Just Beyond the Clouds

Cody Gunner #2

by Karen Kingsbury

An unforgettable story of two brothers and the only woman whose love can set them both free.

Still aching over his wife's death, Cody Gunner can't bear the thought of also letting go of his Down Syndrome brother, Carl Joseph. Cody wants his brother home, where he will be safe and cared for, not out on his own in a world that Cody knows all too well can be heartless and insecure. So when Carl Joseph's teacher, Elle, begins championing his independence, she finds herself at odds with Cody. But even as these two 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? If Cody can let go of his lingering anger, he might just see that sometimes the brightest hope of all lies JUST BEYOND THE CLOUDS.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Romance, Christian Romance, Contemporary, Adult Fiction

329 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

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

[Jenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book reminded me of a cheesy lifetime movie!

[Sarah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading "A Thousand Tomorrows," I was so very excited to learn that there was a sequel the book that captured my attention and heart so completely. I had invested so much time, energy, and emotion into getting to know Cody Gunner and Ali Daniels -- not to mention falling in love with the love story that they shared -- so I could not wait to see the plans that God had for Cody's growth in his personal relationship with Jesus Christ and his future happiness. Even though I was saddened by the fact that Cody finally took his wedding ring off and opened his heart to the possibilities of an upcoming romantic venture with Elle Dalton, I knew that he had to move passed his grief and find a way to live. After all, loss -- especially the devastating loss of a beloved spouse -- is a part of the life that we MUST EXPERIENCE while we live here on earth. Life here on earth CAN NOT and WILL NOT be perfect for any of us; thus, we will experience seasons of trial and tribulation. And...the ache of the losses that we endure will always be with us, but God's strength, grace, and wisdom can help each person learn from and move passed that time of sorrow and find TRUE happiness. :-). In Cody's case, Karen Kingsbury hinted at a second chance at romantic love with another person, but God's plans are not the same for everyone. Blessedly, though, His ways are PERFECT and COME IN HIS TIME. He knows the plans...and they ALWAYS come to pass.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the story of Cody and CJ, I was deeply disappointed by this book’s treatment of homosexuality from a so-called Christian perspective. What is written here is harmful and does not represent my understanding of Christianity as it relates to human sexuality. This will be the last book I read from this author.

[Reese Songbird · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thought provoking and emotional book, full of heartbreak but also joy, just like book one. This one was different, but it was still enjoyable and I liked the progression of the characters. My heart broke for Carl Joseph and I just wanted to give him a hug.

Content:
Talk about death
Mentions of abortion
Kisses
Mentions of having an affair
Immense grief over the loss of a loved one
Talk of a gay person

[Rissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75⭐️
Cody Gunnars brother CJ has Down’s syndrome but just because he has Down’s syndrome doesnt mean he cant live a life independently. Thats what the center is trying to help them accomplish. Elle works at te center teaching the students how to be independent adults and everything that that encounters. Elles sister Daisy has Down’s syndrome and goes to the class with CJ. Daisy and CJ really like one another and Cj likes his classmates. But Cody doesnt like the center.
Cody doesnt think that Cj can live on his own. There is too much that can go wrong but Elle shows him otherwise.

This was so sweet. I loved it! I loved how realistic the kids at the center were and how they acted. Also how Cody acted because he just wants to protect his brother.

[LINDA BOURG · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a heartwarming story about a man Cody Gunner who has a brother with down syndrome. God has a plan for each of our lives even when adversaties come our way. I recommend this book to my goodread friends. It is the second book in the series. The first one being A thousand tomorrows.

[Elsa Eklund · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bättre än första delen av serien. Det var fint att läsa om karaktärerna med Downs syndrom och hur Elle jobbade med dem. Tanken om att vi i himlen kanske förstår att vi ”normala” verkligen var de med funktionsnedsättning och de med funktionsnedsättning verkligen levde fullt ut i Guds plan var fin. Vi ”vanliga” krånglar till det, tänker på vad andra ska tycka, lever inte ut våra känslor, skäms för vår tro, älskar försiktigt, medan, de i boken med Downs i alla fall, levde fullt ut.
Vissa säger att människor med Downs aldrig växer upp utan är lite som barn hela livet och kanske det är något av det finaste, något som Jesus också menade med att vi ska bli som barn för att komma in till himmelriket. Att leva i Guds plan, utan att övertänka, överprestera eller överbeskydda, utan bara vara, vila och jobba i lugn och ro mot vår ”final goal day” - dagen då vi äntligen får flytta hem till Gud.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful Book.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book felt very dated, the attitudes towards people with disabilities and Down's Syndrome especially seemed very dated. The book didn't have much action, and I agree with the reviewer who said that reading the book felt "like watching a cheesy Lifetime movie."

[Lena Morrison · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not like this book!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Kingsbury book in my quest to go back and read all of her books. As good as the rest of her work. I enjoyed reading about Downs Syndrome.

[Smutty~ Vibes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cody Gunner Series is great!!! i loved everything about this book :)

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, emotional love story. I love Carl Joseph and Daisy. Their group stole the show. I’m so glad Cody found his happy ending. Happy reading/listening!

[Vienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read of Karen Kingsbury's book and I loved it, the story is captivating with Down Syndrome representation. Overall, I really enjoyed it.

[Christine Villanueva · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Book Review ✨
Just Beyond the Clouds (Book #2 in the A Thousand Tomorrows series) 💕

Karen Kingsbury delivers another heartfelt story—this time focusing on Carl Joseph, Cody’s brother. His journey toward independence and his friendship with Elle completely stole my heart. 🥹 A beautiful reminder of faith, family, and unconditional love.

⭐️ Emotional. ⭐️ Inspiring. ⭐️ Hope-filled.

[Aleida Oskam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dit was een mooi vervolg op Elke nieuwe morgen. Het verhaal ging verder waar het gebleven was op weg naar een nieuwe toekomst voor Cody. Omdat ik Een hoopvolle toekomst al had gelezen en zij als cameo in dit verhaal voorkwam wist ik de afloop al wel een beetje maar dat maakte het verhaal er niet minder om.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great. If you have read the book A Thousand Tomorrows you will love this one. It is the second book to the Cody Gunner series. In this book he meets a women named Elle. They both have gone through losses of marriage. Cody is a widower. His wife died from cystic fibrosis a few years back. He still would wear his wedding ring around not wanting to let go of Ali. Before Ali died she told him she wants him to get married again and be happy. This book talks about his faith along with his little brothers faith as well. It talks about the struggles his brother has with Down syndrome as well. This book is full of emotions, understanding and suspense. It also has a very happy ending.
When I first started to read this book I didn’t really want Cody to find someone new. Just because I really like the book before “A Thousand Tomorrows” I was attached to the other character that he fell in love with Ali. Then I started reading more and once I got more into it I realized Elle was just as sweet. I really enjoyed this book because I like romance. I also liked learning about the struggles families and people have with Down syndrome. A lot of people don’t understand what they go through so it was very interesting.
Karen Kingsbury is an amazing author. She is a Christian writer too that’s what I like about her. She really gets your attention and keeps you hooked. I honestly do the like the book “A Thousand Tomorrows” just a little bit more because I like hearing about all that rodeo stuff and there’s not much of it in “Just Beyond The Clouds”. They both are good books, but before you read this one be sure to read a thousand tomorrows that way it will make a lot more sense. This writer has written lots more books that I’m sure are just as good, so be good to check them out.

[Candace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was interesting for me. I have mainly only read Lori Wick in the category of Christian romantic fiction, so I was unused to Kingsbury's style. That being said, I wasn't as drawn to the characters and some of the story. The parts concerning Carl Joseph and Daisy I found fascinating. I appreciate her portrayal of people with Down Syndrome; she didn't make them caricatures or oversize children. She showed that they are people as well with limitations. The romance between Carl Joseph and Daisy, I feel, was the real romance of the novel. Sweet, innocent love like that is rare to find and truly to be valued. The relationship between Elle and Cody was understanably different. I wasn't as invested and I enjoyed it but I wasn't avidly rooting for them. I appreciated the situations they had gone through, even though more attention appeared to be on Cody's past. This apparently is because he is a recurring character from a novel centered around his past relationship. Elle's fiance's secret was really interesting and not something I have come across before in this genre. In the beginning, I really disliked Cody. I thought him pigheaded and foolish when it came to Carl Joseph's capabilities. I came to understand and like him better as the novel went on, however. I was really excited to read this. My excitement wasn't fully justified but I thought it decent. Don't know if I would recommend it, if so, only because of Carl Joseph and Daisy. I think everyone should read about them :-)

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sequel to A Thousand Tomorrows. Focusing on down syndrome adults gaining independence. Other than that, pretty surface-y.

Kingsbury's sequel to A Thousand Tomorrows delivers a heartfelt story
of family and finding love again. It
easily stands alone, but would be enhanced by reading the other book first. Cody's protective attitude toward his brother is frustrating but easy
for the reader to identify with.

Cody Gunner is at a crossroads in his life. The bull-riding circuit doesn't appeal anymore, so he decides to come home and maybe start up a gym for Down syndrome adults like his brother Carl Joseph. Carl Joseph attends a center with the goal of becoming independent, which Cody finds difficult to believe is possible. Can the instructor, Elle Dalton, convince him of Carl Joseph's need for independence? And is it possible Cody will find love again?
Review originally appeared in RT BookReviews

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Karen Kingsbury books. The stories and dialogue flow so easily that I find them a pleasure to read. This book is a follow-up to her earlier book A Thousand Tomorrows. It involves Cody Gunner, a professional rodeo bull rider and his brother, Carl Joseph, who has Down's Syndrome. Cody has a lot of trouble accepting that his brother could learn to be self-sufficient. Cody battles Elle, Carl Joseph's teacher, in an attempt to protect his brother from what he perceives as the inherent dangers of independent living for his Buddy.

The themes involved here include recovery after emotional set-backs, trusting others and trusting God to help in times of trouble. This book provided some interesting information about Down's Syndrome and what persons with that condition are actually capable of doing. I would recommend it to my fellow book club members.

[Brittany]

Karen Kingsbury, who is the author of Just Beyond the Clouds, wrote a beautiful love story. Cody Gunner, who is a bull rider is still aching over the death of his wife and cant even bear the thought of losing his bother, who has down syndrome, but life for Cody was going to take an unexpected turn. Taking place in Elle Dalton's classroom where Cody's brother, Carl Joseph, went to school. I really did enjoy this book, it had me hanging on until the last page. If you like love story's and are a fan of Karen Kingsbury's books then you must read this book.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sequel to A Thousand Tomorrows which I didn't know beforehand but didn't affect my ability to follow the story.

The story of two adults from different families who both have an adult sibling with Downs Syndrome and want the best for them, although they don't agree on what is best. Each has experienced emotional drama in their lives which has a huge influence on their present and how they look out for their siblings.

I listened to this one on CD but would recommend reading the book instead. I didn't care for the narrator at all.

[Tristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Karen Kingsbury quite a bit. She knows how to write an emotionally satisfying romance without compromising her Christian beliefs. This story, about a man and woman who each have a sibling with Down Syndrome, was educational and uplifting. I learned a lot about the syndrome and the dedicated people who work to increase other's awareness of the truly inspirational potential these special spirits have.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous! Back to the library for more of her books.

Cody, and Elle are great examples of what God can do for us when we "let go and let God" handle our problems. He could not imagine his brother being able to enjoy life as he wanted him too. But as he moved out of the way and watched the relationships that Carl Joseph developed at the center, Cody was able to allow God to soften his own heart and fall in love with Elle.
I can see the movie in my head!

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure I liked the first book I read from this series, but I decided to try another one, and I really am starting to like them. It's an easy read, and I don't have to worry about unwanted swear words or inappropriate content. There's already enough smut in my everday world, that I don't feel like I need to read more of it. Thanks Karen Kingsbury for your decency.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a very inspirational book! The book not only focused on relationships but how to do good for others and how to not just judge a book by its outer cover (or a person by their outside appearance, in this case) and it showed how some people who you may not think knows too much about life may know a bit more than you do.

[ABookAddictHere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Cody Gunner series. Cody has a hard time moving on after his wife Ali does but focuses his time and energy into helping his brother succeed in moving out even with his disabilities. Along the way he finds out he is attracted to CJ’s new teacher and wrestles with his feelings for her and betrayal of Ali and trying to let Ali go.

[Amy Coyle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a typical Karen Kingsbury book. They all tend to be pretty much the same. I always say I am done with her books, but then someone gives me a copy to read & I do read it. This one dealt with Down's Syndrome, so that brought an interesting perspective to the story.

[Adina · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute story. I met Karen Kingsbury at Fred Meyer after I read this. I complimented her on the way she portrayed down syndrome throughout the book. A job well done in my opinion, because I have a daughter with DS.

[Lorrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book even as much as the first in the series. It's a heart warming story about life's pains and the ability to move on, with the help of God. I loved the Down Syndrome characters and the way Cody and Elle could see the simplicity of love through these handicapped individuals.