Can I just express how extremely sad I am that this book has come to an end?

This book truly had a profound impact on me, making me experience a wide range of emotions. There were moments when I found myself laughing out loud, and yet, more often than not, it brought me to tears. But that's perfectly okay. There were times when my husband would glance over at me and let out a little laugh because I simply couldn't hold back the tears.

This book was written with such beauty and elegance, and the story was nothing short of absolutely perfect. I adore the way the Lord guides Lauren towards wisdom and truth. It is such a delightful and enchanting journey.

Emily is such an astonishing character. She is someone whom I aspire to resemble when it comes to my own relationship with Jesus! It might sound a bit silly since she isn't real, but I was truly inspired and encouraged by her within this story. ❤

I read the first book in this short series approximately 15 years ago.

As a result, it took me a moment to reacquaint myself with the characters.

The story was truly emotional, tugging at the heartstrings and making me feel a range of emotions.

Thankfully, there was enough back story review within the pages that it could easily be read as a stand-alone.

This allowed me to fully immerse myself in the narrative without feeling lost or confused.

The author did a great job of providing just the right amount of context to bring the story to life.

Overall, it was a wonderful reading experience that took me on an unforgettable journey.

I'm looking forward to seeing where the rest of the series takes me.

What a tearjerker!

This book really has the power to move readers to tears. However, what makes it even sadder is when we compare the state of our country in 2021 with the time when the book was written. It's a stark reminder of how much has changed, and perhaps not always for the better.

While I find myself in agreement with the author on many points, I have to admit that her views sometimes came across in a preachy tone. This made it a bit difficult for me to fully engage with the book on an emotional level. As a result, I had to drop my rating from 4 stars to 3.

Overall, this is still a thought-provoking and powerful book that I would recommend to others. But it's important to approach it with an open mind and be prepared for the author's sometimes forceful表达方式.

OMGoodness! This book is truly amazing.

It is without a doubt one of Karen Kingsbury's best works.

The story is so captivating that I found myself crying SO hard at a few of the parts.

Kingsbury has done an excellent job of creating a world and characters that are so real and relatable.

The emotions in the book are played out beautifully, making it a truly unforgettable read.

From the very first page, I was hooked and couldn't put the book down until I had finished it.

If you're a fan of Karen Kingsbury or just love a good emotional read, then this book is definitely for you.

I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great book to get lost in.

My new favorite author!

His writing style is extremely easy to read, which makes it a breeze for me to immerse myself in the story.

Moreover, he skillfully weaves in a great deal of scripture, adding a profound and spiritual touch to the narrative.

I was completely captivated from start to finish and just loved every single page of it!

This book is truly a gem and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Whether you are a devout believer or simply someone who enjoys a well-written and engaging story, this author's work is definitely worth checking out.

You will not be disappointed!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this second book of the series penned by Karen Kingsbury.

It was an absolute delight, filled with heartwarming moments and a sincerity that truly touched my soul.

The ending, while it made me happy, wasn't exactly what I had anticipated.

However, I must admit that this story has a powerful grip on the reader.

You will definitely need a box of kleenex close at hand as the emotions it evokes are intense.

I find myself eagerly looking forward to delving into more of Karen Kingsbury's wonderful books.

Her writing has a unique charm that keeps me coming back for more.

I can't wait to see what other captivating stories she has in store for us.

This series delves into a significant topic that my husband and I have repeatedly explored. I have always been a firm American patriot, and we met in college. We were both Christians pursuing theology degrees.

I truly value the way Karen has chosen to tell this story and explore this aspect of life. At times, you are eager to see the story unfold, while at other times, you fear what might lie ahead. This book encompasses both of these emotions.

It takes the reader on a journey that is filled with excitement and anticipation, as well as moments of uncertainty and dread. The author's ability to create such a range of emotions within the reader is a testament to her skill as a storyteller.

Overall, this series is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complex and often tumultuous aspects of life. It offers a unique perspective on a topic that is relevant to many, and it does so in a way that is engaging and thought-provoking.

It was an absolutely captivating story. The plot was engaging, the characters were well-developed, and it had me hooked from the very beginning.

However, everything took a turn for the worse when she decided to kill off such a wonderful character. This particular character was one of my favorites, and their presence added so much depth and charm to the story.

Their fictional death came as a complete shock to me, and I have to admit that it's something I will never truly get over. It felt like a cruel and unnecessary move on the part of the author.

Even now, whenever I think about that story, I can't help but feel a sense of sadness and disappointment. That character's death has left a void that nothing else can fill.

I understand that authors sometimes make difficult decisions in order to advance the plot or create a certain emotional impact, but in this case, I feel like it was a misstep.

I will always remember that wonderful character and the joy they brought to the story, and I will forever be haunted by their untimely demise.

I truly adored this book.

It is extremely rare for a book to have such a profound impact on me that it brings tears to my eyes.

Karen has an extraordinary talent for breathing life into the story.

As I was reading, I could vividly feel the sense of loss as if it were happening to someone I was intimately acquainted with.

And then, just when you think all hope is lost, the story takes a beautiful turn towards joy.

It becomes evident that God has been with the characters throughout their entire journey, every single step of the way.

This book is not just a story; it is an emotional rollercoaster that leaves you with a sense of hope and a deeper understanding of the power of faith.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and inspiring read.

Ridiculous!

Smarmy!

And cannot see past the patriotism.

These are the words that come to mind when observing certain individuals or behaviors. It is truly absurd how some people can be so overly sentimental and insincere, all while being completely blinded by an extreme form of patriotism. Patriotism is a noble sentiment, but when it becomes so narrow-minded and obsessive that one is unable to see the bigger picture or consider other perspectives, it loses its positive value. It is important to be able to balance our love for our country with an open and rational mind, to respect the diversity of opinions and cultures, and to work towards a more inclusive and harmonious world. Only then can we truly claim to be patriotic in a meaningful and responsible way.

Ever After



There was more crying than I perhaps should have shed, but it felt realistic. I am truly thankful for the freedom we enjoy and for the remarkable people who serve to safeguard that freedom. My husband, for instance, served for over eight years. During seven of those years, I was by his side at various military bases around the world. It was an experience that was both challenging and rewarding. We witnessed the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women, and it made us appreciate the value of freedom even more.

The memories of those days at the military bases will always stay with me. The sense of community, the support we received from one another, and the pride we felt in my husband's service. It was a journey that taught us many lessons and strengthened our bond.

Even now, as we look back on those years, we are filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to have been a part of something greater than ourselves, and for the freedom that we continue to cherish.

Ever after, we will remember and honor those who serve.

"Ever After" by Karen Kingsbury

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

"Ever After", which serves as the sequel to "Even Now", unfortunately fails to live up to the expectations set by its predecessor. The narrator in both audiobooks is truly excellent, bringing the characters and the story to life with great skill and expression. However, the major drawback of "Ever After" lies in its storyline. It seems to be a rather tiresome repeat of the first book. The daughter in this installment goes through numerous trials and heartbreaks that are strikingly similar to those her mother endured in "Even Now". This lack of originality in the plot makes the reading experience feel a bit dull and predictable. While the characters are still engaging to some extent, the recycled story line prevents "Ever After" from reaching the same heights as "Even Now". It's a disappointment for fans who were hoping for a fresh and exciting continuation of the story.