nothing like each other. Roberta's constant demands for money reach the point where Andrew is handing over more than half of his salary to the Court.
On the good side, except for the Roberta-caused stress, the family is happy and healthy. Full scholarships for the daughters to a private dance school help a lot. Does Kevin help Andrew and Stephanie to stop Roberta, once and for all? Is there a big courtroom confrontation between them?
This novel certainly shows another side to the world of divorce and child support. Sometimes, the ex-wife is the "bad guy." It's a very good tale, and is well worth checking out.
Andrew and Stephanie, and their two daughters, have moved from Canada to Norway, Andrew's homeland, to get away from Roberta's constant demands for more and more child support money. The two children involved, Kevin and Muffy, may not even be Andrew's children, but Roberta absolutely refuses to allow a paternity test.
In Norway, life is good. That is, until a large envelope of legal documents forces them to move back to Canada. Roberta alleges that Andrew has not paid any of his child support obligations for the past several years, despite the fact that he has paid them. After moving back to Canada, Andrew and Stephanie move back to Canada, they meet privately with Kevin, now in college. He shows them a brand-new truck, and property, that he has bought (with Andrew's money). He attends college on a government program that pays all of his expenses. He knows that Andrew is not his real father; they look nothing like each other. Roberta's constant demands for money reach the point where Andrew is handing over more than half of his salary to the Court.
On the good side, except for the Roberta-caused stress, the family is happy and healthy. Full scholarships for the daughters to a private dance school help a lot. Does Kevin help Andrew and Stephanie to stop Roberta, once and for all? Is there a big courtroom confrontation between them?
This novel certainly shows another side to the world of divorce and child support. Sometimes, the ex-wife is the "bad guy." It's a very good tale, and is well worth checking out.
February 20, 2022
Wonderful story! As It Should Be by Shawna James is fascinating story about love and marriage. Andrew and Stephanie had moved to Norway, planning for new beginning. Until Andrew receives an envelope with documents from his ex-wife regarding his child support obligations for the past several years and they have to come back to Canada. Interesting story with many twists and turns that will keep the reader engaged. Great book!
May 6, 2022
As It Should Be is the first book I have read by Shawna James and as a fan of the genre was something that I really enjoyed. There were a few niggles and complaints that I had but that does not distract from what I feel that the author has achieved with this book.
My first thing to note is that Shawna James has a gift at building chemistry and interaction amongst her characters. We really do see how close the family are and it certainly feels real, whether or not they are in Norway or back in Canada. Andrew has a remarkable bond with his wife and despite the trails they face, he never takes her or their two children for granted. She too is an incredibly supportive character and I liked that she didn’t hold Andrew’s history and finances against him. I was moved by some of the later scenes with his father - it is a reminder to hold what is dear to us close to our hearts and never lose sight of it. Roberta and her twisted games never came close to breaking this family.
I did feel that the plot could have moved quicker. The outline of the blurb isn’t really explored until nearly two thirds through the novel, so I would have liked a quicker pace. The points are a little laboured and the day to day life scenes distract a bit from the momentum, and in a short book like this I think they could be trimmed down. The author knows how to lay the groundwork for her characters and some people would appreciate this over moving on the story, but I felt it went on a little too long.
But this is a nice short read that is definitely worth the time. I hope to read more of the They Loved Collection soon.
My first thing to note is that Shawna James has a gift at building chemistry and interaction amongst her characters. We really do see how close the family are and it certainly feels real, whether or not they are in Norway or back in Canada. Andrew has a remarkable bond with his wife and despite the trails they face, he never takes her or their two children for granted. She too is an incredibly supportive character and I liked that she didn’t hold Andrew’s history and finances against him. I was moved by some of the later scenes with his father - it is a reminder to hold what is dear to us close to our hearts and never lose sight of it. Roberta and her twisted games never came close to breaking this family.
I did feel that the plot could have moved quicker. The outline of the blurb isn’t really explored until nearly two thirds through the novel, so I would have liked a quicker pace. The points are a little laboured and the day to day life scenes distract a bit from the momentum, and in a short book like this I think they could be trimmed down. The author knows how to lay the groundwork for her characters and some people would appreciate this over moving on the story, but I felt it went on a little too long.
But this is a nice short read that is definitely worth the time. I hope to read more of the They Loved Collection soon.
February 20, 2022
That is a story about life after one destroyed marriage. As It Should Be by Shawna James is fascinating book with many twists and turns that makes the reader keep on reading. Also, there is romance, love and trust! Recommend it!
August 8, 2021
Can love really weather all storms?
If you enjoy a good sweet, fluffy romance, then this book is not for you. With the two totally different book covers from book one to book two? There is a reason for it ...so, don't let the book covers of this collection fool you!
Because the author has packed even more fast-paced, thrilling drama, suspense, and intensity in her second book titled "As It Should Be" of the "They Loved Collection." So it would be best if you strapped in for a multi-cross-genre romance like no other I have read. Just as the author accomplished in book one, "Despite The Devil," she has woven more social issues and social topics within this exceptionally written storyline.
Yes, the story opens with Andrew and Stephanie now married and beginning a family in idyllic Norway; they are forced back to Canada, and well, let's say ... all hell breaks loose.
Fascinating twists and turns that make book two hard to put down. And, yes, there is romance, more of family life, and can Andrew keep his family safe and protected as more light is being shed on his dark past?
Can they settle and have the family life they yearn for?
Will their marriage weather any storm?
Well, You'll have to read "As It Should Be" for yourself, learn those answers, and know how it all ends. I look forward to many more books by Shawna James and now know why she is an award-winning author and writer. Highly recommend this to all romance drama readers!
The Avid Reading Cat
If you enjoy a good sweet, fluffy romance, then this book is not for you. With the two totally different book covers from book one to book two? There is a reason for it ...so, don't let the book covers of this collection fool you!
Because the author has packed even more fast-paced, thrilling drama, suspense, and intensity in her second book titled "As It Should Be" of the "They Loved Collection." So it would be best if you strapped in for a multi-cross-genre romance like no other I have read. Just as the author accomplished in book one, "Despite The Devil," she has woven more social issues and social topics within this exceptionally written storyline.
Yes, the story opens with Andrew and Stephanie now married and beginning a family in idyllic Norway; they are forced back to Canada, and well, let's say ... all hell breaks loose.
Fascinating twists and turns that make book two hard to put down. And, yes, there is romance, more of family life, and can Andrew keep his family safe and protected as more light is being shed on his dark past?
Can they settle and have the family life they yearn for?
Will their marriage weather any storm?
Well, You'll have to read "As It Should Be" for yourself, learn those answers, and know how it all ends. I look forward to many more books by Shawna James and now know why she is an award-winning author and writer. Highly recommend this to all romance drama readers!
The Avid Reading Cat
October 6, 2021
I couldn't put this book down. Not at all my usual type of book to read. I usually stick to fantasy.
The reality of this book has left me speechless. I have been staring at this computer screen for a good hour now trying to find the right words. And that is after I spent a good 6 hours in my couch reading it. This is not the kind of book that can easily be put down to be read later, there are no good spots to stop. Once you start it becomes incredibly difficult to take a break.
Five stars and an incredible read. Wish they were all like this. I liked the story and the thoughts and perspective it made me see. Totally would recommend, especially for a Book Club. Definitely a conversation starter!
The reality of this book has left me speechless. I have been staring at this computer screen for a good hour now trying to find the right words. And that is after I spent a good 6 hours in my couch reading it. This is not the kind of book that can easily be put down to be read later, there are no good spots to stop. Once you start it becomes incredibly difficult to take a break.
Five stars and an incredible read. Wish they were all like this. I liked the story and the thoughts and perspective it made me see. Totally would recommend, especially for a Book Club. Definitely a conversation starter!
April 14, 2022
Andrew and Stephanie are a sweet couple. This said, what happens to them is not sweet at all. The book is well written, the drama, the feel for reality, the relationships struggle between family members - all greatly written. I will have a look at other works from this author. Well done!
December 25, 2025
I could appreciate how Andrew and Stephanie attempt to raise two talented daughters under the constant shadow of debt and legal threats, and even the fear of Andrew’s arrest. Their commitment to shielding their children from the worst of it was both admirable and believable. I also genuinely enjoyed how the court system ultimately worked as it should, something that had the lawyer in me quietly cheering.
Stephanie, in particular, is portrayed as unwaveringly supportive, almost saint-like in her positivity and strength. While admirable, this was also one of the few areas where I wished the book had gone deeper. That level of constant, unconditional optimism under such stress felt slightly idealized. I would have loved to see moments of conflict, anger, or emotional breaking points explored more fully, as I think with that much debt and pressure, she would have eventually just lost it and yelled at Andrew. Adding more of that would have added even more realism and depth to their relationship.
From a craft standpoint, the writing is strong but often relies on narration and summary rather than dialogue which is understandably so, given the long stretches of time the story covers. Still, I found myself wishing the book had been longer, with more scene-level dialogue, particularly involving the daughters as they grew older. It’s hard to imagine that teenagers wouldn’t become curious or question what was happening around them, and their perspectives could have added another powerful layer to the story as Andrew decides how much/little to reveal about his ex-wife. Lots of conflict opportunities there.
Tonally, the novel gave me a Lonesome Dove feeling as it a generational narrative about endurance, family, and the slow passage of time shaped by hardship rather than adventure. And the ending was especially satisfying. Overall, As It Should Be is a thoughtful, emotionally grounded family saga that will resonate with readers who appreciate long-form storytelling, realistic legal struggles, and stories about resilience in the face of prolonged adversity.
Stephanie, in particular, is portrayed as unwaveringly supportive, almost saint-like in her positivity and strength. While admirable, this was also one of the few areas where I wished the book had gone deeper. That level of constant, unconditional optimism under such stress felt slightly idealized. I would have loved to see moments of conflict, anger, or emotional breaking points explored more fully, as I think with that much debt and pressure, she would have eventually just lost it and yelled at Andrew. Adding more of that would have added even more realism and depth to their relationship.
From a craft standpoint, the writing is strong but often relies on narration and summary rather than dialogue which is understandably so, given the long stretches of time the story covers. Still, I found myself wishing the book had been longer, with more scene-level dialogue, particularly involving the daughters as they grew older. It’s hard to imagine that teenagers wouldn’t become curious or question what was happening around them, and their perspectives could have added another powerful layer to the story as Andrew decides how much/little to reveal about his ex-wife. Lots of conflict opportunities there.
Tonally, the novel gave me a Lonesome Dove feeling as it a generational narrative about endurance, family, and the slow passage of time shaped by hardship rather than adventure. And the ending was especially satisfying. Overall, As It Should Be is a thoughtful, emotionally grounded family saga that will resonate with readers who appreciate long-form storytelling, realistic legal struggles, and stories about resilience in the face of prolonged adversity.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews