6"I was on the front porch when I heard what I thought was a huge limb hitting the roof of our house. After a few seconds, I realized it was a gun shot. I ran inside to find my husband . . . but before I finished dialing 9-1-1, he was gone."

One morning in 1994, Karen's life changed forever when her husband of 19 years took his own life. This book is an intimate retelling of the three years that immediately followed-the start of a journey that has lasted a lifetime.

Within these chapters, you'll read Karen's two love stories-one with her late husband, the other with the King of her Heart and her Great Redeemer, her heavenly Bridegroom. Woven between the pieces of Karen's story of learning to live as His bride, you'll find heart-wrenching journal entries and poignant letters between her and God, with words and impressions Karen received and treasured during this time.

Karen's story is not merely about sadness and loss, but more importantly, is about great, redeeming love. You'll see how Scripture and intimacy with Jesus brought her through one of the darkest events imaginable, making beauty from ashes and bringing joy in the midst of utter, all-encompassing heartbreak. Despite the deepest, darkest shadows of grief and chaos, Karen came to know-and wants you to know- that we are chosen in love and carried by God's grace, in all our circumstances, no matter how trying or how tragic.

Together, we all are the Bride of Christ-His Church. And that is the message of this book: YOU too are His beloved. You are cherished, provided for, protected, and valued more than you can ever know.