Josh's life spirals into a tailspin after he's hit by a drunk driver. He gets medical disability but it's far short of the insurance settlement that never seems to come. His mother Annie laments as she watches Josh drift along for years, making one bad decision after another. Just when it looks like the insurance settlement will finally come, out of the blue a gold-digger claims her seven-year-old is Josh's daughter. When the truth comes to light, will Annie discover a treasure more valuable than she could have expected?
A story of secrets, broken relationships, and a love strong enough to reunite a family. A stirring novel from New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury.
Bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America's #1 inspirational novelist. She's written more than forty novels, ten of which have hit #1 on bestseller lists, including her Center Street novel This Side of Heaven, which stayed on the New York Times bestseller list for several weeks. She lives in Washington State with her husband, Don, and their six children, three of whom are adopted from Haiti.
Christian fiction author Kingsbury is well loved by her fans, and this newest story, based loosely upon her own brother’s death, will further endear her to her faithful readers. Kingsbury tells the story of a strained relationship between picture-perfect Nate and Annie Warren, whose son, Josh, a tow truck driver, has been a disappointment to them. Even though Josh’s mistakes are now history, his current joblessness—owing to a drunk driver’s recklessness—serves to ratchet up his parental disapproval rating. Only a few people know the truth: Josh is a real-life hero and his one heart’s desire is to be united with a daughter he’s never met. When Josh’s life is struck again by tragedy, his immediate family must come to grips with the recognition that they never really cared enough to ultimately know their son. Kingsbury does a fine job communicating the emotional struggles of individuals, and readers will resonate with her characters’ sorrows and losses. Yet much of the story is formulaic, which detracts from its otherwise powerful message about acceptance. (Jan.)Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars(4.5 out of 5 stars)
8 of 48 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Mary Harrell (Edenton, NC), November 06, 2009
Have only read about half way through this book, but am having the similar problem I have with all of Karen's books, I don't want to put it down!!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Fay Aven (Holcomb, MS), September 11, 2009
This book is so true to life today about being disappointed when our children make bad decisions. I really like the ending of this book and to know that it was written about the authors brother.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Paige (Wellington, Fl), September 09, 2009
A great tearjerker. I had to get out a few tissues for this one. Its a great story of how little we could really know someone. And the power of a father's love.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Sandra Van Horn (Omaha, TX), August 26, 2009
A very sad story, however, it was good. If you don't like sad stories don't read it. Our book club rated it 4 1/2 mostly because it was sad. Well written, easy to read. Josh's life of pain both physical and emotional were so compeling. His pain brought him to the Lord and he used one song to inspire him to the Lord in his darkest hours. Medication for pain was addressed in this book and the dangers.
You'll see his family go through some major changes mostly pointedly his mother, Annie.
His daughter, Savannah, was precious.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Sharon Pereda (Beaverton, OR), July 19, 2009
Karen is an amazing author with great talent to capture her audience. This book touched me with her character's. This has happened in the past with her Sunrise series. I was so touched by the good Josh did without telling anyone about his actions. This is really how it should be isn't it? Doing good without getting the credit from others. I loved seeing the growth of Josh's mom to be a better person. I did need the tissue box but am an emotional reader. I am going to purchase the first two books in this series :) I do enjoy Karen Kingsbury!!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Debbie (Georgia), July 13, 2009
This book was incredible. It was the first Karen Kingsbury book I've read and it will not be the last. This book had so many similarities in it that our family has gone through that it made me cry. It has some sad parts but it also has so many good parts. I would highly recommend it. Karen's writing style, blended with an abundance of Christian teaching, has a way of getting to your heart.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Mary Davis (San Jose, CA), May 28, 2009
Another excellent book by Karen! A very touching and heart rendering story. I read it in one sitting and passed it on to my sister. Keep the tissues nearby!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Linda Morey (Prue, OK), May 20, 2009
This is a great book, I could not put it down.
Karen Kingsbury is one great author. If you have not read any of her books, I suggest that you start with this one. You will not be disappointed.
View all 48 Reviews
Write a review of This Side of Heaven
Catalog Shopping
Membership
