Just Once: A Novel

Written by Karen Kingsbury

Narrated by January LaVoy and Kirby Heyborne

The #1 New York Times bestselling author “known for her deeply heartfelt novels” (Woman’s World) and the Baxter Family novels writes a sweeping World War II love story about a young woman torn between two brothers.

In 1941, beautiful Irvel Holland is too focused on her secret to take much notice of the war raging overseas. She’s dating Sam but in love with his younger brother, Hank—her longtime best friend—and Irvel has no idea how to break the news. Then the unthinkable happens—Pearl Harbor is attacked. With their lives turned upside down overnight, Sam is drafted and convinces Hank to remain in Indiana, where he and Irvel take up the battle on the home front.

While Sam fights in Europe, an undeniable chemistry builds between Irvel and Hank but neither would dare cross that line. Then, two military leaders pay Irvel a visit at the classroom where she teaches. The men have plans for her, a proposition to join a new spy network. One catch: She can tell no one.

With Irvel caught between two brothers thousands of miles apart, can love find a way, even from the ashes of the greatest heartbreak?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Nov 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9781797134857

Karen Kingsbury

Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development as major motion pictures. Karen recently opened her own film company called Kingsbury Productions. The company’s first theatrical movie, Someone Like You, is considered one of the most anticipated movies of the year. For more information visit SomeoneLikeYou.movie. Also, the first three seasons of Karen’s Baxter Family books are now an original series called The Baxters on Prime Video. Karen and her husband, Donald, live in Tennessee near their children and grandchildren.

Reviews for Just Once

[Samaria Sylvester · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A wild, sincere, and honorable love story. I adore how Kingsbury always intertwines honor and respect between her couples. And love for God always comes first. This thought-provoking, tear-jerker made me reflect on my freedom in America and the joy of life.

[Connie Pettersen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such great writing about the Greatest Generation’s amazing sacrifice to win against the axis of evil. I was drawn in and felt right there experiencing the feelings and worries of the characters. Narrators were also excellent. Very moving story. Well done!