Dear Karen,
    I want to thank you for your books. The first book I read was Even Now. I had picked it up, and didn't read it. It sat here for a few months. Then I had a passing of a friend back in September. I had picked up the book, I believe a few months after his passing. I was at a total lost with Bobby being gone. He was very close friend of mine who I could turn to for anything and everything. I did email you after I read the book thanking you then. But I need to thank you again and even more.
    When God took Bobby home. I didn't know what to do. When I read Even Now, I let it all out when I cried. I had a very good cry then. I needed it. It felt like a weight was lifted off of me. I hadn't cried like that since I got the news of Bobby.
    I just finished reading Sunset today. I read from Redemption to Sunset. I just am very glad I didn't have to wait for the next book to come out. I couldn't put them down for anything.
    Reading your books, I have became closer to God. I had gone to church when I was little till I was in high school (30 yrs old now) so I haven't gone to church in a long time. I still haven't gone, but I am getting there. I have started reading the Bible. I started reading John. I was taught about God of course, and he has always been in my life. But I didn't know about having a relationship with Him. I learned that from you. I can now say I have a relationship with God, and it is getting stronger every day.
    I use to get panic attacks all the time. Bobby would talk me through them. He could make me laugh when I needed to. I didn't know what to do after he was taken home, when I would have one. I was lost then. Since I started reading your books, I have not had a panic attack, I feel a lot more at peace. I have been able to handle Bobby's death a lot better. I understand more. I love how you quote the Bible in your books.
    I am very thankful that God has given you the gift to write as you do. Your writing has changed my life. And for that I am very truly grateful to you and God.
    I wish I could show you how much you have changed me. I believe though with reading the Bible, and talking to God, which I had never talked to God before your books is my way of showing it. I am taking baby steps as I call with everything. I need to take a leap and just go to church, but right now I am not ready, but I believe one day very soon, I will take that step. And it will be one of the best steps in my life.
    I hope I haven't rambled to much here. I just really wanted to tell you thank you from the bottom of my heart for the change in my life. And it all started with reading your books. They have been the best books I could ever read, and will read.
Thank you again Karen, God Bless you and your family, Stefani

Dear Karen,
    My name is Breanne, I am 16 years old and just finished my sophomore year at high school. I started reading your books halfway through the school year and I became hooked. I have read the Baxter Family Drama series and I loved it. My favorite character was Bailey Flanigan. I just read the whole Sunrise series in two weeks on a family trip out west (lots of time in the car) and I loved it. I love Bailey because I can relate to her. She reminds me a lot of myself. I also love to act and sing. I have gone through a lot of the same things that Bailey has gone through, with her friends having sex, doing drugs, drinking alcohol. I've been through all of that and it's nice to have someone to relate to in your books. You have helped me so much by writing about the things Bailey goes through and because of the way she reacts to situations I have followed her lead. And it has helped me get through my sophomore year. Another thing I can relate to with Bailey is, of course, the boys. Sneaking out to see Bryan Smythe, I know what that's like. I haven't yet had my first kiss and I used to feel bad about that, but after reading about Bailey's first kiss with Bryan I'm very glad that I have waited and am still waiting for the right guy.
    The biggest thing about your books that has touched me is the faith that the Baxter's have. That is why the subject of this letter is "Revived Faith" because your books have truly helped me revive my faith in God. I have been a christian for as long as I can remember. But my faith has not been very strong. I haven't trusted God to help me with my problems. Or when I pray for His help I don't truly believe that it will happen. Ashley's and Landon's struggle with their sick unborn baby touched my heart in a way words cannot describe. That Ashley would have the faith that God would heal her baby girl even though everything said that it was impossible was just amazing. And even though in the end God didn't save little Sarah, he still brought miracles through her short life, in the gentle whisper. That made me cry and rejoice in the Lord. At school this past year I studied apologetics (I go to a christian school) and we had to write an extremely difficult paper on why God lets bad things happen. I wish I would have read about the miracle of little Sarah while writing that paper because I would have used that Bible story of the gentle whisper. I now know that it's not just enough to believe in God. I have to truly believe that he can answer my prayers and have faith that he will. My faith is ten times stronger after reading these books. Thank you so very much. Because of your books my life is changed, and I know that they have changed many others and that you will change lives for years to come. You truly have a God given gift. Thank you so much for sharing it with us all.                        
Your sister in Christ, Breanne
P.S. I love the Above The Line Series! Amazing! Bailey and Cody's relationship has me at the edge of my seat! And Andi's struggle with college is a great message to young students everywhere!

    My name is Jennifer, and I just finished reading your book, Even Now. I have never written to an author, but I am feeling very led to share with you what your story has meant to me today.
    I have been a believer all my life, but spent many years away from God. About 9 years ago, I came back to Him and have been steadily maturing my faith in Him since. My story is very long and goes back many years, so I will spare you all the details, but over the past 10 months, my life has been turned upside down. God has been revealing some very difficult things to me, and while I thought that I was getting healing from all of it, I have realized over the past few weeks, that I have just been getting angrier and angrier with God at the way things have been turning out.
    I was so mad at Him just last night, that I screamed at Him that I hate Him. I know that breaks His heart, because it surely broke mine. I have felt that I have been calling out to Him in desperation of the past few months and that He is not listening. I haven't felt so distant from Him, as I do now, in the past 9 years.
    This past week I have had very conflicted emotions about my faith. I have never felt so isolated from the world and from God. I started reading Even Now last Thursday and was through chapter 13, when I picked it up this afternoon. I finished it this afternoon and then read your letter at the end. Your book and your letter has completely changed my thoughts. I realize that I have been so angry with God, that I would not allow Him to fill me with His peace, even though that is what I want from Him more than anything. I want to know that no matter how hard life gets on the outside that I still have His peace on the inside.
    I would like to thank you for writing this book, but I know that it is God that I need to be thanking for your writing it and for Him placing the book in my hands exactly when I needed it.
    My mother bought me the book Ever After two Christmases ago, not realizing it was the second in the the series. I wanted to read Even Now first, and ran across it in a Half Price Books a few months ago. It has been on my shelf ever since. Isn't God's timing so perfect. If I would have read the book 2 years ago, or even 2 month ago, it would not have meant to me what it meant to me today. It is exactly what I needed to get my walk back on track. It is exactly what I needed to show me that God is there if I would kindly step out of His way and accept His plan in His timing.
You have blessed my life.
Thank you, Jennifer D. Plano, TX

Dear Karen,
    I just want to thank you for the way you are allowing God to use you to touch our sometimes hardened hearts.
    I have been like a milder case of Jordan in your book, On Every Side, things have not been going so well for me and though I have been coming to church and praying at church, I had put God in the back seat of my life because I felt like it was better for me to get no results and know that I haven't asked Him than to ask and be disappointed.
    As I read your book, I began to envy the relationship Faith had with God, she speaks to Him all the time and He speaks back, she obviously must have spent a lot of time in God's Word for that kind of relationship, and that's what I've been reluctant to do.
    I have made a decision now to know God's Word so that I may hear when He speaks to me and I will make Him a part of every little decision I make, because He loves me and cares about everything that matters to me.
    Thanks again for your work, I plan to write my first book by December 20 this year, its called Redeemed Continent and is part African Literature and Christian Literature. Because of the walls I had put around my heart, it had been difficult for me to get a clearer picture of my story, though I know God wants me to write this book, I refused to spent time with Him and cooperate but I am truly inspired now and ready to draw near to Him.
    I will be praying for your family and I'd like you to know that I love you very much, though I have never met you, it is evident that you have a big heart and love Jesus with all you have.
God bless you and your family. A reader in South Africa

       I have seen my wife read your books off and on and was wondering what she was reading and often see tears in her eyes. We went to a marriage conference over the valentines weekend and it was great and I learned a lot.
       I told my wife I wanted to read some of your books and she said I needed to read the 9-11 series first. I have never really enjoyed reading I guess I never found the right topic or the right author but God seemed to be pushing me to read your books.
       After "One Tuesday Morning" all I could say was WOW!! Only 20 days after Valentines I had read the 9-11 series and the first two in the Redemption series. My Mother in law has almost all your books but she didn't have Return so I am waiting for the library to hold it for me.
         The emotion that you bring to life in the stories you write are almost unbearable. My wife has a habit of reading the last two chapters before she starts and I have to admit about half way through the first I did the same. But then I made a bet with her that I wouldn't on the next one and I made it. However not without consequence I was about halfway through the second book in the 9-11 series, Beyond Tuesday Morning, and one night I was reading and told her when she went to bed that I was reading a couple more chapters then I would be there. Well hours later lets say 4 am I finished. I just couldn't put it down. I was worthless the next day. Anyway you have brought emotions to my heart I haven't felt in a while and holding back tears has been a common place.
       After all that introduction I wanted to say thanks.....thanks for your ministry! I was gradually moving further away from what I was supposed to be as a Husband, a Father, a Leader, and most importantly God's plan for me and my family. We have always prayed as a family before bedtime but my wife and I had stopped praying when we went to bed several years ago (which was my fault). Well I am happy to say that has been renewed and with more passion and determination than before.   
       I can't wait until I finish all your books and with the current trend I should easily make it before the end of the year. Thank You again and God Bless. - Steve H., Raleigh, NC

Miss Karen,
    my name is Abby, I am 12 years old, and I live in San Angelo, TX. Normally I would only write a letter to an author for a school project, but this is of my own free will. I have heard my big sister talk about all of your books for years, and the other day i picked up the first book of yours that I've ever read, A Moment of Weakness. As soon as I realized that it was a series, I read all of your "Forever Faithful" books. Those are some of the best books I've ever read. At this point I've only read three books by you, and I'm sure the best are yet to come.
    Like any kid my age, I know who God is, I know that He is my reason for being and that I owe my life to Him. In the past few days, I have found myself praying about everything and taking Christianity more seriously. In my Methodist church, the spring of your seventh grade year is when you go through confirmation. Not long ago, I had my doubts about the process. I figured it was a bunch of boring stuff that people made up, and I usually rolled my eyes at the thought of getting involved in church. The only Christian things I did outside of church were church camp, mealtime prayers, and FCA.
    I never really relied solely on God's support for anything. And then, in the middle of November, my world was crushed. My best friend had been in a terrible crash. Her Grandmother was killed, her Grandpa, brother, and cousin will be scarred for life, and Megan will never be the same. All I could think to do was pray. She had just made the A basketball team. She'd just finished her first year as star of the cross-country team. She couldn't wait for spring so that she could run on the track team. But she can't. Megan's right arm was crushed, her spine was broken, and she had some of her intestines removed. My best friend was not able to take part in the full season of her favorite sport. She can't even sit in a regular chair because of her new back brace. Megan has lost so much in so few months. But the only thing in her world that didn't fall apart was her faith. I dream of having so strong of faith that so much can't do a thing to my beliefs.
    One week after Megan's car crash, I got thrown into church. I had more purpose to be happy, because my Sunday School teacher had come up with a plan to give to God what He's given us. We began the "Mac and Cheese 100", and reached our goal two weeks into our allotted time. I took this miracle as a way of God showing me that He is there for me.
    I taught myself to pray, just by reading your books. I pray as often as I think of it, and I have stopped saying Amen after each prayer request or praising thought. I believe that I should live my life as a prayer, and show God everything, and ending a prayer is like saying, "Don't listen right here, Lord, You might not like it."
    I have faced things in my life, but they are nothing compared to the struggles of others. Megan got to come back to school on January 8th. The Sierra Vista UMC junior high Sunday school class raised around 365 boxes of Macaroni and Cheese. And I gained a knowledge of God. I am starting to see things the way God wants me to see them now. I am earnestly trying to stop sinning. I look forward to any quiet time that I have, so that I can tell God a little about my day. Thank you so much, Mrs. Kingsbury, for inspiring me to come closer to God. You are a blessing, because without you I wouldn't have started loving God like I do. Please share this prayer with me, and pray it often.

Dear Lord, thank you so much for being there every moment of every day. Thank You for being in the lives of so many people, the ones that speak Your words and the ones that listen. Please give those that the world considers powerful the only power that can save them. Lord, I ask you to bless the lives of those who don't know You with friends that do, and friends that are willing to bear Your witness. May You help your children with every problem they encounter, and teach them the true meaning of love. Please give the people of the world the love that they don't deserve.

Thank you, Miss Karen, for listening to me. Please keep writing and praying for the world, for they need someone to listen to, and someone to listen.

With the love of God in my heart, Abby M

I have never written to an author before but felt compelled to write to you now. I have just finished reading Every Now and Then, and I must tell you what it has meant to me.

I first became enthralled with Christian fiction when I was 21 years old. I had rheumatic fever very badly and had to spend a year in bed. I was not even allowed to hold a book to read. A friend of our family gave us a large box of Christian fiction books and my mother would sit by my bed for hours, reading them to me. It became a time when we could share the stories and talk about them. Those were precious moments.

Now many years later, the past few years, my mother has been losing her eyesight due to macular degeneration. We were often reading the same books and discussing them. We had just started reading the Left Behind series when she could no longer read. I thought of the many hours she spent reading to me, so I got a tape recorder and I read to her. She loved listening to the tapes. When we finished that series I found other books to read to her. When your 9/11 series started, I first discovered your books. I had read the first two in the series to her and we both enjoyed them so much. We realized how living in California we did not really realize how 9/11 affected the families there. It opened our eyes and caused us to pray for the many families.

Last November, my father became very ill and was placed on hospice. I cared for him around the clock. On Thanksgiving morning, he went home to be with the Lord he had loved and served for so many years. He was a minister all of his adult life. He and my mother, who is now 99 years old, were married for 72 1/2 years. Since his homegoing, it has been hard to interest her in anything. She would just sit and stare into space. I was desperate to think of some way to interest her in something, especially since there is so little she can do with being nearly blind. Then I remembered that we had not read a book for awhile. I found your book of Every Now and Then and immediately ordered it. I knew how much she had liked the other books in the 9/11 series. Her memory is very bad now and she wasn't sure she remembered them and wasn't sure she wanted to hear a book. But I had to try. So I started recording. My daughter-in-law cares for her in the evenings, and after supper she would talk her into listening to a tape. For the first time since we lost my dad, she is completely caught up in the story and asking to hear the tapes. This is the first thing she has shown any interest in. I thank God for your books and how they are bringing her back to us.

I had a hard time recording a lot of it as the story of Bo hit home and was very emotional for me for two reasons. I had a German Shepherd that I loved dearly for the 12 1/2 years we had her until her death. I miss her so much and Bo made me think of her. Also, my husband and I are volunteers for our local police department and when we first started with the department, they had a K9 named Max. Bo reminded me so much of him. He was a fantastic dog. And I remembered when he took a bullet for his partner. Fortunately, he pulled through but it brought many tears as I read about Bo. I kept having to turn the recorder off for a good cry "every now and then."

Thank you from myself and from my mother for your wonderful books. I am definitely going to get more to share with her. My daughter-in-law said that last night, when she turned the tape off to get her to bed, mother said "Do we have to turn it off now?" Your books are bringing her back to life after losing my dad, the love of her life for so many years. Their love is one that would make a story by itself.

Thanks so much for your books. Love in Christ, Betty L.

Dear Karen,
I just finished reading 'Sunset' the other night (with the most tears ever!) and after going through the journey of reading all your books to date, I have had so much to reflect upon, and I cannot be more thankful or verbalize how deeply your books have touched my heart and transformed my life. I know you have heard this many times, but I feel that you are 100% anointed by the Lord to write in such a way that drastically changes lives and uniquely glorifies Him - it truly is your gift from God.

I would like to share my testimony with you and how your books directly relate to the past 4 years of my life ( I am now 36). I discovered you as an author almost 4 years ago while visiting a friend on a much-needed vacation right after my then-husband first left me and our 2 children. I can't even begin to describe the pain, torment, anger and depression that was forming (or describe how I KNOW it was purely a spiritual battle), but as I was ready to leave for the airport to come back home, my friend offhandedly (almost accidentally) tossed one of your books to me so that I could read on the plane- that book was Redemption. I almost completed the book on that 2 1/2 hour flight! I was in such shock at how so much of it directly related to me and my situation just then- my husband had left and was having an affair. Even more, I could literally feel the Lord reaching out through the story to touch me and speak to my heart- even the verses that kept surfacing in the story- "Be still..."- they were verses that were very repetitive in my own life and I knew He was trying to get this across to me. At the time, I knew it wasn't possible for me to handle the situation as Kari did, although I knew it was Biblical- I was just too far gone at that point and kept believing that someday I would reach that point (if I weren't saved, I would've probably killed both of them!).

Well, I believe that day has finally come and I can't stop thanking Him for the healing and peace He's provided- much of it through the Baxters and Cody and everyone else! It hasn't been easy and I wouldn't wish what I've experienced on my worst enemy, but now looking back, I see what He's been doing with me and how far I've actually come in my walk with Him through the most painful, loneliest time of my life. Your books- every single one of them- have given me pieces to use in my transformation and in turn to relay to others. I just don't have the right words to describe how each story was in perfect timing when I read them, or the exact way God used what I was reading to grow, forgive, heal, understand and strengthen- between you and Joyce (Meyer), I feel like a new woman with hope and faith that is just known within the heart...at different points of reading your stories, the main issues would jump out and give me understanding on how to handle the situation at hand- and it was so ironic because sometimes I would take a break from reading or have a few to choose from when starting a new one- and I wouldn't usually read the summary- but it was ALWAYS exactly what I needed at that exact time! I have never read a fictional story where the characters feel so real- I know you've been told this a million times, but I believe your key to doing this is your gift mixed with also being realistic- its not always 'happily ever after, but with God, nothing is impossible- faith surpasses all understanding and logic'...this is where I needed the encouragement but it is now so embedded in my spirit that it's a part of me- I don't doubt for a second and I thank Him every other second!

When I finished Sunset, I knew deep in my heart that the Lord will one day provide me with another chance at marriage and that it WILL be like John and Elaine- it will be a direct plan from Him, and I cried such tears of joy, but some sad tears because I can't imagine life without the Baxters!! :) I truly hope they will somehow continue, and I would love for you to pray about writing a story like one of your stand-alone books about divorce/affairs and healing from a Christian perspective (but in an extreme, realistic sense), because we as Christians are not exempt from divorce, and I think it has to be one of the very worst things for any family to experience- it is more rampant than ever, it is sheer destruction and a wound/pain that can only be healed by Jesus Christ- I simply would NOT have made it without Him. I am hoping to eventually form a women's Bible study group that uses your stories to discuss key life issues. I am also now working on my master's in special education and even that aspect of my life has been touched by your stories- they have provided me with more sensitive insight and understanding for others. I've also been able to apply so many principles I read about in working with my own children and have developed a more sensitive heart for parenting and unconditional love and guidance. My son now prays for his father every night and we are in agreement that God WILL intervene in his heart at the right time- we are thanking Him in advance for his salvation! Best of all, I truly feel like I am able to forgive now purely by the grace of God, but in all reality, it has been the most difficult thing I've ever had to do- its not simple, quick, painless, or even something I always want (in the flesh I want to see them both suffer and feel pain like I did) -but your writing was like a silent counselor through it all, and so many times, resounded in my mind, spirit and heart.

Just know that for the past 4 years, you have been one of my biggest supporters without even realizing it- you have helped me through this journey, you have cheered me on, you have inspired me and lifted me when I couldn't bear another second of the pain and heartbreak...you cried with me and got angry with me when I needed to, and you helped me cry out to the Lord when no one else was there...you have been a true blessing, and an angel sent by the Lord to minister to my spirit and I am forever thankful to you, Karen. Thank you from the very depths of my heart. May God continue to bless you and your family abundantly. You have a forever fan in me :) I love you!!!
With much love and thankfulness, Jennifer S.

Dear Karen,
I want to thank you for writing Sunset. I had a powerful “awakening and Aha moment” when I read Chapter 22 with Luke sharing his deep regret and taking personal responsibility for hurting Reagan by having sex with her, getting her pregnant and having her miss the opportunity to talk to her Dad on the day before 9/11/01.

A little background is necessary before I share my awakening. I had gone to college in the 1960s when free sex, free love were the mantras and my personal experiences. I thought that when I married that I would lose those ideas and yet I sadly became unfaithful to my wife several times while attending professional meetings. As a Roman Catholic, I had been able to stop these behaviors about 20 years ago after going to confession and was “forgiven” in the eyes of the church. I thought that I could move on and yet I had always felt bad that I hadn’t told my wife. We later started marital therapy and I decided it was time to tell my wonderful wife about my unfaithfulness, which devastated her in a way that I had never imagined. Our excellent marriage counselor was able to help us understand the causative problems especially my addictive behaviors and self-esteem with roots to my alcoholic family of origin. We both learned a great deal and were able to “forgive each other.” And yet, I still felt deeper moral questions not understanding how I could be unfaithful to my marriage covenant given my deep faith and trust in Jesus.

It was not until I read Sunset that I got the deeper meaning of the "moral hurt" and self-esteem losses that I caused for my wife, similar to Reagan. When I read John’s words of advice to his son Luke, I got the deeper cause of their and my marriage relationship. So 24 years after the infidelity and 4 years after completing counseling, I called my wife into our bedroom and asked if I could read Luke's apology in Chapter 22 to her. I tearfully read it to her. She was a little shocked to say the least feeling because my asking her to talk that afternoon came out of the blue and she had already forgiven me. Upon completing my reading of the chapter, I then put into my own words how sad that I was that my moral failure damaged our trust. I again apologized that I had hurt her at the deepest level and could never take these wounds back. Taking full “moral responsibility” for my actions was a powerful and healing moment for me. God truly freed me of my burden and I was able to regain my moral compass lost in the 1960s. Everything made sense for me! Although my wife had already forgiven me, she helped me in this profound moment of my healing. I feel spiritually changed after reading Sunset.   So I want to thank you for myself and for the many others who are touched by your novels but don't write to you.

With gratitude,
60+ year old male

Dear Karen,

   I have been reading Christian fiction since my grandmother gave me a Janet Oake series when I was in high school twenty years ago. In that time, I have read many of your books. I have laughed and cried and done much soul searching and character building along the way, but none have touched me as deeply as Between Sundays. I have never posted on a website or written to an author, but felt compelled to do so now.
   I am the mother of two beautiful boys who were both high risk pregnancies and a true gift from God, the wife of a very loving man, and the sister of a drug addict. Three years ago, my sister’s children were finally taken into State’s custody. Being the only other sibling, my husband and I made the decision to take all three children into our home and raise them as our own.   
   I had no idea how physically, emotionally, and financially demanding answering that call would be. I have asked God “Why Me?.....Why have you called me to do this, it is just too much.” And I have pleaded with God to show me another way. I felt there was no way I could shoulder this responsibility any more; the cost was just too great.
   When I checked out Between Sundays from our local library, I had no idea what it was about, it was just another Karen Kingsbury book that I hadn’t read and a great find since I can no longer afford the luxury of spending money on books. Well, God sure had a surprise for me! After reading this book, I will be forever grateful to Him and the God given gift of Karen Kingsbury for showing me just how blessed and wealthy I truly am. I know I have forever moved to a place in my heart where these children are truly mine and I will no longer question the burdens, but instead be forever grateful for the gifts. Thank you so much.
In Christ’s Love, Holly M.

Dear Karen,
    I am writing to extend my heartfelt thanks for the beautiful book you donated to The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke in August 2007.
    You sent this book at the request of Fran Hanley whose son Brian was a patient here. Brian died at the age of 21 years from a brain tumor. Fran, her husband Jim, and son Tim have donated books to Duke Children's Health Center in memory of Brian many times over the past several years.
    I have worked as a child life specialist at Duke for over 20 years. For the first 11 years I worked with pediatric patients of all ages who were living with a wide range of illnesses or injuries. Since 1996 I have worked with The Brain Tumor Center. Since 2003 I have worked exclusively with adults diagnosed with a brain tumor.
    I provide information and support regarding the children and teenagers in their lives who are impacted by this difficult disease. I work with many parents who struggle with the likelihood that they will not live to see their children grow up. I am also the mother of an 8-year-old boy and 6-year-old girl.
    Let Me Hold You Longer is one of the most moving and thought provoking books I have read since having my children.
    How true it is that we celebrate so many "firsts" and let the "lasts" slip through our fingers with barely a thought. So many of our patients and family members are acutely aware of the ever present question, "Will this be our last Christmas, trip to the beach, hug?"
    The presence of illness moves them to pay attention to and appreciate each moment with their loved one. With loving sensitivity you bring to the consciousness of EVERY parent the importance of paying attention to and cherishing the precious moments we have with our children - the first tooth, the hugs, the messy rooms (Oh yes!), and the "I love you's".
    You take the reader to a place of joy and appreciation without the heart wrenching presence of illness or injury. Thank you so much for sharing this book with our patients and families. It is a treasure.
    And because of your generosity I also benefited personally by becoming aware of this wonderful book. I appreciate the gift you have shared with our families. Sincerely, Jean Hartford-Todd

Karen,
    I have to let you know how much your books have meant to me, but one, in particular, has changed my life. I give glory to my Father for showing it to me in my local library.
    The book is Where Yesterday Lives. I found this book to be so insightful regarding sibling rivalry and relationships. Many times throughout my reading it, I was brought to tears because God was working a miracle in my life.
    I am the middle daughter of three. My older sister is not a born again Christian; my younger sister is. Not to bore you with the details, but I have been estranged from my older sister for five years.
    I was hurt by her actions and could not forgive her. While reading your book, I realized that my sister and I were much like the Barretts... headstrong, opinionated, and unforgiving.
    I used the fact that my older sister is not a born again Christian to keep my distance from her and her family. On Friday night, while nearing the end of the book, I told my husband that this book spoke to me in so many ways and reminded me of my family.
    I finished the book on Saturday morning (in tears, of course) and an hour later my younger sister called me to tell me that our mother passed away in her sleep that morning. My mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and although she was a pure delight to be with, she did not know anyone anymore.
    I can't tell you how many times I thought about having to deal with my sister when it was time for my mom's funeral. I know now that God was preparing my heart for this moment.
    I told my younger sister about how the book and God changed my heart, and she broke down in tears of joy. I haven't spoken to my older sister yet, but I will embrace her and tell her how sorry I am for all the years apart.
    Such a weight has been lifted from me and I am free! Thank you and Christ's blessing on you and your family. Sincerely, Karen W.

If being a Christian means I am nuts, well at least I am screwed to the right bolt!!!!
Dear Karen,
    I have been a fan of yours for some time now. I have probably read just about everything you have ever written.
    The book of yours that changed my life was Like Dandelion Dust.
    You see I was trying to get my children back after placing them up for adoption more than just a few years ago. I knew it wasn't right and I still pursued it. When I read your book, I sat down and cried and cried and cried, even worse than when I placed my beautiful babies so long ago.
      I realized that there was no way I could take them out of a loving home and put them with me. There was just no way. Thank you for writing Like Dandelion Dust. It not only brought me to the Lord, but it made me see that I was still worth something even when I failed at being a mother.
God Bless you Karen
Sincerely, Tina L.

    Hi, my name is Chris and I am a 16 year old boy with a second chance. For years now I've been struggling with pornography addiction. Looking for the answers, but only getting frustrated. Then I read Ocean's Apart and the part where Connor realizes what the preacher said about "it will start with you" and how he was to blame.
    For years I blamed God for allowing it to cross my path, then I blamed the devil, then I blamed my brother (it started on his computer), then the world. But Connor (the character in your book) helped me to realize that it was all my fault.
      My fault that I alone chose to look at them. Now seeing what can happen when one realizes it was their fault, it brought me to my knees and I asked God to forgive me and for a second chance, and guess what HE DID! Now I'm no longer addicted to that awful sin. Thank you so much for writing this book, I feel it was written to me from God. It helped me in more ways than just this. If you don't mind I would like to use the butterfly story as a tool for witnessing.
      Keep allowing God to use you and you will never falter, I'm praying for you and your family, thank you Karen. -Chris R.

    I just wanted to tell you about my wife. Brenda works for Boys and Girls Town here in Omaha, Nebraska as a Behavior Technician/ Teachers Aide.
       She has been working in the lock down facility there for over two years now helping the troubled children that cannot be sent to the foster system or the Boystown family campus. I have seen her transform lives because of your books.
       I am forever amazed at the lives that she has changed because of your books. Brenda works with the young teenage girls, many of whom are drug users, sexually active with multiple partners for years, and violently temperamental.
       She, through the use of your books, has been able to show many of these girls a better path. After their treatment is complete, they must say goodbye to Brenda and move out the Boystown campus.
       I have read the letters that these girls write to Brenda. They are the most heart wrenching, soul gripping letters I have ever read. Many claim that Brenda is the first person who ever cared enough or trusted them enough to loan them anything as valuable as a book.
       Many of these girls, through Brenda and your books, vow to become better Christians, knowing that hope is not lost. In fact many of these girls have told Brenda that they are requesting that your books be put into the library.
       However Brenda says that probably will not happen as many of these children will just damage any new books that the library purchases.
I just wanted to thank you and let you know that my wife is able to transform lives because of the work that you do.
       She is a wonderful woman who honestly believes that through your books, Christ is giving her the chance to prove to these girls that they are not lost souls without a home.
       It is because of her work at Boystown treatment facility that Brenda has become my hero, she has touched so many lives on a daily basis. It is possible because of the lessons that you teach in your books.
         God Bless you and the work you are doing. -Jason I.

    After reading A Time To Dance, I spontaneously flew to Japan, surprising my husband during his business trip, to tell him that I chose us and committed myself to saving our marriage. I suggested that he MUST read your book; you wrote it specifically for us.
    We did not fly home together, however, he took the book and said he'd read it. I just got off the phone with my husband who elatedly called from the Detroit, MI Airport, choked up and near tears because he finished your entire book without stopping the whole flight, except for bathroom breaks, and realized the blessed relationship that we nearly lost.
    Thanking you doesn't convey my heart's gratitude. However, I want to commend you for your obedience to the Lord for clarifying to readers that God doesn't let go even when we do.
As John and Abby nearly threw in the matrimony towel, so did my husband and I. Your characters marriage paralleled mine to a tee, except my husband is a pilot and not a football coach.
    Otherwise, the coincidences of my life as a writer, having two sons and one daughter, experiencing the loss of a child, possessing a seemingly perfect marriage externally, one spouse faced with the possibility of choosing an affair, and the wounds that are inflicted through relationship neglect, stemming from the busyness of raising children and providing for a family, were utterly uncanny.
    You did write this about us! Your God given gift to write impacts lives.
    It saved mine.

    My sister-in-law gave me One Tuesday Morning and it changed my life. I had turned my back on God for many years due to beliefs I had from a former religion. I believed that if I were not part of their religion I would not ever have Gods favor again.
    After reading One Tuesday Morning I started questioning what I believed in my heart all those years. By the time I was done with the book I sat down and prayed to God for the first time, honestly knowing he was really with me.
    She knew what your books would do for me. You have given me my faith and my love of God back and I can not thank you and my sister-in-law enough no matter how long I live. -Cheryl H.

    Dear Karen, I am writing to thank you for sharing your wonderful God given gift with the world. I have thanked God for sending your inspiring books to my life. I've always felt I was a Christian, but your books and the friendship of a strong Christian mom in our neighborhood have brought me so much deeper in faith.
    Now that I am so much closer to God, I have never felt such peace in my life even though we are going through the turbulence of a move for my husband's career out of state. The five of us have been living in a two bedroom apartment for a couple months now as we wait for our home to sell.
    My husband moved a couple months before us, and we've been met with many challenges lately, but I started reading your books about 1 1/2 years ago, and I have never been so inspired and motivated to be a better Christian, parent, wife, and friend.
    Your books bring out the best in me, and I have built quite a library of them so that I can pass them on to my family and friends and pray that they bring them closer to the Lord as they have me. I don't know what else I can say, to explain my gratitude.
    I have become particularly attached to the Baxters and am anxiously awaiting your next books in the Sunrise Series. I feel like these books are not just fiction, but manuals for overcoming obstacles in faith. The Baxters have become role models for me.
    Thank you, thank you, thank you!
    I have loved every book of yours I have ever read and will continue to share your titles with my friends and family. I actually have to go buy new books of A Time to Dance and a Time to Embrace, because mine got lent so far out, it appears I may never find them again. I don't mind though, because I feel that everyone that reads them is bound to pick up more of your books, and learn more about the power of prayer and the love of God. -Trista, An Adoring Fan