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Forever Faithful #2
A Moment of Weakness
Had they found each other again after all these years, only to lose everything that matters most?
As children, Jade Conner and Tanner Eastman were best friends—until scandal drove them apart. Then, one golden summer, they find each other again. Through endless days they share their hearts and souls and dreams of forever. Then, in a moment of weakness, they make a decision that will tear them apart for nearly a decade.
In their own separate corners of the country, Jade and Tanner have become fighters for religious freedom. Now Jade’s unfaithful husband is determined to destroy her in a custody battle that will rock the nation and shake people’s understanding of faith and freedom. Could Jade lose her only child because of her faith? Only one man can help her in her darkest hour. And only one old woman knows the secret about that summer and the truth that can set them all free.
As children, Jade Conner and Tanner Eastman were best friends—until scandal drove them apart. Then, one golden summer, they find each other again. Through endless days they share their hearts and souls and dreams of forever. Then, in a moment of weakness, they make a decision that will tear them apart for nearly a decade.
In their own separate corners of the country, Jade and Tanner have become fighters for religious freedom. Now Jade’s unfaithful husband is determined to destroy her in a custody battle that will rock the nation and shake people’s understanding of faith and freedom. Could Jade lose her only child because of her faith? Only one man can help her in her darkest hour. And only one old woman knows the secret about that summer and the truth that can set them all free.
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
431 people are currently reading
2905 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 231 reviews
June 15, 2010
I honestly don't really know how to rate or review this book. There were parts of it I loved, and parts where I just wanted to throw the book across the room. I think I'll have to try something new, and do a review in bullet form.
Things I Liked
* The childhood friendship between Jade and Tanner. Very sweet.
* Jade's reaction to meeting God. Brought tears to my eyes.
* Jade and Tanner's friendship 'that summer'.
* Jade and Ty's relationship
* The 'conversations' with God. I always wish I could hear Him that clearly.
Things I Disliked
* The heavy, heavy, HEAVY forshadowing. It almost made me give up on the book already on page 70!
* The blatant moralizing.
* How the evil people were evil, with no remedying qualities.
* The unrealistic judge and courtcase (at least I hope both were unrealistic!).
* Worst of all - how things just got worse, and worse, and worse, and worse, and you could see that it was going to continue downhill (thanks to the lovely forshadowing mentioned above), until finally everything was resolved lickity-split and (as also mentioned above) in a very unrealistic manner. When you end up saying, "Oh, come ON!" as you read the final pages - it is not a good sign.
I don't know if this is standard for Karen Kingsbury, or just specific to this book, so I am going to give her a second chance, because as cringe-worthy as the bad things were, I LOVED the good things, so did end up finding it slightly more good than bad.
Things I Liked
* The childhood friendship between Jade and Tanner. Very sweet.
* Jade's reaction to meeting God. Brought tears to my eyes.
* Jade and Tanner's friendship 'that summer'.
* Jade and Ty's relationship
* The 'conversations' with God. I always wish I could hear Him that clearly.
Things I Disliked
* The heavy, heavy, HEAVY forshadowing. It almost made me give up on the book already on page 70!
* The blatant moralizing.
* How the evil people were evil, with no remedying qualities.
* The unrealistic judge and courtcase (at least I hope both were unrealistic!).
* Worst of all - how things just got worse, and worse, and worse, and worse, and you could see that it was going to continue downhill (thanks to the lovely forshadowing mentioned above), until finally everything was resolved lickity-split and (as also mentioned above) in a very unrealistic manner. When you end up saying, "Oh, come ON!" as you read the final pages - it is not a good sign.
I don't know if this is standard for Karen Kingsbury, or just specific to this book, so I am going to give her a second chance, because as cringe-worthy as the bad things were, I LOVED the good things, so did end up finding it slightly more good than bad.
July 30, 2017
Hands down, I felt that A Moment of Weakness is the best book I’ve read for 2007. I’ve read two of Karen’s other novels, but I like this one the best. I plan on purchasing some more of her novels and writing my views about them on this blog.
Although this is a Christian novel, I felt Kingsbury did an awesome job of showing the sexual tension between Jade and Tanner. Also, I loved the way both characters “found” their way back to each other not once, but twice. Their relationship survived huge conflicts, conflicts that didn’t seem easily resolved. This is a great novel to read for those struggling with the mistakes they’ve made in the past, mistakes made from going against God’s word, even though those mistakes were made after their salvation.
http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/2007/12/...
Although this is a Christian novel, I felt Kingsbury did an awesome job of showing the sexual tension between Jade and Tanner. Also, I loved the way both characters “found” their way back to each other not once, but twice. Their relationship survived huge conflicts, conflicts that didn’t seem easily resolved. This is a great novel to read for those struggling with the mistakes they’ve made in the past, mistakes made from going against God’s word, even though those mistakes were made after their salvation.
http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/2007/12/...
December 28, 2016
I'm quite sure my opinion may not be popular, and obviously doesn't represent the masses of readers who love Karen Kingsbury books, but I just don't, so honest I will be. I have read many Karen Kingsbury books over the years, but had really decided they just aren't for me. The only reason I decided to review this one is that I thought it was a brand new book, and that perhaps I should give the author another chance. As it turns out, this is just a re-release of a book that she wrote years ago and I read it then. I believe I did like it back when I read it the first time, but I feel now that Christian fiction has come a long way. I've grown past books like this one.
So, here is my problem with A Moment of Weakness, as well as Karen Kingsbury's other books. All of her characters, including the two main characters in this book (Tanner Eastman and Jade Conner), are always BEAUTIFUL. There are no ordinary looking people, and certainly no ugly people. No one is ever obese or even overweight, heaven forbid. Granted, they do have problems (in this case Tanner and Jade fall into the temptation of having sex before marriage--a very common problem), but their problems are never just ordinary problems. An ordinary problem might be that Tanner and Jade fell into temptation and their families are not happy about it. Tanner and Jade are very embarrassed, but they swallow their pride and confess their sins. Some people don't want to forgive them, they'd rather take the high ground and keep pointing fingers. Maybe Tanner and Jade feel forced to find a new church. Tanner and Jade get married and they do struggle. Marriage is hard and it's even harder when you have a baby right away. But, by the grace of God they manage to overcome. They have a good marriage and a great family. The end.
In A Moment of Weakness, however, there is much much more melodrama. Jade becomes pregnant that one time they have sex, but when she discovers this, Tanner is off on an overseas mission trip. Jade calls Tanner's mother to see if she knows how to get a hold of Tanner. Mrs. Eastman guesses what the emergency might be and lies to Jade, telling her that Tanner doesn't really love her and that he has fathered many other children. Of course, Jade believes all these lies, runs off and marries another man, and leaves the state (all in the 3 weeks that Tanner is gone) . I won't give away the entire book, but trust me when I say that the rest of the story is just as melodramatic.
I like books where I can relate to the characters in some way. I really can't relate to BEAUTIFUL people who don't even communicate with each other, they just draw all the wrong conclusions and run away. This seems to be a very common theme among many Christian authors and I just plain don't like it. On the other hand, if you like BEAUTIFUL people and melodrama, then I'm sure you will love this book since it's full of both. I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for my honest review.
So, here is my problem with A Moment of Weakness, as well as Karen Kingsbury's other books. All of her characters, including the two main characters in this book (Tanner Eastman and Jade Conner), are always BEAUTIFUL. There are no ordinary looking people, and certainly no ugly people. No one is ever obese or even overweight, heaven forbid. Granted, they do have problems (in this case Tanner and Jade fall into the temptation of having sex before marriage--a very common problem), but their problems are never just ordinary problems. An ordinary problem might be that Tanner and Jade fell into temptation and their families are not happy about it. Tanner and Jade are very embarrassed, but they swallow their pride and confess their sins. Some people don't want to forgive them, they'd rather take the high ground and keep pointing fingers. Maybe Tanner and Jade feel forced to find a new church. Tanner and Jade get married and they do struggle. Marriage is hard and it's even harder when you have a baby right away. But, by the grace of God they manage to overcome. They have a good marriage and a great family. The end.
In A Moment of Weakness, however, there is much much more melodrama. Jade becomes pregnant that one time they have sex, but when she discovers this, Tanner is off on an overseas mission trip. Jade calls Tanner's mother to see if she knows how to get a hold of Tanner. Mrs. Eastman guesses what the emergency might be and lies to Jade, telling her that Tanner doesn't really love her and that he has fathered many other children. Of course, Jade believes all these lies, runs off and marries another man, and leaves the state (all in the 3 weeks that Tanner is gone) . I won't give away the entire book, but trust me when I say that the rest of the story is just as melodramatic.
I like books where I can relate to the characters in some way. I really can't relate to BEAUTIFUL people who don't even communicate with each other, they just draw all the wrong conclusions and run away. This seems to be a very common theme among many Christian authors and I just plain don't like it. On the other hand, if you like BEAUTIFUL people and melodrama, then I'm sure you will love this book since it's full of both. I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for my honest review.
November 16, 2008
Jade and Tanner have been friends since childhood but because of a scandal involving Jade's family her father moves her away. One summer in the future, they find one another again. They share their hopes and dreams with one another. They make a decision that will change both their future's forever. Tanner goes away on a mission and thinks of nothing but Jade who is pregnant with his son. Tanner's mother tells Jade a lie about how Tanner has gotten a lot of women pregnant and how he leaves it up to his mother to give the girls a large sum of money to make the problem go away. Heart broken Jade marries a man who cheats, lies and barely speaks to her. One day in the future Tanner finds Jade again and is shocked by the resemblance of him and her son. He wonders why she never bothered to tell him and knows nothing about what his mother has done. Jade goes to get a divorce from her husband and finds out that he is going to sue her for custody. Later on tests are done that prove that Tanner is the father. The custody battle is over and Tanner finally gets the whole truth from his mother about what happened those long years ago. In the end Tanner, Jade and their son live happily ever after as it should be!
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May 2, 2020I am not the target audience for this book or this author so I am not going to leave a rating or a detailed review. I'm assuming that the vast majority of Karen Kingsbury readers share her religious views. I don't. In general, that sort of thing isn't an issue for me when reading fiction.
I just didn't feel like the characters were realistic or well-written. The villains, for lack of a better word, felt very one-dimensional. The hero and heroine were allowed to be flawed and more nuanced as people. Kingsbury clearly gets that sometimes good people do bad things - that's the basis of most of the plot - but doesn't seem to extend that courtesy to the characters who aren't good Christians. The people in this story were very sharply divided between Christians and Bad People Who Hate Christ, with absolutely no in-between. That doesn't reflect the world that I know.
It makes me sad to think that the Christians I know might see me the way that the characters in this book see nonbelievers. There are plenty of good people in the world with a variety of beliefs, and plenty of rotten people who call themselves Christian.
I just didn't feel like the characters were realistic or well-written. The villains, for lack of a better word, felt very one-dimensional. The hero and heroine were allowed to be flawed and more nuanced as people. Kingsbury clearly gets that sometimes good people do bad things - that's the basis of most of the plot - but doesn't seem to extend that courtesy to the characters who aren't good Christians. The people in this story were very sharply divided between Christians and Bad People Who Hate Christ, with absolutely no in-between. That doesn't reflect the world that I know.
It makes me sad to think that the Christians I know might see me the way that the characters in this book see nonbelievers. There are plenty of good people in the world with a variety of beliefs, and plenty of rotten people who call themselves Christian.
April 18, 2022
OMG this book had me emotional. The beginning i was a bit disappointed because these old Christian woman were gathered at a bible study gossiping. I was like huh??? But the story got better and i see where she was going in showing the character of Doris Eastman. I cruel, dispicable, lying,controlling, conniving woman. Yes she may have been hurt in the past but how could she do what she did to her son. Jade and Tanner what a loving couple, but things get in the way and a moment of weakness ruins their lives for 10 years with heartache and lies. I cried so much at one part i couldn't even see the words on the page i was reading. But God brings things back into alignment with forgiveness and a happy ending. I enjoyed this book and now its off to part 3.
February 12, 2025
This book made me mad at what Tanner's mom did but the ending was a good ending.
December 31, 2024
Karen Kingsbury's books are amazing. I've loved every one I've ever read, and this one was no exception.
Tanner and Jade are friends as children. Tanner believed at 12 years old that he'd marry her some day. His mother has hard feelings against Jade's mother and believes Jade is just like her, so she's determined that her son will not marry her. She'll do whatever it takes to make sure they don't. Jade's mother walks out on her and her father, leaving with another man. Jade's father moves her from Williamsburg, Virginia to Kelso, Washington, but Tanner never gives up.
Eleven years later, Jade is still living in Kelso and Tanner accepts an internship there. Against all odds, they meet. They spend a blissful summer together, making plans to marry. They make a promise to each other to keep themselves pure until marriage, but in their moment of weakness, they do the unthinkable. Tanner's mother intervenes. Tanner goes on a missionary trip to Hungary, planning to hook back up with Jade when he comes home. His mother's intervention destroys those plans.
Ten years later, Tanner is an attorney, helping fight for religious freedom. Jade is married with a son and fighting for religious freedom in her own way, standing up for her beliefs in the community and in the public schools. There's no reason the two should ever meet, but God had other plans.
Jade's husband divorces her and manages to take full custody of their son, based on his belief that Jade is a religious fanatic with extreme beliefs that are mentally abusive and dangerous for such a young child. Jade is devastated. She knows she needs a good attorney if she hopes to regain custody, and she agrees to allow Tanner and his partner to represent her. There's a lot at stake here, but through it all, their faith remains strong. They're going to need God's help to get through everything in store for them.
I loved this story. I had a strong dislike for Tanner's mother, but even she wasn't beyond God's redemption. This story illustrates God's forgiveness, even when we go against what we know is His will, not just for ourselves but for everyone who believes in Him. We might give up on God, but He never gives up on us. This was a great book.
Tanner and Jade are friends as children. Tanner believed at 12 years old that he'd marry her some day. His mother has hard feelings against Jade's mother and believes Jade is just like her, so she's determined that her son will not marry her. She'll do whatever it takes to make sure they don't. Jade's mother walks out on her and her father, leaving with another man. Jade's father moves her from Williamsburg, Virginia to Kelso, Washington, but Tanner never gives up.
Eleven years later, Jade is still living in Kelso and Tanner accepts an internship there. Against all odds, they meet. They spend a blissful summer together, making plans to marry. They make a promise to each other to keep themselves pure until marriage, but in their moment of weakness, they do the unthinkable. Tanner's mother intervenes. Tanner goes on a missionary trip to Hungary, planning to hook back up with Jade when he comes home. His mother's intervention destroys those plans.
Ten years later, Tanner is an attorney, helping fight for religious freedom. Jade is married with a son and fighting for religious freedom in her own way, standing up for her beliefs in the community and in the public schools. There's no reason the two should ever meet, but God had other plans.
Jade's husband divorces her and manages to take full custody of their son, based on his belief that Jade is a religious fanatic with extreme beliefs that are mentally abusive and dangerous for such a young child. Jade is devastated. She knows she needs a good attorney if she hopes to regain custody, and she agrees to allow Tanner and his partner to represent her. There's a lot at stake here, but through it all, their faith remains strong. They're going to need God's help to get through everything in store for them.
I loved this story. I had a strong dislike for Tanner's mother, but even she wasn't beyond God's redemption. This story illustrates God's forgiveness, even when we go against what we know is His will, not just for ourselves but for everyone who believes in Him. We might give up on God, but He never gives up on us. This was a great book.
September 5, 2024
A Moment of Weakness by Karen Kingsbury
Forever Faithful #2
13h 5m narrated by Barbara Caruso, 416 pages
Genre: Christian Fiction, Christian Romance, Legal Drama
Featuring: Blurb, Epigraphs, May 1977, Gossip, Richmond and Williamsburg, Virginia; 1988, Portland, Oregon; Kelso, Washington; June, Church Folk, Judgemental Trope, Childhood Friends, Reunion Trope, Friends-to-Lovers Trope, College Students, Nursing Student, Future Politician, Abandonment Trope, Verbal and Emotional Abuse, Alcoholism, Celibacy, Lust, Convert Trope, Grudges, Family Doesn't Approve Trope, Sex - Off-Camera, Self-Worth, Unlikable Parents, Religious Freedom Activists, Politics, Secrets, Legal Battle, Update on Previous Book's Characters, Los Angeles, California
Rating as a movie: PG-15 for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: Steven Curtis Chapman, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" by Thomas Chisholm,
Books and Authors mentioned: The Book of Jeremiah, Louis L'Amour, I Can't Accept Not Trying: Michael Jordan on the Pursuit of Excellence by Michael Jordan
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✝️🤰💒
My thoughts:📱35% 4:37:37 Chapter 16 - I had a hard time turning this off until it angered me. I'm beginning to see a pattern, and I don't like it. I remember why I kept my distance from Kingsbury, and it's starting to resurface. I hate this trope. I won't name it in Features, but it involves secrets. If she kills someone, I may have to abandon ship.
This story spans 3 decades and after the first book I was afraid to continue a few times. I struggled with this story as things didn't go my way and I hate secrets, the plot was obvious before a third into the book but after that reveal it went left at every turn and Jade irritated me to my core. The political aspects were unrealistic and it took me a minute to accept them as book fiction based on possibilities. It would have gotten 5 stars if my nerves weren't rattled. It was a good story but it took the long hard road.
Recommend to others?: Yes. I'm excited to finish this series, it's very nice and this was the best so far.
Forever Faithful
1. Waiting for Morning (1999)
2. A Moment of Weakness (2000)
3. Halfway to Forever (2002)
Forever Faithful #2
13h 5m narrated by Barbara Caruso, 416 pages
Genre: Christian Fiction, Christian Romance, Legal Drama
Featuring: Blurb, Epigraphs, May 1977, Gossip, Richmond and Williamsburg, Virginia; 1988, Portland, Oregon; Kelso, Washington; June, Church Folk, Judgemental Trope, Childhood Friends, Reunion Trope, Friends-to-Lovers Trope, College Students, Nursing Student, Future Politician, Abandonment Trope, Verbal and Emotional Abuse, Alcoholism, Celibacy, Lust, Convert Trope, Grudges, Family Doesn't Approve Trope, Sex - Off-Camera, Self-Worth, Unlikable Parents, Religious Freedom Activists, Politics, Secrets, Legal Battle, Update on Previous Book's Characters, Los Angeles, California
Rating as a movie: PG-15 for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: Steven Curtis Chapman, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" by Thomas Chisholm,
Books and Authors mentioned: The Book of Jeremiah, Louis L'Amour, I Can't Accept Not Trying: Michael Jordan on the Pursuit of Excellence by Michael Jordan
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✝️🤰💒
My thoughts:📱35% 4:37:37 Chapter 16 - I had a hard time turning this off until it angered me. I'm beginning to see a pattern, and I don't like it. I remember why I kept my distance from Kingsbury, and it's starting to resurface. I hate this trope. I won't name it in Features, but it involves secrets. If she kills someone, I may have to abandon ship.
This story spans 3 decades and after the first book I was afraid to continue a few times. I struggled with this story as things didn't go my way and I hate secrets, the plot was obvious before a third into the book but after that reveal it went left at every turn and Jade irritated me to my core. The political aspects were unrealistic and it took me a minute to accept them as book fiction based on possibilities. It would have gotten 5 stars if my nerves weren't rattled. It was a good story but it took the long hard road.
Recommend to others?: Yes. I'm excited to finish this series, it's very nice and this was the best so far.
Forever Faithful
1. Waiting for Morning (1999)
2. A Moment of Weakness (2000)
3. Halfway to Forever (2002)
June 14, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'A Moment of Weakness' and read this book within a day. The story was captivating from the very beginning and the characters were well written and someone the reader either instantly liked or disliked. While 'A Moment of Weakness' is a part of the Forever Faithful series it is not necessary to read the first book to be able to enjoy the second book. I am looking forward to reading the third book in this series and continuing reading about the characters from the two books (Hannah/Matt and Jade/Tanner). 'A Moment of Weakness' is a book that touches on faith, grace and forgiveness and how one decision can have a snowball effect.
The book synopsis is taken from Amazon.
As children, Jade Conner and Tanner Eastman were best friends—until scandal drove them apart. Then, one golden summer, they find each other again. Through endless days they share their hearts and souls and dreams of forever. Then, in a moment of weakness, they make a decision that will tear them apart for nearly a decade.
In their own separate corners of the country, Jade and Tanner have become fighters for religious freedom. Now Jade’s unfaithful husband is determined to destroy her in a custody battle that will rock the nation and shake people’s understanding of faith and freedom. Could Jade lose her only child because of her faith? Only one man can help her in her darkest hou
The book synopsis is taken from Amazon.
As children, Jade Conner and Tanner Eastman were best friends—until scandal drove them apart. Then, one golden summer, they find each other again. Through endless days they share their hearts and souls and dreams of forever. Then, in a moment of weakness, they make a decision that will tear them apart for nearly a decade.
In their own separate corners of the country, Jade and Tanner have become fighters for religious freedom. Now Jade’s unfaithful husband is determined to destroy her in a custody battle that will rock the nation and shake people’s understanding of faith and freedom. Could Jade lose her only child because of her faith? Only one man can help her in her darkest hou
July 7, 2020
Hmm, great is God's faithfulness. In a moment of weakness, a lot can happen that can change someone's life, but God's plans for our lives fail. If I didn't take anything from this book, I took out Jer 29:11, and encourages me to wait, even in this time, cos God has a plan for me, though it may tarry, but it would surely come to pass. God bless you ma'am.
May 31, 2021
Really enjoying this series. Really looking forward to getting to know the two couples better in the final book.
July 13, 2022
This book was a first to me. I have never read anything with such a strong religious story. I really enjoyed it.
At first I was not sure about Doris Eastman, how can you call yourself a Christian but showcase such awful behavior. Then I realized that is exactly how most of us are. We like saying we are Christian but we do not display any characteristics of Christ at all.
This is a beautiful story about a mother's love for her child and willingness to protect that child. We must remember that we are also children on God and he want to protect us as well.
I recommend this book to everyone
At first I was not sure about Doris Eastman, how can you call yourself a Christian but showcase such awful behavior. Then I realized that is exactly how most of us are. We like saying we are Christian but we do not display any characteristics of Christ at all.
This is a beautiful story about a mother's love for her child and willingness to protect that child. We must remember that we are also children on God and he want to protect us as well.
I recommend this book to everyone
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2017
Another winner by Karen Kingsbury.
This was a heartbreaking read. Karen Kingsbury doesn't hesitate to offer real life situations as her main plot and this one is all too real.
I highly enjoyed this one but make sure you have tissues near you at all times (you're gonna need it)
This was a heartbreaking read. Karen Kingsbury doesn't hesitate to offer real life situations as her main plot and this one is all too real.
I highly enjoyed this one but make sure you have tissues near you at all times (you're gonna need it)
April 11, 2022
This book is literally the reason I hate Christian Fiction.
If you came up with a list of Christian stereotypes, they are all in here. For example, the Christian girl has sex ONE TIME outside of marriage because the good Christian boy was kissing her in her room and just “gave in to temptation” because she let him be there (instantly putting the blame on her, because the poor boy was only acting on instinct). The repercussions for the girl are instant in that she OBVIOUSLY gets pregnant that one time (cause… sin and punishment), the boy goes off and lives his best single life oblivious to all of this and becomes a fancy lawyer (because even Christian men never suffer the same repercussions as women), and the girl is forced to marry the non Christian guy to cover up the fact that, as she literally states in the book, she is a whore (because no one except sleazy people want you after you’ve had sex). Of course, this was the wrong choice and the non Christian guy cheats on her and wants custody of the kid he thinks is his because his ex makes him go to church. Of COURSE the OG mans who knocked her up happens to be on the case. OF COURSE he discovers the kid is actually his and he’s been lied to for like 13 years. OF COURSE, OF COURSE, OF COURSE the OG mans and the girl end up married in the end. Oh… and don’t forget the OG mans has a fiancée for most of the book that he just drops to be with the Christian girl. And we’re supposed to believe that this 38 year old man never slept with anyone EXCEPT the Christian girl (not even the fiancée, the rationale being that the Christian girl is the only one who could tempt him… which means he actually loved the Christian girl)???? Like nah fam, this is the most unrealistic shit I’ve ever read. I’m sorry.
This book does a terrible job preaching it’s “no sex before marriage” agenda. When I read this as a teenager, it made me WANT to have sex just because I was so pissed off. It also gives off “damsel in distress” and “only men can save you” vibes. Religion is also shoved down your throat it pretty much every line. Then, to top it off, there is also about a million dramatic scenes that don’t really hold any purpose in the story other than causing extra drama. I hate when authors just waste characters as drama.
Anyways, to make a long story short, I read this book YEARS ago, and I’m still offended about it.
If you came up with a list of Christian stereotypes, they are all in here. For example, the Christian girl has sex ONE TIME outside of marriage because the good Christian boy was kissing her in her room and just “gave in to temptation” because she let him be there (instantly putting the blame on her, because the poor boy was only acting on instinct). The repercussions for the girl are instant in that she OBVIOUSLY gets pregnant that one time (cause… sin and punishment), the boy goes off and lives his best single life oblivious to all of this and becomes a fancy lawyer (because even Christian men never suffer the same repercussions as women), and the girl is forced to marry the non Christian guy to cover up the fact that, as she literally states in the book, she is a whore (because no one except sleazy people want you after you’ve had sex). Of course, this was the wrong choice and the non Christian guy cheats on her and wants custody of the kid he thinks is his because his ex makes him go to church. Of COURSE the OG mans who knocked her up happens to be on the case. OF COURSE he discovers the kid is actually his and he’s been lied to for like 13 years. OF COURSE, OF COURSE, OF COURSE the OG mans and the girl end up married in the end. Oh… and don’t forget the OG mans has a fiancée for most of the book that he just drops to be with the Christian girl. And we’re supposed to believe that this 38 year old man never slept with anyone EXCEPT the Christian girl (not even the fiancée, the rationale being that the Christian girl is the only one who could tempt him… which means he actually loved the Christian girl)???? Like nah fam, this is the most unrealistic shit I’ve ever read. I’m sorry.
This book does a terrible job preaching it’s “no sex before marriage” agenda. When I read this as a teenager, it made me WANT to have sex just because I was so pissed off. It also gives off “damsel in distress” and “only men can save you” vibes. Religion is also shoved down your throat it pretty much every line. Then, to top it off, there is also about a million dramatic scenes that don’t really hold any purpose in the story other than causing extra drama. I hate when authors just waste characters as drama.
Anyways, to make a long story short, I read this book YEARS ago, and I’m still offended about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2015
Yes, this was a powerful book of true-life issues and poignant redemption. I feel like those are the type of books Karen Kingsbury thrives on writing. A Moment of Weakness truly touched me, it was interesting, thought-provoking, hardly left me bored for a second.
But... I must say, their "moment of weakness" was quite dramatized and overly sensualized. I was just kind of cringing as I read it.
However, when it ended, it pretty much ended. The rest of the book I read through no problem. It was intense, shocking, heart-rending, and ended with utterly-beautiful forgiveness. Actually, a powerful, powerful message. Gossip, rumors, bitterness, greed, pride, "a moment of weakness"... do you know what those can do to you? Destroy you. And others along the way. But there's also One who is vastly bigger and stronger than all our failures, and He can raise us from the slimy pit if we call on His name.
So, even with a few misgivings, A Moment of Weakness was still a touching read for me.
But... I must say, their "moment of weakness" was quite dramatized and overly sensualized. I was just kind of cringing as I read it.
However, when it ended, it pretty much ended. The rest of the book I read through no problem. It was intense, shocking, heart-rending, and ended with utterly-beautiful forgiveness. Actually, a powerful, powerful message. Gossip, rumors, bitterness, greed, pride, "a moment of weakness"... do you know what those can do to you? Destroy you. And others along the way. But there's also One who is vastly bigger and stronger than all our failures, and He can raise us from the slimy pit if we call on His name.
So, even with a few misgivings, A Moment of Weakness was still a touching read for me.
April 9, 2010
A Moment of weakness taught me so much. Jade and Tanner go through hard time after hard time. Growing up as best friends was great while it lasted, but one day Jades father runs away with Jade to get away from the town that sees them as sinners. Years later, Jade is trying to get her hospital the rights it deserves. As she is in court she runs into the long lost Tanner. Tanner and Jade have a wonderful summer together and one night things go a little too far. When Tanner leaves, Jade realizes that she is pregnant with his child, but she was fed lies and disappears from Tanners life once more. As Jade raises her child, Tanner is off thinking Jade left him for no good reason and is getting married to some other woman. But as Jade files for a law suit against her husband, Tanner becomes her lawyer and the truth is finally revealed. This book is AMAZING!
May 21, 2010
This book was beyond amazing and beyond imagination! I never expected half the things that happened in this story!!! I didn't want to put it down! I was so shocked about what transpires between Tanner and Jade. The things Tanner's mom tells Jade when Tanner goes on a mission trip. When Jade chooses to marry someone else due to her circumstances and never speaks to Tanner again until the unspeakable happens......a divorce that takes her son--Tanner's son--away from her. She contacts Tanner's law firm and they fight for full custody while Tanner gets answers to unanswered questions from 10 years ago...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2011
Fabulously written story about the slippery slope of failing to hear God's voice. Why is it, even when we are trying to be good, we can quickly end up on a path of sin? Fortunately we have a God that always prevails in the end and makes good out of our worst mistakes. It is sad when we screw up his better plan for our lives. This story was set in the little NW town of Kelso, of which I am familiar and also the Portland area which was fun to visualize.
October 7, 2013
This is the second book in the Forever Faithful trilogy. It was very good, but again I found myself getting way too upset over the behavior of some characters, i.e. Doris, Tanner's mother. But God changed her heart in a way only He can! Excellent read. Can't wait to start the last book and finish the trilogy. I know there will be plenty more tears shed.
March 1, 2009
This book was a really easy read - I read it in 2 days. I enjoyed it. It was very spiritual and I did not know it would be when I picked it out. Lots of references to the bible and Jesus, so if that would bother you don't read it. The story was good though and the ending was really good.
January 11, 2016
This was all the doing of a person who preferred to play God rather than talk to Him.
March 27, 2018
"A Moment of Weakness" is apparently the second book in a series called Forever Faithful. To say that the drama in this book is extreme is an understatement. Tears flow freely between the pages, and lies are told which change the course of characters' lives.
Tanner is an aspiring politician, to his mother only, and he befriends local girl Jade. However, Tanner is unaware that his own father had a brief affair with Jade's mother, and this has forever altered how his mother views Jade and her family, which is somewhat understandable.
Except that Tanner's mother is obsessed with the idea of his reaching and holding political office and she weaves a web of lies that alters Tanner's and Jade's lives. This is after Tanner and Jade reconnect in the Pacific Northwest and, in a moment of weakness (hence the title), commit fornication.
Tanner and Jade again connect when he's a successful lawyer and she's married and about to be divorced. Her husband is having an affair with a local teacher and is trying to gain sole custody of their son due to Jade's becoming a Christian.
The characters are fairly bland. I got bored a few times reading the book, although the author does show what happens when lies get out of hand and also what happens when real communication is lost between people.
Tanner is an aspiring politician, to his mother only, and he befriends local girl Jade. However, Tanner is unaware that his own father had a brief affair with Jade's mother, and this has forever altered how his mother views Jade and her family, which is somewhat understandable.
Except that Tanner's mother is obsessed with the idea of his reaching and holding political office and she weaves a web of lies that alters Tanner's and Jade's lives. This is after Tanner and Jade reconnect in the Pacific Northwest and, in a moment of weakness (hence the title), commit fornication.
Tanner and Jade again connect when he's a successful lawyer and she's married and about to be divorced. Her husband is having an affair with a local teacher and is trying to gain sole custody of their son due to Jade's becoming a Christian.
The characters are fairly bland. I got bored a few times reading the book, although the author does show what happens when lies get out of hand and also what happens when real communication is lost between people.
November 8, 2024
2.5 stars. I read this because I have books 1 and 3 in the forever faithful series so I figured I should read the middle one, however, these first 2 were completely unrelated. The book is about Tanner and Jade. They were friends as young people but then they were separated by a scandal or a "moment of weakness" if you will. He went overseas on a mission trip for 3 weeks and she found out she was pregnant. She calls his mom and she says that he has a bunch of baby mamas and that he'll pay for the abortion (lie). Out of hurt and misunderstanding, she marries someone else within that 3 weeks. The book follows her life mostly as she raises her son with her husband. Her husband cheats on her and sues her for custody of their son because he said shes brainwashing him into Christianity. This felt like SUCH an unrealistic thing. I rolled my eyes every time the court case came into being. She lost the first time, appealed it and won handily because now Tanner was her lawyer. SO dumb. In the end, Tanner pulls out some DNA and proves the son is actually his anyway so the nasty husband takes a hike and everyone lives happily ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2025
I was captured by the story…then angered. For one, as a Christian, I believe strongly in the Lord and living right. What I don’t believe is that everyone that doesn’t agree with me 100% is out to destroy me or my beliefs. This book is written in a way that describes the world around us as constantly on the attack of Christian beliefs. Especially the school system and the inaccurate descriptions of the school system trying to eradicate religion. As an educator, I understand the concept of freedom from the establishment of religion. Students are allowed to pray at school, can bring their Bibles, and can worship together. I don’t appreciate the attack on the school system. Second, the characters drove me crazy with their choices. This would point to great writing, as I was invested in the story. But, I couldn’t wait for it to end, because their choices were infuriating. Just talk to each other before making life altering decisions!
June 19, 2022
I enjoyed the focus on the fight to protect our children from knowledge and visual images and also the focus on how so many justices want to make a point for history and show that we’ve “moved past” our religious foundation as a country. I did not like the scene where the two young people chose to disregard the warnings of God and chose sexual sin instead. I get that people mess up and that many people may not even believe this is wrong but what I didn’t like was the author’s detailed description of the event- the reader doesn’t need to know everything they did to get the point. I skipped over the bulk of this section as soon as I realized what was happening and how it kept going on- I almost didn’t keep reading but had decided if it happened again I would stop reading the book.
January 8, 2023
Love this author. Starts out with a beautiful love story between Jade and Tanner. Then one night things changed. Tanner left to go out of country on a religion mission and Jade was left to deal with a very hard decision. Tanner's mother really was awful in what she did to Jade. It was heartbreaking to read about it. Ten years down the road, Jade is faced with a lawsuit for custody of her son because she is raising him believing in God and her husband says she is brainwashing him. Tanner's firm takes the case and it is so interesting how the court drama plays out. This author writes so that you feel like you are living the story and I couldn't put it down. What an ending it was. Totally worth reading.
July 21, 2022
I loved it. It was a great novel to escape with. Predictable, yes. Unrealistic at times, maybe. But I didn't mind. I know what I want in a Christian romance novel, and this one delivered. Besides, I always need my HEA. Jade was likeable as a child and young adult, and she grew into a strong, Christian woman. Ty was sweet and believable. I loved the buildup to Tanner finding everything out. I actually felt bad for him. Characters were well-written. I noticed that Jade's father made an unceremonious exit - haha! Poor Leslie. Oh well. And Doris Eastman's character arc...so satisfying. Karen Kingsbury has a way of writing that draws you in. Love it. Love her. Love this book.
January 26, 2023
Wow. This is one of my favorite top 5 books by Karen Kingsbury.
I've read several of Karen's other books, and discovered this book randomly at my library. It looks like it was published back in 2000, but the issues talked about in this book are prophetic for the current times. Issues discussed including standing up for religious freedom and the right to protect kids from harmful content in schools.
Karen weaves in romance with relatable political issues that Christians face in culture. I couldn't wait to see what happened next, and couldn't put it down some nights.
If you enjoy romance novels that also talk about other issues Christians deal with, you'll enjoy this book.
I've read several of Karen's other books, and discovered this book randomly at my library. It looks like it was published back in 2000, but the issues talked about in this book are prophetic for the current times. Issues discussed including standing up for religious freedom and the right to protect kids from harmful content in schools.
Karen weaves in romance with relatable political issues that Christians face in culture. I couldn't wait to see what happened next, and couldn't put it down some nights.
If you enjoy romance novels that also talk about other issues Christians deal with, you'll enjoy this book.
January 30, 2021
Tear-Jerker
My heart truly hurt when I read this book. It disturbed me to see Tanners ignoring of the Holy Spirit more so than Wade's because she was a new believer in Christ--she did not know to heed the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Jade had some evil forces in her life from her drunken father to Doris Eastman (and inadvertently Jim). Partly, I can understand Jim's reticence, but then he became just downright hateful. I don't comprehend how people can believe that they can make others love them-- I just don't understand!
My heart truly hurt when I read this book. It disturbed me to see Tanners ignoring of the Holy Spirit more so than Wade's because she was a new believer in Christ--she did not know to heed the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Jade had some evil forces in her life from her drunken father to Doris Eastman (and inadvertently Jim). Partly, I can understand Jim's reticence, but then he became just downright hateful. I don't comprehend how people can believe that they can make others love them-- I just don't understand!
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