We met John and Abby Reynolds in A Time to Dance, when they struggled to come together after 21 years of marriage. Kingsbury brings them to us again in A Time to Embrace, a novel of pain and faith.

Everything seems to be back on track for the couple after their near-divorce scare. But one fateful night, a night when a few seconds make a lifetime of difference, changes everything. Abby and John must struggle to come together, and to come to the Lord.

As John struggles with a newly imperfect body, he also struggles with his faith. Like any human, he cant help but ask, Why me? Why this? Why now? He wrestles with his pride and his anger. And yet, out of the ashes of his life comes forgiveness that witnesses strongly for his town.

At the same time, Abby fights her own battles. With Johns life changed, she strives to appear strong, to give him somewhere to lean on. She fights to support him and love him, even as he pulls away and becomes distant. And she tries to be her own source of strength, before she learns again to rely on her Heavenly Father.

Mixed into the couples struggle is the fight of those who love them. Their daughter, whose prayers helped save their marriage, now turns away from God. Their youngest son watches his dreams disappear. Their oldest son fights his own spiritual battles. And the boys who bear the blame and their parents, who carry their share must fight their own battles. Slowly but surely, each comes to see the hand of God amid the tragedy.

Once again, Kingsbury has brought us a heart-touching tale that begs the question, why do bad things happen to good people? Her three-dimensional characters stand up to the challenges given, reacting realistically and drawing the reader further into the story. I did raise my eyebrows at the miraculous conclusion, which I didnt feel was altogether necessary, or even helpful. I loved watching John, his family, and his community come together, and felt that the ending read more as a feel good ending than a realistic one. After all of that struggle, I dont think the surgery made for a happy ending instead, the happiness came from the peace everyone found. A more realistic ending would also have helped provide hope for those who struggle with permanent injuries.

Overall, the novel is an emotionally compelling read. The spiritual journey of each character, major and minor, kept the reader intrigued. Kingsbury has again managed to share a joyful story of a Christian family returning to God despite or perhaps because of their tragedy.