CHRISTIAN FICTION

Just Once

by Karen Kingsbury
Atria. Nov. 2023. 336p. ISBN 9781982104443. $27.99. CF
COPY ISBN
Irvel Holland Myers has Alzheimer’s. Soon she’ll forget everything, but one thing she doesn’t want to lose is memories of her love of a lifetime, Hank Myers. Hank buys a video camera, and they begin recording their recollections of how they met in middle school, how Irvel almost married Hank’s brother instead, and how they both served their country in World War II. The tapes reveal family secrets too, like that Irvel wasn’t a nurse for the navy—she was actually a top-secret codebreaker and spy. From the small towns of Indiana to the battlefields of the Pacific, Irvel and Hank explore what it means to serve God and country.
VERDICT Reminiscent of timeless romantic tales such as The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks and Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller; librarians should hand this to fans of closed-door romance. While Kingsbury is best known for her long-running “Baxter Family” series, her stand-alones showcase her range as a writer, and her first foray into historical fiction is a fast and worthwhile read.
Reviewed by Christine Barth , Nov 01, 2023
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

Storm Warning
by Goddard, Elizabeth
FICTION

Cloaked in Beauty
by Witemeyer, Karen
FICTION

I Think I Was Murdered
by Coble, Colleen & Rick Acker
FICTION

An Honorable Deception
by White, Roseanna M.
FICTION

The Queen's Cook
by Afshar, Tessa
FICTION

Over the Edge
by Hannon, Irene
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?