A Review of Just Once by Karen Kingsbury

 

New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury’s latest release, Just Once, beautifully uncovers the hearts of men and women fighting for different kinds of love: enduring and romantic love, immovable love of family, and the patriotic, steadfast love of their country. Karen masterfully intertwines the pressure and pain of war with the intensity of broken hearts and unbreakable love between a man and a woman. Her characters take you on an emotional journey through the Second World War, that will always be difficult to comprehend fully. Aware of this reality, Kingsbury carefully crafts essential details throughout the story to guide the reader through love lost and love gained, as well as the horrors and pain of war.

She opens the story by inviting the reader into today’s world and the love of a couple navigating a life-changing diagnosis. Then, she gently weaves the past, creating a sense of anticipation as the reader eagerly awaits how it all comes together. The main characters (Hank, Sam and Irvel) share the heartache and love lost and the miracle of survival, no matter the odds. The thread that carries the characters is their love and commitment to God and purposeful intention early on to hide the Word of God in their hearts. In those moments, Bible verses swept into their minds and brought a peace that passed all understanding. What a beautiful reminder for us to hold fast to the word!

The compelling novel Just Once layers the enduring love of family, the intense love of a man and woman, and the passion for the love of country and freedom with a steadfast foundation on God.
This is my first Karen Kingsbury novel- it won’t be the last. Join me on a journey to explore more of her offerings this year and be inspired by her storytelling!

Just Once