A Thousand Tomorrows    by Karen Kingsbury Order:  USA  Can Center Street, 2005 (2005) Hardcover Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Melissa Parcel When he was eight years old, Cody Gunner watched his father walk out and abandon their family, claiming he could not be a parent to Cody's brother Carl Joseph, born with Down Syndrome. From that day forward, Cody shut out the love of everyone other than Carl Joseph. Cody eventually discovers bull riding, the only way he can work through the anger and hatred that burns to the center of his soul. He becomes a national champion, traveling with the professional rodeo circuit. Ali Daniels is a champion barrel racer. Her times are faster than those of anyone around her. Ali hides a secret, however; one that should have prevented her from competing, or even being around horses. Cody and Ali have a grudging respect for each other, but Ali is not one to fall for handsome, cocky cowboys. That all changes when Cody discovers Ali's hidden life, and she allows him to see a side of her that no one else has ever seen. The novel is both uplifting and heartbreaking. In a style remniscent of Nicholas Sparks, Karen Kingsbury brings two characters with troubled pasts to life. Cody is fighting the demons of his father's betrayal. Ali has let very few people in close enough to see her weaknesses. When Cody and Ali form a friendship, it is meaningful. The warmth and love of these realistic characters will touch readers' hearts. The Center Street imprint is designed to provide wholesome fiction that isn't specifically Christian-based. Though it has a few mentions of God and prayer, A Thousand Tomorrows is primarily a cozy, touching story appropriate for teen and adult readers alike. Themes of forgiveness and love are explored in fresh and compelling ways. A word of warning: this book is a ten-hanky read. Keep your box of tissues handy, because you'll need them! Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Romance books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews