Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 62 votes)
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62 reviews
July 15,2025
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This is a collection of three stories.

On January 28, 2016, I completed the first story titled "Where Yesterday Lives." As always, Karen's stories are an absolute delight to read. I adored the characters and their individual tales. It truly showcases that love never fails. I'm extremely eager to commence the second story, "When Joy Comes to Stay." I'll append to this synopsis once I've finished the second story.

Come January 31, I have successfully completed the second story - "When Joy Comes to Stay." What an astonishing story it is! This one really pulled at my heartstrings. Thank you, Karen, for sharing this wonderful story with your readers. I simply can't wait to devour the last story in this book, "On Every Side."

Finally, on February 4, I just completed reading the last story in this book. It beautifully portrays that God is forever faithful. It's an awesome story that brought tears of joy to my eyes when I finished the last chapter.

Once again, thank you, Karen Kingsbury, for sharing these captivating stories with your readers.
July 15,2025
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Time came to choose a new book to review for WaterBrook Multnomah.

I carefully glanced through the various offerings they had. After much consideration, I finally decided that it was high time I delved into something written by one of their most prolific and popular authors, Karen Kingsbury.

I selected A Kingsbury Collection which offers the reader three novels in one volume. The novels included are Where Yesterday Lives, When Joy Came to Stay, and On Every Side. In this review, I will provide a short summary and a brief review of each.

When Joy Came to Stay

Summary: Maggie Stovall appears to be one of those golden people. On the surface, she seems to have everything together. Ben Stovall, on the other hand, is a godly husband and a successful attorney. Little does he know the darkness that is about to overtake his life. Amanda Joy is a child of society, having been abused, broken, and thrown away. But miraculously, her trust in God still remains alive. When Joy Came to Stay is a heart-wrenching story that details one woman's descent into the shadows of depression, her husband's desperate search for understanding, and a precious child's unwavering faith.

Maggie and Ben seemingly have it all. They have achieved success, possess financial means, and both love the Lord. But could something still go wrong?

Amanda Joy is a child who has endured a great deal at the hands of the foster care system, with the exception of the love she receives from her social worker. All Amanda Joy desires is to have a mommy and daddy who will keep her forever.

My Thoughts: The day Maggie plunges into the darkest depths of depression is not only one of the most difficult days of her life. It also shatters Ben's world and potentially has a significant impact on his career. However, their personal faith commitments are strong, and it is evident that this will play a crucial role in Maggie's healing process.

At certain points in the book, I found it challenging to read through the more dark and intense passages. Nevertheless, when I completed the book, I understood the importance and relevance of their inclusion.

To disclose more would be to reveal far too much and potentially ruin your enjoyment of reading this book.

To read more of this review, please follow this link to my book blog, http://foundbetweenthecovers.wordpres....

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 15,2025
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**Title: Encouraging and Satisfying Experiences**

Life is filled with moments that can be both encouraging and satisfying.

These are the times when we receive praise for our efforts, achieve a long-awaited goal, or simply make a positive impact on someone's life.

Such experiences have the power to boost our confidence, inspire us to keep going, and bring a sense of fulfillment.

For example, when a student receives a high grade on a difficult assignment, it not only validates their hard work but also encourages them to strive for even greater success in the future.

Similarly, when a volunteer helps a community in need and sees the positive results of their actions, it gives them a deep sense of satisfaction.

We should cherish these encouraging and satisfying moments and use them as motivation to continue growing and making a difference in the world.

Let us always look for opportunities to create such experiences for ourselves and others, and remember that a little encouragement and satisfaction can go a long way in making life more meaningful.
July 15,2025
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I absolutely adored the first book. It truly struck a chord deep within me, as my father passed away just prior to Christmas. It was an incredibly emotional experience for me, and I found myself shedding tears on almost every other page. I would highly recommend keeping a box of Kleenex nearby while reading this book.

The story was so powerful and relatable, especially in light of my own personal loss. It delved into the complex emotions that come with grief and the process of moving forward. The author did an amazing job of capturing the essence of these feelings and presenting them in a way that was both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

I can't wait to see what the rest of the series has in store. If the first book is any indication, it's going to be an unforgettable journey.
July 15,2025
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I have truly enjoyed all three books.

These books have been a source of great pleasure and knowledge for me.

I have found them so engaging that I have lent this particular book out many many times to my friends.

Each time I lend it, I am excited to share the wonderful stories and ideas within its pages.

My friends have also been very interested in the book, and they have all given positive feedback after reading it.

I believe that these books have the power to touch people's hearts and minds, and I am glad to be able to share them with others.

I will continue to recommend these books to anyone who is looking for a good read.

Overall, I am extremely satisfied with these books and I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
July 15,2025
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Karen Kingsbury has once again delivered a FABULOUS book!

Her writing is truly captivating and engaging. Each story within the book is unique and filled with emotion.

The third story, in particular, stood out for me. It had a special charm and depth that made it truly memorable.

The characters were well-developed and their relationships felt real. I found myself completely invested in their lives and rooting for them until the very end.

Kingsbury's ability to tell a story and evoke such strong emotions is truly remarkable.

This book is a must-read for any fan of her work or for anyone who enjoys a good, heartwarming story.

I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
July 15,2025
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If you've never picked up a Karen Kingbury novel, you are truly missing out on some great reads!

This is my 7th book and it's actually three books in one. A Kingbury Collection combines "Where Yesterday Lives", "When Joy Came to Stay" and "On Every Side" in one massive volume. So you can keep the momentum going when you finish the first book and immediately begin the second and then the third in this series.

In each book, you'll find a profound message within and can immediately relate on some level to one or more of the characters. She has this amazing ability to draw you in right from the start of each story, making it impossible to put them down until you finish. It's almost like an addiction because you'll constantly want to read more and more of her works.

Each of her novels leaves behind a feel-good feeling that you just can't forget once you're done.

In "Where Yesterday Lives", the story opens with a man having a heart attack in his living room. As he takes one final look at the family portraits on the wall, he blacks out. Ellen Barrett, a top news reporter for the Miami Times, receives word of her father's heart attack from her husband Mike. She knows it's not going to be good. It's a call she both expected and dreaded. When Ellen asks Mike to accompany her to Michigan, he explains he can't take time off work on such short notice. She isn't looking forward to returning home to deal with things and her family. But will this be the sort of thing that God can use to bring healing to her family or will it ultimately drive them apart?

"When Joy Came to Stay" is a story that delves into the effects of depression on the life of Maggie Stovall and how it impacts those around her. It shows that sometimes the person we see on the outside is not the same as the one dealing with life on the inside. It takes the reader into the heart of what happens when life spirals out of control and we often put on a facade to show the world we're okay when deep down we're just trying to find a way to hold on for one more hour. This story was really relatable to me on many levels and gives an inside view of what goes on in the mind of someone who is depressed and how it affects marriages, families, and even our friends. Sometimes, like in the case of Maggie's husband Ben, he can't seem to understand why his wife can't just snap out of it and move on with her life. Is there a way for them to work together or will this circumstance test the strength of their marriage?

Finally, "On Every Side" deals with what it's like to defend your faith. Just how far would you be willing to go to stand up for what you believe? In this case, Faith Evans, a solid newscaster, is about to be tested when a hundred-year-old statue of Jesus in the middle of their park is asked to be taken down due to a violation of the separation of church and state. Now Faith is going head to head with powerful attorney Jordan Riley, who is fighting for human rights and is completely against the God that Faith believes in. Will they be able to find common ground or will this be another religious item that is removed simply because it offends a few people?

I received this wonderful collection compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers for my honest review and have been completely captivated by the entire collection. It's really hard to pick a favorite in this three-in-one book because there are such powerful messages in each of them that will help you or someone you know at some stage in life, maybe not now but in the future. Karen Kingsbury continues to be a favorite author of mine and I look forward to every single one of her books that come out or even the ones I haven't had the opportunity to read yet. If you're looking for a wholesome story with a powerful message, consider picking this one up at your local book retailer. In my opinion, this one rates a 5 out of 5 stars and has found a permanent home on my library shelf.
July 15,2025
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I have always been a big fan of Karen Kingsbury's previous works. Her stories have the power to draw me in and keep me engaged from start to finish. However, with the "R" series, I found myself losing interest as it seemed to go on and on without much progress.

But then, this particular book came along and completely changed my perspective. In it, Kingsbury once again demonstrates her remarkable talent for creating characters that feel real and relatable. The struggles that her characters face are not just fictional plot devices, but rather experiences that many of us can identify with in our own lives.

Whether it's dealing with heartbreak, loss, or the challenges of growing up, Kingsbury's characters navigate these difficulties with courage and grace. Through their stories, we are reminded that we are not alone in our struggles and that there is always hope for a better tomorrow.

This book has reignited my love for Karen Kingsbury's writing and has made me eager to see what she has in store for us next. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a powerful and inspiring read.
July 15,2025
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I was finally able to check out this author's work.

It was a great opportunity as I got to read three of her first books.

The experience was truly wonderful. I must say that I really enjoyed the last two books in the collection.

The stories were engaging, the characters were well-developed, and the writing style was captivating.

I was completely immersed in the worlds she created.

Moreover, I had the pleasure of seeing her on the 700 Club Network.

It was interesting to hear her talk about her writing process and the inspiration behind her books.

Overall, it was a great experience and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.

July 15,2025
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Karen Kingsbury is simply the best!

Her writing has the power to transport readers into a world filled with love, hope, and deep emotions. Each of her novels is a masterpiece, carefully crafted to touch the hearts of her audience. Whether it's a story about family, faith, or romance, Kingsbury has a unique way of making the characters come alive on the page. Her words have the ability to inspire, encourage, and even bring tears to your eyes.

Readers around the world have fallen in love with her work, and it's not hard to see why. Karen Kingsbury's novels are not just books; they are experiences that stay with you long after you've turned the last page. She is truly a remarkable author, and her talent shines through in every word she writes. If you haven't yet discovered the magic of Karen Kingsbury's books, you're in for a treat. Pick up one of her novels today and prepare to be swept away.
July 15,2025
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All three are very inspiring.

They have the power to move us, to make us believe in ourselves and in the possibilities that lie ahead.

Whether it's through their words, their actions, or their achievements, they serve as beacons of hope and motivation.

One might have overcome great obstacles to reach their goals, showing us that perseverance pays off.

Another could have a unique perspective that challenges us to think differently and expand our horizons.

The third might possess a kind heart and a spirit of giving, reminding us of the importance of kindness and compassion in our lives.

Together, these three individuals or things have the ability to inspire us to be better, to do more, and to make a positive impact in the world.

We can look to them for guidance, for inspiration, and for the courage to pursue our own dreams.

Let their stories serve as a reminder that anything is possible if we have the determination and the belief in ourselves.
July 15,2025
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These three stories were truly captivating and delightful, albeit a touch predictable.

Each of them delves into the theme of confronting past wounds and regrets, as well as grappling with past relationships.

The exploration of the journey through depression and the subsequent discovery of new life, the renewal of faith, and the act of standing up for one's beliefs are all handled extremely well.

The characters in these stories are relatable, and their struggles and triumphs draw the reader in.

Despite the predictability, the way the stories unfold and the lessons they impart make them well worth reading.

Overall, these three stories offer an engaging and thought-provoking experience that leaves the reader with a sense of hope and inspiration.

They remind us that it is possible to overcome past traumas and find meaning and purpose in life once again.

Whether it's through finding new love, rediscovering one's faith, or simply having the courage to be true to oneself, these stories show that there is always a way forward.

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