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Cody Gunner #1

A Thousand Tomorrows

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In this mass market edition, #1 bestselling author Karen Kingsbury weaves a powerful story of a young couple whose love must face the ultimate challenge.

Cody Gunner has no use for real love. Abandoned as a child by the person he needed the most, he swears he will never allow himself to love again. Ali Daniels denies love as well. Carrying a terrible secret, she lives life to the fullest, taking risks and refusing relationships. When Cody and Ali meet, their first instincts are to hide behind their emotional walls, seemingly doomed to repeat the patterns they have established for most of their lives. But their attraction is too strong, and soon they're doomed in another way, for neither can avoid falling in love, regardless of the consequences. Only after three years--a thousand tomorrows later--do they realize at what cost their relationship comes. In the end, they must decide if love is worth the ultimate price.

247 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2005

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9544 people want to read

About the author

Karen Kingsbury

208 books12k followers
Karen 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...

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 606 reviews
Profile Image for Lena Morrison.
572 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2021
I have this book marked under Christian fiction, but I'm not sure if it should be. God was mentioned only once and Jesus never was. There were very few mentions of faith-related subjects.

I read this book for the first time four years ago. I really liked it then, but I don't really like it now. I don't dislike it, I just think it's okay. My main reason for giving it the rating I did had little to do with it not having much about Jesus in it. Karen Kingsbury is a Christian author, but I guess she didn't want to incorporate faith in Jesus in this novel. The reason I gave it two stars instead of more is because it was so terribly cliche. It was a typical romantic inspirational novel through and through. Examples: You had two people who did not want love, who then fell in love. They had their own agendas, but of course they didn't matter anymore once they met. Ali was a dying fighter, Cody an angry cowboy. They kissed a lot before actually committing to one another. They had the "sort of love most people never have." Once Ali was dying, she asked Cody to remarry. She told Cody that she would live on even after she died.

There were too many cliches for my taste, and that dropped the rating way down. The writing was well done, except for the annoying dramatic one-liners that were dropped in here and there. I like Karen Kingsbury, but I know she is capable of better than this.

On the bright side, there were a few sweet moments and touching lines. I learned a little about the rodeo culture. But other than that, there wasn't much to be excited about.
Profile Image for Emily ✞ || [fallon's vrs].
243 reviews105 followers
October 13, 2025
-ˋˏ tbr cup prompt ⤍ a Christian book

3.5⭐️ ┆ Christian romance┆ 15/16+

⋆ ˚⁎ ❛ because love was a light that wouldn't allow darkness to reign in his soul ❜ ⋆ ˚⁎

now playing┆🎶 『 One Life ⤏ Danny Gokey 』

‧₊ ˚ ’cause tomorrow isn’t promised ˚ ₊ ‧

-ˋˏ tropes:
⊹ sickness
⊹ cowboy mmc
⊹ barrel racer fmc
⊹ forgiveness

‧₊ ˚ all we have is one life, is one time ˚ ₊ ‧

thoughts┆🐎 ‧₊˚ ⋅.



this is a strange place for me to be in. normally I’m a sucker for sad books. I love the bittersweet feeling of a lesson learned and a new love found while there is still a sharp pang of grief by the end. now, going into this, I did not know this was a sad book. I’ve had this on my physical tbr for over a year, bc I bought it on a whim at a used bookstore while I was at the beach.

so I can’t say this didn’t live up to my expectations, bc I had none. I went into it blind. honestly the only reason I picked this up now was bc my tbr prompt said a Christian book, and this was the first that came to mind that I owned.

‧₊ ˚ to live and love and make it right ˚ ₊ ‧

but I did really like this. it made me very sad, it made me giddy in other parts, and overall this was an enjoyable and charming read. I just feel like Cody started out one way, went on this life altering journey with Ali, and when a certain event happened, he kinda went back to square one. it was like he ended the way he started, but with a changed heart, and a different motive to ride bulls.

I did like the resolution with his family. that part touched me. I did like the romance and how they started as friends and then went to lovers. I really want to see the tv show since I have PureFlix and am going to criticize it like there’s NO TOMORROW if they change anything. I might’ve been a little unsatisfied with the ending, but I swear I will commit arson if they changed anything.

‧₊ ˚ yesterday is written ˚ ₊ ‧

˖⁺. ┈┈┈┈♥˖⁺.♡ ˖⁺.♥┈┈┈┈⋆˙˖

characters:┆🐂 ‧₊˚ ⋅.

CODY
⊹₊˚‧ also I can relate to the anger issues 🙂‍↕️

ALI
⊹₊˚‧ she was sweet, and fun to read about at times, though I preferred navigating the story through Cody’s eyes over hers, but that’s just a personal preference.

CARL JOSEPH
⊹₊˚‧ I was a bit disappointed we didn’t see him a lot in the story. but there is a sequel and I think he’s going to be a central theme in it, so I have my fingers crossed

‧₊ ˚ all we have is right now, is right now ˚ ₊ ‧

˖⁺. ┈┈┈┈♥˖⁺.♡ ˖⁺.♥┈┈┈┈⋆˙˖

conclusion┆🫁 ‧₊˚ ⋅.

I recommend this. it was fun, heartbreaking, and easy to read. I do suggest being an older teen to read this only because of a few innuendos pertaining to a married couple, and Cody’s life as a player, but it’s all very mild, especially considering the fact that ya books have spice in them these days 💀

if you have read this book, and wanted more representation of Down syndrome, I would recommend this movie called touched by grace. it’s about a high school girl who was a bully at her old school befriending a girl her age with Down syndrome and finds Jesus through her.



it’s inspiring and kinda what I was hoping for in this book. though, again, I might find what I’m looking for in the sequel

all in all, very good. I can see why Karen Kingsbury is such a beloved author

‧₊ ˚ to celebrate this one and only life ˚ ₊ ‧

˖⁺. ┈┈┈┈♥˖⁺.♡ ˖⁺.♥┈┈┈┈⋆˙˖

content warning┆💍 ‧₊˚ ⋅.

Christian content:
Cody’s mother tells him the call of every Christian is to forgive; Ali’s mother tells her God has, and always does, have a plan; Ali asks God if He’ll let her sister watch her wedding, and to tell her she misses her (and when she sees a blue bird at the wedding she knows God answered her prayer); a pastor marries a couple and reads from a passage in the Bible, starting with “love is patient and kind”; a hymn is sung


spiritual content:
a mention of facing demons


sexual content:
I semi-detailed kiss; 3 mildly detailed kisses; 9 non detailed kisses; 2 head kisses; 1 forehead kiss; 1 nose kiss; 1 cheek kiss; 1 wrist kiss; 1 hand kiss; 2 neck kisses

Cody knows if he doesn’t stop kissing Ali, he’ll cross lines he doesn’t want to cross with her; a mention of Cody and Ali’s kisses stirring up passions, and Cody would pull away each time, even though their kissing left them both trembling; Cody and Ali cuddle on a couch a few times (non detailed); a mention of when Cody and Ali would take mountainside picnics, their bodies would come together; a mention of all the single rodeo men and a few of the married ones having tried hitting on Ali, but she ignored them all

a mention of Cody being alone in a hotel room, but that he wasn’t a few hours ago; a mention of Cody spending nights with women; Cody is met by some scantily clad women, and when one slips into his lap, he leaves; girls follow Cody and one is holding a hotel key, and Cody is disgusted

Mary wanted to wait five years after marriage to have a baby, but she got pregnant after three months of marriage; Mary found a picture of her husband with two girls on his lap and one draped over his shoulders; a mention of lust; a mention of Cody stretching the muscles that lined his groin (prepping for a bull ride); a mention of Cody’s crotch (for bull riding)


language:
1 ‘retard’; 3 ‘heaven forbid’s; 1 ‘dear me’; 2 ‘idiot’s


drugs/alcohol/smoking:
Mike would spend nights at bars and come home drunk; a mention of a hangover; mention of beers (and that Cody would drink)


lgtbq+:
none!


magic/witchcraft:
none!


violence:
Cody breaks his hand; Cody gets hit in the face by the bull’s horns and bleeds (not detailed, but he does need stitches); Ali falls off of her horse


other:
asthma attacks; Cody’s brother, Carl Joseph, has Down syndrome and a kid in Cody’s class calls him a retard (it’s said Cody had him pinned to the ground in second and that no one made fun of Cody’s brother again); hospital trips; Ali has cystic fibrosis and you see her get some treatments; surgery; lung transplants


possible triggers:
death; grief; infidelity; divorce; sickness
Profile Image for Nadwa.
195 reviews28 followers
May 23, 2017
Warning: Proceed with caution, I'm suffering a tremendous book hangover at the moment. Yes, I finished this in a day. And surprisingly; No, I don't regret it. This book made me believe that eyes were made for a sole reason: Sobbing. And no, I don't mean casual sobbing, I mean sobbing-your-eyes-out-until-your-eyelids-are-swollen-PURPLE kind of sobbing.
I don't understand why or how I bought this book. It was released eleven years ago, it was set in the 90's, it's old-fashioned, categorized as "Christian Fiction" (I'm not even Christian), and it's written in 3rd person (which isn't actually an issue, but i usually prefer 1st person). But Oh My God, I'll be damned if I said this didn't hit me, hard.
And the "Christian Fiction" part? I think I understand why it's categorized as such;
In contemporary novels, the main characters (aka lovers) are usually all over each other from the first page, mind you. And I love how the writer here was so respectable of Cody and Ali's make out scenes that stop being described when stuff get 'steamy'. And I'm not saying that 'steamy' is bad or not favored (I mean, who doesn't love 'steamy' from time to time ;)?), I'm just saying that she sort of gave the couple 'privacy'. And let me tell you, this made their relationship so pure and chaste and sacred. Now, back to the novel.
Flesh had failed Ali Daniels. But love never did; it never would. No matter how far the years took him from Ali's life, her love would live on.
Because it lived on in him.

I don't understand how such simple vocabulary can set up such an epic novel. It was inspiring; how the author wrote this. And I'm sure it was far from being easy. And I'm also certain that this is the proficient way of storytelling. Karen Kingsbury is definitely an author you should look out for. And she's someone I should probably thank; I stumbled upon this book by utter chance, and I'm gratful I did, for I would have never picked a book of this genre.
I have never read much about familial love as much as I did here. The sacrifices, the love, the nurture, they were all extraordinary. In all the previous books I've read, the protagonist usually waits, in anticipation, to turn eighteen so they could run away from their parents, they usually show us how annoying their mother is, or how drunk their father is. This book had such a great impact on me, one I can't begin to describe.
Profile Image for Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library).
4,895 reviews88 followers
January 3, 2017
Synopsis: After being walked out on by his NFL star father at a young age, Cody Gunner has spent his whole life being bitter. When he discovers he has an affinity for bull riding, he joins a professional riding circuit...where he meets Ali, a beautiful young woman rider. Cody can't deny the feelings he has for her, and Ali feels the same way...but, she has a big secret that could seriously threaten any hope of a relationship. Will love conquer all?

The Good: Karen Kingsbury is an excellent writer, and has a knack for getting into the heads of her characters. You don't just know what they do; you know exactly why. As emotionally charged as this story is, it made for thrilling reading.

The Bad: As much as I enjoyed this, I do have to offer a warning: This book deals with issues such as extramarital affairs and Down syndrome If that hits too close to home, then, you might want to steer clear.

Conclusion: It's easy to see why Karen Kingsbury is among the most beloved authors in Christian fiction! If you're looking for a good read, pick this up, read, and enjoy.
Profile Image for Reese Songbird.
168 reviews89 followers
May 2, 2024
I read this book because I watched the Tv show and loved it! I prefer the show, but the book was good too, and I think it helped me like it. Overall a sweet story, full of heartbreak and love.

Content:
Kisses
Mentions of nights with women
Mentions of drinking
Hospitals and death
941 reviews6 followers
April 21, 2009
I read this sweet beautiful sad book this afternoon. I can
hardly wait to read more Karen Kingsbury books.
2 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2009
How would you deal with your dad leaving when you were five and saying that he is never coming back? well Cody Gunner didn't take it very well and struggled with anger. He thought he would never love again. Karen Kingsbury's A Thousand Tomorrows was an amazing and very interesting book.

There are five characters but Cody's dad walked out in the beginning so it doesn't say much about him. Cody has a brother named Carl Joseph, he has Down Syndrome. Cody's mom is a loving mother that was left alone to take care of Carl Joseph and Cody. Cody was mad at his mom cause he thought that she was part of the reason why his dad left. Then later in the book he decided to start riding bulls to relieve the anger and he meets Ali, a mysterious barrel racer.

Cody looked up to his dad, he played NFL football for the Atlanta Falcons but got hurt so that ended pretty fast. When they had Carl Joseph, they knew he was different from their first son but then they figured out he had down syndrome. His dad started to leave a lot and wouldn't come back for a long time but one day he wanted to leave for good so he went home and packed his bags. He looked at Cody's mom and said that he couldn't be a father to Carl Joseph. Cody begged his dad not to go but he wouldn't listen. Cody became very angry and didn't love anyone except Carl Joseph. Then one day he finds a way to relieve his anger, bull riding. When he was riding the bull, he wasn't fighting to stay on the bull, he was fighting his dad. He became the best bull rider there was. During all the rodeos he noticed Ali Daniels. She was a barrel racer and just like Cody, she was one that couldn't be beat. Then Cody and Ali start hanging out and talking. Cody starts to notice that Ali is always coughing and she always seems to be sick. One night Cody asked Ali about it and she told Cody her secret that she thought she would never tell anyone, she had Cystic Fibrosis. They became very close and it wasn't hard to tell that they fell in love. When they finally figured out that they couldn't live without each other, they get married and live on Ali's ranch. During all this Cody's dad decided that he was wrong and moved back to live with his mom and Cody wouldn't have anything to do with him. One day Ali goes for one of her check ups and they tell her that she only has one option and that is to get new lungs. So Cody and Ali's dad end up giving her one of their lungs. The operation went great but not to long after, she gets sick again.

Does Cody ever forgive his dad? What happens to Ali? is she out of options or do they find a way to save her? To find out you have to read this book. I really did enjoy it and i think you will to. If you love this book you have to read the second book, Just Beyond The Clouds.
Profile Image for LINDA BOURG.
228 reviews25 followers
December 3, 2018
I haven't read a book in years but this one finally kept my interest. A love story that touches the heart. Shed some tears at the end of this one, so get your tissues ready. Love Prevails.
Profile Image for Shelley.
384 reviews4 followers
September 20, 2011
This was an excellent book that I would highly recommend. It is my first Karen Kingsbury book and won't be my last, I have already bought the sequel to A Thousand Tomorrows, Just Beyond The Clouds which continues the Cody Gunner story. This book is classified as Christian Fiction but it didn't seem preachy, it does have a soft undertone of God and Christian principles in it but it isn't pushy which I like as it doesn't detract from the story, it enhances it. The main goal of this story , is love, and to live each day to its fullest because you never know what tomorrow may bring. Cody and Ali's story was so sweet but also so heartbreaking. Cody grew up knowing such heartbreak and anger and not allowing love into his life until he met Ali Daniels, then his whole life changed, she showed him how to love and forgive. She also showed him how to sacrifice. Unfortunately, their love was also fated to lead to he he heartbreak due to her Cystic Fibrosis. I loved the way Ali lived her life to the fullest riding her horse and barrel racing even if it meant shortening her life. Karen Kingsbury dealt with the issues of Downs Syndrome (Cody's brother has it) and Cystic Fibrosis in a very good and informative way showing that people with these disorders are very real people just like everyone else that and that they Justcan function in society, they just have to deal with life a little differently. I love how Cody treats his brother Carl Joseph, he always loved him even when he didn't love anyone else. This book had me smiling at times, tears at others. It was definitely a good read that I would highly recommend.
Profile Image for Tess.
211 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2012


Loved this book from the very start. The love between the two main characters, Cody and Ali, was so real that I felt every emotion going through the chapters of their relationship. This of course included the end, where I cried throughout the last 40 pages, like a baby. I don't remember ever needing tissues (yes, plural) and having to catch my breath between sniffles when reading a book before. I loved every ounce of this story, and am greatly looking forward to the second in the series.
Profile Image for Aleida Oskam.
221 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2019
Dit is het tweede boek van Karen dat ik lees en wat houd ik van haar boeken. Ze weet mij iedere keer te raken met het verhaal en mij er in mee te nemen. Prachtig hoe zij de dingen die in het dagelijkse leven voor kunnen komen weet te beschrijven. Ik ben benieuwd naar het vervolg op dit deel.
52 reviews
April 12, 2010
While this book did help me learn more about cystic fibrosis, this was about the only thing I liked about it. it included an unbearably unrealistic love story. Also, I was disappointed that Cody never found true forgiveness, the kind that comes only through the cross. Cody only found a sort of pseudo-forgiveness from the change Ali brought in his life. As I said, the love part was sadly unrealistic and shallow (I skipped some parts I didn't feel the need to read) considering Cody's past. I found the book as a whole to be hardly more than shallow fluff.
Profile Image for Jeanie.
3,088 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2011
If you are sap for love stories that bring two people together with different hurts, you wil love this one. Cody with his past and the anger that he now has and Ali with the secret that keeps her fighting to be the best. I liked the back drop of the rodeo and I thought it played very well with the story. It was a very quick read that showed how forgiveness gives new begininngs along with healing. A real tear jerker. I thought it was interesting that faith was not a big part of this book however, God's presence was very much in it.
Profile Image for Olivia Snodgrass.
27 reviews5 followers
March 16, 2023
I have sobbed my eyeballs out through the last 1/3 of this book, but it was worth it. This story is bittersweet but brilliant.
I love the way KK novels open your heart and give such great perspective. I also love that this one was about cowboys and one of them has a brother with Down syndrome 🥹. Immediately starting the sequel!!! Wrecked!!
Profile Image for Kodi Lecates .
169 reviews
February 16, 2024
This book has always held a special place in my heart. I read it the first time in middle school and have read it every so often since. It’s been years though, I forgot how short it is. It may be cheesy but this book sucks the soul & tears from my body every. Single. Time.
Also there’s no book 2 in my eyes. Cody & Ali are where it ends.
Profile Image for Karen Marie.
86 reviews
January 17, 2023
Another EXCELLENT book!!

I LOVE Karen Kingsbury books!!
Her stories pull you right in and you feel as if know the people in them.
Looking forward to the next story!
43 reviews
October 21, 2015
Personal Response:
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed the romance in this book. I love Cody’s character because of how in love he is with Ali. He gives up his dream of bull-riding to be with her, and he even gives her one of his lungs to help her live only three more years. The author kept my attention throughout the entire book which is why I read it so fast. I could not put this book down. I would definitely recommend this book.

Plot:
A Thousand Tomorrows is a Christian fiction novel by Karen Kingsbury about a professional bull-rider named Cody Gunner. He started riding bulls when he was in only seventh grade. He was amazing from the beginning, because his anger toward his father fueled his rides. His father abandoned him when he was a little boy. One day while Cody was on a pro-rodeo tour, he caught a glimpse of the top barrel-racer on the tour, Ali Daniels. He noticed that she was holding her breath while racing so he talked to her after she was done. They started to talk more and more. They talked in private because gossip traveled fast on the tour. Before long, they fell in love with each other, so Ali decided she should tell Cody why she held her breath while she raced; it was because Ali had a lung disease called cystic fibrosis. The disease did not bother him, so he asked her to marry him, and she said yes. Shortly after their wedding, Ali got much worse, and had to stop racing even though it was her dream to win a national championship. She needed a lung transplant which required two live donors: her father and her new husband. The transplant would add three more years to her life if all went well with the surgery. During those three years, Cody quit the tour and worked at Ali’s family’s ranch. He spent all of his time either working on the ranch or inside with Ali. Once the three years were up, Ali made Cody promise to remarry. After much reluctance, Cody agreed he would. Soon after, Ali died in his arms. About six months later, Cody knew that the only way he could deal with all of his sorrow was to climb on top of a bull’s back, so he went back to riding bulls, and eventually he made peace with it.

Characterization:
Cody Gunner is a talented bull-rider who keeps all of his emotions inside of him. He fuels all of his anger on the bull when he rides. He meets his future wife on one of the tours; a barrel-racer named Ali Daniels. Throughout his marriage with her, he is extremely caring and sweet. Cody even gives up one of his lungs for her to live just three more years. He sticks by her through her entire sickness, even when he knows that she is going to die. After she dies he goes back to bull-riding but instead of using his anger to fuel his bull-riding, he focuses on his sorrow to fuel it.

Setting:
The majority of this book takes place in present-day Colorado; however, the rest of the book takes place at multiple different cities where Cody and Ali compete in rodeos. The reason that the setting of this book plays such a big role is because Ali lives on a big ranch near the Rockies so her and Cody can ride horses and go for walks together. Another reason that Colorado plays such a big part in this book is because Ali goes to the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver, because it has a very good doctor there who knows how to take care of her disease.

Audience:
This novel would be appropriate for mature audiences (14+) who like romance books that include horses and rodeos. This book would most likely be more enjoyed by females due to the romance aspect of the novel. The reason that I would recommend this book to mature audiences is because of the adult situations in the book. There is no inappropriate scene between Ali and Cody which is why I said 14+ for the audience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
5 reviews
March 9, 2009
March 7, 2009

In "A Thousand Tomorrows," Karen Kingsbury tells the powerful story of two young people, both with different personal problems, who become best friends and eventually fall in love.Kingsbury, “America’s favorite inspirational storyteller,” captured me the moment I read the synopsis on the back of the book.

Cody Gunner, one of two main characters, lived a difficult life. When Cody was only eight years old his father, an ex-professional football player, left his family because his younger brother was born with down-syndrome. After deciding to never touch a football again, Cody took up bull riding, where he could unleash all the anger that had built up over the years. Ali Daniels, the second of the main characters, is one of the best barrel racers in the circuit, but must keep a huge secret from everyone other than her parents. Although she struggles with the situation, Ali continues to persevere and risks her own life to reach her lifelong dream – a national championship. Ali and Cody meet one day at a rodeo and, eventually, form a strong friendship and realize that they have much in common. After only a few months each one knows about every struggle the other faces. Each day the two begin to fall more in love, and later Ali’s secret begins to threaten her life. Cody must then make a heart-wrenching decision: keep bull riding and hope Ali gets better or stop and physically help save his first and only love’s life.

This book was an easy, yet captivating read. Kingsbury had me hooked from the first page, and her realistic details and imagery made me feel like I was a part of the book. I, personally, enjoy watching bull riding, so when I saw the words “a talented cowboy” on the back of the book, I knew it was one I wanted to read. Although it was rather short,Kingsbury described each situation so well that after reading a few pages I was careful to read every word so I would not miss anything. Not only is "A Thousand Tomorrows" a story involving rodeo and young adults, but is a magnificent love story about perseverance, forgiveness, and making sacrifices for those that you love.

For those who are fans of Karen Kingsbury, this book is a must. Even though I have only read one of her trilogies, I have become a huge fan of her inspirational novels. "A Thousand Tomorrows," in my opinion, is more directed towards females because it's a sappy love story type book. However, anyone who is interested in bull riding, barrel racing, or rodeo in general would love this book.

"A Thousand Tomorrows" is a great book altogether, and taught me that forgiveness is always the right thing to do, never to judge someone because you never know what's going on in their life, and to live life to the fullest because you're never promised "a thousand [more:] tomorrows."
Profile Image for Joanie Bruce.
Author 6 books182 followers
October 30, 2016
Warning: Spoiler alert

What can I say about this book? The writing was superb, in true Karen Kingsbury style, but the ending is sad ... something I normally do NOT like in a fiction book.

What I liked: Ms. Kingsbury makes you fall in love with the characters involved in this story. Their likes, dislikes, determination and stamina all shine through the story like sun shining through a hole in the clouds. The depth of their friendship/love is hypnotic, and it draws the reader into the story. She also has a way with words, and I'm sure her fans will agree.

What I didn't like: The ending is very sad, and normally, I steer clear of books with sad endings. Even though Ms. Kingsbury warns you in the beginning of the book that Ali has Cystic Fibrosis, which is fatal, and you are expecting her death, it is still hard to read about her death at the end. I read books to uplift my day, and sad books fail in that area.

Over all, I give this book four stars. Would I have read it if I had known the ending was sad? Probably not. But that doesn't mean it's not a great book. On the contrary the writing is superb....in everything from characters to the plot. Not liking sad books is only a quirk of my personality. I still would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good love story, and I also recommend reading it with a box of tissues by your side.
Profile Image for Nora St Laurent.
1,646 reviews111 followers
July 14, 2015
The main character is born with cystic phybrosis. Their mother has protected them and kept them inside where it was safe. Until one day something happens. One of the sisters decided to start LIVING LIFE - instead of just staying in the house just watching life pass her by. Look what that has done for her sister.

The main character of the book takes life by the horns and goes for her dreams not matter the cost. Oh, and the cost is high. But she is so HAPPY to be LIVING life and not just living this jail sentence. How far with the main character go to live and have all she wants? Would she dear think about love? Be loved and actually give love? What would that look like? Read this amazing story for how to live life on the Edge!!! And make EVERY DAY COUNT!!!

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Profile Image for Rissa.
1,583 reviews44 followers
June 3, 2020
A thousand Tomorrows 4.5⭐️
Cody gunners Father left when he found out that Carl Cody’s younger brother had down syndrome. From that moment on Cody has had this anger against his dad in an anger that he couldn’t get out. So one day when he saw the bull riders riding he said he wanted to do that so that’s what he did and he was damn good.

Ali always loved horses so much so that she started doing barrel racing she became amazing at it the only problem was she has cystic fibrosis. All the pollen and hey all the things that caused allergies that were around the horses made her need to use a special machine to clear out her lungs each day. To get all the gunk out so she could breathe but she loved her horse and she loved Bill riding so it was worth it.

Cody and Ali meet. They fall in love. Cody wants to get married byt Ali is dying. She knew riding would shorten her life by whats living if you cant do the things you love?

I flew by this, I loved it!
Profile Image for Debbie Phillips.
726 reviews49 followers
May 4, 2024
Oops... read these out of order. Was supposed to read/listen to this one first. So, I read the more recent, "present day" book then read their backstories. I still enjoyed it very much. Loved the characters in book 2, book 1 was interesting, but not as lighthearted as this book deals with the following issues: extramarital affairs, down syndrome, and a struggle cystic fibrosis. Makes this much more heavy than book 2.

Using this book for the The 52 Book Club 2024 Challenge prompt #A sticker on the cover as I listened on audiobook but also got the physical book from the library to log in my Beanstack app.
Profile Image for Hailey Rose.
Author 5 books107 followers
October 8, 2017
I cried. Couldn't see the page I was crying so hard. Why do Karen Kingsbury books do this to me??? The last time I cried over a book was one of hers--yeah. She's an amazing author. This book is no exception. I got so attached to the characters, my time with them felt too short. But it's so good. Though some of the cystic fibrosis treatments explained in the book are a little outdated, it definitely serves the purpose of raising awareness for CF.

Beautiful, heartbreaking, and altogether incredible.
Profile Image for Sheri.
232 reviews16 followers
May 29, 2024
Karen Kingsbury is another author that I love to read! She writes fabulous stories!
"A Thousand Tomorrows" is book #1 in the Cody Gunner Series.
Cody Gunner was abandoned as a child by the person he needed the most, leaving him bitter to the idea of loving again. Ali Daniels also denies love, refusing to get involved in relationships.
When Cody meets Ali, they try to put up their walls, but their attraction was too strong. In the end they must decide if loving each other is worth paying the ultimate price.
Profile Image for Sheila Holmes.
Author 27 books59 followers
November 22, 2020
Just a lovely, emotional story of a young barrel racing woman with cystic fibrosis, who meets a young man that rides bulls. His early childhood was one of child abandonment. They resist the relationship, but still fall in love. The story is too emotional for me to tell, even in synopsis. But, the author does a wonderful job step-by-step. I loved every single moment of this tale, and can hardly wait to begin the next by this author.
Profile Image for Jennifer V..
101 reviews5 followers
June 26, 2021
I enjoyed KK’s Cody Gunner Series. The first and third books were my favorite. Book 2 ties them both together.

Book 1 - A Thousand Tomorrows
Book 2 - Just Beyond the Clouds
Book 3 - This Side of Heaven
Profile Image for Bo Gonwick.
60 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2023
I read this book in high school and absolutely adored the story, so much that ten years later I wanted to read it all over again. It’s cheesier/more cliche this time around, but still a tear-jerker and a feel good all wrapped in one.
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