In this moving sequel to Even Now, Emily Anderson, now twenty, is attending college on a soccer scholarship when she meets the man who changes everything for her: Army reservist Justin Baker. Their tender relationship, founded on a mutual faith in God and nurtured by their trust and love for each other, proves to be a shining inspiration to everyone they know, especially Emily's reunited birth parents, Lauren Gibbs and Shane Galanter.
In this moving sequel to Even Now, Emily Anderson falls deeply in love with a young Army reservist who is about to serve in Iraq. At the same time, Emilys parents seem on the verge of losing all they had gained. Will heartbreaking tragedy be the turning point for all of them?
WARNING: Prior to starting this book buy a new box of tissue. Dedicate a single day to completing this book. Grab a comfy chair and blanket and set the tissue beside you. After about page 120, it will be too late. Tears will start to fall; you will eventually be crying out of control and will not clearly see the last 220 pages of the book. I usually don’t have to post such strong warnings in my book reviews, but yesterday my sweet husband wouldn’t even let me go to sleep until I completed this book because he didn’t want to see another day of tears.
Ever After, Kingsbury’s sequel to Even Now, has to be one of the most touching stories I have ever read. It is a story of trust, love, and sacrifice. It is a story about supporting American troops and showing patriotism, even if you don’t agree with the cause. It is a story of new beginnings and second chances.
Can Lauren and Shane ever get over there differences as they deal with their renewed relationship? Was theirs truly a teenage romance or was it a love to survive all time? If Lauren decides to walk out and give up because she can’t get past her strong views on the war, will there love ever get the chance to experience ever after?
Emily has moved to Tacoma, Washington, to attend college and asks her dad, Shane, to get her a job at the local Army base. She meets Justin, with whom she quickly connects, even on a spiritual level. Can Lauren, her mother, support the decisions Emily is making for her life? Now that she has experienced this fresh, young love of summer, will she and Justin now share ever after?
This book is about discovering new love. It is learning to open your heart and mind to trusting not only others, but most importantly it is about allowing God to have complete control over your life. It is about seeking God for your answers. It is about trusting that God will not only catch you when you start to stumble, but it is also about knowing God will help you when you fall.
One of my favorite things about a Kingsbury novel is the voice that she uses when her characters communicate with God. When her characters pray and talk to God, they stop to listen for God’s response. Kingsbury’s books remind me that it is only when I commit Scripture to memory that God can use Scripture to speak to me. Ever After is a great example of why Kingsbury is known as “America’s favorite inspirational novelist.” – Brandi Webster, Christian Book Previews.com
Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars(4.5 out of 5 stars)
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5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Rockie (Easley, SC), December 10, 2009
You will thoroughly enjoy this book, especially if you are patriotic. It is a real tear-jerker. It shows the Lord's working in our lives even through the tough times. Wonderful!
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Sheila (Christchurch, New Zealand), December 04, 2009
I liked this better than the first one. It was moving and quite sad but it reminded me what an anchor God is even in life's biggest storms. It painted a strong picture of American patriotism and how Iraq has affected the lives of many Americans- especially those with loved ones in the crossfire. While I wish things turned out a little less tragic I've come to accept that life does deal harsh cards sometimes- and Kingsbury tells us that having God in such times makes all the difference. A hard but more than worthwhile read.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Tiffany W (Chandler, ok Us), September 29, 2009
After I read her first book "Even Now" I was soo happy to find out that there was a second one. I couldn't wait to get it in! This book was a Wonderful book but it was kinda bittersweet. I would recommend having a box of tissues with you as you read this. Great love story. This was the hardest book I've had to read. But the thing that I loved about the book was, how God gave them the strength and how He carried them through everything. My heart goes out to all the Military Men and Woman and their families who defend this country. Thank you for the Amazing Sacrifice y'all have given. Great read!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Donna Henschen (Wolcottville, IN), March 20, 2009
I love all of Karen Kingsbury's books, this one is no exception but be ready with a box of kleenex. It was GREAT!!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Phyllis Henderson (Webster Springs, WV), October 15, 2008
Book that you do not want to put down, just want to keep reading. Will bring tears, and smiles.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Patricia Faulkner (Jeffersonvlle, IN), August 22, 2008
I thought it was very good. I can relate with
Emily when her boyfriend was sent to Iraq,because my late husband served in Vietnam from 1967-68 but he came home. I was so sad when Emily's boyfriend was killed.
2.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Niki (Floriad), August 09, 2008
A friend gave me a stack of Kingsbury books and though well written, I cannot recommend them to anyone who reads for enjoyment. Because I do not enjoy a book with so much sadness and Kingsbury seems to have a habit of killing off a main character in each book that I've read. In fact, I put the stack away, I cannot read anymore.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Donna Leissner (Harwood, MD), July 02, 2008
A box of tissues will be needed, but the manner in which the author wrote the tragic parts manages to instill hope for the future. Altogether a great summer-time read!
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