When Joy Came to Stay

Maggie Stovall is trapped inside a person she’s spent years carefully crafting. Now the truth about who she is—and what she’s done—is bursting to the surface and sending Maggie into a spiral of despair. Will she walk away from everything, or can Maggie allow God to take her to a place of ultimate honesty—before it’s too late?

Maggie Stovall.

One of the golden people. She has it all together. At least on the surface…

Ben Stovall.

Godly husband. Successful attorney. Has no idea of the darkness about to overtake his life…

Amanda Joy.

Child of society. Abused, broken, thrown away. But her trust in God is still alive…


When Joy Came to Stay is the heart-wrenching story of one woman’s descent into the shadows of depression, her husband’s search for understanding, and a precious child’s unwavering faith.



"Kingsbury’s poignant tale of a lost and broken family and how they experience God’s
miraculous healing is a sure guarantee to bring hope and joy to her readers."
—Melody Carlson, bestselling author, Diary of a Teenage Girl series


"A thought-provoking account of the battle of depression in a believer’s life. It leaves
no doubt that God is loving, merciful, and faithful."
—Nancy Moser, author, The Mustard Seed series


Story Behind the Book

“Each of my novels is a piece of my heart. Where Yesterday Lives was my first-ever novel, and as such it is somewhat autobiographical. The childhood story of Ellen Barrett, her love for her parents and siblings, is my story—though her current story and struggles are fictional. On Every Side sheds light on the struggle for religious freedom in today’s climate; something I am passionate about. Finally, When Joy Came to Stay is the story of one woman’s battle against depression and the secrets of her past.”
—Karen KingsburyKaren Kingsbury is one of America ’s favorite inspirational storytellers, best known for her Life-Changing Fiction™. She is the author of more than thirty emotionally gripping novels, many of which have been adapted for film and television. Previously a staff writer for the Los Angeles Times and a People magazine contributor, Karen lives with her husband and six children in the Pacific Northwest.