Just Once

by Karen Kingsbury

The #1 New York Times bestselling author “known for her deeply heartfelt novels” (Woman’s World) writes a sweeping and unforgettable World War II love story about a young woman torn between two brothers.

In 1941, beautiful Irvel Ellis is too focused on her secret to take much notice in the war raging overseas. She’s dating Sam but in love with his brother, Hank, and Irvel has no idea how to break the news when the unthinkable happens—Pearl Harbor is attacked. With their lives turned upside down overnight, Sam is drafted, and Hank wants to enlist. But Sam insists Hank stay home, where he and Irvel take up the battle on the home front.

While Sam fights in Europe, an undeniable chemistry builds between Irvel and Hank but neither would dare cross that line. Then a telegram comes, and the news is devastating. Hank enlists the next day and has just two weeks until he ships out. Will either brother make it home alive? Or will Irvel lose everything?

And can love find a way, even from the ashes of the greatest heartbreak?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Romantic, Drama

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 14, 2023

About the author

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...

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Where do I start? JUST ONCE is not my first book by Karen Kingsbury and it totally will not be the last! I was so wrapped up in this story from page one. I came to know and love all of these characters very deeply. JUST ONCE is a truly heartbreaking book so keep the tissues handy! I knew this was going to be a heart tugging story and I was a bit afraid to read it.

Along with the heartbreak in JUST ONCE, there is also hope, faith, and healing. I felt so close to the characters as I finished up the book and really didn’t want it to end. Karen is an excellent story teller and she gets you so caught up in their lives right from the very first page and never lets you go. JUST ONCE is a book that will stay with me for a very long time! I’m keeping my review short on purpose. I don’t want to spoil JUST ONCE for anyone and its hard to discuss this story without ruining it for a person who hasn’t read it yet. Do yourself a favor, grab this book now! You can thank me later!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Atria Books through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[🩶 April • A.M. Flynn • 🩶 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I BAWLED SO MUCH

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believe it or not, this was my first Karen Kinsbury book. Having had a few people in my life with Alzheimer's this was a very touching book. It reminded me so much of my great-aunt and uncle. Was Irvel a popular girls name back then? I have heard it for a guy, but not sure I have for a woman.

This is the story of Irvel and Hank. A couple who started as friends in junior high, but knew they were it together. When WWII breaks out, Hank's older brother signs up to fight, and Hank has to stay back. Irvel takes Sam's teaching job as a math teacher at the local high school, Hank signs up to teach government at the same school. But when Irvel's math scores are found out, the government comes calling.

With a top secret mission for Irvel, and her leaving as a Navy nurse, there is nothing holding Hank back from enlisting either. With trials, tribulations, traumatic injuries, and years apart. Hank and Irvel find one another again. And the life they lived was just the one for them.

It only took me a couple of days to read and I enjoyed it very much.

[Laura Robinson (naptimereaders) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

It’s not very often I read a book about WWII from the American perspectives- so this was truly such a treat.

From the get go, I had tears in my eyes reading about Irvel and Hanks relationship. Karen did such a beautiful job writing these characters and developing them well.
I also loved the story line of Irvel being one of 4,000 women spies during WWII for the USA. Learning about that was amazing!!!

There were some moments this book started feeling bullet point-y to me- it sometimes felt a little rushed. And I think somethings happened abruptly with no emotion attached to it.

Regardless, I’m a Karen fan until I die! She normally doesn’t write Historical Fiction- so you’re in for a treat if you enjoy Christian fiction!

[Christine Indorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful unexpected book. The story of true love and the war that gets in the way. Everything was factual but one thing, the main protagonist Irvel suffered from panic attacks, I don’t think they even had a name for that back in the late 30’s and early 40’s, but the rest of the book was fabulous. Something totally different from what we expect from Karen Kingsbury. I totally recommend this wonderful book. And yes we discovered from Avid Christian fiction readers on Facebook that this character was in the Baxter series. Great read!!

[Shannon AnneShirley_and_me · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Once
By Karen Kingsbury
Available November 2023 ARC review

I have a confession to make: I used to be an avid reader of Ms. Kingsbury's books, eagerly devouring them as soon as they were released. However, as the Baxter series started branching off in too many directions, I lost interest and stopped reading her books altogether. Despite this, when I came across this one on Netgalley, I decided to give her another chance.

And oh my, what a delightful love story it turned out to be.

I had forgotten just how masterful Karen Kingsbury is as a storyteller, effortlessly captivating the reader from the very beginning. This book is no exception! Just Once sees her stepping outside of her comfort zone and delving into the world of historical fiction. Reminiscent of The Notebook, Hank is determined to help Irvel, recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, remember their love story, as well as a significant secret that her family remains oblivious to. You see, she was a code breaker and spy during World War II.

Not only is this a beautiful tale of childhood love and second chances, it also transports us back to the 1940s and the early days of America's involvement in WWII. Irvel is tapped by the government to become a spy, utilizing her exceptional math skills to crack enemy codes. As war tears her apart from her current beau and her true love, Hank, we witness the devastating impact of war on families. But amidst all the chaos, these two star-crossed lovers find their way back to each other. The characters are richly developed, and the storyline is meticulously researched and well-planned. The descriptions of the war are accessible and not overly technical, making it easy to follow along. I found myself completely engrossed in the plot, so much so that I finished the entire book in one sitting.

If you're in the mood for a captivating WWII love story, enjoy spy tales, and appreciate second chance romances, I highly recommend this book.


Thank you @netgalley and @atirabooks for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Dana Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful book by Karen Kingsbury. I still have tears in my eyes as I have just finished this historical WWII story. I found these wonderful fictitious characters blended so well with actual history. I leaned about the OSS, which was a precursor of sorts to the current CIA. Four thousand women were military spies. I won't say more, but to warn you to have tissues close by. This is a very heartwarming story that makes you appreciate the sacrifices made for our freedoms. Lest we forget, please read this book and share it with others.
*thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
4.5 stars

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

I’ve read several Karen Kingsbury books, and Just Once is my favorite thus far. I loved getting Irvel and Hank’s story. Most of it took place during WW2, and its history is fascinating. I loved the faith aspect and of course the romance. Overall, this was a beautiful novel, and I highly recommend it!

Audio book source: Libby
Story Rating: 4.25 stars
Narrators: January LaVoy & Kirby Heyborne
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 8h 59m

[♥ Sandi ❣ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars Thank you to Book Club Favorites at Simon & Schuster for this free copy for review. Hard copy publication expected November 14, 2023 by Atria Books.

This novel is pretty far off from what I usually read. I am not a romance reader, nor do I read Christian fiction, which pretty much sums up this book, so it is a bit hard for me to justly review it.

The story takes place during WWII and involves three main characters - two brothers and the girl they both love. All three of them end up serving their country, in different capacities, at the time of war. Two of the three survive. So does the girl end up with the brother she really loves?

Kingsbury is a very popular author, having a number of series books, along with stand alone stories, published in a number of languages. I believe that this book is a good representation of her work and of the Christian fiction genre. Although this book was sent to me in place of the book I requested, in reading this, I found that the story moved along quickly, was character driven, and was an easy read. For anyone who favors this genre, I think this story would be a very rewarding read.

[Kyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a little different from Karen Kingsbury's other books in the fact that it was historical fiction. Through it I learned about the Office of Strategic Services, a government organization that sent out several thousands of American spies; four thousand of whom were women. I also learned more about Pearl Harbor, different battles in World War II, and felt what it would have been like to live during such a difficult time.

[Lisa M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m sorry to say that this book didn’t do anything for me. I found the plot totally unrealistic. And honestly rolled my eyes several times. It just was a bit…ridiculous.

Coma for a year.
Oh wait let’s have this one also disappear and be injured.
Series of continued almosts.

It was written in a way that seemed like a new writer instead of an established award winning writer.

So just 3 stars.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet love story set amidst the unforgettable moments of WWII. Despite the historical facts and research, the main characters seemed to lack authenticity. My mother suffered from Alzheimer's and I did appreciate the tenderness of that aspect of the novel, along with the connections to faith. For me, it wasn't one of my favorite Karen Kingsbury books.

[Katie Hughes · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a terrible book. I’ve been eyeing this author for a bit & was excited for this, hoping for a tearjerker. But no. This is just awful. Unrealistic, no depth, & even nonsensical in parts. Hated it.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

“After all, you were mine way before you were ever his.”

I finished this is a day and a half. I never do that. I couldn’t put this one down. The story was so beautiful. Irvel and Hank’s is the perfect romance story. Friends to lovers. But had to go through so many obstacles along the way to find eachother. From dating other people and then both going to war and thinking each of them have been killed. But it didn’t end there. Alzheimer’s was another war they needed to face. It felt very real. It was relatable. My grandfather has dementia and he was fixated on telling his war stories too and was set on getting home to his mom and dad. I felt such a connection to this story.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Kingsbury’s first historical fiction novel and I think her fans will love it. She has never written a novel during this period in history and she took great care to get the details accurate. Beyond the story of WWII, there is a sweet romance between kids who have grown up together their whole lives.

It’s the summer of 1940, Irvel Holland and brothers Hank and Sam Myers are living their best lives. Hank and Irvel are best friends but there has always been a feeling of something more, especially after a particular incident while walking along the river. But, neither one has acted on their feelings and they both grow up and head off to college. Irvel ends up dating Sam and then WWII begins.

Kingsbury is known for her heartfelt novels and this one will touch your heart. If you like chaste romance stories, historical fiction, or family stories then this one will be for you. Irvel, Hank, and Sam deal with a lot of struggles and roadblocks during their young lives. War isn’t kind to their families and Kingsbury paints an accurate scene of war both on the battlefield and at home.

"…maybe some far-off day they would laugh fondly at this time in their lives. When the lives of love and friendship blurred and none of them could grasp the seriousness of what the future held."

Even though Ivrel is with Sam, you know that Hank is her one true love, but both are too stubborn to admit it. Then WWII tears them apart and you wonder if they will ever be able to be a couple. Kingsbury weaves a realistic story of war, first love, loss, and a secret that once finally shared will be a fun reveal to the character.

Karen Kingsbury’s stories, if you didn’t already know, have a Christian background. The characters rely on God and the Bible and trust in Him to reveal the answer to their prayers.

"God was the answer…why hadn’t she thought of that before? She felt her body relax more with every passing breath. She was His…and He alone could give her peace."

I was reading this story as I was staying overnight with my dad during his illness. This passage calmed me so much that I read it over and over again during that week. Sometimes characters and the readers all need a little reminder of God’s ever presence in our lives.

[Sarafina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! Just Once felt like a clean Christian version of The Notebook. It was very well done, the romance of World War Two era was very on point! The faith that Irvel and Hank shared was such a huge part of this story and that’s what I loved so much.

[Jennifer Ottinger · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started out promising to be a very good book. Unfortunately, the very beginning was the best part. The rest fell flat.
1 - This is Christian fiction. Not a problem. I've read & loved Christian fiction in the past. But this author seems to want to beat you over the head with it, like she's trying too hard to show it's Christian.
2 - The writing style is juvenile. It reads more like young adult. The dialog is super cheesy & fake sounding.
3 - It takes place during WW2, but this is definitely more romance than historical in theme. It's as if the author knows historical fiction (particularly WW2 & female spies) is the going thing now, so she wanted to jump on the bandwagon.
4 - The author (and other reviewers) said she did extensive research, but it seemed to me the extent of her research was the names, locations, & dates of specific battles and a general idea of what the OSS was & did. She did not delve too deeply into anything other than the love story.
5 - There are parts of the storyline that make no sense whatsoever. Before the US joined the war, the main point was what was going on in Europe and the Jewish people. The female lead wanted to do something to help them. So what does the author do? Sends her to the Pacific theater. She's a completely fictional character, so it's not based on fact. She could have written her in Europe. Why talk so much about the European theater & the Jewish people if she's going to send her characters to the Pacific? After some discussion about this book with my sister, she did some quick research herself & found that the OSS was actually not allowed to conduct operations in the Pacific theater, which MacArthur claimed as his own. So, again, writing her character as a spy/code writer in the Pacific was ridiculous.
6 - Lastly, the author kept repeating the same things over & over & over throughout the whole book. I got so frustrated. Why does she take up over 300 pages to just keep saying the same thing?

Overall, not the absolute worst book I've ever read, but it's pretty low on the list.

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read so many of the author’s books, and especially loved The Baxters, but it was refreshing to read a book not about the Baxters (even though there was a small glimpse at the end).

This book was an emotional read (not so surprising when you know the author), but so captivating jumping between the past periods and giving the author more and more information about the relationship between Irvel and Hank.

The war scenes also added some action and suspense, with some heartbreaking moments.

I enjoyed my time in Irvel and Hank’s world.

*I listened to the audiobook on Everand.*

[Jacquelyn 💐 {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope] · Rating 1 out of 5]

I liked the idea of going through the life of a side character from a previous book so this one intrigued me. But I was disappointed. For one, I thought Irvel had a daughter in Redemption, but in this book, she has only a son. So am I wrong about this? Sadly, this isn’t the first mistake I have noticed in her books. It was truly sad that Irvel had Alzheimer’s and to see Hank watching as she forgot things. That is such a sad diagnosis! To be honest, I didn’t like the whole love story. I didn’t think it was beautiful like they said. Her books has misunderstandings quite often which is unrealistic in life. The characters don’t talk to each other. They just assume things. I did not like the idea of being in love with both brothers. Or where she really loved the one, but completely led the other one on. It was just so awkward! I felt bad for Sam and how conveniently, he died and was out of the way. I wish he would have been able to have the kind of woman who deserved him. That was just sad. I think this book could have been a good one…the idea of a spy and a marine fall in love during WW 2. This is my honest opinion of this book. With that being said, I know Karen Kingsbury worked hard on this book and I know how hard writing a book is. She is a talented writer who loves Jesus and also a sister in Christ. So I hope I didn’t come across too harsh, I really didn’t mean to and I hope her next book will be better! 🙂

[Myrn🩶 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Karen Kingsbury's first historical fiction novel. She did a great deal of research and accuracy and it shows (in a good way). In short, Just Once, follows Irvel, Sam, and Hank as they battle life, war, and love together. These characters are likable and the reading is easy. Unfortunately, I couldn't rate it higher because I knew what was going to happen. I've read a lot of similar stories. But that's me. If you like Christian romance set in WWII this book is for you. 3.5 stars!

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

[Terri Wino · Rating 3 out of 5]

2-1/2 stars rounded up to 3.

This is the first book I've read by this author. Though I did like the premise of this story, I just didn't feel the kind of emotions I expected to while reading a love story, especially one that takes place during such a troubling time in history and the events of that war. I think the problem boils down to the fact that her writing style felt very simplistic and juvenile at times. There was no depth to any of these characters, and there was a lot of plot that relied on coincidence.

Based on this book, I don't think I would read anything else by this author.

[reagan lanae · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Inkedinpages · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was gifted an ARC through the Simon Buddy Program through Simon and Schuster. The review below contains my honest thoughts with no influence from others.

When I saw the blurb for this book, I was so excited. It had the potential to capture my historical fiction loving heart along with the romance that was reminiscent of The Notebook. I wanted to love this book from the moment I got it.

However, I was unfortunately disappointed. It may be my mistake as I didn't realize how much there would be a discussion of God and how religion played a role in the story. This may not be a turn off for some people, and I very much recognize the need to depend on a higher power in order to survive traumatic situations such as war and having loved ones in battle, however it just wasn't what I had expected.

I would have been able to truck through the novel despite the Christian Fiction genre however, it read as if it were written by an amateur writer - definitely not someone that I would imagine was a NYT Best Selling Author. The writing was mediocre with a lot of dialogue and internal thoughts that were confusing to me at times.

All of that being said, the research into the American Women who helped with the WWII effort as spies is always an interesting topic to read about and I enjoyed that aspect of the book! This may be a perfect fit for those readers who enjoy Christian Fiction and are looking for something with some swoon to it. It just didn't fit the bill for me.

[Katie Betts · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1941, Irvel Holland navigates a complex love triangle with Sam and his brother Hank as World War II unfolds. When Pearl Harbor is attacked, Sam is drafted, leaving Irvel and Hank to battle on the home front. Amidst the chaos, Irvel faces a secret proposition from military leaders to join a spy network, complicating her already tumultuous romantic entanglement. As love is tested, can it endure the heartbreak of war?

I am always moved to tears as I read a novel by Karen Kingsbury. Her emotionally charged writing reminds us what matters most as she shares heartbreak and hope. Before reading, I thought this book was going to feel suspenseful. Which brother will she choose? Do they survive the war? Those answers are actually given within the first two chapters of the book, allowing us to focus on their journey and experiences rather than simply an outcome. Though Irvel is a math genius and a spy, it’s her courage and convictions that make her inspiring.

Thank you @atriabooks and @netgalley for the eARC. I will always remember this emotional and moving story ♥️

Perfect for you if you like:
A balance of faith elements with contemporary issues
Emotionally driven stories
Inspirational characters

Similar to:
One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury
One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
*None of these are WWII historical fiction, they are emotionally driven novels

✅this book is clean
⚠️anxiety, war trials, death

[Amanda (The Little Book Spot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about two childhood best friends who each feel something more than friendship for each other, but timing is never quite right.

Irvel and Hank are growing older now and find themselves in relationships with other people; Irvel dating Hank’s brother Sam. It’s a strange and difficult spot to be in. Irvel loves both brothers but is only in love with one. She doesn’t want to hurt either…. But as Pearl Harbor is attacked and war declared, Sam enlists to war and is deployed overseas. Hank is told to not apply so that their family doesn’t potentially lose both sons.

What happens next, is a bittersweet love story and a heart wrenching tale of war and loss. This story features imperfect people trying to do the right thing and life’s complexities getting in the way.

It’s an achingly beautiful love story, Irvel is narrating her life experiences in present day as she’s just been newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Overall, I enjoyed this story, Karen Kingsbury is of course an iconic Christian author. I think the trope of love-triangle wasn’t my absolute favorite even though the author did try to delicately write the details in a mindful way. My favorite parts were how Irvel was recruited as war spy and how she battled her panic attacks and anxiety with Scriptures. It gave me some Notebook movie vibes.

Content: death and injury of loved ones. Closed door romance

[Amy Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Their story is both heartwarming and endearing. I was moved by the selfless love amongst these characters and the sacrifices they made. This story does have a love triangle, but I really appreciated the way Kingsbury handled it. I loved the faith elements and how the characters looked to scripture to help them through some difficult times.

“𝘐’𝘮 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘰𝘥’𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘴. 𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴. 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥.”

This book is perfect for readers who find most WWII books too graphic in details or just too hard to read emotionally. While this story does mostly revolve around the war, the details are mild. Most of the war elements are skipped over, and we just read the outcome of the battle or event. I personally wanted more from the characters’ involvement with the war, but I know some readers will appreciate the light details this book offers. Basically, this is a romance book with a WWII backdrop.

If you’ve read Kingsbury’s Baxter family series, there is a connection. I have not read them, but plan to soon!

📖
🔥 kissing
🤬 none
❔mild war details, death

[Hannah Hutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d say this was one of the best novels I’ve read. The plot had so much depth to it, and each chapter had me emotionally hooked to the characters who were complex, easy to love, and also very realistic in their struggles. The family dynamic was heartwarming and I appreciated the way history & facts were woven in, bringing the story to life with such imagery. I love a novel with a strong love story, & this one had me engulfed big time, yet without all the unnecessary explicit content most novels include. It was clean, entertaining, and the way the story was woven together from start to finish was such a work of art. I am struggling to move on to another book because I’m still hanging onto this one in my mind!

[Helga Cohen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an inspirational story about Hank and Irvel during WWII and later. It is a story of resilience. Irvel was recruited after high school by the newly created OSS because of her very high math skills. She was trained to be a coder to intercept secret codes from the Japanese during the War. During her time in service for her country, she relied on her Christian faith to sustain her. She was a heroine as were her women OSS spies along her side.

Hank was the love of her life. They had known each other since 6th grade. He also joined the military first as a Marine on the Pacific Front until he was badly injured and later, he enlisted in the Army so he could be there to free the prisoners in Buchenwald Concentration Camp.

It was sad to read Irvel’s descent into Alzheimer’s. Irvel was always with her “happy memories”, so she always thought of Hank. Before her descent into Alzheimer’s, Hank had Irvel make tapes about her life when she had all her memories. It told a beautiful story of her life during her younger years and as an OSS agent.

This was a beautiful and inspirational story about Hank and Irvel of their life together and their love for each other. It also captured the mood and history of that very dark time.

[Meagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a big historical fiction fan, I was super excited to read this story, and I felt all the emotions while reading. But I just didn’t love the main romance storyline. This is like a Christian version of Pearl Harbor meets The Notebook. And while I actually love both those stories, the beginning was just so heartbreaking and the love triangle wasn’t for me. But I can see why many readers will love this one! If you’re a fan of WW2 romance, this is one you may want to try.

[Alisha Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was a good story - maybe a little rushed in some spots where more detail would’ve been fun and added some depth - but definitely a story that kept your attention and stole a little piece of your heart 🤎

Narration: good listen - I like that there was a male & female narrator…kept the story moving!