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Cody Gunner #1-2
A Thousand Tomorrows / Just Beyond the Clouds
In A Thousand Tomorrows, Cody Gunner, a talented but angry cowboy, meets Ali Daniels, a lovely and mysterious barrel-racer. The two are national champions, top of their game, alone and intent on staying that way. Cody has rejected everything about his past, and only has room for his little brother, Carl Joseph, born with Down Syndrome. Ali embraces life, making the most of every moment because of a secret she keeps hidden from the public, connecting her with a sister who died before she had a chance to live. Before their paths intersect, competing is all they need, but what fears must they face if together they ignite a love that burns brighter than both of them?
In Just Beyond the Clouds, Cody is nursing a broken heart over the death of the love of his life, when he meets Elle Dalton, Carl Joseph's teacher. Cody can't bear the thought of losing his little brother, too, so when Elle begins championing Carl Joseph's independence, she finds herself at odds with Cody. But even while they battle it out, they can't deny the instinctive connection they share, and Cody faces a crisis of the heart. What if Elle is the one woman who can teach Cody that love is still possible?
In the brand-new omnibus edition, Karen Kingsbury's continuing story of devotion, tragedy, and renewal, comes to life, teaching that while love often causes the heart to break, it's also the only thing that can mend it again.
In Just Beyond the Clouds, Cody is nursing a broken heart over the death of the love of his life, when he meets Elle Dalton, Carl Joseph's teacher. Cody can't bear the thought of losing his little brother, too, so when Elle begins championing Carl Joseph's independence, she finds herself at odds with Cody. But even while they battle it out, they can't deny the instinctive connection they share, and Cody faces a crisis of the heart. What if Elle is the one woman who can teach Cody that love is still possible?
In the brand-new omnibus edition, Karen Kingsbury's continuing story of devotion, tragedy, and renewal, comes to life, teaching that while love often causes the heart to break, it's also the only thing that can mend it again.
592 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2011
361 people are currently reading
892 people want to read
About the author
Karen Kingsbury
208 books12.1k 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 43 reviews
October 30, 2013
//ebook
A Thousand Tomorrows is about the sort of love that is patient and kind, a love that always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. A love that never fails. Cody and Ali showed us that love is not the way around our problems. It is the way through them. Remember, when all things have passed away, these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Read this book alone, especially when you don't want others to see you cry.
This is a Christian book, but it doesn't contain that much "worshipping God". At least not in the obvious way. Which is kind of done in a good way especially if you're a reluctant "newbie".
There's a wee bit of a mention of the Narnia series. And I'm only on the third book, so I can't wait to have my own interpretations / understanding to that.
Characters were not difficult to like, and not impossible to exist. So we can all relate at some point.
Good read! Can't wait to start on the "second part".
17Oct2013
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Just Beyond The Clouds is about Cody's life after Ali. Cody's brother, Carl Joseph, and Elle's sister, Daisy, both have Down Syndrome. And more than finding love again, the story explores the leading characters' love and patience for family, and just about what they can do to protect the ones they love.
As usual, this story will make you teary-eyed, if not sobbing. Praying and its power was very much emphasized the whole time. If you're a "newbie believer" during the reading of the first story, this second story ought to strengthen your faith and relationship with God. I know (and hope) it did with mine. : )
A Thousand Tomorrows is about the sort of love that is patient and kind, a love that always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. A love that never fails. Cody and Ali showed us that love is not the way around our problems. It is the way through them. Remember, when all things have passed away, these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Read this book alone, especially when you don't want others to see you cry.
This is a Christian book, but it doesn't contain that much "worshipping God". At least not in the obvious way. Which is kind of done in a good way especially if you're a reluctant "newbie".
There's a wee bit of a mention of the Narnia series. And I'm only on the third book, so I can't wait to have my own interpretations / understanding to that.
Characters were not difficult to like, and not impossible to exist. So we can all relate at some point.
Good read! Can't wait to start on the "second part".
17Oct2013
-----
Just Beyond The Clouds is about Cody's life after Ali. Cody's brother, Carl Joseph, and Elle's sister, Daisy, both have Down Syndrome. And more than finding love again, the story explores the leading characters' love and patience for family, and just about what they can do to protect the ones they love.
As usual, this story will make you teary-eyed, if not sobbing. Praying and its power was very much emphasized the whole time. If you're a "newbie believer" during the reading of the first story, this second story ought to strengthen your faith and relationship with God. I know (and hope) it did with mine. : )
July 7, 2012
Really enjoyed the first book, A Thousand Tomorrows. It was a easy read. It actually was a great love story with a sad ending. I cried a few times throughout the book. The love story was so powerful and real. It took Cody so long to find love and then it was gone.
As soon as I finished the first book, I started into Beyond the Clouds. I just couldn't get into this one. I lost interest and didn't think the love story would be as powerful as the first book. I stopped reading and didn't make it through the whole second story.
As soon as I finished the first book, I started into Beyond the Clouds. I just couldn't get into this one. I lost interest and didn't think the love story would be as powerful as the first book. I stopped reading and didn't make it through the whole second story.
June 16, 2017
This Cody Gunner Series Compilation has made me a fan now of Karen Kingsbury's writing. Her books are under the Christian Romance category but it didn't exaggerate topics that related to religion and to God. Her way of writing is quite inspirational and gives us messages of hope at the end of every chapter. I am now looking forward on searching for more of her books on the bookstore because this writer and her works are all gems.
June 25, 2025
Fantastic! Book one was my absolute favorite. So full of real raw emotions. Second book was a bit slow to start but as I caught on I flowed so smooth. I would not be upset if there was a third book! I have fallen in love with Karen’s books! They are pure gold!
March 12, 2025
I only read A Thousand Tomorrows. It just wasn't my jam so I didn't read the second book in the series.
Too much cliche melodrama for me. I kept waiting for a twist or some surprise or just ... something that was never there.
It was a sweet story. Along the lines of A Walk to Remember. I appreciate that it brings awareness to cystic fibrosis.
Too much cliche melodrama for me. I kept waiting for a twist or some surprise or just ... something that was never there.
It was a sweet story. Along the lines of A Walk to Remember. I appreciate that it brings awareness to cystic fibrosis.
August 4, 2020
Two Awsome story's both got 5 stars great characters ,plot and writting style . I flew threw these 2 books in 4 days :) you can check out my full reviews on
https://emilylittlebooknook.wordpress...
https://emilylittlebooknook.wordpress...
May 31, 2018
A bittersweet love story that touched my heart. Loved the characters and a beautiful story. Happy reading/listening!
September 23, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book but quite sad also.
June 20, 2019
Perfect Book for the Beach
Two sweet love stories with just enough plot to keep you interested but not so riveting you can't put it down and enjoy playing in the waves.
Two sweet love stories with just enough plot to keep you interested but not so riveting you can't put it down and enjoy playing in the waves.
April 10, 2022
Great read!
December 13, 2023
This is a great duet. If you love Karen Kingsbury, these are some of my faves. Highly recommend.
July 2, 2024
Somewhat predictable, especially Just Beyond the Clouds
April 15, 2025
Get this two book set instead of each book separably. They tell two wonderful love stories from one family.
November 8, 2025
Such a good book!!!
November 21, 2025
The story was mostly good, but I will not pick up another book by this homophobic author. She claims to be Christian, but she's not the kind of Christian Jesus wants us to be.
January 8, 2011
There is a reason why Karen Kingsbury is one of my favorite authors. Her writing touches your heart. She pulls you into the world of the characters that she writes about, you feel their triumphs and their losses, her stories move you, and I always continue to think about the characters long after the story ends. This compilation of stories is no different, they draw you in and keep you reading, teaching us valuable lessons in faith and love.
In "A Thousand Tomorrows", Cody Gunner is the best bull rider around. For him it isn't about the love of the sport, instead its about the eight seconds on the bull. He can leave his anger and emotion on the back of the bull, it lets him live with the rage he has felt since he was eight years old. The year his dad left. While he heard his dad tell his mom, he had to leave because of Cody's younger brother Carl Joseph,who has Down syndrome, he blames his mom for not making him stay. He also wonders what was wrong with him that made his dad not come back. All of these secrets he keeps to himself on the rodeo circuit.
Ali Daniels wants to be the top barrel racer in the world. Like Cody, she is a loner keeping to herself. She is also harboring secrets that she doesn't want the other riders on the rodeo circuit to know. She soon thinks that Cody is a kindred spirit, and Cody accidentally finds out Ali's secret, she knows she can trust him. Will they ever have a chance at love, or will Ali's secret keep them apart forever?
"Just Beyond The Clouds" is the continuation of Cody Gunners story. While not giving to much away, he finds himself back home, and wondering if he should give up bull riding. Carl Joseph is attending a special school that teaches people with Down syndrome to live independently. A sweet story develops between Carl Joseph and Daisy, a fellow student in Carl Joseph's school.
While telling a very realistic story the author also weaves in information that educated me about Down syndrome. The characters in both stories jump off the page. The hurt Cody felt was tangible. Picturing him as that eight year old boy running after his dad was heartbreaking.
If your a fan of christian fiction, that will touch your heart and give you a great message, you really should pick up these stories. While the author doesn't use scriptures in this book they way she does in most of her writings, Gods message still shines thru!
While this book is the second in the series, it can be read as a stand alone story, although I think you might enjoy it more if you read "A Thousand Tomorrows" first, which is why I recommend purchasing the omnibus.
In "A Thousand Tomorrows", Cody Gunner is the best bull rider around. For him it isn't about the love of the sport, instead its about the eight seconds on the bull. He can leave his anger and emotion on the back of the bull, it lets him live with the rage he has felt since he was eight years old. The year his dad left. While he heard his dad tell his mom, he had to leave because of Cody's younger brother Carl Joseph,who has Down syndrome, he blames his mom for not making him stay. He also wonders what was wrong with him that made his dad not come back. All of these secrets he keeps to himself on the rodeo circuit.
Ali Daniels wants to be the top barrel racer in the world. Like Cody, she is a loner keeping to herself. She is also harboring secrets that she doesn't want the other riders on the rodeo circuit to know. She soon thinks that Cody is a kindred spirit, and Cody accidentally finds out Ali's secret, she knows she can trust him. Will they ever have a chance at love, or will Ali's secret keep them apart forever?
"Just Beyond The Clouds" is the continuation of Cody Gunners story. While not giving to much away, he finds himself back home, and wondering if he should give up bull riding. Carl Joseph is attending a special school that teaches people with Down syndrome to live independently. A sweet story develops between Carl Joseph and Daisy, a fellow student in Carl Joseph's school.
While telling a very realistic story the author also weaves in information that educated me about Down syndrome. The characters in both stories jump off the page. The hurt Cody felt was tangible. Picturing him as that eight year old boy running after his dad was heartbreaking.
If your a fan of christian fiction, that will touch your heart and give you a great message, you really should pick up these stories. While the author doesn't use scriptures in this book they way she does in most of her writings, Gods message still shines thru!
While this book is the second in the series, it can be read as a stand alone story, although I think you might enjoy it more if you read "A Thousand Tomorrows" first, which is why I recommend purchasing the omnibus.
August 8, 2013
A Thousand Tomorrows - 5 stars (finished 7/31/2013)
I absolutely loved the first novel. As one of the other readers said, this is a really sad story, but its also incredibly beautiful. At a couple of points I was crying so much that it was hard to see the words on the page. Hopefully I'll enjoy the second novel as much as the first.
Just Beyond the Clouds - 4 stars (finished 8/07/2013)
To a large extent, I'd describe this as a nice, sweet story with an inspirational bent. It wasn't quite as drama filled as A Thousand Tomorrows, but it was still quite an enjoyable read. Now that I've read both books, one thing I particularly appreciate is the way that Karen Kingsbury wrote about characters living in situations that we rarely read or hear about. I especially enjoyed reading about Carl Joseph, Cody's brother, who has a much bigger role in this novel than in the last one.
My only criticism of Just Beyond the Clouds is that Kingsbury left things hanging just a bit. The same thing happened at the end of A Thousand Tomorrows, but in that case I felt like the ending was realistic and occurred at a natural breaking point. And of course there was a second novel in the series to read. Without putting in any spoilers, I'll just say that a natural breaking point for Just Beyond the Clouds would have meant ending the novel a chapter earlier, or fast forwarding a bit more at the end. In either event, it was still an enjoyable read, but I'm a little surprised that a third novel isn't on the shelves.
I absolutely loved the first novel. As one of the other readers said, this is a really sad story, but its also incredibly beautiful. At a couple of points I was crying so much that it was hard to see the words on the page. Hopefully I'll enjoy the second novel as much as the first.
Just Beyond the Clouds - 4 stars (finished 8/07/2013)
To a large extent, I'd describe this as a nice, sweet story with an inspirational bent. It wasn't quite as drama filled as A Thousand Tomorrows, but it was still quite an enjoyable read. Now that I've read both books, one thing I particularly appreciate is the way that Karen Kingsbury wrote about characters living in situations that we rarely read or hear about. I especially enjoyed reading about Carl Joseph, Cody's brother, who has a much bigger role in this novel than in the last one.
My only criticism of Just Beyond the Clouds is that Kingsbury left things hanging just a bit. The same thing happened at the end of A Thousand Tomorrows, but in that case I felt like the ending was realistic and occurred at a natural breaking point. And of course there was a second novel in the series to read. Without putting in any spoilers, I'll just say that a natural breaking point for Just Beyond the Clouds would have meant ending the novel a chapter earlier, or fast forwarding a bit more at the end. In either event, it was still an enjoyable read, but I'm a little surprised that a third novel isn't on the shelves.
May 29, 2014
I chose these books because they were rated 4.5 stars on Goodreads. I noticed when I was getting them from the library that the description included a characteristic of the author as a "Christian author." I decided to read the books anyway. Here's what I thought.
A Thousand Tomorrows was a nice little love story. It showed passion and pain, though not too much of either. There was not much religion in the story, and I was intrigued enough to want to read the second book to know what happened next.
Beyond the Clouds was a good follow-up story. I got to see how all the main characters and their stories turned out. I was disappointed, though, that this book had a lot more religion in it. At every turn, the characters were praying or talking about how prayer was the answer. I understand the author is a "Christian author," but being non-religious, I was a bit put-off by it. I think the stories would have been just as wonderful (and more inviting to all) if she had just left out the religion aspect. (Just my two cents.)
A Thousand Tomorrows was a nice little love story. It showed passion and pain, though not too much of either. There was not much religion in the story, and I was intrigued enough to want to read the second book to know what happened next.
Beyond the Clouds was a good follow-up story. I got to see how all the main characters and their stories turned out. I was disappointed, though, that this book had a lot more religion in it. At every turn, the characters were praying or talking about how prayer was the answer. I understand the author is a "Christian author," but being non-religious, I was a bit put-off by it. I think the stories would have been just as wonderful (and more inviting to all) if she had just left out the religion aspect. (Just my two cents.)
October 8, 2014
I enjoyed these two books in one. Karen Kingsbury does an excellent job of using description to set up the problems in her books. Her characters are believable and endearing to the reader. In this novel set, I grew to love her male and female characters, both rodeo riders. It was a subject I wasn't familiar with and I feel I know more about Rodeo riders, people who have Cystic Fibrosis, and Downs Syndrome from her vivid descriptions. In the second novel, a continuation of the first, she captivated me again as her main male character meets another woman who influences his life for the better. Karen Kingsbury's voice comes out strongly in every novel. I could read one of her books without a cover and probably tell you it was hers. That's not a bad thing, because I love her writing style.
January 28, 2012
It is a sad story but, also a story of love and triumph. I did not really think I would like this book because I've never read one of Karen Kingbury's books before but, I will now. The story involved rodeo bull riding and barrell racing, I just didn't think I could be interested in the book when I first started reading it but I do love horses! Just hope her other books are not sad and about crippling diseases and death. Karen Kingsbury has a wonderful writing style.
My son was actually tested for Cystic Fibrosis when he was an infant, thankfully it wasn't but when he was in a children's hospital I did see children being pounded on the back for treatment.
My son was actually tested for Cystic Fibrosis when he was an infant, thankfully it wasn't but when he was in a children's hospital I did see children being pounded on the back for treatment.
April 29, 2012
I really enjoyed reading "A Thousand Tomorrows" & "Just Beyond the Clouds". My friend April Verdon had cystic fibrosis. She died on October 31, 1998. She was only 20 years old. Her birthday is August 18, 1978. I was born on August 10, 1978. It will be 14 years on October 31st since she died. She was always a positive person.
I know some people who have Down Syndrome. They are sweet, smart, and always smiling. I believe they can be independent if they are given guidance and support. I work at Come Read With Me with adults who have cognitive disabilities. All of them are supportive and encourage each other. When someone struggles with something they all help the person out.
February 6, 2015
Beautiful story
I loved these books. The story of love and loss, the story of pure love of a person with Downs Syndrome. The characters were honest and true to life.
For Karen Kingsbury these books were different, but not in a bad way. The message that God loves you and has a plan for your life is there, it's just done in a different style in these stories.
I couldn't put the book down, finished it in one day! Very good and so happy I bought this book.
I wish she would write more books about them!
I loved these books. The story of love and loss, the story of pure love of a person with Downs Syndrome. The characters were honest and true to life.
For Karen Kingsbury these books were different, but not in a bad way. The message that God loves you and has a plan for your life is there, it's just done in a different style in these stories.
I couldn't put the book down, finished it in one day! Very good and so happy I bought this book.
I wish she would write more books about them!
August 3, 2014
Loved the first book, a Thousand tomorrow's, much better than just beyond the clouds. Took me some time to really get into the second book and understand Cody again. The ending of the second book made up for the rest of the story. I was just a sucker for the power of love in the first book though I was happy to finally see that power again in the second book by the end. And I mean in more ways than just love between a man and a woman. :-)
March 2, 2019
This is the ongoing story Cody Gunner, who met a girl with cystic fibrosis and married her knowing her days were short and then finding love again while looking after his brother with downs syndrome. It was a fast and interesting read and it brought tears to my eyes, even while riding the bike at the gym. It had some Christian influence, but I was disappointed that those who obviously didn't live a Christian life or attend a church were portrayed as Christians just because they prayed.
April 4, 2012
Although this book was extremely sad it was in general a good book. It made you think that the years of life you have left should not be counted in years, but in tomorrows. (so three years of life is a thousand tomorrows. I would definately reccommend this book to others, but they should be prepared for a moving ending.
October 24, 2011
Bought this book for my trip to Hawaii. I'm sure I missed some of the sights because I couldn't get my head out of the book. I loved it! But then I always have had a weakness for cowboys. It will definitely tug at your heartstrings.
July 24, 2012
Not bad. The first book had more romance than the second. And more emotion, I think. The only teary scenes were in that book. However, the second book had ideas I'd never really seen in fiction before (characters, really). Overall, a good light read.
July 24, 2016
These two books changed my view in life, it changed me. Books that talk about the goodness of having to love, of love itself, hoping and believing in God. Praying is a life skill (Book 2)! Both books are beautifully written.
April 11, 2012
I didn't really like it at all i couldn't get into it
August 21, 2012
love when they are together instead of seperate, doesn't leave me wondering what's going to happen!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews