A Time to Dance / A Time to Embrace

Timeless Love #1-2

by Kingsbury Karen

A Time to They're the perfect couple--envied by their friends, cherished by their children, admired by their peers. But John and Abby Reynolds know they're just pretending to be happy. In fact, they're waiting for the right time to tell the kids they're going to divorce. But at the family meeting where they plan to tell their children, Nicole shares a surprise of her she's getting married. How can they spoil her joy with their announcement? They can pretend a little longer--until after the wedding. But questions begin to haunt them as the date draws nearer. What happened to the love and commitment that held them together for so long? Is it still there somewhere under all the pain and misunderstanding? And is it still possible, alone in the moonlight on an old wooden pier, to once more find...a time to dance? The first novel in Karen Kingsbury's celebrated series about the resiliency of love, the power of commitment, and the amazing faithfulness of God. A Time to Like newlyweds, the reunited John and Abby Reynolds laugh, love, and dream of a long future together. But in an instant, a car accident renders John paralyzed, forever changing the Reynolds and their entire community. The driver of the car fully responsible for the accident is Jake Daniels, the high school football star who knows John Reynolds as Coach, mentor, and friend. In the wake of this near death accident, can tragedy be overcome by the possibility of a transforming miracle?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Romance, Inspirational, Adult, Christianity

656 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

A time to dance was my first Karen kingsbury book. I've been hooked ever since!

[Fhily · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: . . . a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”—ECCLESIASTES 3:1,4

Suka sekali dengan ayat pembukaannya. Terasa menguatkan :’)

John dan Abby adalah pasangan yang orang anggap sukses mempertahankan tali kasih pernikahan mereka. Keluarga yang ideal dengan kebahagiaan di dalam keluarga mereka. Begitulah yang terlihat orang-orang selama ini. Namun, diusia yang ke-21 tahun pernikahan John dan Abby. Mereka tertimpa badai. Membuat dasar yang mereka bangun selama ini dengan kokoh jadi goyah. Bahkan dasar spiritual yang mereka bangun selama ini juga terancam porak-poranda. Mereka harus mengevaluasi cinta mereka lagi. Bagaimana kehidupan mereka selama 21 tahun pernikahan mereka ini?

Pernikahan mereka terancam benar-benar hancur ketika satu dengan yang lainnya tidak dapat menahan nafsu dari dalam tubuh mereka. Kedatangan Charlene membuat John membuka diri untuk melakukan kesalahan dalam sebuah pernikahan, berselingkuh. Begitu pula dengan Abby membuka peluang dekat dengan seorang editor di majalahnya melalui e-mail.

Saat mereka benar-benar ingin mengambil langkah perceraian itu. Dan akan mengumumkannya pada anak-anak mereka. Anak mereka malah akan bertunangan di musim panas nanti. Membuat mereka menunda perceraian mereka. Dari situ, John dan Abby mulai saling menjauh. Acuh-tak acuh satu dengan yang lain. Mereka bukan hanya acuh tak acuh dengan diri mereka tapi juga mengabaikan bisikan-bisikan Allah. Segala apa yang Tuhan taruh pada mereka, mereka abaikan. Bahkan mereka semakin menjauh dari jalur keluarga Kristen yang sesungguhnya. Lalu bagaimanakah mereka kembali ke jalan Tuhan? Apakah mereka mampu mempertahankan gelar keluarga Kristen yang harmonis?

Ternyata masalah tak hanya sampai di situ. Ketika John dan Abby berhasil menyelamatkan pernikahan mereka dari perceraian. Melupakan segala yang terjadi. Melupakan perselingkuhan John ataupun Abby. John yang bekerja sebagai pelatih sepak bola di Marion High School. John sangat menyayangi anak-anak didiknya. Setelah memanangkan pertandingan antar sekolah, John malah mengalami kecelakaan yang mengerikan. Membuat sebagian tubuhnya tidak bekerja sebagaimana mestinya.

Mampukah mereka tetap mempertahankan keluarga mereka? Even dengan keadaan John yang seperti itu? Dapatkah mereka hidup baru sesuai dengan rencana Tuhan?

Abby pressed her cheek against John’s chest once more, savoring his closeness. Thank You, God . . . thank You for saving us from ourselves.
Later that night, before she fell asleep, Abby uttered another prayer. One she’d said more often in the past few months.
God, I’ve never been more in love with John. Please . . . let us have a thousand more nights like this one. Please.

***

more: http://fhilybooksmontage.blogspot.com...

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” . . . “Lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight . . .”

5 Stars :D

[Carolyn Wylie-mcelroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A TIME TO DANCE

A SMALL SPOILER ALERT!!!!

I'm only reviewing A Time To Dance. This was a two part book, but so far, I've just read the first part. This was truly a heartbreaking book and if I hadn't read enough of her books to know it would come out good, I don't think I could have finished it!!! But I know our God and Karen enough to know she would fix it. The heartbreak they went through was so hard and they had veered away from God so they were deeply in trouble. They had the picture perfect family and were following God, then just let life get in the way, and quit making time for God! Now,I do know enough about real life to know it doesn't always turn out the way we want, but if we follow Christ, we do have a much better chance. I could see where they were losing each other, and it was hard. The story of eagles really touched my heart and bought a healing to them!! May we all love as eagles and soar as eagles and stay on path w/God!!!!!! C:o) MCELWOLF

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reminder on how much God is in every situation that we face. A Time to Dance shows how a lack of communication can destroy the strongest relationship. It shows how people need to rid themselves of pride and learn to forgive like Jesus forgives us. In A Time to Embrace wow, what strength one needs to find peace in the circumstances. A twist in this book was very unexpected. I enjoyed both books.

[Chastise Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart warming and so true in many ways.

This book shares the realities of life and the journey we are all on. Without God , we are a total mess. Keeping Him at the center of our lives keeps us. We all face challenges, but is how we choose to view them. Our lives are linked to others and we have the opportunity to make a difference. Thank you Karen Kingsbury for putting this collection together.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

John and Abbey have drifted apart the last few years of their 22 yr marriage and are headed for a divorce. Their family doesn't suspect a thing and believes that their marriage is strong. The author paints a genuine picture of a dissolving marriage. How long can they keep this from their kids? What is it going to do to them when they learn the truth?

[AnnaLee Conti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book every married couple should read

As usual, Karen Kingsbury's Love Collection is an enjoyable love story that is also chock full of good advice for a fulfilling marriage. I know from experience that it works. Not preachy, the book shows through story what is possible even in a troubled marriage. Loved it! Word of caution: Be sure to keep a tissue handy!

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Kingsbury is a fabulous author. I loved it! My next book will be, A Time to Embrace (the sequel to A Time to Dance)

[Rena · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit predictable but still a good easy read. On the verge of divorce. And how they find their way despite the circumstances.

[Shirley Yuhasz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking life circumstances to prove God's love is true in everything. Respec & love Karen Kingsbury's writing. Have read many of her books, highly reccommnd them.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's cheesy, I'll give you that, but it kept me enthralled, such a page turner so it's worth the read.

[Christie Haggard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Jesus

Oh how life throws us curveballs but even more how our savior always provides. What a wonderful message this book offers!

[Shannon Bradbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karen Kingsbury tackles the hardest of subjects in her books. There is always a topic of trauma she writes about. In these two books, she talks about Marriage. It seemed like Abbey & John had a seemingly perfect marriage. What I realized by reading this book is not every relationship is what it seems to be. And marriage can be messy. People can hide things from their spouse. There is temptation. The only thing I didn’t like is how long they hid their problems from their kids. Maybe they were trying to protect them. It wasn’t me favorite of her books, but it was still good.

[Tammy L Tahbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lessons on the chapters of our lives.

Throughout the last 10 years of reading Karen's books I find they run so parallel to my life. Now as I go through hard time I think if I was a Karen Kingsbury character what would I do? I listen more closely to hear God's voice. I have loved learning my life is a book and God and I are writing it together. This is a great book for someone going through a rough patch in their marriage and life. Maybe it can start a dialogue between a husband and wife to sad ave their marriage or help them get through a rough chapter in their lives.

[Kimberly Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was slow in some areas - well written - sad - predictable - truthfully, I couldn't get into it but it wasn't due to Karen's writing skills, I just didn't have the heart for the story. Perhaps it rang to close to my past? Perhaps I have too much on my plate? Perhaps it was too depressing to revisit a past I've already worked through in my life? Karen is a great writer, this storyline was just not for me.

[Dmreichle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this series on vacation and really enjoyed it. It's amazing how a fictional story can convict me. I love how some of the characters carry on a constant conversation with God and that helped me to realize how little that I think on the goodness of God in my everyday life. My only real complaint is that the first book dragged a little as the struggles in their marriage played out. Otherwise it was a great story with real truth.

[Chris-ann Nunes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every person married or in a relationship should read this book. I think it's wonderful and it would help couples who may be going through a rough time to not just think of themselves but to remember the good times they have shared and not to throw it away without trying every possible way of working things out.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, this was the best book I have read so far by Karen Kingsbury, she certainly knows how to weave a beautiful story and keep you on the edge of your seat.

Highly recommend it to married couples going through turmoil in their relationship.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

A TIME TO DANCE - A TIME TO EMBRACE

Very good Christian books, positive message. I had a hard time liking Abby, she needed to grow up, which she did rather admirably. Good characters, good story.

[Dianne Turnbow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful,inspiring book.

I have read many of Karen's books, and marvel at each one. She has a special God given talent that shows up in the writings of her books. I think her books make each of us do a lot of thinking about life in general and specially think of God's works.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Karen Kingsbury. I try to read all of her series. My teenage daughters have even read some her books.

[Cheyrl Simmons]

I really enjoy connecting with the characters, and especially how God continued to speak to them as they struggle (like we all do)with the choice we have to face.

[Leslie Sarver · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two books were very good. Made my cry.

[Grace37 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book great storyline

[Rachel]

Very sad.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book about the power of God. Some parts were a little too predictable, but it was good regardless.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've only read the first in this two-part series and it was quite good. To be honest I've never read a Christian fiction before so it was an experiment. I did enjoy it.

[Connie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!! Made me laugh! Made me cry ( a lot!). I couldn't put it down.

[Heather B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful love story despite it's ups and downs.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED these books!! Made me cry and laugh! She is officially my new favorite author!