Although this was the second book in a series, I jumped right into the story without missing a beat. Karen skillfully wrote in such a style that it gave the reader enough background not to be lost in this next installment in the Timeless Love series. I instantly grew attached to John and Abby and their new-found love. Learning about how close they came to ending their marriage – and all the joys that they were experiencing since finding their love again – was beautiful. John and Abby viewed their marriage as something incredibly special and sacred…making everything they did seems so pure and good. Their testimony was beautiful. I enjoyed every moment of reading about their renewed love with each other and Christ.

The side story of Marion’s Quarter Back, Jake, was also very moving. From his struggles with his peers and his divorced parents strained relationship, the reader couldn’t help put instantly like the guy. Compared to his other peers, he seemed like a nice guy, and as the story progressed it was wonderful to watch him grow and mature. The hardships and sorrow he went through, while at the time seemed unbearably hard, only helped him to grow closer to Christ and build a stronger relationship with Him.
It’s been a while since I have read a book that has made me cry, but this one struck me hard. About half way through the book, when the crisis arose in John and Abby’s life, Karen wrote in such a personal way that I felt the character’s pain and confusion. I couldn’t help but connect to them and feel for them as they went through seemingly insurmountable disaster. I found myself hoping for a good outcome right along with the characters! You know you hold a priceless book in your hands when this happens!

There is only one caution that I must give my younger readers. In the book the subject of pornography is discussed between a father and son. I thought the conversation was very edifying in our world with the internet being so close to our fingertips, but depending on the age of the reader, it may be a little much. So I just caution my readers in this area – it’s only discussed in one scene. There are also a few intimate scenes between John and Abby that might be a little much for younger readers. After going to a dance class, John leads Abby upstairs for a different kind of dance lesson…things like that. Karen never is explicit, but says enough for the reader to put together the rest.

As this book held my interest and kept me flipping the pages as fast as I could read them (with a box of Kleenex nearby), I knew this book would get 5 big stars from me. It was captivating, had an awesome story plot, was writing to perfection, and had a strong message against divorce, porn, and car racing. This is a book with a powerful story that will stay with you long after you have finished the book.

I reviewed this book for Thomas Nelson/BookSneeze. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are soley my own.

I feel the same about this book as I did the first one, only this one I feel like I've already read it before. I don't know if I read these books years ago, or what, I predicted everything and had major dejavu through the whole book. I think this series just tries too hard, too many miracles, too many scenarios that would make a beginner believer question if they are doing it wrong. Why doesn't God ever speak to me? Why don't I get a miracle with my health scare? etc. I definitely like her other series better.

This was a wonderful second book in the series. It was lovely to read Abby and John's story to see how god really does answer prayer when you have enough faith. Even though he does not always answer the way we want it's always filled with the grace of god. This was a really powerful two novel series showing how much faith really does make a difference in life.

I listened to this as an audiobook, and it was well done. I found some of the chapters in the middle of the book very long and repetitive, but overall it was a great read and one of Karen Kingsbury’s better books. I saw the first book as a TV movie. There were many challenges along the way, but they all turned out well, which certainly is not real life.

A Time to Embrace by Karen Kingsbury (2002)
Timeless Love #2
+307-page Kindle Ebook

Genre: Family, Christian Romance

Featuring: Epigraphs, Marion, Illinois; Multiple POVs, Family Dynamics, Bible Verses, High School Football Coach, Teacher, Journalist, Quadragenarians, Reminiscing, Recaps of Book 1, Newlyweds, Smear Campaign, Bullying, Goth vs Jocks, Sex - Off-Camera, Porn Addiction, School Threats, Drinking, Drag Racing, Christmas, Backyard Lake, Medical Miracles, Legal Woes, Second Chances, Author's Note, A Word to Readers - Testimony, Discussion Questions, Excerpt from a Time to Dance - Chapter 1,

Rating as a movie: PG-13

Books and Authors mentioned: The Holy Bible written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit

Memorable Quotes: Abby loved nights like this, when the gang gathered at the Reynoldses’ house, laughing and sharing updates about their lives. Across from her, Abby admired the glow on Nicole’s face. Thank You, God, for bringing Matt into her life. Don’t ever let them go through what John and I did . . .

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️¾

This classic Karen Kingsbury. I loved this story about a family going through the good and the bad times together. I enjoyed this one much more than A Time to Dance.

I loved the Timeless Love Series by Karen Kingsbury. The families go through multiple struggles but she always draws the message back to faith in God.

Terrific book!

A Time to Embrace by Karen Kingsbury

A Time to Embrace is a beautifully woven story about forgiveness and love. Abby and John Reynolds have just survived 3 years of an unhappy marriage which almost ended in divorce. A Time to Embrace picks up just after they have forgiven each other’s transgressions - John’s for spending too much time with another woman, and Abby’s for becoming too close to her magazine editor via email. They have renewed their vows and are more in love with each other than before. They put God first in their lives, and are seeing the blessings of being in God’s will.

As John struggles with the politics of being a high school football coach, he is still working on encouraging and loving his students and players. He not only wants to see them succeed now, but also is training them for life. After winning a football game, he is involved in a horrific accident. During his recovery, he and Abby both struggle with God’s involvement in their “new” life. The promises of God are written throughout this wonderful book! Romans 8.28 teaches us “…that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
Karen Kingsbury has reminded us again to put God first in our marriages and in life! For an uplifting read, pick up both A Time to Dance and A Time to Embrace and walk through a slice of John and Abby’s life together. You won’t be disappointed.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I liked this book way better than the first one in the series. It had more depth and truly stated what forgiveness is all about. Great book!

Great

Even better than the first book. Make sure you read the first book or you will be lost with this one. 5+stars!

I skim read this and didn't like it. Readers are reminded far too many times that "the marriage almost ended" in the last book and "john and Abby now look at each other as if they were newlyweds once again."
A Time to Embrace doesn't keep you guessing. Jake Daniels (whose name I first read as Jack Daniels...haha!) is given a car for his birthday...and we're told over and over how fast the car is, how it's basically a race car, etc, and it's pretty obvious that there's going to be a wreck. Nicole emphasized the fact she had a plan for her future (which seemed strange coming from this girl...) and, dun dun duuun! Her plan goes awry.
Overall a very strange book.