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Ever After (Lost Love #2)

4.29 of 5 stars 4.29 · rating details · 4,834 ratings · 234 reviews

In this moving sequel to Even Now, Emily Anderson, now twenty, is attending college on a soccer scholarship when she meets the man who changes everything for her: Army reservist Justin Baker. Their tender relationship, founded on a mutual faith in God and nurtured by their trust and love for each other, proves to be a shining inspiration to everyone they know, especially E...more

Paperback, 337 pages

Published January 1st 2007 by Zondervan

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Sep 05, 2007 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

OH MY GOSH, SO GREAT! I loved this book. And I cried like I actually knew the characters in it! It's a great story, and it also made me think. You have to read it!

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Jan 01, 2008 Erin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, tear-jerkers

This book carried across well the truth that one life touches many, and it is up to us whether we will be a positive or neutral influence.

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Nov 01, 2012 Becky Calderon rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I think that the author, Karen Kingsbury, purpose in writing this book is to show the sacrifice of war, that there is no right or wrong view of the war. No one wants war but sometimes it’s the only way to defend this country and our flag. She is also trying to show that love can strike at any moment. Also that God has a purpose for every one and if God has let it be for two people to fall in love then there is a purpose for that too. Lastly she is showing that God holds us and carries us throug...more I think that the author, Karen Kingsbury, purpose in writing this book is to show the sacrifice of war, that there is no right or wrong view of the war. No one wants war but sometimes it’s the only way to defend this country and our flag. She is also trying to show that love can strike at any moment. Also that God has a purpose for every one and if God has let it be for two people to fall in love then there is a purpose for that too. Lastly she is showing that God holds us and carries us through our life’s issues whether they be as small as what to eat that day or as big as losing the one and only person you love He will be with us through thick and thin, no matter what. Over all Karen is try to say that God will always answer our prayers, when the time is right, he might take a while but it is all in a divine purpose that in the end will come together weather we believe it or not.
This book has a huge impact on the audience, it relates to so many people’s lives that have relatives and friends in the military. I think that this book will lift and help a lot of people through hard times like when you lose a loved one. This in itself can feel almost imposable to ever get over. War and death will always be a part of our life and this book not only Involves God’s grace in both but also it tells you how to deal and view both death, faith , love, and war in a matter that includes relying on God. There will always be someone who will be reading this book. It has such strong advice and a great plot that it doesn’t matter what age you are, this book will touch everyone who puts their hands on it.
This book is extremely well written. It has great detail. She doesn’t just do a great job at getting you to picture the scene but getting you to feel the scene. There are times when I can actually feel the sorrow that Emily is going through after Jeremy’s death “And then, somewhere deep inside her heart, the wall began to fall. It didn’t happen slowly, but all at once. Like the Twin Towers.” The way she describes love gets me every time “I love you, in my mind where my thoughts reside, in my heart where my emotions live in my soul where my dreams are born. I love you.” She had such powerful statements of faith and wisdom “One day the dark clouds of this time would lift, because morning always came”. The best part of Karen Kingsbury’s writing was the way she relates God into every single one of the characters life and troubles “’Please god…breathe your peace into ne now. I can’t do this otherwise’ said Emily. With her very next heartbeat, she felt God’s presence surround her. Peace.” “She could feel God moving her forward, giving her strength.”
This book was sad, faithful, romantic, inspirational, serious, encouraging and courageous. It was by far one of the most captivating books I have read. The reality in this book is amazing. Almost anyone can connect and sympathize with these characters lives. The fact that she kills Jeremy at the end is so sad but also that is the point that makes this book the best I’ve read because she has it end the way these kind of stories end in reality. What captives the most is the faith these characters have throughout the book, always leaning on God, always looking at the purpose, the outcome, the positive side.
The strength of this book is the encouraging statements and the positive outlook on life. But especially the plot is outstanding. The plot is so dramatic and never has a dull moment that it is hard to put the book down but yet you have to read slowly because you don’t want to miss a single detail or dialogue. The only weakness was that the main guy dies. Yet that still doesn’t make it a weakness because the fact she makes this story as real as possible by killing Jeremy. But she saves the plot with adding the twist of Joe and Emily falling in love at the end. This book was all strength and almost no weakness. It depends on how you look at it. If you read it with an open mind especially in politics then you will think it to be a solid piece of work but if you don’t you will only take offence at the views on the war but Karen Kingsbury only states the fact that war truly doesn’t have a right or wrong, you believe what you believe.
Overall I would recommend this book to everyone! It was by far one of the most touching, romantic yet encouraging novels I have read in the history of my reading experience. This book will give you a journey of the military life. You will encounter almost anything you can think of. I assure you there will be tears shed, laughs that make your stomach hurt and most of all a change of heart toward God and the war. If you are into romantic books this one should be at the top of your next-to-read list. This book will give you a touch of God, love and happiness.
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Dec 12, 2011 Tiffanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book jus like the first one had me bawling my eyes our through the whole book. A girl who spends her whole life trying to find her parents an wondering if they ever found each other finally locates them an learns they never found each other. She plans a surprise reuniting for them and on their first night in town learn that being seperated so long their views about the war their both in or work for are so different they cant see making a relationship work. Their daughter finds love during c...more

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Sep 04, 2011 Rebekah rated it 2 of 5 stars

I listened to the audio version of this book and I'm not sure if it was the reader or the story, but I felt like my teeth hurt from how sickeningly sweet it was at times. I didn't realize until I was 3/4 of the way through it that it was the sequel to another book so perhaps I might have felt different if I had read/listened to the first book, Even Now. Apparently Even Now was the story of how Shane and Lauren were separated as teens in love and Lauren gave birth to their child. After giving bir...more

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May 01, 2011 Tamara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: karen-kingsbury, favorites

I thought EVEN NOW was a great book, but WOW . . . EVER AFTER was incredible. I read the last hundred pages through blurry eyes and a wad of tissues. EVER AFTER takes up where EVEN NOW leaves off. Emily’s parents, Lauren and Shane are finally reunited. But their opposite views on the war, continue to be an obstacle to their happily ever after. In the meantime, sharing the patriotic views of her father, Emily gets a job on an army base and soon falls in love with Justin Baker. When Justin is depl...more

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Aug 04, 2009 Tiana rated it 2 of 5 stars

This was the sequel to Even Now, which I gave 3 stars. Even though I wasn't crazy about the first book, it didn't conclude everything, so I felt like I had to read the second one also. I have to say, the first one was better. This story was way too predictable, and of course it wouldn't be Christian fiction unless there were some unnecessary tragedy that occurs, which predictably happened in this book. I think it was supposed to be a sweet book about patriotism and courage and love, but I felt l...more

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Jun 06, 2009 Cydnie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, romance, series

Favorite quote from book: "Love is not possible without sacrifice, and sacrfice is not possible without love" [from authors notes:]
When I finished "Even Now"[the prequel to "Ever After":], I was disappointed in the ending - it seemed 'unfinished'. I picked up the sequel, "Ever After" to see if it gave 'closure'. The answer is yes, it did! I liked "Ever After" the best of the two. There is enough 'reminiscing' to fill the reader in if they haven't read the first book (I would read both if you h...more

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Oct 31, 2011 Om08189 rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the squeal to Even Now. It is about Shane and Lauren's struggle to find common ground on the war and about Emily falling in love for the very first time. Emily falls for Justin Baker an army guy who is stationed at the base which she now works at. They go out on their very first date and it is love right away. They have a wonderful summer together and everything looks like it is going to be absolutely perfect. That is until Justin gets the call that he has to ship out to Iraq. He and Emi...more

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Jun 08, 2010 Sophia Choi rated it 4 of 5 stars

War has always been a large topic for debate and a complex issue to follow. War can separate couples and in some cases, bring them together. Ever After by Karen Kingsbury is the moving sequel to Ever Now and continues the story of Lauren and Shane who have finally been reunited but are now threatening to tear apart because their beliefs on the war in Iraq conflict with each other. Emily Anderson is now entering college and meets the boy of her dreams. Two months later, he is back in Iraq fighti...more War has always been a large topic for debate and a complex issue to follow. War can separate couples and in some cases, bring them together. Ever After by Karen Kingsbury is the moving sequel to Ever Now and continues the story of Lauren and Shane who have finally been reunited but are now threatening to tear apart because their beliefs on the war in Iraq conflict with each other. Emily Anderson is now entering college and meets the boy of her dreams. Two months later, he is back in Iraq fighting for his country and may never return again. I have to admit that I cried throughout the second half of the book, and would try not to read it in class, fearing that some of my classmates might notice that there were tears streaming down my face as I read. Karen Kingsbury brings the personalities of the characters to life by describing each individual personally, almost as if instead of Kingsbury writing the story, it was more like a diary from Lauren, Shane, and Emily. I also learned a great deal more about the war in Iraq. I had never known what the war in Iraq was all about. However, as I read more on the different views of the war from the characters, I got a better sense of what was going on in the war. I realize now why it is such an important issue. Kingsbury brings up religion a great deal in the book. All the characters search for God to help give them the answers and were all faithful. This a bit bothered me because other than their main problems, they seemed too perfect. They were all gorgeous and none of them made stupid mistakes. They were filled with good thoughts all the time and Justin, Emily's love, was like the Prince Charming in Cinderella. It was as if reality in some parts was missing. Not only that, some sections of the book was long and drawn out. Karen Kingsbury would continuously bring up the same topics over and over again and it seemed to take forever to get the conflict resolved. Ever After had really made me rethink about my thoughts on war and what it means to sacrifice for your country. (less)

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Mar 19, 2013 Jodi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Oh dear. If you are not ready for a good cry this book will provide one. I was up until 5 am finishing this book. I have huge bags under my eyes and my eyes are still puffy and sore. The main character Justin meets a girl named Emily. Emily has just found her parents and wants what any kid wants that they will get back together. She goes to work on a military base and meets Justin. From the first time they met she knows that he is someone special. They hang out the whole summer and then his orde...more

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Jan 10, 2011 Lynzey added it

In the story Ever After I found myself lost in a sad but heart gripping story about two young lovers. Emily's character is the one that I found the most interesting. Throughout the story we go through the roller choster ride of emotions that she goes through and we are able to connect to her. As I read the book parts were confusing seeing as I hadn't read the first book in the series, but I was quickly able to pick up on the sad story of a broken family. The most interesting part was how heartfe...more

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Oct 12, 2011 Cari rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-romance

It had a great ending. The storyline was good. But it irritated me so much because of how badly written it was. :/ I think Kingsbury could have improved it,like,for example, using a LOT less fragment sentences, which got on the nerves. She could have made it a more enjoyable book.
Justin was much too perfect, even after she adds in his arguments with his sister, and not spening enough time with Buster, as his faults. Are you kidding? Those aren't exactly major faults...
His death was so unexpecte...more

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Jan 22, 2009 Ajoque rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: collection-karen-kingsbury, 2009

I loved this book it opened my eyes to the war in Iraq in ways I never thought possible. I cannot even begin to explain it. It is filled with all sorts of information about the war, the soldiers, war casualties and insurgents. At times I felt a bit overwhelmed that almost the entire content of the book was encapsulated in the war but again, as with the first book, she writes it in such a way that you feel a part of it so it is hard to get bored. This story drew me in so deep I had a hard time se...more I loved this book it opened my eyes to the war in Iraq in ways I never thought possible. I cannot even begin to explain it. It is filled with all sorts of information about the war, the soldiers, war casualties and insurgents. At times I felt a bit overwhelmed that almost the entire content of the book was encapsulated in the war but again, as with the first book, she writes it in such a way that you feel a part of it so it is hard to get bored. This story drew me in so deep I had a hard time separating the fiction from the facts.

It made me face my views on the war, something I had only started to do after Bush's presidency was coming to an end, and I realize my thoughts remain the same. That I am neither 100% against nor 100% for the war. War is complicated but sometimes necessary, even if nobody wants it. I believe the war in Iraq was initiated for the right reasons, to maintain the freedom and protection of American citizens after the unfortunate events of September 11. However I also believe that the reasons for remaining their this long and risking our soldiers' lives was all for the wrong reasons. This, for a lot of people, is what taints the good these men and women sacrifice their lives for everyday. The one thing I am and will always be 100% sure of is that our troops need our support. These young/old men and women sacrifice and are risking their lives for us everyday so that we can continue to live in peace and to have and enjoy our freedom. They are and will always be in my prayers. I am thankful for their sacrifice and devotion to America everyday!

As with the first book, this story also broke my heart but in a completely different way. Yet while my heart was breaking it was also being filled with everything that is wholesome, pure and good about the world and the power and pleasure of God's love.

Kingsbury truly is an inspirational writer. This is only the second novel I've read but I've already gained so much insight about faith and trusting in God. The messages she sends through each book is clear and in this book it is that "love is not possible without sacrifice and sacrifice is not possible without love." She has the amazing ability to make the stories so real it's as if you were listening to a close friend confiding in you. I cannot wait to read more of her books.(less)

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Jul 24, 2011 Traci rated it 4 of 5 stars

**WARNING** This one is a tear-jerker! I have started reading KK's letter to her readers before I read the book, so I was tipped off that she cried a lot during the writing of this book. Okay, I thought, it will be sad, but I can handle it. But I also found myself pretty emotional about this one. Perhaps it is because my oldest son will soon leave home for an extended time, so separation and goodbyes are close. I appreciate the underlying message of love, sacrifice and peace. As with Even Now, I...more

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Mar 06, 2008 Niki Mascia rated it 5 of 5 stars

My new favority author! Very easy to read and kept my attention. Lots of scripture thrown into it and I just loved it! I recommend highly!

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Nov 07, 2007 Kristen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction

great book! i loved how the characters and story were woven together.. one of my favorites by karen kingsbury. definitely a tear-jerker!

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Feb 25, 2012 Saundra rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am a huge fan of Karen Kingsbury's writing and she often deals with the hard issues of life but this one was too hard for me. The end events in the story left me with a spiritual heaviness. I realize not all books must have a happy ending but I do expect Christian books to end on an uplifted note. She tried to accomplish this with the new blooming relationships at the end, but I still did not leave this story with a good feeling. As for the quality of the writing and the heart of the writer, I...more

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Jun 29, 2008 Kim rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Celeste

A look at the impact the war has on families combined with a heartfelt love story reminding one of their true love.

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Apr 08, 2012 Alexis rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Karen Kingsbury fans, Christian-Fiction Fans, Romance Fans

Recommended to Alexis by: Jessica Ripley (a girl I knew from 8th grade)

Shelves: christian-fiction, emotion-stirring, favorites, real-life-incidents, really-good-ending, religion, romance, patriotism

This is the second installment of the Lost Love Series. Yet again Karen Kingsbury has spun a beautiful tale of love, patriotism, and sacrifice. I have read this book once before about 3 years ago. I forgot how emotional this book makes you expecially if you fell in love with the characters and the story from the first book. Ever After follows more of Emily's story and her discovery of love. Ever After also follows Shane and Lauren in their journey to discover common ground so they can finally be...more

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Feb 15, 2010 Amber rated it 4 of 5 stars

Just finished this book tonight. Real tough read! I had to put it down several times because I found myself getting really emotional and having to take a step back. I mean I had to have some tissues next to me. Call me a crybaby whatever LOL. This is the continuation of Even Now. Tells the story of Laren and Shane's daughter Emily. She falls in love with a soldier who is stationed where she works. He gets deployed and a tragedy happens that pretty much shakes everybody up. Really good story! Gla...more

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Mar 28, 2013 Shweta Dhyani rated it 3 of 5 stars

The story of Lauren and Shane continues with both of them fighting their differences and trying hard to save their long lost love..

Emily continues to cherish the first love of her life Lt Justine Baker....

Love Blossoms and its beautiful...

the encounter in iraq shakes Lauren's Blind Believes while shaking Emily's life upside down...

the book holds many tear jerking moments where in i ve spent many nights crying my heart out...

but at times the book was quite brooding at points and slow ..

the Emily'...more

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Sep 01, 2011 Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: library-book

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 18, 2009 MMatchak rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

The story of Emily Anderson and her newly found parents continues. We now find Emily's family moving to the West Coast all to be closer to each other: Emily gets a soccer scholarship to a college in Washington; Shane and Lauren live at the base in Nevada; and her Grandmother moves to California to live near the Galanters, her old friends and Shane's parents. Of course, things cannot be "happily ever after". Lauren continues to question the war, which makes living and socializing on a military ba...more

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Jan 07, 2012 Julie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: would-recommend

This was a very tearful book. I loved it! I also loved the way that the author did not "take sides" about the war. I also love that she took my stand on it, that you can be on either side when it comes to supporting the war, you support the people fighting it. I loved the evolution of the characters and my heart broke in half for Emily. She's not even real, but at the same time, she is. Maybe not Emily Anderson, but there are people just like her every day. If you loved Even Now, you will more t...more

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Sep 06, 2008 Jaclynn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2008

This is the sequel to Even Now and it was even better! Now that Shane, Lauren and Emily have reunited there is nothing their families want more than to see them truly become a family , but it’s been 2 decades and a lifetime of personal views brings conflict. Especially with their current jobs and the war in Iraq. Will Lauren come to see the war through new eyes and realize how strong Shane’s love for her is–a love that is so strong it is willing to let her go putting her into the Lord’s hands as...more

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Jun 20, 2011 farfromperfection rated it 5 of 5 stars

Okay, to be honest, I didn't totally finish it. Only a few more pages, though. But I will start all over again pretty soon, so I think my review will be pretty accurate. :)

The sequel to Even Now, was also very well done. I don't have much to say; just that Emily found a guy, and he's a total sweetie. ;)

Though, Karen Kingsbury is a master at tragedy, and something big happens that got me depressed for a few days.

Well done. Recommended for everyone of you to read it.

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Mar 08, 2013 Tiffany rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

The first book in the series broke my heart, but this one broke me into tears. I cannot imagine the pain that Emily was going through. First, finding her parents, then trying her best to keep them together. Finding love with Justin, and then lose him. Justin Baker left a memory for everyone in the book, but I think that he also left a memory and reminder for readers. This was one of the most emotional books that I have ever read.

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Jun 22, 2009 Amber rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this sequal. While the 1st book was good I felt more connected to the characters in 'Ever After'. I cried for Emily, I cried for Justin's parents and sisters, for the Veterans, and especially for the teens (I taught troubled teens and know how close you can get to them). Karen Kingsbury has outdone herself on this one. Very few authors have the ability to shake your spirit to the core and make you feel deeply for their characters enough to care what will happen to them. A great read and...more

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Apr 07, 2009 Jennifer Fluegge is currently reading it

This has been on my To-Read Shelf for quite awhile, but just now getting to it. I read the first one, and loved it--like I have loved every other book I have read of Karen Kingsbury's. For some reason, it is taking me longer than it normally does for me to finish this book.. not sure if it's just me or the week I have been having or the book itself. Most likely it's just me, because I am enjoying the book...should finish it soon, though.

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About Karen Kingsbury

FROM AUTHOR'S WEBSITE:

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America’s #1 inspirational novelist. There are more than 15 million copies of her award-winning books in print, including several million copies sold in the past year. Karen has written more than 40 novels, ten of which have hit #1 on national lists.

Karen has a true love for her readers, and she has nearly 1...more FROM AUTHOR'S WEBSITE:

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America’s #1 inspirational novelist. There are more than 15 million copies of her award-winning books in print, including several million copies sold in the past year. Karen has written more than 40 novels, ten of which have hit #1 on national lists.

Karen has a true love for her readers, and she has nearly 100,000 friends on Facebook along with more than 7,500 followers on Twitter. The popular social networking sites have allowed Karen daily interaction with her reader friends.

Karen is best known for her Life-Changing Fiction (TM) and for creating unforgettable characters. When speaking before women's groups - some with more than 10,000 in attendance - Karen makes audiences laugh and cry with her compelling story-telling. She likes to tell attendees they have, "One chance to write the story of their lives," and her talk focuses on reminding women to live every day loving well, laughing often, and finding true life in Jesus Christ. Karen routinely speaks before more than 100,000 women each year.

Karen's latest novel, Above the Line, Take Three, released March 23rd, 2010. Take Three is the third in the Above the Line Series. Look for the final installment in this series, Above The Line, Take Four to hit stores June 22nd, 2010. Shades of Blue, Karen's latest stand alone title, hit stores in October, 2009. Karen's newest series, Above The Line Series began with Take One, which released in March, 2009. The second book in this series, Take Two released in June 2009.

Karen's recent title, This Side of Heaven landed in the #5 spot on the CBD Bestselling Fiction List. Also, Karen's novel, Sunset landed #2 on the New York Times Best Seller's List. Karen has also written many best selling series including The Redemption Series and the Firstborn Series. Her fiction has made her one of the country’s favorite storytellers. Several of Karen's novels are being considered for major motion picture movies. Her emotionally gripping titles include the 9-11 Series, Even Now, Ever After, and Between Sundays.

Karen is also a public speaker, reaching more than 100,000 women annually through various national events. Karen and her husband, Don, live in the Pacific Northwest with their six children, three of whom are adopted from Haiti.
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Ever After (Lost Love #2)

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