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Firstborn #5

Forever

karen kingsbury

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A Dream Come True
Katy Hart is thrilled about her future with Hollywood’s Dayne Matthews. But as she plans a wedding and looks for a house on the shores of Lake Monroe, she receives tragic news. Now everything about the future they planned together is hanging on the brink. Only a miracle can help them find their way through.

A Public Struggle
Katy and two of the Baxters travel to Los Angeles to sort through their options. While paparazzi open fire on the Baxter family, Luke helps field requests from the media. At the same time, he must wrestle with feelings that have troubled him for nearly a year.

A Family’s Undying Love
Ultimately, the Baxter family must pull together one last time in an act of service, a labor of love to help Katy and Dayne find what they’ve always longed for—a chance at forever.

346 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,2007
Series
Firstborn
Places
bloomington indiana, 

This edition

Format
346 pages, Paperback
Published
February 13, 2007 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
ISBN
9781414307640
ASIN
1414307640
Language
English

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About the author

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karen kingsbury

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Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America's favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development with Hallmark Films and as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books are being developed into a TV series slated for major network viewing sometime in the next year. Karen is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University. In 2001 she and her husband, Don, adopted three boys from Haiti, doubling their family in a matter of months. Today the couple has joined the ranks of empty nesters, living in Tennessee near five of their adult children.

See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/K...

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Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
28(28%)
4 stars
31(31%)
3 stars
41(41%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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100 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Macchan01
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I read this either in college or in high school, so it has been quite a while.

Yet the series was truly enjoyable to read. It has the power to transport you into the challenges and struggles that the characters face, and bring you through realistic situations.

Looking back, there are certain parts that I don't find as realistic. For instance, Landon "waiting" for Ashley since high school. In reality, most guys would simply move on with their lives and find another girl to marry.

Another example is famous Dane Matthews going after small-town Katie. And all of the characters seem to be good-looking as well. My brother always made fun of me for reading these books, especially when there was an attractive male on the front cover. Haha.

There is also a bit of a melodramatic element to these stories. However, overall, they were enjoyable and even helpful for me when I was younger.

Also, the Firstborn series made me realize the cost of fame. This was really eye-opening for me and made me feel for the celebrities in real life. It also made me see the emptiness that often comes with fame.

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ironandschwarz
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This book is truly amazing. When I first read the summary, I had the impression that something had happened to Katy's mom. However, I was completely wrong. It was truly unexpected to discover the surprise that this book held - Dayne almost being killed in a car crash. And then, on top of that, there was Luke's attitude. Fortunately, John had found Elizabeth's 10 Secrets To a Happy Marriage. Otherwise, this book would not have been the same.


Moving on to the sad part of this, when I finished this book, I also brought an end to a wonderful series. For anyone who wants to become attached to a book (and it is more than just a book; it's like a paper family that you can connect with), I would highly recommend this. They have changed my perspective on things and even given me more insights into what I already believe in. These books are great, and I'm so glad that Karen Kingsbury was kind enough to continue with these books in different sections.

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Overtorn
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A great ending to the Firstborn series.

Obviously, this series was centered around the Baxter’s firstborn son, Dayne Matthews. This book presents Dayne’s most arduous struggle yet. He gets involved in a terrible car accident as the paparazzi pursue him and his movie co-star, Randi Wells. Miraculously, with numerous prayers and Katy constantly by his side, Dayne makes a full recovery.

However, during his rehabilitation, Dayne reads a story in the tabloids where his brother, Luke, is quoted as saying Dayne really wasn’t his brother, despite having the Baxter’s blood. Dayne is certain that reconnecting with the Baxter family was a mistake. He feels he should never have brought them into his world, as now their privacy is lost. Katy makes Dayne promise to go back to Bloomington for Thanksgiving anyway. If the family doesn’t want Dayne with them, he makes Katy agree they will live in Malibu and give up living in Bloomington.

To Dayne and Katy’s astonishment, the house they bought on Lake Monroe has been completely restored and remodeled, from the outside in. The Baxter’s and their friends come together to welcome Dayne and Katy home, especially Luke. Luke apologizes wholeheartedly to Dayne. Dayne forgives him and keeps his offer open for Luke to be his personal lawyer. Thanks to Dayne’s offer, Luke and his family will be able to move back to the area, with Luke working at a branch of his law office in Indianapolis!

Ashley has truly been a crucial part of everything coming together for the family. Being a great friend to Katy, she assists at CKT. She also accompanied her father and Katy to Los Angeles when Dayne was in the hospital due to the car accident. Ashley takes on the responsibility of handling the home renovation for Katy and Dayne. Because of Ashley, the house is ready to be moved into by the time Katy and Dayne return to Bloomington for Thanksgiving.

Luke not only has trouble accepting Dayne as his brother but also has issues with his marriage to Reagan. Due to his new successful brother, long hours studying for the bar exam, working at the law office, and feeling unappreciated by Reagan, Luke even contemplates separating. Fortunately, his father discovers a letter his mother wrote to each of her children titled steps for a happy marriage. When Reagan finds and reads the letter, she realizes it wasn’t just Luke in the wrong. She understands that she needs to step up and appreciate Luke’s actions that show his love for her.

John Baxter does his utmost to be there for his children in both good and bad times. He is unsure about what his friendship with Elaine Denning might signify. Ashley is particularly unhappy with Elaine spending too much time with her father. But after reading her mother’s steps to a happy marriage letter, she realizes her dad needs his friend. Ashley even calls Elaine to ask if she can help at Katy and Dayne’s house and invites her for Thanksgiving dessert.
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Vondervent
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I'm really caught up in this series, but I'm getting extremely tired of all the whining and self-pity that seems to be constantly present.

If these individuals are truly supposed to be Christian people, having been raised in a loving Christian home and having received consistent Christian education and guidance, one would expect them to be more open and loving from the very start.

It's quite disheartening to see so much negativity and lack of the qualities that are supposed to be associated with the Christian faith.

Perhaps there are underlying issues that need to be addressed, but it's important for them to remember the values and teachings that they have been exposed to and strive to live up to them in a more positive and loving way.

Hopefully, as the series progresses, there will be a transformation in their attitudes and behaviors, and they will start to show more of the love and openness that is characteristic of true Christianity.
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Eszter08
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The last book of the First Born series is truly a remarkable conclusion.

It offers an ending that is different from what one might have expected, yet it is executed with such finesse and skill that it leaves the reader in awe.

The series as a whole is very well written, with engaging characters, a captivating plot, and a world-building that draws the reader in and doesn't let go.

Each book builds upon the previous one, adding new layers of depth and complexity to the story.

The author has done an excellent job of creating a unique and unforgettable series that will be enjoyed by readers for years to come.

Overall, the First Born series is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy, adventure, and a good story.

It is a testament to the power of great writing and the ability of an author to transport the reader to another world.

I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a thrilling and engaging read.

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_hakase
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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If I didn't have the need for sleep, I would have definitely stayed up all night to finish this amazing book. I have a deep and profound love for the Baxter family. They are like a warm and inviting world that I can't get enough of. Every time I pick up a book about them, it's like coming home. And this particular book was no exception. I was completely and utterly captivated from the very first page. The story was so engaging, the characters so vivid, that I found myself completely immersed in their lives. I'm truly glad to be back in their world, experiencing all the joys, sorrows, and adventures along with them. It's a feeling that words can hardly describe, but suffice it to say that this book has once again reminded me why I love the Baxter family so much.

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whitehydrangea
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I'm truly loving the entire Baxter series.

It is so incredibly encouraging that it has become an essential part of my spiritual journey.

The stories within this series always manage to remind me of the importance of being in prayer.

They serve as a gentle nudge, prompting me to turn to God in all aspects of my life.

Whether I'm facing challenges or experiencing moments of joy, the Baxter series has taught me that prayer is the key to maintaining a close relationship with the divine.

It has opened my eyes to the power of communication with God and has strengthened my faith in ways I never thought possible.

I am grateful for this series and the impact it has had on my life, continuously inspiring me to be more committed to my prayer life.

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