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Lost Love #1-2
Even Now / Ever After
Sometimes hope for the future is found in the ashes of yesterday. EVEN NOW A young woman seeking answers to her heart's deepest questions. A man and woman driven apart by lies and years of separation...who have never forgotten each other. With hallmark tenderness and power, Karen Kingsbury weaves a tapestry of lives, losses, love, and faith-and the miracle of resurrection. EVER AFTER 2007 Christian Book of the Year Two couples torn apart - one by war between countries, and one by a war within. In this moving sequel to Even Now, Emily Anderson, now twenty, 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 Emily's reunited birth parents. But Lauren and Shane still struggle to move past their opposing beliefs about war, politics, and faith. When tragedy strikes, can they set aside their opposing views so that love-God's love-might win, no matter how great the odds?
704 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
193 people are currently reading
1262 people want to read
About the author
Karen Kingsbury
212 books11.7k 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 80 reviews
September 7, 2013
Rating this double novel book was tricky because I'd give the first one four stars but the second three. Even Now was a good story of two young people in love who are kept apart for many years. As usual Karen Kingsbury raises real life and deep issues and issues and handles the Christian perspective sensitively but clearly; a great challenge re the power of prayer. The story has lots of twists and turns and creates great anticipation and involvement with the characters. I did find the time gap between the loss and reconciliation a little improbable, and very sad, so it's a hard won happy ending but satisfying. That's not a spoiler as these stories always have a happy ending, and happy endings aren't always just what a reader might expect. The second novel, Ever After, is the sequel, and I found it less engaging, and too predictable. This has a very strong bias about American involvement in war in the Middle East, one I thought was pushed too hard. The story became repetitive for me, even in the love relationships, I felt it went over and over the same ground too much. Nevertheless, Karen is a good writer and romance lovers will no doubt find both these stories satisfying.
July 1, 2023
Books rarely make my cry but this one did 🤍 rtc…
July 11, 2011
talk about two books that will make you cry over and over again. I actually had to put it down in order to get ahold of my emotions so i could finish it. They are two of the best books i have ever read. :)
January 1, 2020
Book 1 and 2 of Lost Love has been read. Book 1 had a detailed story of what began with Lauren and Shane and their love for each other. Both of their parents worried more about appearances than the love that these two very young people shared. Lauren and Shane made some mistakes along the way, but always loved each other deeply. The parents of Lauren and Shane separated them and years went by. Later on the parents realized they made terrible mistakes by keeping them apart.
Book 2 continued with the love that their daughter, Emily had for Justin. Oh, what a loving daughter was Emily! She was my very favorite character in this 2 book series. Her faith in God was so strong and she was very instrumental in sharing that faith and helping her parents. Her love for Justin was so wonderful, too. As a matter of fact, Emily and Justin touched so many lives throughout their youth.
When I was reading through I noticed much drama, strong family ties, love and romance involved and also a very deep love of our country. I admire military men and women so much because of their love and service for others. Their sacrifice reminds me of the great sacrifice that Jesus made so that we could be saved from our sins.
You will get very emotional reading these 2 books.
Book 2 continued with the love that their daughter, Emily had for Justin. Oh, what a loving daughter was Emily! She was my very favorite character in this 2 book series. Her faith in God was so strong and she was very instrumental in sharing that faith and helping her parents. Her love for Justin was so wonderful, too. As a matter of fact, Emily and Justin touched so many lives throughout their youth.
When I was reading through I noticed much drama, strong family ties, love and romance involved and also a very deep love of our country. I admire military men and women so much because of their love and service for others. Their sacrifice reminds me of the great sacrifice that Jesus made so that we could be saved from our sins.
You will get very emotional reading these 2 books.
November 8, 2024
This review is only for Book 2. I really loved this one. Emily seem to be the only bright apple among the original characters. My heart ached for her this whole book. As a veteran, I can relate to a lot of the things discussed in this book including the flightline ceremony. I can't promise you that I did not shed a few tears while reading. This is a fabulous read for me; thanks Karen Kingsbury.
July 24, 2011
A real tear-jerker!!!! LOL! I am glad that I manage to finish the second half of Even Now. A very good story. It made me think about a lot a things, especially about the wars. As an Army wife, Mrs. Kingsbury touch on all the emotions that I encounter constantly when I support my husband. The most important thing that I absolutley agree with is that no matter what the reasons are behind the wars, we all as Americans need to support the service members!!!!!!! They need all our love, prayers, and unconditional support!!!!!!!
January 12, 2011
I basically love anything written by Karen Kingsbury but this one tops my list. From the first pages of Even Now right to the last page of Ever After she had me hooked.
The characters draw you in immediately and it feels like you are a part of their lives. I've also never read anything with such a clear and different perspective on war.
I must admit though that I pretty much cried from beginning to end so if you don't want a tear-jerker, you probably don't want to read it.
The characters draw you in immediately and it feels like you are a part of their lives. I've also never read anything with such a clear and different perspective on war.
I must admit though that I pretty much cried from beginning to end so if you don't want a tear-jerker, you probably don't want to read it.
October 26, 2015
Both books were fantastic, but I have liked all of Kingsbury's books that I have read. By the time I finished the first book, I couldn't wait to read the second one. I must add that I cried through the last 1/3 of Ever After. lol
February 29, 2016
Keep tissues close!
What a heartwarming story of deep and true love among several characters. But I went through a pile of tissues along the way! It was sweet to read that the author also cried throughout the writing of these sweet books. Keep writing Karen!
What a heartwarming story of deep and true love among several characters. But I went through a pile of tissues along the way! It was sweet to read that the author also cried throughout the writing of these sweet books. Keep writing Karen!
May 17, 2017
I don't think I've ever cried so hard reading a book. It did have a happy ending, thank goodness, or else I'd still be traumatized. Anybody who likes Christian fiction, contemporary fiction, or just a good read, I highly recommend these books (two books in one!).
March 2, 2019
Bit predictable but a sweet story
July 25, 2021
One of the most moving books I've ever read
My husband is a disabled Vietnam vet, so Kingsbury's Lost Love Collection resonated with me because I too have struggled with the questions and emotions raised in these novels. Once again, Kingsbury has drawn me in to her stories with her characteristic skill. I cried along with the characters and relived scenes from my own life as I read. War is a terrible thing, but we must be strong against our enemies. I highly recommend this collection.
My husband is a disabled Vietnam vet, so Kingsbury's Lost Love Collection resonated with me because I too have struggled with the questions and emotions raised in these novels. Once again, Kingsbury has drawn me in to her stories with her characteristic skill. I cried along with the characters and relived scenes from my own life as I read. War is a terrible thing, but we must be strong against our enemies. I highly recommend this collection.
September 28, 2017
The Benefit and Pain of Parenting
Even Now: An extremely well written book about parenting, the consequences of selfish choices, true love, and the power of prayer. I really enjoyed reading this book - the best I've written by Kingsbury to date.
Even After: As well-written as the first book in this collection, this book has even more pathos. I wept much while reading it. The story helps the reader wrestle with the vagaries of war and patriotism. Enjoy.
Even Now: An extremely well written book about parenting, the consequences of selfish choices, true love, and the power of prayer. I really enjoyed reading this book - the best I've written by Kingsbury to date.
Even After: As well-written as the first book in this collection, this book has even more pathos. I wept much while reading it. The story helps the reader wrestle with the vagaries of war and patriotism. Enjoy.
August 14, 2018
An absolutely wonderful read, both books in one volume. A total of 680 pages that flew by!! All the characters were so real and lifelike that I felt totally drawn into the story from the beginning. Shane, Lauren, Emily, Justin, Joe, the teenagers, the parents-each person had a special place in my mind and heart. I highly recommend these novels.
September 15, 2020
Even Now and Ever After will forever be two of my all time favorite books. Both books are heartbreakingly beautiful. As an author myself, I aspire to write a book like this that will greatly impact readers someday. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to fans of contemporary and Christian romance.
May 12, 2023
I was pro-choice, but Even Now made me pro-abortion. Not because the protagonists are teenagers, but because they are too dumb to breed. As were their parents. If I read past the first few chapters, I fear I might even become pro-eugenics. So I'm gonna stop while I still have some faith in humanity.
February 9, 2018
I really liked the themes chosen for this book and the way Karen Kingsbury shares hope through her stories. The characters are very likeable and their decisions thought provoking. I look forward to reading the second one in the series.
May 25, 2022
This set of books are THE best books I've read in a long time! I was touched by the main characters view points and in the end how their views came together. This really brought home how stories are reported. Excellent stories!
November 12, 2017
One of the best books I've read in a long time. Wiped tears several times.....but put a new desire to make my life matter for the service of God.
August 30, 2018
The first book was a good story. It was OK
Didn't like the second book skipped a lot of pages. To much faith and god for me.
Didn't like the second book skipped a lot of pages. To much faith and god for me.
December 21, 2018
Amazing and heartfelt!
Wow is all I can say! This book spoke to me in so many ways. The love of an Amazing God and how He continues to grow us in life lessons.
Wow is all I can say! This book spoke to me in so many ways. The love of an Amazing God and how He continues to grow us in life lessons.
February 13, 2019
Wonderful read! A great Christian writer, would highly sugest to anyone.
June 6, 2019
Make sure you have plenty of tissues!! Love these books!
February 22, 2021
Loved these books. Ever After pulled a few tears. Very enjoyable, easy reads.
September 21, 2021
If I could give this 10 stars I would!
October 10, 2022
These books made me sob for an hour straight!!! It is a beautiful story
April 12, 2023
A tearjerker for sure! Such a sweet and heartbreaking love story!
September 19, 2023
this book is fabulous!! but warning… you will sob!! I was sobbing at school when I read this😭
April 30, 2024
Best books ever!!!
I absolutely loved these books! Love Karen Kingsbury, also! Can’t wait to read more if her books in the coming months.
I absolutely loved these books! Love Karen Kingsbury, also! Can’t wait to read more if her books in the coming months.
August 2, 2014
This is my review for Even Now;
I fell in love with this story. The characters were amazing. Lauren and Shane's love for each other was flawless, even as kids. They grew up without each other. And their child little Emily. Found them and tried to get them back together. I love it. Emily was adorable. Her character was awesome. Karen Kingsbury made a great contrast of characters.
Although it was in ways similar to one other book I read called The Chance. But I overly enjoyed both books.
This book was Heartbreaking, sad, heartwarming, happy, loveable. I laughed and cried. Just a complete mix of emotions.
I cant wait to read the sequel to this book.
This is my review for Ever After:
This book made me so emotional. I was literally a mess, all the way through it. I was happy one minute bawling the next.
Things didnt happen the way I thought they would. But I was ok with it. It was very beautifully written. Karen Kingsbury did a beautful job with this story.
Ive started where I am reading all of Karen Kingsbury's books. This is my 3rd book and so far they have all made me emotional. They have had awww moments and moments where I didnt like the book. But I kept reading. Because things happen for a reason. Especially through God. God wouldnt give you something you cant handle. But this has to be one of my favorites now.
Inspirational, Makes you see the war differently. Emotional for those of you who cry through books. This one will make you cry like a baby. I LOVED IT.
I fell in love with this story. The characters were amazing. Lauren and Shane's love for each other was flawless, even as kids. They grew up without each other. And their child little Emily. Found them and tried to get them back together. I love it. Emily was adorable. Her character was awesome. Karen Kingsbury made a great contrast of characters.
Although it was in ways similar to one other book I read called The Chance. But I overly enjoyed both books.
This book was Heartbreaking, sad, heartwarming, happy, loveable. I laughed and cried. Just a complete mix of emotions.
I cant wait to read the sequel to this book.
This is my review for Ever After:
This book made me so emotional. I was literally a mess, all the way through it. I was happy one minute bawling the next.
Things didnt happen the way I thought they would. But I was ok with it. It was very beautifully written. Karen Kingsbury did a beautful job with this story.
Ive started where I am reading all of Karen Kingsbury's books. This is my 3rd book and so far they have all made me emotional. They have had awww moments and moments where I didnt like the book. But I kept reading. Because things happen for a reason. Especially through God. God wouldnt give you something you cant handle. But this has to be one of my favorites now.
Inspirational, Makes you see the war differently. Emotional for those of you who cry through books. This one will make you cry like a baby. I LOVED IT.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews