Fifteen Minutes: A Novel

by Karen Kingsbury

  What Readers Are Saying About Karen Kingsbury’s Books

  “Karen Kingsbury’s books inspire me to be a stronger follower of Jesus Christ, to be a better wife, mother, sister, and friend. Thank you, Karen, for your faithfulness to the Lord’s gentle whisper.”

  —Tamara B.

  “It’s as simple as this: God’s heart comes off these pages—every line, every word. You can feel the love and redemption of Christ through every character’s life in each book. The message is a message of hope, hope in the One who has saved us and reigns victorious!”

  —Brenae D.

  “Karen’s books are like a personal Bible study—there are so many situations that can be applied directly to the truths found in God’s Word to help strengthen and encourage me.”

  —Laura G.

  “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.

  “Novels are mini-vacations, and Karen Kingsbury’s novels are my favorite destination.”

  —Rachel S.

  “Karen Kingsbury’s books are amazing! They are inspirational, encouraging, heart-touching, and definitely life-changing. Thank you, Karen, for sharing your gift with us.”

  —Lisa M.P.

  “The best author in the country.”

  —Mary H.

  “Karen’s books are like chocolate—very addicting! You can’t just eat one piece at a time, you have to eat the whole thing—you can’t just read one chapter at a time, you have to read the whole book!”

  —Sarah M.

  “Karen truly has a God-given talent. I have laughed, cried, and rejoiced with your characters as if they were real people! Please keep writing, Karen. I can’t put your books down! God bless you!”

  —Rebekah H.

  “The stories are fiction; their impact is real.”

  —Debbie L.R.

  “It was my lucky day when a friend introduced me to Karen Kingsbury’s books! A day without KK isn’t complete. . . .”

  —Bette O.J.

  “My daughter and I ‘fight’ to read Karen’s books first. She has even said, ‘Mom, I’ll do dishes. You go read the latest Karen Kingsbury book!’ ”

  —Terry S.

  “Recently I made an effort to find good Christian writers, and I’ve hit the jackpot with Karen Kingsbury!”

  —Linda O.

  “Karen Kingsbury books are like my best friends—they make me cry, laugh, and give me encouragement. God bless you, Karen, for using your talent for Him.”

  —Tammy G.

  “Every time I read one of Karen’s books, I think, ‘It’s the best one yet.’ Then the next one comes out and I think, ‘No, this is the best one.’ ”

  —April B.M.

  “Karen Kingsbury’s books are fantastic! She always makes me feel like I’m living the story along with the characters!”

  —Courtney M.G.

  “Karen’s books speak to the heart. They are timely, entertaining, but, more important, they speak God’s love into hungry souls.”

  —Debbie P.K.

  “Whenever I pick up a new KK book, two things are consistent: tissues and finishing the whole book in one day.”

  —Nel L.

  “When I was in Iraq, Mrs. Kingsbury’s books were like a cool breeze on a hot summer day, and they made the hard days a bit easier to bear. By the end of my tour, all the ladies in my tent were hooked!”

  —Olivia G.

  “These books are the best! I have bought every one of them. I love getting my friends ‘hooked’ on Karen Kingsbury!”

  —Dana T.C.

  “Not only do Karen Kingsbury books make you laugh and make you cry, they will leave you begging for more. I stay awake all night when a new one comes out, reading by flashlight while my family sleeps!”

  —Hellen H.

  “Reading a Karen Kingsbury book is like watching a really good movie. I just can’t get enough of her books.”

  —Esther S.

  “The lady who orders books for our church library shakes her head and laughs when I tell her, ‘Okay, Karen Kingsbury has a new book out! I get first dibs when you get it!’ ”

  —Jeannette M.B.

  “Each new Karen Kingsbury book is like a visit home. Nothing beats time with family and friends, which is just what Karen’s characters are!”

  —Erin M.

  “As someone who has struggled with health issues over the last two years, Karen’s books have been such an encouragement to me. They remind me that God is with me and will never leave me. Please keep writing; I need that reminder.”

  —Carrie F.

  “Pick up a Karen Kingsbury book, and I guarantee you will never be the same again! Karen’s books have a way of reaching the deepest parts of your soul and touching places of your heart that are longing for something more.”

  —Becky S.

  “Karen Kingsbury’s books make a way for God to get a hold of your heart and never let go!”

  —Jessica E.

  “Karen Kingsbury really brings fiction to life, and I’m longing to read the next segment. Real men really do read KK!”

  —Phil C.

  “God’s love, mercy, and hope shines through every one of Karen Kingsbury’s books. She has a passion for the Lord, and it shows in every story she writes. She is amazing!”

  —Kristi C.M.

  “It is hard for me to walk out of a bookstore without a Karen Kingsbury book in my possession. I am hooked.”

  —Shilah N.

  “Karen Kingsbury is changing the world—one reader at a time.”

  —Lauren W.

  “Karen writes straight from the heart and touches each of her readers with every new story! Love, loss, family, faith, all the struggles we each face every day come to life in the characters she creates.”

  —Amber B.

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  To Donald: Do you feel it, how the years are picking up speed? With Kelsey into her second year of marriage and Tyler racing toward college graduation? Isn’t our Lord so faithful? Not just with our kids but in leading our family where He wants us to be. I love the sign that hangs in our kitchen: “I wasn’t born in the South, but I got here as fast as I could.” Nothing could be truer about our new home, our new life, here in Nashville. It remains so very clear that God wanted us here—not just for my writing and to be near Christian movies and music, but for our kids and even for us. I love how you’ve taken to this new season of being more active in my ministry and helping our boys bridge the gap between being teenagers and becoming young men. Now that you’re teaching again, we are both right where God wants us. Thank you for being steady and strong and good and kind. Hold my hand and walk with me through the coming seasons—the graduations and growing up and getting older. All of it’s possible with you by my side. Let’s play and laugh and sing and dance. Together we’ll watch our children take wing. The ride is breathtakingly wondrous. I pray it lasts far into our twilight years. Until then, I’ll enjoy not always knowing where I end and you begin. I love you always and forever.

  To Kyle:

  Kyle, you have become such an important part of our family. You are now and forevermore will be our son, the young man God planned for our daughter, the one we prayed for and talked to God about and hoped for. Your heart is beautif
ul in every way, Kyle: how you cherish simple moments and the way you are kind beyond words. You see the good in people and situations, and you find a way to give God the glory always. I love watching you lead Kelsey, growing alongside her in faith and life and the pursuit of your dreams. Constantly I am awed by the wisdom you demonstrate, so far beyond your years. You are an example to our boys and a picture of how a husband should love his wife. Thank you for that. Even still, I am struck by the way you look at our precious Kelsey. It’s a picture that will hang forever on the wall of my heart. You look at Kelsey as if nothing and no one else in all the world exists except her. In your eyes at that moment is the picture of what love looks like. Kyle, as God takes you from one stage to another—using that beautiful voice of yours to glorify Him and lead others to love Jesus—I pray that you always look at Kelsey the way you do today. We thank God for you, and we look forward to the beautiful seasons ahead. Love you always!

  To Kelsey:

  My precious daughter, I’m so happy for you and Kyle. Your dreams of acting and singing for Jesus are firmly taking shape, but it is your beautiful heart that best defines you. I’ve never known you to be so happy; time and again I point to you and Kyle as proof of God’s faithfulness. Now, as you two move into the future God has for you, as you seek to follow your dreams and shine brightly for Him in all that you do, we will be here for you both. We will pray for you, believe in you, and support you however we can. With Kyle’s ministry in music and yours in acting, there are no limits to how God will use you both. I rejoice in what He is doing in your life, Kelsey. He has used your years of struggle to make you into the deeply rooted, faithful young woman you are today. Keep trusting God; keep putting Him first. I always knew this season would come, and now it is here. Enjoy every minute, sweetheart. You will always be the light of our family, the laughter in our hearts, the one-in-a-million girl who inspired an entire series. My precious Kelsey, I pray that God will bless you mightily in the years to come, and that you will always know how He used this time in your life to draw you close to Him and to prepare you for what’s ahead. In the meantime, you’ll be in my heart every moment. I love you, sweetheart.

  To Tyler:

  It’s hard to believe you’re well into your third year of college, ready for the next season of challenges and adventures. Watching you on the stage, performing Les Misérables, will remain one of the highlights of my life. I can imagine your papa watching from a special spot in heaven. He’d be in the front row if he could be, right next to your dad and me. What’s incredible is how you have become such a great screenwriter while singing so beautifully from the stage. So many exciting times ahead, Ty. I can barely take it all in. I believe with all my heart that God has you right where He wants you. Learning so much about performing for Him and becoming the man He wants you to be. You are the rare guy with a most beautiful heart for God and others. Your dad and I are so proud of you, Ty. We’re proud of your talent and your compassion for people and your place in our family. And we’re proud that you are completing your college degree. However your dreams unfold, we’ll be in the front row, cheering loudest, as we watch them happen. Hold on to Jesus, son. Keep shining for Him! I love you.

  To Sean:

  High school is behind you now, and your dream of playing drums for a Christian artist is firmly in sight. That’s a wonderful thing, but even more wonderful is the way you’ve grown into a godly young man, a leader for your friends and an example to others. God will bless you for how you’re being faithful in the little things. He has such great plans for you. Sean, you’ve always had the best attitude, and now, even when there are hard days, you’ve kept that great attitude. Be joyful, God tells us. In our family you give us a little better picture of how that looks. On top of that, I love how much of your heart you share with us. Stay close, Sean. Remember, home is where your heart is always safe. Your dreams are right around the corner. Keep working, keep pushing, keep believing. Go to bed every night knowing you did all you could to prepare yourself for the doors God will open in the days ahead. I pray that, as you soar for the Lord, He will allow you to be a very bright light indeed. You’re a precious gift, son. I love you. Keep smiling and keep seeking God’s best.

  To Josh:

  Soccer was where you started when you first came home from Haiti, and soccer makes up much of your life now. I never for a minute doubted that you’d play NCAA Division I soccer, but watching it happen has been one of my greatest joys ever. I pray that as you continue to follow the Lord in soccer, He will continue to lead you so that your steps are in keeping with His. This we know: there remains for you a very real possibility that you’ll play competitive sports at the next level—the Tim Tebow of the soccer world. Even with all your athleticism, I’m most proud of your spiritual and social growth this past year. You’ve grown in heart, maturity, kindness, quiet strength, and the realization that time at home is short. God is going to use you for great things, and I believe He will put you on a public platform to do it. Stay strong in Him, and listen to His quiet whispers so you’ll know which direction to turn. I’m so proud of you, son. I’ll forever be cheering on the sidelines. Keep God first in your life. I love you always.

  To EJ:

  EJ, it’s hard to believe that you’re a senior in high school. I’m so glad you know just how much we love you and how deeply we believe in the great plans God has for you. I know you are a bit uncertain with new opportunities spread out before you. But I see glimpses of determination and effort that tell me that with Christ you can do anything, son. One day not too far off, you’ll be applying to colleges, thinking about the career choices ahead and the path God might be leading you down. Wherever that path takes you, keep your eyes on Jesus, and you’ll always be as full of possibility as you are today. I expect great things from you, EJ, and I know the Lord expects them, too. I’m so glad you’re in our family—always and forever. I’m praying you’ll have a strong passion to use your gifts for God as you head into your senior year. Thanks for your giving heart, EJ. I love you more than you know.

  To Austin:

  Austin, I can only say I’m blown away by your efforts this past school year. Through shoulder surgery and the flu, through growth spurts and adjusting to high school, you have continued to excel. From the first day you stepped on the football field this fall, you have given one hundred percent of your special heart to the task at hand. Nothing can hold you back now, Austin. The dream is yours to take. Along the way, you are becoming such a godly leader, determined to succeed for Him, standing taller—and not just because you’ve grown several inches lately. Austin, I love that you care enough to be and do your best. It shows in your straight A’s, and it shows in the way you treat your classmates. Of course, it absolutely shows when you play any sport. Always remember what I’ve told you about that determination. Let it push you to be better, but never, ever let it discourage you. You’re so good at life, Austin. Keep the passion and keep that beautiful faith of yours. Every single one of your dreams is within reach. Keep your eyes on Him, and we’ll keep our eyes on you, our youngest son. There is nothing sweeter than cheering you boys on—and for you, that happened from the time you were born, through your heart surgery until now. I thank God for you, for the miracle of your life. I love you, Austin.

  And to God Almighty, the Author of Life, who has—for now—blessed me with these.

  prologue

  Chandra Olson made the trek every July.

  She inked it on her calendar and told her manager and staff so that everyone in her camp knew she was off-limits. For two days midsummer, nothing was more important to America’s premier black vocalist than leaving Los Angeles, flying to Birmingham, and driving out to the old country cemetery where her parents were buried.

  Nothing.

  She would spend the day here, same as she did each July for the last four years. No driver or entourage or fanfare. Just Chandra Olson, a fold-up camping chair, a cooler of smartwater, and a journal. Always a journal.

>   That way Chandra could write her parents a letter they would never read, and express in words her thanks for their support and her regrets at the cost of fame.

  The very great cost.

  She parked her rental car in the corner spot and surveyed the area. Oak trees dotted the couple acres of grass and tombstones that made up the graveyard. A few worn-out bouquets and the occasional American flag pressed into the earth over the grave of a soldier’s sacrifice. A quick look around confirmed what she hoped to find. She was alone. Except for her, the place was empty.

  Chandra stepped carefully through the freshly mowed grass, between markers, to the place where her parents lay. She set down her cooler and opened her chair. For a long moment she simply stared at the etchings in the modest gray stones, letting the truth wash over her once more. Martin and Muriel Olson. Young and vibrant and full of life. Her dad, forty-eight. Her mother, forty-four. Weddings, grandbabies, retirement—all of life ahead of them. Shot down just when their beautiful story was at the best part.

  Tears blurred Chandra’s eyes. Their death dates were the same: May 15, 2009.

  A song burned in her heart this morning, a lyric that had been swimming to the surface for weeks. It would come together here, Chandra was sure. Here, close to the bodies of her parents and with the auditions for season ten of Fifteen Minutes set to begin later in the week. The song would be a ballad. A warning to be careful what you wish for, be careful what you dream.

  In case it actually happens.

  Chandra took her seat and studied the gray clouds slung low over the cemetery. She’d been part of the audition process in seven cities across the country over the last two months. Atlanta would be the last one, and the contestants who moved on would go straight to New York.

  Yes, somewhere in houses across America, they were getting ready. Thousands of them. Saying good-bye to family and friends and heading off for a weekend of auditions in the heart of the South. Looking for a shot at fifteen minutes of fame.