Fifteen Minutes: A Novel

What Readers Are Saying About Karen Kingsbury’s Books

“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.

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

—Linda O.

“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.

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

—April B.M.

“Karen Kingsbury’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 S.

“The lady who orders books for our church library shakes her head and laughs when I tell her, ‘Okay, 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’s books make a way for God to get a hold of your heart and never let go!”

—Jessica E.

“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 shines 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.

To Donald:
Do you feel it, how the years are picking up speed? With Kelsey into her second year of marriage and Tyler racing toward college graduation? Isn’t our Lord so faithful? Not just with our kids but in leading our family where He wants us to be. I love the sign that hangs in our kitchen: “I wasn’t born in the South, but I got here as fast as I could.” Nothing could be truer about our new home, our new life, here in Nashville. It remains so very clear that God wanted us here—not just for my writing and to be near Christian movies and music, but for our kids and even for us. I love how you’ve taken to this new season of being more active in my ministry and helping our boys bridge the gap between being teenagers and becoming young men. Now that you’re teaching again, we are both right where God wants us. Thank you for being steady and strong and good and kind. Hold my hand and walk with me through the coming seasons—the graduations and growing up and getting older. All of it’s possible with you by my side. Let’s play and laugh and sing and dance. Together we’ll watch our children take wing. The ride is breathtakingly wondrous. I pray it lasts far into our twilight years. Until then, I’ll enjoy not always knowing where I end and you begin. I love you always and forever.

To Kyle:

Kyle, you have become such an important part of our family. You are now and forevermore will be our son, the young man God planned for our daughter, the one we prayed for and talked to God about and hoped for. Your heart is beautiful in every way,
Kyle: how you cherish simple moments and the way you are kind beyond words. You see the good in people and situations, and you find a way to give God the glory always. I love watching you lead Kelsey, growing alongside her in faith and life and the pursuit of your dreams. Constantly I am awed by the wisdom you demonstrate, so far beyond your years. You are an example to our boys and a picture of how a husband should love his wife. Thank you for that. Even still, I am struck by the way you look at our precious Kelsey. It’s a picture that will hang forever on the wall of my heart. You look at Kelsey as if nothing and no one else in all the world exists except her. In your eyes at that moment is the picture of what love looks like. Kyle, as God takes you from one stage to another—using that beautiful voice of yours to glorify Him and lead others to love Jesus—I pray that you always look at Kelsey the way you do today. We thank God for you, and we look forward to the beautiful seasons ahead. Love you always!

To Kelsey:

My precious daughter, I’m so happy for you and Kyle. Your dreams of acting and singing for Jesus are firmly taking shape, but it is your beautiful heart that best defines you. I’ve never known you to be so happy; time and again I point to you and Kyle as proof of God’s faithfulness. Now, as you two move into the future God has for you, as you seek to follow your dreams and shine brightly for Him in all that you do, we will be here for you both. We will pray for you, believe in you, and support you however we can. With Kyle’s ministry in music and yours in acting, there are no limits to how God will use you both. I rejoice in what He is doing in your life, Kelsey. He has used your years of struggle to make you
into the deeply rooted, faithful young woman you are today. Keep trusting God; keep putting Him first. I always knew this season would come, and now it is here. Enjoy every minute, sweetheart. You will always be the light of our family, the laughter in our hearts, the one-in-a-million girl who inspired an entire series. My precious Kelsey, I pray that God will bless you mightily in the years to come, and that you will always know how He used this time in your life to draw you close to Him and to prepare you for what’s ahead. In the meantime, you’ll be in my heart every moment. I love you, sweetheart.

To Tyler:

It’s hard to believe you’re well into your third year of college, ready for the next season of challenges and adventures. Watching you on the stage, performing
Les Misérables,
will remain one of the highlights of my life. I can imagine your papa watching from a special spot in heaven. He’d be in the front row if he could be, right next to your dad and me. What’s incredible is how you have become such a great screenwriter while singing so beautifully from the stage. So many exciting times ahead, Ty. I can barely take it all in. I believe with all my heart that God has you right where He wants you. Learning so much about performing for Him and becoming the man He wants you to be. You are the rare guy with a most beautiful heart for God and others. Your dad and I are so proud of you, Ty. We’re proud of your talent and your compassion for people and your place in our family. And we’re proud that you are completing your college degree. However your dreams unfold, we’ll be in the front row, cheering loudest, as we watch them happen. Hold on to Jesus, son. Keep shining for Him! I love you.

To Sean:

High school is behind you now, and your dream of playing drums for a Christian artist is firmly in sight. That’s a wonderful thing, but even more wonderful is the way you’ve grown into a godly young man, a leader for your friends and an example to others. God will bless you for how you’re being faithful in the little things. He has such great plans for you. Sean, you’ve always had the best attitude, and now, even when there are hard days, you’ve kept that great attitude. Be joyful, God tells us. In our family you give us a little better picture of how that looks. On top of that, I love how much of your heart you share with us. Stay close, Sean. Remember, home is where your heart is always safe. Your dreams are right around the corner. Keep working, keep pushing, keep believing. Go to bed every night knowing you did all you could to prepare yourself for the doors God will open in the days ahead. I pray that, as you soar for the Lord, He will allow you to be a very bright light indeed. You’re a precious gift, son. I love you. Keep smiling and keep seeking God’s best.