Kingsbury's Latest Books

I've been on a bit of a reading frenzy this week and was able to complete two new books that I bumped to the top of my TBR pile! They were both fantastic (as I expected from my favorite adult author)!

The third book in her 9/11 series could be perhaps my favorite of them all. It may be because the main character is close to my own age or because the plot seemed more upbeat than in the first two... whichever the case, I loved it!

Alex Brady lost his father, a firefighter in the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks on the World Trade Center. You could say a part of him was lost forever and in essence there really was a hole in Alex Brady's heart that will never be filled. However, years after the death of his father, Brady finally finds peace after a near death experience of his own.

After losing his father Alex moved west to California, vowing to get the "bad guys" in whatever means necessary. In doing so, although he thought that this would make up for what the bad guys did for his father, he realizes that no matter how many "bad guys" he may catch, there will always be more and that in order to make peace with himself, he needs to allow himself to love and let love again. In the end, Alex does just that - reconnecting with the girlfriend he had expected to marry before losing his father all those years ago.

This Side of Heaven acts as a stand alone title from author Karen Kingsbury but the message it sends is no less than any message in any of her series - let the people in your life know how proud of them you are despite the disappointments they may provide you with at times throughout their lives, for you never know what tomorrow may bring.

To outsiders, Josh Warren seemed to be little more than failure to his parents Nate and Annie. They were disappointed that Josh never managed to finish college and get a degree. They were unsure of how to explain to family friends that Josh was content with the tow truck business he owned and operated. Josh is even disappointed in himself, feeling to be a failure to himself as he is unable to attain the finances necessary to meet the little girl who he is sure is his daughter.

However, as the story unfold alongside Nate and Annie, readers quickly realize that Josh couldn't be further from a disappointment, he just made the choice to keep his achievements to himself. While I felt tears brimming my eyes at the outcome of the story, I definitely held strong to the message that was passed along. This is a wonderful read for anyone looking for inspiration!