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

Heart stopping!

This book has a very profound message. The narrator is par-excellence. The story is a beautiful one and spoke to my heart in powerful ways. I hope to see many more Karen Kingsbury books available on Audible and also would enjoy listening to other books read by this narrator. The spiritual message of this book is exactly what I love to experience. Thank you!

Hopeful inspirational novel

This book is an inspiration for the down hearted who have found themselves in an unexpected, sometimes undeserving circumstance. It also deals with breaking unhealthy chains and patterns in families, forgiveness and hope.

slow but picks up

I had a hard time getting into the book however once the main people were developed it got better. It was a little predictable but it was enjoyable.

Story About Faith, Secrets and Healing

Would you listen to When Joy Came to Stay again? Why?

I seldom listen to a book twice

Who was your favorite character and why?

Maggie

What about Barbara Caruso’s performance did you like?

She did a good job

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This is a healing book for anyone who has made mistakes or wrong choices, and for Christians who mistakenly think that they are "perfect". I love books like this that confront real life issues and require Christians to take off the "mask".

Any additional comments?

This is a book written from a Christian point of view, however, this book would be good for anyone who may have struggled with mental breakdowns; being hurt by the church or the issue of self pride.

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.

Christian Life Lessons

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

YES! As someone who didn't find Christ until my 50's, my life has been full of choices many Christians can't imagine making. Most Christian novels have a "ridiculously happy ending" set of events that would not occur in the "real world" and this is no exception. For years this caused me to scoff at this genre and find no entertainment value in them. Kingsbury, however, has the ability to accurately capture the emotions that go with the the consequences of poor decisions. The way her characters address these consequences through Christ teach me what it means to live a Christian life. Although I can always predict the events and the ending, I can't get enough of the role models she develops in her novels.

When Joy Came to Stay

This is a well written book. I finished the audio in two days! So good! The narrator, Barb Caruso, is excellent. She uses accents, etc. expertly.

beautiful story

I love Karen Kingsbury and have listened to many of her books. This one was one of my favorites so far.

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!

Too Predictable

I was drawn to this book as it dealt with spirituality and faith. I enjoyed that aspect of the book and appreciated the quoted scripture. But it was the MOST predictable plot I ever had the misfortune of encountering. Almost to the point of being insulting. I wouldn't really recommend this book as there are so many other wonderful titles to choose from.