When Joy Came to Stay (Paperback)

by Karen Kingsbury (Author)
Key Phrases: foster boys, Social Services, Ben Stovall, Amanda Joy (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Maggie Stovall is trapped inside a person she’s spent years carefully crafting. Now the truth about who she is—and what she’s done—is bursting to the surface and sending Maggie into a spiral of despair. Will she walk away from everything, or can Maggie allow God to take her to a place of ultimate honesty—before it’s too late?

Maggie Stovall.

One of the golden people. She has it all together. At least on the

surface…

Ben Stovall.

Godly husband. Successful attorney. Has no idea of the darkness about

to overtake his life…

Amanda Joy.

Child of society. Abused, broken, thrown away. But her trust in God

is still alive…



When Joy Came to Stay is the heart-wrenching story of one woman’s

descent into the shadows of depression, her husband’s search for

understanding, and a precious child’s unwavering faith.



"Kingsbury’s poignant tale of a lost and broken family and how they

experience God’s miraculous healing is a sure guarantee to bring hope

and joy to her readers."

—Melody Carlson

bestselling author, Diary of a Teenage Girl series

"A thought-provoking account of the battle of depression in a

believer’s life. It leaves no doubt that God is loving, merciful, and

faithful."

—Nancy Moser

author, The Mustard Seed series

Story Behind the Book

“Each of my novels is a piece of my heart. Where Yesterday Lives was my first-ever novel, and as such it is somewhat autobiographical. The childhood story of Ellen Barrett, her love for her parents and siblings, is my story—though her current story and struggles are fictional. On Every Side sheds light on the struggle for religious freedom in today’s climate; something I am passionate about. Finally, When Joy Came to Stay is the story of one woman’s battle against depression and the secrets of her past.” —Karen Kingsbury

About the Author
Karen Kingsbury is one of America ’s favorite inspirational storytellers, best known for her Life-Changing Fiction™. She is the author of more than thirty emotionally gripping novels, many of which have been adapted for film and television. Previously a staff writer for the Los Angeles Times and a People magazine contributor, Karen lives with her husband and six children in the Pacific Northwest.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Multnomah Books (September 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590527518
• ISBN-13: 978-1590527511
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #23,255 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a wonderful message of God's grace and forgiveness, June 21, 2001

By	Beverly "bevreader" (Mississippi) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When Joy Came to Stay (Paperback)

Maggie Stovall had been living a lie for many years in both her private and public life. As she struggles to maintain the persona of Maggie that everyone knows, she gradually loses control of her life. As her depression deepens, she deserts her church life, her foster children, and finally her husband. Unable to take the pressures of day to day living any longer, she puts herself in a mental hospital and serves her husband with divorce papers. The ensuing story is twofold; plot one deals with Maggie's struggle to overcome her past and her depresson while plot two involves her husband's delving into Maggie's past while searching for answers. Entwined in these two ongoing plotlines is the story of a little girl who is "lost" is the foster care system and only wants someone to love her. Kingsbury's plots and subplots will keep you reading, and this is a wonderful story of God's redemption and unconditional love.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Realistic inspiraitonal tale, February 3, 2001

By	Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews (#1 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: When Joy Came to Stay (Paperback)

Everyone who knows Maggie Stovall feels she lives a pleasant life. However, while her mask to the world may look nice, inside her mind Maggie wonders if she is going insane. Wherever she happens to be, Maggie sees an image of a child and that takes it toll on her leading to clinical depression.

Maggie knows she is at a crossroad, but has doubts she can take a righteous path to happiness even with God's help. The depression is becoming so debilitating, her marriage and foster caring are in jeopardy. Will she give in or will she allow God to escort her back into the light?

WHEN JOY CAME TO STAY is an inspirational tale about finding God vs. surrendering to depression. Surprisingly, Kate Kingsbury does not provide pat answers and simple Hallelujahs to cure the ailing Maggie. Instead, readers will feel the lead character's growing pain and actually sympathize to the point that when the tale is through, the audience will feel emotionally and mentally drained. This is definitely an inspiring tale for those readers suffering from depression and anyone who needs a lift.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this book!!!, February 4, 2002

By	"ericnmelissa" (Harrison, TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When Joy Came to Stay (Paperback)

After reading "A Moment of Weakness", I didn't think Karen Kingsbury could have written a better book. Boy,was I wrong! "When Joy Came to Stay" is such a wonderful read! I never knew what depression was all about, but now I feel I understand it better, and have deep sympathy for anyone that has ever gone through it.
Please read this book! You'll be glad you did!