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A Kingsbury Collection: Where Yesterday Lives / When Joy Came to Stay / On Every Side
Three Page-Turning Novels in One Volume!
Where Yesterday Lives
Ellen Barrett is a Pulitzer prize-winning journalist with an uncertain marriage, a forgotten faith, and haunting memories of her picturesque hometown and the love she left behind. The eldest of five siblings, she longs for the time, long ago, when they were a happy family. Now Ellen’s beloved father is dead, and she returns to her childhood home to make peace–with the people who still live there, with the losses and changes that time has wrought, and with the future God has set before her.
When Joy Came to Stay
Maggie Stovall is one of the golden people. She has it all together...at least on the surface. Ben Stovall is a godly husband and successful attorney. He has no idea of the darkness about to overtake his life. Amanda Joy is a child of society–abused, broken, thrown away. But her trust in God is still alive. When Joy Came to Stay is the heart-wrenching story of one woman’s descent into the shadows of depression, her husband’s search for understanding, and a precious child’s unwavering faith.
On Every Side
Faith Evans is an up-and-coming newscaster, a woman of honor and integrity who must take a stand against the one man she never imagined would be her enemy. A beloved, hundred-year-old statue of Jesus stands in a small-town park–but some say it’s a clear violation of separation of church and state that must come down. Jordan Riley is a powerful attorney fighting for human rights and against God, but still reckoning with bitter boyhood losses. Amid political intrigue, social injustice, and personal conflicts, will love be enough when the battle rages on every side?
What Readers Are Saying About KAREN KINGSBURY Fiction…
“All–and I do mean all–of Karen Kingsbury’s books have touched my spiritual life in a deep way. I have recommended her books to men and women alike!”
–Debbie, Marana, AZ
“Karen Kingsbury’s Christian fiction is the standard by which I judge all Christian fiction.”
–Robin, Fairfax, VA
“Karen Kingsbury is our book club’s favorite author. We often discuss how each of her novels not only entertain us, but inspire us to live out our faith in a real, everyday, every moment way.”
–Lynda, Covington, WA
“Karen’s books never cease to amaze me. After reading one, I not only feel connected to the characters and the events, I feel I’ve walked in the presence of Christ and He’s spoken mightily to me. I always cry when I finish one…tears of good-bye to the friends I’ve come to love and tears of thankfulness to my heavenly Father. I can’ t wait to read the next one!”
–Linda, Batavia, IL
Story Behind the Book
Each of my novels is a piece of my heart. Where Yesterday Lives was my first-ever novel, and as such it is somewhat autobiographical. The childhood story of Ellen Barrett, her love for her parents and siblings, is my story–though her current story and struggles are fictional. On Every Side sheds light on the struggle for religious freedom in today’s climate, something I am passionate about. Finally, When Joy Came to Stay is the story of one woman’s battle against depression and the secrets of her past.
Where Yesterday Lives
Ellen Barrett is a Pulitzer prize-winning journalist with an uncertain marriage, a forgotten faith, and haunting memories of her picturesque hometown and the love she left behind. The eldest of five siblings, she longs for the time, long ago, when they were a happy family. Now Ellen’s beloved father is dead, and she returns to her childhood home to make peace–with the people who still live there, with the losses and changes that time has wrought, and with the future God has set before her.
When Joy Came to Stay
Maggie Stovall is one of the golden people. She has it all together...at least on the surface. Ben Stovall is a godly husband and successful attorney. He has no idea of the darkness about to overtake his life. Amanda Joy is a child of society–abused, broken, thrown away. But her trust in God is still alive. When Joy Came to Stay is the heart-wrenching story of one woman’s descent into the shadows of depression, her husband’s search for understanding, and a precious child’s unwavering faith.
On Every Side
Faith Evans is an up-and-coming newscaster, a woman of honor and integrity who must take a stand against the one man she never imagined would be her enemy. A beloved, hundred-year-old statue of Jesus stands in a small-town park–but some say it’s a clear violation of separation of church and state that must come down. Jordan Riley is a powerful attorney fighting for human rights and against God, but still reckoning with bitter boyhood losses. Amid political intrigue, social injustice, and personal conflicts, will love be enough when the battle rages on every side?
What Readers Are Saying About KAREN KINGSBURY Fiction…
“All–and I do mean all–of Karen Kingsbury’s books have touched my spiritual life in a deep way. I have recommended her books to men and women alike!”
–Debbie, Marana, AZ
“Karen Kingsbury’s Christian fiction is the standard by which I judge all Christian fiction.”
–Robin, Fairfax, VA
“Karen Kingsbury is our book club’s favorite author. We often discuss how each of her novels not only entertain us, but inspire us to live out our faith in a real, everyday, every moment way.”
–Lynda, Covington, WA
“Karen’s books never cease to amaze me. After reading one, I not only feel connected to the characters and the events, I feel I’ve walked in the presence of Christ and He’s spoken mightily to me. I always cry when I finish one…tears of good-bye to the friends I’ve come to love and tears of thankfulness to my heavenly Father. I can’ t wait to read the next one!”
–Linda, Batavia, IL
Story Behind the Book
Each of my novels is a piece of my heart. Where Yesterday Lives was my first-ever novel, and as such it is somewhat autobiographical. The childhood story of Ellen Barrett, her love for her parents and siblings, is my story–though her current story and struggles are fictional. On Every Side sheds light on the struggle for religious freedom in today’s climate, something I am passionate about. Finally, When Joy Came to Stay is the story of one woman’s battle against depression and the secrets of her past.
752 pages, Hardcover
First published April 11, 2005
519 people are currently reading
1524 people want to read
About the author
Karen Kingsbury
208 books12k followersKaren Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development with Hallmark Films and as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books are being developed into a TV series slated for major network viewing sometime in the next year. Karen is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University. In 2001 she and her husband, Don, adopted three boys from Haiti, doubling their family in a matter of months. Today the couple has joined the ranks of empty nesters, living in Tennessee near five of their adult children.
See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/K...
See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/K...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
April 13, 2018
This book contains 3 books & as usual Karen had me bawling like a baby through all of it. The stories are stand-alone books & not a series.
I highly recommend the book but be sure to lay in a supply of Kleenex before you start reading.
I highly recommend the book but be sure to lay in a supply of Kleenex before you start reading.
January 2, 2013
I was able to review this book by Karen Kingsbury through blogging for books. Its a collection of 3 full sized christian fiction novels in one volume.
This does make the book really really big but its a value because you are getting to read 3 great books in one place.
The stories are all contemporary fiction which is not my favorite to read because I usually pick Victorian or books taking place in the past but I thought I would give these a try.
The first story is titled Where Yesterday Lives-its about a journalist who finds trouble in her life when her father dies from a sudden heart attack.
This brings her home to deal with the loss and her family who do not get along really well. It take faith and strength to not only come to grips with the loss but also give her the strength to heal her own personal family issues.
The second book is called- When Joy Came to Stay-Maggie has some problem that cause her to check herself into a clinic. He husband need all the faith he can get while he tries to discover what has went wrong with is wife and has caused her to fall into such despair.
The third book is called -On Every Side-This one is about Faith and Jordan to people who are battling over a statue of Jesus in a park. Faith who is a anchor woman for a news program risks her career by taking the fight to the air. This story is mainly focused on the issue of separation of church and state. But the background of the characters is also interesting.
The nice thing about all of these stories is that Karen Kingsbury does make all the Characters very human with human problems. She writes very good stories that are filled with the issues of today and how faith can help us cope with them.
I received a free copy of this book from blogging for books. Thanks for reading my review :)
February 20, 2013
Karen Kingsbury is certainly known as one of the Queens of Christian fiction, and this volume is packed full of three novels sure to please her faithful readers. The subject matter in these three novels is deep: death, depression, separation of church and state. Of course, faith and spirituality drive the actions and thoughts of the believable main characters. Characters who have flaws and doubts and struggles just like us. I struggle with depression myself so this book certainly struck a chord with my heart. It is not easy for those who must suffer with it or for those who love the depressed individual. Karen Kingsbury addresses this and the other issues beautifully with love and concern. I am not sure how much I love the "volume" presentation though, as it is a heavier book to hold while reading, and it definitely looks daunting when first glancing at it and hoping to read a quick novel to forget the cares of the day. It does not disappoint though, but I think I would prefer it in three separate novels in print.
July 3, 2016
Where Yesterday Lives - Ellen, a reporter, learns that her father has suddenly passed away. She returns home to help her mother and her four siblings plan the funeral. But marital problems, sibling issues, and a friend from the past make it a faith test week.
When Joy Came to Stay - Maggie thinks she's losing her mind. From the outside she has the perfect life, a loving husband, adorable foster sons, and a strong faith in God. But a mistake made many years ago has come back to haunt her and cause her to doubt her sanity.
On Every Side - Faith has a dream job at a local news station. But her faith and devotion to God are about to be tested in a way she never dreamed possible. Her town and her Jesus are under attack and with her father gone it is up to her to stand up for what she believes in.
My first thoughts where when I received this book - Oh my word! It is huge. I would never purchase three normal size books together. With almost 750 pages, it is massive.
I have heard so much about Kingsbury and couldn't wait to read something by her. So I jumped at the chance to review three of her books at once.
My overall opinion is that she is an amazing writer. Despite the difficult subject matter she can still carry the plot and keep the reader interested. I definitely felt emotional reading these stories.
My only negative feelings would be the heavy subject matter. An entire book written about the funeral of a man, no matter how great, is a bit more than I would want to willingly tackle when reading a story for pleasure. So while I enjoyed the stories because of the excellent writing style, I just can't see myself picking up another Kingsbury novel based on these three. The only exception might have been if I'd only read On Every Side. This book didn't seem as dark and had a much happier thread throughout. I'm giving this book 3 stars because while I didn't care for the dark feeling in the books, I did enjoy reading them and felt it was great writing.
I received this book free of charge from WaterBrook in exchange for my honest review.
When Joy Came to Stay - Maggie thinks she's losing her mind. From the outside she has the perfect life, a loving husband, adorable foster sons, and a strong faith in God. But a mistake made many years ago has come back to haunt her and cause her to doubt her sanity.
On Every Side - Faith has a dream job at a local news station. But her faith and devotion to God are about to be tested in a way she never dreamed possible. Her town and her Jesus are under attack and with her father gone it is up to her to stand up for what she believes in.
My first thoughts where when I received this book - Oh my word! It is huge. I would never purchase three normal size books together. With almost 750 pages, it is massive.
I have heard so much about Kingsbury and couldn't wait to read something by her. So I jumped at the chance to review three of her books at once.
My overall opinion is that she is an amazing writer. Despite the difficult subject matter she can still carry the plot and keep the reader interested. I definitely felt emotional reading these stories.
My only negative feelings would be the heavy subject matter. An entire book written about the funeral of a man, no matter how great, is a bit more than I would want to willingly tackle when reading a story for pleasure. So while I enjoyed the stories because of the excellent writing style, I just can't see myself picking up another Kingsbury novel based on these three. The only exception might have been if I'd only read On Every Side. This book didn't seem as dark and had a much happier thread throughout. I'm giving this book 3 stars because while I didn't care for the dark feeling in the books, I did enjoy reading them and felt it was great writing.
I received this book free of charge from WaterBrook in exchange for my honest review.
November 5, 2024
First story was not as interesting to me as the second and third. Overall, story line was good.
May 13, 2018
Where Yesterday Lives:
I didn't know what to expect from reading the back cover since it was kind of vague, but it ended up being a great story.
Where Yesterday Lives starts off with a man having a fatal heart attack and the thoughts he is having as he has his last breaths. We find out later on that he was in poor health due to mainly his diet, smoking, and lack of exercise. His family had a clue that he was shortening his lifespan, but they were still shocked, like most people are whenever someone dies.
Ellen, along with the rest of her siblings for the most part, went through a lot of tense arguments in this book. If your life is full of this sort of thing without picking up a fictional novel, you might want to avoid this book if it will stress you out or compound what is going on in your life. For me, it was intense, and I wanted it to end for everybody. I especially didn't care for Jane's snappy comments—we learn later why she acts so rude all the time, not to excuse it, but to explain why she does what she does. Aaron seemed like a pretty vague character for most of the book until the end, but when he did "speak" in the book, most of the time, I wanted to cry because of how much pain there was in him. He ended up being one of my favorite characters.
The last few chapters of the book were really good. They made me cry, but they were good! I liked the ending as well, it wrapped things up nicely, but it didn't tie up every loose end entirely, which was fine with me. There weren't any major cliffhangers there in the end.
There were a half-dozen or so kisses in this book. I don't think any of them were detailed. There is a scene in the book were a character is raped; it wasn't super detailed, but if you're typically triggered by things like that, you might want to skip over that part. No cursing, although it is written that someone does curse a few times, nothing is explicitly written out though. There was one thing about this book that I wasn't sure I agreed with and that was that the main character thought she would always love her first love. I couldn't tell if that was in a platonic way, or that he would always be a temptation to her.
3.5 stars.
When Joy Came To Stay:
I wasn't too sure about this book in the beginning because it started off in a weird way. The main character is hallucinating quite a bit and this sort of thing isn't usually what I read for fun. I find it a little hard to relate to Maggie and her husband, Ben. Ben seemed really naïve to me—considering he's an attorney dealing with homicide cases.
Also, a warning before I forget: this book has a graphic child abuse scene in chapter 13. The graphic part is mainly seen from a police officer's POV, and it is not pretty. The abuse is of a foster child. It is detailed and I wish I wouldn't have read it, honestly, because these sorts of things usually disturb me for a long time after reading about them. However, it is a reminder to pray for those who are in the foster care system for me. It just was really intense and heart-wrenching. Fair warning!
I'm at chapter 26 now and I am going to stop reading. I don't think I want to read about one more bad thing happening, and it feels like this story keeps going downhill. I know it will probably change near the end, but I think if I read anymore, I will keep being frustrated with the situations in the book and also being angry at the injustice that I know takes place in the foster system. I know several people who were in foster care and they both had terrible stories, so I am not trying to stick my head in the sand. I just don't want to read about it in my downtime. My heart can only handle so much. :/
For me, I would rate this book 2 stars. It isn't badly written, there isn't any cussing. There were a few kisses, but none in detail from what I remember. Lots of violence. I just don't want to read it anymore.
On Every Side:
This book was not my favorite. It was alright—I wasn't ever bored while reading it, but I didn't care for some of the things certain people were doing.
This book was a non-subtle take of the biblical story of Jericho, included a Joshua, a Bob Moses, and a Jordan (like the Jordan River). This kind of seemed a little cheesy to me. I might have preferred if it was an sneaky sort of modern take on the story of Jericho without it being so obvious. It did lend to the story in some areas (where some walls do come down), but it seemed a little overdone to me. Maybe it just wasn't my kind of book. :/
Also, didn't care for the multiple, sometimes detailed, makeout sessions certain people decided to have in the book. That was kind of gross.
The ending was great, and the characters grew throughout the story. I really liked Rosa Lee. The backstory with Jordan's mother and the separation from his sister was sad and made me cry a few times. The scenes that included Jordan's mother touched my heart quite a bit.
2.5 stars.
I didn't know what to expect from reading the back cover since it was kind of vague, but it ended up being a great story.
Where Yesterday Lives starts off with a man having a fatal heart attack and the thoughts he is having as he has his last breaths. We find out later on that he was in poor health due to mainly his diet, smoking, and lack of exercise. His family had a clue that he was shortening his lifespan, but they were still shocked, like most people are whenever someone dies.
Ellen, along with the rest of her siblings for the most part, went through a lot of tense arguments in this book. If your life is full of this sort of thing without picking up a fictional novel, you might want to avoid this book if it will stress you out or compound what is going on in your life. For me, it was intense, and I wanted it to end for everybody. I especially didn't care for Jane's snappy comments—we learn later why she acts so rude all the time, not to excuse it, but to explain why she does what she does. Aaron seemed like a pretty vague character for most of the book until the end, but when he did "speak" in the book, most of the time, I wanted to cry because of how much pain there was in him. He ended up being one of my favorite characters.
The last few chapters of the book were really good. They made me cry, but they were good! I liked the ending as well, it wrapped things up nicely, but it didn't tie up every loose end entirely, which was fine with me. There weren't any major cliffhangers there in the end.
There were a half-dozen or so kisses in this book. I don't think any of them were detailed. There is a scene in the book were a character is raped; it wasn't super detailed, but if you're typically triggered by things like that, you might want to skip over that part. No cursing, although it is written that someone does curse a few times, nothing is explicitly written out though. There was one thing about this book that I wasn't sure I agreed with and that was that the main character thought she would always love her first love. I couldn't tell if that was in a platonic way, or that he would always be a temptation to her.
3.5 stars.
When Joy Came To Stay:
I wasn't too sure about this book in the beginning because it started off in a weird way. The main character is hallucinating quite a bit and this sort of thing isn't usually what I read for fun. I find it a little hard to relate to Maggie and her husband, Ben. Ben seemed really naïve to me—considering he's an attorney dealing with homicide cases.
Also, a warning before I forget: this book has a graphic child abuse scene in chapter 13. The graphic part is mainly seen from a police officer's POV, and it is not pretty. The abuse is of a foster child. It is detailed and I wish I wouldn't have read it, honestly, because these sorts of things usually disturb me for a long time after reading about them. However, it is a reminder to pray for those who are in the foster care system for me. It just was really intense and heart-wrenching. Fair warning!
I'm at chapter 26 now and I am going to stop reading. I don't think I want to read about one more bad thing happening, and it feels like this story keeps going downhill. I know it will probably change near the end, but I think if I read anymore, I will keep being frustrated with the situations in the book and also being angry at the injustice that I know takes place in the foster system. I know several people who were in foster care and they both had terrible stories, so I am not trying to stick my head in the sand. I just don't want to read about it in my downtime. My heart can only handle so much. :/
For me, I would rate this book 2 stars. It isn't badly written, there isn't any cussing. There were a few kisses, but none in detail from what I remember. Lots of violence. I just don't want to read it anymore.
On Every Side:
This book was not my favorite. It was alright—I wasn't ever bored while reading it, but I didn't care for some of the things certain people were doing.
This book was a non-subtle take of the biblical story of Jericho, included a Joshua, a Bob Moses, and a Jordan (like the Jordan River). This kind of seemed a little cheesy to me. I might have preferred if it was an sneaky sort of modern take on the story of Jericho without it being so obvious. It did lend to the story in some areas (where some walls do come down), but it seemed a little overdone to me. Maybe it just wasn't my kind of book. :/
Also, didn't care for the multiple, sometimes detailed, makeout sessions certain people decided to have in the book. That was kind of gross.
The ending was great, and the characters grew throughout the story. I really liked Rosa Lee. The backstory with Jordan's mother and the separation from his sister was sad and made me cry a few times. The scenes that included Jordan's mother touched my heart quite a bit.
2.5 stars.
April 20, 2025
Where Yesterday Lives-This story was the hardest for me get into out of the three. Maybe it was because of how many different perspectives we hear from; typically I won’t mind that but it made it harder to see the characters as 3-dimensional. I didn’t get enough to truly understand any of them or feel as emotionally connected as I did characters in the other two stories.
When Joy Comes to Stay and On Every Side- Both kept my interest and took me on a roller coaster of emotions. I found myself wanting to yell at Jordan Riley in particular even though I could understand where his anger towards God was coming from. I know people who did exactly what he did when they experienced a lot of heartache and pain at a young age. The ending seemed a little rushed where Rosa was concerned; I feel like that could have been included in an epilogue.
Ben’s journey to find the truth while his wife was getting some much needed help was beautiful and compelling. There was some very predictable parts to the story but I kept wondering when Maggie was going to find out about all that Ben did and went through during that time (physically, emotionally, and spiritually)…the payoff of waiting was sweet. They needed to have that time apart to look at themselves and evaluate how they could move forward together and beyond the past lies and regrets. I could see and empathize with both of their perspectives.
When Joy Comes to Stay and On Every Side- Both kept my interest and took me on a roller coaster of emotions. I found myself wanting to yell at Jordan Riley in particular even though I could understand where his anger towards God was coming from. I know people who did exactly what he did when they experienced a lot of heartache and pain at a young age. The ending seemed a little rushed where Rosa was concerned; I feel like that could have been included in an epilogue.
Ben’s journey to find the truth while his wife was getting some much needed help was beautiful and compelling. There was some very predictable parts to the story but I kept wondering when Maggie was going to find out about all that Ben did and went through during that time (physically, emotionally, and spiritually)…the payoff of waiting was sweet. They needed to have that time apart to look at themselves and evaluate how they could move forward together and beyond the past lies and regrets. I could see and empathize with both of their perspectives.
April 20, 2021
I only read Where Yesterday Lives and When Joy Comes to Stay because i read On Every Side a few years ago. Out of the 2 stories, I enjoyed When Joy Comes to Stay, just because it was so touching. Amanda Joy's story of suffering ause was so heartbreaking to read, but, at least it has a happy ending to it.
I also found When Yesterday Lives to be quite enjoyable, too. I loved the theme of family and how the siblings were able to come back together in the end.
Both stories are 5 stars reads for me! Highly recommend all three stories!
I also found When Yesterday Lives to be quite enjoyable, too. I loved the theme of family and how the siblings were able to come back together in the end.
Both stories are 5 stars reads for me! Highly recommend all three stories!
December 14, 2012
Three Page-Turning Novels in One Volume!
Where Yesterday Lives
Ellen Barrett is a Pulitzer prize-winning journalist with an uncertain marriage, a forgotten faith, and haunting memories of her picturesque hometown and the love she left behind. The eldest of five siblings, she longs for the time, long ago, when they were a happy family. Now Ellen’s beloved father is dead, and she returns to her childhood home to make peace–with the people who still live there, with the losses and changes that time has wrought, and with the future God has set before her.
When Joy Came to Stay
Maggie Stovall is one of the golden people. She has it all together...at least on the surface. Ben Stovall is a godly husband and successful attorney. He has no idea of the darkness about to overtake his life. Amanda Joy is a child of society–abused, broken, thrown away. But her trust in God is still alive. When Joy Came to Stay is the heart-wrenching story of one woman’s descent into the shadows of depression, her husband’s search for understanding, and a precious child’s unwavering faith.
On Every Side
Faith Evans is an up-and-coming newscaster, a woman of honor and integrity who must take a stand against the one man she never imagined would be her enemy. A beloved, hundred-year-old statue of Jesus stands in a small-town park–but some say it’s a clear violation of separation of church and state that must come down. Jordan Riley is a powerful attorney fighting for human rights and against God, but still reckoning with bitter boyhood losses. Amid political intrigue, social injustice, and personal conflicts, will love be enough when the battle rages on every side?
All three of the novels in this collection by Karen Kingsbury were excellent. All three novels addressed different issues that both women and men face in their struggles in life and with their beliefs in God, but all three novels clearly portrayed the importance of prayer and having a prayer life. The plots were all rich and contained elements that were either unexpected, tear jerking, or suspenseful.
Where Yesterday Lives was an excellent novel that displayed the importance of family, forgiveness, and fidelity particularly in marriage. Ellen and her sisters Jane, Amy and Megan and her brother Aaron were realistic characters, each with an exaggerated but still realistic character flaw. Ellen was completely self focused, Jane embittered and angry, Aaron felt unable to communicate so he blew up at people, Megan used to be rebel and had abandoned her family, and Amy was overly quiet, ignored, and gave in easily to her siblings. However, despite all of these attributes that pushed the family apart, as the book progressed, it was beautiful to see them beginning to work through their issues and actually begin to understand one another. The book was written so that at points in the story events that occurred in the characters' past was revealed in order that the reader would have a better understanding as to why the characters were acting and feeling a certain way.
When Joy Came to Stay was a compelling story that revealed the pain that secrets, lies, and bad choices can have on a person's mental health and their marriage or relationships with others. Maggie had a secret that she never told her husband that caused her to start having mental issues. She had stopped, or never really started, trusting God and relying on Him for answers, and it caused her to make some not so great decisions and become severely depressed. Ben, her husband, was an excellent character who stuck by his wife in the midst of it all and went to extreme lengths to discover the truth, get his wife back, and redeem their mistakes and their relationship with God and each other. I was truly inspired by his perseverance, and I was touched and moved watching Maggie's growth and her revitalization as she revealed her story and worked through her issues with the Lord. Amanda Joy was my favorite character because she always had an overwhelming faith in God even in the midst of some truly frightening circumstances. Despite these events, she never once stopped trusting and praying to her Savior.
On Every Side was a beautiful tale of one man's battle against God even as countless people in his life were praying for Him and as God was working on his heart. Jordan was very interesting to watch as he struggled against his feelings of rejection and hatred towards God for the death of his mother and loss of his sister. Faith Evans, his old childhood sweetheart, was an inspiring character who never stopped believing in Jordan and at the same time discovered that she had begun to trust in her own abilities instead of putting her faith in God and acting out in obedience and trust. There were several other minor characters that helped pull the novel together, and it was lovely to watch the story and characters begin to connect and to see how God was working out the events in their lives for good.
Overall, I really enjoyed all three novels, and I would highly recommend this collection of novels to any Karen Kinsgbury fans or readers that want to try out a Karen Kingsbury book for the first time.
I received this collection for free from the Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
See my blog, http://hearttoheartbooks.blogspot.com for more reviews.
Where Yesterday Lives
Ellen Barrett is a Pulitzer prize-winning journalist with an uncertain marriage, a forgotten faith, and haunting memories of her picturesque hometown and the love she left behind. The eldest of five siblings, she longs for the time, long ago, when they were a happy family. Now Ellen’s beloved father is dead, and she returns to her childhood home to make peace–with the people who still live there, with the losses and changes that time has wrought, and with the future God has set before her.
When Joy Came to Stay
Maggie Stovall is one of the golden people. She has it all together...at least on the surface. Ben Stovall is a godly husband and successful attorney. He has no idea of the darkness about to overtake his life. Amanda Joy is a child of society–abused, broken, thrown away. But her trust in God is still alive. When Joy Came to Stay is the heart-wrenching story of one woman’s descent into the shadows of depression, her husband’s search for understanding, and a precious child’s unwavering faith.
On Every Side
Faith Evans is an up-and-coming newscaster, a woman of honor and integrity who must take a stand against the one man she never imagined would be her enemy. A beloved, hundred-year-old statue of Jesus stands in a small-town park–but some say it’s a clear violation of separation of church and state that must come down. Jordan Riley is a powerful attorney fighting for human rights and against God, but still reckoning with bitter boyhood losses. Amid political intrigue, social injustice, and personal conflicts, will love be enough when the battle rages on every side?
All three of the novels in this collection by Karen Kingsbury were excellent. All three novels addressed different issues that both women and men face in their struggles in life and with their beliefs in God, but all three novels clearly portrayed the importance of prayer and having a prayer life. The plots were all rich and contained elements that were either unexpected, tear jerking, or suspenseful.
Where Yesterday Lives was an excellent novel that displayed the importance of family, forgiveness, and fidelity particularly in marriage. Ellen and her sisters Jane, Amy and Megan and her brother Aaron were realistic characters, each with an exaggerated but still realistic character flaw. Ellen was completely self focused, Jane embittered and angry, Aaron felt unable to communicate so he blew up at people, Megan used to be rebel and had abandoned her family, and Amy was overly quiet, ignored, and gave in easily to her siblings. However, despite all of these attributes that pushed the family apart, as the book progressed, it was beautiful to see them beginning to work through their issues and actually begin to understand one another. The book was written so that at points in the story events that occurred in the characters' past was revealed in order that the reader would have a better understanding as to why the characters were acting and feeling a certain way.
When Joy Came to Stay was a compelling story that revealed the pain that secrets, lies, and bad choices can have on a person's mental health and their marriage or relationships with others. Maggie had a secret that she never told her husband that caused her to start having mental issues. She had stopped, or never really started, trusting God and relying on Him for answers, and it caused her to make some not so great decisions and become severely depressed. Ben, her husband, was an excellent character who stuck by his wife in the midst of it all and went to extreme lengths to discover the truth, get his wife back, and redeem their mistakes and their relationship with God and each other. I was truly inspired by his perseverance, and I was touched and moved watching Maggie's growth and her revitalization as she revealed her story and worked through her issues with the Lord. Amanda Joy was my favorite character because she always had an overwhelming faith in God even in the midst of some truly frightening circumstances. Despite these events, she never once stopped trusting and praying to her Savior.
On Every Side was a beautiful tale of one man's battle against God even as countless people in his life were praying for Him and as God was working on his heart. Jordan was very interesting to watch as he struggled against his feelings of rejection and hatred towards God for the death of his mother and loss of his sister. Faith Evans, his old childhood sweetheart, was an inspiring character who never stopped believing in Jordan and at the same time discovered that she had begun to trust in her own abilities instead of putting her faith in God and acting out in obedience and trust. There were several other minor characters that helped pull the novel together, and it was lovely to watch the story and characters begin to connect and to see how God was working out the events in their lives for good.
Overall, I really enjoyed all three novels, and I would highly recommend this collection of novels to any Karen Kinsgbury fans or readers that want to try out a Karen Kingsbury book for the first time.
I received this collection for free from the Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
See my blog, http://hearttoheartbooks.blogspot.com for more reviews.
July 6, 2017
Inspiring
I love the way karen Kingsbury manages to make you feel like you could be in one of her books. Although they are fiction they feel real. I often learn so much about myself, my faith and God and this book was no different. Thank you for helping me to see more clearly areas of my life that need to change and that prayer definitely is the key. Its always good to be reminded of that.
I love the way karen Kingsbury manages to make you feel like you could be in one of her books. Although they are fiction they feel real. I often learn so much about myself, my faith and God and this book was no different. Thank you for helping me to see more clearly areas of my life that need to change and that prayer definitely is the key. Its always good to be reminded of that.
July 18, 2021
Three heart-wrenching novels in one collection
Kingsbury's writing draws me into the depths of the emotions and struggles of her characters as no other writer does.And her stories are so true to real life situations and how God wants to make us all whole again through the things we suffer that reading them changes me too. I would have appreciated a more careful proofreading the manuscript, but I still highly recommend this collection.
Kingsbury's writing draws me into the depths of the emotions and struggles of her characters as no other writer does.And her stories are so true to real life situations and how God wants to make us all whole again through the things we suffer that reading them changes me too. I would have appreciated a more careful proofreading the manuscript, but I still highly recommend this collection.
June 28, 2023
3 stories of personal journeys of challenge and faith. All three stories center around a female protagonist in the media field; two newspaper reporters and one TV anchor. In each a crisis looms and the lady in each must react but in each, they reach for their faith and it gets them through. I hadn't read any Karen Kingsbury until this one came off my shelf after a typhoon left us without power for 3 weeks and I was reaching for a media fix.
September 3, 2018
I was extremely disappointed in this author. She has obviously been taught a lot of leavening in whatever 501(c)(3) church building she attends. I understand because I was there once myself. I am not condemning her, but I am disappointed.
July 31, 2021
Like all of the books written by Karen Kingsbury, this leaves you wanting to read more.
Wonderful collection of three books. I would recommend it to everyone who enjoys reading books that are wholesome and not trashy.
Wonderful collection of three books. I would recommend it to everyone who enjoys reading books that are wholesome and not trashy.
March 9, 2020
It may have taken me awhile to read, life happens, but each of the stories in this book was captivating!
May 14, 2020
What great 3 stories they were.. Made me do a lot of crying. Every story was great, loved them all. Would highly recommend reading this book. Karen Kingsbury is a great author.
May 25, 2020
It was hard to put down.
July 18, 2020
A birthday gift almost 15 years ago. Now, I am introducing my older daughters to Karen's books.
August 3, 2020
Kerry bookclub 2021
November 3, 2021
Sweet story
Sweet story. A lot of repeating the stories in flash backs not needed , made it mundane. The story was interesting enough to make you want to see the end.
Sweet story. A lot of repeating the stories in flash backs not needed , made it mundane. The story was interesting enough to make you want to see the end.
August 29, 2022
Well done
September 5, 2022
These stories are written for a very niche audience.
April 5, 2024
Very nice book. I loved all 3.
June 26, 2024
Terrific!
January 5, 2025
This was a good collection of novels! All 3 books were great in their own way!
March 27, 2025
Three great novels in one bound book. I have the hardback signed. I consider it a classic.
May 21, 2025
I loved all 3 of these books & their message! Karen Kingsbury is an amazing inspirational writer.
August 19, 2025
it just keeps getting better and better!
I believe this is my favorite of all books I have ever read, Karen! It has touch my heart and reinforced my spirit thru a very tough time in my 58 years of marriage. My husband has Alzheimer’s and I had to place him in a Veterans Home this year! Without my faith in Him and the promises in His Word.. I can not face tomorrow!
I believe this is my favorite of all books I have ever read, Karen! It has touch my heart and reinforced my spirit thru a very tough time in my 58 years of marriage. My husband has Alzheimer’s and I had to place him in a Veterans Home this year! Without my faith in Him and the promises in His Word.. I can not face tomorrow!
December 1, 2012
OK -- there is ONE thing I need you to know before you read this: I love Karen Kingsbury. LOVE. I went into these books with standards so high, they were practically outside the ozone layer. This is probably at least 30% of my problem, and I accept full responsibility for that. With that in mind, here is my opinion:
Book One -- Where Yesterday Lives
I'm not even sure where to begin. Ellen was the main character, but the book jumped between so many points of views that I felt yanked in a hundred different directions. The character development was non existent.
Jake, oh dear, where do I begin with Jake? He was the only likable character for me. Sure, I felt sympathy for others, they had real hurts and I cried for them. (I actually cried, yes. Don't look at me like you haven't cried during every book this woman writes). But Jake was the only one I really felt a connection with. Which is sad because he wasn't even the main character. I kind of felt like his feelings were stomped around in the dirt and then swept under the rug. They were drastically overlooked -- probably because he wasn't a Christian. I was glad to hear that Ellen still loved him like a decent human being in the end though. He deserves that -- to be loved -- no matter what.
This is probably not the most Christian thing to say, but I really wanted to punch Ellen in the face by the end. How many times did she really need to repeat all of Jake's mistakes and short comings? Way to rip his heart in half and pour salt into it. Repeatedly.
And the random prayer chain in the middle really bothered me. Not that it was a prayer chain -- because I absolutely believe in those -- but because whenever she (can't remember the girl's name) talked to Ellen, she immediately ran back to the phone to call the church to put more detail into the prayer. THIS. IS. SO. DANGEROUS. Prayer chains are easily transformed into gossip chains. Especially when you're dealing with the type of situation in this book.
Oh yeah, the cliches. I love cliches and this book was too cliche for me. Which speaks volumes.
I don't really know what else to say... I didn't hate it, but I might as well have. It felt very forced to me compared to her other books (some of which are among my favorites ever written).
2 out of 5 stars.
Book Two -- When Joy Came to Stay
This book I actually really liked. Well, comparatively speaking.
The characters were much more developed and I found myself far more willing to get attached to them. The jumping point of views was really strange again, especially since there would only be one of two pages in the entire book dedicated to random characters.
I think this book gets a really important message across to Christians. Depression isn't something you get when you stop depending on God or when you fail Him. It doesn't make you "unchristian." I've heard too many people say that. People that are suffering from depression are already vulnerable, telling them this only causes significantly more damage. I thought Kingsbury did a beautiful job getting that across in this story.
As far as the rest of it, sure, most situations were pretty unrealistic and outlandish, but who cares, it's a good story.
3 out of 5 stars.
Book Three -- On Every Side
I couldn't handle this book. I mean really. Joshua Nunn and Bob Moses? No but really.
Bob Moses.
Let's just say that every time I read anything about Moses and Joshua from now on I'll be thinking of Bob Moses.
And does anyone but me find it weird that God speaks to them personally and gives them detailed instructions? I mean, I totally get God speaking to you. But like that? In detail? I almost feel like this could be dangerous. A new Christian reading this book might get the wrong idea about the way God communicates with His people.
I feel bad, but this book was a 1 out of 5 for me and only because 0 out of 5 isn't really a thing.
As far as a collective whole, this book was far too thick. It made it really difficult to hold while reading. Also, I don't know, I was really disappointed with these. I know how great of a writer Karen Kingsbury is and I really felt like these didn't live up to her potential. I have a hunch it's got to do with being a national best seller for so many books. I see it happen a lot with authors like that. They get to a point where it's demanded quantity over quality of them. Which is a shame.
Anywho. Don't take my word for it -- find out for yourself. Apparently everyone else who read these loved them because I see nothing but 4 and 5 stars on the internet. The pickiness probably comes from the editor in me.
collective 2 out of 5 stars for me.
Book One -- Where Yesterday Lives
I'm not even sure where to begin. Ellen was the main character, but the book jumped between so many points of views that I felt yanked in a hundred different directions. The character development was non existent.
Jake, oh dear, where do I begin with Jake? He was the only likable character for me. Sure, I felt sympathy for others, they had real hurts and I cried for them. (I actually cried, yes. Don't look at me like you haven't cried during every book this woman writes). But Jake was the only one I really felt a connection with. Which is sad because he wasn't even the main character. I kind of felt like his feelings were stomped around in the dirt and then swept under the rug. They were drastically overlooked -- probably because he wasn't a Christian. I was glad to hear that Ellen still loved him like a decent human being in the end though. He deserves that -- to be loved -- no matter what.
This is probably not the most Christian thing to say, but I really wanted to punch Ellen in the face by the end. How many times did she really need to repeat all of Jake's mistakes and short comings? Way to rip his heart in half and pour salt into it. Repeatedly.
And the random prayer chain in the middle really bothered me. Not that it was a prayer chain -- because I absolutely believe in those -- but because whenever she (can't remember the girl's name) talked to Ellen, she immediately ran back to the phone to call the church to put more detail into the prayer. THIS. IS. SO. DANGEROUS. Prayer chains are easily transformed into gossip chains. Especially when you're dealing with the type of situation in this book.
Oh yeah, the cliches. I love cliches and this book was too cliche for me. Which speaks volumes.
I don't really know what else to say... I didn't hate it, but I might as well have. It felt very forced to me compared to her other books (some of which are among my favorites ever written).
2 out of 5 stars.
Book Two -- When Joy Came to Stay
This book I actually really liked. Well, comparatively speaking.
The characters were much more developed and I found myself far more willing to get attached to them. The jumping point of views was really strange again, especially since there would only be one of two pages in the entire book dedicated to random characters.
I think this book gets a really important message across to Christians. Depression isn't something you get when you stop depending on God or when you fail Him. It doesn't make you "unchristian." I've heard too many people say that. People that are suffering from depression are already vulnerable, telling them this only causes significantly more damage. I thought Kingsbury did a beautiful job getting that across in this story.
As far as the rest of it, sure, most situations were pretty unrealistic and outlandish, but who cares, it's a good story.
3 out of 5 stars.
Book Three -- On Every Side
I couldn't handle this book. I mean really. Joshua Nunn and Bob Moses? No but really.
Bob Moses.
Let's just say that every time I read anything about Moses and Joshua from now on I'll be thinking of Bob Moses.
And does anyone but me find it weird that God speaks to them personally and gives them detailed instructions? I mean, I totally get God speaking to you. But like that? In detail? I almost feel like this could be dangerous. A new Christian reading this book might get the wrong idea about the way God communicates with His people.
I feel bad, but this book was a 1 out of 5 for me and only because 0 out of 5 isn't really a thing.
As far as a collective whole, this book was far too thick. It made it really difficult to hold while reading. Also, I don't know, I was really disappointed with these. I know how great of a writer Karen Kingsbury is and I really felt like these didn't live up to her potential. I have a hunch it's got to do with being a national best seller for so many books. I see it happen a lot with authors like that. They get to a point where it's demanded quantity over quality of them. Which is a shame.
Anywho. Don't take my word for it -- find out for yourself. Apparently everyone else who read these loved them because I see nothing but 4 and 5 stars on the internet. The pickiness probably comes from the editor in me.
collective 2 out of 5 stars for me.
November 29, 2012
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 find a message within the book and you can immediately relate on some level to one or more of the characters in each of the books. She immediately draws you in as you begin each of them and not being able to put them down until you finish each of them. It's almost like an addiction because you will want to read more and more of her books. There is a feel good feeling that each of her novels leave behind and you can't forget them once your done.
In Where Yesterday Lives, the book opens with a scene of a man having a heart attack in his living room while gaining one final look at the family portraits that hang on the wall before blacking out. Ellen Barrett was a top news reporter for the Miami Times and when she receives word of her fathers heart attack from her husband Mike, she knows it's not going to be good. It was a call that she expected and dreaded at the same time. When Ellen asks Mike to accompany her to Michigan, he explains he can't take time off of 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.
In When Joy Came to Stay, is a story dealing with the effects of depression on the life of Maggie Stovall and also how it impacts the lives of those around us. It focuses on how sometimes the person we see on the outside is not the person who is dealing with life on the inside. It takes the reader into the heart of what happens when life spirals out of hand, and too often we put on our facade to show the world that we're alright when deep down inside we are trying to find ways to simply hang on for one more hour. This was a story I could definitely relate to on many levels and shows you the inside view of what goes on in the mind of someone who is depressed and how it impacts marriages, families and even our friends. Sometimes in the case of Maggie's husband Ben, he can't seem to wrap his head around why his wife simply can't snap out of it and move on with her life. Is there a way for them to work together or will this circumstance test just how solid their marriage really is after all?
Finally in On Every Side deals with what it's like to deal with defending your faith. Just how far would you be willing to go to stand up for what you believe? In this casse, Faith Evans is about to be tested in ways many of us are. She is s solid newscaster who decides to defend her faith when a hundred-year-old statue of Jesus that stands in the middle of their park is asked to be taken down in a violation of the separation of church and state. Now Faith is about to go 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 handful of 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 hard to pick a favorite in this three-in-one book because there are powerful messages to be gained in each of them that will help you or someone you know, at some stage in your life, maybe not now but in the future. Karen Kingsbury continues to be a favorite author for me and I look forward to every single one of her books that come out or even ones I haven't yet been graced with the opportunity to read just yet. If you are 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.
In Where Yesterday Lives, the book opens with a scene of a man having a heart attack in his living room while gaining one final look at the family portraits that hang on the wall before blacking out. Ellen Barrett was a top news reporter for the Miami Times and when she receives word of her fathers heart attack from her husband Mike, she knows it's not going to be good. It was a call that she expected and dreaded at the same time. When Ellen asks Mike to accompany her to Michigan, he explains he can't take time off of 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.
In When Joy Came to Stay, is a story dealing with the effects of depression on the life of Maggie Stovall and also how it impacts the lives of those around us. It focuses on how sometimes the person we see on the outside is not the person who is dealing with life on the inside. It takes the reader into the heart of what happens when life spirals out of hand, and too often we put on our facade to show the world that we're alright when deep down inside we are trying to find ways to simply hang on for one more hour. This was a story I could definitely relate to on many levels and shows you the inside view of what goes on in the mind of someone who is depressed and how it impacts marriages, families and even our friends. Sometimes in the case of Maggie's husband Ben, he can't seem to wrap his head around why his wife simply can't snap out of it and move on with her life. Is there a way for them to work together or will this circumstance test just how solid their marriage really is after all?
Finally in On Every Side deals with what it's like to deal with defending your faith. Just how far would you be willing to go to stand up for what you believe? In this casse, Faith Evans is about to be tested in ways many of us are. She is s solid newscaster who decides to defend her faith when a hundred-year-old statue of Jesus that stands in the middle of their park is asked to be taken down in a violation of the separation of church and state. Now Faith is about to go 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 handful of 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 hard to pick a favorite in this three-in-one book because there are powerful messages to be gained in each of them that will help you or someone you know, at some stage in your life, maybe not now but in the future. Karen Kingsbury continues to be a favorite author for me and I look forward to every single one of her books that come out or even ones I haven't yet been graced with the opportunity to read just yet. If you are 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.
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