Just Beyond the Clouds: A Novel

Karen Kingsbury
Center Street (2007)
ISBN 9781599956770
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (8/07)

Still hurting from being left at the altar several years previously, Elle immerses herself in teaching life skills to people with Down’s Syndrome.  She wants to help each student to achieve independence.  Her sister Daisy is one of her students.  Cody Gunnar, Champion Bull Rider, is still mourning the loss of his wife, Ali.  His brother Carl Joseph is a member of Elle’s class.  Cody is afraid he will lose his brother and he is determined that Carl Joseph will be better off staying home.  Elle and Cody are at odds on the issue of independence for Carl Joseph.  Carl Joseph and Daisy have a lot to teach Cody about life and God.

Fans of Karen Kingsbury will not be disappointed in her latest tale, “Just Beyond the Clouds.”  From page one I was captivated by these remarkable characters.  This is the first time I have read a book by Kingsbury.  It will not be the last.  I have already made a trip to the bookstore for “Like Dandelion Dust.”  The plot of this book is amazing.  Ms. Kingsbury not only entertained me, but also educated me relating to Down’s Syndrome.  This is a romance written from a Christian perspective.  The characters are refreshing.  While Cody and Elle are the main characters and very well-developed, Daisy and Carl Joseph won my heart.  Their innocent love for each other is heartwarming.  The supporting characters, Gus, Tammy, and Sid are endearing and lend much to the plot.  I found humor, as well as romance, between the pages of “Just Beyond the Clouds.” This book is written with much sensitivity to the subject matter.  It is with great honor that I highly recommend this book to fans of Christian romance. 

Make comment on weblog