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  What Readers Are Saying About Karen Kingsbury’s Books

  “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’s are my favorite destination.”

  —Rachel S.

  “The best author in the country.”

  —Mary H.

  “Karen’s books remind me that God is real. I need that reminder.”

  —Carrie F.

  “The stories are fiction; their impact is real.”

  —Debbie L. R.

  “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.

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

  —Nel L.

  “Karen Kingsbury is changing the world—one reader at a time.”

  —Lauren W.

  To Donald:

  Do you feel it, how the years are picking up speed? 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 more true about our new home, our new life 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. And now that you’re teaching and coaching 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. And 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 and hoped for and talked to God about. Your heart is beautiful in every way: 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—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. This is a beautiful season, with you and Kelsey joining me at my events, your first solo Christian music project now a reality. 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 even still it is your beautiful heart that best defines you. I’ve never known you to be so happy, and 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 follow your dreams and shine brightly for Him in all you do, we will be here for you both. We will pray for you, believe in you, and support you however we best can. Congratulations also on your and Kyle’s first book, The Chase: When God Writes Your Fairytale! I pray it will reach the next generation for Jesus. Now, with that book and with Kyle’s ministry of music and yours in acting, there are no limits to how God will use you both. In the meantime, you’ll be in my heart every moment. I love you, sweetheart.

  To Tyler:

  It’s hard to believe you’re already well into your third year of college, ready for the next season of challenges and adventures. Watching you on stage these past years 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. But maybe my favorite moment was reading an email from one of your friends. She said she’d been gone from school for a semester abroad. When she returned, the department was different. Better. Stronger spiritually. She said it didn’t take long to realize that the change had come through you. God is using you in such a great way, Ty. So many exciting times ahead, I can barely take it all in. 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:

  This fall you headed to Liberty University with the dream of walking onto the football team. In the journey that led to this point, you continued to put God first. For that, we’re so proud of you. God will bless you for the way 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. Be honest. Be a man of character. 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. You’re a precious gift, son. I love you. Keep smiling and keep seeking God’s best.

  To Josh:

  Soccer was where you started when you first came home from Haiti, and soccer makes up much of your life now. I never for a minute doubted that you’d play NCAA Division I soccer, but watching it happen has been one of my greatest joys ever. Now I pray that as you continue to follow the Lord at Liberty University in soccer and football, He will continue to lead you so that your steps are in keeping with His. This we know: there remains a very real possibility that you’ll play competitive sports at the next level. God is going to use you for great things, and I believe He will put you on a public platform to do it. Stay strong in Him, and listen to His quiet whispers so you’ll know which direction to turn. I’m so proud of you, son. I’ll forever be cheering on the sidelines. Keep God first in your life. I love you always.

  To EJ:

  EJ, it’s hard to believe you’re already starting college! We’re so happy you could make the move to Liberty University at the same time Sean decided to transfer there. It’s the best university anywhere! As you start this new season, I’m so glad you know just how much we love you and how deeply we believe in the great plans God has for you. With new opportunities spread out before you, keep your eyes on Jesus and you’ll always be as full of possibility as you are today. I expect great things from you, and I know the Lord expects that too. I’m so glad you’re in our family—always and forever. Thanks for your giving heart, EJ. I love you more than you know.

  To Austin:

  Austin, I can only say I’m blown awa
y by your effort this past school year. You’re a leader, Austin. Everyone follows your example and yes, people will want you. Schools will want you. But through it all I pray you remember you are only as strong as your dependence on Jesus. Only as brave as your tenacious grip on His truth. Your story is a series of miracles and this next chapter will be more of the same—I am convinced. Along the way, your dad and I will be in the front row cheering you on. I pray God gives you the greatest platform of all as you serve Him. Sky’s the limit, Aus. The dream is yours to take. I thank God for you, for the miracle of your life. I love you, Austin.

  And to God Almighty, the Author of Life,

  who has—for now—blessed me with these.

  Prologue

  Town Meeting—The Mission

  A REVERENT SILENCE DEFINED THE heavenly room as the participants took their places.

  This was a new team. A new set of chosen travelers gathered for a desperate series of battles. A mission with the highest stakes. Orlon rose to his full height and took his place at the front of the room. The walls shimmered with gold and sparkling stone. The brightest possible light streamed through the windows. No one seemed to notice.

  Angels were accustomed to the light.

  Orlon stared at the faces before him. He could feel their concerns, their questions, their curiosity. Each of the twenty angels gathered here had been hand-picked, carefully selected for this team because together they possessed something rare and beautiful: a discernment that set them apart.

  Of all heaven’s angels, these compassionate beings best understood matters of the heart.

  “Each of you was created for such a time as this.” Orlon’s voice resonated with power in the meeting space. “Our team has been given a mission to rescue the hearts of a very few sons and daughters of Adam. Humans on the precipice of history.”

  The angels remained silent. Their collective empathy colored the room with peace.

  “The first part of our mission involves a battle for the heart and soul of a troubled man, a baseball player named Tyler Ames, who lives in Pensacola, Florida. The second centers around a young woman in Los Angeles. The girl Tyler once loved. Her name is Samantha Dawson.” Orlon smiled, even beneath the weight of the mission. He felt a fondness for the two already. “Tyler called her Sami.”

  Orlon drew a breath. “Michael has scrutinized all angels and found you—in particular—worthy of the assignments ahead, ready for the battles that are to come.”

  He detailed the setup. “The situation with Tyler and his former love is complicated. Over time other people will be involved. It will take several missions to succeed. In each, we will interact with a number of humans in various earth locations.” He made eye contact with several angels. “We will take our assignment one stage at a time.”

  A slight shift came from the angels facing him. Not a restlessness. More of an anticipation. If sons and daughters of Adam were in trouble, these chosen angels were ready.

  Orlon took his notes from a polished mahogany table at the front of the room. “The abandonment of faith continues unabated throughout all of earth. This is nothing new.” Orlon felt a heaviness in his heart. “But Michael has learned of a child not yet conceived, not yet born. This child will grow to be a very great teacher. Like C. S. Lewis or Billy Graham. Because of him, many will change their ways and return to faith.”

  Angels didn’t feel confusion. But the expressions on the faces in front of him showed the closest thing to it. Orlon moved a step closer. “The salvation of countless souls depends on this child.”

  A few of the angels nodded. Some leaned closer, intent, focused.

  Orlon turned the page of his notes and his heavenly body tensed. “Tyler and Samantha are in a battle they do not know and cannot see. A battle of discouragement and defeat. A battle for their souls.” Orlon sighed. “To make matters worse, these two have forgotten their potential. They have lost their way. And if”—he looked carefully around the room—“if we fail, all of history will suffer.”

  Every face in the room showed commitment to the fight.

  Orlon steadied himself. Whatever happened, Michael had chosen correctly. These were the right angels for the mission.

  “Hear me now. These two humans must not give up. For if they do, the child who would change history will never be born. In that case, people will suffer . . . and die.” He paused. “You must know the name of the child. He will be called Dallas Garner. Remember that. Pray for him every day.”

  From the front row, an angel named Beck raised his hand. Beck was the tallest, strongest one there. He was dark-skinned with shiny brown hair and pale green eyes. If he were human, he could’ve easily played professional football. Instead, Beck was an angelic veteran in battles of the heart. He sat up straighter. “The child will be theirs? Tyler and Sami?”

  “No.” Orlon did not blink. “Those details will come. Michael stressed that we will learn about one aspect of the battle at a time.” He paused. “Hours are passing. I need two of you to leave now on a mission. You will be given more information along the way—where to go, when to interact.”

  Beck rose from his chair. “I volunteer.”

  “And me.” Ember had been sitting at the back of the room, her long golden-red hair framing her enormous blue eyes. Ember had a strength other angels would never know. She stood, her passion for the sons and daughters of Adam palpable. “Send me, Orlon.”

  He thought for a long moment. “Very well.” He crossed his arms. “Beck and Ember. We will send you.”

  Michael had told him the teams would be easy to choose. They usually were. Countless angels were on assignment from heaven to earth. Two at a time. Thousands of pairs working in tandem on missions taking place around the planet at any given moment.

  Most humans never knew, never understood. Man did not need to understand for angels to do their work. The idea of an earthly assignment was familiar to all of heaven, as was the term used to describe the common phenomenon.

  Angels Walking.

  Beck and Ember came to the front of the room. Without a word, the others gathered around and laid hands on the two. The prayer was brief and powerful: that God’s Spirit go with Beck and Ember, and that somewhere in Pensacola and Los Angeles two hearts might be rescued from destruction.

  Not only for their sakes. But for the sake of a baby not yet conceived.

  For the sake of all mankind.

  Orlon stared into the faces of Beck and Ember. They were ready for the mission, anxious for the battle.

  It was time to begin.

  1

  SINCE HIS FOURTH BIRTHDAY, Tyler Ames had logged nearly twenty thousand hours training and practicing and preparing for the game of baseball. Two decades of wins and losses, warm-ups and strikeouts, game after game after game. But there was one thing Tyler had never accomplished.

  He’d never been perfect.

  Until now.

  Tyler adjusted his Blue Wahoos cap and dug the toe of his shoe into the soft dirt of the pitcher’s mound at the Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. Redemption was at hand. Bent at the waist, the ball an extension of his arm, Tyler stared down the next batter. Nearly five thousand fans screamed beneath the lights on this beautiful August evening.

  Here . . . now . . . Tyler actually felt perfect.

  As if tonight even the ghosts of his past were cheering for him.

  His heart slammed around in his chest as he reeled back and released a pitch. Ninety miles an hour, he thought. At least ninety.

  “Strike!” The umpire stood and pumped his right arm. “One ball, two strikes!”

  One more, Tyler caught the ball from the catcher. Just one. A breeze blew in from the bay, but Tyler couldn’t stop sweating. Breathe, Ames. Just breathe. They were the words he told himself every time the game got tense. He dragged his arm over his forehead, stood straight up on the mound, and took a deep breath.

  One more strike. Tyler squinted at the catcher’s signals. The dance was as old as the game: catcher signal
ing the pitch, pitcher waiting for the right signal, the pitch he wanted to throw. The signal came.

  No. Tyler shook his head. Not that one. The catcher changed signals. Again Tyler shook his head. The third signal made Tyler smile. At least on the inside.

  The change-up. Perfect pitch for this batter, this moment.

  Tyler glanced at the stands. Four scouts from the Cincinnati Reds were here. If things went well he could bypass triple A and join the Big Leagues. As early as next week. The Majors. His dream since winning the Little League World Series twelve years ago. Six years making minimum wage, trekking around down South on a bus would all be worth it after tonight. He could do it. He had never pitched like this.

  Not in all his life.

  Tyler wound up and released the pitch. It flew from his hands like a blazing fastball, but halfway to the plate it braked. The batter—a new third-round pick out of Texas—swung early. Way early.

  “Strike three!”

  Tyler jogged toward home and high-fived his catcher, William Trapnell. Six innings, eighteen straight batters. Fourteen strikeouts. Three ground-outs to first. One caught fly ball. Jep Black, the Blue Wahoos manager, met him at the dugout. “Got someone to hit for you, Tyler.” He patted his back. “Rest your arm.”

  Tyler nodded and took a spot at the end of the bench. This was his second season with the Blue Wahoos, and though the roster changed constantly, he generally liked his teammates. Several of them shouted congratulations.

  “You’re perfect tonight, Ames.” William swigged down a water bottle, breathless. “You own this.”

  Tyler gave him a thumbs-up. “Thanks. Keep it up.” He volleyed a couple more compliments, slid a jacket over his pitching arm, and leaned back. He could relax this inning with the designated hitter taking over.

  He closed his eyes and filled his lungs with the ocean air. Hadn’t he known this would happen? When he got moved up from the Dayton A team last spring he had expected great things.