A Time to Embrace (A Time to Dance Series #2) (Women of Faith Fiction) (Kindle Edition)

by Karen Kingsbury (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
In this sequel to A Time to Dance, beloved evangelical Christian novelist Kingsbury brings readers up to date on the trials and tribulations of Abby and John Reynolds, who, after 20-plus years of marriage, are enjoying something of a second honeymoon. Then John's career comes under attack when anonymous letters smearing his reputation are sent to the high school where he coaches. Worse still, he is in a car accident (a well-worn device of evangelical fiction), which he survives but which paralyzes him from the waist down. Abby and John's new challenges sit at the center of this novel, but there are several engaging subplots keeping the narrative moving at a fast clip: their newly married daughter learns she's pregnant, even though she had planned to wait four years before starting a family; a divorced couple is thrown back together and must work out their anger and mistrust; and Jake Daniels, the student whose car hit Coach Reynolds, must try to forgive himself for injuring his mentor. Religiously inclined readers will appreciate Kingsbury's deft and sophisticated treatment of prayer, as characters struggle to understand how and when God answers prayers. Less satisfying is Kingsbury's unsubtle insertion of hot-button evangelical social issues: a son delving into Internet porn, a mother-in-law repenting for a long-past abortion. There's even a passing potshot at sexual education in schools. Still, Kingsbury's hallmarks are in evidence: readers can expect lively dialogue, likable characters and a passionate witness to the commitments and obligations of marriage.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
In this sequel to A Time To Dance, high school football coach John Reynolds and his wife, Abby, are behaving like newlyweds after their reconciliation following a near-divorce. Their happiness is tempered, however, by John's problems at work. In particular, three boys trouble John--Nathan Pike (the "Goth"), who scribbles "death to jocks" in his notebook, and Jake Daniels and Casey Parker, the two football players who make Nathan's life miserable. When Jake and Casey challenge each other to a drag race, they cause an accident in which John is paralyzed from the waist down. As they try to come to terms with this tragedy, the struggles of each character, especially those of John's daughter, who previously held an unshakeable belief in God, are depicted in a believable and sympathetic manner. High school life and the real-world problems faced by the students, such as a brush with cyberporn, are also realistically rendered. Recommended for most collections.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Format: Kindle Edition
• Print Length: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 28, 2002)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B000SASLNU
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #10,383 in Kindle Store (See Bestsellers in Kindle Store)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Touching, December 31, 2002

By	Huntress Reviews (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Time to Embrace (A Time to Dance Series #2) (Women of Faith Fiction) (Paperback)

Coach John Reynolds cares deeply about every student he encounters, so it is ironic that one of them is responsible for nearly destroying his life. Although he had been considering retirement, John did not want to be forced to leave his job. First, accrimonious parents begin spreading malicious lies about his moral character, then, one fateful night, he is caught in the middle of a drag race, and paralyzed by a careless student's recklessness.

The months ahead of John will prove a test of both his faith and his newly restored marriage to Abby. As they await the trial to determine the fate of those who harmed him, John struggles to adapt, and his daughter embarks on a difficult, unplanned pregnancy. In the days ahead, choices that will forever alter many lives will have to be made, and more than just a few tears shed. Yet, faith and God are working to see them through each crisis.

*** It is difficult, as always, to sum up Ms. Kingsbury's work in just a few words. There is so much depth and emotion to each of her novels, and the characters are so very real, that you want to tell everything about the book, but still not spoil it for the coming reader. You will come away from this one feeling renewed and touched by the power of faith and forgiveness. ***

Reviewed by Amanda Killgore.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A beautifully inspiring book!, May 8, 2006

By	Busy Mom (Ohio) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This review is from: A Time to Embrace (A Time to Dance Series #2) (Women of Faith Fiction) (Paperback)

I have never heard of Karen Kingsbury till I found this book on my bookcase. I know that I got it at the library rummage sale last summer (I get three or four big boxes of books every summer there and I usually just grab the ones I figure would have good story lines even if I have never heard of the author before) and the other day, I needed a break from my other reading ~~ so I picked this up. I read it in one day as I couldn't put it down. It was beautifully written and yes, it made me cry. John and Abby's story is wonderful, sad, poignant and inspiring.

I do have to point out though that while I believe in miracles, and that God has a plan for each of us, this book has a way of having everything work out beautifully and perfectly ~~ just believe in God and it will all work out. Sometimes, in real life though, things just don't work out the way you hope ~~ and this book is a little bit misleading in that regards. Not everything comes up peachy keen. And Kade's story is really irrelevant to this whole novel ~~ it was also glossed over. I hope Kingsbury writes another book focusing on Kade's story more. It really is a good story but not relevant ...

John and Abby have finally gotten back together after struggling for three years of whether or not to stay married. They have rediscovered their love for one another. Nicole, their oldest daughter is happily married and has a secret of her own. John is fighting pressure to remain as the high school's football coach ~~ parents are putting the pressure on him to get their sons out in the fields. Life was getting tense again when tragedy strikes. John and Abby face another difficult challenge in their lives and in their faith.

My personal favorite is the story of the star quarterback on John's team ~~ he really struggled with issues and was becoming close to the coach again when tragedy struck. His story is another one I'd like to see continued in Kingsbury's future works.

I will admit that I really enjoyed this book ~~ cried and laughed and wondered ~~ in spite of the two misgivings I have. Kingsbury really is a talented writer and she really knows how to draw the reader into the story and won't let her go till she has turned the last page. It is a book about life and about faith. Sometimes, faith is all that you have left in life ...

It really is a wonderful book ~~ one that I plan to give to my friends. It just touches the heart in a wonderful way!

5-8-06

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A worthy sequel, but don't expect equal impact, July 29, 2006

By	Melissa J. Reed "melissajreed" (Benton, KY, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: A Time to Embrace (A Time to Dance Series #2) (Women of Faith Fiction) (Paperback)

Our first "dance" with John and Abby Reynolds in "A Time To Dance" may be the most important book I've ever read. Of course, different stories hit different folks, well, differently.

We continue their story with "A Time To Embrace," and it was worth the time. Inspirational and enlightening, it is solid Kingsbury, but don't expect the same emotional wallop and life-changing characteristic of "Dance." If you haven't read either, please read "A Time To Dance" first.