When We Were Young : A Novel

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury, a beloved voice in Christian fiction, comes a moving story about second chance romance, family, and the cost of walking away—featuring the cherished Baxter Familyand a young father facing the heartbreak of divorce.

What if you could glimpse the future and understand what tomorrow might hold—if you really walk out that door today? Pay attention. Life is not a dress rehearsal.

Noah and Emily Carter seemed destined for forever. From their emotional first meeting to a picture-perfect proposal and lavish wedding, theirs was a love to be admired. Their carefully curated life has earned them over a million fans on Instagram, a social media fairytale built on filters and perfection. But behind the screen lies the truth: a marriage quietly unraveling, as Noah’s obsession with online fame strains their bond, challenging their faith and values—a raw portrait of fame in the modern world.

Emily, heartbroken, confides in her friend Kari Baxter Taylor, revealing that she and Noah have made a final decision. He’s leaving in the morning.

But the next day, Noah wakes to a world turned upside down. Emily has vanished, and his children are years older. In a night reminiscent of A Christmas Carol, strange, surreal events unfold that force him into a desperate spiritual journey—one that will test his character and desire for personal redemption.

Now, only a miracle can bring him back to yesterday.

When We Were Young is a touching inspirational romance set over the course of a single day. It’s a powerful meditation on love, regret, and the gift of choosing again—crafted by an author who crafts stories celebrated for her emotional impact and grace-filled narratives.