Longing (30 page)

N
O BOOK COMES TOGETHER WITHOUT A GREAT AND TALENTED
team of people making it happen. For that reason, a special thanks to my friends at Zondervan who combined efforts with a number of people who were passionate about Life-Changing Fiction™ to make
Longing
all it could be. A special thanks to my dedicated editor, Sue Brower, and to Don Gates and Alicia Mey, my marketing team. Thanks also to the creative staff and the sales force at Zondervan who work tirelessly to put this book in your hands.

A special thanks to my amazing agent, Rick Christian, president of Alive Communications. Rick, you’ve always believed only the best for me. When we talk about the highest possible goals, you see them as doable, reachable. You are a brilliant manager of my career, an incredible agent, and I thank God for you. But even with all you do for my ministry of writing, I am doubly grateful for your encouragement and prayers. Every time I finish a book, you send me a letter worth framing, and when something big happens, yours is the first call I receive. Thank you for that. But even more, the fact that you and Debbie are praying for me and my family keeps me confident every morning that God will continue to breathe life into the stories in my heart. Thank you for being so much more than a brilliant agent.

Also, thanks to my husband, who puts up with me on deadline and doesn’t mind driving through Taco Bell after a football game if I’ve been editing all day. This wild ride wouldn’t be possible without you, Donald. Your love keeps me writing; your prayers keep me believing that God has a plan in this ministry of Life-Changing Fiction™. And thanks for the hours you put in helping me. It’s a full-time job, and I am grateful for your concern for my reader friends. Of course, thanks to my daughter and sons, who pull together — bringing me iced green tea and understanding my sometimes crazy schedule. I love that you know you’re still first, before any deadline.

Thank you also to my mom, Anne Kingsbury, and to my sisters, Tricia and Sue. Mom, you are amazing as my assistant — working day and night sorting through the mail from my readers. I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know. Traveling with you these past years for Extraordinary Women and Women of Joy events has given us times together we will always treasure. Now we will be at Women of Faith events as well. The journey gets more exciting all the time!

Tricia, you are the best executive assistant I could ever hope to have. I appreciate your loyalty and honesty, the way you include me in every decision and the daily exciting website changes. My site has been a different place since you stepped in, and the hits have grown a hundredfold. Along the way, the readers have so much more to help them in their faith, so much more than a story. Please know that I pray for God’s blessings on you always, for your dedication to helping me in this season of writing, and for your wonderful son, Andrew. And aren’t we having such a good time too? God works all things for good!

Sue, I believe you should’ve been a counselor! From your home far from mine, you get batches of reader letters every day, and you diligently answer them using God’s wisdom and His Word. When readers get a response from “Karen’s sister Susan,” I hope they know how carefully you’ve prayed for them and for the responses you give. Thank you for truly loving what you do, Sue. You’re gifted with people, and I’m blessed to have you aboard.

And to Randy Graves, a very special thank you. As my business manager and the executive director of my One Chance Foundation, you are an integral part of all we do. What a blessing to call you my friend and coworker. I pray that God allows us to continue working together this way.

Thanks too, to Olga Kalachik, my office assistant, who helps organize my supplies and storage areas, and who prepares our home for the marketing events and research gatherings that take place here on a regular basis. I appreciate all you’re doing to make sure I have time to write. You’re wonderful, Olga, and I pray God continues to bless you and your precious family.

I also want to thank my friends at Premier (Roy Morgan and team), along with my friends at Women of Faith, Extraordinary Women, and Women of Joy. How wonderful to be a part of what God is doing through you. Thank you for including me in your family on the road.

Thanks also to my forever friends and family, the ones who have been there and continue to be there. Your love has been a tangible source of comfort, pulling us through the tough times and making us know how very blessed we are to have you in our lives.

And the greatest thanks to God. You put a story in my heart, and have a million other hearts in mind — something I could never do. I’m grateful to be a small part of Your plan! The gift is Yours. I pray I might use it for years to come in a way that will bring You honor and glory.

Karen Kingsbury’s books inspire me to be a stronger follower of Jesus Christ, to be a better wife, mother, sister, and friend. Thank you, Karen, for your faithfulness to the Lord’s gentle whisper.

Tamara B.

It’s as simple as this: God’s heart comes off these pages — every line, every word. You can feel the love and redemption of Christ through every character’s life in each book. The message is a message of hope, hope in the One who has saved us and reigns victorious!

Brenae D.

Karen’s books are like a personal Bible study — there are so many situations that can be applied directly to the truths found in God’s word to help strengthen and encourage me …

Laura G.

I have read many of Karen’s books and I cry with every one. I feel like I actually know the people in the story, and my heart goes out to all of them when something happens!

Kathy N.

Novels are mini-vacations, and Karen Kingsbury’s novels are my favorite destination.

Rachel S.

Karen Kingsbury’s books are amazing!! They are inspirational, encouraging, heart-touching, and definitely life-changing. Thank you, Karen, for sharing your gift with us.

Lisa M. P.

The best author in the country.

Mary H.

Karen’s books are like chocolate — very addicting! You can’t just eat one piece at a time; you have to eat the whole thing — you can’t just read one chapter at a time; you have to read the whole book! :)

Sarah M.

Karen truly has a God-given talent … I have laughed, cried, and rejoiced with your characters as if they were real people! Please keep writing, Karen … I can’t put your books down! God bless you!!

Rebekah H.

The stories are fiction; their impact is real.

Debbie L. R.

It was my lucky day when a friend introduced me to Karen Kingsbury’s books! A day without KK isn’t complete …

Bette O. J.

My daughter and I “fight” to read Karen’s books first. She has even said, “Mom, I’ll do dishes. YOU go read the latest Karen Kingsbury book!”

Terry S.

Karen Kingsbury books are like my best friends. They make me cry, laugh, and give me encouragement. God bless you, Karen, for using your talent for Him.

Tammy G.

Recently I made an effort to find GOOD Christian writers, and I’ve hit the jackpot with Karen Kingsbury!

Linda

Every time I read one of Karen’s books I think, “this is the best one yet.” Then the next one comes out and I think, “No, this is the best one.”

April B. M.

Karen’s Kingbury’s books are fantastic! She always makes me feel like I’m living the story along with the characters!!

Courtney M. G.

Karen’s books speak to the heart. They are timely, entertaining, but, more important, they speak God’s love into hungry souls.

Debbie P. K.

Whenever I pick up a new KK book, two things are consistent: tissues, and finishing the whole book in one day.

Nel L.

When I was in Iraq, Mrs. Kingsbury’s books were like a cool breeze on a hot summer day and they made the hard days a bit easier to bear. By the end of my tour, all the ladies in my tent were hooked!!

Olivia G.

These books are the BEST! I have bought every one of them. I love getting my friends “hooked” on Karen Kingsbury!

Dana T. C.

Not only do Karen Kingsbury books make you laugh and make you cry … they will leave you begging for more … I stay awake all night when a new one comes out reading by flashlight while my family sleeps!!

Hellen H.

Reading a Karen Kingsbury book is like watching a really good movie. I just can’t get enough of her books.

Esther O.

The lady who orders books for our church library shakes her head and laughs when I tell her, “Ok, Karen Kingsbury has a new book out! I get first dibs when you get it!”

Jeannette M. B.

Each new Karen Kingsbury book is like a visit home. Nothing beats time with family and friends, which is just what Karen’s characters are!

Erin M.

As someone who has struggled with health issues over the last two years, Karen’s books have been such an encouragement to me. They remind me that God is with me, and will never leave me. Please keep writing; I need that reminder.

Carrie F.

Pick up a Karen Kingsbury book and I guarantee you will never be the same again! Karen’s books have a way of reaching the deepest parts of your soul and touching places of your heart that are longing for something more.

Becky S.

Karen Kingsbury really brings fiction to life, and I’m “longing” to read the next segment. Real men really do read KK!

Phil C.

God’s love, mercy, and hope shine through every one of Karen Kingsbury’s books. She has a passion for the Lord and it shows in every story she writes. She is amazing!

Kristi C. M.

It is hard for me to walk out of a bookstore without a Karen Kingsbury book in my possession. I am hooked.

Shilah N.

Karen Kingsbury is changing the world … one reader at a time :)

Lauren W.

Karen writes straight from the heart and touches each of her readers with every new story! Love, loss, family, faith, all the struggles we each face every day come to life in the characters she creates.

Amber B.

Bailey Flanigan Series

Leaving

Learning

Longing

Loving (Spring 2012)

9/11 Series

One Tuesday Morning

Beyond Tuesday Morning

Remember Tuesday Morning (formerly Every Now and Then)

Lost Love Series

Even Now

Ever After

Above the Line Series

Above the Line: Take One

Above the Line: Take Two

Above the Line: Take Three

Above the Line: Take Four

Stand-Alone Titles

Oceans Apart

Between Sundays

This Side of Heaven

When Joy Came to Stay

On Every Side

Divine

Like Dandelion Dust

Where Yesterday Lives

Shades of Blue

Unlocked

Redemption Series

Redemption

Remember

Return

Rejoice

Reunion

Firstborn Series

Fame

Forgiven

Found

Family

Forever

Sunrise Series

Sunrise

Summer

Someday

Sunset

Red Glove Series

Gideon’s Gift

Maggie’s Miracle

Sarah’s Song

Hannah’s Hope

Forever Faithful Series

Waiting for Morning

Moment of Weakness

Halfway to Forever

Women of Faith Fiction Series

A Time to Dance

A Time to Embrace

Cody Gunner Series

A Thousand Tomorrows

Just Beyond the Clouds

This Side of Heaven

Children’s Titles

Let Me Hold You Longer

Let’s Go on a Mommy Date

We Believe in Christmas

Let’s Have a Daddy Day

The Princess and the Three Knights

The Brave Young Knight

Go Ahead and Dream

Far Flutterby

Miracle Collections

A Treasury of Christmas Miracles

A Treasury of Miracles for Women

A Treasury of Miracles for Teens

A Treasury of Miracles for Friends

A Treasury of Adoption Miracles

Miracles — a Devotional

Gift Books

Stay Close Little Girl

Be Safe Little Boy

Forever Young: Ten Gifts of Faith for the Graduate

www.KarenKingsbury.com

ZONDERVAN

Longing
Copyright © 2011 by Karen Kingsbury

This title is also available as a Zondervan ebook. Visit www.zondervan.com/ebooks.

This title is also available in a Zondervan audio edition. Visit www.zondervan.fm.

Requests for information should be addressed to:
Zondervan,
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Kingsbury, Karen.

Longing / Karen Kingsbury.

   p.  cm. — (Bailey Flanigan series ; bk. 3)

ISBN 978-0-310-27634-0 (softcover)

I. Title.

PS3561.I4873L66  2011

813’.54 — dc23
2011033296

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible,
New International Version
^®
, NIV
^®
.
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Any Internet addresses (websites, blogs, etc.) and telephone numbers in this book are offered as a resource. They are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement by Zondervan, nor does Zondervan vouch for the content of these sites and numbers for the life of this book.

All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of Zondervan.

EPub Edition © OCTOBER 2011 ISBN:978-0-310-42757-5

Published in association with the literary agency of Alive Communications, Inc., 7680 Goddard Street, Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80920. www.alivecommunications.com

Cover design: Caleb Rexius
Cover photography: Caleb Rexius
Interior design: Beth Shagene

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