For those of you who are not familiar with Forever in Fiction, it is my way of involving you, the readers, in my stories, while raising money for charities. The winning bidder of a Forever in Fiction package has the right to have their name or the name of someone they love written into one of my novels. In this way they or their loved one will be forever in fiction. To date, Forever in Fiction has raised more than two hundred thousand dollars at charity auctions. Obviously, I am only able to donate a limited number of these each year. For that reason, I have set a fairly high minimum bid on this package so that the maximum funds are raised for charities. All money goes to the charity events.
In Unlocked, I bring you a very special Forever in Fiction character. That character is precious little Kate McRae, a six-year-old Arizona girl who has battled brain cancer for more than a year. Kate is the blue-eyed, blonde-haired daughter of Aaron and Holly McRae—a young pastor and his wife. The McRae family has two other children —Olivia, seven, and Will, four. Life as this family knew it changed dramatically the summer day in 2009 when they noticed a tremor in Kate’s hand. A simple trip to the doctor led to a myriad of tests and the diagnosis that would rock any family. Kate had an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Treatment for Kate has been both risky and uncertain. More than that, it is terribly expensive. Since Kate’s mother, Holly, is one of my reader friends, I decided to do something new with Forever in Fiction. I figured we could make Kate a character in one of my books as long as enough people would come alongside me and donate at least one hundred dollars to the Kate McRae Fund. In return, I would list the names of Kate’s special supporters here, in the acknowledgments of my book.
We opened up a two-month window, and during that time my hopes were wildly exceeded by your tremendous generosity. Nothing can ease the pain of cancer for a family like the McRaes. But your financial help and your tireless prayers have made it possible to withstand the storm. As I write this, Kate has finished her chemotherapy treatments and a bone-marrow transplant, along with radiation, after more than a year of almost constant time at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. For now, her family, my family, and many of you must pray and wait and believe for God’s miraculous touch on her life. I’ve followed Kate along with you through her Caring Bridge site. Her mom has done a beautiful job detailing their very difficult and painful journey in a way that glorifies God at every turn.
Kate is a vibrant, gregarious little girl who loves to sing along with Hannah Montana and run around the house with her siblings. She is crazy about her goldendoodle, Patrick, and SpongeBob Square Pants and jumping on her hospital bed when the chemo and medications don’t leave her flat on her back. “I’m a dangerous girl, Mommy,” she’s been known to say. And so she is. Never once has she considered anything but fighting the battle ahead of her. Even in the darkest times, her eyes provide anyone near her a window to a most precious soul.
In Unlocked Kate will play the sweet-natured, always believing young cousin of Holden Harris. In the book, her fictitious parents are both stationed in Iraq, serving our country. During that time, she lives with Holden’s family and provides insight that can only come from a child like Kate. She is integral to Holden’s world and the innocence that lies inside him.
I know Kate will be honored when she understands her place here in this special book, and I hope her family will always see a little bit of their precious Kate here in the pages of Unlocked, where she will remain Forever in Fiction.
Now a special thanks to the many reader friends and friends of Kate McRae who helped put her Forever in Fiction. Each of the following people donated one hundred dollars or more to the medical costs incurred by the McRae family. These special friends of Kate’s include the following:
Danielle Abraham Thomas and Olivia Bernards
Sarah and Jennifer Ackley Madeline Biddle
BailyApostol Melissa Bircher
Tally Atkinson, In Memory of Anthony and Lori Bitts
Marcy Knight Babcock Mike Bitzer
Beth Backus Keith and Kathy Blum
Brandon Scott Bailey Douglas and Lynn Bohlen
Quint and Robin Barefoot Manny and Sunghee Bote
John R. and Marilyn R Baxter Lynne Bottom
Beau, Michelle, Dylan, and Jack Papa Brian and Grandma Shirlee
Beecher Bouck
Alison Behan Stephanie Bouck
Cheri Beltramo Red and Margaret Boyles
Marilena Benko Rebecca Brammer
Rod Benson Kathleen Brockhaus
Cheryl Bernai Thomas Brouster
Robert Brown Mary Friesen
Ava Nicole Buck Virginia Friesenhahn
Parti Budinger Sarah Gadol
Mikel Bullis Maxine Garon
Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Burke Laura Garrison
Kim Cain Peter and Patricia Garvy
Logan and Tuesday Calderwood Jerry and Maria Gass
Anthony and June Kim Castellano Samantha Gass
Elizabeth Caven Alisha Lynn Gatchel
Centennial Elementary PTO Drew Phineaus Gatchel
Jerry Christopherson Melissa Geiger
“Chuck” Fin Gold
Jessie Collins Golden Stevedoring Co.
Michael J Conte Carolyn Goldhaber.
Sharleen Copp Larry Gott
Kalli Corwin Mary Gray
Robert J. and Lori A. Cramer Dara Griffin
Denise Cruce Evelyn Grace Griffin
Audree Davidson, In Memory Karen Hinton Guest, In Memory
of Clint Davis of Jean Walker Hahn, In
Shirley B. Delp Memory of Kenneth Walker
Alexa DenHerder Hahn
Matthew and Jenny Derr Sheilah Hanes
Gwendolyn DeVaughn Kevin and Lorna Harberts
Freida Marie Doebler Eddie Harlan
Jessica Dunlap David Harnisch
Kayla Scooby Dutra Clarice Hartel
Cole and Caden Dykstra Libby Hedrick
Steve and Julie Dykstra Pauline Hewitt
Donna Efhan Lisa Brigman Hicks
Nadine Evans Darrell and Verona Highsmith
Lynn Fallon Michelle Hoffman
Sherry Fishbeck Bryan and Emma Hollis
Tammy Flora, In Memory of Teri Honaker
Joseph Andrew Fox III Matt and Jenny Horn
Daisy Marie Howard Kirk McConnell
Colleen Howard Sharon McKinney
Denise Huett Grandpa Tom and Grandma
Steve and Maggie Hull Teresa McRae
Steve Hulsman Olivia, Will, and Patrick McRae
Jack Tucker Hunt Karen Melton
Sherry Hunt Braden, Ethan, and Nolan Metz
Sherry and Woody Hunt Deanna Miles
DeAnn Issac Charles H. and Alma W Miller
Jennifer Jacksits Kimberly Mitcham
Chywan and Sonya Jackson Mobile Christian School 5th
Jennifer Janzen Grade
Brent Johnson Bobbie Jean Moore
Marshella Johnson Whitney Morton
Peggy Johnson Jeanne Mosley
Jesi Jury Christine Munn
Ryan Jeffrey Kees Dr. Charles and Karon Murray
William and Linda Kelchner Reid and Aubrey Muscat
Linda Kim Debi Neale
Robert and Louise Krough Abby Horrell Neinast
Ashlyn E. Kullen Anne Newborn
Lynne Kullen Kirk and Joan Ney
Victor LaBarbera Ginny Nixon
Ann Larson Susan O’Farrell
Barb Latt Cynthia Odum
Sherry Lawson Taylor Ogle
Grace Lee Abby Oldham
Lindsay Lorraine Leavengood Charles D. Osborn
Lenhoff Elisa Ostropolec
Sarah Levine Jane Owens
Angie Lien James and Tracy Patterson
Pat Lucas Marcia Pecora
Dolores Lyon Ryan and Lynelle Peugh
Albert Mallekovic Phyllis Podhajsky
Lori Marquette Stephanie Poteet
AJ and Annabelle Price Leslie Styler
Sandi (Carlson) Rasanen The Slocum Family
<
br /> Linda Wirch Reed, In Memory James W. Thomas
of Ramey Alana Reeves Bethany Thompson
Lisa Reinholt Esther C. Thomson
Joyce Reneman Mark, Michelle, and Marcos
Ray Renner Tiderman
Jody Ritchey Stacy Fisher Timmons
Sharon Robbins Lynn Todd
Keith and Janell Roorbach Michèle Trumble
Sharon Rose Kylee Tudor
Marjorie Schlecht Douglas and Julie Valentine
Janet Scott Jeremiah and Jessica Van Dyke
Kerry Ann Scott Vicki Vaughn
Sharon Scott Jim and Donna Waggoner
Jan Scott Gina Wallach, In Memory
Great Grandma Betty Sell of Shawn Matthew Walsh
Mike and Karen Shaw Tina Marie Warpool
Tim and Amber Sheeley, Linda Kimberly Weber, In Memory
Sheffield of Debbie Weeks
Mary Shiple Merle and Barb Wickman
Terry and Kriya Shortt Jodi Wierenga
Jacki Simonds, In Memory Judith Wilcox
of Rois Rosemary Skeates Elaine Wilson
Mary Claire Sladko Nathan Wochner
Jeff and Tammy Smith KimWolffis
Pamela Smith Lisa Woodley
Suzane Smith Melissa Woodruff
Kristin Kay Smith Cindy Workman
Kerry Smither. Lynda S. Young
Tammy Souza-Fairley The Staff at CaringBridge
Gerrie Springston The Staff at Women’s& Children’s
Holland Stanley Unit at Thomasville Medical
Alexis Stevenson Center
*Forever in Fiction™ is a registered trademark owned by Karen Kingsbury.
WHAT READERS ARE
SAYING ABOUT KAREN
KINGSBURY’S BOOKS
Karen’s book Oceans Apart changed my life. She has an amazing gift of bringing a reader into her stories. I can only pray she never stops writing.
Susan L.
Everyone should have the opportunity to read or listen to a book by Karen Kingsbury. It should be in the Bill of Rights.
Rachel S.
I want to thank Karen Kingsbury for what she is doing with the power of her storytelling—touching hearts like mine and letting God use her to change the world for Him.
Brittney N.
Karen Kingsbury’s books are filled with the unshakable, remarkable, miraculous fact that God’s grace is greater than our suffering. There are no words for Ms. Kingsbury’s writing.
Wendie K.
Because I loaned these books to my mother, she BECAME a Christian! Thank you for a richer life here and in heaven!
Jennifer E.
When I read my first Karen Kingsbury book, I couldn’t stop. … I read thirteen more in one summer!
Jamie B.
I have never read anything so uplifting and entertaining. I’m shocked as I read each new release because it’s always better than the last one.
Bonnie S.
I am unable to put your books down, and I plan to read many more of them. What a wonderful spiritual message I find in each one!
Rhonda T.
I love the way Karen Kingsbury writes, and the topics she chooses to write about! Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us, your readers!
Barbara S.
My husband is equally hooked on your books. It is a family affair for us now! Can’t wait for the next one.
Angie
I can’t even begin to tell you what your books mean to me…. Thank you for your wonderful books and the way they touch my life again and again.
Martje L.
Every time our school buys your next new book, everybody goes crazy trying to read it first!
Roxanne
Recently I made an effort to find GOOD Christian writers, and I’ve hit the jackpot with Karen Kingsbury!
Linda
When Karen Kingsbury calls her books “Life-Changing Fiction™,” she’s merely telling the unvarnished truth. I’m still sorting through the changes in my life that have come from reading just a few of her books!
Robert M.
I must admit that I wish I was a much slower reader … or you were a much faster writer. Either way, I can’t seem to get enough of Karen Kingsbury’s books!
Jillian B.
I was offered $50 one time in the airport for the fourth book in the Redemption Series. The lady’s husband just couldn’t understand why I wasn’t interested in selling it. Through sharing Karen’s books with my friends, many have decided that contemporary Christian fiction is the next best thing to the Bible. Thank you so much, Karen. It is truly a God-thing that you write the way you do.
Sue Ellen H.
Karen Kingsbury’s books have made me see things in ways that I had never thought about before. I have to force myself to put them down and come up for air!
Tabitha H.
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.
Wow, what an amazing author Karen Kingsbury is! Her stories are so heart-wrenching… I can’t wait until the next book comes out…. Karen, please don’t ever lay your pen down.
Nancy T.
Karen Kingsbury’s words leap off the page…. I just finished a new series last night and once again she has touched me beyond compare!
Kendra S.
Other Life-Changing Fiction™ by Karen Kingsbury
9/11 Series
One Tuesday Morning
Beyond Tuesday Morning
Every Now and Then
Lost Love Series
Even Now
Ever After
Above the Line Series
Above the Line: Take One
Above the Line: Take Two
Above the Line: Take Three
Above the Line: Take Four
Stand-Alone Titles
Oceans Apart
Between Sundays
This Side of Heaven
When Joy Came to Stay
On Every Side
Divine
Like Dandelion Dust
Where Yesterday Lives
Shades of Blue
Unlocked (Fall 2010)
Redemption Series
Redemption
Remember
Return
Rejoice
Reunion
Firstborn Series
Fame
Forgiven
Found
Family
Forever
Sunrise Series
Sunrise
Summer
Someday
Sunset
Red Glove Series
Gideon’s Gift
Maggie’s Miracle
Sarah’s Song
Hannah’s Hope
Forever Faithful Series
Waiting for Morning
Moment of Weakness
Halfway to Forever
Women of Faith Fiction Series
A Time to Dance
A Time to Embrace
Cody Gunner Series
A Thousand Tomorrows
Just Beyond the Clouds
Children’s Titles
Let Me Hold You Longer
Let’s Go on a Mommy Date
We Believe in Christmas
Let’s Have a Daddy Day
Miracle Collections
A Treasury of Christmas Miracles
A Treasury of Miracles for Women
A Treasury of Miracles for Teens
A Treasury of Miracles for Friends
A Treasury of Adoption Miracles
Gift Books
Stay Close Little Girl
Be Safe Little Boy
Forever Young: Ten Gifts of Faith
for the Graduate
ABOVE THE LINE SERIES
The Above the Line Series follows two dedicated Hollywood producers as they seek to transform the culture through the power of film.
Availabl
e in stores and online!
Every Now and Then
Karen Kingsbury,
New York Times Bestselling Author
A wall went up around Alex Brady’s heart when his father, a New York firefighter, died in the Twin Towers. Turning his back on the only woman he ever loved, Alex shut out all the people who cared about him to concentrate on fighting crime. He and his trusty K9 partner, Bo, are determined to eliminate evil in the world and prevent tragedies like 9-11.
Then the worst fire season in California’s history erupts, and Alex faces the ultimate challenge to protect the community he serves. An environmental terrorist group is targeting the plush Oak Canyon Estates. At the risk of losing his job, and his soul, Alex is determined to infiltrate the group and put an end to their corruption. Only the friendship of Clay and Jamie Michaels —and the love of a dedicated young woman —can help Alex drop the walls around his heart and move forward into the future God has for him.
Available in stores and online!
Between Sundays
Karen Kingsbury,
New York Times Bestselling Author
Aaron Hill has it all —athletic good looks and the many privileges of a star quarterback. His Sundays are spent playing NFL football in front of a televised audience of millions. But Aaron’s about to receive an unexpected handoff, one that will give him a whole new view of his self-centered life.
Unlocked Page 30