Who is Karen Kingsbury

This Side of Heaven: A Novel

by: Karen Kingsbury

Christian fiction author Kingsbury is well loved by her fans, and this newest story, based loosely upon her own brother's death, will further endear her to her faithful readers. Kingsbury tells the story of a strained relationship between picture-perfect Nate and Annie Warren, whose son, Josh, a tow truck driver, has been a disappointment to them. Even though Josh's mistakes are now history, his current joblessness-owing to a drunk driver's recklessness-serves to ratchet up his parental disapproval rating. Only a few people know the truth: Josh is a real-life hero and his one heart's desire is to be united with a daughter he's never met. When Josh's life is struck again by tragedy, his immediate family must come to grips with the recognition that they never really cared enough to ultimately know their son. Kingsbury does a fine job communicating the emotional struggles of individuals, and readers will resonate with her characters' sorrows and losses. Yet much of the story is formulaic, which detracts from its otherwise powerful message about acceptance.

Life Isn't Always What We Want or Expect
Josh lived a quiet life of regret--bad choices, parents who he'd disappointed, a girl who'd moved on when he refused to clean up his act. But life was looking up. He'd returned to Christ and had hope, and the lawsuit settlement would allow him to get the surgery needed to alleviate the pain that racked his body since the accident. He would not only be able to repay his parents, but start his own business and, finally, search for his daughter.

Only what Josh doesn't know is that his time is limited and the quiet, generous life he lived would be a wake-up call for his parents. As they come to really know their son, will they peruse his dream and find his daughter?

Another tear-jerker from Karen Kingsbury. But, while there is a connecting of the dots at the end, this story isn't quite her signature happy ending. In fact, my daughter had a very negative reaction to the book and felt betrayed by the death mid-book of Josh, who appeared to be the main hero character. This ending is bittersweet.

Because of Cassie, I knew of the death going in and read the book in that light I think it made a world of difference. While I try not to give away major novel plot points, in this case I'd suggest reading Karen's background notes first. They provide a whole different context to the story and, may keep other readers from a sense of betrayal, from the satisfaction of a story wrapped up in a happy ending.

A story that tears the heartstrings even as it re-enforces the realization that life and faith don't always provide the Cinderella endings we'd always like. Sometimes, we must accept a different ending, allowing that path to draw us back to the Lord in new and deeper ways. Carolyn R. Scheidies. Kearney, NE, United States

Release Date: 01/06/2009

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Amazon Price: $10.19 (as of 01/03/2010)

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Sunset (Sunrise Series-Baxter 3, Book 4)

by: Karen Kingsbury

As John Baxter makes plans to marry Elaine, one of the Baxters enters into the most trying season of all. During a time of renewed love and hope for the future, the Baxters try to come together to establish the sacred ground of marriage and to chart a course for the future. Memories of times gone by meet with the changes of today in a story that proves only the support of faith and family can take a person into the sunset years of life.

A Wonderful Windup to the Baxter Saga
This is the 14th book that Karen Kingsbury has written in which have the Baxter clan in them. I suggest starting with the first novel reading them all. If I could title this book any other name it would be Forgiveness. Kari has to deal with forgiving someone from her past and helping that person heal. To fully understand Kari's story you have to start reading from the beginning although Karen does offer a Cliff notes version of what happened. Also, Luke and Reagon have to deal with forgiving her other from the incident that started all their problems.

There are some nice unexpected surprises that happen to one of the Baxter siblings at the end of the book. Often I am tempted to flip to the back of the book and read the last few pages. Don't do that. It will ruin the twists and surprises. You will not regret reading this book. I am thrilled to hear that this is not the last we will hear from the Baxters. She is writing a new series of books about a different family who will be moving to Bloomington, the town where the Baxters live which means we will get updates on what is happening in thier lives. You won't regret reading this novel if you have come to love the Baxters like they were real people. - M. Kay DeFreese, Ruston, LA, USA

Release Date: 09/23/2008

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Amazon Price: $10.07 (as of 01/03/2010)

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Every Now and Then (September 11 Series #3)

by: Karen Kingsbury

Prolific evangelical Christian fiction author Kingsbury (Between Sundays) revisits characters from her previously well-received 9/11 series in this stand-alone focusing on sheriff's deputy Alex Brady, who lost his fireman father in the twin towers attack. Now 25 years old, Brady, whose faith once ran sure and strong, turned from God and family after his father's death. He relocates to California and spends all his time trying to find the bad guys and put them away with the aid of his K-9 partner, Bo. Bent on preventing arsonists from setting more fires, Brady is stunned to discover that others have endured similar loss but have made peace and moved on. Despite his anger, Brady's heart begins to thaw when unexpected memories and people re-enter his life, forcing him to choose between bitterness or hope. In typical Kingsbury style, by book's end the troubles are tidily wrapped up, which is clearly not so in real life. But the novelist's ability to accurately express life's sorrows and grief through her characters' inner dialogue rings true time and again.

Another GREAT Karen Kingsbury novel!
A few weeks ago, Zondervan sent me an advance reader's copy of Karen Kingsbury's new novel, Every Now & Then. I'm a huge fan of Karen's writing and love to read, so I couldn't wait to dive into her latest book. I have to say, I was not disappointed.

The main character, Alex Brady, lost his father on September 11th, a day that many of us wish we could forget. The reality, however, is that what happened seven years ago still affects many people in our world today. They remain trapped in their pain and grief, leaving them unable to move past the devastating losses they experienced that tragic day.

In the book, Alex's mother commented that she didn't only lose a husband that day, she also lost a son. The victims of 9/11 go far beyond those who lost their lives and it's important for the rest of us to remain sensitive to those who are still struggling.

I hope this book will find its way into the hands of those needing a gentle nudge towards fully embracing their grief and finding the healing they desperately need and deserve.

It's important to note that none of Karen's books are offensive when it comes to faith. Her stories are filled with grace and are sure to be enjoyed by all readers. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to someone who is not a Christian knowing they will not only enjoy the story, but be touched by it as well.

While the story and characters are not real, there's a reason why Karen calls her writing ministry Life Changing Fiction(TM). The lessons and healing the characters find in her books are easily applied to our own personal lives.

Karen Kingsbury is an incredibly gifted author and her books are sure to be a blessing to those who invest their time and money into reading her well-written novels.

I am thoroughly impressed by the author's ability to make her characters come to life. They are so believable, they pull you into the story before you realize what's happened.

The only thing I struggled with while reading the book was the amount of detail included in the second chapter. Perhaps it was me, but I found myself on sensory overload trying to process all of the information. I think I would have preferred to have the characters introduced individually, rather than all at once.

That said, once I got past Chapter 2, I was unable to put the book down and thoroughly enjoyed reading the rest of the story. I finished the book in less than two days. :-) Need I say more?

If you're looking for a good book to cozy down with in front of a blazing fire, or perhaps something to stick in a loved one's stocking this year, I highly recommend Every Now & Then. You won't be disappointed. - Amy Jo Ivey, Portland, Oregon, United States

Release Date: 11/11/2008

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Amazon Price: $10.79 (as of 01/03/2010)

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Take One (Above the Line Series #1)

by: Karen Kingsbury

Could they change the world-before the world changes them?

Filmmakers Chase Ryan and Keith Ellison left the mission field of Indonesia for the mission field of Hollywood with a dream bigger than both of them. Now they have done the impossible: raised enough money to produce a feature film with a message that could change the world.

But as Chase and Keith begin shooting, their well-laid plans begin to unravel. With millions of dollars on the line, they make a desperate attempt to keep the film from falling apart-even as a temperamental actress, a botched production schedule, and their own insecurities leave little room for the creative and spiritual passion that once motivated them. Was God really behind this movie after all? A chance meeting and friendship with John Baxter could bring the encouragement they need to stay on mission and produce a movie that will actually change people's lives.

In the midst of the questions and the cameras, is it possible to keep things above the line and make a movie unlike anything done before-or is the risk too great for everyone?

Release Date: 03/10/2009

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Amazon Price: $10.19 (as of 01/03/2010)

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Redemption (Redemption Series-Baxter 1, Book 1)

by: Karen Kingsbury, Gary Smalley

The recent penchant for pairing prolific Christian novelists with well-known CBA nonfiction authors is cause for skepticism, and justifiably so in this first collaboration between Smalley, an author and speaker on family relationships, and novelist Kingsbury. "Good-looking" Indiana University professor Tim Jacobs has found his stereotypical midlife affair with his "achingly beautiful" student Angela Manning more than a passing distraction. His "gorgeous" wife, Kari, who models in her spare time, discovers the affair just as she finds she is pregnant. Even as Kari refuses to grant Tim a divorce, she learns that her high school sweetheart, football star and "hunk" Ryan Taylor, is still single and interested in picking up their romance where they left off. Tim hits the bottle, and things look grim for the couple. Not surprisingly, counseling plays a large role in the work Kari and Tim do to try and salvage their marriage. There is a fairly shameless plug for Smalley's Relationship Center in Branson, Mo., when Kari and Tim's pastor suggests they travel to a two-day "Marriage Intensive Seminar" in the Ozarks. (Readers are also invited to contact the center.) Minus the heavy doses of counseling references and descriptions of the characters' surpassing gorgeousness, Kingsbury's writing is much improved from Halfway to Forever. While she laudably avoids a neat wrapup, it's likely because there are six more books to come in the series. This novel functions largely as an encouraging self-help book rather than as a solid contribution to inspirational fiction.

Great beginning of a remarkable series
Redemption was the first book of Karen Kingsbury's that I read. Someone had passed it along to me and I almost didn't read it, thinking it looked too much like a romance novel. I found myself immediately immersed in the vividly painted characters and their trials. This is truly a book for anyone who wants to learn more about developing empathy, relating to family and friends, and working out a troubled marriage. As a devout Catholic, I found the Christian backdrop to the story very moving. It always carries the point that relying on God and trusting in Him is the only way to make the right life choices.

Perhaps an even better reason to buy this book is that it's the first in a series of 5 beautiful novels, each of which explores the lives of individuals in the Baxter family. My sound advice is to buy all 5 of the Redemption Series at once, because you will be eager to get to the next book as you close each preceding one. You'll also find your own faith bolstered by the many messages contained within the story line. - Jackie Tortorella

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Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 01/03/2010)

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