Just Once-Karen Kingsbury

Karen Kingsbury's Just Once is a sweeping World War II love story that centers on Irvel Holland, a young woman caught in a complex emotional dilemma. In 1941, as the world teeters on the brink of war, Irvel is dating Sam but is secretly in love with his younger brother and her longtime best friend, Hank. The attack on Pearl Harbor throws their lives into chaos. Sam is drafted, while Hank is persuaded to stay behind in Indiana, where he and Irvel take up the battle on the home front. An undeniable chemistry develops between Irvel and Hank, but neither dares to act on their feelings while Sam is fighting overseas.

The story deepens when Irvel, a gifted mathematician, is approached by military leaders with a proposition to join a new spy network. This secret mission, which she can share with no one, adds another layer of tension and sacrifice to her already complicated life. As Sam fights in Europe, and Irvel navigates her perilous spy work and her deepening feelings for Hank, they face immense challenges and heartbreaking news from the front lines. The novel explores whether love can endure and find a way even amidst the ashes of the greatest heartbreak and the devastating consequences of war.

Just Once is a tale of enduring love, loyalty, and the sacrifices made during a tumultuous period in history. It delves into the impact of war on relationships and personal choices, highlighting how characters lean on their faith to navigate immense challenges and personal losses. With a dual timeline that also features a granddaughter discovering her grandmother's past secrets, Kingsbury crafts an emotional and poignant narrative about the strength of the human spirit and the power of love in the face of unimaginable adversity.

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