This was an excellent collection of novels!

Each of the 3 books had its own unique charm and was truly great in its own way.

The first book had a captivating plot that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The characters were well-developed and I found myself really invested in their stories.

The second book was equally as good. It had a different tone and style, but it was just as engaging. The author did a great job of creating a vivid and immersive world that I didn't want to leave.

The third book was the perfect conclusion to the collection. It tied up all the loose ends and provided a satisfying ending. I would highly recommend this collection of novels to anyone who loves a good read.

Three great novels are bound together in one remarkable book.

I am the proud owner of the hardback edition, which is also signed.

This collection holds a special place in my heart as I truly consider it a classic.

The stories within its pages have the power to transport readers to different worlds, evoke a wide range of emotions, and offer profound insights into the human condition.

Each novel is a masterpiece in its own right, with engaging plots, well-developed characters, and beautiful prose.

The fact that they are all in one volume makes it even more convenient and enjoyable to read.

Whether I'm curled up on the couch on a rainy day or taking it with me on a long journey, this book never fails to captivate and inspire me.

It is a treasure that I will cherish for a long time to come.

What great three stories they were!

Each one had the power to touch my heart deeply and made me shed countless tears.

The way the author, Karen Kingsbury, crafted these stories was truly remarkable.

Every single story was unique and engaging, with well-developed characters and plotlines that kept me on the edge of my seat.

I found myself completely immersed in the worlds she created and couldn't put the book down.

I would highly recommend reading this book to anyone who loves a good emotional read.

Karen Kingsbury is indeed a great author, and her talent shines through in these three beautiful stories.

If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry, and feel all the emotions in between, then this is the one for you.

Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Inspiring


I am truly in awe of the remarkable way Karen Kingsbury crafts her stories. It's as if she has the magical ability to transport you right into the heart of her fictional worlds, making them feel astonishingly real. Her books have always been a source of profound inspiration for me. In each one, I find myself learning not only about the characters but also about myself, my unwavering faith, and the boundless love of God. This particular book was no exception. It gently guided me to see more clearly those areas of my life that are crying out for change. It served as a powerful reminder that prayer is indeed the key that unlocks the doors to transformation and growth. It's always a blessing to be reminded of this simple yet profound truth. Karen Kingsbury's work continues to touch my heart and soul, leaving an indelible mark on my spiritual journey.

The first story didn't hold my interest as much as the second and third ones.

To be honest, when I started reading the first story, I thought it would be just another ordinary tale. However, as I delved deeper into it, I found that it lacked that certain something that would make it truly captivating.

On the other hand, the second and third stories had me hooked from the very beginning. Their story lines were engaging, filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Overall, although the first story was a bit of a letdown, the good news is that the second and third more than made up for it. The overall story line of the collection was still good, and I'm looking forward to reading more from the author.

Where Yesterday Lives - Ellen, a reporter, discovers that her father has suddenly passed away.

She rushes home to assist her mother and four siblings in planning the funeral. However, marital problems, sibling issues, and an old friend all combine to make this a week that tests her faith.

When Joy Came to Stay - Maggie believes she is losing her mind. On the surface, she has the perfect life with a loving husband, adorable foster sons, and a strong faith in God. But a mistake from many years ago has resurfaced, haunting her and causing her to question her sanity.

On Every Side - Faith has her dream job at a local news station. But her faith and dedication to God are about to be put to the test in a way she never imagined. Her town and her Jesus are under attack, and with her father gone, it is up to her to stand up for what she believes in.

My initial thoughts upon receiving this book were, "Oh my word! It is huge." I would never buy three regular-sized books together. With nearly 750 pages, it is massive.

I had heard so much about Kingsbury and couldn't wait to read her work. So, I eagerly seized the opportunity to review three of her books at once.

Overall, I think she is an outstanding writer. Despite the challenging subject matter, she manages to carry the plot and maintain the reader's interest. I was definitely moved while reading these stories.

The only downside for me was the heavy subject matter. An entire book about a man's funeral, no matter how great he was, is a bit more than I would willingly take on when reading for pleasure. So, while I enjoyed the stories because of the excellent writing style, I don't think I would pick up another Kingsbury novel based on these three. The only exception might have been if I had only read On Every Side. This book didn't seem as dark and had a much more positive thread running through it. I'm giving this book 3 stars because although I didn't like the dark tone of the books, I did enjoy reading them and recognized the great writing.

I received this book free of charge from WaterBrook in exchange for my honest review.

OK -- there is ONE thing I need you to know before you read this: I love Karen Kingsbury. LOVE. I went into these books with standards so high, they were practically outside the ozone layer. This is probably at least 30% of my problem, and I accept full responsibility for that. With that in mind, here is my opinion:

Book One -- Where Yesterday Lives

I'm not even sure where to begin. Ellen was the main character, but the book jumped between so many points of views that I felt yanked in a hundred different directions. The character development was non-existent. Jake, oh dear, where do I begin with Jake? He was the only likable character for me. Sure, I felt sympathy for others, they had real hurts and I cried for them. (I actually cried, yes. Don't look at me like you haven't cried during every book this woman writes). But Jake was the only one I really felt a connection with. Which is sad because he wasn't even the main character. I kind of felt like his feelings were stomped around in the dirt and then swept under the rug. They were drastically overlooked -- probably because he wasn't a Christian. I was glad to hear that Ellen still loved him like a decent human being in the end though. He deserves that -- to be loved -- no matter what.

This is probably not the most Christian thing to say, but I really wanted to punch Ellen in the face by the end. How many times did she really need to repeat all of Jake's mistakes and short comings? Way to rip his heart in half and pour salt into it. Repeatedly. And the random prayer chain in the middle really bothered me. Not that it was a prayer chain -- because I absolutely believe in those -- but because whenever she (can't remember the girl's name) talked to Ellen, she immediately ran back to the phone to call the church to put more detail into the prayer. THIS. IS. SO. DANGEROUS. Prayer chains are easily transformed into gossip chains. Especially when you're dealing with the type of situation in this book. Oh yeah, the cliches. I love cliches and this book was too cliche for me. Which speaks volumes. I don't really know what else to say... I didn't hate it, but I might as well have. It felt very forced to me compared to her other books (some of which are among my favorites ever written).

2 out of 5 stars.

Book Two -- When Joy Came to Stay

This book I actually really liked. Well, comparatively speaking. The characters were much more developed and I found myself far more willing to get attached to them. The jumping point of views was really strange again, especially since there would only be one or two pages in the entire book dedicated to random characters. I think this book gets a really important message across to Christians. Depression isn't something you get when you stop depending on God or when you fail Him. It doesn't make you \\"unchristian.\\" I've heard too many people say that. People that are suffering from depression are already vulnerable, telling them this only causes significantly more damage. I thought Kingsbury did a beautiful job getting that across in this story. As far as the rest of it, sure, most situations were pretty unrealistic and outlandish, but who cares, it's a good story.

3 out of 5 stars.

Book Three -- On Every Side

I couldn't handle this book. I mean really. Joshua Nunn and Bob Moses? No but really. Bob Moses. Let's just say that every time I read anything about Moses and Joshua from now on I'll be thinking of Bob Moses. And does anyone but me find it weird that God speaks to them personally and gives them detailed instructions? I mean, I totally get God speaking to you. But like that? In detail? I almost feel like this could be dangerous. A new Christian reading this book might get the wrong idea about the way God communicates with His people.

I feel bad, but this book was a 1 out of 5 for me and only because 0 out of 5 isn't really a thing.

As far as a collective whole, this book was far too thick. It made it really difficult to hold while reading. Also, I don't know, I was really disappointed with these. I know how great of a writer Karen Kingsbury is and I really felt like these didn't live up to her potential. I have a hunch it's got to do with being a national best seller for so many books. I see it happen a lot with authors like that. They get to a point where it's demanded quantity over quality of them. Which is a shame.

Anywho. Don't take my word for it -- find out for yourself. Apparently everyone else who read these loved them because I see nothing but 4 and 5 stars on the internet. The pickiness probably comes from the editor in me.

Collective 2 out of 5 stars for me.

Three Page-Turning Novels in One Volume!

Where Yesterday Lives

Ellen Barrett, a Pulitzer prize-winning journalist, leads a life filled with uncertainties. Her marriage is on shaky ground, her faith has been forgotten, and the memories of her charming hometown and lost love haunt her. As the eldest of five siblings, she yearns for the bygone days when they were a happy family. Now, with her beloved father gone, she returns to her childhood home to find peace. She must come to terms with the people still there, the losses and changes time has brought, and the future God has in store for her.

When Joy Came to Stay

Maggie Stovall seems to have it all together on the surface. But beneath that exterior lies a world of secrets and pain. Her husband, Ben, a godly and successful attorney, is completely unaware of the darkness that is about to consume their lives. Amanda Joy, a child of society who has been abused and broken, still clings to her faith in God. This heart-wrenching story follows Maggie's descent into depression, Ben's search for understanding, and Amanda Joy's unwavering faith.

On Every Side

Faith Evans, an up-and-coming newscaster known for her honor and integrity, must take a stand against someone she never thought would be her enemy. A beloved statue of Jesus in a small-town park becomes the center of a battle over the separation of church and state. Jordan Riley, a powerful attorney fighting for human rights but against God, is still dealing with the bitter losses of his boyhood. Amid political intrigue, social injustice, and personal conflicts, the question remains: will love be enough when the battle rages on every side?

All three novels in this collection by Karen Kingsbury are outstanding. They address various issues that both men and women face in life and in their beliefs in God. Each novel vividly portrays the significance of prayer and having a prayer life. The plots are rich and engaging, filled with unexpected twists, tear-jerking moments, and suspense.

Where Yesterday Lives beautifully showcases the importance of family, forgiveness, and fidelity, especially in marriage. The characters, Ellen and her siblings, are realistic, each with their own exaggerated yet relatable flaws. As the story progresses, it is heartwarming to see them work through their issues and start to understand one another.

When Joy Came to Stay is a compelling tale that reveals the devastating effects of secrets, lies, and bad choices on a person's mental health and relationships. Maggie's struggle with depression and Ben's determination to save their marriage and their relationship with God are truly inspiring. Amanda Joy, with her unwavering faith, is a favorite character.

On Every Side is a touching story of one man's battle against God and the power of love and faith. Jordan's journey from bitterness to acceptance is both interesting and moving. Faith Evans, as well as the other minor characters, add depth and complexity to the story, making it a truly enjoyable read.

Overall, I highly recommend this collection of novels to Karen Kingsbury fans and those who are new to her work. It is a wonderful exploration of the human spirit and the power of God's love.

I received this collection for free from the Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. For more reviews, visit my blog at http://hearttoheartbooks.blogspot.com.

Karen Kingsbury is indeed renowned as one of the Queens of Christian fiction.

This volume is filled with three novels that are bound to delight her loyal readers. The themes in these three novels are profound: death, depression, and the separation of church and state.

Undoubtedly, faith and spirituality guide the actions and thoughts of the believable main characters. These are characters who have flaws, doubts, and struggles, just like us.

I myself grapple with depression, so this book truly resonated with my heart. It is not easy for those who have to endure it or for those who love the depressed person.

Karen Kingsbury addresses this and the other issues beautifully, with love and concern.

However, I'm not entirely sure how much I like the "volume" format. It is a heavier book to hold while reading, and it definitely looks intimidating when you first glance at it, hoping to read a quick novel to forget the cares of the day.

Nevertheless, it doesn't disappoint. But I think I would prefer it to be in three separate printed novels.

This would make it more convenient to handle and perhaps less overwhelming at first sight.

Overall, despite the minor drawback of the format, the content of the three novels is excellent and well worth reading.

This remarkable book is composed of 3 individual books.

Just like always, Karen's writing had such a powerful impact on me that I found myself crying uncontrollably, just like a baby, throughout the entire reading process.

The stories within this collection are stand-alone books, not part of a continuous series. Each one offers a unique and engaging narrative that will draw you in and keep you hooked from start to finish.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. However, I must give you a word of caution. Before you embark on this literary journey, make sure you have a充足 supply of Kleenex at hand.

You will most definitely need it to wipe away the tears that are bound to flow as you become emotionally invested in the characters and their stories.

So, go ahead and pick up this book, but be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster ride.

A birthday gift that was given almost 15 years ago has had a lasting impact. It was a special book by Karen.

Now, as the years have passed, I find myself introducing my older daughters to Karen's wonderful books.

It's a joy to see their eyes light up as they discover the magical worlds and engaging stories within the pages.

The gift that I received so long ago is now being shared with a new generation, and it feels like a continuation of a beautiful tradition.

I hope that my daughters will develop the same love for reading and for Karen's books as I did.

Maybe one day, they will also pass on these precious books to their own children, keeping the cycle going.

The birthday gift from 15 years ago has truly become a cherished part of our family's literary heritage.

Three Heart-Wrenching Novels in One Collection

Kingsbury's writing has an extraordinary power that pulls me into the profound depths of the emotions and arduous struggles of her characters. It is truly remarkable how she can create such vivid and relatable fictional worlds. Her stories are not just fictional tales; they are mirror images of real life situations. They beautifully depict how God desires to heal and make us whole again through the various hardships and sufferings we endure. Reading her works has a profound impact on me, transforming my perspective and understanding.

While I would have preferred a more meticulous proofreading of the manuscript, this minor flaw does not overshadow the overall excellence of the collection. The power and depth of the stories far outweigh any minor errors. I wholeheartedly recommend this collection to anyone who enjoys reading novels that touch the heart and soul. It is a must-read for those who seek inspiration and a deeper connection with the human experience.

So, if you are looking for a collection of novels that will make you laugh, cry, and think, then look no further than this amazing work by Kingsbury. You will not be disappointed.