When Joy Came to Stay

By: Karen Kingsbury

Narrated by: Barbara Caruso

Length: 13 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

When Joy Came to Stay illustrates the miraculous power of faith to overcome even the most debilitating suffering. Maggie Stovall has a successful career and a happy marriage, but she also bears the crippling weight of a secret from her past. As she slips farther and farther into depression, her only hope lies in God's loving forgiveness.

Best-selling author and former Los Angeles Times reporter Karen Kingsbury has enriched the lives of countless readers with her spiritually uplifting tales.

©2000 Karen Kingsbury (P)2006 Recorded Books LLC

When Joy came to stay

Such a touching read. Joy sure started her life with problems but thank God she found “Joy” in it. It was refreshing to hear about the faith this little girl had when so many of us who have so much can’t seem to find any. My praise to the author.

Slow start, nice finish

Where does When Joy Came to Stay rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

When Joy Came to Stay is probably in my bottom half. It was a very slow start & several times I almost gave up. Story was somewhat predictable after the slow start. Because of this, it slips down to lower ranks.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I didn't really have a favorite.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

I personally didn't like the narration & probably won't get anymore of her books. There were many times the narration came across as angry when the story didn't seem to support that. The narration lowered my enjoyment of the book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, not at all. The beginning was very disjointed and rambling. Seemed to repeat over & over without really getting anywhere for a long time, almost like the author was having trouble getting ahold of the story and the flow.

Any additional comments?

The book wasn't "bad" just not up to the standards I have come to enjoy & expect. I would recommend it but with a caution to hang in there because it does improve. For me, there were a few one liners that meant something to me & that kept me hanging on. Not horrible but not even close to my favorite either.

This writer is truly inspirational

I love every word Karen Kingsbury writes. Since I began listening to her, I've listened to no one else.

Another good book

If you could sum up When Joy Came to Stay in three words, what would they be?

Very well done as always Karen draws you into the characters.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I'd have to say they all were, you got to know them and the story wouldn't be the same without including them all.

Any additional comments?

Anytime a story can bring a tear to your eye you know the author got the message across.

One of my favorites!

This book helps christians understand that even christians can be weak and make mistakes. Love the way Karen helped me understand how we judge unfairly our fellow christians.

So Glad I Finished the Book - Inspiring!

Struggled in the beginning as it moved slowly but my desire to know why Maggie said she wasn't who her husband thought she was inspired me to keep listening and I'm GLAD I did - excellent story and much Biblical advise. Narrator was excellent !!! highly recommend !!

I love your books

But this book spoke to me a lot as I know so many women who have have made the choice of abortion and or giving their babies away not because there was not help offered but because they did not want the change in their lives to raise there children and I know there will likely at some time regret not accepting the responsibility they gave away. Well read and well written. Thank you for your work so that we can hear and understand better!

A Story to Really Relate to

Very much enjoyed this book. This book came so very close to telling some of my own life story, it was almost scary! Great book, as usual. Keep them coming, Karen!

Depression happens even to Christians!!

What made the experience of listening to When Joy Came to Stay the most enjoyable?

Fresh insight into Depression. Done very well.

What did you like best about this story?

Having been a Foster Child, and a Foster Parent, the representation of both the ugly and the best were presented well.

My First Karen Kingsbury book...

If you could sum up When Joy Came to Stay in three words, what would they be?

It was my first Karen Kingsbury book. I loved it! I wanted more!! My new favorite author!